<section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-101" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the State Board for Professional Land Surveyors.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Council” means the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Design coordination” means the review and coordination of services provided by individuals licensed or certified under Titles 3, 8, 9, 14, and 15 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Land surveyor” means an individual who practices land surveying.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>land surveying; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>property line surveying.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“License” includes, unless the context requires otherwise:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a license to practice land surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a license to practice property line surveying.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“License fee” means, as applicable, the fee paid in connection with the issuance and renewal of a license and the issuance of a limited license, temporary license, and reciprocal license.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Licensed property line surveyor” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a property line surveyor who is licensed by the Board to practice property line surveying.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Permit” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a permit issued by the Board to allow a corporation or partnership to operate a business through which an individual may practice land surveying or property line surveying.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Permit fee” means, as applicable, the fee paid in connection with the issuance and renewal of a permit.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Practice land surveying” means providing or offering to provide professional services that require the application of special knowledge of the principles of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences, and the requirements of the relevant law to authoritatively determine, regardless of the technology or method used, the accurate and precise location of a feature, object, or boundary of real property with reference to the surface of the earth, space above the surface of the earth, or underground.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Practice land surveying” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>measuring, platting, and locating lines, angles, elevations, natural or artificial features in the air, on the surface of the earth, in underground work, and on the beds of bodies of water for the purpose of determining and reporting positions, topography, areas, and volumes;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the describing, platting or replatting, establishing or reestablishing, locating or relocating, or setting or resetting the monumentation for boundaries of real property, easements, or rights–of–way;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>platting, layout, and preparation of surveys, plats, plans, and drawings, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>site plans;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subdivision plans;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>subdivision plats;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>condominium plats;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>right–of–way and easement plats; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>other recordable plats;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>conducting horizontal and vertical control surveys, layout or stake–out of proposed construction, and the preparation and platting of as–constructed surveys;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>utilizing measurement devices or systems, such as aerial photogrammetry, global positioning systems, land information systems, geographic information systems, or similar technology for evaluation or location of boundaries of real property, easements, or rights–of–way; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>in conjunction with the site development or subdivision of land, the preparation and design of plans for the following projects, provided that such preparation and design are in accordance with design manuals, details, and standards accepted by the State or local authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>road and street grades;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sediment and erosion control measures;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>nonpressurized closed storm drainage and stormwater management systems; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>open conduit storm drainage and stormwater management systems.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Practice land surveying” does not include the design, preparation, or specifications for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>community water or wastewater treatment collection or distribution systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>community pumping or lift stations; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>geotechnical or structural design components of sediment control or stormwater management ponds or basins.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <level label="1"> <text>“Practice property line surveying” means to practice land surveying, except for the services excluded under paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Practice property line surveying” does not include the performance of the services described in subsection (k)(1)(vi) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Professional land surveyor” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a land surveyor who is licensed by the Board to practice land surveying.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Property line surveyor” means an individual who practices property line surveying.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Responsible charge” means direct control and personal direction of the investigation, design, construction, or operation of land surveying work that requires initiative, professional skill, and independent judgment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-102" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions"> <level label="a"> <text>A professional land surveyor may render or offer to render land surveying services described in § 15–101(j) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A licensed property line surveyor may render or offer to render property line surveying services described in § 15–101(k) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A professional land surveyor or a property line surveyor, as applicable, may perform design coordination for a project or portion of a project provided that the professional land surveyor or the property line surveyor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>holds a current license issued by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has adequate experience in, and understanding of, achieving the purpose of the project or portion of the project being coordinated.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-201" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <text>There is a State Board for Professional Land Surveyors in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-202" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of 6 members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the 6 members of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>3 shall be professional land surveyors;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 shall be a licensed property line surveyor or a professional land surveyor; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>2 shall be consumer members.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall appoint the members with the advice of the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Governor may appoint each of the professional members from a list of at least 3 names submitted to the Secretary by the Maryland Society of Surveyors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each consumer member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be a member of the general public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may not be a licensee or otherwise be subject to regulation by the Board;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may not be required to meet the qualifications for the professional members of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>may not, within 1 year before appointment, have had a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person regulated by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>While a member of the Board, a consumer member may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have a financial interest in or receive compensation from a person regulated by the Board; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>grade any examination given by or for the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 5 years and begins on July 1.