# Public Safety (GPS)

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

### Subtitle 5. Maryland Building Performance Standards

#### Section 12-504

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

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