Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory — Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-901 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–901LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Cecil County;
(5)
Charles County;
(6)
Howard County;
(7)
Prince George’s County;
(8)
Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
The governing body of a county may:
(1)
regulate the construction of buildings and signs;
(2)
adopt a building code;
(3)
provide for enforcement of the code;
(4)
require permits for the construction of buildings and signs;
(5)
impose permit and inspection fees;
(6)
provide for inspection of buildings and structures;
(7)
provide for condemnation of dangerous or insecure buildings or structures as provided under other public general law; and
(8)
require dangerous or insecure buildings and structures to be made safe or demolished.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-902 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–902LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only to:
(1)
Calvert County;
(2)
Caroline County;
(3)
Dorchester County;
(4)
Frederick County;
(5)
Harford County;
(6)
Kent County; and
(7)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
(1)
A building code or housing code adopted under this section does not apply to a building on a farm or to any premises devoted solely to agricultural uses.
(2)
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, a building code or housing code adopted under this section applies to:
(i)
in Calvert County, dwellings on which construction is begun after July 1, 1979; or
(ii)
in Frederick County, residential buildings or buildings constructed for human habitation regardless of location or other auxiliary use.
(d)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Kent County shall adopt a building code and a housing code.
(2)
The governing bodies of Calvert County, Caroline County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Harford County, and Worcester County may adopt a building code and a housing code.
(e)
(1)
A building code or housing code adopted under this section, and all regulations adopted under the codes, shall be designed to protect the public health and welfare.
(2)
A building code shall include:
(i)
regulations requiring a building permit before a building is built or improved; and
(ii)
standards for constructing, maintaining, and repairing, including structural safety, fire prevention, lighting, ventilation, and proper means of access.
(3)
A housing code shall include regulations and standards for human habitation, including sanitation, density of occupancy, open space, and rodent infestation.
(4)
A building code or housing code may include provisions for enforcement of the code, including providing for inspectors and penalties for a violation of the code or the regulations adopted under the code.
(f)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a building code or housing code adopted under this section may incorporate by reference all or part of a building code or housing code issued or proposed and made available for general distribution by any governmental unit or trade or professional association.
(2)
In Caroline County, Frederick County, Harford County, Kent County, and Worcester County, any later amendment to a code or part of a code that is adopted by reference is not effective until the governing body of the county incorporates the specific amendment into the county’s building code or housing code.
(g)
(1)
This subsection applies only to:
(i)
Frederick County;
(ii)
Harford County; and
(iii)
Kent County.
(2)
The governing body of the county may charge a fee for a zoning certificate or permit for construction of improvements to real property.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-903 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–903LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The governing body of Cecil County may adopt a building code to provide for:
(1)
constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and structures;
(2)
the appointment of inspectors to enforce the code; and
(3)
penalties for a violation of the code.
(b)
In Cecil County, the building code may incorporate by reference all or part of a code proposed by any governmental unit or trade or professional association for general distribution in printed form as a standard model on any subject relating to constructing, maintaining, or repairing a building or other structure.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-904 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–904LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Charles County shall adopt a building code that:
(i)
specifies standards for constructing, maintaining, or repairing buildings and structures; and
(ii)
substantially conforms to the basic building code adopted by the International Code Council.
(2)
After a hearing on the proposed changes, the county commissioners may amend the code.
(b)
In Charles County, the building code adopted under this section does not apply to any farm buildings or any other outbuilding with a cost of less than $2,500.
(c)
The County Commissioners of Charles County may impose a fee for a permit issued under the building code.
(d)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Charles County shall appoint a building inspector and assistant inspectors at salaries as provided in the county budget.
(2)
The inspectors shall enforce the building code and the related regulations.
(e)
The County Commissioners of Charles County may:
(1)
provide penalties for a violation of the building code; and
(2)
abate a violation of the building code.
(f)
(1)
If the County Commissioners of Charles County abate a violation of the building code, the county commissioners may assess against the property the reasonable costs of the abatement.
(2)
The assessment shall be:
(i)
added to the annual tax bill of the property to be collected in the same manner as ordinary taxes are collected; and
(ii)
subject to the same interest and penalty for nonpayment as provided by law for the nonpayment of county taxes.
(3)
The assessment is a lien against the property from the date of assessment until paid.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-905 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–905LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County may adopt a building code.
(b)
A building code adopted under this section applies to a residential building on a farm but does not apply to another outbuilding on a farm, including a building that houses animals or farm equipment or is used for farm storage.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-906 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–906LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may adopt a building code to provide for constructing, maintaining, and repairing buildings and other structures.
(b)
(1)
A building code adopted under this section may incorporate by reference all or part of a code proposed by any governmental unit or a trade or professional association for general distribution in printed form as a standard model on any subject relating to constructing, maintaining, or repairing buildings or structures.
(2)
Any later amendment to a code or part of a code that is adopted by reference is not effective until the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County incorporate the specific amendment into the county’s building code.