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 1989.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may remove a member for incompetence, misconduct, neglect of duties, or other good cause.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Board meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the chairman shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-203" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <text>From among the members of the Board, the Governor shall appoint a chairman.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>From among its members, the Board annually shall elect a vice chairman and a secretary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The manner of election of officers shall be as the Board determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-204" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <text>A majority of the authorized membership of the Board is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall determine the times and places of its meetings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-204.1" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <text>At least annually, the chairman of the Board, the chairman of the State Board of Architects, the chairman of the State Board of Certified Interior Designers, the chairman of the State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects, and the chairman of the State Board for Professional Engineers shall meet to discuss issues of mutual importance to the design professions.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-205" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall adopt a code of ethics for practicing land surveying.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall distribute:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a copy of the code of ethics to each applicant for a license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>as the Board considers necessary, a copy of any amendment to the code of ethics to each licensee.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-206" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall administer and enforce this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of evidence in connection with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any disciplinary action under § 15-317 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any proceeding brought for an alleged violation of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may sue to enforce any provision of this title by injunction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In seeking an injunction under this subsection, the Board is not required to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>post bond; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>allege or prove either that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an adequate remedy at law does not exist; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>substantial or irreparable damage would result from the continued violation of the provision.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member of the Board may not be held personally liable for any action taken under this subsection in good faith and with reasonable grounds.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-207" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <text>On request of any person and payment of a verification fee set by the Board, the Board shall certify the licensing or permit status and qualifications of any person who is the subject of the request.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each certification under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall include a statement of the licensing or permit status of the person who is the subject of the request; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>information about the examination results and other qualifications of that person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>information about the dates of issuance and renewal of the license or permit of that person;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>information about any disciplinary action taken against that person; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>if authorized by that person, information about any complaint against that person.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-208" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any powers set forth elsewhere, the Board may adopt:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any bylaw for the conduct of the proceedings of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any regulation to carry out this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>determine a type of marker, monument, stake, or other landmark that a licensee shall use in practicing land surveying and practicing property line surveying;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>keep a record of its proceedings; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>by regulation, formalize minimum standards of practice for licensees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-208.1" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall maintain a listing of the names and mailing addresses of all licensees and permit holders.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board may release this list to the public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The licensee or permit holder shall designate the address at the time of issuance of the original license or permit and on the renewal of the license or permit.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall provide all licensees, certificate holders, and code officials with a periodic newsletter not less than semiannually on the activities of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall publish, on the Department website, the newsletter jointly with the State Board for Professional Engineers, the State Board of Architects, the State Board of Certified Interior Designers, and the State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-209" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may set reasonable fees for its services.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fees charged shall be set so as to produce funds to approximate the cost of maintaining the Board and shall be based on the calculations performed by the Secretary under § 2–106.2 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall publish the fee schedule set by the Board by regulation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall pay all fees collected under this title to the Comptroller of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Comptroller shall distribute the fees to the State Occupational and Professional Licensing Design Boards’ Fund established in § 2–106.1 of the Business Regulation Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-210" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <text>Any person aggrieved by any final action of the Board may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-211" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Board for Professional Land Surveyors"> <text>The Board exercises its powers, duties, and functions subject to the authority of the Secretary.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-301" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to practice land surveying before the individual may practice land surveying in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to practice property line surveying before the individual may practice property line surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an individual who practices land surveying while performing official duties as an officer or employee of the federal government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an employee or other subordinate of a licensee, while the subordinate practices land surveying or practices property line surveying under the conditions authorized under § 15–303(a)(1)(i) or (2)(i) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an employee of an individual who is not licensed but who, nevertheless, is authorized to practice land surveying or to practice property line surveying, while the employee practices land surveying or practices property line surveying under the conditions authorized under § 15–303(a)(1)(ii) or (2)(ii) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an individual who utilizes measurement devices or systems, regardless of the technology or methods used, for the exclusive purpose of determining topography and contours, provided that the individual is certified by an entity acceptable to the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-302" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>On and after July 1, 1990, the Board may not issue a license to practice property line surveying.