In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Architect” means an individual who practices architecture. “Board” means, unless the context requires otherwise, the State Board of Architects. “Code official” means a public official responsible for the review of building permit documents or the issuance of building permits. “Contact hour” means a minimum of 50 minutes of actual class time for each 60–minute hour. “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. “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice architecture. “License fee” means, as applicable, the fee paid in connection with the issuance and renewal of a license and the issuance of a reciprocal license. “Licensed architect” means, unless the context requires otherwise, an architect who is licensed by the Board to practice architecture. “Permit” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a permit issued by the Board to allow a partnership or corporation to operate a business through which an individual may practice architecture. “Permit fee” means, as applicable, the fee paid in connection with the issuance and renewal of a permit. “Practice architecture” means to provide any service or creative work: in regard to an addition to, alteration of, or construction of a building or an integral part of a building; and that requires education, training, and experience in architecture. “Practice architecture” includes: architectural design and preparation of related documents; consultation; design coordination; evaluation; investigation; and planning. “Public use” means the use of a building or other structure for the primary purpose of human use or habitation. “Residential use” means the use of a building or other structure as a dwelling.

The purposes of this title are to safeguard life, health, public safety, and property and to promote the public welfare by regulating persons who practice architecture in the State.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, all architectural documents prepared in connection with the addition, alteration, construction, or design of a building, an integral part of a building, or a group of buildings which are intended for public use or residential use shall be signed, sealed, and dated by a licensed architect in accordance with § 3-501 of this title. A licensed architect may perform design coordination for a project or portion of a project provided that the licensed architect: holds a current license issued by the Board; and has adequate experience in, and understanding of, achieving the purpose of the project or portion of the project being coordinated. This title does not limit the right of: a construction contractor to administer construction contracts; a developer, builder, or contractor to provide design services related to the developer’s, builder’s, or contractor’s own construction of new or existing single-family or two-family dwellings, or structures ancillary to them, or farm buildings; a certified interior designer or other individual to provide interior design services as that term is defined in Title 8 of this article; or an individual to prepare plans, drawings, and other documents in connection with the addition, alteration, construction, design, or repair of a single-family dwelling and appurtenances that are for the personal use of that individual or a member of the immediate family of that individual. A person may not be required to employ a licensed architect in connection with the alteration or repair of an existing building or structure in a municipal corporation if the alteration or repair: does not adversely affect the structural system of the building, including foundations, footings, walls, floors, roofs, bearing partitions, beams, columns, joists, or the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems; and complies with the Maryland Rehabilitation Code and does not exceed $25,000 in estimated costs, including labor and materials for alterations or repairs limited to: minor interior alterations or cosmetic or similar repairs; and fixtures, cabinetwork or furniture; or does not exceed $10,000 in estimated costs, including labor and materials, for alterations or repairs limited to: Storefronts, facades, or similar replacements; exterior stairways, landings, decks, or ramps; joists; or a mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system. Any work performed under this subsection shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Maryland Building Performance Standards set forth in Title 12, Subtitle 5 of the Public Safety Article. The exclusion provided for in this subsection shall be used only once per building or structure in a 12–month period. A building permit issued under this subsection: shall contain an affidavit signed by the person who has submitted the permit stating that the repair or alteration is in compliance with this subsection; and may not be amended or revised in any way to cause the alteration or repair to exceed the maximum amount in total costs authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection, including labor and materials. Any building permit issued under this subsection that contains technical submissions that fail to conform to the requirements of this subsection shall be invalid. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, a code official may require that architectural documents for alterations or repairs of existing buildings or structures be signed and sealed by a licensed architect if the code official determines that the signature and seal of a licensed architect is necessary to provide conformity with the Maryland Building Performance Standards or to otherwise provide for the health and safety of the public.