Division 1. Building Code

The provisions contained in the Appendices of above-mentioned codes may only be utilized upon written approval by the code official/designee. DPIE has final determination to either accept or refuse the use of Appendices.

Where the codes/standards defer to the local jurisdiction to establish criteria, the code official or designee shall publish such criteria.

Standards. Where existing standards or requirements adopted herein have been updated or superseded by the promulgating authority, such revised standard or requirement shall be deemed as the current code adopted and as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of the Subtitle.

Exemption from Jurisdiction. The Building Code shall not apply to public premises, including any buildings or other structures, owned by the United States Government, including appurtenant structures and portions of premises, buildings, or other structures, that are under exclusive control of an officer of the United States government in his or her official capacity. The premises shall not be deemed to be under the exclusive control of an officer of the United States government where: (a) the premises (or any portions thereof) are leased to the United States of America, but the lessor is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the leased premises; or (b) the premises are owned by the United States of America, but leased to a person or persons other than the United States of America for development pursuant to a long-term ground lease or comparable property interest.

Public Utilities Building. Unless approved by DPIE, a permit shall be required under the Building Code for the installation, alteration or repair of equipment and facilities used for generation, transmission, distribution, metering or treatment that is under the ownership or control of public service agencies subject to the jurisdiction of the Prince George's County Public Services Commission or Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission. The Prince George's County Public Service Commission has jurisdiction over the electric, natural gas and local telephone companies in the County.

Exception to 101.2 Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane, for maximum of three (3) levels including lofts, a habitable story and attics with storage, in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than one-story above grade plane in height and less than three thousand (3,000) square feet in area, shall comply with the International Residential Code (IRC).

Subsection 101.4.8, Electrical. The provisions of Subtitle 9 of this Code and the National Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacements, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

Subsection 101.4.1, Gas. The provisions of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission ("WSSC") known as the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code; the International Plumbing ("IPC"); and the International Fuel Gas Code ("IFGC") shall apply to the installation of gas piping from point of delivery, gas appliances, and related accessories as covered in the Code.

Subsection 101.4.3, Plumbing. The provisions of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission ("WSSC") known as the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repair or replacement of plumbing systems including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

Subsection 101.4.5, Applicability. Whenever this Code makes reference to the International Fire Code, the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1 and Subtitle 11 of the Prince George's County Code shall apply except where referenced in 2021 IBC: Section 2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems, Section 3111 Solar Energy Systems, Section 413 Combustible Storage, Section 426, Combustible Dusts, Grain Processing and Storage, Section 427 Medical Gas Systems, Section 428 Higher Education Laboratories, and any Energy Storage Systems, Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems, Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS) shall comply with the most stringent of NFPA 1 and 2021 International Fire Code.

Section 102.1, General. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive standard shall apply. In addition, where there is conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall apply.

Section 102.2.1, Other Requirements. The requirement of Chapter 11, "Accessibility," that buildings which use turnstiles, cart corrals, or other interior or exterior traffic control devices and which are required to have a clearly marked route which shall not be obstructed by locked gates during normal business hours, shall apply to all existing buildings.

Section 102.3.1, Suspension of Approval. Whenever it is determined, however, that there is documentary evidence that the use of a material or method approved herein would constitute a distinct threat to life or property, the Director or the Director's designee shall have the authority to administratively suspend approval granted herein of such material or method. The Director or the Director's designee shall, within five (5) working days, request, in writing, the County Council to confirm such administrative suspension by resolution of the Council. Such written request of the Director or the Director's designee shall be submitted with sufficient technical data and record of national or local testing to substantiate that the use of an approved method or material would constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.

Section 102.4.1, Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, provisions of this code shall apply. Nothing in this Subtitle shall be construed as rendering other Prince George's County Subtitles invalid. Where conflicts occur between adopted or referenced codes and standards, the more stringent adopted or referenced codes and standards code shall apply unless the Code Official or designee in his or her professional engineering judgement determines that the requested modification based a conflict meets the intent of the code and the Code Official's decision does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety or structural requirements.

Section 102.4.3, Updated Standards. Where existing standards or requirements adopted herein have been updated or superseded by the promulgating authority, such revised standard or requirement shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of the Subtitle.

Section 103.1 is amended to read as follows: The Building Code Official shall be such person as the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement shall designate. The Fire Code Official shall be such person as the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement shall designate with the concurrence of the Fire Chief. References in this Code to the term "Building Official or Code Official" shall be meant to refer to the Building Code Official except in references to fire safety provisions in which case the term "Building Official or Code Official" shall be meant to refer to the Fire Code Official.

Section 104.1.1 is added to read as follows: "Fire Safety Provisions." The Fire Code Official or the Fire Code Official's authorized representative shall enforce all fire safety provisions of this Code. Where references to fire safety provisions in this Code indicate the term "Building Official or Code Official," they shall be construed to refer to the Fire Code Official or the Fire Code Official's authorized representative. In any conflict of opinion concerning fire safety of structures, the decision of the Fire Code Official shall supersede. In all other matters relating to structures, the decision of the Building Code Official shall supersede. The Fire Code Official shall be responsible for the final technical interpretation of all fire safety provisions within this code.

Section 104.7 is amended to read as follows: "Departmental Records." The Code Official shall keep official records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, and reports of inspection hours. Construction Documents shall be retained in accordance with Section 107.5 of this Code.

Section 104.11 is modified to include the following language: When determined in the opinion of the code official/designee, the applicant shall achieve compliance with future edition(s) or portions thereof, of codes/standards adopted by the county, where the adopted code/standard does not address, or where future edition(s) have more stringent requirements for the scope of work proposed by the applicant.

Section 104.12 is added to read as follows: "Rulemaking Authority." The Code Official shall have authority as necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations, to interpret and implement the provisions of this Code to secure the intent thereof, and to designate requirements applicable because of local climate or other conditions. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving the structural or fire performance requirements specifically provided for in this Code, nor shall such rules violate accepted engineering practice involving public safety.

Furnishing of Services. Being engaged in, or directly or indirectly connected with, the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a building under the jurisdiction of the County's Building Codes, or the preparation of plans or specifications of a building under the jurisdiction of the County's Building Code, unless the official or employee is the principal owner of the building.

Conflict with Official Duties. Engaging in any private work or business which conflicts with official duties or with the interest of the Department.

Section 105.2, Work Exempt from Permit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for property located within Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zones, permits shall not be required for the following, provided that the construction does not result in any violation of this Subtitle and the building codes:

Section 105.2.2.1, Historic Area Work Permit Requirement. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 105.2.2, a Historic Area Work Permit must be issued by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to any work on the exterior features of a property that contains a historic site or unclassified historic resource identified on the master plan for historic preservation or that is located within a local historic district. At the time the Historic Area Work Permit is issued, the Historic Preservation Commission shall notify the Director, or the Director's designee by transmitting a copy of the Historic Area Work Permit to the Director. The Director, or the Director's designee shall maintain and enroll the Historic Area Work Permit into the registry of issued permits maintained by the Director. The Director shall not require the issuance of a County building permit for ordinary repairs as defined in Section 105.2.2, or for ordinary maintenance as defined in Section 29-107(d), in addition to any Historic Area Work Permit that is determined by the Historic Preservation Commission to be required.

Section 105.2.2.2, Inventory of Historic Sites, Properties within Local Historic Districts, and Unclassified Historic Resources. The Director, or the Director's designee shall maintain an electronic inventory of historic sites, properties within local historic districts, and unclassified historic resources in Prince George's County. The Historic Preservation Commission shall transmit the listing of historic sites, properties within local historic districts, and unclassified historic resources to the Director or the Director's designee on or about January 1 and July 1 of each year. The listing shall be utilized to notify the Director or his Designee and applicants for County building permits issued by the Director or his Designee that the Historic Area Work Permit requirement described in Sec. 105.2.2.1 applies to any property that contains a historic site or unclassified historic resource or is located within a local historic district. The Director and/or his Designee shall not issue any permits for a property that contains a historic site or unclassified historic resource or is located within a local historic district, unless the Historic Preservation Commission has first issued a Historic Area Work Permit as required under Sec. 105.2.2.1.

Section 105.3.1.1, Required Documents for Permits Application. The application shall include: (1) any and all documents showing the business partners of the owner or lessee involved in the operation and or ownership of the building structure or use for which the permit is being sought; (2) any and all organizational documentation of the entity that owns, uses or leases the building or structure; (3) any and all documents showing who will operate the business; and (4) any other data and information supported by documentation that is required by the Director or the Director's designee deemed necessary for furtherance of the intent of this Code.