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, an individual who is licensed as a property line surveyor as of June 30, 1990, may continue to renew the license as provided under § 15-314 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-303" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to this section, the following individuals may practice land surveying without a license:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an employee or other subordinate of a professional land surveyor; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an employee of an individual who is not licensed but is otherwise authorized under this title to practice land surveying without supervision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to this section, the following individuals may practice property line surveying without a license:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an employee or other subordinate of a licensed property line surveyor; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an employee of an individual who is not licensed but is otherwise authorized under this title to practice property line surveying without supervision.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The authority to practice land surveying or property line surveying under this section applies only if the licensee or other authorized individual has, with respect to the investigation, design, construction, and operation of the surveying work of the employee or other subordinate, direct control and personal direction that requires initiative, professional skill, and independent judgment.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-304" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The applicant shall be of good character and reputation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An applicant for a license to practice land surveying shall meet the educational and experience requirements under § 15-305 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an applicant shall pass each examination required under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-305" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the other qualifications for a license to practice land surveying, an applicant shall qualify under this section by meeting the educational, experience, and examination requirements set forth in subsection (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>has graduated on completion of at least a 4–year curriculum in land surveying that the Board approves from a college or university that is accredited by, or is a constituent unit of an institution accredited by, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or the equivalent regional accrediting association of other regional areas;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has at least 2 years of experience in land surveying that is satisfactory to the Board and that indicates to the Board that the applicant may be competent to practice land surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>has passed the following examinations:</text> <level label="i"> <text>fundamentals of surveying;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the principles and practice of surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>unless excused by the Board, State–specific examination modules specified and approved by the Board that pertain to the practice of surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has graduated on completion of at least a 4–year curriculum in physical sciences or applied sciences from a college or university that is accredited by, or is a constituent unit of an institution accredited by, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or the equivalent regional accrediting association of other regional areas;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, has at least 4 years of experience in land surveying that is satisfactory to the Board and that indicates to the Board that the applicant may be competent to practice land surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>has passed the following examinations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fundamentals of surveying;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principles and practice of surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>unless excused by the Board, State–specific examination modules specified and approved by the Board that pertain to the practice of surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For each 30 semester hours or its equivalent that an applicant completes in land surveying–related courses that the Board approves, the Board may allow a 1–year credit towards the experience requirements of paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection for a maximum of 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has graduated on completion of at least a 4–year curriculum from a college or university that is accredited by, or is a constituent unit of an institution accredited by, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or the equivalent regional accrediting association of other regional areas;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>has a minimum of 30 credit hours of land surveying–related courses that the Board approves;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, has at least 4 years of experience in land surveying that is satisfactory to the Board and that indicates to the Board that the applicant may be competent to practice land surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>has passed the following examinations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fundamentals of surveying;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principles and practice of surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>unless excused by the Board, State–specific examination modules specified and approved by the Board that pertain to the practice of surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For each additional 30 semester hours or its equivalent that an applicant completes in land surveying–related courses that the Board approves, the Board may allow a 1–year credit towards the experience requirements of paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection for a maximum of 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is a high school graduate or the equivalent;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>has a minimum of 30 credit hours of land surveying–related courses that the Board approves;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, has at least 6 years of experience in land surveying that is satisfactory to the Board and that indicates to the Board that the applicant may be competent to practice land surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>has passed the following examinations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fundamentals of surveying;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principles and practice of surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>unless excused by the Board, State–specific examination modules specified and approved by the Board that pertain to the practice of surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For each additional 30 semester hours or its equivalent that an applicant completes in land surveying–related courses that the Board approves, the Board may allow a 1–year credit towards the experience requirements of paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection for a maximum of 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant qualifies under this section if the applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>applies for a license on or before December 31, 2025;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is a high school graduate or the equivalent;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, has at least 9 years of experience in land surveying that is satisfactory to the Board and that indicates to the Board that the applicant may be competent to practice land surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>has passed the following examinations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fundamentals of surveying;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principles and practice of surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>unless excused by the Board, State–specific examination modules specified and approved by the Board that pertain to the practice of surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For each 30 semester hours or its equivalent that an applicant completes in land surveying–related courses that the Board approves, the Board may allow a 1–year credit towards the experience requirements of paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection for a maximum of 3 years.