§ 12–504
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 12-504 (2026)
Title 12. Building and Material Codes; Other Safety Provisions
Subtitle 5. Maryland Building Performance Standards
§ 12–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A local jurisdiction may adopt local amendments to the Standards if the local amendments do not:
(i)
prohibit the minimum implementation and enforcement activities set forth in § 12–505 of this subtitle;
(ii)
weaken energy conservation and efficiency provisions contained in the Standards;
(iii)
except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, weaken the automatic fire sprinkler systems provisions for townhouses and one– and two–family dwellings contained in the Standards; or
(iv)
weaken wind design and wind–borne debris provisions contained in the Standards.
(2)
(i)
Regardless of whether the International Green Construction Code is adopted by the Department under § 12–503(d) of this subtitle, a local jurisdiction may adopt the International Green Construction Code.
(ii)
A local jurisdiction may make local amendments to the International Green Construction Code.
(3)
Paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection does not apply to:
(i)
standards governing issuance of a building permit for a property not connected to an electrical utility; or
(ii)
until January 1, 2016, standards governing issuance of a building permit for a new one– or two–family dwelling constructed on:
(1)
a lot subject to a valid unexpired public works utility agreement that was executed before March 1, 2011; or
(2)
a lot served by an existing water service line from a water main to the property line that:
(A)
is less than a nominal 1–inch size;
(B)
is approved and owned by the public or private water system that owns the mains;
(C)
was installed before March 1, 2011; and
(D)
is fully operational from the public or private main to a curb stop or meter pit located at the property line.
(b)
If a local jurisdiction adopts a local amendment to the Standards, the Standards as amended by the local jurisdiction apply in the local jurisdiction.
(c)
If a local amendment conflicts with the Standards, the local amendment prevails in the local jurisdiction.
(d)
A local jurisdiction that adopts a local amendment to the Standards shall ensure that the local amendment is adopted in accordance with applicable local law.
(e)
To keep the database established under this subtitle current, a local jurisdiction that adopts a local amendment to the Standards shall provide a copy of the local amendment to the Department:
(1)
at least 15 days before the effective date of the amendment; or
(2)
within 5 days after the adoption of an emergency local amendment.