Section 105.3.1.2, Review of Application. The application will be reviewed to ensure that it conforms with all the requirements of the pertinent laws, including but not limited to the requirements of this Code, State and local laws and ordinances. An application for a permit will be reviewed by the Director or the Director's designee, in consultation with the Police Department and the Fire/EMS Department. The Director or the Director's designee shall have the authority to deny any application under the provisions of this Division and shall also have the authority to deny an application upon a violation of this Division.

Section 105.3.1.3, Application Exemption. The Director or the Director's designee may refuse to accept an application for a permit from any applicant: (1) who is or was in default on a previously issued permit, or who is the permittee listed on an expired permit which is not currently in the process of being extended by County administrative action, or who has not fully complied with the application process; (2) for any other reason the Director or the Director's designee deems necessary in furtherance of the intent of this Code; or (3) for any reason that is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Section 105.3.1.4, By Whom an Application is Made. Application for a permit shall be made by the owner or lessee of the building or structure, or the agent of either, or by the licensed engineer or architect employed in connection with the proposed work. If the application is made by a person other than the owner in fee, the applicant shall attest on the permit application or by separate written statement, that the proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee and that the applicant is authorized to make such application. The full names and addresses of the owner, lessee, applicant, and the responsible officer if the owner or lessee is a corporate body, shall be stated on the application. Subsequent permits will be issued in the name of the owner of record at time of permit issuance.

Section 105.3.2, Time Limitation of an Application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned twelve (12) months after the date of filing, unless such application has been diligently pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued. Extensions of time may be authorized by the Director or the Director's designee. The Director or the Director's designee may request any documentation or certification deemed necessary and assess an extension fee as appropriate.

Section 105.5, Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days after the issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the time the work is commenced. The Director or the Director's designee is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. Any permit issued for property within the area of a pending Sectional Map Amendment (as provided for in the County Zoning Ordinance) that is rezoned to a less intense zone, shall expire on its own terms upon approval of the Sectional Map Amendment by the District Council if a completed building foundation for a use not permitted in the less intense zone has not been completed. The Director or the Director's designee shall notify the permit holder of the expiration of the permit.

Section 105.5.1, Expiration of Permit and Correction of Code Violations. Any permit issued for residential property to correct a building code or housing code violation issued pursuant to Subtitle 4 or Subtitle 13 of the County Code shall be issued only for a period of time reasonably necessary to correct the violation, not to exceed ninety (90) days. The initial period of the permit shall be established by the Director or the Director's designee based upon the extent of the work required to correct the violation. The permit may be extended or renewed for an additional period of one hundred eighty (180) days if, in the opinion of the Director or the Director's designee, the applicant has demonstrated substantial progress to complete the work in accordance with the permit and has demonstrated substantial justification for failure to complete the work within the period of the permit. The Board of Administrative Appeals shall have no authority to grant an extension to the period of the permit.

Section 105.9, Building Location. No permit for building shall be issued for a structure that overlaps the County line. Location of the County line on the site plan shall be certified by a Professional Land Surveyor.

Section 105.10, Date and Hours of Operation Limits. All permits shall be issued with date and hours of operation limits listed as determined by the Director or the Director's designee. All permits shall be issued indicating that no work shall be performed during the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., unless work is performed pursuant to Section 4-120 of this Subtitle.

Section 105.1.3, After Hours Permit. Any request to work pursuant to a permit beyond permitted construction hours shall be made by application to the Code Official and shall be subject to noise regulations of Prince George's County Code and in accordance with the fee schedule established in Sec. 2-253.63. No after-hours permit shall be issued for work in an area zoned "residential" under the Zoning Regulations then in effect, or in an area within 500 feet (152 400 mm) of such residential zone, or within 500 feet (152 400 mm) of a building with sleeping quarters, unless the Code Official determines that not issuing such permit would pose a threat to public safety, health and welfare.

Section 105.6, Suspension or Revocation and Reissuance of Permits. Section 105.6, Suspension or Revocation and Reissuance of Permits. The Director or the Director's designee is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Code as follows: (1) whenever the permit is issued in error, (2) incorrectly, (3) inaccurately, (4) in an incomplete manner, (5) for any reason that is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public, (6) in violation of any ordinance, regulation or any of the provisions of this Code, and (7) the Director or the Director's designee, in consultation with the Police Department and the Fire/EMS Department, shall have the authority to deny, suspend, or revoke any application or permit under the provisions of this Division and upon a violation of this Division. In addition, the failure to have utility lines located on site through the Utility Service Protection Center ("Miss Utility") and any nonmember utilities prior to starting any excavation deeper than twelve (12) inches will result in permit revocation.

Subsection 105.6.1, Revocation of Permits. In addition, the failure to locate utility lines on site, prior to starting any excavation deeper than twelve (12) inches, by not contacting in due time the Utility Service Protection Center, "Miss Utility," and nonmember utilities, as known, and having such utilities locate lines on site, shall be cause - irrespective of whether or not a utility line is ruptured - for revocation of the permit. In order to continue work for which a permit has been revoked, a new application shall be required as specified in Section 105, Permits of IBC/IRC.

A new 105.1.3.4 Post Construction Permit. Any owner cited for unpermitted construction shall be required to obtain a "Post Construction Permit" to complete and certify that the unpermitted construction is in compliance with the Code or to remove the unpermitted work. The Post Construction Permit fee must be paid in addition to any other fees required to obtain permits.

Section 105.7 - Posting of permit. The permit, or a copy thereof, shall be kept on the work site and conspicuously displayed at a location visible from the street until the completion of work for which the permit is issued.

Amend section 107.2.1 of IBC to include the following:

Section 107.2.5.9., Location of Underground Utility Lines Prior to Commencement of Work. For all work that requires excavation deeper than twelve (12) inches, the permit holder (permittee) accepting the permit agrees to contact the Utility Service Protection Center, "Miss Utility," and nonmember utility companies, as known, in due time and prior to beginning any excavation work for the purpose of having each utility company locate its lines on site. In the event that the permittee fails to obtain the services of the utilities, then in such event, and irrespective of whether or not a utility line is ruptured, the Director or the Director's designee may revoke the building or grading permit, or both. In such event, all fees paid to the County shall be forfeited and, in order to continue work, a new application with requisite fee for a permit shall be filed. Drawings shall be reexamined to determine that all utilities have been located and verified by the utility companies having knowledge of the location of such underground utilities. However, in the event any or all of the respective utility companies fail to furnish the requisite information to the permittee within a reasonable period of time as determined by the Director or the Director's designee under all of the circumstances, then, in such event, the foregoing revocation provisions shall not apply.

Section 107.2.10. Acknowledgement of Final Grade. Builders and developers shall place on record with each utility company a written acknowledgment that final grade has been achieved to within six (6) inches. Utility lines shall not be installed until such acknowledgment has been received by the utilities.

Section 107.11., Fire Protection Engineering Design Evaluation (FPEDE). All plans and specifications for which a building permit is required for buildings of the Use Groups listed in this Section shall be evaluated in accordance with the requirements of this Section for design compliance with adopted fire related code requirements concerning:

Section 107.3.11.1, Use Groups and Fire Protection Systems Requiring a Fire Protection Engineering Design Evaluation (FPEDE) unless otherwise determined by the Code Official. A FPEDE is required for the following buildings or fire protection systems for which a building permit application is made:

Section 107.3.11.2, Qualifications of Fire Protection Engineering Design Evaluation (FPEDE) Preparer. The FPEDE must be prepared by a Fire Protection Engineer who is a registered professional engineer in the State of Maryland. The preparer must also possess:

Section 107.3.3.1, Approval of Partial Plans. The code official is authorized to issue a partial permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building or structure have been submitted, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of the County Building Code. Issuance of a partial permit by the code official does not constitute assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted. The holder of such partial permit for the foundations or other part of a building or structure will proceed with the building operation at the holder's own risk and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.

Transitory Provisions

Section 114.2 of the IBC is amended to read as follows:

Section 114.4 of the IBC is amended to read as follows: "Violation Penalties"

Section 114.5 of the IBC is added and shall read as follows:

Section 115.2 of the IBC is amended to read as follows:

Section 115.3 of the IBC is amended to read as follows: Unlawful Continuance:

Section 115.4 is added and shall read as follows:

Section 111.1.1, One-Family Dwelling Units. Prior to the consummation of the sale (settlement) of any new, one-family dwelling, including the sale of a new condominium unit which is offered for sale for the first time, there shall be an inspection of the unit and premises by the Director or the Director's designee and a Certificate of Occupancy issued or a list of the violations or deficiencies requiring correction prior to issuance of such certificate. At the time of consummation of such sale, the Certificate of Occupancy, or a list of the deficiencies or violations which remain to be corrected prior to issuance of such Certificate, shall be presented to the builder. Unless contractually relieved of such responsibility, the seller shall be responsible for correction of any violations or deficiencies necessary for the Certificate to be issued. When a Certificate of Occupancy has not been issued prior to consummation of the sale, there shall be required a separate, written contractual agreement indicating responsibility for correction of all deficiencies or violations cited by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement by a date certain. The provisions of this Section are not applicable when a new dwelling unit is purchased for resale as a new dwelling unit.