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-306" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submit to the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an application on the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any relevant document that the Board requires; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the Board or the Board’s designee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a nonrefundable application fee set by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an examination fee set by the Board in an amount not to exceed the cost of the required examination.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The application form shall require:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a statement about the education of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a statement about the experience of the applicant in land or property line surveying;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a list of at least 5 references that, unless excused by the Board, shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a land surveyor applicant, at least 3 professional land surveyors who have personal knowledge of the applicant’s land surveying experience; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for a property line surveyor applicant, at least 3 individuals, each of whom:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>is either a professional land surveyor or a licensed property line surveyor; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>has personal knowledge of the applicant’s property line surveying experience; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any other relevant information that the Board requires.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An application shall be made under oath.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Board finds that an application form and the accompanying documentation do not demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements for a license under this subtitle, the Board may require the applicant to submit additional information or documentation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-307" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 15–307.1 of this subtitle, an applicant who otherwise qualifies for a license is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board periodically shall give the examinations required under this subtitle to qualified applicants at the times and places that the Board determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall give each qualified applicant notice of the time and place of examination.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>As provided for applicants for a license to practice land surveying under § 15–305 of this subtitle, the Board shall give the following separate examinations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the fundamentals of surveying;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principles and practice of surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>unless excused by the Board, State–specific examination modules specified and approved by the Board that pertain to the practice of surveying in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and method of grading and passing scores for the examinations given under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall structure the examinations to test the ability of an applicant to design, plan, and direct land surveying in order to ensure the safety of life, health, and property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-307.1" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board may use a testing service to administer the examinations given under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Board uses a testing service, the testing service, subject to the requirements set by the Board, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>set the time and place of examinations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>give qualified applicants notice of the time and place of examinations; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>furnish any other information that the Board may require the testing service to provide.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-308" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>If an applicant fails an examination given under this subtitle, the Board or its designee shall provide notice of the failure to the applicant.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to this subsection, an applicant who fails an examination may review the applicant’s examination in accordance with the Council’s review policies unless the policies have been otherwise amended by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To conduct a review under this subsection, an applicant shall submit a written request to the Board within 60 days after the date the applicant is notified of the applicant’s failure of the examination.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An applicant who does not request review in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection waives the right to review under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall confirm the test score of any applicant who fails an examination given under this subtitle if the applicant submits a written request to the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-309" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to this section, if an applicant fails an examination given under this subtitle, the applicant may retake the examination in accordance with the Council’s reexamination policies unless the policies have been otherwise amended by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant for reexamination shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submit to the Board a request for reexamination on the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the Board or the Board’s designee a reexamination fee set by the Board in § 15–306(a)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may adopt regulations to set conditions for retaking examinations, including requirements that an applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>wait a reasonable period after failing an examination; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide evidence acceptable to the Board of updated experience or education.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A reexamination fee paid under subsection (b)(2) of this section is not refundable.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an applicant does not take the reexamination that the applicant asked to take, the Board shall credit that fee toward any reexamination that the applicant later takes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-311" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board may waive any examination requirement or any part of an examination requirement of this subtitle for an individual who is licensed to practice land surveying in another state.