# Public Safety (GPS)

## Title 12. Building and Material Codes; Other Safety Provisions

### Subtitle 10. Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code

#### Section 12-1001

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Addition" means an increase in:

  (1) building area;

  (2) aggregate floor area;

  (3) height; or

  (4) number of stories.

(c) "Change of occupancy" means a change in the purpose or level of activity in a building or structure that involves a change in application of the local building code requirements.

(d) "Construction permit application" means an application for a permit or other governmental approval for a rehabilitation project.

(e) "Department" means the Maryland Department of Labor.

(f) "Existing building" means a building or structure that was erected and occupied, or was issued a certificate of occupancy, at least 1 year before a construction permit application for the building or structure was made to a local jurisdiction, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

(g) "Local jurisdiction" means:

  (1) a county; or

  (2) a municipal corporation in the State.

(h) "MBRC" means the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code.

(i) "Modification" means:

  (1) the reconfiguration of a space;

  (2) the addition or elimination of a door or window;

  (3) the reconfiguration or extension of a system; or

  (4) the installation of any additional equipment.

(j) "Reconstruction" means:

  (1) the reconfiguration of a space that:

    (i) affects an exit or element of the egress access that is shared by more than a single occupant; or

    (ii) prevents occupancy of the work area because the existing means of egress and fire protection systems, or their equivalent, are not in place or continuously maintained; or

  (2) extensive modifications.

(k) "Rehabilitation project" means construction work undertaken in an existing building that includes repair, renovation, modification, reconstruction, change of occupancy, or addition.

(l)

  (1) "Renovation" means:

    (i) the change, strengthening, or addition of load bearing elements; or

    (ii) the refinishing, replacement, bracing, strengthening, upgrading, or extensive repair of existing materials, elements, components, equipment, or fixtures.

  (2) "Renovation" does not include:

    (i) reconfiguration of a space; or

    (ii) interior or exterior painting.

(m) "Repair" means the patching, restoration, or minor replacement of materials, elements, components, equipment, or fixtures to maintain them in good or sound condition.

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Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)