Section 113.9, Transfer of Ownership. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any building or other structure upon whom a notice of violation or order has been served to see, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of such building or other structure to another person or entity until the provisions of the notice or order have been complied with, or until such owner shall first furnish the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee a true copy of any notice or order issued by the Code Official and shall furnish to the Code Official a signed and notarized statement from the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee, acknowledging the receipt of such notice or order and fully accepting responsibility without condition for making the corrections or repairs required by such notice or order.

Section 111.1.2, Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy. No Certificate of Occupancy for any building or structure, erected, altered, repaired, changed to a different use group, or transferred to a new owner or occupant shall be issued unless such building or structure was erected, altered, or repaired and is otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Division and other provisions of State or local laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Section 111.2.1, Change of Use Group, Owner or Tenant. No change in use group, owner, or tenant of a building, structure, or land shall be permitted, wholly or in part, until a new Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Building Official certifying compliance with applicable parts of this Subtitle and other applicable State or local laws, ordinances, and regulations. This provision shall not apply to a change of tenant for R-2, change of owner or tenant for R-3, or change of tenant for R-4 structures.

Section 111.5, Uninhabitable Dwellings. When the Director or the Director's designee has determined that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation pursuant to Subtitle 13 of the County Code and the dwelling has remained unoccupied for a subsequent period of one hundred eighty (180) days, the Director or the Director's designee shall revoke the Certificate of Occupancy, or if no Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, the Director or the Director's designee shall revoke authorization for the dwelling to be occupied and require that a Certificate of Occupancy be obtained prior to any occupancy of the dwelling. The notice of revocation shall specify the violations of Subtitle 13 and the corrective action required for each violation. Within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of the revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy, the owner of the dwelling shall apply for a building permit to correct the violations. The application for a building permit shall include a rehabilitation plan which identifies all of the work required to be performed and a schedule for performing the work. The permit shall be issued for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days and may be renewed once for another one hundred eighty (180) day period if, in the opinion of the Director or the Director's designee, the applicant has demonstrated substantial progress in accordance with the rehabilitation plan and has demonstrated substantial justification for failure to complete the work in accordance with the rehabilitation plan. If the owner of the dwelling does not submit a rehabilitation plan within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date that the Certificate of Occupancy was revoked, or if the owner of the dwelling fails to complete the work required to be performed by the rehabilitation plan prior to the expiration of the building permit, including any renewal period, the dwelling shall be considered abandoned and the Director or the Director's designee shall cause the dwelling to be demolished in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 13.

Section 113.2 is hereby amended to read as follows: Limitations on Authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code and shall not have jurisdiction over matters for which adjudication or appeal is expressly assigned.

Section 113.4 of the IBC is hereby added as follows: Construction in the One Hundred (100) Year Floodplain.

Section 116.3, Notice. If an unsafe condition is found in a building or structure, the Director or the Director's designee shall serve on the owner, agent, or person in control of the building or structure a written notice describing the building or structure deemed unsafe and specifying the required repairs or improvements to be made to render the building or structure safe and secure, or requiring the unsafe building or structure, or portion thereof, to be demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to immediately declare to the Director or the Director's designee his acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order.

Section 116.3.1, Notice Involving Historic Resource. If a building or structure found to be unsafe by the Director or the Director's designee is an identified historic resource on the Adopted and Approved Historic Sites and District Plan of Prince George's County, Maryland, a copy of the notice shall also be sent to the Historic Preservation Commission and demolition shall not be authorized without approval of the Historic Preservation Commission, except when an emergency situation exists where there is actual and immediate danger of collapse or failure of the building or structure, or any part thereof, which would endanger human life.

Section 117.1, Imminent Danger. When, in the opinion of the Director or the Director's designee, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a building or structure or any part thereof which endangers life or when any structure or part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occupation of the building or structure, the Director or the Director's designee is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the same forthwith. The Director or the Director's designee shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure, a notice reading as follows: 'This structure is unsafe and its occupancy has been prohibited by the Director or the Director's designee.' It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of making the required repairs or of demolishing the same.

Subsection 117.1.1, Abatement of Uncompleted Structures. In the event that the responsible party fails to complete construction of a structure at the time of expiration, abandonment, or revocation of the building permit, and in the event that the responsible party fails to comply with the lawful order of the Director or the Director's designee to make safe by the completion of the construction or to demolish an unsafe and uncompleted structure, the Director or the Director's designee shall cause emergency work to be completed as required, to abate the unsafe conditions by appropriate means, including the demolition and removal of dangerous structures, using such public or private resources required and available.

Section 117.1.2, Abatement of Unsafe Conditions. When, in the opinion of the Director or the Director's designee, there is an imminent danger to human life or the public welfare due to an unsafe condition, the Director or the Director's designee shall cause the necessary work to be done to eliminate the condition including, but not limited to, the demolition of the structure or structures. The Director or the Director's designee shall cause to be published, for three (3) consecutive days, in a County newspaper of record, notice setting forth the address of the building; a description of the real estate sufficient for its identification; a statement that the property is unsafe and constitutes an immediate and continuing hazard to the community; and a statement that the County intends to demolish same if the owner fails to do so. The provisions of Section 4-121(a) shall not apply. A person objecting to the proposed actions of the County may file an objection in an appropriate form in a court of competent jurisdiction. If the building is not demolished within thirty (30) days of mailing the notice to the owners of record, or within thirty (30) days of the last day of publication of the notice in a County newspaper of record, whichever is later, the Director or the Director's designee shall have the power to demolish the structure or structures.

Section 117.2, Temporary Safeguards. When, in the opinion of the Director or the Director's designee, there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the Director or the Director's designee shall cause the necessary work to be done to render such structure temporarily safe, whether or not the legal procedure herein described has been instituted. The Director or the Director's designee shall cause the necessary work to be completed in the following manner: to secure doors and windows the material shall be cut to fit either within the recess of the exterior finish wall if the door or window is recessed or to fit on the door or window trim if the trim is applied on top of the exterior wall. The preferred material for windows shall be a transparent material such as Lexan or Plexiglas. If solid materials are used to secure either windows or doors, the solid material shall be painted either white or to match the color of the trim. At the time the structure is secured, the Director or the Director's designee shall notify the owner that the temporary measures have been taken and that the owner is required to restore the structure within thirty (30) days and that the owner is subject to citation directing that the building be repaired to restore the building envelope. If the structure is not restored within thirty (30) days, the owner shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each month that the structure is not restored and that the violation continues. For damage to the building as a result of a storm or fire, the Director or the Director's designee may exercise discretion to extend the initial 30-day period without assessing a fine where the owner and insurer are promptly and actively undertaking repairs to the building.

Section 117.3, Closing Streets. When necessary for the public safety, the Director or the Director's designee shall temporarily close structures and close, or order the authority having jurisdiction to close, sidewalks, streets, public ways and places adjacent to the unsafe structure and prohibit the same from being used.

Section 117.4, Emergency Repairs. For the purpose of this Section, the Director or the Director's designee shall employ the necessary labor and materials to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.

Section 117.5, Cost of Emergency Repairs. Costs incurred in the performance of emergency work shall be paid from the treasury of the jurisdiction on certificate of the Building Official. The legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall institute appropriate action against the owner of the premises where the unsafe condition was located for recovery of such costs, including, but not limited to, certification for a tax lien as provided by Section 117.7.

Section 117.6, Unsafe Equipment. Equipment deemed unsafe by the Director or the Director's designee shall not be operated after the date stated in the notice unless the required repairs or changes have been made and the equipment has been approved, or unless an extension of time has been secured from the Director or the Director's designee in writing.

Section 117.6.1, Authority to Seal Equipment. In the case of an emergency, the Director or the Director's designee shall have the authority to seal out of service immediately any unsafe device or equipment regulated by this Code.

Section 117.6.2, Unlawful to Remove Seal. Any device or equipment sealed out of service by the Director or the Director's designee shall be plainly identified in an approved manner. The identification shall not be tampered with, defaced or removed except by the Director or the Director's designee and shall indicate the reason for such sealing.

Section 117.7, Creation of a Tax Lien. There is created a tax lien on real property for monies expended by the County for the making safe of buildings or structures and/or abatement of other unsafe nuisances or conditions constituting a danger to the public health and safety. Upon certification from the County Attorney that a tax lien has been created, the amount of such lien shall be collected by the Director of Finance in the same manner as other County real estate taxes.