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board may grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is of good character and reputation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the nonrefundable application fee set by the Board under § 15–306 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the license fee set by the Board; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provides adequate evidence that, at the time the applicant was licensed by the other state, the applicant met requirements that were equivalent to those then required by the laws of this State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may require an applicant under this section to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pass the State–specific part of an examination; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pass any part of a nationally administered examination that the applicant has previously failed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-312" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>If an applicant qualifies for a license under this subtitle, the Board shall send the applicant a notice that states that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant has qualified for a license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Board will issue a license to the applicant, on receipt of a license fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On payment of the license fee, the Board shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall include on each license that the Board issues:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the full name of the licensee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the registration number assigned by the Board to the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the signatures of the chairman and secretary of the Board, under seal of the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subject to any regulation that the Board adopts, it shall replace any lost, mutilated, or destroyed license certificate on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>request of the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>payment of the replacement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-313" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>While a license to practice land surveying is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to practice land surveying.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>While a license to practice property line surveying is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to practice property line surveying.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-314" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless a license is renewed for a 2–year term as provided in this section, the license expires on the first June 30 that comes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>after the effective date of the license; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in an odd–numbered year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the licensee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a renewal application form; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the date on which the current license expires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the amount of the license fee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the Board as undeliverable, the Board shall mail to the licensee, at the last known address of the licensee, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The failure of a licensee to receive the notice for which this subsection provides does not prevent the license from expiring as specified under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before a license expires, the licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2–year term, if the licensee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>otherwise is entitled to be licensed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Board a license fee set by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall include on each renewal certificate that the Board issues:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the date on which the current license expires; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the signatures of the chairman and secretary of the Board, under seal of the Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary may determine that licenses issued under this subtitle shall expire on a staggered basis.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Board shall adopt regulations to require a demonstration of continuing professional competency for a licensee as a condition of renewal of a license under this section in accordance with the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a continuing professional competency requirement does not apply to the first renewal of a license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if a license expires on or before September 30, 2002, a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor is not required to fulfill the continuing professional competency requirement;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>if a license expires between October 1, 2002 and September 30, 2003, a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor is required to fulfill 50 percent of the continuing professional competency requirement as provided in the regulations adopted by the Board under this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>if a license expires on or after October 1, 2003, a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor is required to fulfill the full continuing professional competency requirement as provided in the regulations adopted by the Board under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-315" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall reinstate the license of an individual who, for any reason, has failed to renew the license if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>applies to the Board for reinstatement within 2 years after the license expires;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meets the renewal requirements of § 15–314 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, pays to the Board a reinstatement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If an individual has failed to renew a license to practice land surveying for any reason and then applies to the Board for reinstatement more than 2 years after the license has expired, the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may require the individual to reapply for a license in the same manner as an applicant applies for an original license under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, may reinstate the license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board may reinstate a license under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>meets the renewal requirements of § 15–314 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if required by the Board, states reasons why reinstatement should be granted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, pays to the Board a reinstatement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If an individual has failed to renew a license to practice property line surveying for any reason and then applies to the Board for reinstatement more than 2 years after the license has expired, the Board, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, may reinstate the license.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board may reinstate a license under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>meets the renewal requirements of § 15–314 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if required by the Board, states reasons why reinstatement should be granted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, pays to the Board a reinstatement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board may waive a reinstatement fee for a licensee who provides evidence satisfactory to the Board that the licensee did not practice land surveying or property line surveying, as appropriate, during the time the license lapsed.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-316" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board may issue a retired status license to an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is currently licensed in Maryland as a professional land surveyor or a property line surveyor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has been either licensed as a professional land surveyor or a property line surveyor or was authorized to practice land surveying or property line surveying under § 15-303 of this subtitle for at least 25 years, of which 5 years were in Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is not the subject of a pending disciplinary action related to the practice of land surveying or property line surveying in this or another state;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>submits to the Board an application on the form provided by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>pays to the Board a fee, as set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The holder of a retired status license issued under this section may not engage in the practice of professional land surveying or property line surveying.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The holder of a professional land surveyor retired status license may use the designation of “retired professional land surveyor”.