(c)
The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may appoint inspectors to enforce the building code.
(d)
The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may provide penalties for a violation of the building code.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-907 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–907LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(b)
The County Commissioners of Washington County may adopt licensing requirements for home builders.
(c)
The County Commissioners of Washington County may:
(1)
set a license fee; and
(2)
require an applicant or licensee to provide a performance bond.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-908 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–908LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties.
(b)
A code official that reviews architectural documents for compliance with a building code adopted under this subtitle shall verify with the architect who signed the documents the seal and license of the architect before a permit is processed.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-910 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–910LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Cecil County;
(5)
Charles County;
(6)
Howard County;
(7)
Prince George’s County;
(8)
Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
An electrical code adopted under this section does not apply to:
(1)
electrical equipment or electrical appliances or devices used by public utilities in furnishing their services; or
(2)
work performed by public utilities or their affiliated companies.
(d)
(1)
The governing body of a county may:
(i)
adopt an electrical code;
(ii)
provide for inspections to enforce the code; and
(iii)
impose permit and inspection fees.
(2)
An electrical code adopted by the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall be adopted by ordinance.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-911 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–911LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
In accordance with the Maryland Master Electricians Act, the governing body of a county, by ordinance, may:
(1)
provide for the general licensing of electricians;
(2)
license and establish classifications of electricians;
(3)
establish powers and duties of electrical inspectors, including the authority to issue permits and registrations;
(4)
provide for penalties for a violation of an ordinance adopted under this section;
(5)
establish a Board of Electrical Examiners; and
(6)
establish powers and duties of the Board of Electrical Examiners.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-912 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–912LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Cecil County;
(5)
Charles County;
(6)
Howard County;
(7)
Prince George’s County;
(8)
Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
The governing body of a county may:
(1)
require the inspection and licensing of elevators; and
(2)
prohibit the use of an elevator if it is unsafe, dangerous, or unlicensed.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-915 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–915LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Baltimore City;
(2)
Baltimore County; and
(3)
to the extent that an area is under the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Prince George’s County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
In accordance with the Maryland Plumbing Act, the governing body of a county may:
(1)
adopt a plumbing code;
(2)
provide for inspections to enforce the code; and
(3)
impose permit and inspection fees.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-916 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–916LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(b)
(1)
This subsection applies only to Frederick County, Harford County, and Kent County.
(2)
The governing body of a county may:
(i)
adopt regulations for the issuance of plumbing permits for the installation of sanitary systems, plumbing, and plumbing fixtures; and
(ii)
impose a fee for the permits and for enforcement of the permits.
(c)
(1)
This subsection applies only to Frederick County and Harford County.
(2)
The governing body of a county may:
(i)
adopt a plumbing code to regulate the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and sanitary facilities;
(ii)
employ personnel to enforce the code; and
(iii)
provide criminal penalties for a violation of the code.
(3)
(i)
If the County Commissioners of Frederick County adopt a plumbing code, the county commissioners shall appoint an Advisory Plumbing Board.
(ii)
The Advisory Plumbing Board shall consist of an individual designated by the Frederick County health officer, two plumbers, and two other individuals.
(iii)
The Advisory Plumbing Board shall assist in the drafting, adoption, and enforcement of the plumbing code.
(iv)
The term of a member is 4 years.
(v)
The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Plumbing Board on October 1, 2013.
(vi)
At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(vii)
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.
(4)
(i)
If the governing body of Harford County adopts a plumbing code, the governing body shall appoint an Advisory Plumbing Board.
(ii)
The governing body of Harford County may enact a local law providing for the membership and terms of office for the Advisory Plumbing Board.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-917 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–917LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(b)
The County Commissioners of Washington County may adopt an ordinance or resolution to license household appliance installers to perform plumbing work incident to the installation of home appliances.
(c)
The County Commissioners of Washington County may require a license fee and a performance bond before granting a license.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-918 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–918LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(b)
Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the County Commissioners of Washington County may adopt, by ordinance or resolution, licensing requirements for:
(1)
on–site utility contractors who perform plumbing work while installing water or sewer service; and
(2)
septic system installers who place a service line between a septic tank and a building.
(c)
A license issued under this section does not authorize the licensee to do plumbing work within 5 feet from a building being served.
(d)
The County Commissioners of Washington County may set a license fee and require an applicant or licensee to provide a performance bond.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-921 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–921LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Howard County;
(5)
Prince George’s County; and
(6)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
The governing body of a county may enact a local law that requires the development of land for residential uses to comply with pertinent underground electric and telephone residential service regulations adopted by the Public Service Commission, including those pertaining to deposits.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-922 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–922LinkCopy Citation
The governing body of Frederick County may enact an ordinance to control the increase of rent in the county.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-923 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 9. Regulation of Building, Housing, and Related Occupations
§ 13–923LinkCopy Citation
The County Commissioners of Washington County may enact a local law or adopt regulations to control the increase of rent in the county.