Section 310.4.1 is amended to read as follows: Care Facilities Within a Dwelling - Care facilities for five (5) or fewer persons receiving care that are within a single-family dwelling are permitted to comply with the International Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

Section 310.4.2 is amended to read as follows: Lodging houses. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five (5) or fewer guest rooms shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with the IRC provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

Section 313 is added to read as follows: Use Group U-PU- public utility facilities as defined in Section 4-127.

Section 302.2.1 is added to read as follows: Other Provisions. Where a type of occupancy, system, or use is not specifically governed by this Code, the Director or the Director's designee may utilize a recognized standard which addresses the occupancy, system, or use adequately.

Section 313.1, General. This use group is specifically intended to apply to installations constructed by public utilities or similar public service agencies to house equipment and/or mechanical facilities within or on buildings or premises used exclusively by the owning utility or agency which are designed and constructed in accordance with the recognized practices and requirements of the specific utility industry. To qualify for inclusion in use group U-PU, the building or structure, designated portion of a mixed use occupancy shall:

Section 313.2, Exceptions. By the special purpose nature of structures and/or buildings, in use group U-PU, and the limited or controlled access thereto, and denial of access to the public, the structures shall not be subject to the provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Section 313.3, Maintenance and Repairs. Within this controlled access area of any use group U-PU building, the owner/operator of the equipment shall be responsible for the safe and sanitary maintenance of the building or structure and the equipment and/or facilities at all times. Ordinary repairs of such buildings or structures shall be deemed to include structural and mechanical changes exclusively within the controlled area necessary to maintain proper performance for the intended function. Specifically engineered structural and mechanical components designed for removal and replacement in kind during such maintenance shall be considered as ordinary repairs for purposes of this use group only.

Section 403.1.1, Applicability under Sloping Site Conditions. The provisions of this Section shall also apply to buildings of Use Groups B, R-1, and R-2 when such buildings have floors used for human occupancy located more than ninety (90) feet above the grade level on any side of the building.

Section 403.1.2, Applicability under Rescue Conditions. The automatic sprinkler provisions of this Section shall also apply to any building intended for human occupancy which is four (4) or more stories above grade level or over forty-five (45) feet in height unless such a building complies with all of the following:

Section 403.2.1.2 is deleted.

Section 403.4.6.1, Fire Command Center Construction Features. The central control room shall be located with convenient access to, and in close proximity to, the grade level entrance lobby, unless an alternate location is approved. The room shall be used for no other purpose than a central control station or guard location. The room shall be equipped with a U.L. listed battery operated emergency lighting unit. The type, arrangement, and functions of the fire command station and emergency fire alarm must comply with Section 911, "Fire Command Center" and shall be subject to approval by the Fire Code Official or the Fire Code Official's authorized representative.

Section 406.4.4 is added to read as follows: "Separation." Every opening located between a public garage and another occupancy shall be designed to prevent the transmission of liquids and vapors from entering adjacent occupancies.

Sec. 406.6.2 A mechanical ventilation system and exhaust system shall be provided in accordance with Chapters 4 and 5 of the International Mechanical Code. Minimum ventilation Automatic operation of the system shall not reduce the ventilation airflow rate below 0.05 cfm per square foot (0.00025 m 3 /s × m 2 ) of the floor area and the system shall be capable of producing a ventilation airflow rate of 1.00 cfm per square foot (0.0005 m 3 /s × m 2 ) of floor area.

Public open parking garages that do not have more than 20 percent of the linear perimeter facing to a fire access road shall be provided with a sprinkler system throughout the building as defined by Subtitle 11 of this Code.

Section 410.3.1 is amended to read as follows: "Temporary Platforms." Platforms installed for a period of not more than thirty (30) days shall be considered temporary platforms. Temporary platforms that exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area in places of assembly use shall be of fire-retardant treated lumber. Temporary platforms in other uses may be constructed of any materials permitted by this Code. The space between the floor and the platform above shall only be used for plumbing and electrical wiring to platform equipment.

Section, 415.9.1.2.1, Underground Storage. All underground storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall be separated from adjacent property lines and buildings by not less than five (5) feet.

Section 506.3.4 Minimum Accessible Perimeter. All buildings and structures must have at least twenty-five (25) percent of the building perimeter fronting on a street or other unoccupied space not less than thirty (30) feet in width which is accessible from a road or a posted fire lane not less than twenty (22) feet in width. The access road or fire lane and the unoccupied space must be capable of providing fire apparatus access under all weather conditions to within one hundred (100) feet of the building or structure.

Section 506.3.5 Arrangement of Access. Access shall be in accordance with the 2012 NFPA 1141, Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Wildland, Rural and Suburban Area, except as otherwise provided for in this Subtitle.

The following deletions are made to Section 507.1 of the IBC: Section 507.1 General. The area of buildings of the occupancies and configurations specified in Sections 507.1 through 507.12 shall not be limited. Basements shall not be permitted.

Section 507.4 Sprinklered one-story buildings. The area of a Group A-4 building no more than one story above grade plane of other than Type V construction, or the area of a Group B, F, M or S building no more than one story above grade plane of any construction type, shall not be limited when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than sixty (60) feet in width.

Electric energy storage systems shall comply with IFC, Section 1207, and NFPA 1. When there is a conflict the most stringent code shall apply. Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems with 15 kWh or more capacity, located within 100 feet of a residential, school, library or hospital area shall have a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rated exterior walls and ceilings with opening protectives and ventilation systems.

Section 704.14 is added to read as follows: "Protection of Truss Framing Members." All combustible truss framing members which comprise a portion of a nonrated floor assembly shall be protected by the installation of a ceiling. The ceiling material shall not be less than one-half (1/2) inch gypsum board or an approved equivalent alternative material. The ceiling must be adequately supported by direct mechanical fastening to the structural framing or be suspended by not less than No. 12 MSG galvanized steel wire or by an equivalent method. Where combustible truss joist framing is used as a portion of a required rated floor-ceiling assembly, the structural members shall be protected in accordance with an appropriate tested and listed design.

Section 705.2.3.1 is amended to read as follows: "Balconies and Similar Projections." Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fire-retardant treated wood shall be fire resistance rated where required by Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of heavy timber construction in accordance with Section 2304.11. The aggregate length of the projections shall not exceed 50 percent of the building's perimeter on each floor. Existing balconies which are subject to repair or replacement due to deterioration or damage shall comply with this Section.

Section 705.2.5 is added to read as follows: "Soffits of Roof Projections." Exterior walls in R-1 and R-2 occupancies meeting the requirements of Section 705 shall be provided soffits comprised of noncombustible material one-half (1/2) inch in thickness. No soffit screens or openings are permitted within the soffits.

Section 705.11, Parapets. Parapets shall be provided on exterior walls of buildings. However, a parapet is not required on an exterior wall where any of the following conditions (1) through (6) exist:

Section 708.1(9) is added to read as follows: "Tenant Separations." Walls separating tenant spaces in all occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 708.3. and 708.4.

Section 901.2.1, Fire Protection System Shop. Construction documents or shop drawings, or both, for the installation of all fire protection and suppression systems (i.e., fire sprinkler and alarm systems etc.) shall be required to be reviewed and certified for compliance to this Code by a DPIE-approved Third-Party Reviewer for submission to the Director or the Director's designee as provided for in the joint Memorandum of Understanding between the Fire/EMS Department and the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Section 901.2.1.2, Review Assumptions. The operational assumption during the review and inspection of all fire suppression systems shall be as follows:

General. Sprinklers systems designed in accordance with NFPA 13D shall be protected from backflow in accordance with the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Code.

Section 903.2.1, General. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this Section. For the purposes of this Section, the fire area is defined as the aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by firewalls, exterior walls, fire barriers or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above.

Section 903.2.1.1, Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories and a fire area containing a Group A-1 occupancy to and including intervening floors and the level of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

Section 903.2.1.3, Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories and fire area containing a Group A-3 occupancy to and including intervening floors and the level of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

Section 903.2.1.4, Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories and a fire area containing a Group A-4 occupancy to and including intervening floors and the level of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

Under 903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.

Section 903.2.7, Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings where the fire area containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

Section 903.2.7.1, High-Piled Storage. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all buildings of Group M where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays. High-piled storage shall be considered storage in excess of twelve (12) feet above the floor for purposes of this Section.

Section 903.2.8, Group R-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group R-2 fire area. The following reductions in construction requirements are permitted when a building of use Group R-2 is fully sprinklered and is not over four (4) stories above grade on any side of the building:

Section 903.2.9, Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings where the fire area containing a Group S-1 where one of the following conditions exists:

Section 903.2.9.4 Group S-1 upholstered furniture and mattresses. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group S-1 fire area where the combined areas used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).