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The holder of a property line surveyor retired status license may use the designation of “retired property line surveyor”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may reactivate the license of the holder of a retired status license if that individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submits to the Board an application for reactivation on the form approved by the Board;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meets all continuing competency requirements, not exceeding 48 credit hours, that would have been required for renewal of a license under § 15–314 of this subtitle if the licensee had not been placed on retired status;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pays to the Board a reactivation fee as set by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>is not the subject of a pending disciplinary action related to the practice of land surveying or property line surveying in this or any other state.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-317" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 15–319 of this subtitle, the Board, on the affirmative vote of a majority of its members then serving, may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the applicant or licensee fraudulently or deceptively obtains, renews, or attempts to obtain or renew a license or permit for the applicant or licensee or for another;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the applicant or licensee fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>under the laws of the United States or of any state, the applicant or licensee is convicted of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a felony; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to practice land surveying or property line surveying;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the applicant or licensee is guilty of gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct while practicing land surveying or property line surveying;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the applicant or licensee violates any regulation adopted by the Board;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the applicant or licensee violates any provision of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the applicant or licensee has had a license to practice land surveying or property line surveying in another state revoked or suspended by the other state for a cause that would justify revocation or suspension under this title, except for the failure to pay a license fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license under this subsection, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this subsection, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the good faith of the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any history of previous violations by the licensee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall consider the following facts in the granting, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a license or the reprimand of a licensee when an applicant or licensee is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor described in subsection (a)(1)(iii) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the nature of the crime;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to practice land surveying or property line surveying;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the length of time since the conviction; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-318" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board shall commence proceedings under § 15-317 of this subtitle on a complaint made to the Board by a member or any other person.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A complaint shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>be submitted to the secretary of the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the complaint is made by any person other than a member of the Board, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Board finds that a complaint alleges facts that are adequate grounds for action under § 15-317 of this subtitle, the Board shall act on the complaint as provided under § 15-319 of this subtitle. If the Board does not make that finding, it shall dismiss the complaint.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-319" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under § 15-317 of this subtitle, it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A hearing shall be set down within a reasonable time, not exceeding 6 months, after the Board has brought charges against the licensee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>At least 30 days before the hearing, the hearing notice and a copy of the complaint shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>served personally on the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>mailed to the last known address of the individual.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The individual may be represented at the hearing by counsel.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-320" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to any regulation that the Board adopts, it may reinstate a license that has been revoked.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A license may be reinstated under this section only on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board then serving; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>payment to the Board of a reinstatement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-401" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, a professional land surveyor may practice land surveying for others through:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a corporation as an officer, employee, or agent of the corporation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a partnership as a partner, employee, or agent of the partnership; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a limited liability company as a member, employee, or agent of the limited liability company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, a licensed property line surveyor may practice property line surveying through:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a corporation as an officer, employee, or agent of the corporation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a partnership as a partner, employee, or agent of the partnership; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a limited liability company as a member, employee, or agent of the limited liability company.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company may provide land surveying services through a professional land surveyor or property line surveying services through a licensed property line surveyor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A professional land surveyor who practices land surveying through a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company under this section shall be subject to all of the provisions of this title that relate to practicing land surveying.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A licensed property line surveyor who practices property line surveying through a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company under this section shall be subject to all of the provisions of this title that relate to practicing property line surveying.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A corporation, partnership, or limited liability company that provides land surveying services or property line surveying services under this section is not, by its compliance with this section, relieved of any responsibility that the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company may have for an act or omission of its officer, partner, member, employee, or agent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An individual who practices land surveying or property line surveying through a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, is not, by reason of the individual’s employment or other relationship with the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, relieved of any individual responsibility that the individual may have regarding that practice.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-402" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company shall hold a permit issued by the Board before the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company may operate a business through which land surveying or property line surveying is practiced.