Chapter 22. Fire Safety Code - Regulations
COMCOR 22.00.01 Hazardous Materials Use Permit
COMCOR 22.00.01 Hazardous Materials Use PermitLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.01.01 (2026)
22.00.01.01 Statement of PurposeLinkCopy Citation
These regulations augment existing state and federal Community Right-to Know reporting and emergency planning requirements set out in Sec 6-501, et. seq., and Sec. 7-101, et seq., of the Environment Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1987 volume as amended), and Subtitle 5, Sec. 22-501, et. seq., of the Health-General Volume of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1990 Replacement volume as amended), and Sections 301-304, 311 and 312 of the federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA). Pub. L. 99-499, 100 Stat. 1613 (1986). These regulations require all facilities using, processing, transferring, storing, or manufacturing hazardous substances that exceed a minimum threshold level to report these substances and their locations, develop contingency plans in the event of accidental release, and provide these plans to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on behalf of the Local Emergency Planning Council. Revisions to this Regulation may be made using Method 2, in accordance with Chapter 22 of the Montgomery County Fire Code.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.01.02 (2026)
22.00.01.02 DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Corporate responsible officer. 1 The term “corporate responsible officer” means that individual of a regulated facility who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable federal, state, and local hazardous or toxic substance control laws and regulations including reporting requirements.
(b)
EPCRA. Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986.
(c)
Extremely Hazardous Substances. The term “extremely hazardous substance” means any substance listed in Appendices A and B of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 355 (40 CFR 355), Emergency Planning and Notification, as published in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Title III List of Lists, Consolidated List of Chemicals Subject to Reporting Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, as amended.
(d)
Facility. 2 The term “facility” includes, but is not limited to:
(1)
Any single industrial, commercial, educational, recreational 3 , agricultural, research, or institutional occupancy;
(2)
Located within a contiguous boundary; or
(3)
Confined to a single detached structure.
(e)
Facility Emergency Coordinator. The term “facility emergency coordinator” (FEC) means a designated employee of a regulated facility who is responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of the site, building, and chemicals or hazardous substances stored on site, is the primary contact for emergency services, including Fire Departments and Police, and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security during emergency communications with the facility, is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local hazardous or toxic substance control laws and regulations, and is subject to in personam service of process within the State of Maryland.
(f)
Fire Administrator. The non-uniformed department head of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
(g)
General Use Facility. The term “General Use Facility” includes any facility which uses, processes, stores, transfers or manufactures one or more extremely hazardous substances or hazardous substances, in quantities set out in this regulation, as to generally pose a risk of injury to emergency responders or the surrounding community.
(h)
Hazardous inventory. The term “hazardous inventory” means the quantity of hazardous substances or extremely hazardous substances used, processed, transferred, stored, or manufactured and present at any time in a facility.
(i)
Hazardous substances. 4 The term “hazardous substance” means:
(1)
Any substance that:
(A)
conveys toxic or lethal effects, or may otherwise injure human, plant, animal, or aquatic life, or persists in the environment.
(B)
is capable of causing cancer (carcinogen), chromosomal alterations (mutagen), fetal abnormality (teratogen), or allergic reaction (allergen or sensitizer); or
(C)
any matter that is designated as an explosive material; radioactive material; etiological agent 5 ; flammable gas, liquid or solid; combustible liquid or solid; compressed gas; or cryogenic 6 liquid or solid; and
(2)
Includes any matter identified as a hazardous waste by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or Maryland State Department of the Environment (excluding waste motor oil).
(3)
Includes any matter identified as a hazardous substance under Article 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
(4)
Includes any substance defined as a toxic material in Subpart Z of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations published in 29 CFR 1910, “General Industrial Standards”,1970 as amended, or by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
(j)
High Use Facility. The term “High Use Facility” includes any facility which uses, processes, stores, transfers, or manufactures one or more extremely hazardous substances or hazardous substances as defined in Sec II(i), in quantities set out in this regulation, as to pose significant risk of injury to emergency responders or the surrounding community.
(k)
LEPC. The Montgomery County Local Emergency Planning Council for Hazardous Materials.
(1)
Light Use Facility. The term “Light Use Facility” includes any facility which uses, processes, stores, transfers or manufactures one more hazardous substances, in quantities set out in this regulation, as to pose a recognized limited risk of injury to emergency responders or the surrounding community.
(m)
OEMHS Manager. The non-uniformed department head of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
(n)
SARA Facility. The term “SARA facility” means any facility which is subject to the emergency planning and reporting requirements of the federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99-499).
(o)
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ). The term “Threshold Planning Quantity” means that quantity of a hazardous substance which subjects the facility to the reporting requirements of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. (Pub. L. 99-499). The extremely hazardous substances and their TPQs are listed in 40 CFR § 355, Appendices A and B.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.01.03 (2026)
22.00.01.03 Registration and ExemptionsLinkCopy Citation
The following schedule of reporting and planning requirements is hereby adopted, pursuant to the authority contained in Chapter 22, Montgomery County Fire Safety Code, of the Montgomery County Code, 1984, as amended.
(a)
Registration. Regardless of exemption from federal reporting requirements under the federal EPCRA, the occupant of any facility which uses, processes, transfers, stores, or manufactures one or more hazardous substances and falls within one of the facility classifications below must annually register the facility with the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
(1)
The Corporate Responsible Officer must register a regulated facility within 30 days of:
(A)
meeting the registration requirement, regardless of facility classification; or
(B)
any change in hazardous inventory which upgrades facility classification.
(2)
The Corporate Responsible officer of a regulated facility must notify the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within 90 days of any significant change in hazardous inventory which downgrades a facility classification.
(3)
Facility registration is current for one year from the date of registration with the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. However, if under 22.00.01.03(e)(4), the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security adjusts the annual registration date, facility registration will remain current until the assigned registration date.
(4)
New facilities must register with the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within 30 days from the date of issue of their occupancy certificate.
(5)
The certificate of registration issued by the Administrator must be conspicuously displayed at the regulated facility.
(b)
Classification of facilities. For the purpose of this regulation, all facilities which use, process, transfer, store, or manufacture hazardous substances or extremely hazardous substances are classified according to the following criteria:
(1)
SARA Facility. Any facility subject to the reporting and planning requirements of EPCRA.
(2)
High Use Facility. Any facility that has a hazardous inventory at any time during the year:
(A)
Equal to or greater than 2000 pounds or 220
7 gallons aggregate quantity of hazardous substances, but less than the reporting requirements of EPCRA; or
(B)
Equal to or greater than 10 pounds, of any single extremely hazardous substance as published in 40 CFR § 355 (but less than the TPQ for reporting as a SARA facility); or
(C)
That includes Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems equal to or greater than 10 pounds, of any single extremely hazardous substance as published in 40 CFR § 355 (but less than the TPQ for reporting as a SARA facility) which utilizes Flooded Lead Acid Batteries. See Section III(b)(3)(E) for UPS systems utilizing Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries where the electrolyte is suspended in either a gel or a fiberglass mat.
(3)
General Use Facility. Any facility that has a hazardous inventory at any time during the year:
(A)
Less than 2000 pounds or 220 gallons aggregate quantity of hazardous substances, but equal to or greater than 500 pounds or 55 gallons aggregate; or
(B)
Greater than 2 pounds and less than 10 pounds (but less than the TPQ for reporting as a SARA facility) of any single extremely hazardous substance as published in 40 CFR § 355; or
(C)
That Includes Uninterruptible Power Supply systems equal to or greater than 10 pounds, of any single extremely hazardous substance as published in 40 CFR § 355 (but less than the TPQ for reporting as a SARA facility) which utilizes Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries where the electrolyte must be suspended in either a gel or a fiberglass-mat. See Section III(b)(2)(C) for UPS systems utilizing Flooded Lead Acid Batteries. A General Use Facility also includes:
(D)
Facilities dispensing fuels to the general public from underground tanks, without vehicle servicing or repair capabilities are classified as General Use. Permanent above ground storage tanks installed in accordance with NFPA 30, “Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code”, and approved by the Assistant State Fire Marshal for Montgomery County, are classified as General Use.
(E)
Laboratories, including but not limited to medical, school, research, and commercial facilities, under the direct supervision of a technically qualified individual, regardless of inventory requirements as stated elsewhere in this regulation, are classified as General Use, where inventory of:
(1)
any single hazardous substance is equal to or greater than 5 pounds or 1 gallon, or
(2)
any single extremely hazardous substance, as published in 40 CFR § 355, is greater than 1 pound.
(4)
Light Use Facility. Any facility which has a hazardous inventory at any time during the year:
(A)
Equal to or greater than 50 pounds or 5 gallons aggregate quantity of hazardous substances but less than the reporting threshold of a General Use Facility, or
(B)
Equal to or greater than 1 pound, and less than 2 pounds of any single extremely hazardous substance as published in 40 CFR § 355 (but less than the TPQ for reporting as a SARA facility). A Light Use Facility also includes:
(C)
Laboratories, including but not limited to medical, school, research, and commercial facilities, under the direct supervision of a technically qualified individual, are classified as Light Use, where any single extremely hazardous substance, as published in 40 CFR § 355, does not exceed 1 pound.
(5)
Exempt Facility: The following facilities or substances are exempt for the purposes of this regulation:
(A)
Privately held farms as defined as follows: a tract of land, with or without associated buildings, that is devoted to agriculture, i.e., is, the science or art of cultivating and managing the soil, growing and harvesting crops and other plants, forestry, horticulture, hydroponics, breeding or raising livestock, poultry, fish, game, and fur-bearing animals, dairying, beekeeping, and similar activities, but does not include cooperatives, nurseries, agricultural supply houses, and like commercial establishments.
(B)
Any facility storing any prepackaged substance to the extent it is used in routine agriculture or any fertilizer prepackaged for household use and held for sale by a retailer to the ultimate consumer.
(C)
Private domiciles 10 .
(D)
Any facility owned, leased, or in space within a facility controlled by the federal government or the State of Maryland. For the safety and welfare of emergency response personnel, it is highly recommended that exempt governmental facilities be encouraged to voluntarily provide the requested information, where security is not at issue.
(E)
Any substance that is a food, food additive, color additive, drug, or cosmetic regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With regard to food additives, a chemical is a food additive only when in use as a food additive, and not when it is stored or used for other purposes, or is being sold to another business for use as a food additive.
(F)
Any substance present as a solid in any manufactured item to the extent exposure to that substance does not occur under normal conditions of use.
(G)
Any substance to the extent it is used for normal personal, family, or household purposes, or is present in the same container and concentration and is labeled as a product for distribution and use for personal, family, or household purposes.
(c)
Information requirements. The Corporate Responsible Officer is required to provide to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, on behalf of the LEPC, the following information at the time of registration, unless otherwise specified in this regulation:
(1)
Business or corporation name. The legal corporate title of the regulated facility, the common name of the business, the name of the owner, and the employer identification number (federal tax number).
(2)
Facility address. The actual address at which the regulated facility is located, including street numbers, street name, nearest cross-street, city, and zip code.
(3)
Corporate responsible officer (CRO). The CRO is the primary contact for the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security during non- emergency communications with the facility. A contact address, if different from the facility address, daytime telephone number, evening telephone number, and official company title must be provided. The person appointed CRO must be clearly identified. Any change in the CRO must be forwarded to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within 30 days of the change.
(4)
Facility Emergency Coordinator (FEC). The FEC is the primary contact for the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security during emergency communications with the facility. A contact address within the state, if different from the facility address, daytime telephone number, evening telephone number, and official company title must be provided. The person appointed FEC must be clearly identified. Any change in the FEC must be forwarded to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within 30 days of the change.
(5)
Twenty-four hour emergency telephone number. This emergency phone number must provide direct contact on a 24 hour basis with the Facility Emergency Coordinator or designee with specific knowledge of the hazards present.
(6)
Hazardous Substances Inventory 9 . The listing and designation of quantities of hazardous substances must be arranged alphabetically by product name or chemical name in accordance with the requirements of 22.00.01.03(b). Where a product name does not exist, the substance must be listed by generic name 10 .
(7)
Hazardous substance data location. The location of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or hazardous waste manifests within the facility must be provided. MSDS and hazardous waste disposal records must be kept in a location clearly identified, and easily accessible to emergency service personnel and employees.
(8)
Emergency notifications. The Facility Emergency Coordinator must certify that the applicant has an emergency notification plan for employees, other occupants of the building, and the adjacent community, if an accidental release or spill occurs 11 .
(9)
SIC. The Standard Industrial Code assigned by the United States Chamber of Commerce.
(10)
Number of Employees. Number of full-time employees for the purpose of reporting under EPCRA.
(d)
Supplemental requirements. Only those facilities classified as General Use Facilities, High Use Facilities, or SARA Facilities are required to submit supplemental information and diagrams under this section of the regulation. Filing requirements of this section of the regulation are intended to meet the reporting requirements for EPCRA facilities under federal regulations.
(1)
Hazardous substance location. The room or specific location within the building or on the grounds must be identified along with the quantity of hazardous substances and extremely hazardous substances.
(A)
For the purposes of this section, the most recently submitted Tier II reporting forms are acceptable. However, for each substance listed, a notation indicating the type and size of a typical container must be provided.
(B)
If Tier II forms are not used to fulfill the requirements of this section, then an alphabetical listing of substances by product name or chemical name must be provided and include the chemical abstract service number, physical and health hazards, inventory amount, storage location, and typical container type and size.
(2)
Facility diagram. An accurate, clear and legible facility diagram must be provided in 8 ½ inch by 11 inch format. Where necessary to maintain clarity, the diagram may be broken out onto several pages. The scale of the diagram must be provided. The diagram must indicate, at a minimum:
(A)
The location of substances by name or storage code;
(B)
Access and egress points;
(C)
Automatic fire alarm and extinguishing systems, fire protection systems, or other control system locations and control rooms;
(D)
Unusual facility hazards; and
(E)
Immediate facility exposures (adjacent properties).
(3)
A facility may request a waiver of part, or all of the supplemental information requirements. The applicant must justify the need because of special security or safety requirements. The request for a waiver must be submitted in writing to OEMHS Manager. The request must include documentation on how this information would be made available to authorized County officials and emergency response personnel in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
(e)
Application submittal and review.
(1)
Application with accompanying appropriate fee must be submitted to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security at the time of registration. Thereafter, application and appropriate fee must be submitted:
(A)
Annually;
(B)
As assigned; or
(C)
With any change in hazardous inventory which would change the facility classification.
(2)
The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security must review and give timely notice to the submitting facility of application acceptance, or request revision or clarification.
(A)
Applications which are returned to the submitting facility must be accompanied by a statement indicating revisions or clarifications needed.
(B)
Applications returned to a facility for revision or clarification must be resubmitted to the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within 30 days of receipt by the facility.
(3)
The time period for submitting an application under this regulation may be extended for cause at the discretion of the OEMHS Manager. Requests for an extension must be:
(A)
Made on company letterhead or, where no letterhead exists, must be notarized by a certified notary public;
(B)
Signed by the CRO; and
(C)
Received in the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security no later than 14 days prior to the time for application submittal.
(D)
If the extension is denied, the OEMHS Manager must provide written explanation to the CRO for such denial.
(4)
The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security may schedule annual application submittal dates 12 .
(5)
Where no significant changes in inventory or facility have occurred, a facility may meet annual application submittal requirements by certifying that the existing information on the renewal application is correct and accurate and that there are no changes, signing and dating where indicated, and submitting the appropriate fee.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.01.04 (2026)
22.00.01.04 Fee ScheduleLinkCopy Citation
The following schedule and accompanying fees is hereby adopted, pursuant to the authority contained in Chapter 22, Montgomery County Fire Safety Code, of the Montgomery County Code, 1984 as amended. Fees included are for program administration, registration, application review, and inspection(s).
(a)
Basic fees. Fees required by this section must be paid by the Corporate Responsible Officer on behalf of the regulated facility at the time of facility registration.
(1)
Light Use Facility.
(A)
Initial registration fee $ 175.00
(B)
Annual registration fee $ 100.00
(C)
Seasonal pools annual registration $ 50.00
(open less than 120 consecutive days)
(D)
Pools (open 120 days or more per year) $ 100.00
(2)
General Use Facility.
(A)
Initial registration fee $ 400.00
(B)
Annual registration fee $ 250.00
(C)
Seasonal pools annual registration $ 115.00
(open less than 120 consecutive days)
(D)
Pools (open 120 days or more per year) $ 250.00
(3)
High Use Facility.
(A)
Initial registration fee $ 800.00
(B)
Annual registration fee $ 400.00
(C)
Seasonal pools annual registration $ 185.00
(open less than 120 consecutive days)
(D)
Pools (open 120 days or more per year) $ 400.00
(4)
SARA Facility.
(A)
Initial registration fee $1,500.00
(B)
Annual registration fee $1,000.00
(C)
Seasonal pools annual registration $ 225.00
(open less than 120 consecutive days)
(D)
Pools (open 120 days or more per year) $1,000.00
(b)
Miscellaneous fees. Fees required by this section must be paid at the time of service.
(1)
Application review resubmittals and revision.
(A)
First resubmittal included in original fee.
(B)
Each subsequent resubmittal as shown below:
Light use facility $ 50.00
General use facility $ 100.00
High use facility $ 150.00
SARA facility $ 200.00
(2)
Consultation Fee: The fee for an appointment with the Hazmat Permitting Program Specialist is $100 per hour. This fee will not be broken into hourly increments. The number of minutes will round up to the next highest hour for fee. For example 15 minutes will be charged a 1 hour fee ($100.00) and 1 hour and 5 minutes will be charged a 2 hour fee ($200.00).
(3)
Extensions. The fee for a granted extension is $50.00 if submitted within 30 days of the due date. Each additional month is an additional $25.00, up to a maximum of the initial fee, per registration year. Fees must accompany the request. Fees for a granted extension are not refundable and are not considered as partial payment of required registration fees.
(4)
Upgrade in facility classification. When a facility is subject to the requirement of 19A.06.01.03(a)(1)(B), the balance of the initial registration fee for the new facility classification must be paid at the time the facility is registered under the new classification. However, if the upgrade in facility classification occurs within 90 days before the annual registration date, the balance of the initial registration fee for the new classification is waived until the annual registration date.
(5)
Late Registration. A facility that fails to register as required under Section III(a)(1) or Section III(e)(1) will be subject to a late registration fee in addition to the basic fee, which must be paid at time of registration.
(A)
30 days after the required filing date. . . 10% of the original filing fee in addition to the basic fee.
(B)
60 days after the required filing date. . . 20% of the original filing fee in addition to the basic fee.
(C)
90 days after the required filing date. . . 50% of the original filing fee in addition to the basic fee.
(D)
180 days after the required filing date . . . 100% of the original filing fee in addition to the basic fee.
(c)
Waiver.
(1)
The OEMHS Manager or the OEMHS Manager’s designee may waive or reduce any fee required under this regulation if:
(A)
Payment of the fee would cause the applicant undue hardship; or
(B)
The fee is incurred because of circumstances beyond the applicant’s control (for example, severe weather); or
(C)
It otherwise would be in the public interest to reduce or waive the fee.
(2)
The OEMHS Manager’s decision regarding any reduction or waiver of a fee is final.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.01.05 (2026)
22.00.01.05 EnforcementLinkCopy Citation
The following rights of entry and penalties are established for the purposes of ensuring community and emergency responder safety, and compliance with this regulation.
(a)
Right of Entry. Pursuant to the authority contained in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 370.25(d), and Section 22-7 of the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code, the following persons, after designation by the Fire Administrator, have right of entry to conduct facility familiarization and pre-emergency planning inspections, or compliance inspections, or both. The right of entry is concomitant with registering a facility with the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
(1)
The officers and official representatives of the Fire and Rescue Departments.
(2)
The officers and official representatives of the Montgomery County Hazardous Incident Response Team.
(3)
The officers and official representatives of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Division of Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services.
(4)
The official representatives of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection.
(b)
Timing of inspections. A routine inspection conducted under this regulation must be made during normal business hours at the discretion of the inspecting official. However, no advance notice of the inspection is required.
(c)
Violations and penalties. Pursuant to the authority contained in Sections 1-19 and 1-20 of the Montgomery County Code, the following penalties are established. Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. Violations of this regulation are subject to criminal and/or civil penalties. Violations and penalties contained in this regulation are in addition to any other violations and penalties that may apply under county, state, or federal laws.
(1)
Registration/Planning/Denial of Entry. Any violation of this regulation is a Class A violation as set out in the Montgomery County Code. Repeat violations or violations of any of the following may result in revocation of the certificate of registration for a period of one year, at the discretion of the Fire Administrator.
(A)
Failure to register a facility
(B)
Falsely registering a facility
(C)
Failure to provide a plan
(D)
Misstatements or omissions in a plan or application
(E)
Denying entry to authorized official
(d)
Right to Hearing
(1)
Any Corporate Responsible Officer or regulated person aggrieved by a decision of the Fire Administrator or Fire Administrator's designee made under these regulations may appeal to a separate hearing officer appointed by the Administrator, who after hearing upon notice has the authority to affirm, modify or reverse the decision made.
(2)
A decision of the hearing officer may be appealed to the County Board of Appeals or, to a municipal Board of Appeals. The Appeals Board has the authority to affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the hearing officer.
(3)
Any appeal from the decision of the Fire Administrator, Fire Administrator's designee or hearing officer must be made within 10 business days of receipt of official notice of the decision.
(4)
Any decision of the County Board of Appeals or municipal Board of Appeals may be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.01.06 (2026)
22.00.01.06 SeverabilityLinkCopy Citation
If a court holds that any part of this regulation is invalid, such invalidity does not affect the remaining sections of this regulation.
COMCOR 22.00.02 Regulations Adopting and Amending Certain Standards of the National Fire Code Regarding Fire Protection Systems
COMCOR 22.00.02 Regulations Adopting and Amending Certain Standards of the National Fire Code Regarding Fire Protection SystemsLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.01 (2026)
22.00.02.01LinkCopy Citation
In accordance with the procedures authorized in Chapter 22, "Fire Safety Code", of the Montgomery County Code, 1996, this Executive Regulation applies to the design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems in buildings or structures. Where there are differences between this regulation and the Montgomery County Building Code, the more restrictive provision(s) will apply.
In this regulation the term “Fire Chief” means the Fire Chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and includes the Fire Chief’s designees.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.02 (2026)
22.00.02.02LinkCopy Citation
All references to the National Fire Codes and standards adopted in these regulations are to those codes, standards, recommended practices, and manuals in the National Fire Codes, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269. Unless otherwise noted, all references to those codes and standards published in the 2003 edition of National Fire Protection Association’s Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) are adopted in their entirety.
The Fire Chief must review these regulations and propose amendments within six months after the date the State Fire Prevention Commission adopts new amendments to NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 into the State Fire Prevention Code.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.03 (2026)
22.00.02.03 Fire Protection System PermitLinkCopy Citation
A permit must be obtained from the Fire Chief to operate any fire protection system in any building or other structure, except one and two family dwellings.
(a)
Fire protection system means any fire alarm device or system, or suppression device or system, which is designated and installed to:
1. detect, control, or extinguish a fire;
2. alert occupants or the fire department, or both, that a fire has occurred; or
3. be used by fire and rescue personnel on scene to aid in suppressing a fire.
(b)
Fire protection systems must be inspected and approved at time of installation and annually thereafter. The Fire Chief must issue a permit upon approval of the system.
(c)
A fire protection systems permit must be obtained prior to installation of any kitchen cooking equipment suppression system.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.04Fire (2026)
22.00.02.04Fire Protection SystemLicenseLinkCopy Citation
A contractor or person responsible for the installation, modification, service, or third-party inspection of any fire protection system or any portion thereof in Montgomery County, must obtain and carry on their person a license from the Fire Chief subject to the following criteria:
(a)
Qualifications required.
(1)
Residential license (13D and 13R sprinkler systems): National Institute for Certification of Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II Certification, Registered Professional Engineer Certification, or other nationally recognized certification as approved by the Fire Chief.
(2)
General license (all other fire protection systems): National Institute for Certification of Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III Certification, Registered Professional Engineer Certification, or other nationally recognized certification as approved by the Fire Chief.
(b)
When required by the system manufacturer for systems other than sprinkler systems, proof of training for installing or maintaining particular system types.
(c)
Proof of financial stability.
(d)
Demonstrated competency in Montgomery County requirements.
(e)
Licenses will be subject to annual renewal.
(f)
The Fire Chief may rescind these licenses for cause.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.05 (2026)
22.00.02.05 Maintenance of Residential Sprinkler SystemsLinkCopy Citation
All leases must have the following provision: “Sprinkler System. In units equipped with fire sprinkler systems, no portion of the system may be changed or altered except by a licensed, certified sprinkler installer. Sprinkler heads must not be painted, covered, obstructed, or any item hung from them. Prior to any alteration of the sprinkler system or any changes, additions, or removal of partitions, or walls, plans must be submitted to the Department of Permitting Services”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.06 (2026)
22.00.02.06LinkCopy Citation
Smoke Control System shop drawing submittals must include:
(a)
Plans and specifications
(b)
Engineering calculations and/or computer model
(c)
Floor plans
(d)
System diagrams and details
(e)
Sequence of operations and control layout
(f)
Preliminary test procedures
(g)
Acceptance test procedures
(h)
Pass/fail criteria
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.07 (2026)
22.00.02.07LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 12A, add: Halon systems shall not be installed as required protection in accordance with the state and/or local building or fire codes due to the environmental impact of discharge testing, the lack of adequate alternative test methods, and availability of alternative agents such as carbon dioxide.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.08 (2026)
22.00.02.08LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.1.1, add new paragraph (7) as follows:
(7)
Sprinklers are required in attached balconies or porches unless at least 50 percent of the longest exterior side is open to the atmosphere.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.09 (2026)
22.00.02.09LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.4.5.1, add: Listed residential sprinkler heads must be used in dwelling units except Detention and Correctional occupancies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.10 (2026)
22.00.02.10LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.14.7.5, add: Sprinklers are not required under noncombustible or limited exterior canopies over drive up windows. Any canopy with the potential for extended vehicle standing or parking below shall have sprinkler protection on the underside of the canopy.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.11 (2026)
22.00.02.11LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.14.10.3 (protection of electrical equipment rooms) is deleted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.12 (2026)
22.00.02.12LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.14.19.1 is amended as follows: In new installations expected to supply sprinklers below a ceiling and in any speculative areas subject to tenant changes, minimum one inch sprinkler outlets must be provided.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.13 (2026)
22.00.02.13LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.14.19.2 is amended as follows: after the word “bushings” delete everything and replace with “for hydrostatic testing only, and must be removed prior to the occupancy of the space.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.14 (2026)
22.00.02.14LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraphs 8.15.1.1.1 and 8.16.1.1, add: When a sprinkler system serves more than one level, each level must be consistently and separately valved by a listed and approved control valve. In addition, where a sprinkler system is required to activate a local building fire alarm system, the sprinkler system must have a separate and distinct water flow detecting device for each floor and zone.
Exception 1: In buildings not exceeding three floors and 3000 square feet per floor.
Exception 2: Unoccupied and unused attics may be zoned with the level below.
Exception 3: Mezzanines not exceeding 3000 square feet in area.
Exception 4: Detention and correctional facilities.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.15 (2026)
22.00.02.15LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.16.2, add the following requirements for fire department connections:
(a)
Must be located within 100 feet from a free standing (not wall type) hydrant, and between 18 and 48 inches from grade to the centerline of the inlets.
(b)
Number of 2 ½ in. inlets:
System Demand (gpm) No. of Inlets
up to 749 2
750-999 3
1000 and above 4
(c)
Multiple connections for the same building shall be interconnected.
(d)
When a section of a building is fed by a connection (i.e., partial systems), permanent all weather identification signs shall be provided on connections.
(e)
Must be sized at least as large as the main sprinkler system riser pipe or the fire pump discharge line, whichever is larger.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.16 (2026)
22.00.02.16LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 11.1, add: Calculations for new systems or new portions of systems must meet the criteria below.
(a)
Highest hazard and most demanding use allowed by building construction permit or property zoning.
(b)
Storage use: Available storage height for high storage of a class 4 non-encapsulated material.
(c)
Laboratory use: ordinary group 2 for class A, B, or C labs.
(d)
All uses: 20% safety factor. For systems without a pump, this is based on the demand pressure only at the supply point. For systems with a pump, this is based on both the demand pressure and demand flow at the pump discharge. All design options, except grids, must be explored.
Exception to safety factor only: Owner occupied buildings may use a lower safety factor if a pump would be necessary to achieve the 20%.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.17 (2026)
22.00.02.17LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 11.2.3.5.1, add: The number of design sprinklers shall be at least 5 under ceilings which are not flat, smooth and level unless specifically listed for a four sprinkler design area.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.18 (2026)
22.00.02.18LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 15.1.2, add: Pressure and flow availability as determined by a public utility shall be used for new taps. Pressure and flow availability for existing taps shall be determined by an interior flow test. In any case, the supply information shall be corrected for the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies shall only be used where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.19 (2026)
22.00.02.19LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 1.1, add: This standard also applies to Day care homes containing 12 clients or less if located within converted one and two family dwellings or townhouses.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.20 (2026)
22.00.02.20LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, add new paragraph:
5.1.4 Where a dedicated sprinkler booster pump is provided the following conditions must be met:
(1)
Pumps shall not sit directly on the floor.
(2)
Pumps shall be powered from the house electrical service by a nominal 220-240 circuit as required by Montgomery County Electrical Code.
(3)
Power at the pump shall be supervised passively by motor disconnect within sight that also controls a lighting circuit for other than a stair or pump room.
(4)
Sprinkler system shall be connected to a bathroom toilet to create a passive purge system.
(5)
Pump shall be connected to a time delay relay (run timer).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.21 (2026)
22.00.02.21LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 6.1, add: Pressure and flow availability as determined by a public utility must be used and must be adjusted to the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies may only be used where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate as determined by the director of the Department of Permitting Services.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.22 (2026)
22.00.02.22LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 6.2: Add section (5) Well pumps
(5)
A well pump shall have sufficient capacity and pressure to meet the sprinkler system demand. The stored water capacity of sections 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 shall be permitted to be a combination of the water in the well (including the refill rate) plus the water in the holding tank if such tank can supply the sprinkler system.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.23 (2026)
22.00.02.23LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, add new paragraph:
6.2.1 Where a water storage tank(s) is provided the following conditions shall be met:
(1)
Tank shall be provided with an automatic filling valve (float valve or equivalent).
(2)
A method of seeing the water level in the tank shall be provided without having to open the tank.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.24 (2026)
22.00.02.24LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 6.2 (4), add new sentence: “A valve must be provided for routine testing of the pump.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.25 (2026)
22.00.02.25LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, 7.1.2, delete “the” in the beginning and add “fed by a tank” after piping.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.26 (2026)
22.00.02.26LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, section 7.5.5.1, add: Where possible to maintain listed coverage, sprinkler heads shall be positioned so as to eliminate the need to install sprinkler heads of a higher temperature rating.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.27 (2026)
22.00.02.27LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 7.5.5, add new paragraph 7.5.5.4:
7.5.5.4 Dry type sprinklers shall be used in areas which are not heated to at least 40 degrees F.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.28 (2026)
22.00.02.28LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 8.1.2, add: The number of design sprinklers shall be at least three under ceilings which are not flat, smooth, and level, unless specifically listed with a two sprinkler design area.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.29 (2026)
22.00.02.29LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 8.2.4 is amended as follows:
Obstructions:
(a)
Sprinklers shall be positioned so that response time and discharge are not adversely affected by features such as sloped ceilings, beams, lights, and fan motors.
(b)
Unprotected bulkheads or soffits behind the spray of sidewall sprinklers shall not exceed 8 inches in width.
(c)
Sprinkler heads in closets shall not be located directly above shelves.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.30 (2026)
22.00.02.30LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 8., add: All calculations shall include at least a 10% safety factor to account for minor field changes, unless a booster pump is necessary to obtain this safety factor.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.31 (2026)
22.00.02.31LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 8.6.4, add the following after garages: “...unless located partially or wholly beneath living space.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.32 (2026)
22.00.02.32LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, paragraph 6.5.3, add: Pressure and volume availability as determined by a public utility shall be used and shall be adjusted to the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies may only be used where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.33 (2026)
22.00.02.33LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, paragraph 6.6.4.1 is replaced to read: In all apartment buildings, a single 2 ½ in. fire department connection with a feed line sized at least as large as the main system riser shall be provided when the system has 20 or more sprinklers. The fire department connection shall be located on a street front and be 18 to 48 inches from the centerline of the inlet to finish grade. Paragraph 6.6.4.2 is deleted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.34 (2026)
22.00.02.34LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, paragraph 6.7.1.2, add: The number of design sprinklers shall be at least five under ceilings which are not flat, smooth and level unless specifically listed with a four sprinkler design area.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.35 (2026)
22.00.02.35LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, paragraph 6.7.1.5.3 is amended as follows:
Obstructions:
(a)
Sprinklers shall be positioned so that response time and discharge are not adversely affected by features such as sloped ceilings, beams, lights, and fan motors.
(b)
Unprotected bulkheads or soffits behind the spray of side wall sprinklers shall not exceed 8 inches in width.
(c)
Sprinkler heads in closets must not be located directly above shelves.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.36 (2026)
22.00.02.36LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, paragraph 6.7.4, add: All calculations must include at least a 10% safety factor to account for minor field changes, unless a booster pump is necessary to obtain this safety factor.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.37 (2026)
22.00.02.37LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, paragraph 4.7.2 is amended as follows: Each fire hose valve shall be provided with
2 ½ in. valved hose connections, 2 ½ in. to 1 ½ in. reducers, caps, and chains.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.38 (2026)
22.00.02.38LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, paragraph 5.1.2, add:
(1)
Systems shall be automatic wet type.
(2)
Standpipe systems in unheated areas shall be automatic dry type.
(3)
Standpipe systems in detached open parking garages may be the manual dry type, if the piping is air supervised for breaks or open valves.
(4)
Occupant use hose is prohibited in new or existing buildings.
(5)
New standpipe systems shall be Class 1 only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.39 (2026)
22.00.02.39LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, paragraph 6.3 (Fire Department Connections), add:
(1)
Shall be located within 100 feet from a free standing (not wall type) hydrant.
(2)
Number of 2 ½ in. inlets:
System Demand (gpm) No. of Inlets
up to 749 2
750-999 3
1,000 and above 4
(3)
Multiple connections on the same building shall be interconnected.
(4)
When a section of a building is fed by a connection (i.e., partial systems), permanent all weather identification signs shall be provided on connections.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.40 (2026)
22.00.02.40LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, paragraph 7.3.2.3, add:
(1)
Measurement shall be parallel or at right angles to walls.
(2)
Supplemental hose valves outside the stairs shall not be located within tenant spaces, unless hose reach requirements cannot be met by placement of valves in public corridors or by use of wall hydrants for spaces opening to the exterior. Hose valve locations shall be marked by the placement of signs, the striping of columns, or other approved methods.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.41 (2026)
22.00.02.41LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, paragraph 7.8.1.1, add exceptions:
Exception No. 1: In high-rise buildings, where booster pumps are necessary to produce the required residual pressures, pumps and piping systems must be sized to provide for the demand of the hydraulically most remote hose station, or the sprinkler system demand, whichever is greater. The standpipe system must also be sized to provide the required flow and pressure for all hose stations required to be flowing, when supplied by 150 psi at 1000 gpm at the fire department connection(s). Two sets of calculations will, therefore, be required under this exception.
Exception No. 2: Systems in buildings that are not high rise, and dry systems with no automatic water supply, may be sized to obtain the required flows and pressures, when supplied by 150 psi at 1000 gpm at the fire department connection(s).
Exception No. 3: In existing buildings, after shell occupancy, hose valves added to correct reach violations created by tenant modifications may be supplied by 3 inch pipe without recalculation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.42 (2026)
22.00.02.42LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 20, paragraph 5.14.6.4, add a new sentence: Eccentric reducers must be installed with the flat side on the bottom when fed directly from above.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.43 (2026)
22.00.02.43LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 20, paragraph 5.18.1.2, add: A relief valve may be installed to reduce operating pressure below 175 psi at high gradient.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.44 (2026)
22.00.02.44LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 20, paragraph 5.18.7 is amended entirely to state: Relief valves shall not be piped back into the source of the supply.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.45 (2026)
22.00.02.45LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 4.4.6.1, add the following sentence: An annunciator with the following features is required when the building is greater than one story, over 20,000 square feet in area per floor, or has more than one type of alarm initiating device.
Exception No. 1: Apartments protected by a 13R sprinkler system.
Exception No. 2: Any building not exceeding two stories above grade and 3,000 square feet per floor.
(a)
Annunciator shall have a visible signal for each different floor, zone, and device type. Supervised computer screen or printer type annunciators may be used to meet this requirement if the zone identification is approved by the Fire Chief.
(b)
Zones shall not exceed a single floor, 20,000 square feet, or 300 linear feet. Sprinkler systems may be zoned in accordance with the applicable sprinkler standard.
(c)
If two or more zones per floor are required, a graphic outline on or adjacent to the annunciator shall be provided showing the building outline, zone boundaries, "you are here" notation, north compass arrow, all stairways, stairway identification numbers, all standpipe risers, elevators, and the building address.
(d)
A lamp type annunciator shall have a lamp test switch unless the annunciator circuits are supervised.
(e)
The annunciator shall be located at, and visible from, the main fire department entrance.
(f)
If two or more buildings are controlled by one alarm system, an annunciator shall be installed in each building with a pilot lamp indicating the building of alarm origination.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.46 (2026)
22.00.02.46LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, add new paragraph 5.7.3.2.5:
5.7.3.2.5 Detectors which activate required extinguishing systems on a cross-zoned or multiple-zone basis shall be spaced at a maximum of one-half of their allowed or listed square footage spacing.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.47 (2026)
22.00.02.47LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 5.7.4.2.2, add: Activation of duct smoke detectors must sound an audible alarm in a normally occupied area or through the building fire alarm system, and must be identified as duct detector trouble. If connected to the building alarm, the signal must be supervisory only and must not initiate the building evacuation alarm unless a confirmation or verification feature is provided to minimize unwanted alarms.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.48 (2026)
22.00.02.48LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 5.7.1.7 is amended as follows: Detectors located at the top of shafts and stairs must be on a supervisory circuit only unless a confirmation or verification feature is provided to minimize unwanted alarms. The location must be identified at the annunciator or fire alarm control panel.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.49 (2026)
22.00.02.49LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 5.10.2, add: Standpipe or main water flow indicators, if provided, must sound a supervisory signal only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.50 (2026)
22.00.02.50LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, the second sentence under paragraph 5.12.4 is changed to read "The center of each station must be between 42 and 48 inches above the floor level." Also, this paragraph shall be amended by the addition of the following: Approved "911" instruction signs shall be permanently affixed and maintained at each manual fire alarm station, unless the fire alarm is monitored by a UL listed central station.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.51 (2026)
22.00.02.51LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 6.9.9.14 is amended as follows: At least six handsets shall be provided in the fire control room.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.52 (2026)
22.00.02.52LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraphs 11.5.1.1, 11.5.2.1, and 11.5.4.1: delete the exception for each section.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.53 (2026)
22.00.02.53LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 11.5.6.1 (4) is deleted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.54 (2026)
22.00.02.54LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 11.5.8.1 (2), delete the exception.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.55 (2026)
22.00.02.55LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 11.5.12.1 (2), delete the exception.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.02.56 (2026)
22.00.02.56LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 11.8.3.5, add new paragraphs (10) and (11):
(10)
Separate entrances to sleeping rooms shall be protected separately unless the door leads only to a bathroom or clothes/linen closet.
(11)
Enclosed rooms such as dens, libraries, studies, or sitting rooms which could be used as a temporary sleeping area shall be treated as bedrooms.
COMCOR 22.00.03 Schedule of Fees for Fire Safety Code Permits, Code Modifications, Inspections and Licenses
COMCOR 22.00.03 Schedule of Fees for Fire Safety Code Permits, Code Modifications, Inspections and LicensesLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.01 (2026)
22.00.03.01 Statement of PurposeLinkCopy Citation
The following fire prevention maintenance inspections, permits and license fees are adopted pursuant to the authority contained in Chapter 22, Fire Safety Code, of the Montgomery County Code as amended. Fees are for inspections, permits, licenses, and code modifications as specified in the Fire Safety Code and regulations adopted by Montgomery County, Department of Permitting Services.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.02 (2026)
22.00.03.02 General ProvisionsLinkCopy Citation
The following provisions apply to all types of permits, licenses and certificates:
a. Display. All required permits and certificates must be readily accessible upon request when not displayed.
b. Fee Payment. All fees required by this regulation must be paid before the issuance of the permit, license, certificate, or code modification.
c. Government Activities. All activities of municipal, county, and state government requiring a permit, license, certificate, exception, inspection or testing must conform to the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code and Montgomery County Fire Safety Code and will be charged the applicable fees except where specifically exempted by law. Applicable fees will be charged to the permit, license, certificate, or exception holder.
d. Refund. All fees are non-refundable, except in the case of an administrative error.
e. Transfer. Permits and Permit fees are not transferable.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.03Definitions (2026)
22.00.03.03DefinitionsLinkCopy Citation
a. Fire Code Compliance Permit: A permit to ensure that any business, school, multi-family residential building, health care facility, place of worship, and other commercial building complies with the applicable fire safety codes.
b. Operational Permit: A Permit to ensure that each active and passive Fire Protection System complies with the applicable fire safety codes in any business, school, multi-family building, health care facility, place of worship, or other commercial building or occupancy.
c. General Permit: A permit for particular operations, special events, blasting, including items listed under 22.00.03.05 of this document.
d. Multi-Family Residential Garden Style Apartment Building Complex means more than one building where each building:
1. consists of three or more dwellings;
2. does not exceed three stories above grade plane; and
3. is located on one lot, parcel, or ownership unit.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.04 (2026)
22.00.03.04 Fire Code Compliance and Operational Permits, Terms and FeesLinkCopy Citation
a. Systems and Structures Maintenance – All code required fire protection systems and features must be operational and maintained in good working order at all times and must be inspected or tested by an authorized individual or agency in compliance with the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code and applicable NFPA standards.
1. The building owner or representative, occupant, or a Montgomery County licensed fire protection contractor must submit inspection, maintenance, and testing report documents and data in compliance required by the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code and NFPA code requirements to the Department of Permitting Services, Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance.
2. The building owner or occupant or both must maintain the documents and data required in paragraph 1 of this subsection for the previous two years and have the documents and data readily available on site.
3. Failure to submit the documents and data required under paragraph 1 of this subsection, or the failure to maintain the required records, may result in an order to conduct an annual test of the fire protection systems and features witnessed by the Montgomery County Fire Marshal.
b. Non-compliance. All reported or discovered deficiencies or impairments, or any failures to provide the documentation and data required under subsection a.1, may result in a Notice of Violation being issued to the responsible party.
c. Fire Code Compliance Permits. A Fire Code Compliance Permit must be renewed annually and in accordance with 22.00.03.04
(f) of this document.
d. Operational Permits. An Operational Permit must be renewed annually and in accordance with 22.00.03.04
(f) of this document.
e. Fire Code Compliance Permits and Operational Permits are valid for one calendar year from the date of issuance and must indicate an expiration date.
f. Fire Code Compliance Permits and Operational Permits must be renewed immediately when any of the following occur:
1. The Use and Occupancy for the building or tenant space issued by the Department of Permitting Services is changed,
2. The owner of the building or tenant changes.
g. Fees.
h. A cancellation within 24 hours before a scheduled inspection will be counted as an inspection.
i. Witnessed Tests of Systems or Structures $95
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.05General (2026)
22.00.03.05General Permits, Terms, and FeesLinkCopy Citation
Fees for the following items are $95 except as noted. An inspection may be required at the discretion of the Fire Marshal before a permit is issued. For additional Inspections required post event (Example Fireworks), an additional fee will be charged as a reinspection fee.
a. Amusement and entertainment
1. To conduct or operate any scary (haunted) house, crop maze, carnival, fair, exhibit, trade show, concert, or other public event that presents an unusual life safety or fire hazard. Permit Term – 30 calendar days.
2. To conduct or operate any fireworks shoot. Permit Term – 30 calendar days.
3. To use any flame effects before an audience. Permit Term – 30 calendar days.
b. Flammable and combustible liquids and gases
1. To install, remove, abandon, repair or alter a stationary tank for storing flammable or combustible liquids, dispensing devices, or associated piping. Permit Term – 30 calendar days.
2. To place any flammable or combustible liquid stationary tank temporarily or permanently out of service. Permit Term – 30 calendar days.
3. To conduct floor resurfacing and refinishing operations involving the use and application of flammable liquids or materials. Permit Term – 30 calendar days.
4. For spraying or dipping operations utilizing more than one gallon of flammable or combustible liquids on any working day. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
5. For the operation of a bulk storage plant and/or for storage and dispensing of any formulation of natural gases or liquefied petroleum gases. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
c. Flammable and combustible solids
1. To store or handle more than 100 cubic feet of combustible fibers. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
2. To conduct or maintain any tire recapping or rebuilding plant. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
3. To store more than 100,000 board feet of lumber. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
4. To use explosives (for blasting permit) per month, $95. Permit Term – not to exceed 12 calendar months.
5. To operate any commercial rubbish-handling facility or site. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
d. Hot Work
1. To conduct any cutting or welding operations except those activities contained in a fabrication shop. Permit Term – Site specific, 12 calendar months.
2. To use an open flame torch for the application of roofing materials or stripping of paint. Permit Term – Site specific, 30 calendar days.
3. To place and operate a tar kettle. Permit Term – Site specific, 30 calendar days.
e. Motor vehicles
1. To use any building, shed, or enclosure as a place of business for the purpose of repairing or refurbishing any motor vehicle, including aircraft. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
2. To operate any motor vehicle wrecking yard. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
3. To operate any motor vehicle refueling facility, including aircraft. Permit Term – 12 calendar months.
f. To review Fire Department Access and/or Fire hydrant location. Site Specific.
g. Miscellaneous Permits.
1. To operate any commercial establishment or conduct any process or activity that poses an unusual fire or life safety risk not otherwise covered in this regulation is $95. Permit Term – 12 calendar months, or until a change in ownership or use group.
2. The fee for any inspection associated with the issuance of a permit is included in the permit fee.
3. The fee for any other Permit required by the Fire Marshal, or identified in other reference documents or in NFPA 1 is $95. Permit Term – 12 calendar months, or as noted on permit.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.06License (2026)
22.00.03.06License FeesLinkCopy Citation
a. Fire protection systems and equipment
1. Fire Extinguisher Corporate License – For a firm to engage in the business of servicing portable fire extinguishers. $88. License Term – 12 calendar months.
2. Corporate License – For a firm to engage in the business of repairing, servicing or inspecting, maintaining and testing any fixed fire protection system or structural fire protection element or feature. $88. License Term – 12 calendar months.
3. Individual License – To install, repair, service, inspect, maintain, or test any fixed fire protection system, structural fire protection element or feature, or portable fire extinguishers. $88. License Term – 12 calendar months.
b. Fire Safety Permits (Licensing Inspections)
1. | Family or Group Day Care home. | $95
2. | Nursery or Day Care Centers. | $95
3. | Board & Care (Group Home). | $95
4. | Assisted Living or Nursing Home. | $95
5. | Health Care, Detention. | $95
6. | Other Licensed Facility. | $95
7. | Private Educational Institutions. | $95
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.07 (2026)
22.00.03.07 Miscellaneous FeesLinkCopy Citation
a. Additional Inspection fees:
1. | Initial inspection of work or event site or property required before permit issuance | $95
2. | When a post event inspection is required | $95
3. | Each re-inspection fee after two disapprovals | $95
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.08 (2026)
22.00.03.08 Indexing of Fees to Labor and Operating Cost Changes and to Manage ReservesLinkCopy Citation
The Director of Permitting Services must calculate an enterprise fund stabilization factor (EFSF) each year to be applied to each fee set in or under this regulation on July 1 of each year. The EFSF is the factor by which the fee calculation is adjusted, up or down, to cover DPS labor and operating costs and to manage the DPS reserve policy under the 2002 Principles of the Fiscal Management of the Permitting Services Fund. The Director must publish the EFSF for each upcoming fiscal year not later than March 15 of the current fiscal year. For any year in which the EFSF will be less than .80 or greater than 1.20, the Department must review its fee rates and functional analysis behind the fee rates to determine if changes need to be made to the fee rates.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.03.09 (2026)
22.00.03.09 SeverabilityLinkCopy Citation
The provisions of these regulations are severable. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that a provision is invalid or inapplicable, the remainder of the regulation remains in effect.
COMCOR 22.00.04 Regulation Adopting and Amending Certain Editions of the National Fire Codes Regarding Building Construction and Protective Features
COMCOR 22.00.04 Regulation Adopting and Amending Certain Editions of the National Fire Codes Regarding Building Construction and Protective FeaturesLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.01 (2026)
22.00.04.01LinkCopy Citation
In accordance with the procedures authorized in Chapter 22, “Fire Safety Code,” of the Montgomery County Code, 1996, this Executive Regulation applies to the safeguarding of life, property, and the public welfare from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the improper storage, handling, or use of substances, materials, or devices and from conditions hazardous to life, property, and the public welfare in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, sheds, tents, lots or premises.
In this regulation the term “Fire Chief” means the Fire Chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and includes the Fire Chief’s designees.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.02 (2026)
22.00.04.02LinkCopy Citation
Unless otherwise noted, all references to the National Fire Codes and Standards adopted in these regulations are to those codes, standards, recommended practices and manuals in the National Fire Codes, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269. The references to these National Fire Codes and Standards are set forth in Section 22-14 of the Montgomery County Code, 1996.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.03 (2026)
22.00.04.03 Standards AdoptedLinkCopy Citation
a. The following standards published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269, are incorporated in these regulations except as expressly amended. The dates or editions of the individual codes and standards are as listed in this section.
NFPA NO. CODE OR STANDARD
1 Uniform Fire Code 2003
42 Code for the Storage of Pyroxylin Plastic (2002)
NFPA NO. CODE OR STANDARD
50A Standard for Gaseous Hydrogen Systems at Consumer Sites (1999)
92A Recommended Practice for Smoke Control Systems (2000)
92B Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas (2002)
101 Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures (2003)
105 Recommended Practice for the Installation of Smoke-Control Door Assemblies (2003)
130 Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit Systems (2000)
170 Standard for Fire Safety Symbols (2002)
214 Water Cooling Towers (2000)
720 Recommended Practices for the Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment (1998)
850 Electric Generating Plants (2000)
b. The Fire Chief must review this regulation and propose amendments within six months after the date the State Fire Prevention Commission adopts new amendments to NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 into the State Fire Prevention Code.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.04 (2026)
22.00.04.04LinkCopy Citation
NFPA No. 1, Section 10.12.1, add new subsection 10.12.1.1 as follows:
10.12.1.1 All occupancies other than 1 and 2 family dwellings shall provide an approved access box.
Exception 1: The requirement for an access box shall not apply when the occupancy provides 24-hour on-site staffing with access to all areas in the building or complex. At least one person must staff a fixed location proximate to the main building or complex entrance to provide ready access for the fire department.
Exception 2: For multiple occupancies located within a single structure, a single access box shall be permitted with approval of the Fire Chief.
Exception 3: For multiple structures within a residential building complex, a single access box shall be permitted with approval of the Fire Chief.
Exception 4: The size, contents, and location of the access box shall be determined by the Fire Chief in cooperation with the occupancy owner or management.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.05 (2026)
22.00.04.05LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 1, Section 13.3.2.22, add new subsection 13.3.2.22.2 and renumber the existing subsection as 13.3.2.33.2. New subsection 13.3.2.22.2 reads:
13.3.2.22.2 The requirement of 13.3.2.22.3, that existing high-rise buildings shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, shall not apply until a separate specific high-rise regulation takes effect that requires protection of existing buildings through an approved, supervised, engineered life-safety system as defined by NFPA 101 Section 31.3.5.10.3 (2003 edition) and includes timetables and conditions for compliance and incentives.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.06 (2026)
22.00.04.06LinkCopy Citation
NFPA No. 30A, as referenced by NFPA 1, in subsections 7.3.6.1 and 7.3.6.3, add the following Exception:
Exception: In buildings protected throughout with “approved” automatic sprinkler protection, separation must consist of such assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than one (1) hour with all openings therein provided with approved minimum twenty (20) minute fire resistance rated opening protectives.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.07 (2026)
22.00.04.07LinkCopy Citation
NFPA No. 80, as referenced by NFPA 1, subsection 1-10.1, add the following: Release of fire doors and shutters shall not be by fusible link and shall be accomplished by one or more of the following:
(a)
Approved local smoke detection at the doors,
(b)
Approved area smoke detection per NFPA 72, or
(c)
Full automatic sprinkler protection per NFPA 13 with water flow interlock.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.08 (2026)
22.00.04.08LinkCopy Citation
NFPA No. 96, as referenced by NFPA 1, subsection 1.1.1, add an Exception to read:
Exception: In day care and business occupancies doing food warming only, Home Economics classrooms in schools, and lodging or rooming houses or small board and care in existing structures originally built for single family residential use, protection shall consist of one of the following:
(1)
A listed and approved recirculating residential ventilation hood with range top extinguishing system installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or
(2)
In a building equipped with approved full automatic sprinkler protection, the sprinkler system is considered to provide surface fire protection. Exhaust from residential range tops shall not leave the room where the range top is located.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.09 (2026)
22.00.04.09LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101 is amended by deleting the following reference: NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code. Wherever NFPA 5000 is referenced, substitute the building code that is in effect in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.10 (2026)
22.00.04.10LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101 is amended by the addition of new subsection 1.4.4 to read as follows:
The use of NFPA 101A to justify equivalency concepts is not permitted in new construction.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.11 (2026)
22.00.04.11LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 10, section 3.3 is amended as follows:
(a)
Subsection 3.3.47, add the following new subsection and definition:
3.3.47.3 Bulkhead Door. A type of door assembly covering an opening in the ground providing direct access to a basement, the floor of which is not more than 8 feet below ground level. The door consists of a single rigid leaf or two overlapping rigid leaves or covers which need to be pushed or lifted upwards in order to be opened. A person, after opening the door, can walk up a series of steps to escape to the outside.
(b)
Amend Subsection 3.3.110.1 to change the definition of “Day-Care Home” by deleting the phrase “...more than three, but...”
(c)
Amend Subsection 3.3.152.4 to change the definition of “Day-Care Occupancy” by deleting the phrase “...four or more...”
(d)
Amend Subsections 3.3.152.13 to change the definition of “Residential Board and Care Occupancy” by changing “A building or portion thereof...” to “A building or portion thereof that does not qualify as a one- and two-family dwelling...”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.12 (2026)
22.00.04.12LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, section 4.8, add the following subsection:
4.8.2.4 Emergency plans shall be maintained in a location approved by the Fire Chief.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.13 (2026)
22.00.04.13LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, subsection 6.1.4.1 by deleting the phrase “...four or more...”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.14 (2026)
22.00.04.14LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, subsection 6.1.9.1 to change the definition of “Residential Board and Care Occupancy” by changing “A building or portion thereof...” to “A building or portion thereof that does not qualify as a one- and two-family dwelling...”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.15 (2026)
22.00.04.15LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 7.2.1.5.7.1, add an item (6), to read:
(6)
Entry levels shall provide free access to an approved second exit. These levels shall be designated in “core/shell” building permit drawings with future tenant layouts arranged accordingly.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.16 (2026)
22.00.04.16LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, delete subsections 7.2.3.9.2(3)(b), and 12.2.2.2.4.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.17 (2026)
22.00.04.17LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 7.3.1.2, add on the chart for Business Use “for calculating occupant loads in shell use business use is 6.0 square meters or 65 square feet per person.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.18 (2026)
22.00.04.18LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 7.5.1.3.1, add new subsection 7.5.1.3.1.1:
7.5.1.3.1.1 In non-sprinklered new buildings, parallel paths of travel shall be considered remote if not less than forty (40) feet apart, or separated by assemblies having continuous one hour fire resistance with self-closing and positive latching twenty (20) minute fire resistance rated opening protectives. In fully sprinklered buildings and existing buildings paths of travel shall be considered remote if not less than thirty (30) feet apart, or separated by assemblies with self-closing opening protectives which are resistant to the passage of smoke. This minimum separation of paths shall not supersede minimum separation of exits or doors in 7.5.1.3.2.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.19 (2026)
22.00.04.19LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, Subsection 7.9.1.2, replace the word “only” in the first sentence with “but not limited to,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.20 (2026)
22.00.04.20LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 7.10.8.3.2, add: If the sign is on the door, then the door must be equipped with an approved self-closing device.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.21 (2026)
22.00.04.21LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 7.12.1, add 7.12.1(4):
(4)
In special purpose industrial occupancies, spaces not subject to human occupancy because of the presence of machinery or equipment shall be permitted with 100% of the exits discharging through a level of exit discharge.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.22 (2026)
22.00.04.22LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 8.6.6(3), add a second sentence: Buildings, wherein the communicating space(s) is (are) provided with automatic smoke detection and alarm in accordance with NFPA 72, will be considered to satisfy the requirements of ‘readily obvious’.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.23 (2026)
22.00.04.23LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 8.6.7(6)(b) is fully changed to read: Manual controls that are located at the annunciator panel or in the Fire Control Room.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.24 (2026)
22.00.04.24LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, add new section 9.1.5:
9.1.5 All newly constructed below ground floors of a building, all floors in buildings greater than 25,000 ft2 per floor, and all floors of buildings greater than 3 stories in height of Type I and II construction shall meet minimum emergency radio communication system performance criteria adopted by Montgomery County. Proof that minimum performance criteria are met shall be provided in writing to the Fire Chief.
(1)
System performance testing shall be performed in accordance with technical standards for systems and testing personnel established by Montgomery County.
(2)
Compliance testing must be performed at time of occupancy and annually thereafter.
(3)
Field testing may be performed upon reasonable notification of the owner or occupant by any authorized fire and rescue personnel.
Exception: The requirements of this section shall not apply to areas within an individual dwelling unit.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.25 (2026)
22.00.04.25LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 9.6.1.7 and 9.7.6.1, add: When a property owner or the owner’s agent cannot be contacted to establish a fire watch, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service at their discretion may provide the fire watch and charge the property owner the inspection overtime rate per person per hour.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.26 (2026)
22.00.04.26LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.2.5, add two new subsections:
(a)
9.6.2.5.1 Zoned fire alarm systems shall have manual pull stations located at the entrance to each exit enclosure and at the main exit.
(b)
9.6.2.5.2 When a fire alarm system is required in a multiple tenant building, for each tenant exiting directly to the exterior of the building, a manual pull station and approved occupant notification shall be located at each required or marked exit.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.27 (2026)
22.00.04.27LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 9.6.2.8 and 9.6.2.9, add the following sentence:
“Environments not suitable for smoke detectors (due to high probability of unwanted alarms) must be provided with listed rate-of-rise or rate compensated heat detection, or approved alternative means of detection.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.28 (2026)
22.00.04.28LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.2.10.2, add the phrase “and have secondary battery back-up power” at the end of the sentence.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.29 (2026)
22.00.04.29LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101 add new subsections 9.6.2.12, 24.3.4.4, 26.3.3.6, 28.3.4.6, 30.3.4.6, 32.2.3.4.4 and 32.3.3.4.9: In new construction a carbon monoxide alarm or detector(s) installed in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 5.1, “Recommended Protection”, of NFPA 720, shall be installed in any family living unit containing a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or having an attached garage.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.30 (2026)
22.00.04.30LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.3.2.1, delete the word “lobby”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.31 (2026)
22.00.04.31LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.3.4, add text at the end of the sentence: “only when the initial fire alarm signal is automatically transmitted without delay to a listed central station in accordance with 9.6.4.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.32 (2026)
22.00.04.32LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.3.7, add a second sentence to read: “Required audibility must be met with any and all intervening doors (between any space and the audible devices) closed.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.33 (2026)
22.00.04.33LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.3.9, add: Where voice type occupant notification is used, automatic pre-recorded messages must be used complying with Section 9.6. Live voice as the sole notification method is prohibited.
Exception: Previously “approved” live voice systems, shall be permitted to remain.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.34 (2026)
22.00.04.34LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.4.2, delete all text following the word “automatically” in the second section, and replace with “to a listed central station.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.35 (2026)
22.00.04.35LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, delete subsection 9.6.4.3.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.36 (2026)
22.00.04.36LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.6.5.2(3), add the following sentence: “Manual fire alarm initiation must not activate floor or zone-dependent smoke control systems.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.37 (2026)
22.00.04.37LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.7.1.2, the second sentence is amended to read: “The sprinkler piping must be valved with the domestic water system. Any and all work must be performed by a licensed sprinkler contractor.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.38 (2026)
22.00.04.38LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.7.2.2 is amended to read: “Where supervised automatic sprinkler protection is required by another section of this Code, waterflow alarms must be automatically transmitted to a listed central station.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.39 (2026)
22.00.04.39LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 9.7.3.1 is amended to read: “Where water as an extinguishing agent is not compatible with the fire hazard or is prohibited by law, statute or ordinance, the affected area shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire suppression system utilizing a suppression agent that is compatible with the fire hazard. Such system shall be installed in accordance with the appropriate standard as determined in Table 9.7.3.1.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.40 (2026)
22.00.04.40LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 11.8.3.1, add new subsection 11.8.3.1.1:
11.8.3.1.1 In buildings having staged evacuation the voice fire alarm system shall send a predetermined message to the floor where the alarm originated, to the floor immediately below and to the floor immediately above, providing information and direction to the occupants. Any subsequent alarm(s) on other than the initial fire floor must initiate the voice fire alarm as described above. The voice fire alarm shall be designated to be heard clearly by all occupants within the designated portions thereof as required by Section 9.6, but it shall not sound automatically in elevator cars and enclosed exit stairways. Communicating levels shall be considered one floor/fire area for the audible and visual fire alarm signals.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.41 (2026)
22.00.04.41LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 11.8.5(6) and (8), are amended/added, as applicable, to read as follows:
(6)
Emergency generator status indicators, and remote starting.
(8)
Fire pump status indicators and remote starting only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.42 (2026)
22.00.04.42LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 12.2.5.4.1(1), 12.2.5.4.1(2), 13.2.5.4.1(1), and 13.2.5.4.1(2) change “1000" to “250".
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.43 (2026)
22.00.04.43LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, section 12.3.5, add new subsection 12.3.5.1 and renumber the existing subsections 12.3.5.1 through 12.3.5.3. New subsection 12.3.5.1 reads: The following assembly occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7:
(1)
Bars
(2)
Dance Halls
(3)
Discotheques
(4)
Nightclubs
(5)
Assembly occupancies with festival seating
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.44 (2026)
22.00.04.44LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, add new subsection 12.3.5.2 to read: All new Assembly Occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7. Sprinkler protection is not required over recreation areas devoid of fuel loading (such as over pool water surface, ice rink ice surface or a court of noncombustible construction), if provided with draftstopping around the area of omission, in accordance with NFPA 13.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.45 (2026)
22.00.04.45LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 12.7.6.3 and 13.7.6.3, add:
(1)
It is the duty of the individual in charge to call the attention of those present, immediately before the beginning of the proceedings for which the people are assembled, to the number and location of the exits, and to state that the doors to all exits are unlocked. Before making the announcement, it is the duty of the individual to make an actual inspection to verify that the doors are unlocked and the means of egress are free of obstructions, and to correct any deficiencies found.
(2)
It is the duty of the individual in charge to call the attention of everyone present at the proceedings to the exits by displaying or announcing the following: “Notice. For your own safety, look for your nearest exit. In case of emergency, walk, do not run, to that exit”.
(3)
The requirements for calling the attention of everyone present at the proceedings to the exits is complied with by one of the following methods:
(a)
Oral announcements of the notices in this section at the beginning of the proceedings.
(b)
Showing the notices in this Section on the viewing screen where the motion pictures are shown.
(c)
Printing the notices in this section in bold type letters not less than ¼ inch in height on the back of programs for the proceedings. Nothing but the notice shall be placed on the back of the program.
(d)
Having a fixed sign or signs displaying the notices in this section printed in letters of a size and clearness that can be easily read from each point in the assembly room.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.46 (2026)
22.00.04.46LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, section 13.3.5, add new subsection 13.3.5.1 and renumber the existing subsections 13.3.5.1 through 13.3.5.3. New subsection 13.3.5.1 reads: Where occupant load exceeds 100, the following assembly occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7:
(1)
Bars
(2)
Dance Halls
(3)
Discotheques
(4)
Nightclubs
(5)
Assembly occupancies with festival seating
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.47 (2026)
22.00.04.47LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, new section 13.3.5.2 is changed to read: Any existing assembly occupancy and required exits with an occupant load of 100 or more shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7. This requirement shall not apply to assembly occupancies used only for worship with fixed seating and not part of a mixed occupancy (see 6.1.14.3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.48 (2026)
22.00.04.48LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 14.2.11.1.1(1) is amended by adding the following after “...tools”, “keys, special knowledge, or excessive force.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.49 (2026)
22.00.04.49LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, sections 16.1 and 17.1, add new subsections 16.1.1.6 and 17.1.1.6: Day-care centers providing day care for school age children before and after school hours in a building which is in use as a public or private school are not required to meet the provisions of this chapter, but shall meet the provisions for educational occupancies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.50 (2026)
22.00.04.50LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.2.11.1.1(1), 16.2.11.1.1(3), 17.2.11.1.1(3), 17.2.11.1.1(1), 24.2.2.3(3), 32.2.2.3.1(3), and 33.2.2.3.1(3), add the following exception:
Exception: A minimum net clear opening of 5.0 square feet shall be permitted for secondary means of escape at grade.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.51 (2026)
22.00.04.51LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 16.3.4.5, add the following exceptions:
Exception 1: Day-care occupancies located in school facilities where enrollment is limited to children kindergarten age and older and capable of self preservation, where no sleeping facilities are provided and the school is provided with approved full automatic sprinkler protection.
Exception 2: In buildings equipped with a selective fire alarm system, smoke detection at stairwell doors shall only be required at locations that would activate the alarm in the day-care center.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.52 (2026)
22.00.04.52LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, add new subsection 16.3.5.4 to read: Buildings containing new day care centers above or below the level(s) of exit discharge must be protected with full automatic sprinkler protection installed in accordance with section 9.7.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.53 (2026)
22.00.04.53LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.6.1.1.2, and 17.6.1.1.2, delete the phrase “...more than 3, but...”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.54 (2026)
22.00.04.54LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.6.1.4.1(A) and (B) and 17.6.1.4.1(A) and (B) are amended as follows:
(a)
Subsections 16.6.1.4.1(A) and 17.6.1.4.1 (A), delete “more than three but”, change “seven clients” to “nine clients”, change “six clients” to “eight clients”, and add a new sentence: “Where more than two clients, up to a maximum of four clients incapable of self-preservation are being cared for, a minimum of two staff personnel must be present at all times.”
(b)
Subsections 16.6.1.4.1(B) and 17.6.1.4.1(B), change “at least seven” to “at least nine”, and change “no more than three clients” to “no more than four clients.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.55 (2026)
22.00.04.55LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.6.1.7.1 and 17.6.1.7.1, delete the existing wording and replace with the following:
In family day-care homes, a day-care provider’s own children under the age of two years shall be counted as clients served and the following shall apply:
(1)
At any given time, a day-care provider shall not care for more than eight clients, of whom no more than four may be under the age of two years.
(2)
An adult to child ratio of at least one adult to every two children under the age of two years shall be maintained at all times.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.56 (2026)
22.00.04.56LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 16.6.2.1 and 17.6.2.1, add the following sentence: “Bulkhead doors shall not be permitted to serve as a primary means of escape.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.57 (2026)
22.00.04.57LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.6.2.2 (Reserved) and 17.6.2.2 (Reserved) are amended as follows:
SLIDING DOOR.
For family day-care homes, a sliding door used as a required means of egress shall comply with the following conditions:
a. The sliding door shall have not more than one, easily operated, locking device that does not require special knowledge, effort, or tools to operate;
b. There may not be draperies, screens, or storm doors that could impede egress;
c. The sill or track height may not exceed ½ inch above the interior finish floor;
d. The surface onto which exit is made shall be an all weather surface such as a deck, patio, sidewalk, etc.;
e. The floor level outside the door may be one step lower than the inside, but not more than 8 inches lower;
f. The sliding door shall open to a clear open width of at least 28 inches;
g. Before day dare use, each day the sliding door shall be unlocked and tested to the full required width to be sure it is operating properly, and the door shall be nonbinding and slide easily.
h. During periods of snow or freezing rain, door tracks shall be cleared out and the door opened periodically throughout the day in order to ensure proper operation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.58 (2026)
22.00.04.58LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.6.2.3 (Reserved) and 17.6.2.3 (Reserved) are amended as follows:
SPECIAL MEANS OF ESCAPE REQUIREMENTS: For family day-care homes, dead-bolt locks shall be provided with approved interior latches, or these locks shall be of a captured key design from which the key cannot be removed from the interior side of the lock when the lock is in the locked position. These locks shall be unlocked at all times when the home is occupied for the purpose of family day care.
Exception: A double-keyed dead-bolt lock may be used on the secondary means of escape if the key is readily accessible and the lock is unlocked at all times the home is occupied for the purpose of family day care.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.59 (2026)
22.00.04.59LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101,subsection 16.6.3.4.3, add of the following Exception:
Exception: Battery detectors rather than house electric service-powered detectors shall be accepted when in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, the facility has demonstrated testing, maintenance and battery replacement programs that ensure reliability of power to the detectors.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.60 (2026)
22.00.04.60LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.7 and 17.7, add new subsections 16.7.1.1 and 17.7.1.1, respectively as follows: A written prearranged plan of escape in case of fire or other emergency shall be readily available for reference and inspection purposes. This emergency plan shall include a means and procedure to alert all occupants of an emergency.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.61 (2026)
22.00.04.61LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.7.4.1 and 17.7.4.1, add an Exception:
Exception: Day-Care Homes.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.62 (2026)
22.00.04.62LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 16.7.5 and 17.7.5, add an Exception:
Exception: Day-Care Homes with no more than three clients for overnight lodging.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.63 (2026)
22.00.04.63LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 17.3.4.5, add the following language after “one room”: “...or Day-care occupancies located in school facilities where enrollment is limited to children kindergarten age and older and capable of self preservation, where no sleeping facilities are provided and the school is provided with approved full automatic sprinkler protection.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.64 (2026)
22.00.04.64LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 17.3.4.5(1), add the following sentence: “In buildings equipped with a selective fire alarm system, smoke detection at stairwell doors shall only be required at locations that would activate the alarm in the day-care center.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.65 (2026)
22.00.04.65LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 17.6.3.4.4, delete “Existing...”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.66 (2026)
22.00.04.66LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 24.1.1.1, place a period after the word “dwellings” and replace the remainder of the sentence with the following:
One- and two-family dwellings include:
(a)
A building containing not more than two dwelling units in which each dwelling unit is occupied by members of a single family with not more than five outsiders, if any, accommodated in rented rooms.
(b)
A living unit for five or fewer individuals with disabilities as defined in (d) of this section.
(c)
A living unit for six to eight individuals with disabilities as defined, in addition to live-in staff, if specific information is presented to the authority having jurisdiction that the residents of the living unit have no unique and specific needs which warrant imposition of the fire safety standards required by either Chapter 26, 32 or 33 of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2003 edition).
(d)
“Individuals with disabilities” means those individuals who have a disability as defined in the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. § 3601, et. seq., as follows:
(1)
A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such persons’ major life activities;
(2)
A record of having such an impairment; or
(3)
Being regarded as having such impairment, but such term does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance (as defined in 21 U.S.C., Section 802).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.67 (2026)
22.00.04.67LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 24.2.5.1, add the following exception:
Exception: Maximum riser heights of 8¼ inches (210 mm) and minimum tread depths of 9 inches (229 mm) shall be permitted for stairs in new construction. A nosing not less than ¾ inch (19 mm) but not more than 1¼ inch (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers where the tread depth is less than 11 inches (279 mm).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.68 (2026)
22.00.04.68LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 24.3.4.3, add at the end of the sentence, “...only if the existing smoke detectors are battery operated.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.69 (2026)
22.00.04.69LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 26.1.1.1, change “...buildings...” to “...buildings that do not qualify as one- and two-family dwellings...”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.70 (2026)
22.00.04.70LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 28.3.4.1 is amended to read “...through 28.3.4.6, shall be provided.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.71 (2026)
22.00.04.71LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 28.3.4.3.5, delete all wording after “provided”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.72 (2026)
22.00.04.72LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, delete subsections 29.3.4.5.2 and 31.3.4.5.2.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.73 (2026)
22.00.04.73LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, delete subsections 30.3.4.3.3 and 30.3.4.3.4.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.74 (2026)
22.00.04.74LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 32.3.1.3, replace the phrase “Chapter 7 of NFPA 5000, Building Construction Safety Code” with “33.3.1.3".
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.75 (2026)
22.00.04.75LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 33.2.3.4.3.5 and 33.3.3.4.7.1, add at the end of the sentence, “...and have secondary battery back-up power.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.76 (2026)
22.00.04.76LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, add new subsections 36.1.2.3 and 37.1.2.3: “Structures that are predominantly residential dwellings, and that include mercantile occupancy open to the general public, shall have substantial separation between the occupancies that is resistant to the passage of smoke. Openings shall be protected with self-closing minimum 1¾" solid wood bonded core doors, in minimum eighteen (18) gauge steel frames.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.77 (2026)
22.00.04.77LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 36.4.4.4.3.1, delete item (3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.78 (2026)
22.00.04.78LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 36.3.4.1 and 37.3.4.1 are amended to read as follows: General. Class A mercantile occupancies and multiple story Class B mercantile occupancies shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with section 9.6.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.79 (2026)
22.00.04.79LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, add new subsections 38.1.2.3 and 39.1.2.3: “Structures that are predominantly residential dwelling, and that include business occupancy open to the general public, must have substantial separation between the occupancies that is resistant to the passage of smoke. Openings must be protected with self-closing minimum 1¾" solid wood bonded core doors in minimum eighteen (18) gauge steel frames.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.80 (2026)
22.00.04.80LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 38.2.4.2 and 39.2.4.2, add new section (6) to read as follows:
(6)
Any two story business occupancy building not exceeding 3000 square feet gross floor area per floor shall be permitted a single exit with an approved outside stairway, or a single totally enclosed interior stairway to the second floor having discharge directly outside the building, if the total travel distance to the outside of the building does not exceed 100 feet, the travel distance to the interior stairway does not exceed 75 feet, and such interior stairway does not communicate with any other floor. An interior single exit stairway shall be permitted to be arranged as a floor communicating stair, with one (1) hour fire resistance rated opening protectives at the entrances from each level, and protection provided as follows: The building shall be provided with a non-supervised AC hard-wired smoke detection and alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72 arranged to sound an alarm audible throughout each level, and the stairway shall be provided with approved automatic sprinkler protection, with sprinklers located at the top of the stair and over each landing and on the tenant side of each interior fire door leading to the stairway, in accordance with NFPA 13.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.81 (2026)
22.00.04.81LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 38.3.4.3(2) and 39.3.4.3(2), are amended to read: “Sound an audible alarm in a constantly attended location and transmit a signal to a listed Central Station.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.82 (2026)
22.00.04.82LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsections 40.3.4.3.1, 42.3.4.3.1 and 42.8.3.4.3.1 are amended to read: “The required fire alarm system must meet Section 9.6.3 as amended.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.83 (2026)
22.00.04.83LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 39.2.2.2.3 is amended to read: “The re-entry provisions of 7.2.1.5.7 shall apply.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.04.84 (2026)
22.00.04.84LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, subsection 42.8.2.2.3.1, add the following Exception:
Exception: Subsection 7.2.2.5.1 shall not apply to open air parking structures.
COMCOR 22.00.06 Fire Safety Code - Fire Protection Systems
COMCOR 22.00.06 Fire Safety Code - Fire Protection SystemsLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.01 (2026)
22.00.06.01LinkCopy Citation
In accordance with the procedures authorized in Chapter 22, “Fire Safety Code”, of the Montgomery County Code, as amended, this Executive Regulation applies to the design, installation, alteration, and maintenance of fire protection systems in buildings or structures. Where there are differences between this regulation and the Montgomery County Building Code, the more restrictive provision(s) will apply.
In this regulation the term “Director” means the Director of the Department of Permitting Services and includes the Director’s designees.
The Department of Permitting Services has the authority to enforce the requirements of the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code as it pertains to new and existing buildings, facilities, elements, structures, and conditions.
New buildings, new systems, or new conditions are subject to this regulation. Existing buildings, existing systems, or existing conditions which are altered are subject to this regulation to the extent required by the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code, and the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code. Unaltered existing buildings, existing systems, or existing conditions are subject to this regulation only when an inimical or distinct hazard exists.
This regulation amends and replaces Executive Regulation No. 19-13.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.02 (2026)
22.00.06.02LinkCopy Citation
All references to the National Fire Codes and standards adopted in this regulation are to those codes, standards, recommended practices, and manuals in the National Fire Codes, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269. Unless otherwise noted, all references are to those codes and standards published in the 2015 edition of National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Code (NFPA 1) and are adopted in their entirety.
Terms used in this regulation that are defined in the state adopted consensus codes have the meanings used in the consensus code.
For the purpose of this regulation, the Director is the designated Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in NFPA 1.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.03 (2026)
22.00.06.03LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 1, section 1.10 is deleted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.04 (2026)
22.00.06.04LinkCopy Citation
Designs for smoke management systems must be submitted for review and approval as part of a building permit. Submittals for smoke management systems must include:
(a)
Plans and specifications
(b)
Engineering calculations and/or computer model
(c)
Floor plans
(d)
System diagrams and details
(e)
Sequence of operations and control layout
(f)
Preliminary test procedures
(g)
Acceptance test procedures
(h)
Pass/fail criteria
(i)
Maintenance requirements including periodic testing criteria
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.05 (2026)
22.00.06.05LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, section 7.2, add the following: Dry pipe systems may only be installed where heat is not adequate to prevent freezing.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.06 (2026)
22.00.06.06LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, sub-paragraph 7.2.3.6.1 is deleted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.07 (2026)
22.00.06.07LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, subsection 8.1.1, add new principle (9) as follows:
(9)
Sprinklers are required under attached balconies or porches unless at least 50 percent of the longest exterior side is open to the atmosphere.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.08 (2026)
22.00.06.08LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.3.2.1 is amended as follows: In dwelling units, ordinary temperature-rated sprinklers must be used.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.09 (2026)
22.00.06.09LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, Section 8.3.2.4, add the following: “Intermediate temperature sprinkler heads must only be installed if an acceptable layout can not be achieved without a sprinkler head in the high temperature area.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.10 (2026)
22.00.06.10LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.4.5.1, add: Listed residential sprinkler heads must be used in dwelling units except Detention and Correctional occupancies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.11 (2026)
22.00.06.11LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, subsection 8.8.1, add: Extended coverage sprinklers are not permitted in speculative business and mercantile occupancies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.12 (2026)
22.00.06.12LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.15.7.1, add: Any canopy with the potential for extended vehicle standing or parking below must have sprinkler protection on the underside of the canopy.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.13 (2026)
22.00.06.13LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, Paragraph 8.15.8.2, add new sub-paragraph:
8.15.8.2.1. When sprinklers are required, sprinklers must not be installed directly above shelving.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.14 (2026)
22.00.06.14LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 8.15.15.1, is amended as follows: For new ceiling installations, drop-out ceilings are prohibited.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.15 (2026)
22.00.06.15LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, subparagraph 8.16.1.1.1.1 and paragraph 8.17.1.1, add: When a sprinkler system serves more than one level, each level must be consistently and separately valved by a listed and approved control valve. In addition, where a sprinkler system is required to activate a building fire alarm system, the sprinkler system must have a separate and distinct water flow detecting device for each floor and zone.
Exception 1: In buildings not exceeding three floors and 3000 square feet per floor.
Exception 2: Unoccupied and unused attics may be zoned with the level below.
Exception 3: Mezzanines not exceeding 3000 square feet in area.
Exception 4: Detention and correctional facilities.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.16 (2026)
22.00.06.16LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, subsection 8.17.2, add the following requirements for fire department connections:
(a)
Must be located within 100 feet from a fire hydrant, and between 18 and 48 inches from grade to the centerline of the inlets.
(b)
Number of 2 ½ in. inlets:
System Demand (gpm) No. of Inlets
up to 749 2
750 - 999 3
1000 and more 4
(c)
Multiple connections for the same building must be interconnected.
(d)
When a section of a building is fed by a connection (i.e., partial systems), permanent all weather identification signs must be provided on connections.
(e)
Must be sized at least as large as the main sprinkler system riser pipe or the fire pump discharge line, whichever is larger.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.17 (2026)
22.00.06.17LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, section 11.1, add: Calculations for new systems or new portions of systems must meet the criteria below.
(a)
Highest hazard and most demanding use allowed by building construction permit or property zoning.
(b)
Storage use: Available storage height for high storage of a class 4 non- encapsulated material.
(c)
All uses: 20% safety factor. For systems without a pump, this is based on the demand pressure only at the supply point. For systems with a pump, this is based on both the demand pressure and demand flow at the pump discharge. All design options, except grids in speculative buildings, must be explored.
Exception to safety factor only: Owner occupied buildings may use a lower safety factor if a pump would be necessary to achieve the 20%.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.18 (2026)
22.00.06.18LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 11.2.2.3, delete (3) and (4).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.19 (2026)
22.00.06.19LinkCopy Citation
NEPA 13, subsection 24.1.2, add: Pressure and flow availability as determined by a hydraulic information sheet received from a public utility must be used for new taps. Pressure and flow availability for existing taps must be determined by an interior flow test. In any case, the supply information must be corrected for the low hydraulic gradient. Fire pumps and fire pump/tank supplies must only be used where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.20 (2026)
22.00.06.20LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, section 25.1, add: (5): Finished surfaces must be completed within a 1' radius of sprinklers before the final inspection.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.21 (2026)
22.00.06.21LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13, paragraph 25.2.1.11, add a third sentence: Pendent sprinkler heads must not be installed in plastic pipe until after the hydrostatic test is passed.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.22 (2026)
22.00.06.22LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, subsection 1.1.1, add a second sentence: This standard also applies to Day Care homes containing 12 clients or less if located within converted one and two family dwellings or townhouses.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.23 (2026)
22.00.06.23LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, section 6.1, add: Pressure and flow availability as determined by a public utility must be used and must be adjusted to the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies may be used only where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate as determined by the Director.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.24 (2026)
22.00.06.24LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, subsection 6.1.1, add: All calculations must include at least a 10% safety factor to account for minor field changes, unless a booster pump is necessary to obtain this safety factor.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.25 (2026)
22.00.06.25LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, section 6.2: Add (6)
(6)
System specific data plate on durable material to be fixed at sprinkler system main riser.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.26 (2026)
22.00.06.26LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 7.5.6.1, add: Where possible to maintain listed coverage, sprinkler heads must be positioned so as to eliminate the need to install sprinkler heads of a higher temperature rating.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.27 (2026)
22.00.06.27LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, subsection 7.5.7, add: Finished surfaces must be completed within a 1' radius of all sprinklers before the final inspection.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.28 (2026)
22.00.06.28LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 8.2.5.1, add sub-paragraph 8.2.5.1.1:
8.2.5.1.1 Sprinkler heads in closets must not be located directly above shelves.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.29 (2026)
22.00.06.29LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, subsection 8.3.4, add the following after garages: “...unless located partially or wholly beneath living space.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.30 (2026)
22.00.06.30LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, subsection 9.1.2: Delete Methods (1), (2) and (4).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.31 (2026)
22.00.06.31LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13D, paragraph 11.2.1.4, add a second sentence: When systems utilizing plastic pipe are being hydrostatically tested, pendent sprinklers are not permitted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.32 (2026)
22.00.06.32LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, subsection 5.4.2, add: Antifreeze, dry pipe and preaction systems are prohibited in dwelling units and interior corridors leading to dwelling units.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.33 (2026)
22.00.06.33LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, subparagraph 6.4.6.3.2, add: Sprinkler heads in closets must not be located directly above shelves.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.34 (2026)
22.00.06.34LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, subsection 6.11.1 is amended to read: “In all apartment buildings, at least one fire department connection must be provided for buildings accessible by the fire department, that exceed 2000 square feet or are more than a single story. The fire department connection must be a minimum of one 2 ½ inch inlet with a feed line sized at least as large as the main system riser. The fire department connection must be located on a fire department access road and be 18 to 48 inches from the centerline of the inlet to finish grade.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.35 (2026)
22.00.06.35LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, section 7.4, add: All calculations must include at least a 10% safety factor to account for minor field changes, unless a listed fire pump is necessary to obtain this safety factor.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.36 (2026)
22.00.06.36LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, section 9.1, add: Pressure and volume availability as determined by a public utility must be used and must be adjusted to the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies may be used only where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.37 (2026)
22.00.06.37LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, section 9.4, add: Domestic pumps are permitted for townhomes.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.38 (2026)
22.00.06.38LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 13R, subsection 10.2.2. Add a new paragraph:
10.2.2.3 Pendent sprinkler heads must not be installed in plastic pipe until after the hydrostatic test is passed.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.39 (2026)
22.00.06.39LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, subsection 4.8.2 is amended as follows: Each fire hose valve must have a 2 ½ in. hose connection, 2 ½ in. to 1 ½ in. reducer, cap, and chain.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.40 (2026)
22.00.06.40LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, subsection 5.1.2, add:
(1)
Systems must be automatic wet type.
(2)
Standpipe systems in unheated areas must be automatic dry type.
(3)
Standpipe systems in detached open parking garages may be the manual dry type, if the piping is air supervised for breaks or open valves.
(4)
Occupant use hose is prohibited in new or existing buildings.
(5)
New standpipe systems must be Class I only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.41 (2026)
22.00.06.41LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, section 6.4 (Fire Department Connections), add:
(1)
Number of 2 ½ in. inlets:
System Demand (gpm) No. of Inlets
up to 749 2
750-999 3
1,000 and more 4
(2)
Multiple connections on the same building must be interconnected.
(3)
When a section of a building is fed by a connection (i.e., partial systems), permanent all-weather identification signs must be provided on connections.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.42 (2026)
22.00.06.42LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, paragraph 7.3.2.2, add:
(1)
Measurement must be parallel or at right angles to walls.
(2)
Supplemental hose valves outside the stairs must not be located within tenant spaces, unless hose reach requirements cannot be met by placement of valves in public corridors or by use of wall hydrants for spaces opening to the exterior. Hose valve locations must be marked by the placement of signs, the striping of columns, or other approved methods.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.43 (2026)
22.00.06.43LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 14, subsection 7.8.1, add exceptions:
Exception 1: In high-rise buildings, where booster pumps are necessary to produce the required residual pressures, pumps and piping systems must be sized to provide for the demand of the hydraulically most remote hose station, or the sprinkler system demand, whichever is greater. The standpipe system must also be sized to provide the required flow and pressure for all hose stations required to be flowing, when supplied by 150 psi at 1000 gpm at the fire department connection(s). Two sets of calculation will, therefore, be required under this exception.
Exception 2: Systems in buildings that are not high-rise, and dry systems with no automatic water supply, may be sized to obtain the required flows and pressures, when supplied by 150 psi at 1000 gpm at the fire department connection(s).
Exception 3: In existing buildings, after shell occupancy, hose valves added to correct reach violations created by tenant modifications may be supplied by 3 inch pipe without recalculation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.44 (2026)
22.00.06.44LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 20, paragraph 4.7.7.2, add: A relief valve is permitted to be installed to reduce operating pressure below 175 psi at high gradient.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.45 (2026)
22.00.06.45LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 20, subsection 14.2.3, add: Fire pump control equipment must be inspected and approved by a Montgomery County electrical inspector before a fire pump performance test is performed and witnessed by Montgomery County.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.46 (2026)
22.00.06.46LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 20, subsection 4.18.7 is amended entirely to state: For other than static water supplies, relief valves must not be piped back into the source of the supply.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.47 (2026)
22.00.06.47LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, subsection 10.4.3 is amended by adding paragraph 10.4.3.1
10.4.3.1 When fire alarm equipment is installed in a parking garage or other similar space, if the AHJ determines that the humidity or temperature of the space or both cannot be maintained, then the fire alarm equipment must be listed for outdoor use and the environment where it is installed.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.48 (2026)
22.00.06.48LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, subsection 10.18.3, add the following sentence: An annunciator with the following features is required when the building is greater than one story, has a sprinkler system, or has more than one type of alarm initiating device.
Exception 1: Apartments protected by a 13R sprinkler system.
Exception 2: Any building not exceeding two stories above grade and 3,000 square feet per floor.
(a)
Annunciator must have a visible signal for each different floor, zone, and device type. Supervised computer screen or printer type annunciators may be used to meet this requirement if the zone identification is approved by the Director or Director’s designees.
(b)
Unless approved by the authority having jurisdiction, zones must not exceed a single floor, 52,000 square feet, or 300 linear feet. Sprinkler systems are permitted to be zoned under the applicable sprinkler standard.
(c)
In zones greater than 22,500 square feet, a graphic outline on or adjacent to the annunciator must be provided showing the building outline, fire alarm and sprinkler zone boundaries, “you are here” notation, north compass arrow, all stairways, stairway identification numbers, sprinkler zones, all standpipe risers, fire department connections, elevators, and the building address.
(d)
A lamp type annunciator must have a lamp test switch unless the annunciator circuits are supervised.
(e)
The annunciator must be located at, and be visible from, the main fire department entrance unless the building has a fire command center.
(f)
If two or more buildings are controlled by one alarm system, an annunciator must be installed in each building with a pilot lamp indicating the building of alarm origination.
(g)
The graphic orientation must match the building orientation.
(h)
The graphic floor level designations must match the elevator floor level designations.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.49 (2026)
22.00.06.49LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, paragraph 14.4.10.3 to read as follows:
“Test procedures. The test plan must ensure testing throughout the building. Test procedures must be as directed by the design professional and the AHJ. Using the Montgomery County control channel, each floor must be RF (radio frequency) signal level mapped utilizing a calibrated, portable spectrum analyzer. Each floor must be divided into equal grids of no larger than 50 feet by 50 feet. Individual testing points must not be spaced greater than 50 feet apart. Each grid must meet the required signal strength level, and provide a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of not less than 3.5. (DAQ 3.5 is defined as ‘Speech understandable with repetition rarely required. Some noise/distortion.’) A maximum of two non-adjacent grids will be allowed to fail on the same floor. Failure of any two adjacent grids is considered a failure for the entire floor. Critical rooms, including, but not limited to, such areas as the fire command/control center, fire pump room, emergency generator room, stairwells with a standpipes, and other staging areas as identified by the AHJ, must not fail coverage at all.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.50 (2026)
22.00.06.50LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, paragraph 14.4.10.5 to read as follows:
“The design and acceptance testing of the in-building public safety radio enhancement system must be performed under the supervision of a Maryland registered professional engineer with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, installation, and alignment of bi-directional amplifier systems.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.51 (2026)
22.00.06.51LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, subsection 14.4.10 to add paragraph 14.4.10.7 to read as follows:
14.4.10.7 Maintenance. The building owner must maintain a service contract for emergency repair of the system. The service contract must be such that telephone support is available within 2 hours, and on-site maintenance service can be provided within 24 hours of recognition that the in-building public safety radio enhancement system is not operating correctly. A copy of the contract must be submitted to the AHJ at the time of acceptance testing. If the service contract is terminated, both the building owner and contractor must notify the AHJ within 24 hours.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.52 (2026)
22.00.06.52LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 17.7.1.7 is amended as follows: Detectors located at the top of shafts and stairs must be on a supervisory circuit only, unless a confirmation or verification feature is provided. The location must be identified at the annunciator or fire alarm control panel.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.53 (2026)
22.00.06.53LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 17.7.4.4, add: Activation of duct smoke detectors must sound an audible alarm in a normally occupied area or through the building fire alarm system, and must be identified as duct detector. Where connected to the building alarm, the signal must be supervisory only and must not initiate the building evacuation alarm unless a confirmation or verification feature is provided.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.54 (2026)
22.00.06.54LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, subsection 17.12.2, add: Standpipe or main water flow indicators, if provided, must sound a supervisory signal only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.55 (2026)
22.00.06.55LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, section 17.14, is amended by adding paragraph 17.14.8.7
17.14.8.7 When fire alarm systems are not monitored by a UL listed central station, an approved permanent sign must be installed adjacent to each manual fire alarm box. The sign must read as follows:
Local Alarm Only:
(1)
Activate Alarm
(2)
Exit Building
(3)
Call Fire Department
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.56 (2026)
22.00.06.56LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 24.5.1.15 is amended by changing “two” to “six”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.57 (2026)
22.00.06.57LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 24.5.2.2 is modified to read as follows:
“Radio Coverage. Radio coverage must be provided throughout the building such that a minimum of 95% of the building (including underground levels, basements, elevators, stairways, etc.) is covered at a minimum of 95% of the time.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.58 (2026)
22.00.06.58LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, add subparagraph 24.5.2.5.6 to read as follows:
“Where required by the AHJ, a two inch diameter conduit/conduit sleeves must be provided vertically from the roof level to the lowest level of the structure. This conduit will provide a vertical path for cable to all levels and should pass through the in-building public safety radio enhancement system equipment room. At a minimum, one 20-amp AC circuit and building ground must be located at the public safety radio enhancement system equipment and any outside antenna locations.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.06.59 (2026)
22.00.06.59LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 72, paragraph 29.8.3.4, add new paragraph (14):
(14)
Enclosed rooms with a closet such as dens, libraries, studies, or sitting rooms which could be used as a sleeping area must be treated as bedrooms.
COMCOR 22.00.07 Fire Safety Code - Building Construction
COMCOR 22.00.07 Fire Safety Code - Building ConstructionLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.01 (2026)
22.00.07.01LinkCopy Citation
In accordance with the procedures authorized in Chapter 22, “Fire Safety Code,” of the Montgomery County Code, as amended, this Executive Regulation applies to the safeguarding of life, property, and the public welfare from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the improper storage, handling, or use of substances, materials, or devices and from conditions hazardous to life, property, and the public welfare in the construction, alteration, use or occupancy of buildings, structures, sheds, tents, lots or premises. Where there are differences between this regulation and the Montgomery County Building Code, the more restrictive provision(s) will apply.
In this regulation the term “Director” means the Director of the Department of Permitting Services and includes the Director’s designees.
The Department of Permitting Services has the authority to enforce the requirements of the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code as it pertains to new and existing buildings, facilities, elements, structures, and conditions.
New buildings, new systems, or new conditions are subject to this regulation. Existing buildings, existing systems, or existing conditions which are altered are subject to this regulation to the extent required by the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code, and the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code. Unaltered existing buildings, existing systems, or existing conditions are not subject to this regulation where no inimical or distinct hazard exists.
This regulation amends and replaces Executive Regulation No. 8-16 and 7-16.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.02 (2026)
22.00.07.02LinkCopy Citation
Unless otherwise noted, all references to the National Fire Codes and Standards adopted in this regulation are to those codes, standards, recommended practices and manuals in the National Fire Codes, published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169. The references to these National Fire Codes and Standards are set forth in Section 22-14 of the Montgomery County Code, as amended.
Terms used in this regulation that are defined in the state-adopted consensus codes have the meanings used in the consensus code.
For the purpose of this regulation, the Director is the designated Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in NFPA 1.
In accordance with the procedures authorized in Chapter 22, “Fire Safety Code”, of the Montgomery County Code, as amended, this Executive Regulation also applies to the design, installation, alteration, and maintenance of fire protection systems in buildings or structures. Where there are differences between this regulation and Chapter 8 (Buildings – Regulations) of the Code of Montgomery County Regulations, the more restrictive provision(s) will apply. In this regulation the term “Fire Chief” means the Fire Chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and includes the Fire Chief’s designees. The Department of Permitting Services has been delegated authority by the Fire Chief to enforce the requirements of the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code as it pertains to new and existing buildings, facilities, elements, structures, and conditions.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.03 (2026)
22.00.07.03LinkCopy Citation
Where the Public Safety Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, or the Montgomery County Code requires a permit, license, or certificate of approval be obtained, it must be obtained from the Department of Permitting Services, the State Fire Marshal, or other authority deemed appropriate by the County. Terms used in this regulation which are defined in the state-adopted consensus codes have the definitions as contained in consensus codes. For the purposes of this regulation, the Director is the designated Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as defined by NFPA 1.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.04 (2026)
22.00.07.04LinkCopy Citation
Standards Adopted. The following standards published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169, are incorporated in these regulations except as expressly amended. These codes, and the associated codes and standards incorporated by reference, are adopted to set the minimum requirements to establish a reasonable level of safety from the hazards created by fire, explosion, and dangerous conditions. The references to these National Fire Codes and Standards are set forth in Section 22-14 of the Montgomery County Code, as amended. The dates or editions of the individual codes and standards are as listed in this section.
NFPA No. Code or Standard
1 Fire Code – 2021 edition
13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems – 2019 edition
13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes – 2019 edition
13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies – 2019 edition
14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems – 2019 edition
20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection – 2019 edition
72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – 2019 edition
80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives – 2019 edition
92 Standard for Smoke Control Systems – 2021 edition
96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations – 2021 edition
101 Life Safety Code – 2021 edition
720 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment – 2015 edition
850 Recommended Practice for Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants and High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations – 2021 edition
1221 Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communication Systems – 2019 edition
1225 Standard for Emergency Services Communications – 2022 edition
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.05 (2026)
22.00.07.05LinkCopy Citation
The Director must review this regulation and propose amendments within six months after the date the State Fire Prevention Commission adopts new amendments to NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 into the State Fire Prevention Code.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.06 (2026)
22.00.07.06LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 1.7.12.2 to add a second sentence “The AHJ is authorized to require plans to bear the stamp of a registered design professional.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.07 (2026)
22.00.07.07LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 1, Section 1.10.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.08 (2026)
22.00.07.08LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 1, Subsection 1.11.3.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.09 (2026)
22.00.07.09LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 1.12.1, to add the following Subsection 1.12.1.1:
1.12.1.1 Permits, certificates, notices, approvals or orders required by this code must be governed by the policies and procedures of the AHJ.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.10 (2026)
22.00.07.10LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 1.12.6.13 to replace “Permits shall” with “Permits may”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.11 (2026)
22.00.07.11LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 1.12.8 to replace “shall” with “may”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.12 (2026)
22.00.07.12LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 1.13.2 to delete “Mandatory.” and replace “shall” with “may”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.13 (2026)
22.00.07.13LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 1, Subsections 1.13.12.4 and 1.16.4.3.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.14 (2026)
22.00.07.14LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 2.1.1, 2.1.1.1, and 2.1.1.2 to replace “Compliance” with “Where permitted by the AHJ, compliance”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.15 (2026)
22.00.07.15LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 2.2 to delete the referenced publication NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code, 2021 edition. Wherever NFPA 5000 is referenced, other than for extracted text, substitute the building code adopted by the AHJ. Delete the referenced publication NFPA 150 Standard on Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities, 2019 edition.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.16 (2026)
22.00.07.16LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 3.3.14 to add the following Subsection:
3.3.14.13 Consumer Fireworks Retail Sales Area. The portion of a consumer fireworks retail sales facility or store, including the immediately adjacent aisles, where consumer fireworks are located for the purpose of retail display and sale to the public.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.17 (2026)
22.00.07.17LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections as follows:
(1)
3.3.108 to delete the wording and replace with the following: Existing. That which is already in existence greater than one calendar year after being approved, accepted, or commissioned by the authority having jurisdiction;
(2)
3.3.136 and Subsection 3.3.136.1 to add “and as referenced in Public Safety Article, § 10-101, Annotated Code of Maryland;
(3)
amend Subsection 3.3.199.6 to delete “more than 3 but”;
(4)
amend Subsections 3.3.199.7 and 6.1.4.1 to delete “four or more”;
(5)
amend Subsections 3.3.199.11, 3.3.199.16, 3.3.199.24, 3.3.199.28, 6.1.5.1, and 6.1.9.1 to replace “four” with “six”; and
(6)
amend Subsections 3.3.199.25, 3.3.199.25.1, and 6.1.8.1.1 to replace “three” with “five” and delete “, if any, accommodated in rented rooms”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.18 (2026)
22.00.07.18LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 4.5.8.1 to delete the phrase “for compliance with the provisions of this Code”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.19 (2026)
22.00.07.19LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 4.5.8.3 to delete the phrase “by the Code”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.20 (2026)
22.00.07.20LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.1.2 to add “except as amended by COMAR 29.06.01.07, COMAR 29.06.01.08, and COMAR 29.06.01.09”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.21 (2026)
22.00.07.21LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.2.7.1 to delete the existing wording and replace it with “Fire prevention inspections on existing premises may occur at a frequency as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Recommended minimum inspection frequencies are contained in Table 10.2.7.1.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.22 (2026)
22.00.07.22LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 10.4.1 and 10.4.2 to replace “AHJ” with “AHJ or incident commander”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.23 (2026)
22.00.07.23LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.10.6.1 to replace “10 ft (3 m)” with “20 ft (6.1 m)”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.24 (2026)
22.00.07.24LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.10.6.3 to add the following after the phrase “must be permitted.”: If the equipment is installed on any deck or overhanging portion, atop the roof, or within 20 ft (6.1 m) of a structure, it must also comply with all of the following:
(1)
the building must be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. A standpipe with a hose valve outlet at the level of the proposed feature area must be available;
(2)
the equipment cannot be installed beneath any overhanging portion of the building;
(3)
canopies, trellis, or similar coverings for weather protection must be at least four (4) ft above the cooking surface and constructed of non-combustible materials;
(4)
portable cooking equipment is not permitted;
(5)
cooking with solid fuels is not permitted;
(6)
any furnishings or installations within ten (10) ft of the equipment must be noncombustible, including the flooring or ground cover;
(7)
a manual shut-off must be installed in a readily accessible location within six (6) ft of the appliance. The shut-off will stop the supply of fuel, or in the case of an electrical appliance, disconnect the power supply, in case of an emergency;
(8)
the equipment must have a timer not to exceed one hour which will automatically shut off the equipment in accordance with item g.; and
(9)
the cooking surface cannot be located within ten (10) ft of a property line or any operable openings into a building.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.25 (2026)
22.00.07.25LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.11.1 as follows:
(1)
amend 10.11.1 to replace “address numbers” with “premises identification”;
(2)
add Subsection 10.11.1.1 that reads, “Subject to the approval of the AHJ, individual suites within structures and rear entrances and/or access from service corridors must be clearly identified;
(3)
amend Subsections 10.11.1.2, 10.11.1.6, 10.11.1.7 and 10.11.1.8 to replace “Address numbers” with “Premises identification”;
(4)
amend Subsection 10.11.1.4 to delete existing wording and replace with “Where required by the AHJ, the assignment of addresses to buildings must be in accordance with an approved method.”;
(5)
delete Subsection 10.11.1.5; and
(6)
add 10.11.1.9 that reads, “Where required by the AHJ, symbols in compliance with NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, must be used.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.26 (2026)
22.00.07.26LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection to replace “any vehicles” with “any vehicles, buildings.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.27 (2026)
22.00.07.27LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.15.5.1 to replace “Portable” with “Unless otherwise approved by the AHJ, portable”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.28 (2026)
22.00.07.28LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection A10.15.5.1 to add the following: For the purposes of reducing the distances between the operation and refueling of portable and vehicle-mounted generators and any building or enclosure opening, including windows, doors, and air intakes, one or more of the following conditions may be considered:
(1)
nature of the occupancy of the building or enclosure;
(2)
expected duration of generator use;
(3)
use of certified low CO emission generators;
(4)
actual available distance between the generator and building or enclosure openings;
(5)
installation of approved CO detection within the building or enclosure;
(6)
openness of building or enclosure perimeter walls and ceiling; or
(7)
physical barriers or other means to deflect generator exhaust from building or enclosure openings.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.29 (2026)
22.00.07.29LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 10.16 to add the following Subsection 10.16.6 as follows:
The AHJ has the authority to require that outdoor storage of any combustible material be enclosed by an approved fence or other protective enclosure to prevent unauthorized access.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.30 (2026)
22.00.07.30LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.16.1 to replace “10 ft (3 m)” with “15 ft (4.6 m)” and “property line” with “property line, building, or adjacent pile of combustible material”; and add the following: The AHJ may increase the separation distance where the AHJ determines that a higher hazard to the adjoining property exists.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.31 (2026)
22.00.07.31LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.16.5 to add the phrase “and 10,000 ft2 in area”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.32 (2026)
22.00.07.32LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 10.19.7 to replace “repaired” with “repaired on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.33 (2026)
22.00.07.33LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 11.1 to add the following Subsection:
11.1.9 Clearance. A clear space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height must be provided in front of electrical service equipment. Where the electrical service equipment is wider than 30 inches (762 mm), the clear space must not be less than the width of the equipment. No storage of any materials must be located within the designated clear space. Exception: Where other specialized dimensions are required or permitted by NFPA 70.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.34 (2026)
22.00.07.34LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.1.5.6 to delete existing wording and replace with the following: Extension cords cannot be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.35 (2026)
22.00.07.35LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, to add Subsections 11.1.7.2.1 and 11.1.7.2.2 to read:
11.1.7.2.1 In new buildings, excluding one- and two-family dwellings, a shunt trip to disconnect the electrical service to the building must be provided as follows:
(1)
in the emergency command center, where an emergency command center is in the building;
(2)
at the fire alarm annunciator, where there is a fire alarm annunciator and where there is no emergency command center; and
(3)
in an appropriately sized and weatherproof fire department access box on the address side of the building, where there is no emergency command center or fire alarm annunciator.
11.1.7.2.2 In existing buildings, excluding one- and two-family dwellings, where there are significant upgrades to the building electrical service, such as modifying or replacing the switchgear, a disconnecting means must be provided as for new installations.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.36 (2026)
22.00.07.36LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.1.7.3 to add the following Subsection:
11.1.7.3.2 Doors to electrical control panel rooms must be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording in contrasting letters not less than 1 inch (25 mm) high and not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in stroke width.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.37 (2026)
22.00.07.37LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.3.6.1 to add the following sentence: Keys for new elevators must be cut to a uniform key code to comply with the Maryland State Elevator Code.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.38 (2026)
22.00.07.38LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.9.1 to replace “approved by the fire department” with “approved by the AHJ”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.39 (2026)
22.00.07.39LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.9.1 to add the following Subsections:
11.9.1.1 In new installations, the emergency command center must have a door directly to the exterior of the building on the address side. The exterior door to the emergency command center must be within 50 feet, measured along the path of travel, of a fire department access road. A fire department access box must be provided within six (6) feet of the door to the emergency command center.
11.9.1.2 The exterior door to the emergency command center must have an all-weather sign with raised letters on a contrasting background, not less than 1 inch in size reading: EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTER.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.40 (2026)
22.00.07.40LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.9.5(8) to read as follows:
(8)
Fire pump status indicators and remote starting.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.41 (2026)
22.00.07.41LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.10.11.1 to replace “conducted as follows:” with “conducted as follows unless otherwise directed by the AHJ:”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.42 (2026)
22.00.07.42LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.12.1 to add the following Subsection:
11.12.1.1 The provisions of this section do not apply to detached parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.43 (2026)
22.00.07.43LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 11.12.2.1.1 to replace the word “Buildings” with the phrase “New and existing buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.44 (2026)
22.00.07.44LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, to add Subsection 11.12.3.3.3.1 that reads as follows: Where approved by the Director, a performance-based, alternative method of compliance may be permitted in accordance with NFPA 1, Section 1.4.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.45 (2026)
22.00.07.45LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 12.6.9.1 to add the following new Subsection:
12.6.9.1.2 The AHJ must:
(1)
approve the placement of a natural cut or balled tree;
(2)
limit the number of natural cut or balled trees displayed; and
(3)
order the removal of any tree if the tree poses a hazard to life or safety.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.46 (2026)
22.00.07.46LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 12.6.9.1.1 to replace “Christmas” with “Unless otherwise approved by the AHJ, Christmas”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.47 (2026)
22.00.07.47LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 12.6.9.5 to add the following Subsection:
12.6.9.5.3 Combustible artificial decorative vegetation must be tested by a laboratory recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.48 (2026)
22.00.07.48LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 12.6.9.6.1 to replace “1/2 in. (13 mm)” with “2 in. (50 mm)” and add the following sentence: “A natural cut tree must not exceed 10 ft. (3 m) in height, excluding the tree stand.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.49 (2026)
22.00.07.49LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 13.1 to add the following Subsection:
13.1.14 Appearance of Equipment. The AHJ is permitted to prohibit any device that has the physical appearance of a life safety or fire protection function but does not perform that life safety or fire protection function.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.50 (2026)
22.00.07.50LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.1.3.1 to replace “by Chapters 11 through 43” with “by the AHJ or Chapters 11 through 43”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.51 (2026)
22.00.07.51LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.1.3.2 to replace “by 9.3.5” with “by the AHJ or 9.3.5”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.52 (2026)
22.00.07.52LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.2.1 by adding the following Subsection:
13.2.1.3 On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, an approved sign must be mounted at the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign must have the letters “FDC” not less than six (6) inches high and words in letters not less than two (2) inches high or an arrow to indicate the location of the connection. Approved existing signs are permitted to remain in place.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.53 (2026)
22.00.07.53LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.2.2.2 to add new item (6) that reads:
Where the building code adopted by Montgomery County requires a Class III system, a Class I system is permitted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.54 (2026)
22.00.07.54LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.3.1.2 to add the following Subsection:
13.3.1.2.1 For new ceiling installations, drop-out ceilings as referenced in NFPA 13, Subsections 9.2.16 and 9.3.11 are prohibited.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.55 (2026)
22.00.07.55LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.3.1.8.2.1 to read: “Where supervised automatic sprinkler protection is required by another section of this Code, waterflow alarms must be automatically transmitted to a listed central station.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.56 (2026)
22.00.07.56LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.3.2.26.5 to delete existing wording and replace with the following: An automatic sprinkler system must be installed throughout all mini-storage building fire areas greater than 2500 ft2 (232 m2) and where any of the individual storage units are separated by less than a 1-hour fire resistance-rated barrier. Fire areas are defined by approved fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.57 (2026)
22.00.07.57LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 13.3.3.1 and 13.3.3.2 to delete the phrase “installed in accordance with this Code.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.58 (2026)
22.00.07.58LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.4.1 to add the following Subsection:
13.4.1.1.1 A fire pump component, including the pump, driver, or controller, must be permitted to be installed in below-ground vaults or pits unless otherwise approved by the AHJ.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.59 (2026)
22.00.07.59LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.6.1.2 to add the phrase “, unless otherwise permitted by the AHJ.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.60 (2026)
22.00.07.60LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 13.6.4.1.2.1 and 13.6.4.1.2.3 to replace “certified” with “certified or licensed as required by the AHJ”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.61 (2026)
22.00.07.61LinkCopy Citation
Delete Subsections 13.6.4.1.2.1.1,, 13.6.4.1.2.1.4, and 13.6.4.1.2.1.5.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.62 (2026)
22.00.07.62LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.7.6 as follows:
(1)
Add the following sentence to the end of the section: “This Subsection does not permit the omission of manual fire alarm boxes in accordance with other provisions of this Subsection unless specifically permitted by Chapters 11 through 43.”
(2)
Add two new Subsections as follows:
13.7.1.7.6.1 Zoned fire alarm systems must have manual pull stations located at the entrance to each exit enclosure and at the main exit.
13.7.1.7.6.2 When a fire alarm system is required in a multiple tenant building, for each tenant exiting directly to the exterior of the building, a manual pull station and approved occupant notification must be located at each required or marked exit.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.63 (2026)
22.00.07.63LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.7.9 to add the following sentence: “In environments not suitable for smoke detectors, alternate means of detection must be provided and must comply with NFPA 72 Section 10.3 (2019 edition).”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.64 (2026)
22.00.07.64LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.9.2.1, delete the phrase “lobby,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.65 (2026)
22.00.07.65LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.9.4 by deleting the wording after “without delay” and replacing it with: to a listed central station in accordance with 13.7.1.10.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.66 (2026)
22.00.07.66LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.9.8 by adding a second sentence to read: “Required audibility must be met with all intervening doors (between any space and the audible devices) closed.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.67 (2026)
22.00.07.67LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.9.10 as follows:
(1)
amend 13.7.1.9.10, 13.7.1.9.10.1, and 13.7.1.9.10.2 to delete the word “live”;
(2)
amend Subsection 13.7.1.9.10.2(1), delete the phrase, “, either live or recorded,”; and
(3)
where voice type occupant notification is used, automatic pre-recorded messages must be used complying with Section 13.7. Live voice as the sole notification method is prohibited – except that previously “approved” live voice systems are permitted to remain.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.68 (2026)
22.00.07.68LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.10.2 by deleting the list of four items and replace the phrase “via any of the following means acceptable to the AHJ” with “by a listed central station fire alarm system”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.69 (2026)
22.00.07.69LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 1, Subsections 13.7.1.10.3, 13.7.1.13.9.4, 13.7.1.13.9.5, 13.7.2.1.4.2(3), 13.7.2.3.4.2(5), 13.7.2.13.2.3(3), 13.7.2.14.6.3(3), 13.7.2.15.6.3(3), 13.7.2.16.6.3(3), 13.7.2.17.6.3(3), 13.7.2.18.5.4, 13.7.2.19.4.3(3), and 13.7.2.20.9.3(3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.70 (2026)
22.00.07.70LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.1.11.2(3) by adding the following sentence: “Manual fire alarm initiation must not activate floor or zone-dependent smoke control systems.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.71 (2026)
22.00.07.71LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 13.7.2.3.1.2 and 13.7.2.4.1.2 to add Subsections 13.7.2.3.1.2.1 and 13.7.2.4.1.2.1 that reads: For the purposes of this Section, each industrialized building, which is an independently certified unit serving as a portable or temporary classroom, must be considered a single building regardless of the number of units in the cluster sharing an egress system.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.72 (2026)
22.00.07.72LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 13.7.2.5.5 and 13.7.2.6.5 to add the following exception:
Exception: Day-care occupancies located in school facilities where enrollment is limited to children capable of self-preservation, where no sleeping facilities are provided, and the school is provided with approved full automatic sprinkler protection.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.73 (2026)
22.00.07.73LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.2.5.6.4 to add the following: For compliance with NFPA 101, Subsection 43.7.2.1(2), approved battery-powered smoke alarms, rather than house electrical service-powered smoke alarms must be permitted where the facility has testing, maintenance, and smoke alarm replacement programs that ensure reliability of power to the smoke alarms.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.74 (2026)
22.00.07.74LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.2.6.6.5 to delete “existing” and replace “battery” with “smoke alarm”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.75 (2026)
22.00.07.75LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.2.13.1.3 to add at the end of the sentence: “...only if the existing smoke alarms comply with Public Safety Article § 9-109, Annotated Code of Maryland.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.76 (2026)
22.00.07.76LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections and 13.7.2.22.7.1 by adding at the end of the sentence, “...and have secondary battery back-up power.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.77 (2026)
22.00.07.77LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.2.22.8.1 to delete “13.7.2.22.8.2 and”. Delete Subsection 13.7.2.22.8.2.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.78 (2026)
22.00.07.78LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 13.7.2.23.1 and 13.7.2.24.1 to delete the existing wording and replace as follows: Class A mercantile occupancies and multiple story Class B mercantile occupancies must have a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 13.7 and NFPA 101.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.79 (2026)
22.00.07.79LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 13.7.2.28.1.2 and Section 13.7.2.28.1.3 to replace “Storage occupancies” with “Storage occupancies less than three stories”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.80 (2026)
22.00.07.80LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 13.7.2.29.3.1 by adding a new Subsection 13.7.2.29.3.1.1 as follows:
13.7.2.29.2.1.1 In buildings having an approved staged evacuation plan, the voice fire alarm communication system must send approved information and direction in a pre-recorded message. In high-rise buildings, the message must be provided to at least the floor where the alarm originated, to the floor immediately below, and to the floor immediately above. Any subsequent alarm(s) on other than the initial fire floor must initiate the voice fire alarm as described above. The voice fire alarm must be designed to be heard clearly by all occupants within the designated portions thereof as required by NFPA 101, Section 9.6, but it must not sound automatically in elevator cars and enclosed exit stairways. Communicating levels must be considered one floor/fire area for the audible and visual fire alarm signals.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.81 (2026)
22.00.07.81LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 14.5.2.7 item (2) to add subitem “(d)”, and Subsection 14.5.2.7.1 to add item “(7)” that reads as follows: “All stairway doors must unlock simultaneously, without unlatching, upon a signal from the emergency command center, if one is present.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.82 (2026)
22.00.07.82LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection to add an item (6), to read:
(6)
Entry levels must provide free access to an approved second exit. These levels must be designated in “core/shell” building permit drawings with future tenant layouts arranged accordingly.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.83 (2026)
22.00.07.83LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Table 14.8.1.2 to add the following:
Use | | (ft 2 per person) | (m 2 per person)
Assembly Use | Tennis court (area of play) | 50 net | 15.24 net
Assembly Use | Bars g | 18 linear in./person | 455 linear mm/person
Business Use | Core/shell | 65 (gross) | 6 (gross)
g : Measured at the patron side of the bar
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.84 (2026)
22.00.07.84LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 14.13.1.2 to replace the word “only” in the first sentence with “, but not be limited to,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.85 (2026)
22.00.07.85LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 14.14.8.3.1 to add: If the sign is on the door, then the door must be equipped with an approved self-closing device.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.86 (2026)
22.00.07.86LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 18.1 to add the following Subsections:
18.1.1.3 Alternative Application. The alternative application of performance-based design, as specified in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1, Fire Code, may be used to achieve compliance with any fire department apparatus access requirement. Performance-based design is intended to address a construction method or practice that cannot be effectively addressed by prescriptive code. An appropriate, alternative design which provides an equivalent level of safety or protection must be proposed. Use of performance-based design is at the discretion of the design professional and is subject to approval by the Director. It is the intent of this Subsection to be administered in a manner consistent with The Fire Department Access Guidelines Document, Chapter 49, Streets and Roads, of the Montgomery County Code, and its executive regulations.
18.1.1.4 Definitions. For the purposes of fire department access and water supply, the following definitions apply:
(1)
Fire Department Apparatus Access. Any required public, private, or access roads, driveways, parking lots, shoulders, and buffers, whose use is required to allow access and operational setup for firefighting and rescue apparatus. Not all roadways are required for fire department apparatus access. The Director may require, and must approve, all suitable gates, access boxes, and fire lanes to ensure adequate fire department apparatus access.
(2)
One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and attached single-family dwellings (townhomes) not more than three stories in height, with no dwellings superimposed over the dwelling or portion thereof, and having no window opening or visual wall treatments that resemble a window opening, greater than 27 feet above adjoining grade measured to the bottom of the opening, with a separate, independent means of egress.
(3)
Commercial Residential: Any apartment building as defined by NFPA 101, and any townhouse greater than three stories in height, having a window opening with an exterior height greater than 27 feet above adjoining grade measured to the bottom of the opening, or having a dwelling superimposed over another dwelling or portion thereof, will need to meet “commercial” requirements with regard to fire department access requirements.
(4)
Operating Bay. Clear and unobstructed fire department apparatus load bearing surface along fire department apparatus access that increases operating width to a minimum of 26 feet wide. It may be defined by bollards and accessed via 3-inch mountable curb. The minimum length of an operating bay is 50 feet.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.87 (2026)
22.00.07.87LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, to add new Subsection 18.1.3.1.1 that reads: A fire department apparatus access plan may be required as part of any development or re-development plan.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.88 (2026)
22.00.07.88LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.1.3.2 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: Existing and proposed fire hydrant locations in accordance with 18.5 must be indicated on the fire department access plan for review and approval by the AHJ.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.89 (2026)
22.00.07.89LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.2.1, to add two new Subsections as follows:
18.2.2.1.1 All occupancies other than one- and two-family dwellings must have an approved access box.
Exception 1: The requirement for an access box does not apply when the occupancy provides 24-hour on-site staffing with access to all areas in the building or complex. At least one person is required to staff a fixed location proximate to the main building or complex entrance to provide immediate access for the fire department.
Exception 2: For multiple occupancies located within a single structure, a single access box is permitted with approval of the AHJ.
Exception 3: For multiple structures within a residential building complex, a single access box is permitted with approval of the AHJ.
18.2.2.1.2 The size, contents, and location of the access box must be determined by the AHJ in cooperation with the occupancy owner or management.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.90 (2026)
22.00.07.90LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.2.1 to replace the phrase “exterior door” with “exterior door acceptable to the AHJ” and add the following sentence: “In new installations, not less than one exit stair which serves all stories of the building must be accessible by an internal corridor from the main entrance of the building or fire department response location.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.91 (2026)
22.00.07.91LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.2.2 to add the following sentence at the end of the Subsection: “The exterior route around the building(s), including townhomes of any height in clusters of four (4) or more, must be at least 15 feet of unobstructed, walkable grade unless otherwise approved by the Director.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.92 (2026)
22.00.07.92LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.4.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.93 (2026)
22.00.07.93LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.5.1.1 to add the following sentence and Subsections:
Unobstructed width may include multiple features of the cross-section, such as travel lanes, bike lanes, and load-bearing shoulders provided the width is continuous and no obstructive features intervene in the cross-section. Obstructive features include, but are not limited to, parking lanes, green space, and non-mountable curbs.
(1)
On-street parking is permitted on one side if the fire department apparatus access is at least 28 feet wide.
(2)
On-street parking is permitted on both sides if the fire department apparatus access is at least 36 feet wide.
(3)
Fire department apparatus access serving only one- and two-family dwellings may be 26 feet wide and allow parking on one side, if there are 50-foot long operating bays at 300-foot intervals.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.94 (2026)
22.00.07.94LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.5.2 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: Fire apparatus access roads must be provided with an all-weather surface and designed to support imposed loading requirements of the largest MCFRS fire apparatus. Elevated decks designated as “fire department apparatus access” must have an all-weather surface and be load-bearing up to 75 pounds per square inch, as specified in the 2016 NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, Section 19.21, or as approved by the Director.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.95 (2026)
22.00.07.95LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.5.3.1 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: The minimum interior turning radius for a fire department apparatus access roadway is 25 feet. The minimum exterior turning radius for a fire department apparatus access roadway is 50 feet. This is only required at turning points on fire department apparatus access routes.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.96 (2026)
22.00.07.96LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.2.3.5.4 to add the following at the end of the sentence: A cul-de-sac at the closed end must be at least 90 feet in diameter, and a “T-turnaround” must have each leg of the tee at least 60 feet long and 20 feet wide.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.97 (2026)
22.00.07.97LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.3.1.1 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: “In non-municipally supplied areas, static water sources must comply with the 2017 edition of NFPA 1142, Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Firefighting. Existing roads providing a means of access to a required water supply must comply with the minimum criteria set forth in Section 7.5 of the 2017 edition of NFPA 1142. The minimum water supply must be available and accessible prior to any new construction.
(1)
If an acceptable water supply does not exist at the time of subdivision of any new residential development or redevelopment, comprised of more than one one- or two-family dwellings, with fire department access roads for the development having aggregate travel distance of 2200 feet or more, adequate fire department water supply must be provided.
(2)
If an acceptable water supply does not exist on-site and within 1,000 feet of the structure(s) for any new commercial development or redevelopment, the applicant must install a new, or upgrade an existing, on-site water supply that is acceptable to the Director.
a. A dry hydrant, in accordance with Chapter 8 of NFPA 1142, must be located along an approved fire apparatus access road in accordance with Section 18.5.
b. The approved water supply must comply with NFPA 1, Section 18.4.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.98 (2026)
22.00.07.98LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.5.1 to add “and existing” after the words “all new” and before the word “building,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.99 (2026)
22.00.07.99LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.5.1.6 to replace “12 ft (3.7 m)” with “7 ft (2.1 m)”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.100 (2026)
22.00.07.100LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.5.2, items (1) and (2) to replace “600 ft. (183 m)” and “800 ft (244 m)”, with “400 ft (122 m)” and “500 ft (152 m)”, respectively.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.101 (2026)
22.00.07.101LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 18.5.4.2 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: For new and existing structures, the hydrant closest to the property must be capable of delivering a minimum flow of 1,000 gallons-per-minute with 20 psi residual pressure calculated at the non-flowing hydrant. The next closest hydrant must be capable of flowing a minimum of 500 gallons-per-minute at the same time.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.102 (2026)
22.00.07.102LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 20.2.4.2.3 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following:
Fire emergency egress drills must be conducted as follows:
(1)
not less than one fire emergency egress drill must be conducted every month the facility is in session, unless the following criteria are met:
(a)
in climates where the weather is severe, the monthly fire emergency egress drills are permitted to be deferred; and
(b)
in educational occupancies which are:
(i)
fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the total number of annual fire emergency egress drills will be five (5), with at least two (2) of the required drills must be conducted in the first four (4) months of the school year; or
(ii)
not fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the total number of annual fire emergency egress drills must be eight (8) with at least three (3) of the required drills conducted in the first four (4) months of the school year;
(2)
all occupants of the building must participate in the fire emergency egress drill; and
(3)
one (1) fire emergency egress drill, other than for educational occupancies that are open on a year-round basis, must be required within the first 30 days of operation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.103 (2026)
22.00.07.103LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsections 20.3.4.1.1 and 20.3.4.1.2 to delete the phrase “more than 3, but” and the “,” after “12”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.104 (2026)
22.00.07.104LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 20.3.4.1.6 to delete the wording after “where operating” and replace with the following: “a day-care in which eight or less clients receive care, maintenance, or supervision while services are being held in the building.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.105 (2026)
22.00.07.105LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 20.3.4.2.2.2(3) to replace the word “building” with “day-care”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.106 (2026)
22.00.07.106LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, to add new Subsection 20.16.1.3 that reads as follows: “In new buildings, where the aggregate gross floor area exceeds 100,000 square feet, or where the floor of an occupiable story is greater than 75 ft (23 m) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, an emergency command center, in accordance with Section 11.9, is required. Exception: Buildings or structures used exclusively for open-air parking.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.107 (2026)
22.00.07.107LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 25.2.2.1 to add the phrase “or other approved testing standard approved by the State Fire Marshal”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.108 (2026)
22.00.07.108LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 26.1.5 to add the following Subsections:
26.1.5.2 When requested by the AHJ, a hazard assessment must be conducted by a technically qualified person acceptable to the AHJ.
26.1.5.3 When requested by the AHJ, a list of hazardous materials used in each laboratory must be provided. The list must specify the chemical name, quantity and hazard class.
26.1.5.4 New laboratories or laboratories where the NFPA 45 laboratory hazard classification changes must post an information placard near the main entrance to the laboratory. The placard must state the building name or address, room number, NFPA 45 laboratory hazard classification, edition of NFPA 45, maximum allowable quantities of flammable liquids both inside a storage cabinet and open use, and maximum quantities of flammable gases permitted within the laboratory.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.109 (2026)
22.00.07.109LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 31.3.6.2.2 to add the following item:
(9)
Piles containing leaves and other extraneous or hogged material, such as whole tree chip piles, must be turned or reclaimed at least every 3 months.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.110 (2026)
22.00.07.110LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 31.3.6.3.2 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following:
Piles may not exceed 20 feet in height, 50 feet in width, and 350 feet in length.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.111 (2026)
22.00.07.111LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 34.1.3 to replace “An approved storage” with “Where required by the AHJ, an approved storage”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.112 (2026)
22.00.07.112LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 1, Chapter 35, Animal Housing Facilities.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.113 (2026)
22.00.07.113LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 38.6.1.6.1.4 to replace “or approved” with “or certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.114 (2026)
22.00.07.114LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 42.7.5 to add the following Subsections:
42.7.5.7 Management/owners officials or employees must conduct daily site visits to ensure that all equipment is operating properly.
42.7.5.8 Regular equipment inspection and maintenance at the unattended self- service facility must be conducted.
42.7.5.9 Fuel dispensing equipment must comply with one of the following:
(1)
The amount of fuel being dispensed is limited in quantity by preprogrammed card; or
(2)
Dispensing devices must be programmed or set to limit uninterrupted fuel delivery of not more than 25 gallons and must require a manual action to resume continued delivery.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.115 (2026)
22.00.07.115LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 42.7.5.5 to add the following:
The following information must be conspicuously posted in this area:
(1)
the exact address of the unattended self-service facility; and
(2)
the telephone number of the owner or operator of the unattended self- service facility.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.116 (2026)
22.00.07.116LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 50.8.1 to add the following Subsections:
50.8.1.7 Commercial Outdoor Cooking Operations. These requirements apply to commercial outdoor cooking operations such as those that typically take place under a canopy or tent-type structure at fairs, festivals and carnivals. This includes, but is not limited to, deep frying, sauteing, and grilling operations.
50.8.1.7.1 Tent and Canopy Requirements.
50.8.1.7.1.1 Tents or canopies where cooking equipment not protected in accordance with NFPA 96 are not permitted unless otherwise approved by the AHJ.
50.8.1.7.1.2 All tent and canopy material must comply with flame resistance requirements of Section 25.2.2.
50.8.1.7.2 LP Gas Fuel Requirements.
50.8.1.7.2.1 LP gas tank size is limited to 60 pounds. The total amount of LP gas on site must not exceed 60 pounds for each appliance that is rated not more than 80,000 btu/hr and 120 pounds for each appliance rated more than 80,000 btu/hr.
50.8.1.7.2.2 Tanks must be maintained in good physical condition and must have a valid hydrostatic date stamp.
50.8.1.7.2.3 Tanks must be secured in their upright position with a chain, strap, or other approved method that prevents the tank from tipping over.
50.8.1.7.2.4 Tanks must be located so that they are not accessible to the public. LP gas tanks must be located at least 5 feet from any cooking or heating equipment or any open flame device.
50.8.1.7.2.5 All LP gas equipment must be properly maintained and comply with the requirements of NFPA 58.
50.8.1.7.2.6 Regulators. Single-stage regulators must not supply equipment that is rated more than 100,000 btu/hr rating. Two-stage regulators must be used with equipment that is rated more than 100,000 btu/hr.
50.8.1.7.3 General Safety Requirements.
50.8.1.7.3.1 All electrical cords must be maintained in a safe condition and must be secured to prevent damage.
50.8.1.7.3.2 Moveable cooking equipment must have wheels removed or must be placed on blocks or otherwise secured to prevent movement of the appliance during operation.
50.8.1.7.3.3 Portable fire extinguishers must be provided in accordance with NFPA 1, Section 13.6, and must be specifically listed for such use.
50.8.1.8 There must be no obstructions or impediments to immediate escape from vehicles or other mobile units used for cooking operations.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.117 (2026)
22.00.07.117LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Subsection 50.8.7.4.4 to replace “not be transported or stored inside the vehicle” with “be secured in an upright position during transport and storage”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.118 (2026)
22.00.07.118LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, 52.1.1 to add the following to the end of the sentence: “and NFPA 855.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.119 (2026)
22.00.07.119LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Chapter 52, to add the following Section and Subsections:
52.10 ELECTRICAL VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATIONS.
52.10.1 General. The provisions of this Section apply to installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Exception: EV charging station(s) in Group R-4 occupancies must comply with Section 52.10.11.
52.10.2 Construction documents. The following information must be provided with the permit application:
(1)
location and layout diagram of the room or area in which the EV charging station is to be installed;
(2)
the quantities and types of EV charging station(s) to be installed;
(3)
manufacturer’s specifications, ratings and listings of each EV charging station;
(4)
description of energy (battery) management systems and their operation;
(5)
location and content of required signage;
(6)
details on fire suppression of the EV charging station, including but not limited to, smoke or fire detection, thermal management, ventilation, exhaust and deflagration venting systems, if provided; and
(7)
support arrangement associated with the installation, including any required seismic restraint.
52.10.3 Installation and listing. Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations must be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging station equipment must be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment must be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594.
52.10.3.1 Electrical disconnects. Where the EV charging station disconnecting means is not within sight of the main electrical service disconnecting means, placards or directories must be installed at the location of the main electrical service disconnecting means indicating the location of EV charging station(s) disconnecting means in accordance with NFPA 70.
52.10.3.2 Vehicle impact protection. Where EV charging station are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, impact protection must be provided.
52.10.4 Location.
52.10.5 Fire detection. An approved automatic smoke detection system or radiant energy-sensing fire detection system must be installed in the EV charging station area where located in enclosed parking garages. An approved radiant energy-sensing fire detection system must be installed to protect open parking garage and rooftop installations. Alarm signals from detection systems must be transmitted to a central station in accordance with NFPA 72.
52.10.5.1 System status. Visible annunciation must be provided on cabinet exteriors or in other approved locations to indicate that potentially hazardous conditions associated with the EV charging station are present.
52.10.5.3 Elevation. EV charging station cannot be located in the following areas:
(1)
where the floor is located more than 75 feet (22,860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access;
(2)
where the floor is located more than one level below the lowest level of exit discharge;
52.10.6 Fire suppression systems: Enclosed parking garages containing EV charging stations mut be protected by an automatic sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with the following:
(1)
an automatic sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 with a minimum density of 0.3 gpm/ft2 91.14 L/min) based on the fire area or 2,500 square-foot (232 m2) design area, whichever is smaller.
52.10.7 Reserved.
52.10.8 Exhaust ventilation. Where installed in enclosed parking garages, exhaust ventilation of areas and containing EV charging stations must be provided in accordance with the International Mechanical Code and Section 52.10.8.1 or 52.10.8.2.
52.10.8.1. Ventilation based on LFL. The exhaust ventilation system must be designed to limit the maximum concentration of flammable gas to 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL) of the total volume of the room, area or walk-in unit during the worst-case event of simultaneous charging of batteries at the maximum charge rate, in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
52.10.8.2 Ventilation based on exhaust rate. Mechanical exhaust ventilation must be provided at a rate of not less than 1 ft3/min/ft2 (5.1 L/sec/m2) of floor
area of the room, aera or walk-in unit. The ventilation must be either continuous or shall be activated by a gas detection system in accordance with Section 432.6.1.2.4.
52.10.8.2.1 Standby power. Mechanical exhaust ventilation must be provided with a minimum of 2 hours of standby power in accordance with NFPA 1, Section 11.7.4.
52.10.8.2.2 Installation instructions. Required mechanical exhaust ventilation systems must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the International Mechanical Code.
52.10.8.2.3 Supervision. Required mechanical exhaust ventilation systems must be supervised in accordance with NFPA 72 or initiate an audible and visible signal at an approved constantly attending on-site location.
52.10.9 Separation. The EV charging station must be separated from doors, windows, operable openings into buildings or HVAC inlets by at least 10 feet (1,524 mm).
52.10.9.1 Means of egress separation from EV charging station. EV charging stations located outdoors and in open parking garages must be separated from any exit or exit component as required by the AHJ to ensure safe egress from the EV charging station under fire conditions, but in no case can an EV charging station be separated by less than 10 feet (3,048 mm). EV charging stations located in enclosed parking structures must be located no less than 25 feet from any exit door.
52.10.10 Special installations. Rooftop and open parking garage EV charging station installments must comply with this section.
(1)
A Class 1 standpipe outlet must be installed at an approved location on the roof level of the building or in the stairway at the top level.
(2)
The EV charging station must be the minimum of 10 feet (3,048 mm) from the fire service access point on the rooftop.
52.10.11 Spill control and neutralization. Areas containing free-flowing liquid electrolyte or hazardous materials must be provided with spill control and neutralization in accordance with this section.
52.10.11.1 Spill control. Spill control must be provided to prevent the low of liquid electrolyte or hazardous materials to adjoining rooms or areas.
52.10.11.2 Neutralization. An approved method that is capable of neutralizing spilled liquid electrolyte from the largest battery or vessel to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0 must be provided.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.120 (2026)
22.00.07.120LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Section 65.1 to add the following Subsections:
65.1.3 Blasting Operations General Requirements.
65.1.3.1 Notifications. Written notification by e-mail or facsimile must be provided to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad at least 24 hours prior to each blast. The name of the company or contractor performing the blasting and the location, date, and approximate time must be identified. The geographical coordinates (longitude and latitude) must be provided.
65.1.3.2 Complaints. If requested by a property owner registering a complaint and considered necessary by the State Fire Marshal, measurements on three consecutive blasts, using approved instrumentation, must be made near to the structure in question.
65.1.3.3 Special Precautions. When blasting operations, other than those conducted at a fixed site such as a quarry, are to be conducted within 200 feet of a pipeline or high voltage transmission line, the contractor must take additional precautionary measures and must notify the owner of the line, or the owner’s agent, that blasting operations are intended. Approval documents from the utility purveyor must be provided to DPS for review prior to issuance of the blasting permit.
65.1.3.4 Reports. Blasting reports must be provided to the Montgomery County Fire Code Compliance section within one (1) business day of blasting instances. The reports must contain information as noted in Subsection 10.4.4.3 of NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code, 2018 edition.
65.1.3.5 Sale and Use of Heaters and Stoves.
65.1.3.5.1 Gasoline Stoves. The sale or use of gasoline stoves or other similar fuel-burning cooking or heating appliances using Class I flammable liquids as defined in NFPA 1 Fire Code (2021 edition) and NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (2021 edition) is prohibited unless the appliance has been tested and listed by a testing laboratory accepted by the State Fire Marshal. The appliance must be installed, operated, and maintained in a safe manner in accordance with the prescribed recommendation of the manufacturer and the conditions stated in the listing by the respective testing laboratory.
65.1.3.5.2 Unvented Portable Kerosene-Fired Heaters.
(1)
The sale or use of unvented portable kerosene-fired heaters is permitted only if the heater or appliance meets the U.L. Subject 647 and bears the label of a testing laboratory accepted by the State Fire Marshal.
(2)
The heaters must only be used as permitted under Commercial Law Article, § 14-1310, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(3)
Each heater must contain a warning label stating: “This device must not be operated while unattended”. In addition, the heater must contain the manufacturer’s warning label required by Commercial Law Article, § 14-1310, Annotated Code of Maryland.
22.00.07.121
Delete NFPA 13, Subsection 8.2.3.6.1.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.122 (2026)
22.00.07.122LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 8.2.5, and add the following Subsection 8.2.5.1.1: Dry pipe systems may only be installed where heat is not adequate to prevent freezing.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.123 (2026)
22.00.07.123LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, add new Subsection 9.2.3.6 that reads as follows:
9.2.3.6 Sprinklers are required under attached balconies or porches unless at least 50 percent of the longest exterior side is open to the atmosphere.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.124 (2026)
22.00.07.124LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, to add Subsection 9.4.2.1.1, that reads as follows: In dwelling units, ordinary temperature rated sprinklers must be used.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.125 (2026)
22.00.07.125LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 9.4.2.4, to add the following: Immediate temperature sprinkler heads can only be installed in a high temperature area if an acceptable layout cannot be achieved with an ordinary temperature sprinkler head.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.126 (2026)
22.00.07.126LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Section 12.1 as follows: Listed residential sprinkler heads must be used in dwelling units and must be selected for use and installation as indicated in this Chapter and be positioned and spaced in accordance with Section 9.5.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.127 (2026)
22.00.07.127LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, adding Subsection 11.1.1 that reads as follows: Extended coverage sprinklers are not permitted in speculative business and mercantile occupancies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.128 (2026)
22.00.07.128LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, adding Subsection 9.2.1.19.6 that reads as follows: Any canopy with the potential for extended vehicle standing or parking below must have sprinkler protection on the underside of the canopy.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.129 (2026)
22.00.07.129LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 9.2.1.7 that reads as follows: Combustible spaces filled with a listed non-combustible insulation do not require sprinkler protection and an additional insulation inspection is required prior to concealment.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.130 (2026)
22.00.07.130LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 9.2.4.2 to add new Subsection 9.2.4.2.1 that reads as follows:
9.2.4.2.1 When sprinklers are required, sprinklers must not be installed directly above shelving.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.131 (2026)
22.00.07.131LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 9.3.11.1 to delete the wording and replace with the following: For new ceiling installations, drop-out ceilings are prohibited.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.132 (2026)
22.00.07.132LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsections 16.9.3.1.1 and 16.11.2.1 to add: When a sprinkler system serves more than one level, each level must be consistently and separately valved by a listed and approved control valve. In addition, where a sprinkler system is required to activate a building fire alarm system, the sprinkler system must have a separate and distinct water flow detecting device for each floor and zone.
Exception 1: In buildings not exceeding three floors and 3,000 square feet per floor.
Exception 2: Unoccupied and unused attics may be zoned with the level below.
Exception 3: Mezzanines not exceeding 3,000 square feet in area.
Exception 4: Detention and correctional facilities.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.133 (2026)
22.00.07.133LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Section 16.12 to add the following requirements for fire department connections:
System Demand (gpm) | No. of Inlets
Up to 749 | 2
750-999 | 3
1,000 and above | 4
(1)
Must be located within 100 feet of a fire hydrant, and between 18 and 48 inches from grade to the centerline of the inlets.
(2)
Multiple connects on the same building must be interconnected.
(3)
When a section of a building is fed by a connection (i.e., partial systems), permanent all-weather identification signs must be provided on connections.
(4)
Must be sized at least as large as the main sprinkler system riser pipe or the fire pump discharge line, whichever is larger.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.134 (2026)
22.00.07.134LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 19.2.1 to delete the wording and replace with the following: Calculations for new systems or new portions of systems must meet the criteria below.
(1)
Highest hazard and most demanding use allowed by building construction permit or property zoning.
(2)
Storage use: Available storage height for high storage of a class 4 non-encapsulated material.
(3)
All uses: 20% safety factor. For systems without a pump, this is based on the demand pressure only at the supply point. For systems with a pump, this is based on both the demand pressure and demand flow at the pump discharge. All design options, except grids in speculative buildings, must be explored.
Exception to safety factor only: Owner-occupied buildings may use a lower safety factor if a pump would be necessary to achieve the 20%.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.135 (2026)
22.00.07.135LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 19.3.2.3 to delete (3) and (4).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.136 (2026)
22.00.07.136LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 5.1.2 to add: Pressure and flow availability as determined by a hydraulic information sheet received from a public utility must be used for new taps. Pressure and flow availability for existing taps must be determined by an interior flow test. In any case, the supply information must be corrected for the law hydraulic gradient. Fire pumps and fire pump/tank supplies must only be used where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.137 (2026)
22.00.07.137LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Section 28.1 to add:
(5)
Finished surfaces must be completed within a 1 ft radius of sprinkler heads.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.138 (2026)
22.00.07.138LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13, Subsection 28.2.1.8 to add a third sentence: Pendent sprinkler heads must not be installed in plastic pipe until after the hydrostatic test is passed.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.139 (2026)
22.00.07.139LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 1.1.1 to add a second sentence: This standard also applies to Day Care homes containing 12 clients or less if located within converted one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.140 (2026)
22.00.07.140LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 6.1.1 to add: Pressure and flow availability as determined by a public utility must be used and must be adjusted to the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies may be used only where it is demonstrated that the public water supply is inadequate as determined by the Director of the Department of Permitting Services
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.141 (2026)
22.00.07.141LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D to add a new Subsection 6.1.1.1 that reads as follows: All calculations must include at least a 10% safety factor to account for minor field changes, unless a booster pump is necessary to obtain this safety factor.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.142 (2026)
22.00.07.142LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Section 6.2 to add a new item that reads as follows:
(6)
System specific data plate on durable material to be fixed at sprinkler system main riser.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.143 (2026)
22.00.07.143LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 7.5.6.1 to add: Where possible to maintain listed coverage, sprinkler heads must be positioned so as to eliminate the need to install sprinkler heads of a higher temperature rating.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.144 (2026)
22.00.07.144LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 8.2.5.1 to add new Subsection 8.2.5.1.5:
8.2.5.1.5 Sprinkler heads in closets must not be located directly above shelves.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.145 (2026)
22.00.07.145LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 8.3.4 to add the following after the word “garages”: “, unless located partially or wholly beneath living space.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.146 (2026)
22.00.07.146LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 9.1.2 to delete Methods (1), (2) and (4).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.147 (2026)
22.00.07.147LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 11.1.1 to add the following sentence: Finished surfaces must be completed within a 1 ft radius of all sprinklers before the final inspection.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.148 (2026)
22.00.07.148LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13D, Subsection 11.2.1.4 to add a second sentence: When systems utilizing plastic pipe are being hydrostatically tested, pendent sprinklers are not permitted.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.149 (2026)
22.00.07.149LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, Subsection 5.4.3 to add the following: Antifreeze, dry pipe and preaction systems are prohibited in dwelling units and interior corridors leading to dwelling units.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.150 (2026)
22.00.07.150LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, Subsection 6.4.6.3.2 to add item (3):
(3)
Sprinkler heads in closets must not be located directly above shelves.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.151 (2026)
22.00.07.151LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, Subsection 6.11.1 to add the following sentence: The fire department connection must be a minimum of one 2 ½ inch inlet with a feed line sized at least as large as the main system riser. The fire department connection must be located on a fire department access road and be 18 to 48 inches from the centerline of the inlet to finish grade.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.152 (2026)
22.00.07.152LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, to add new Subsection 8.2.1.1 that reads as follows: All calculations must include at least a 10% safety factor to account for minor field changes, unless a listed fire pump is necessary to obtain this safety factor.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.153 (2026)
22.00.07.153LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, Section 9.1, to add the following: Pressure and volume availability as determined by a public utility must be used and must be adjusted to the low hydraulic gradient. Booster pumps and pump/tank supplies may be used only where it is determined that the public water supply is inadequate.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.154 (2026)
22.00.07.154LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, to add new Subsection 9.7.3 that reads as follows: Domestic pumps are permitted for townhomes.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.155 (2026)
22.00.07.155LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 13R, Subsection 10.2.2 to add a new Subsection that reads as follows:
10.2.2.3 Pendent sprinkler heads must not be installed in plastic pipe until after the hydrostatic test is passed.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.156 (2026)
22.00.07.156LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 14, Subsection 4.8.2 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: Each fire hose valve must have a 2 ½ inch hose connection, 2 ½ inch to 1 ½ inch reducer, cap, and chain.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.157 (2026)
22.00.07.157LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 14, Subsection 5.1.2 to add new Subsection 5.1.2.1 that reads as follows: New system installations must meet the following requirements:
(1)
Systems must be automatic wet type.
(2)
Standpipe systems in unheated areas must be automatic dry type.
(3)
Standpipe systems in detached open parking garages may be the manual dry type, if the piping is air supervised for breaks or open valves.
(4)
Occupant use hose is prohibited in new or existing buildings.
(5)
New standpipe systems must be Class I only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.158 (2026)
22.00.07.158LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 14, Subsection 6.4.3 to add Subsection 6.4.3.2 (Fire Department Connections):
System Demand (gpm) | No. of Inlets
Up to 749 | 2
750-999 | 3
1,000 and above | 4
Multiple connections on the same building must be interconnected.
(1)
When a section of a building is fed by a connection (i.e., partial systems), permanent all-weather identification signs must be provided on connections.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.159 (2026)
22.00.07.159LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 14, Subsections 7.3.2.2.1.1 and 7.3.2.2.1.2 to add the following:
(1)
Measurement must be parallel or at right angles to walls.
(2)
Supplemental hose valves outside the stairs must not be located within tenant spaces unless hose reach requirements cannot be met by placement of valves in public corridors or by use of wall hydrants for spaces opening to the exterior. Hose valve locations must be marked by the placement of signs, the striping of columns, or other approved methods.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.160 (2026)
22.00.07.160LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 14, Subsection 7.8.1 to add the following exceptions:
Exception 1: In high-rise buildings, where booster pumps are necessary to produce the required residual pressures, pumps and piping systems must be sized to provide for the demand of the hydraulically most remote hose station, or the sprinkler system demand, whichever is greater. The standpipe system must also be sized to provide the required flow and pressure for all hose stations required to be flowing, when supplied by 150 psi at 1,000 gpm at the fire department connection(s). two sets of calculations will, therefore, be required under this exception.
Exception 2: Systems in buildings that are not high-rise, and dry systems with no automatic water supply, may be sized to obtain the required flows and pressures, when supplied by 150 psi at 1,000 gpm at the fire department connection(s).
Exception 3: In existing buildings, after shell occupancy, hose valves added to correct hose reach deficiencies created by tenant modifications may be supplied by 3 inch pipe without recalculation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.161 (2026)
22.00.07.161LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 20, Subsection 4.7.7.2 to add Subsection 4.7.7.2.1 that reads as follows: A relief valve is permitted to be installed to reduce operating pressure below 175 psi at high gradient.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.162 (2026)
22.00.07.162LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 20, Subsection 14.2.3 to add the following: Fire pump control equipment must be inspected and approved by a Montgomery County electrical inspector before a fire pump performance test is performed and witnessed by a Montgomery County fire inspector.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.163 (2026)
22.00.07.163LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 20, Subsection 4.20.7 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: For other than static water supplies, relief valves must not be piped back into the source of the supply.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.164 (2026)
22.00.07.164LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 10.4.3 to add Subsection 10.4.3.1 that reads as follows:
10.4.3.1 When fire alarm equipment is installed in a parking garage or other similar space, if the AHJ determines that the humidity or temperature of the space or both cannot be maintained, then the fire alarm equipment must be listed for outdoor use and the environment where it is installed.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.165 (2026)
22.00.07.165LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 10.18.1.1 to add Subsection 10.18.1.1.3 that reads as follows: An annunciator with the following features is required when the building is greater than one story, has a sprinkler system, or has more than one type of alarm initiating device.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.166 (2026)
22.00.07.166LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 10.18.4 to add Subsection 10.18.4.3 that reads as follows: Annunciation must be in accordance with the following:
(1)
Annunciator must have a visible signal for each different floor, zone, and device type. Supervised computer screen or printer type annunciators may be used to meet this requirement if the zone identification is approved by the Director.
(2)
Unless approved by the Director, zones must not exceed a single floor, 52,00 square feet, or 300 linear feet. Sprinkler systems are permitted to be zoned under the applicable sprinkler standard.
(3)
In zones that are greater than 22,500 square feet, a graphic outline on or adjacent to the annunciator must be provided showing the building outline, fire alarm and sprinkler zone boundaries, “you are here” notation, north compass arrow, all stairways, stairway identification numbers, sprinkler zones, all standpipe risers, fire department connections, elevators, and the building address.
(4)
A lamp-type annunciator must have a lamp test switch unless the annunciator circuits are supervised.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.167 (2026)
22.00.07.167LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 10.18.3.1 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: All required annunciation means must be located at, and be visible from, the main fire department entrance unless the building has a fire command center.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.168 (2026)
22.00.07.168LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Section 14.5 to add Subsection 14.5.8 that reads as follows:
14.5.8 Maintenance. The building owner must maintain a service contract for emergency repair of the system. The service contract must be such that telephone support is available within 2 hours, and on-site maintenance service can be provided within 24 hours of recognition that the in-building public safety radio enhancement system is not operating correctly. A copy of the contract must be submitted to the AHJ at the time of acceptance testing. If the service contract is terminated, both the building owner and contractor must notify the AHJ within 24 hours.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.169 (2026)
22.00.07.169LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 17.7.1.7 to add Subsection 17.7.1.7.1 that reads as follows: Detectors located at the top of shafts and stairs must be on a supervisory circuit only unless a confirmation or verification feature is provided. The location must be identified at the annunciator or fire alarm control panel.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.170 (2026)
22.00.07.170LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 17.7.4.5 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: Activation of duct smoke detectors must sound an audible alarm in a normally occupied area or through the building fire alarm system and must be identified as duct detector. Where connected to the building alarm, the signal must be supervisory only and must not initiate the building evacuation alarm unless a confirmation or verification feature is provided.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.171 (2026)
22.00.07.171LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 17.13.3 to add Subsection 17.13.3.1 that reads as follows: Standpipe or main water flow indicators, if provided, must sound a supervisory signal only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.172 (2026)
22.00.07.172LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 17.15.9.4 to add Subsection 17.15.9.4.1 that reads as follows: When fire alarm systems are not monitored by a UL listed central station, an approved permanent sign must be installed adjacent to each manual fire alarm box. The sign must read as follows:
Local Alarm Only:
(1)
Activate Alarm
(2)
Exit Building
(3)
Call Fire Department
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.173 (2026)
22.00.07.173LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 23.8.2.9.1 to read as follows: Where multiple control units are interconnected in a network arrangement and serve the same protected premises, the control units must be arranged to be reset or silenced from one location.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.174 (2026)
22.00.07.174LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 72, Subsection 23.8.2.9.2.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.175 (2026)
22.00.07.175LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 24.8.16 by changing “two” to “six”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.176 (2026)
22.00.07.176LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 24.9.2 to add Subsection 24.9.2.1 that reads as follows: Radio Coverage. Radio coverage must be provided throughout the building such that a minimum of 95% of the building (including underground levels, basements, elevators, stairways, etc.) is covered at a minimum of 95% of the time.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.177 (2026)
22.00.07.177LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 72, Subsection 29.8.1.1 to add Subsection 29.8.1.1.1 that reads as follows: Enclosed rooms with a closet such as dens, libraries, studies, or sitting rooms which could be used as a sleeping area must be treated as sleeping rooms.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.178 (2026)
22.00.07.178LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 80, as referenced by NFPA 1, Subsections 8.4.2.1.2, 10.4.1.2, 11.4.1.2, 11.4.3.2.2, and 13.4.2 to add the following:
Release of fire doors and shutters must not be solely by fusible link and must be accomplished by one or more of the following:
(1)
approved local smoke detection at the doors;
(2)
approved area smoke detection per NFPA 72; or
(3)
full automatic sprinkler protection for NFPA 13 with water flow interlock.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.179 (2026)
22.00.07.179LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 92, Subsection 4.4.2.1.5 by adding the following: At a minimum, the design must achieve the performance objectives in the condition with two doors open simultaneously. If there is a door directly to the outside from the stair, the exterior door must be one of the two doors used in the design.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.180 (2026)
22.00.07.180LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 92, Subsection 5.2.3.1 by adding the following: The design fire must be not less than 5,000 Btu/s (5,275 kW) unless approved by the AHJ.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.181 (2026)
22.00.07.181LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 96, as referenced by NFPA 1, Subsection 1.1.1, to add an exception to read:
In places of worship and day care facilities, protection is permitted to consist of the following:
(1)
electrical range with not more than four heating elements, each heating element must be electronically controlled to limit the element temperature to below 670 degrees F;
(2)
a shunt trip must be installed for the electric range. If building is equipped with a fire alarm system, the shunt trip must be interconnected with the fire alarm system. If the building is not equipped with a fire alarm system, other automatic means/devices, approved by the AHJ, to cut off power to the unit must be installed in the kitchen;
(3)
kitchen must not be located more than one story above the level of exit discharge;
(4)
kitchen must not be located more than one story below the level of exit discharge; and
(5)
kitchen must be separated from adjoining areas by fire barriers with a fire resistance rating of one hour or greater; OR, the kitchen must be protected with automatic sprinklers.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.182 (2026)
22.00.07.182LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1221, Subsection 9.6.6.1 to add the phrase: “A fire alarm permit and” at the beginning of the sentence.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.183 (2026)
22.00.07.183LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1221, Subsection 9.6.7 to add new Subsection 9.6.7.7 that reads as follows: Systems must be engineered to minimize the near-far effect. Radio enhancement system designs must include sufficient antenna density to address reduced gain conditions unless one or both of the following are present:
(1)
Class A narrow band signal booster devices with independent AGC/ALC circuits per channel are used; and/or
(2)
systems where are portable devices within the same band are using active power control features.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.184 (2026)
22.00.07.184LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1221, Subsection 9.6.7.3 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: Critical Areas. Critical areas include exist passageways, stairwells, exits, common/public areas, base building lobby areas, areas of public gathering during an emergency, fire pump and command/control rooms, dangerous process areas (e.g., dipping process areas, hazardous materials handling areas, etc.) electrical and mechanical utility rooms, police holding areas, elevator lobbies, sprinkler system sectional valve locations, elevator shafts, and must be provided with 99 percent floor area radio coverage.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.185 (2026)
22.00.07.185LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1221, Subsection 9.6.7.4 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: Radio Coverage. Radio coverage must be provided throughout the building such that a minimum of 95% of the building (including underground levels, basements, elevators, stairways, etc.) is covered at a minimum of 95% of the time.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.186 (2026)
22.00.07.186LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1221, Subsection 9.6.13.2.1 to add Subsection 9.6.13.2.1.1 that reads as follows: “Where a fire command center is not present, the dedicated monitoring panel must be located adjacent to the main fire alarm control panel for the building.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.187 (2026)
22.00.07.187LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1221, Subsection 11.3.9.1 to delete the entire Subsection and replace with the following:
11.3.9.1.1 Testing Procedure. The test plan must ensure testing throughout the building. Test procedures must be as directed by the design professional and the AHJ. Using the Montgomery County control channel, each floor must be RF (radio frequency) signal level mapped utilizing a calibrated, portable spectrum analyzer. Each floor must be divided into equal grids of no larger than 25 feet by 25 feet. Individual testing points must not be spaced greater than 25 feet apart. Each grid must meet the required signal strength level and provide a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of not less than 3.5. (DAQ 3.5 is defined as “Speech understandable with repetition rarely required. Some noise/distortion.”) A maximum of two non-adjacent grids will be permitted to fail on the same floor. Failure of any two adjacent grids is considered a failure for the entire floor.
11.3.9.1.2 Systems incorporating Class B signal-booster devices or Class B broadband fiber remote devices must be tested using two portable radios simultaneously conducting subjective voice quality checks. One portable radio must not be positioned greater than 10 feet from the indoor antenna. The second portable radio must be positioned at a distance that represents the farthest distance from any indoor antenna. With both portable radios simultaneously keyed up on different frequencies within the same band, subjective audio testing must be conducted and must comply with the minimum acceptable DAQ level of 3.5.
11.3.9.1.3 The design and acceptance testing of the in-building public safety radio enhancement system must be performed under the supervision of a professional engineer registered in the State of Maryland with a minimum of five years of experience in the design, installation, and alignment of emergency responder radio communication enhancement systems.
11.3.9.1.4 Acceptance test data of the system must be approved by the AHJ prior to final fire alarm system approval.
22.00.07.188
NFPA 1225, 2022 edition, Chapter 18, is adopted in its entirety.
22.00.07.189
Amend NFPA 101, Sections 2.2 and 2.4 by deleting the referenced publication NFPA 150 Standard on Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities, 2019 edition.
22.00.07.190
Amend NFPA 101, Section 2.4, by adding Subsection 2.4.1 that reads as follows: Wherever NFPA 5000, 2021 edition is referenced, other than for extracted text, substitute the building code that is in effect in Montgomery County.
22.00.07.191
NFPA 101, Section 3.3 as follows:
(1)
Subsection 3.3.64, add the following new Subsection and definition:
3.3.64.3 Bulkhead Door. A type of door assembly covering an opening in the ground providing direct access to a basement, the floor of which is not more than eight (8) feet below ground level. The door consists of a single rigid leaf or two overlapping rigid leaves or covers which need to be pushed or lifted upwards in order to be opened. A person, after opening the door, can walk up a series of steps to escape to the outside.
(2)
Subsections 3.3.68.1 and 6.1.8.1.1 to replace “three” with “five” and delete “, if any, accommodated in rented rooms”;
(3)
Subsection 3.3.84, amend the definition of “Existing” by deleting the existing wording and replace with the following: That which is already in existence greater than one calendar year after being approved, accepted, or commissioned by the authority having jurisdiction;
(4)
amend Subsections 3.3.150.1, 16.6.1.1.2 and 17.6.1.1.2 to delete “...more than three, but...”;
(5)
amend Subsections 3.3.198.4 and 6.1.4.1 to delete “...four or more...”;
(6)
amend Subsections 3.3.150.2, 6.1.5.1, 3.3.198.12 and 6.1.9.1 to replace the word “four” with “six”; and
(7)
amend Subsection 3.3.254 to add the following new Subsection and definition:
3.3.254.1 Incapable of self-preservation. A person who, because of age, physical or mental disability, medical or therapeutic intervention, medication, etc., is unable to act to protect themselves from harm during an emergency situation without assistance.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.192 (2026)
22.00.07.192LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 4.5.8 and 4.6.12.1 to delete the phrase “for compliance with the provisions of this Code”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.193 (2026)
22.00.07.193LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 4.6.10.2 to replace “Where required by Chapters 11 through 43, construction” with “Construction”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.194 (2026)
22.00.07.194LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 4.6.12.3 to delete the phrase “by the Code” and add the following phrase after the word “removed”: by qualified personnel. Removal of life safety features must be approved by the Department of Permitting Services.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.195 (2026)
22.00.07.195LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 4.8.2, to add the following Subsection:
4.8.2.4 Emergency action plans must be maintained in a location approved by the AHJ.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.196 (2026)
22.00.07.196LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.1.10 to add the following Subsection:
7.1.10.3 Trash or recyclable materials awaiting scheduled collection cannot be placed in exits, exit access corridors, or on egress balconies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.197 (2026)
22.00.07.197LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.1.5.7, to add the phrase “and all stairway doors must be unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the fire command center.” to item (3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.198 (2026)
22.00.07.198LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.1.5.7.1, to add an item (6), to read:
(6)
Entry levels must provide free access to an approved second exit. These levels must be designated in “core/shell” building permit drawings with future tenant layouts arranged accordingly.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.199 (2026)
22.00.07.199LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 7.2.1.6.4.1, 7.2.1.14.1, and 7.2.1.15.1 to replace the phrase “in Chapters 11 through 43” with the phrase “by the AHJ and Chapters 11 through 43”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.200 (2026)
22.00.07.200LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.1.7.1 to delete “required to be”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.201 (2026)
22.00.07.201LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.1.7.4 to delete “Required”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.202 (2026)
22.00.07.202LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.2.1 to add the following Subsection:
7.2.2.1.3 In new installations, at least one exit stair that serves all stories of the building must be accessible by an internal corridor from the main entrance of the building or fire department response location.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.203 (2026)
22.00.07.203LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.2.4.5.2, by replacing the words “Existing required” with “Interior”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.204 (2026)
22.00.07.204LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 101, Subsection 7.2.3.9.2(3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.205 (2026)
22.00.07.205LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Table 7.3.1.2 to add the following:
Use | | (ft 2 per person) | (m 2 per person)
Assembly Use | Tennis court (area of play) | 50 (net) | 15.24 (net)
Assembly Use | Bars g | 18 linear in./pers | 455 linear mm/pers
Business Use | Core/shell | 65 (gross) | 16 (gross)
g : Measured at the patron side of the bar
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.206 (2026)
22.00.07.206LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.9.1.2, to replace the word “only” in the first sentence with “but not be limited to,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.207 (2026)
22.00.07.207LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 7.10.8.3.1 by adding: If the sign is on the door, then the door must be equipped with an approved self-closing device.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.208 (2026)
22.00.07.208LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 8.6.7(6)(b) by adding the following phrase at the end of the sentence: “in a location approved by the AHJ”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.209 (2026)
22.00.07.209LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 8.7.3.3 to replace “following criteria:” in the opening sentence with “following criteria, unless otherwise permitted by the AHJ:”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.210 (2026)
22.00.07.210LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Section 9.1 by deleting the text in Section 9.15 and replacing it with the following:
9.15 Emergency Responder Radio Communication Enhancement Systems (ERRCES).
9.15.1 For newly constructed buildings, ERRCES must be provided where any of the following conditions exist:
(1)
on all floors of a building located below the level of exit discharge;
(2)
on all floors of a building in which any floor of the building exceeds 25,000 ft2 per floor in gross aggregate area;
(3)
throughout any building in which the building area exceeds 100,000 ft2 in gross aggregate area; and
(4)
on all floors of a building for any building greater than three (3) stories in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
(a)
System performance testing must be performed in accordance with technical standards for systems and testing personnel established by Montgomery County.
(b)
Compliance testing must be performed at time of occupancy.
(c)
Field testing may be performed upon reasonable notification to the owner or occupant by any authorized fire and rescue personnel.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhomes.
9.15.2 In existing buildings, where emergency radio communication system performance is reported to be inadequate, and the building meets the criteria of 9.15.1(a) through (d), the Director is permitted to require a technical analysis to determine the level of performance of the emergency radio communication system. The technical analysis must comply with Section 9.6.7 of the 2019 edition of NFPA 1221, and the results certified by a Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland with at least five (5) years of experience in the design, installation, and alignment of emergency responder radio communication enhancement systems. Where the analysis demonstrates unacceptable performance, an in-building public safety radio enhancement system must be provided.
9.15.3 The system must be designed in accordance with Section 9.6 of the 2019 NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems, and the frequencies listed in the DPS Emergency Responder Radio Coverage In-Building Radio Signal Amplification System Standard, effective April 1, 2005.
9.15.4 All testing, design, installation, inspection, and maintenance required by Section 9.15 must be performed by personnel approved by the Director.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.211 (2026)
22.00.07.211LinkCopy Citation
Amend Subsections 9.6.1.3 and 9.11.1 to delete “required by this Code”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.212 (2026)
22.00.07.212LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.2.6 is amended as follows:
(1)
Add the following sentence to the end of the Section: “This paragraph does not permit the omission of manual fire alarm boxes in accordance with other provisions of this Subsection unless specifically permitted by Chapters 11 through 43.”
(2)
Add two new Subsections as follows:
9.6.2.6.1 Zoned fire alarm systems must have manual pull stations located at the entrance to each exit enclosure and at the main exit.
9.6.2.6.2 When a fire alarm system is required in a multiple tenant building, for each tenant exiting directly to the exterior of the building, a manual pull station and approved occupant notification must be located at each required or marked exit.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.213 (2026)
22.00.07.213LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.2.9 to add the following sentence: “In environments not suitable for smoke detectors, alternate means of detection must be provided and must comply with NFPA 72, 2019 edition).”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.214 (2026)
22.00.07.214LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.3.2.1 to delete the phrase “lobby,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.215 (2026)
22.00.07.215LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.3.4, by deleting the phrase after the words “without delay” and replacing it with the following: to a listed central station in accordance with 9.6.4.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.216 (2026)
22.00.07.216LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.3.8, add a second sentence to read: “Required audibility must be met with all intervening doors (between any space and the audible devices) closed.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.217 (2026)
22.00.07.217LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 9.6.3.10 and 9.6.3.10.1 by deleting the word “live”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.218 (2026)
22.00.07.218LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.3.10 by adding: Where voice type occupant notification is used, automatic pre-recorded messages must be used. Live voice as the sole notification method is prohibited.
Exception: Previously “approved” live voice systems are permitted to remain.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.219 (2026)
22.00.07.219LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.4.2 by deleting the list of four items and replace the phrase “via any of the following means acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction” with “by a listed central station fire alarm system.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.220 (2026)
22.00.07.220LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101 to delete Subsections 9.6.4.3, 9.6.8.4.3, 9.6.8.4.4, and 9.6.8.4.5.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.221 (2026)
22.00.07.221LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.6.2(3), to add the following sentence: “Manual fire alarm initiation must not activate floor or zone-dependent smoke control systems.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.222 (2026)
22.00.07.222LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.6.8.3 to delete the phrase after the word “zone”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.223 (2026)
22.00.07.223LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.7.1.1 to add the following Subsection:
9.7.1.1.1 For new installations, drop-out ceilings as referenced in NFPA 13, Subsections 9.2.16 and 9.3.11 are prohibited.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.224 (2026)
22.00.07.224LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.7.2.2.1, the first sentence to read: “Where supervised automatic sprinkler protection is required, waterflow alarms must be automatically transmitted to a listed central station.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.225 (2026)
22.00.07.225LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 9.8.1 to read as follows:
“Where water as an extinguishing agent is not compatible with the fire hazard or is prohibited by law, statute or ordinance, the affected area must be equipped with an approved automatic fire suppression system utilizing a suppression agent that is compatible with the fire hazard. Such system must be installed in accordance with the appropriate standard as determined in Table 9.8.1.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.226 (2026)
22.00.07.226LinkCopy Citation
Amend Subsections 9.11.4.1 and 9.14.1 to replace “Chapter 11 through 43” with “the AHJ or Chapters 11 through 43”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.227 (2026)
22.00.07.227LinkCopy Citation
Amend Subsections 10.4.1 and 10.5.1 to add the following at the beginning of each sentence: “Where required by the AHJ,”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.228 (2026)
22.00.07.228LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 11.8.1.2 to add the following at the end of the first sentence. “High-rise buildings do not include a structure or building used exclusively for open-air parking”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.229 (2026)
22.00.07.229LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 11.8.4.1, to add new Subsection 11.8.4.1.1 that reads as follows:
11.8.4.1.1 In buildings having staged evacuation, the voice fire alarm system must send a predetermined message to the floor where the alarm originated, to the floor immediately below and to the floor immediately above, providing information and direction to the occupants. Any subsequent alarm(s) on other than the initial fire floor must initiate the voice fire alarm as described above. The voice fire alarm must be designed to be heard clearly by all occupants within the designated portions thereof as required by Section 9.6, but it must not sound automatically in elevator cars and enclosed exit stairways. Communicating levels are considered one floor/fire area for the audible and visual fire alarm signals.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.230 (2026)
22.00.07.230LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 11.8.4.2.2 to delete the existing wording and replace with the following: The requirement of Subsection 11.8.4.2.1 does not apply if an approved two-way radio communications enhancement system is installed throughout the building.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.231 (2026)
22.00.07.231LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 11.8.6.1, to delete the existing wording and read:
11.8.6.1.1 In new installations, the emergency command center must have a door directly to the exterior of the building on the address side. The exterior door to the emergency command center must be within 50 feet of unimpeded travel to a fire department access road. A fire department access box must be provided in an approved location within (6) feet of the door to the emergency command center. The exterior door to the emergency command center must be identified on the exterior face as the emergency command center in a manner acceptable to the AHJ.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.232 (2026)
22.00.07.232LinkCopy Citation
Amend Subsection 11.8.6.2 to replace “approved by the fire department” with “approved by the AHJ”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.233 (2026)
22.00.07.233LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 11.8.6.6 (5) and (6), to read as follows:
(5)
Emergency generator status indicators, and remote starting.
(6)
Fire pump status indicators and remote starting.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.234 (2026)
22.00.07.234LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Section 11.11.2.1 to add the phrase “or other testing standard approved by the AHJ”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.235 (2026)
22.00.07.235LinkCopy Citation
Delete Subsection 11.12.2.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.236 (2026)
22.00.07.236LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 12.2.4.1 and 13.2.4.1 to add the following:
(1)
Not less than two separate exits must be provided on every story.
(2)
Not less than two separate exits must be accessible from every part of every story.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.237 (2026)
22.00.07.237LinkCopy Citation
Delete Subsections 12.2.1.2, 14.2.1.5, 16.2.1.1, 16.6.2.1.2, 24.2.8, 26.2.4, 28.2.1.4, 30.2.1.3, 32.2.2.7, 32.3.2.1.3, 36.2.1.6, 38.2.1.6, 40.2.1.3, and 42.2.1.3.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.238 (2026)
22.00.07.238LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 14.2.11.1.1(1) and 15.2.11.1.1(1) by adding “keys, special knowledge, or excessive force.” after the word “tools”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.239 (2026)
22.00.07.239LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 14.3.4.1 and 15.3.4.1 to add new Subsections 14.3.4.1.3 and 15.3.4.1.3 that read as follows:
For the purposes of this Chapter, each industrialized building, which is an independently certified unit serving as a portable or temporary classroom, must be considered a single building regardless of the number of units in the cluster sharing an egress system.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.240 (2026)
22.00.07.240LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 14.2.5.1 and 15.2.5.1 to add Subsections 14.2.5.1.1 and 15.2.5.1.1 that reads as follows:
Where industrialized buildings serving as portable or temporary classrooms are clustered into groups of buildings, each classroom must exit directly onto a common deck or other all-weather walking surface. This common deck must have two remote, accessible exits with a common path no greater than 75 feet. An “Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue” in accordance with the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, Section 1009.7, is permitted to be used as one of the accessible means of egress.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.241 (2026)
22.00.07.241LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 14.7.2.3 and 15.7.2.3 to delete existing wording and replace with the following:
Fire emergency egress drills must be conducted as follows:
(1)
At least one fire emergency egress drill must be conducted every month the facility is in session, unless the following criteria are met:
(a)
in climates where the weather is sever, the monthly fire emergency egress drills may be deferred; and
(b)
in educational occupancies which are:
(i)
fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, five (5) annual fire emergency egress drills must be conducted, with at least two (2) of the required drills conducted in the first four months of the school year; or
(ii)
not fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, eight (8) annual fire emergency egress drills must be conducted, with at least three (3) of the required drills conducted in the first four months of the school year.
(2)
All occupants of the building must participate in the fire emergency egress drill.
(3)
One fire emergency egress drill, other than for educational occupancies that are open on a year-round basis, must be conducted within the first 30 days of operation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.242 (2026)
22.00.07.242LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 15.2.2.2.4.1 and 17.2.2.2.6.1 to add “provided that the locking device is of a type that is readily distinguishable as locked” to the end of item (3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.243 (2026)
22.00.07.243LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 15.2.2.2.4.1(9) and 17.2.2.2.6.1(9) to add a second sentence: Any locking or unlocking condition approved by the Director as part of the emergency action plan is permitted to remain in place.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.244 (2026)
22.00.07.244LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 101, Subsection 15.2.4.2 item (3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.245 (2026)
22.00.07.245LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.1.2 and 17.1.2, to add Subsections 16.1.2.2 and 17.1.2.2 as follows:
Day-care centers providing day care for school age children before and after school hours in a building that is in use as a public or private school are not required to meet the provisions of this chapter but must meet the provisions for educational occupancies.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.246 (2026)
22.00.07.246LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 16.1.6.2 to add a new Subsection as follows:
16.1.6.2.1 Where day-care occupancies, with clients who are 30 months or younger in age or who are incapable of self-preservation, are located three (3) or more stories above the level of exit discharge, an independent means of egress dedicated for use by the day-care occupancy must be provided. Exceptions:
(1)
high-rise buildings with an approved phased evacuation plan and
(2)
day-care homes.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.247 (2026)
22.00.07.247LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.2.11.1.1 and 17.2.11.1.1 to add the following item:
(4)
For windows at grade, the minimum net clear opening must be 5.0 square feet.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.248 (2026)
22.00.07.248LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.3.2.1(2) and 17.3.2.1(2) to add new Subsection (e) that reads.
Building mechanical spaces housing fuel-fired equipment or appliances for purposes including, but not limited to, heating, ventilation, or clothes drying.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.249 (2026)
22.00.07.249LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.3.4.5 and 17.3.4.5 to add the following exception:
Exception: Day-care occupancies located in school facilities where enrollment is limited to children capable of self preservation, where no sleeping facilities are provided and the school is provided with approved full automatic sprinkler protection.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.250 (2026)
22.00.07.250LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 16.3.5.1 to add the following;
Automatic sprinkler protection is not required if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)
the day care center has not more than 30 clients;
(2)
all rooms used for day care are located on the level of exit discharge; and
(3)
all rooms used for day care have at least one exterior exit door at grade level.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.251 (2026)
22.00.07.251LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.6.1.4.1.1 and 17.6.1.4.1.1 to delete the phrase “...more than 3, but...” and replace “seven” with “nine”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.252 (2026)
22.00.07.252LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, 16.6.1.4.1.2, Subsections 16.6.1.4.1.2 and 17.6.1.4.1.2 to replace “7” with “9”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.253 (2026)
22.00.07.253LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.6.1.7.1 and 17.6.1.7.1, to replace “both” with “all” and items (1) and (2) with the following items:
(1)
The minimum staff-to-client ratio must be not less than one staff for up to eight clients, including the caretaker’s own children incapable of self-preservation.
(2)
There must be not more than four clients incapable of self-preservation, including the caretaker’s own children incapable of self-preservation.
(3)
A staff-to-client ratio of at least one staff to every two clients incapable of self-preservation must be maintained at all times.
(4)
The staff-to-client ratio may be modified by the authority having jurisdiction where safeguards in addition to those specified in this section are provided.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.254 (2026)
22.00.07.254LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.6.2.1.1 and 17.6.2.1.1, to add the following sentence: “Bulkhead doors are not permitted to serve as a primary means of escape.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.255 (2026)
22.00.07.255LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.6.2.2 (Reserved) and 17.6.2.2 (Reserved) as follows:
SLIDING DOOR
For family day-care homes, a sliding door used as a required means of egress must comply with the following conditions:
(1)
the sliding door must not have more than one, easily operated, locking device that does not require special knowledge, effort, or tools to operate;
(2)
draperies, screens, or storm doors that could impede egress must not be present;
(3)
the sill or track height may not exceed ½ inch above the interior finish floor;
(4)
the surface onto which exit is made must be an all-weather surface such as a deck, patio, sidewalk, etc.;
(5)
the floor level outside the door may be one step lower than the inside, but not more than 8 inches lower;
(6)
the sliding door must open to a clear open width of at least 28 inches;
(7)
before day care use, each day the sliding door must be unlocked and tested to the full required width to be sure it is operating properly, and the door must be nonbinding and slide easily;
(8)
during periods of snow or freezing rain, door tracks must be cleared out and the door opened periodically throughout the day in order to ensure proper operation.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.256 (2026)
22.00.07.256LinkCopy Citation
NFPA 101, Subsections 16.6.2.3 (Reserved) and 17.6.2.3 (Reserved) are amended as follows:
SPECIAL MEANS OF ESCAPE REQUIREMENTS: For family day-care homes, dead-bolt locks must be provided with approved interior latches, or these locks must be of a captured key design from which the key cannot be removed from the interior side of the lock when the lock is in the locked position. These locks must be unlocked at all times when the home is occupied for the purpose of family day care. Exception: A double-keyed dead-bolt lock may be used on the secondary means of escape if the key is readily accessible and the lock is unlocked at all times the home is occupied for the purpose of family day care.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.257 (2026)
22.00.07.257LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 101, Subsections 16.6.2.4.5(3) and 17.6.2.4.5(3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.258 (2026)
22.00.07.258LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 16.6.3.4.5 to replace “Reserved.” with the following: For compliance with Subsection 43.7.2.1(2), approved battery-powered smoke alarms, rather than house electrical service-powered smoke alarms required by Subsection 16.6.3.4.4, are permitted where the facility has testing, maintenance, and smoke alarm replacement programs that ensure reliability of power to the smoke alarms.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.259 (2026)
22.00.07.259LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 16.7.5 and 17.7.5, to add:
Exception: Day-Care Homes with no more than three clients for overnight lodging.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.260 (2026)
22.00.07.260LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 17.6.3.4.5, 26.3.4.5.3, and 33.3.3.4.7.2 to delete “existing” and replace “battery” with “smoke alarm”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.261 (2026)
22.00.07.261LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 18.2.2.2.10 to add the word “lowest” prior to the phrase “level of fire department vehicle access”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.262 (2026)
22.00.07.262LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Table 19.1.6.1 to delete footnotes “c” and “d” from both rows of “Type V” construction.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.263 (2026)
22.00.07.263LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 19.1.6.7 and 19.1.6.8 to delete item (2).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.264 (2026)
22.00.07.264LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 19.1.6.7, item (5) to replace “Section 19.6” with “Section 9.6”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.265 (2026)
22.00.07.265LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 20.1.1.4.3.2 and 21.1.1.4.3.2 to delete the wording after the “,” and replace it with “materials in accordance with the 2019 edition of NFPA 241, Section 4.3 Temporary Enclosures, are permitted.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.266 (2026)
22.00.07.266LinkCopy Citation
Amend the following NFPA 101 Sections and Subsections as follows:
(1)
Amend Subsection 22.4.6.1.3 to delete the phrase “or 22.4.6.1.5”.
(2)
Delete NFPA 101, Subsections 22.4.6.1.5 and 23.4.6.1.5.
(3)
Delete NFPA 101, Subsections 22.4.6.2 and 23.4.6.2..
(4)
Amend Subsection 23.4.6.1.3 to delete the phrase “or 23.4.6.1.5”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.267 (2026)
22.00.07.267LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 24.1.1.2 to replace the word “three” with “five” and to delete the phrase “, if any, accommodated in rented rooms”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.268 (2026)
22.00.07.268LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 24.2.2.3.3, 32.2.2.3.1(3) and 33.2.2.3.1(3) to insert the phrase “, not less than 5.0 ft2 for grade floor windows” after the phrase “5.7 ft2”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.269 (2026)
22.00.07.269LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 26.1.1.1, to change “buildings” to “buildings that do not qualify as one- and two-family dwellings”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.270 (2026)
22.00.07.270LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 26.3.4.6.1 to delete the word “new”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.271 (2026)
22.00.07.271LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 101, Subsections 26.3.4.6.3(3), 28.3.4.7.3(3), 29.3.4.3.6, 29.3.4.5.2, 29.3.4.6.3(3), 30.3.4.2.2, 30.3.4.3.4, 30.3.4.6.3(3), 31.3.4.2.2, 31.3.4.5.2, 32.2.3.4.4.3(3), and 32.3.3.4.9.3(3).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.272 (2026)
22.00.07.272LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 26.3.6.2.2, 28.3.5.3, 30.3.5.1.2, 31.3.5.2, 32.2.3.5.3.1, 33.2.3.5.3.4, 33.2.3.5.3.5, and 33.3.3.5.1.1 to change “in height above grade plane” to “above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.273 (2026)
22.00.07.273LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Section 26.4 to delete the existing wording and replace it with the following: Lodging and rooming occupancies must comply with Chapter 11 where located in a special structure.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.274 (2026)
22.00.07.274LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 28.3.4.3.6, to delete all wording after “provided” in the first sentence only.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.275 (2026)
22.00.07.275LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 30.3.4.2.1 and 31.3.4.2.1 to delete the wording after “with 9.6.2””.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.276 (2026)
22.00.07.276LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 30.3.4.3.3 to delete the phrase “unless the building complies with either 30.3.4.3.4 or 30.3.4.3.5” and delete Subsection 30.3.4.3.4.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.277 (2026)
22.00.07.277LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 31.3.5.7 to delete the phrase “seven or more stories in height”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.278 (2026)
22.00.07.278LinkCopy Citation
Delete NFPA 101, Subsections 32.2.3.5.2, 33.2.3.5.3.6, 33.3.3.4.6.1, 33.3.3.4.7.3, and 33.3.3.4.8.2.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.279 (2026)
22.00.07.279LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 32.2.3.5.3.2 to add the following at the beginning of the Section, “In small board and care homes serving eight or fewer residents,” and delete item (2).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.280 (2026)
22.00.07.280LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 33.3.3.4.6.2 and delete the wording before the word “emergency”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.281 (2026)
22.00.07.281LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 33.2.3.4.4.6 and 33.3.3.4, to add at the end of the sentence, “...and have secondary battery back-up power.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.282 (2026)
22.00.07.282LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101 Subsection 33.3.3.4.8.1 to delete the phrase “33.3.3.4.8.2 and”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.283 (2026)
22.00.07.283LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 36.3.4.1 and 37.3.4.1 to read as follows: General. Class A mercantile occupancies and multiple story Class B mercantile occupancies must be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 9.6.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.284 (2026)
22.00.07.284LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 36.4.4.7.3.2, to add the phrase “where approved alternative visible means of occupant notification is provided” after the word “concourses”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.285 (2026)
22.00.07.285LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 38.2.4.4(3) (a) to replace “stories.” with “stories, with no openings therein.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.286 (2026)
22.00.07.286LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 38.3.2.1 and 39.3.2.1 by adding the following sentence: General storage areas with a floor area not greater than 100 square feet are exempt from the provisions of 8.7.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.287 (2026)
22.00.07.287LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 39.2.2.2.5 to read: “The re-entry provisions of Subsection 7.2.1.5.8 do apply.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.288 (2026)
22.00.07.288LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsection 39.3.4.2 to delete “by one of the following means:” and replace with: “by all of the following means where provided:”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.289 (2026)
22.00.07.289LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 40.3.4.3.1, 42.3.4.3.1 and 42.8.3.4.3.1 to only read: “The required fire alarm system must provide occupant notification in accordance with Subsection 9.6.3.”
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.290 (2026)
22.00.07.290LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 1, Table 42.2.5 to replace “50” with “75” and “15” with “23” for Common Path of Travel for Ordinary Hazard Storage Occupancy not protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Subsection 9.7.1.1(1).
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.291 (2026)
22.00.07.291LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 42.3.4.1.2 and 42.3.4.1.3 to replace the phrase “Storage occupancies” with “Storage occupancies less than three stories”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.292 (2026)
22.00.07.292LinkCopy Citation
Amend NFPA 101, Subsections 42.8.3.4.1.1 and 42.8.3.4.1.3 to replace “Parking structures” with “Parking structures less than three stories”.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.00.07.293 (2026)
22.00.07.293 SeverabilityLinkCopy Citation
The provisions of these regulations are severable. If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that a provision is invalid or inapplicable, the remainder of the regulation remains in effect.
COMCOR 22.74.00 Fire Safety Instructions - Emergency Safety Plan
COMCOR 22.74.00 Fire Safety Instructions - Emergency Safety PlanLink
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.01 (2026)
22.74.00.01 Fire Safety Instructions.LinkCopy Citation
Emergency safety plans for multifamily rental buildings are required to be prepared by apartment building owners, or their designee, and submitted to the Department of Permitting Services for review and approval.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.02 (2026)
22.74.00.02 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
For purposes of this Section:
Department means the Department of Permitting Services.
Director means the Director of the Department or the Director’s designee.
Emergency safety plan means an action plan approved by the Department in accordance with this Section.
Multifamily Apartment Building or Multifamily Dwelling means a building that contains three or more dwelling units that are tenant-occupied or intended to be tenant-occupied.
Condominium means a building where residential dwelling units are individually owned and may be owner- or tenant-occupied.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.03 (2026)
22.74.00.03 Emergency Safety Plan – Requirements.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each landlord of a multifamily dwelling must submit a proposed emergency safety plan on a form prescribed by the Director. Condominiums are not required to submit emergency safety plans but may submit them for review and approval.
(b)
A landlord is required to update the contents of the plan and obtain a new approval from the Department to remain in compliance with this Section every three years, or when the contents change, whichever is sooner. Changes to the plan must be submitted to the Department for review within 14 calendar days of any changes to the plan’s scope and contents.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.04 (2026)
22.74.00.04 Scope and Contents of the Plan.LinkCopy Citation
The emergency safety plan must, at a minimum, include:
(a)
an evacuation map;
(b)
the location of fire extinguishers;
(c)
the type of fire alarm system installed;
(d)
a point of contact or the type of communication that will be used by the landlord during and after the emergency;
(e)
details regarding alternate housing when a tenant is displaced due to the building emergency; and
(f)
fire protection system impairment procedures.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.05 (2026)
22.74.00.05 Procedures for Submittal.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Emergency safety plans must be submitted as a required document for review and approval as part of the building’s Fire Code Compliance Permit in accordance with Section 22-10 beginning September 1, 2025.
(b)
The emergency safety plan must comply with the emergency safety plan form and best practices documents developed by the Department.
(c)
Emergency safety plans must be submitted and maintained electronically.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.06 (2026)
22.74.00.06 Plan Review.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department is authorized to review and evaluate each emergency safety plan submitted by a landlord of a multifamily rental building in accordance with Sec. 22-74 of the County Code. The Department will either approve or deny each emergency safety plan.
(b)
Plans will be reviewed and evaluated by the Department based on the completeness and compliance with the emergency safety plan form, which includes context pertinent to the evacuation plan of the physical building, activities surrounding evacuation such as emergency services notification and relocation of occupants, and any provisions taken based on the capabilities of occupants that may have additional needs.
(c)
An emergency safety plan will only be approved if the Department finds that the contents of the plan are satisfactory to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of all tenants and individuals properly on the premises of multifamily rental housing.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.07 (2026)
22.74.00.07 Increased Calls for Service – Plan Addendum Required.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If a multifamily apartment building has ten or more calls for service for fire-related emergencies within a 12-month period, the Director will require the property owner to submit an addendum to the emergency safety plan.
(b)
Fire-related emergency service calls include activation of the building automatic fire alarm sent to a listed central station reported to the fire department, activation of the automatic sprinkler system including dry-system activations, and public calls to 9-1-1 indicating an observed fire emergency.
(c)
The plan addendum must be submitted on the emergency safety plan addendum template, available from the Department.
(d)
Addendums may be discontinued at the discretion of the Director based on a sustained reduction in calls for service to the affected building for a period of at least 12 months.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.08 (2026)
22.74.00.08 Plan Addendum Contents.LinkCopy Citation
A plan addendum must include, at minimum,
(a)
efforts to hire security guards or additional building personnel if the building is experiencing malicious alarms;
(b)
repair or replace faulty alarm systems:
(1)
if the fire alarm system cannot be repaired, it must be replaced;
(2)
if more than five nuisance calls occur in a 12-month period, following unsuccessful efforts to repair the fire alarm system, the fire alarm system must be replaced; and
(3)
if the fire alarm system is impaired for greater than 60 days, the fire alarm must be replaced;
(c)
facilitate opportunities for the County to provide outreach and educational resources to residents regarding fire safety;
(d)
contract with a vendor to provide outreach and educational resources to residents regarding fire safety and prevention of false alarms; or
(e)
other fire alarm reduction strategies as determined by the Director, in consultation with MCFRS.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.09 (2026)
22.74.00.09 Fees.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department may charge a fee for the review or re-review of the emergency safety plan or the addendum.
(b)
The charge for review or re-review of emergency safety plans and addendums is $95 per review. Fees must be paid in full prior to the approval of the annual Fire Code Compliance permit.
(c)
The Department must calculate and charge an enterprise fund stabilization factor (EFSF) in accordance with COMCOR 22.00.03.08.
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 22.74.00.10 (2026)
22.74.00.10 Enforcement and Penalties.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Department may issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the landlord for:
(1)
failure to submit emergency action plans within 30 days for review and approval to the Department after being notified by the Department;
(2)
failure to re-submit plans or addendums requiring corrections or modifications within 30 days as required by the Director;
(3)
failure to submit an addendum within 60 days of notice by the Department;
(4)
failure to pay fees associated with the review or re-review of emergency safety plans and addendums; or
(5)
failure to maintain an approved emergency safety plan, including submittal for re-review by the Department every three years.
(b)
If the NOV is not resolved within 30 days of issuance by the Department, a civil citation may be issued by the Director, or the Director’s designee, to the landlord or the landlord’s designee for every 30 days of non-compliance.
(c)
Failure to pay required review fees prior to the expiration date of the Fire Code Compliance permit may result in the civil citation being sent the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office Debt Collection Unit.