Section 903.3.9, Riser and Water Supply Requirements. Every building which is required to be fully sprinklered shall be provided with a complete and separate sprinkler system riser. The riser shall include an alarm check valve or indicating device and check valve, a drain and connection for a fire department pumping connection and a control valve. The arrangement and location shall be subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction. A separate main supply source shall be required for each system riser. The system supply shall be based upon the low hydraulic grade shown on the Hydraulic Information Sheet, as determined by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission or lowest hydraulic point per the water authority in areas not served by WSSC. The demand for the automatic sprinkler system must be below the available water supply curve, unless approved by the Fire Code Official or designee as follows:

Section 903.6, Zones. Automatic fire suppression system zones shall coincide with the fire alarm zones required in Section 907.6.4 of this Code unless specifically exempted by the Director or the Director's designee.

Section 903.7, Thermal Protection. Heat tracing tape shall not be an acceptable means of thermal protection for any portion of a fire suppression system.

Section 903.3.7.1, Mechanical Protection. All piping comprising any portion of a fire protection system shall be protected against reasonable mechanical vehicular damage.

Section 903.3.7.1, Number of Inlets shall be per NFPA 14, section 7.10. For systems exceeding 2,000 gpm of fire sprinkler flow demand, the number and arrangement of the fire department connection inlets shall be as directed by the Director or the Director's designee.

Section 907.2.1.1, System initiation in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 300 or more. Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 300 or more shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with NFPA 72. Section 907.5.2.2.

Section 907.6.4.1, Graphic Zoning Indicator Panel. A zoning indicator panel with a graphic display and the associated controls shall be provided at the main entrance(s) of the building or structure. If the building is not constantly attended, the display shall be visible and discernible from the exterior. The visual zone indication shall lock in until the system is reset and shall not be canceled by the operation of an audible alarm-silencing switch. The Graphic Zoning Panel shall provide the following information:

Fire alarm system within a building must not have conflicting:

Section 912.2.3 is added to read as follows: "Location and Performance of Fire Hydrants." Every building of more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in area shall be provided with sufficient fire hydrants located such that no exterior portion of the building is located more than five hundred (500) feet from a fire hydrant. The distance shall be measured as a hose line would be laid along paved streets, through parking lot entrances, and around obstructions, in accordance with the determination of the authority having jurisdiction. A fire hydrant is required within two hundred (200) feet of any required fire department connection, as hose is laid. The fire department connection must be located on the front, address side of the building and be visible from a fire hydrant or as approved by the Fire Code Official. Each hydrant shall provide a minimum of one thousand (1,000) gpm at a residual pressure of twenty (20) psi.

Section 1015.2.2, All retaining walls thirty (30) inches or higher shall be provided with guard rails in accordance with this Section.

Section 1015.4.1, Ladder Effect. Guards shall not have an ornamental pattern that would provide a ladder effect for any of the following uses: Assembly (A), Education (E), Mercantile (M) Residential (R) or any other uses open to the public.

Exceptions: Section (b) above shall not apply where A, E, M, and R are accessory uses only.

Roof overhang, canopy or awning consistent with the type of construction.

Heated slab.

Reliable snow maintenance program approved by the Director or the Director's designee.

Chapter 11 of the IBC relating to Accessibility is hereby replaced with the Maryland Accessibility Code set forth in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Section 05.02.02.

The following provisions shall supplement the Maryland Accessibility Code. Swimming pool access: All public swimming pools shall have an approved lift with a capacity of not less than three hundred (300) pounds for ingress to and egress from the pool or a suitable system of ramps which would readily and safely accomplish the same purpose.

Ramps serving as the main means of egress or ingress for a building shall have a width of not less than five (5) feet measured between the handrails.

Section 1202.5.4 (IBC) is added to read as follows:

Section 1608.1, General. Design snow loads shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 7 of ASCE 7, but the design roof load shall not be less than that determined by Section 1607 of this Code. However, in no case shall a roof be designed for less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot (psf) snow load plus the drift.

Section 1608.2, Ground Snow Loads. The minimum ground snow loads to be used in determining the design snow loads for roofs, including snow drift shall be thirty-five (35) pounds per square foot (psf).

Section 1805.4.3.1 is added to read as follows: "Foundation Drainage." In no case shall a discharge pipe of foundation drainage be connected to a public sanitary sewer or a septic system.

Section 1805.4.3.4, Sump Pumps and Pits. Where subsoil drains do not discharge by gravity, the drains shall discharge to an accessible sump pit with an automatic electric pump. A battery back-up or water-powered back-up sump pump will also be provided. Sump pit shall be a minimum of twenty-four (24) inches in diameter, or eighteen (18) inches square and twenty-four (24) inches in depth and be provided with a fitted cover. The sump pump shall have adequate capacity to discharge all water coming into the sump as it accumulates, but in no case shall the capacity of the pump be less than fifteen (15) gallons per minute. The discharge from the pump shall be a minimum of one and one-fourth (1¼) inches and shall have a union in the discharge piping to make the pump accessible for servicing. Subsoil drains and sump pump discharge may discharge to a properly graded open area provided the point of discharge is ten (10) feet from any property line or Building Restriction Line (BRL). Where a continuously flowing spring or high groundwater table is encountered during the design stage, basement floors shall be designed at least two and one-half (2.5) feet above the groundwater's highest detected level. Alternatively, pre-approved methods of permanent dewatering shall be provided, and groundwater level shall be verified again before construction. If such condition is encountered after construction, and subsoil drains are pre-approved by the County, these drains must be piped to a storm drain or approved outfall where they shall be fitted with an accessible backwater valve. Residential sump pumps are not to be relied on for lowering high groundwater table.

Section 1805.4.3.5, Areaway Drains. All open subsurface space adjacent to a building serving as an exit or entrance shall be provided with a drain or drains. Such areaway drains shall be of approved material in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and not less than two (2) inches in diameter and shall discharge by gravity or mechanical means. Areaway drains for areas exceeding 100 square feet shall be sized in accordance with Section 1114 of the 2015 IPC and be a pre-approved design.

Section 1805.4.3.6, Window Well Drains. Window well areaways shall have drains. Window well areaways ten (10) square feet or less may discharge to the subsoil drain through a two-inch minimum diameter pipe.

Section 1805.4.3.7, Foundation Weep Holes. Where subsoil drains are required by Section 1805.4.2, foundations of hollow core masonry shall have foundation weep holes. Weep holes shall be placed a maximum of 4-foot o/c intervals and shall discharge into the aggregate of interior subsoil drainage system.

Section 1805.4.3.8, Site Grading. The ground immediately adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped away from the building at a slope of not less than one unit vertical in twelve (12) units horizontal (1:12) for a minimum distance of 5 feet (914 mm) measured perpendicular to the face of the wall or an approved alternate method of diverting water away from the foundation shall be used. Consideration shall be given to the possible additional settlement of the backfill when establishing the final ground level adjacent to the foundation.

Section 1808.1 is modified to include the following: Minimum size: All footings shall be designed for a soil load bearing value of 1500 pounds per square foot (psf) unless a geotechnical report is submitted.

Section 1808.7, Footings on or Adjacent to Slopes. The placement of buildings and structures on or adjacent to slopes steeper than one (1) unit vertical in three (3) units horizontal (or a 33.3% slope) shall conform to Section 1808.7.1 through 1808.7.5 of this Code. However, if there is a conflict between the requirements of this Section and Subtitle 32 of the County Code, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

Section 1809.5, Frost Protection. Except when erected upon solid rock or otherwise protected from frost, foundation walls, piers, and other permanent supports of all buildings and structures shall extend thirty (30) inches below finished grade and placed on undisturbed ground or compacted fill material, certified by a geotechnical engineer licensed to practice in the State of Maryland, and spread footings of adequate size shall be provided when necessary to properly distribute the load within the allowable bearing value of the soil, or such structures shall be supported on piles, piers or pre-approved methods of ground improvement when solid earth to rock is not available. Footings shall not be founded on frozen soils unless such frozen condition is of a permanent character.

Construction tolerance of the pier installed location shall not be more than 6 inches.

For the 3-pier footing, the centroid of the installed piers, the centroid of the footing and the centerlines of the supported column shall be coincided.

The capacity of the single-pier-, and 2-pier footings used in supporting column/wall loads shall be reduced due to the eccentricity (allowed construction tolerance) of the pier location.

The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made:

For walls that are proposed to serve as floods walls, the permittee shall secure approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers prior to submittal to Prince George's County for building permit. The applicant shall submit evidence of approval.

The following requirements shall be met for retaining wall permits, not including cantilevered retaining walls for basements, which are covered by the 2021 IBC, Chapter 18.

It is the responsibility of the owner to engage and pay for the third party fire protection system inspection. Please notice that no contractor may utilize a person of their own employment to inspect the construction work of their own firm.

All work on fire protection systems is subject to inspection regardless of the number of heads or devices involved. All suppression systems and alarm systems (suppression monitoring, fire and voice alarm) require a valid fire protection system permit.