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A corporation, partnership, or limited liability company may provide land surveying or property line surveying services for itself or for an affiliated corporation, partnership, or limited liability company without a permit issued by the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-402.1" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a permit, a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company shall meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A corporation, partnership, or limited liability company shall appoint at least one person in responsible charge of the professional land surveying or property line surveying services performed or offered to be performed through the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person in responsible charge shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in direct control of professional land surveying or property line surveying services performed or offered to be performed through the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in a position to act on behalf of, and be responsible for, the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company in matters related to the practice of professional land surveying or property line surveying; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor in good standing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A licensee may not be designated as a person in responsible charge for more than one corporation, partnership, or limited liability company that provides or offers to provide professional land or property line surveying services without the prior approval of the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-403" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a permit shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the Board a nonrefundable application fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any other information required on an application form, the form shall require the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name and address of at least one person in responsible charge of land surveying or property line surveying services performed or offered to be performed through the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>evidence acceptable to the Board that a person in responsible charge is an employee, an owner, a director, an officer, a member, or a partner, as applicable, of the entity seeking a permit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-404" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <text>The Board shall issue a permit to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle and pays to the Board a permit fee set by the Board.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-405" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section and while a permit is in effect, it:</text> <level label="1"> <text>authorizes the holder to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>operate a business through which land surveying is practiced; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>represent to the public that the holder provides the services of a professional land surveyor; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>authorizes the holder to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>operate a business through which property line surveying is practiced; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>represent to the public that the holder provides the services of a licensed property line surveyor.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A permit authorizes the holder to provide a service that constitutes practicing land surveying or property line surveying only if the service is performed by an individual who is licensed or otherwise authorized under this title to practice.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-406" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless a permit is renewed for a 2–year term as provided in this section, the permit expires on the first June 30 that comes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>after the effective date of the permit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in an odd–numbered year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>At least 1 month before a permit expires, the Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the permit holder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a renewal application form; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the date on which the current permit expires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the amount of the permit fee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the Board as undeliverable, the Board shall mail to the permit holder, at the last known address of the permit holder, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before a permit expires, the permit holder periodically may renew it for an additional 2–year term, if the holder:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Board a permit fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The renewal application form shall require the same information required on the original application form under § 15–403(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Board shall renew the permit of each permit holder who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-407" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <text>Within 1 month after the effective date of the change or occurrence, a permit holder shall notify the Board in writing if there has been a change in: </text> <level label="1"> <text>the identity of the person in responsible charge of land surveying or property line surveying services performed or offered to be performed through the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name of the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-408" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 15–409 of this subtitle, the Board, on the affirmative vote of a majority of its members then serving, may deny a permit to any applicant, reprimand a permit holder, or suspend or revoke a permit if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant or permit holder fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a permit; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the permit holder fraudulently or deceptively uses a permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to a sanction imposed under subsection (a) of this section, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each violation for which a denial, reprimand, suspension, or revocation was imposed under subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each failure to meet or continue to meet the qualifications or requirements set forth in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this subsection, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the good faith of the permit holder or the applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any history of previous violations by the permit holder or the applicant.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall pay any penalty collected under subsection (b) of this section into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-409" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 10–226 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under § 15–408 of this subtitle, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At least 30 days before the hearing, the hearing notice and a copy of the complaint shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>served personally on the applicant or on a person in responsible charge of land surveying or property line surveying practiced through the entity holding the permit or a person designated as a resident agent to receive process on behalf of the entity; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>mailed to the last known business address of the entity holding the permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, the Board may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-410" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>For the limited purpose set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a permit shall remain in effect and does not expire by operation of law while the permit holder is under investigation by the Board or awaiting a hearing or disposition on charges subject to disciplinary action under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An extension of a permit term under this subsection is effective only for the purpose of retaining the jurisdiction of the Board over the permit holder during the course of disciplinary proceedings and does not prevent the permit from expiring for any other purpose.