All pressurized fire protection systems shall undergo hydrostatic testing after any work on the pressurized part of the system is completed. County inspection personnel may waive the hydrostatic testing of altered fire sprinkler systems of less than 50 added or relocated heads where the workmanship is without question, the existing piping appears to be in good condition, and no pipe larger than two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in diameter is altered.

A third party inspector shall submit the fire protection system Certification form in accordance with TPIP. On small projects outside the scope of the TPIP, the third party inspector shall submit the Certification form to the County inspector. In all cases the Certification form shall be accompanied by inspection documentation as outlined in the appropriate National Fire Protection Association Standard (i.e. Contractor's Material and Test Certification - NFPA 13, Inspection and Testing Form - NFPA 72, etc.) or similar.

Section 2109.2.3 is added to read as follows: "Masonry Wall Reinforcement." All masonry walls and cavity walls, except those systems which encompass engineered systems in accordance with standards of Chapter 35, of this Code shall be bonded by joint reinforcement (truss type) at vertical intervals not to exceed sixteen (16) inches.

Section 2204.4 is added to read as follows: For construction of steel moment frames, direct welding connection between steel column and steel beam/girder without the use of connecting elements (i.e. plates, angles, etc.) is prohibited.

Section 2701.1 is amended to read as follows: "Scope." The provision of this chapter and NFPA 70 and amended by Subtitle 9 of the County Code shall govern the design, construction, erection and installation of the electrical components, appliances, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by the code. The International Fire Code, the International Property Maintenance Code and NFPA 70 as amended by Subtitle 9 of the County Code shall govern the use and maintenance of electrical components, appliances, equipment and systems. The International Existing Building Code and NFPA 70 and amended by Subtitle 9 of the County Code shall govern the alteration, repair, relocation, replacement and addition of electrical components, appliances, or equipment and systems.

Section 2702.2, Emergency and Standby Power Systems. Where required, emergency and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, International Fire Code, Chapter 12, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111, and shall be provided where required by Section 2702.2 of this Code and Subtitle 9.

Section 2702.2.2 (a) is added to read as follows: "Standby Power." Elevator cars required by Section 3002.4 of this Code to accommodate ambulance stretchers shall be furnished with standby power, meeting the requirements of Section 3003.1 of this Code.

Section 2704.1 is added to read as follows: "Scope." This Section applies to all new construction as well as existing multiunit dwellings, except for use group R-3.

Section 2704.2 is added to read as follows: "Exterior Passageways." All exterior walkways serving all use groups other than R-3 and R-4 between buildings, between parking lots, and between buildings and parking lots shall be illuminated with no less than a one foot-candle.

Section 2704.3 is added to read as follows: "Parking Lots." Parking facilities serving all use groups other than R-3 shall be illuminated with no less than a one foot-candle in the darkest portion of the parking facility.

Section 2801 is added to read as follows: "Scope." To provide minimum protection of health, every dwelling unit shall be provided with a heating system or heat supply in compliance with the IBC and IMC that will maintain a temperature of sixty-eight (68) degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable spaces, bathrooms, and toilet compartments when the outdoor ambient temperature is, at design condition of fourteen (14) degrees Fahrenheit.

Section 2801 is added to read as follows: "Design Standards." Heating system design shall be based on accepted engineering practice standards and/or methods established by accredited authoritative agencies listed in the ASHRAE Standard. Certification of calculations and design by a registered professional engineer may be accepted by the Building Official as to compliance with this Section of the IBC.

Section 2801 is added to read as follows: "Plans." The actual design conditions used shall be stated on plans submitted for permit. The minimum design condition required by this Section shall be met.

Section 3103.5 is added to read as follows: "Certification." An affidavit or affirmation shall be submitted to the Director or Director's designee and a copy retained on the premises on which the tent or air-supported structure is located. The affidavit shall attest to the following information relative to the flame-resistance of the fabric:

Section 3115 Intermodal Shipping Containers is amended as follows: For buildings constructed under International Residential Code (IRC), the use of shipping containers is allowed only during permitted construction for temporary storage of construction materials only. The shipping containers must be removed at the end of construction prior to permit closure.

Section 3104.1 is amended as follows: This section shall apply to connections between buildings, exterior to buildings such as pedestrian walkways, stairs, ramps or tunnels, located at, above or below grade level, that are used as a means of travel by persons. The pedestrian walkway shall not contribute to the building area or the number of stories or height of connected buildings.

Section 3104.3 is amended as follows: Any stair, ramp or walking surface that is used by a pedestrian as a means of travel shall comply with 2021 IBC chapter 10 and Sec. 4-180 Accessibility. Bike trough or similar features shall be located at the sides/edges of the stairs and shall have handrail within 30 inches.

Section 3104.3 is amended to read as follows: "Construction." The pedestrian walkway shall be of noncombustible construction.

Section 3108.3 is added to read as follows: "Antennae." No satellite dish antennae greater than twenty-four (24) inches in diameter or twenty-five (25) inches in length, fifteen (15) inches in width and ten (10) inches in height may be installed or erected without obtaining a building permit, except as provided in this Section. An application for a permit shall be accompanied by detailed drawings of the antenna structure and methods of anchorage. All connections to a roof shall be properly flashed to maintain water tightness. All antennae must meet manufacturers' specifications, be of noncombustible and non-corrosive materials, and be erected in a secure, wind-resistant manner. An electrical permit shall be required for all installations in accordance with the requirements of Subtitle 9 of the County Code. A satellite dish antenna which is designed to be installed on a flat roof may be installed or erected without obtaining a building permit under the following conditions:

Section 3108.4 is added to read as follows: "Grounding." Towers shall be permanently and effectively grounded according to Subtitle 9 of the County Code entitled "Electricity."

Section 305.2 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Outdoor swimming pools and spas shall include all Public and Residential pools and spas that shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7 (ISPSC).

Section 305.2.1 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: "Barrier Height and Clearances." Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following:

Section 305.2.4 (4) (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: An attachment device shall attach each barrier section at a height not lower than seventy-two (72) inches (1829 mm) above grade. Common attachments devices include, but are not limited to, devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a hook-and-eye type latch incorporating a spring- actuated retaining lever such as a safety gate hook.

Section 305.2.5 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than seventy-two (72) inches (1829 mm), the horizontal member shall be located on the pool or spa side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cut outs shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches (44 mm) in width.

Section 305.2.6 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is seventy-two (72) inches (1829 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cut outs shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches (44 mm) in width.

Section 305.6 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Natural barriers. A natural barrier, hedge, pool cover or other protection device approved by the Building Official may be used so long as the degree of protection afforded by the substituted device or structure is not less than the protection afforded by the enclosure, gate and latch described herein.

Section 305.8 (ISPSC) is added to read as follows: "Other Bodies of Water." When a fish pond or other body of water such as a stormwater management wet, dry, or extended detention pond deeper than twenty-four (24) inches is located within a densely populated area, or in the proximity of an elementary school, playground, or other area where small children may congregate without adult supervision, the Building Official may require a protective enclosure of such body of water as described in Section 305.2 (ISPSC) as amended by this Code, except where allowed under the County approved stormwater management pond plans, standards, and specifications.

Section 3111.1 General. Solar energy systems shall comply with the requirements of this section, 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), and the 2021 National Fire Protection (NFPA) 1 Fire Code. The most stringent code shall apply.

Section 3111.3 Photovoltaic solar energy systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with this section, the International Fire Code, NFPA 70, National Fire Protection (NFPA 1) Fire Code and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Section 3111.3.5.1.1. Required Non-combustible Perimeter Surface. A non-combustible perimeter surface between the solar panels and the security barrier fully enclosing all of the solar field is required and shall be at least ten (10) foot wide. A fifteen (15) foot wide brush free stable surface, similar to grasscrete pavers, with a required Vegetation Maintenance Plan is also acceptable.

Section 3111.3.5.1.2. A Vegetation Maintenance Plan or a noncombustible base, approved by the AHJ shall be installed and maintained under and around the photovoltaic arrays and associated electrical equipment installations. Stationary fuel cell power systems and battery storage systems shall have a noncombustible base.

Section 311.3.5.1.3. No point of the solar arrays shall be more than five hundred (500) feet of the fire department access road. When the sloping conditions of the site do not allow the fire department access for inside the solar field, this requirement can be exempt with the director or director's designee's approval.

Section 3111.3.5.1.4(3). Vegetation Maintenance Plan.

Section 3111.3.5.1.5. Security Barriers. Security barriers are required around the perimeter of all the ground mounted solar arrays.

A sign on the fence shall be provided displaying the address of the property along with the phone number and name of the solar panel installation company.

Section 3115 Intermodal Shipping Containers is amended as follows: For buildings constructed under International Residential Code (IRC), the use of shipping containers is allowed only during permitted construction for temporary storage of construction materials only. The shipping containers must be removed at the end of construction prior to permit closure.

Fire watch during combustible construction. Section 3314.1 is amended to read as follows: A fire watch shall be provided during nonworking hours for construction that exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest adjacent grade at any point along the building perimeter for new multistory construction with an aggregate area exceeding 20,000 square feet (1858 m2) per story or as required by the Fire Department or Inspections Division.

Accessibility For Emergency Vehicles. Section 3314.2 is added to read as follows: "Accessibility for Emergency Vehicles During Construction Operations." At the beginning of construction operations and during construction, the contractor shall provide and maintain at all times a minimum twelve (12) foot wide vehicular access roadway that will allow unimpeded access by fire and emergency rescue vehicles from the improved street to within two hundred (200) feet of the most remote building under construction on the site. The vehicular access roadway surface shall be of a compacted material of stone, blacktop or other suitable material to support a twenty (20) ton vehicle under all weather conditions.

NFPA 90A 6.2 - A single point master shutoff switch shall be provided for the fire department which is capable of shutting down all air handling equipment to prevent the spread of smoke through the building. The switch shall be located at the entrance, inside lobby, near fire alarm annunciator or in fire control room where one present.

The following deletions and amendments are made to the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings:

Section R-302.2.2, Parapets. Parapets constructed in accordance with Section R-302.2.3 shall be provided for townhouses as an extension of common exteriors or walls in accordance with the following:

Section R-303.3.1 is added to read as follows: "Illumination of Toilet Rooms and Bathrooms." Illumination of toilet rooms and bathrooms is to be the equivalent of at least three (3) foot candles.

Section R-303.4.1 (IRC) is added to read as follows:

Sound Transmission Class (STC) — Appendix AK is hereby adopted.

Section R-303.7.2 is added to read as follows: "Minimum Illumination of Stairwells." Minimum illumination of stairwells is to be the equivalent of at least three (3) foot candles. In all one- and two-family dwellings, at least one (1) light illuminating a stair shall be controlled by wall switches at each end of the stair. All exterior steps shall be provided with a light controlled by a switch on the interior.

The following revision is made to Section M1503.6 Make Up Air Required of the International Residential Code:

Section R309.2.1 — Rooms or spaces that store electric powered vehicles shall be separated from adjacent spaces by one (1) hour fire-resistance rating walls, ceilings, opening protectives and shall contain a heat detector which upon activation will result in local alarm.

Section R-309.6 is added to read as follows: "Interconnecting Doors." All doors between garages and living spaces of the one- and two-family dwellings shall be provided with a self-closing device. The self-closer may be non-listed but must be sufficient to close and latch the door from an open position of twelve (12) inches.

Section R-311.4, Minimum Number of Exits in Existing One- and Two-Family Dwellings. One- and two-family dwellings that undergo basement improvements for which a building permit is required and the work performed will render the area as "Habitable" shall have a minimum of two (2) exits. All basements must have an exit door or an emergency escape and rescue opening leading directly to the outside grade in addition to an interior stair leading to the primary means of egress of the dwelling unit.

Section R-311.7.5, Stair Treads and Risers. The maximum riser height shall be eight and one-fourth (8¼) inches, and the minimum tread depth shall be nine (9) inches. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge. The walking face of treads and landings of a stairway shall be sloped no steeper than one (1) unit vertical in forty-eight (48) units horizontal two percent (2%) slope. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than three-eighths (3/8) inch. The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than three-eighths (3/8) inch.

Section R-312.1.3, Ladder Effect. Guards where required shall not be constructed so as to have an ornamental pattern that would provide a ladder effect.

Section R105.2, Work Exempt from Permit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for property located within Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zones, permits shall not be required for the following, provided that the construction does not result in any violation of this Subtitle and the building codes:

A new Section R105.2.1, Historic Area Work Permit Requirement. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section R105.2, a Historic Area Work Permit must be issued by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to any work on the exterior features of a property that contains a historic site or unclassified historic resource identified on the master plan for historic preservation or that is located within a local historic district. At the time the Historic Area Work Permit is issued, the Historic Preservation Commission shall notify the Director, or the Director's designee by transmitting a copy of the Historic Area Work Permit to the Director. The Director, or the Director's designee shall maintain and enroll the Historic Area Work Permit into the registry of issued permits maintained by the Director. The Director shall not require the issuance of a County building permit for ordinary repairs as defined in Section R105.2, or for ordinary maintenance as defined in Section 29-107(d), in addition to any Historic Area Work Permit that is determined by the Historic Preservation Commission to be required.

A new Section R105.2.2, Inventory of Historic Sites, Properties within Local Historic Districts, and Unclassified Historic Resources. The Director, or the Director's designee shall maintain an electronic inventory of historic sites, properties within local historic districts, and unclassified historic resources in Prince George's County. The Historic Preservation Commission shall transmit the listing of historic sites, properties within local historic districts, and unclassified historic resources to the Director or the Director's designee on or about January 1 and July 1 of each year. The listing shall be utilized to notify the Director or his Designee and applicants for County building permits issued by the Director or his Designee that the Historic Area Work Permit requirement described in Sec. R105.2.1 applies to any property that contains a historic site or unclassified historic resource or is located within a local historic district. The Director and/or his Designee shall not issue any permits for a property that contains a historic site or unclassified historic resource or is located within a local historic district, unless the Historic Preservation Commission has first issued a Historic Area Work Permit as required under Sec. R105.2.1.

A new Section R105.3.1.1, Required Documents for Permits Application. The application shall include: (1) any and all documents showing the business partners of the owner or lessee involved in the operation and or ownership of the building structure or use for which the permit is being sought; (2) any and all organizational documentation of the entity that owns, uses or leases the building or structure; (3) any and all documents showing who will operate the business; and (4) any other data and information supported by documentation that is required by the Director or the Director's designee deemed necessary for furtherance of the intent of this Code.

A new Section R105.3.1.2, Review of Application. The application will be reviewed to ensure that it conforms with all the requirements of the pertinent laws, including but not limited to the requirements of this Code, State and local laws and ordinances. An application for a permit will be reviewed by the Director or the Director's designee, in consultation with the Police Department and the Fire/EMS Department. The Director or the Director's designee shall have the authority to deny any application under the provisions of this Division and shall also have the authority to deny an application upon a violation of this Division.

A new Section R105.3.1.3, Application Exemption. The Director or the Director's designee may refuse to accept an application for a permit from any applicant: (1) who is or was in default on a previously issued permit, or who is the permittee listed on an expired permit which is not currently in the process of being extended by County administrative action, or who has not fully complied with the application process; (2) for any other reason the Director or the Director's designee deems necessary in furtherance of the intent of this Code; or (3) for any reason that is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public.

A new Section R105.3.1.4, By Whom an Application is Made. Application for a permit shall be made by the owner or lessee of the building or structure, or the agent of either, or by the licensed engineer or architect employed in connection with the proposed work. If the application is made by a person other than the owner in fee, the applicant shall attest on the permit application or by separate written statement, that the proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee and that the applicant is authorized to make such application. The full names and addresses of the owner, lessee, applicant, and the responsible officer if the owner or lessee is a corporate body, shall be stated on the application. Subsequent permits will be issued in the name of the owner of record at time of permit issuance.

Section R105.3.2, Time Limitation of an Application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned twelve (12) months after the date of filing, unless such application has been diligently pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued. Extensions of time may be authorized by the Director or the Director's designee. The Director or the Director's designee may request any documentation or certification deemed necessary and assess an extension fee as appropriate.

Section R105.5, Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days after the issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the time the work is commenced. The Director or the Director's designee is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. Any permit issued for property within the area of a pending Sectional Map Amendment (as provided for in the County Zoning Ordinance) that is rezoned to a less intense zone, shall expire on its own terms upon approval of the Sectional Map Amendment by the District Council if a completed building foundation for a use not permitted in the less intense zone has not been completed. The Director or the Director's designee shall notify the permit holder of the expiration of the permit.

A new Section R105.5.1, Expiration of Permit and Correction of Code Violations. Any permit issued for residential property to correct a building code or housing code violation issued pursuant to Subtitle 4 or Subtitle 13 of the County Code shall be issued only for a period of time reasonably necessary to correct the violation, not to exceed ninety (90) days. The initial period of the permit shall be established by the Director or the Director's designee based upon the extent of the work required to correct the violation. The permit may be extended or renewed for an additional period of one hundred eighty (180) days if, in the opinion of the Director or the Director's designee, the applicant has demonstrated substantial progress to complete the work in accordance with the permit and has demonstrated substantial justification for failure to complete the work within the period of the permit. The Board of Administrative Appeals shall have no authority to grant an extension to the period of the permit.