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless the Board agrees to accept the surrender, a permit holder may not surrender a permit while the holder is under investigation or awaiting a hearing or disposition on charges subject to disciplinary action under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-411" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <text>A corporation, partnership, or limited liability company whose permit has been suspended or revoked under § 15–408 of this subtitle may not offer or provide land surveying or property line surveying services until the suspension is lifted or the permit is reinstated. </text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-412" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board may reinstate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a permit that has been revoked; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>before fulfillment of the conditions of the suspension, a permit that has been suspended.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A permit may be reinstated under this section only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company whose permit has been revoked or suspended submits a written request to the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company pays to the Board a reinstatement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members then serving, shall vote on the request for reinstatement or lifting of the suspension within 60 days of receipt of the written request.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-413" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <text>The Board may reinstate the permit of a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company that has failed to renew the permit for any reason if the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company: </text> <level label="1"> <text>otherwise is entitled to a permit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Board a reinstatement fee set by the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-414" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Permits"> <text>After the Board reinstates a permit, the permit holder shall continue to comply with all applicable requirements set forth in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-501" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each professional land surveyor and each licensed property line surveyor may obtain a seal for use as required under § 15-502 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The seal shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be of a design determined by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the legend:</text> <level label="1"> <text>“professional land surveyor”; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“licensed property line surveyor”; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the name of the licensee who holds the seal.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-502" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Before a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor issues to a client or submits to a public authority any plan, plat, report, or specification, the professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor who prepared the document shall endorse on the document the licensee’s:</text> <level label="1"> <text>name; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>seal or a facsimile of the seal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A public authority may not accept any surveying plan, plat, report, or specification unless the document is endorsed as required under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-601" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice land surveying or property line surveying in the State unless licensed by the Board.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-602" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>Except for a licensee who operates the business as a sole practitioner, a person may not operate a business through which land surveying or property line surveying is practiced, unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the business is a corporation, a partnership, or a limited liability company; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company holds a permit issued by the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-603" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless authorized under this title to practice land surveying without the supervision required under § 15-303 of this title, a person may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including “land surveyor”, “professional land surveyor”, “licensed land surveyor”, or “registered land surveyor”, by use of the term “land surveying” in the name of the person’s business activity, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice land surveying in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless authorized under this title to practice property line surveying without the supervision required under § 15-303 of this title, a person may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including “licensed property line surveyor” or “property line surveyor”, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice property line surveying in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-604" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section and unless a person holds a permit issued by the Board, the person may not represent to the public, by use of the title “land surveyors”, “professional land surveyors”, “licensed land surveyors”, “registered land surveyors”, “property line surveyors”, “licensed property line surveyors”, or “registered property line surveyors”, by use of the term “land surveying” or “property line surveying”, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person holds a permit or otherwise is authorized to operate a business through which land surveying or property line surveying is practiced in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor who operates a business as a sole practitioner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-605" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>use or attempt to use the license of another individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>impersonate another individual who holds a license.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-606" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>Other than a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor who obtains a seal as authorized under this title, a person may not use or attempt to use a seal.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-607" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>A person may not give false information to the Board in an attempt to obtain a license.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-608" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>An individual whose license has been suspended or revoked under § 15-317 of this title may not practice land surveying or property line surveying in any manner as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an associate, agent, employee, or other subordinate of a professional land surveyor or licensed property line surveyor; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a principal, associate, agent, employee, or other subordinate of a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company that provides land surveying or property line surveying services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-609" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>An individual who is authorized to practice land surveying may not practice or offer to practice land surveying in those areas of land surveying in which the individual is not competent to practice.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual who is authorized to practice property line surveying may not practice or offer to practice property line surveying in those areas of property line surveying in which the individual is not competent to practice.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-610" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In setting the amount of the penalty, the Board shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any history of previous violations by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>any other relevant factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-701" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Short Title; Termination of Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Professional Land Surveyors Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="15-702" title_number="15" title_name="Professional Land Surveyors" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Short Title; Termination of Title"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this title and all regulations adopted under this title shall terminate and be of no effect after July 1, 2032.</text> </section>