A new Section R105.10, Building Location. No permit for building shall be issued for a structure that overlaps the County line. Location of the County line on the site plan shall be certified by a Professional Land Surveyor.

A new Section R105.1.1, Date and Hours of Operation Limits. All permits shall be issued with date and hours of operation limits listed as determined by the Director or the Director's designee. All permits shall be issued indicating that no work shall be performed during the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., unless work is performed pursuant to Section 4-120 of this Subtitle.

A new Section R105.1.2, After Hours Permit. Any request to work pursuant to a permit beyond permitted construction hours shall be made by application to the Code Official and shall be subject to noise regulations of Prince George's County Code and in accordance with the fee schedule established in Sec. 2-253.63. No after-hours permit shall be issued for work in an area zoned "residential" under the Zoning Regulations then in effect, or in an area within 500 feet (152 400 mm) of such residential zone, or within 500 feet (152 400 mm) of a building with sleeping quarters, unless the Code Official determines that not issuing such permit would pose a threat to public safety, health and welfare.

A new R105.1.3 Post Construction Permit. Any owner cited for unpermitted construction shall be required to obtain a "Post Construction Permit" to complete and certify that the unpermitted construction is in compliance with the Code or to remove the unpermitted work. The Post Construction Permit fee must be paid in addition to any other fees required to obtain permits. Post construction plans submitted for approval must be certified by a Maryland Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or a Maryland Licensed Architect.

A new Section R105.6, Suspension or Revocation and Reissuance of Permits. The Director or the Director's designee is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Code as follows: (1) whenever the permit is issued in error, (2) incorrectly, (3) inaccurately, (4) in an incomplete manner, (5) for any reason that is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public, (6) in violation of any ordinance, regulation or any of the provisions of this Code, and (7) the Director or the Director's designee, in consultation with the Police Department and the Fire/EMS Department, shall have the authority to deny, suspend, or revoke any application or permit under the provisions of this Division and upon a violation of this Division. In addition, the failure to have utility lines located on site through the Utility Service Protection Center ("Miss Utility") and any nonmember utilities prior to starting any excavation deeper than twelve (12) inches will result in permit revocation.

A new Subsection R105.6.1, Revocation of Permits. In addition, the failure to locate utility lines on site, prior to starting any excavation deeper than twelve (12) inches, by not contacting in due time the Utility Service Protection Center, "Miss Utility," and nonmember utilities, as known, and having such utilities locate lines on site, shall be cause - irrespective of whether or not a utility line is ruptured - for revocation of the permit. In order to continue work for which a permit has been revoked, a new application shall be required as specified in Section R105, Permits of IRC.

Section R105.7 - Posting of permit. The permit, or a copy thereof, shall be kept on the work site and conspicuously displayed at a location visible from the street until the completion of work for which the permit is issued.

Section R106.1.1.2, Location of Underground Utility Lines Prior to Commencement of Work. For all work that requires excavation deeper than twelve (12) inches, the permit holder (permittee) accepting the permit agrees to contact the Utility Service Protection Center, "Miss Utility," and nonmember utility companies, as known, in due time and prior to beginning any excavation work for the purpose of having each utility company locate its lines on site. In the event that the permittee fails to obtain the services of the utilities, then in such event, and irrespective of whether or not a utility line is ruptured, the Director or the Director's designee may revoke the building or grading permit, or both. In such event, all fees paid to the County shall be forfeited and, in order to continue work, a new application with requisite fee for a permit shall be filed. Drawings shall be reexamined to determine that all utilities have been located and verified by the utility companies having knowledge of the location of such underground utilities. However, in the event any or all of the respective utility companies fail to furnish the requisite information to the permittee within a reasonable period of time as determined by the Director or the Director's designee under all of the circumstances, then, in such event, the foregoing revocation provisions shall not apply.

Section R106.1.1.3. Acknowledgement of Final Grade. Builders and developers shall place on record with each utility company a written acknowledgment that final grade has been achieved to within six (6) inches. Utility lines shall not be installed until such acknowledgment has been received by the utilities.

A new Section R106.3.3.1, Approval of Partial Plans. The code official is authorized to issue a partial permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building or structure have been submitted, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of the County Building Code. Issuance of a partial permit by the code official does not constitute assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted. The holder of such partial permit for the foundations or other part of a building or structure will proceed with the building operation at the holder's own risk and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.

Transitory Provisions

R-313.1 Section, Automatic Sprinkler System Requirement for New One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Industrialized Buildings (Modular and Manufactured Homes to be utilized as a new One- and Two-Family Dwelling). This Section, R-313.1, supersedes Section R-313 of the IRC. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout new one- and two-family dwellings, including industrialized (modular) and manufactured homes, installed as manufactured homes after December 31, 2010. The following reductions in construction requirements are permitted when a one- or two-family dwelling is fully sprinklered:

Section R-313.2, Connection from Sprinkler Systems. Sprinklers systems designed in accordance with NFPA 13D shall be supplied and protected from backflow in accordance with the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. Repairs to detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes not more than three stories above grade plane which, because of lack of maintenance or structural damage due to fire, explosion, or natural causes, which, in the opinion of the Director of the Director's designee, exceed fifty percent (50%) of the building shall have an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout the building as part of the scope of repairs completed. Additions to existing structures which exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the total floor (square footage) of the existing structures will cause the altered structure (addition plus existing structure) to be fully sprinklered.

Section R-313.4, Sprinklers for Additions. All enclosed or habitable additions to an existing sprinklered one- or two-family dwelling, including industrialized (modular and manufactured) homes must also be fully sprinklered.

Section R-313.5, Location and Performance of Fire Hydrants. Every building of more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in an area shall be provided with sufficient fire hydrants located such that no exterior portion of the building is located more than five hundred (500) feet from a fire hydrant. The distance shall be measured as a hose line would be laid along paved streets, through parking lot entrances, and around obstructions, in accordance with the determination of the authority having jurisdiction. For multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses), provide a fire hydrant within five hundred (500) feet of all exterior portions of the building, as hose is laid. Each hydrant shall provide a minimum of one thousand (1,000) gpm at a residual pressure of twenty (20) psi.

Section R-313.6, Booster Pump for Automatic Sprinklers. Where a booster pump is required for the water supply to the automatic sprinklers, the pump driver shall follow the requirements of this Section.

Section R-313.6.1, Water Pressure and Volume Boost with Standard Drip Proof Pump Drive. Water pressure and volume boost with standard drip proof pump drive shall be installed as follows:

Section R-313.6.2, Water Pressure and Volume Boost with Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled Pump Driver. Water pressure and volume boost with totally enclosed fan cooled pump driver shall be installed as follows:

Section R-313.6.3, Any Pump with a Stored Water Supply. Any pump with a stored water supply shall be installed as follows:

Section R-313.6.4, Combination Use Standard Wiring Method. Any pump on a single circuit shall be installed to be within visual sight of the pump.

Section R-313.6.5, Mounting Considerations for Any Pump Serving a Residential Sprinkler System. Any pump serving a residential sprinkler system shall be installed as follows:

Section R-302.2.5 is amended to read as follows: "Parapets." Parapets constructed in accordance with Section R-302.2.4 shall be provided for townhouses as an extension of common exterior or walls in accordance with the following:

Section R305.1: The Exceptions are amended to include Exception 5: The Director or designee shall approve, in writing, any ceiling height above finished floor.

The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are to Section R-403 of the IRC:

The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Section R-404 of the International Residential Code:

For walls that are proposed to serve as floods walls, the permittee shall secure approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers prior to submittal to Prince George's County for building permit. The applicant shall submit evidence of approval.

The following requirements shall be met for retaining wall permits, not including cantilevered retaining walls for basements, which are covered by the 2021 IBC, Chapter 18.

The following amendments, additions, and/or deletions are made to Section R-405 of the International Residential Code:

The following addition is made to Section R-502 of the International Residential Code:

Section R-502.8.3, Protection of Truss Framing Members. All combustible truss framing members which comprise a portion of a nonrated floor assembly shall be protected by the installation of a ceiling. The ceiling material shall not be less than one-half (1/2) inch gypsum board or an approved equivalent alternative material. The ceiling must be adequately supported by direct mechanical fastening to the structural framing or be suspended by not less than No. 12 MSG galvanized steel wire or by an equivalent method. Where combustible truss joist framing is used as a portion of a required rated floor-ceiling assembly, the structural members shall be protected in accordance with an appropriate tested and listed design.

Section R113.2 of the IRC is amended to read as follows:

Section R113.4 of the IRC is amended to read as follows: "Violation Penalties"

Section R.113.5 is added and shall read as follows:

Section R114.1 of the IRC is amended to read as follows:

Section R114.2 of the IRC is amended to read as follows: Unlawful Continuance

Section R.114.3 is added and shall read as follows: