<section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-101" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Long–life battery” means a nonrechargeable, nonreplaceable primary battery that is capable of operating a smoke alarm for at least 10 years in the normal condition.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Sleeping area” means a space that includes one or more sleeping rooms and a hall or common area immediately adjacent to any sleeping room.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Sleeping room” means an enclosed room with a bed arranged to be used as a bedroom.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Smoke alarm” means a single or multiple station device that detects visible or invisible products of combustion and includes a built–in internal alarm signal.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Smoke detector” means a system–connected smoke sensing device tied to a fire alarm control panel or a household fire warning panel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-102" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “high–rise building” means a building where the floor of an occupiable story is greater than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“High–rise building” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a structure or building used exclusively for open–air parking; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a building used exclusively for agricultural purposes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle applies throughout the State, including Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An automatic smoke alarm shall be provided in each sleeping area within each residential occupancy, including one– and two–family dwellings, lodging or rooming houses, hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings, as defined in NFPA 101: Life Safety Code as adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Beginning July 31, 2025, smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with location and spacing requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association in each interior public corridor in a residential rental high–rise building.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county may not require upgrades to fire safety systems not specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph as a condition of issuing a permit for the installation of smoke detectors required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>In this paragraph, “substantial renovation” means permanent alterations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are intended to enhance the value of a building;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>cost an amount equal to or greater than 40% of the value of the building as assessed by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>meet the criteria for substantial renovation under any applicable local law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Beginning October 1, 2026, automatic fire sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA Life Safety Code and NFPA standards in each residential rental high–rise building that is undergoing a substantial renovation that receives building permits on or after October 1, 2026.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>In determining whether a proposed substantial renovation is intended to enhance the value of a building exclusive of land value, a county may consider building improvements completed over a 4–year time period from the date of the initial building permit.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A substantially renovated residential rental high–rise building shall also have the following fire protection and life safety features:</text> <level label="1"> <text>smoke alarms in every sleeping area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>stairwells enclosed with at least 2–hour fire resistance rated construction with at least 90–minute fire resistance rated, self–closing, and self–latching doors;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>at least 20–minute fire resistance rated corridor doors with appropriately rated corridor walls;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>smokeproof exit enclosures via natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation incorporating a vestibule, or pressurizing the stair enclosure;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>at least two smoke compartments on each floor; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>inadequate fire pumps replaced when necessary.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Smoke alarms shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be installed in accordance with NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code as referenced by the State Fire Prevention Code;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 217, “Standard for safety for single and multiple station smoke alarms”;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>be suitable for sensing visible or invisible products of combustion; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>sound an alarm suitable to warn the occupants.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Local jurisdictions may adopt smoke alarm regulations that are more stringent than the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-103" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only to new residential units constructed on or after July 1, 2013.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least one smoke alarm shall be installed in each sleeping room, in the hallway or common area outside of sleeping rooms, and in the hallway or common area on each level within a residential dwelling unit, including basements and excluding unoccupied attics, garages, and crawl spaces.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If two or more smoke alarms are required within a residential unit, the smoke alarms shall be arranged so that activation of any one smoke alarm causes alarm activation of all other required smoke alarms within the residential unit.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each smoke alarm required by this section shall operate on an alternating current (AC) primary source of electric power with a battery backup or an approved alternate secondary power source.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In one– and two–family dwellings, a smoke detector installed as a part of an approved household fire alarm system is an acceptable alternative to the AC powered–battery backup smoke alarm required by this section, if the smoke detector is installed and located as specified in subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A smoke detector installed as a part of an approved fire alarm system is an acceptable alternative to the AC powered–battery backup smoke alarm required by this section, if the smoke detector is installed and located as specified in subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-104" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>At least one smoke alarm shall be provided in each residential sleeping area.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Smoke alarms required in one– and two–family dwellings constructed before July 1, 1975, shall be battery powered or alternating current (AC) primary electric powered units.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Smoke alarms required in one– and two–family dwellings constructed between July 1, 1975, and June 30, 1990, shall be alternating current (AC) primary electric powered units.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Smoke alarms required in multifamily residential occupancies including apartments, lodging or rooming houses, dormitories, and hotels shall be alternating current (AC) primary electric powered units.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Smoke alarms required in a residential occupancy constructed on or after July 1, 1990, shall be alternating current (AC) primary electric powered units with battery backup or an approved alternate secondary power source.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least one smoke alarm shall be installed in each level of a residential occupancy constructed on or after January 1, 1989, including basements and excluding unoccupied attics, garages, and crawl spaces.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If two or more smoke alarms are required within a residential unit constructed on or after January 1, 1989, the smoke alarms shall be arranged so that activation of any one smoke alarm causes alarm activation of all other required smoke alarms within the residential unit.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, smoke alarm placement in a one– or two–family dwelling shall be upgraded to comply with paragraph (3) of this subsection in existing residential occupancies when any one of the following occurs:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the existing smoke alarms exceed 10 years from the date of manufacture;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the existing smoke alarms fail to respond to operability tests or otherwise malfunction;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>there is a change of tenant in a residential unit and the residential unit has not previously been equipped in accordance with this subtitle with sealed long–life battery smoke alarms with silence/hush button features within the 10 years preceding the change of tenant; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a building permit is issued for an additional residential unit or alteration to a residential unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Smoke alarm placement shall be upgraded to comply with paragraph (3) of this subsection in all existing residential occupancies on or before January 1, 2018.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Upgraded smoke alarm placement shall include the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a minimum of one smoke alarm on each level of the residential unit, including basements and excluding unoccupied attics, garages, and crawl spaces;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>smoke alarms shall be alternating current (AC) primary powered units with battery backup, except as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>smoke alarms in one– and two–family dwellings constructed before July 1, 1975, may be battery operated; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>smoke alarms required in new locations by this section, if smoke alarms did not previously exist, may be battery operated; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>if battery operated smoke alarms are permitted, only sealed, tamper resistant units incorporating a silence/hush button and using long–life batteries may be used.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In one– and two–family dwellings, a smoke detector installed as a part of an approved household fire alarm system is an acceptable alternative to the AC powered–battery backup smoke alarms required by this section, if the smoke detectors are installed and located as specified in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A smoke detector installed as a part of an approved fire alarm system is an acceptable alternative to the AC powered–battery backup smoke alarms required by this section, if the smoke detectors are installed and located as specified in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-105" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>Each sleeping room occupied by a deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individual shall be provided with a smoke alarm suitable to alert the deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individual.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On written request on behalf of a tenant who is deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing, a sleeping room occupied by a deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individual shall be provided with an approved notification appliance designed to alert deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individuals.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The landlord shall provide a notification appliance that, when activated, provides a signal that is sufficient to warn the deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing tenant in those sleeping rooms.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The landlord may not require that a tenant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>pay for the purchase or installation of a notification appliance; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide any supporting documentation or other form of evidence with a written request for a notification appliance.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Hotels and motels shall have available at least one approved notification appliance for the deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individual for each 50 units or fraction of 50 units.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Hotels and motels shall post in a conspicuous place at the registration desk a permanent sign that states the availability of smoke alarm notification appliances for the deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individual.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Hotels and motels may require a refundable deposit for notification appliances for the deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing individual.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount of the deposit may not exceed the value of the notification appliance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A landlord may not require reimbursement from a tenant for the cost of a smoke alarm required under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-106" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>Smoke alarm requirements shall be enforced by the State Fire Marshal, a county or municipal fire marshal, a fire chief, the Baltimore City Fire Department, or any other designated authority having jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The building permit applicant is responsible for the proper installation of required smoke alarms in residential occupancies constructed on or after July 1, 2013.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a building permit is not required, the general contractor shall bear the responsibility described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The landlord or property owner is responsible for the installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of smoke alarms required by this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Occupants of a residential occupancy may not remove or tamper with a required smoke alarm or otherwise render the smoke alarm inoperative.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Testing of smoke alarms is the responsibility of the occupant of the residential unit.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>A tenant shall notify the landlord in writing of the failure or malfunction of a required smoke alarm.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The written notification required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested to the landlord, or by hand delivery to the landlord or the landlord’s agent, at the address used for the payment of rent.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the delivery of the notification is made by hand as described in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the landlord or the landlord’s agent shall provide to the tenant a written receipt for the delivery.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The landlord shall provide written acknowledgment of the notification and shall repair or replace the smoke alarm within 5 calendar days after the notification.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If a residential unit does not contain alternating current (AC) primary electric power, battery operated smoke alarms or smoke alarm operation on an approved alternate source of power may be permitted.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Battery operated smoke alarms shall be sealed, tamper resistant units incorporating a silence/hush button and using long–life batteries.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A smoke alarm may be combined with a carbon monoxide alarm if the device complies with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Title 12 of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards 217 and 2034.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-106.1" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a fire alarm, a smoke detector, a smoke alarm, or an ancillary component that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>electronically connected as a part of a listed centrally monitored or supervised alarm system; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>capable of sending and receiving notifications by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a low–power radio frequency wireless communication signal; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a wireless local area networking capability; or</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other device that the State Fire Marshal designates as exempt through the regulatory process.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or after October 1, 2018, a person may not sell a battery operated smoke alarm in the State for compliance with this subtitle unless the smoke alarm is a sealed, tamper resistant unit incorporating a silence/hush button and using one or more long–life batteries.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-107" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <text>Failure to comply with this subtitle may not be used as a policy defense in the settlement of a property insurance claim.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-108" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>If the State Fire Marshal or other designated authority with jurisdiction finds the absence of operating, required smoke detectors, the State Fire Marshal or other authority shall issue a smoke alarm installation order to the responsible landlord, owner, or occupant.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The responsible person shall comply with a smoke alarm installation order within 5 calendar days.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-109" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Smoke Detection Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly violate this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates § 9–106.1 of this subtitle is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-201" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Dormitory” means a building or space in a building that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is under joint occupancy and single management; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provides group sleeping accommodations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for more than 16 individuals who are not members of the same family group; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>in one room or in a series of closely associated rooms.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Dormitory” includes a school dormitory, fraternity house, and military barracks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Dwelling unit” means a single unit that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more individuals; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>contains permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Hotel” means a building or group of buildings that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is under the same management;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>contains more than 16 sleeping accommodations for hire; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is used primarily by transients who are lodged with or without meals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Hotel” includes an inn, motel, club, and apartment hotel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Lodging or rooming house” means a building:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in which separate sleeping rooms are rented; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that provides sleeping accommodations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for 16 or fewer individuals;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>on either a transient or permanent basis; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>with or without meals, but without individual cooking facilities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lodging or rooming house” includes an inn, club, and bed and breakfast establishment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Multifamily residential dwelling” means a building or part of a building that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>contains more than two dwelling units; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is not classified as a one or two family dwelling.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Multifamily residential dwelling” does not include a town house.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Public water system” means a system that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provides the public with piped water for human consumption; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves at least 25 individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Public water system” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a collection, treatment, storage, or distribution facility that is under the control of the operator of the system and is used primarily in connection with the system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a collection or pretreatment storage facility that is not under the control of the operator of the system and is used primarily in connection with the system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Sprinkler system” means a device that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>opens automatically by operation of a heat responsive releasing mechanism;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>discharges water in a specific pattern over a designated area to extinguish or control fire; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>uses the same service water supply pipe to the dwelling unit that the public water system uses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Town house” means a single family dwelling unit that is constructed in a horizontal series of attached units with property lines separating the units.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-202" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle does not preclude a local jurisdiction from adopting more stringent standards to govern the installation of sprinkler systems in new construction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Industrialized buildings under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development in accordance with Title 12, Subtitle 3 of this article shall comply with the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in residential occupancies as adopted in the regulations of the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-203" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sprinkler Systems"> <text>The State Fire Marshal or a local or State authority with jurisdiction over the enforcement of fire and building codes may enforce this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-204" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>Each sprinkler system required under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be installed in accordance with accepted engineering practices that meet the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in residential occupancies under the regulations of the State Fire Prevention Commission or the local authority with jurisdiction over the enforcement of fire and building codes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meet the requirements of the current National Fire Protection Association standards; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>be approved by the State Fire Marshal or the local authority with jurisdiction over the enforcement of fire codes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In a jurisdiction in which building permits are issued, a sprinkler system shall be installed in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each newly constructed dormitory, hotel, lodging or rooming house, or multifamily residential dwelling for which the initial building permit is issued on or after July 1, 1990; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each newly constructed town house for which the initial building permit is issued on or after July 1, 1992.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a jurisdiction in which building permits are not issued, a sprinkler system shall be installed in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each dormitory, hotel, lodging or rooming house, or multifamily residential dwelling on which construction begins on or after July 1, 1990; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each town house on which construction begins on or after July 1, 1992.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a dwelling unit is not serviced by a public water system, subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-205" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if there is clear evidence that an exception will not adversely affect the fire safety of a building or its occupants, the State Fire Marshal or a local authority with jurisdiction over the enforcement of fire and building codes may grant an exception to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a requirement of a State or local fire and building code if a sprinkler system is installed in a building as required by this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the sprinkler system requirement of this subtitle if, on or before June 30, 1990:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the local authority gave approval to a construction plan for a dormitory, hotel, lodging or rooming house, multifamily residential unit, or town house; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the approved plan did not include the installation of a sprinkler system as required by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The State Fire Marshal or a local authority may not grant an exception under this section to a smoke detector requirement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-206" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly violate this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-301" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Fast Response Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is in addition to any existing fire safety laws; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>does not limit the authority of the State Fire Prevention Commission or State Fire Marshal to act under existing fire safety laws.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If there is clear evidence that equivalent protection of human life will be provided as required by this subtitle, exceptions to this subtitle may be made by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State Fire Prevention Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the State Fire Marshal;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a county fire chief;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a fire administrator with responsibility for code enforcement; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>in Baltimore City, the Board of Fire Commissioners or the Chief of the Fire Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This subtitle does not prevent a county or municipal corporation from enacting more stringent laws to govern the installation of fire sprinkler systems.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-302" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Fast Response Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems"> <text>A county fire chief, fire administrator, or municipal fire chief may enforce this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-303" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Fast Response Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each hotel or motel with 10 or more units for which a contract for construction is executed after July 1, 1989, shall have installed a fast response residential fire sprinkler system that is intended:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to detect and control a fire automatically;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to provide improved protection against injury, loss of life, and property damage;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to maintain survivable conditions in the room of fire origin; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>to improve the chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A hotel or motel need not install a fast response residential fire sprinkler system if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the hotel or motel is a one or two story building; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>all occupants are able to exit directly to the exterior of the building and not only to a central corridor through an approved exit door, as those terms are used in the most recent edition of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-304" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Fast Response Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems"> <text>Each fast response residential fire sprinkler system installed shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be designed and constructed in accordance with accepted engineering practices; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>comply with standards and regulations developed and adopted by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State Fire Prevention Commission;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a county fire chief;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a fire administrator with responsibility for code enforcement; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>in Baltimore City, the Chief of the Fire Department.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-305" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Fast Response Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems"> <text>When evaluating and approving a builder’s overall site development and construction plans, the cost of the builder’s installation of fast response residential fire sprinkler systems shall be considered by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>local building officials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>local fire chiefs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the State Fire Prevention Commission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the State Fire Marshal;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>fire administrators with responsibility for code enforcement; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>in Baltimore City, the Chief of the Fire Department.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-306" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Fast Response Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems"> <text>A person who violates this subtitle is subject to the penalty provided in § 6-601 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-401" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="High-Rise Building Safety in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“High–rise building” means a building for human occupancy that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>four or more stories above grade level; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>over 45 feet in height.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“High–rise building” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a structure or building used exclusively for open air parking; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a building used exclusively for agricultural purposes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Local fire department” means a career or volunteer fire department.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Mobility impaired” means unable to carry objects or to move or travel without the use of an assistive device or service animal.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Public way” means a paved thoroughfare over 21 feet in width that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is located on privately owned and privately maintained property but is designated for public use; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is publicly owned and publicly maintained.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-402" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="High-Rise Building Safety in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to provide for the physical safety and protection of property of occupants of high-rise buildings in case of fire.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Without adequate protection, residents of high-rise buildings are dependent on descending multiple flights of steps or jumping from windows when a fire occurs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For many elderly residents of high-rise buildings, this is physically impossible.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Most fire fighting and rescue operations are also conducted inside the high-rise building, where there are greater obstacles to rescuing occupants and controlling and extinguishing the fire.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Many tragedies could be avoided by installation of automatic fire extinguishing equipment in these situations, usually at no great additional cost to builders.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-403" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="High-Rise Building Safety in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>Each high–rise building constructed after July 1, 1974, shall be protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with accepted engineering practices as approved by the authority with jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This section does not apply to a building that is less than 75 feet in height above grade level if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the local fire department has at least one approved first line piece of aerial equipment that is capable of reaching the roof of the building; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>accessibility to the building is provided on two sides of the perimeter of the building by a public way that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>kept accessible at all times to the local fire department; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>close enough to the building to allow the fire department aerial equipment to reach 75 feet in height.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this subsection, height above grade level shall be determined by using the lowest elevation of the public way as a reference datum.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning July 1, 2024, the owner of a residential rental high–rise building that is not protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system shall post notice in the building in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>state, in lettering that is at least 1 inch high and on a contrasting background, “WARNING: THIS HIGH–RISE BUILDING IS NOT PROTECTED THROUGHOUT BY A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM”; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be conspicuously posted at all main building entrances as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning January 1, 2025, and continuing until a residential rental high–rise building is protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system, the owner of a residential rental high–rise building that is not protected shall include in any lease agreement conspicuous notice indicating that the building is not currently protected by a complete automatic sprinkler system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be initialed by the tenant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department of Housing and Community Development, in coordination with the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, shall identify funding sources that may be available to the owner of a residential rental high–rise building or the governing body of a condominium or cooperative housing corporation to aid the owner or governing body in protecting the building with a complete automatic sprinkler system.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Housing and Community Development shall publish information on funding sources identified under paragraph (1) of this subsection on the Department of Housing and Community Development’s website.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-404" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="High-Rise Building Safety in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>An order for compliance with the requirements of § 9-403 of this subtitle that is issued in accordance with the authority granted under Title 6, Subtitle 3 of this article may be appealed to the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An order for compliance with the requirements of § 9-403 of this subtitle that is issued in accordance with the authority granted by a local law, ordinance, or regulation may be appealed as provided by law, ordinance, or regulation of the local jurisdiction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-405" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="High-Rise Building Safety in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>For fire safety purposes, the owner of a residential high–rise building with rental units shall provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>reasonable written notice annually to all residents of the residential high–rise building to inform residents who are mobility impaired of their right to request a rental unit on the first five floors of the high–rise building if one should become available; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>fire safety and building evacuation information and instruction to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>new tenants at the commencement of occupancy; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>existing tenants every 2 years.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Information and instruction provided under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall include identification of fire alarm system elements in the building.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-406" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="High-Rise Building Safety in Case of Fire"> <text>Each residential rental high–rise building shall be equipped with emergency escape lighting consistent with applicable NFPA standards for all common means of egress.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-501" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Evacuation Procedures in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to Washington County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is in addition to any existing fire safety laws; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>does not limit the authority of the State Fire Prevention Commission or State Fire Marshal to act under existing fire safety laws.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-502" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Evacuation Procedures in Case of Fire"> <text>Each hotel, motel, and lodging house shall post in a prominent place in each guest room a notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the location of the nearest exits and fire pull stations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the procedures to be followed if the fire or smoke detector gives warning signals; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the procedures to be followed if fire or smoke develops.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-503" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Evacuation Procedures in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>Each building constructed after July 1, 1977, that is intended to house 50 or more occupants who, because of age, blindness, disability, or physical or mental illness, are unable to evacuate the building without assistance in case of fire, shall be protected throughout the entire building by a system that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>designed to detect and extinguish a fire automatically while sounding an alarm; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>installed in accordance with accepted engineering practices approved by the authority with jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An order for compliance with the requirements of this section that is issued in accordance with the authority granted under Title 6, Subtitle 3 of this article may be appealed to the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An order for compliance with the requirements of this section that is issued in accordance with the authority granted by a local law, ordinance, or regulation may be appealed as provided by law, ordinance, or regulation of the local jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-505" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Evacuation Procedures in Case of Fire"> <text>Alternative and equivalent fire and safety requirements are allowed in acute care hospitals in accordance with current nationally recognized codes and standards adopted by the appropriate authority with jurisdiction.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-506" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Evacuation Procedures in Case of Fire"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates this subtitle is subject to the penalties provided in § 6-601 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A hotel, motel, or lodging house that violates a regulation adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission is subject to the penalties provided in § 6-601 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-601" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Disclosure of Fire Loss Investigation Reports"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Fire investigator” means an official of the State, a county, or a municipal corporation who is legally designated to have legal responsibility for investigating fires and suppressing arson.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fire investigator” includes a fire marshal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Insurer” means a person licensed or established by the State to insure property of any kind.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-602" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Disclosure of Fire Loss Investigation Reports"> <text>On request of a fire investigator, an insurer investigating a fire loss of real or personal property shall cooperate with and release to the fire investigator any information it has about the fire loss, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>each insurance policy and application for the policy relevant to the fire loss;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>policy premium payment records;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>previous claims made by the insured for fire loss; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>material that relates to the investigation of the fire loss, proof of loss, and any other relevant evidence.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-603" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Disclosure of Fire Loss Investigation Reports"> <text>If an insurer has reason to suspect that a fire loss to real or personal property of the insured was caused by incendiary means, the insurer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>notify the fire investigator;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide the fire investigator with all relevant material acquired during the insurer’s investigation of the fire loss;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>cooperate with and take any action requested by the fire investigator; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>allow a person, on court order, to inspect any of the insurer’s records that relate to the policy and the fire loss.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-604" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Disclosure of Fire Loss Investigation Reports"> <text>A fire investigator who receives information under this subtitle shall keep the information confidential until the release of the information is required in accordance with a civil or criminal proceeding.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-605" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Disclosure of Fire Loss Investigation Reports"> <level label="a"> <text>In the absence of fraud, an insurer or person who provides information on its behalf is not subject to criminal prosecution for an oral or written statement made or other action taken that is necessary to provide information required under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An insurer or person who provides information on its behalf has the immunity from liability described in § 5-409 of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-606" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Disclosure of Fire Loss Investigation Reports"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not purposely:</text> <level label="1"> <text>refuse to release information that a fire investigator requests under § 9-602 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>refuse to report a fire loss to a fire investigator under §§ 9-602 and 9-603 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>refuse to provide a fire investigator with relevant information required to be provided under §§ 9-602 and 9-603 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>fail to keep information confidential as required under § 9-604 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-701" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Fire Prevention Codes of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (e) of this section, the local governing body of each county and the legislative body of each municipal corporation in the State may adopt by ordinance or resolution a fire prevention code to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide for protection against fires and the removal of fire hazards;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for the appointment of inspectors to enforce the fire prevention code; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>establish penalties for violation of the fire prevention code or an ordinance, resolution, or regulation for the prevention of fires or removal of fire hazards.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a fire prevention code of a county or municipal corporation adopted under this section may incorporate by reference a code or part of a code prepared by a governmental unit or a trade or professional association for general distribution in printed form as a standard or model on any subject that relates to fire prevention, fire hazards, or flammable or dangerous substances.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An amendment to a standard or model code described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is not effective until specifically incorporated into the fire prevention code of the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the local governing body of a county or legislative body of a municipal corporation may not adopt a fire prevention code under this section until a summary of the proposal is published for at least 3 weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The summary shall specify the date for a public hearing on the proposal and shall state that copies of the proposal may be obtained on application to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for a county fire prevention code, the administrative officer of the county; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a municipal fire prevention code, the clerk of the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a fire prevention code adopted by a county under this section does not apply within a municipal corporation that has adopted a fire prevention code after the effective date of the adoption of the fire prevention code by the municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to Frederick County.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The summary of the fire prevention code required to be published under subsection (c) of this section shall be published in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county at least 2 weeks before the adoption of the fire prevention code by the county.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A copy of the fire prevention code proposed for adoption under this section may be obtained on application to the administrative officer of the county.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-702" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Fire Prevention Codes of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “plan review” has the meaning stated in § 6–308 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies only to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a county that has adopted a comprehensive nationally recognized fire prevention code as the fire prevention code of the county; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a municipal corporation that has adopted a comprehensive nationally recognized fire prevention code as the fire prevention code of the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to an inspection or plan review that is not within the jurisdiction of or is not conducted by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the county fire prevention bureau or office of county fire marshal; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the municipal fire prevention bureau or office of municipal fire marshal.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To ensure compliance with the fire prevention code of the county or municipal corporation, the local governing body of the county or legislative body of the municipal corporation may adopt ordinances or regulations to establish and administer a fee schedule for conducting inspections and plan reviews.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The county fire prevention bureau shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>collect the fees established by the local governing body of the county for conducting inspections;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>keep records of all fees collected under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pay all money collected under this section into the general fund of the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The municipal fire prevention bureau shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>collect the fees established by the legislative body of the municipal corporation for conducting inspections;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>keep records of all fees collected under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pay all money collected under this section into the general fund of the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To ensure that the money collected at least covers the costs of conducting inspections and plan reviews, the fee schedule adopted under this section shall be reviewed annually by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for a county, the local governing body of the county and the chief fiscal officer of the county; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a municipal corporation, the legislative body of the municipal corporation and the chief fiscal officer of the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Plans shall be submitted to the county fire prevention bureau and to the municipal fire prevention bureau for plan review and approval before actual construction of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a new building or addition;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a building undergoing a change of occupancy that requires substantial modification; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a part of a building that has sustained damage from fire, explosion, or other cause.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Plans for a building undergoing alterations, renovations, or remodeling that do not require submission under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be submitted for review of maintenance of proper egress and fire protection features.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The county fire prevention bureau shall conduct a plan review to ensure compliance with the fire prevention code of the county.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The municipal fire prevention bureau shall conduct a plan review to ensure compliance with the fire prevention code of the municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The fee for each plan review shall be submitted with the plans.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-801" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Fire Inspections by Fire Departments of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Combustible material” includes waste paper, rags, shavings, waste, leather, rubber, crates, boxes, barrels, rubbish, or other material that is or may become dangerous as a fire menace.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fire official” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a member of a board of fire commissioners of a municipal corporation of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a chief or assistant to the chief of a fire department of a municipal corporation of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an officer or member of a fire department of a municipal corporation of the State acting under the direction of the board of fire commissioners or fire chief; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a chief, chief engineer, captain, or lieutenant of a volunteer fire company, fire district, or any other organization created for the purpose of and engaged in the work of extinguishing fires in an unincorporated town, municipal corporation, or county of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-802" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Fire Inspections by Fire Departments of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to Baltimore County.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-803" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Fire Inspections by Fire Departments of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A fire official may inspect a building, structure, or other place under the jurisdiction of the fire official, except the interior of a private dwelling, where combustible material has been allowed to accumulate or where the fire official has reason to believe that combustible material has accumulated or may be accumulated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At any time and without liability for trespass, a fire official:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may enter, at the fire official’s own risk, a building, including a private dwelling, or on premises where a fire is burning, or where there is reasonable cause to believe a fire is burning, to extinguish the fire;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may enter, at the fire official’s own risk, a building, including a private dwelling, or on premises near the scene of a fire to protect the building or premises or to extinguish the fire;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>when responding to or operating at a fire or other emergency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may order an individual to leave a building or place in the vicinity of the fire or other emergency to protect the individual from injury;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may order, after consultation with the senior railroad or transportation official present, a convoy, caravan, or train of vehicles, craft, or railway cars to be detached or uncoupled if the fire official determines that to do so is in the interest of safety of individuals or property; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may enter a building that is in danger of the spread of fire to prevent a potential emergency, including an explosion, in the building; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>to maintain order in the vicinity of a fire or other emergency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may direct the actions of firefighters at the fire or other emergency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may keep bystanders or other individuals at a safe distance from the fire or other emergency and from fire equipment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may facilitate the speedy movement and operation of fire-fighting equipment and firefighters; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>until the arrival of sufficient police officers, may direct traffic personally or have a subordinate do so to facilitate the movement of traffic.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a fire official may not inhibit or obstruct members of rescue squads from performing their duties in the vicinity of a fire or other emergency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-804" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Fire Inspections by Fire Departments of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <level label="a"> <text>A fire official shall give written notice to the occupant of premises where combustible material has accumulated to remove the combustible material from the premises within 48 hours after receipt of the notice, if after an inspection made under this subtitle, the fire official determines that the accumulation of combustible material increases the danger of fire to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the premises where the combustible material has accumulated; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adjacent property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the combustible material is not removed from the premises within 48 hours after receipt of a notice under subsection (a) of this section, the fire official may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>remove the combustible material from the premises;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>send a bill to the occupant of the premises for the cost of the removal; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>certify the cost of the removal to the treasurer of the jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the cost of the removal is not paid to the treasurer within 30 days after receipt of the bill, the jurisdiction may bring a civil action against the occupant to recover the cost.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not refuse or neglect to remove combustible material within 48 hours after receipt of a notice under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $5 and not exceeding $50 for each violation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-805" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Fire Inspections by Fire Departments of Counties and Municipal Corporations"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not hinder, obstruct, or refuse to allow a fire inspection under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject for each violation to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not less than $10 and not exceeding $100.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-901" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Fire Sprinkler Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Fire alarm system technician” means a person who is engaged in the performance, installation, documentation, planning, and coordination of the periodic inspection and testing of existing fire alarm systems and their components, not including the commissioning of new systems.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Fire sprinkler contractor” means a person who designs, installs, inspects, tests, repairs, or modifies a fire sprinkler system.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-902" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Fire Sprinkler Contractors"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Commission shall adopt regulations to establish a program to license and regulate fire sprinkler contractors in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Commission shall adopt regulations to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>define fire sprinkler contractor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>define fire sprinkler system in a manner that does not conflict with § 12–101(l), (m), or (n) of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>designate and identify exemptions to the regulations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>establish requirements for licensure including professional and technical standards and requirements for liability insurance;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>establish a schedule of fees for licenses that will recover but not exceed the direct and indirect costs associated with the issuance of the licenses; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>establish procedures for the State Fire Marshal to deny, suspend, or revoke the license of a person who fails to comply with any regulation adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Commission shall adopt regulations to establish a program to license and regulate fire alarm system technicians and fire alarm system companies in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Fire Prevention Commission shall adopt regulations to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>define fire alarm system technician;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>define fire alarm system in a manner that does not conflict with § 12–101(l), (m), or (n) of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>designate and identify exemptions to the regulations;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>establish requirements for licensure, including professional and technical standards and requirements for liability insurance;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>establish a schedule of fees for licenses that will recover but not exceed the direct and indirect costs associated with the issuance of the licenses; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>establish procedures for the State Fire Marshal to deny, suspend, or revoke the license of a person who fails to comply with any regulation adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-903" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Fire Sprinkler Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not provide services as a fire sprinkler contractor in the State unless the person is licensed by the State Fire Marshal.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not prohibit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>inspections and tests of fire sprinkler systems by insurance representatives if the representatives are acting in the performance of their assigned duties;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>inspections, tests, and repairs of fire sprinkler systems by full–time maintenance employees of a property owner if the employees:</text> <level label="i"> <text>are knowledgeable about fire sprinkler systems; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>are acting in the performance of their assigned duties for the property owner;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>inspections, tests, plan review, and ensuring the maintenance of fire sprinkler systems, emergency maintenance activity on fire sprinkler systems, or restoration to active service of operating or recently operated fire sprinkler systems by members of State, county, municipal, career, or volunteer fire departments, or authorities with jurisdiction if the members are acting in their capacity as members of the fire departments or authorities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>installation of limited area fire sprinkler systems or emergency temporary repairs on fire sprinkler systems performed by master plumbers if the plumbers are acting in accordance with regulations adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>inspections, tests, preparation of design and specification documents, hydraulic calculations, layout, and plan review of fire sprinkler systems by Maryland professional engineers if the engineers are knowledgeable about fire sprinkler systems.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-904" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Fire Sprinkler Contractors"> <text>The State Fire Marshal shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>issue fire sprinkler contractors licenses;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>collect license fees established by the State Fire Prevention Commission;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>keep records of all fees collected under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>pay all money collected under this subtitle into the General Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>investigate complaints related to violations of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-905" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Fire Sprinkler Contractors"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly violate this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1001" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Barbecue grill” means equipment used for outdoor cooking that uses as its heat source electricity or the burning of charcoal, liquid propane gas, or other fuel.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Residential dwelling” means a building or part of a building that provides living or sleeping facilities for one or more individuals.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Residential dwelling” includes a multifamily residential dwelling, hotel, motel, boardinghouse, lodging house, rooming house, inn, club, or dormitory.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Residential dwelling” does not include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a single family residential dwelling; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a multifamily residential dwelling in which the individual dwelling units are arranged in a row, side by side, and not constructed above each other.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In Charles County and Wicomico County, a person may not use a barbecue grill:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on a balcony of a residential dwelling; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 20 feet of any part, including a balcony, of a residential dwelling.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates this section is subject to the penalties of § 6-601 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1101" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="11"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Booking service” means a person who, directly or indirectly:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provides one or more online, computer, or application–based platforms that individually or collectively can be used to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>list or advertise offers for short–term rentals; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="A"> <text>accept offers for short–term rentals; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>allow reservation or payment for short–term rentals; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>charges, collects, or receives a fee for the use of the platform or for any service provided in connection with a short–term rental.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Booking service” does not include a platform that solely lists or advertises offers for short–term rentals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Carbon monoxide alarm” has the meaning stated in § 12–1101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Short–term rental” has the meaning stated in § 11–101 of the Tax – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Short–term rental host” means a person in legal possession of a short–term rental unit who rents the unit to guests.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Short–term rental unit” has the meaning stated in § 11–101 of the Tax – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Sleeping area” has the meaning stated in § 9–101 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Smoke alarm” has the meaning stated in § 9–101 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1102" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="11"> <text>This subtitle applies only to a short–term rental unit offered for short–term rental for less than 30 consecutive days.</text> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1103" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="11"> <level label="a"> <text>In a short–term rental unit, a short–term rental host shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conspicuously post an evacuation diagram identifying all exits from the short–term rental unit and, if applicable, the exits from the building in which the short–term rental unit is located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>conspicuously post a list of emergency telephone numbers for law enforcement and fire rescue services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide a working fire extinguisher in the short–term rental unit; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the short–term rental unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm required under subsection (a) of this section shall be installed and maintained in accordance with State, county, and municipal fire codes.</text> <level label="2"> <text>If multiple smoke alarms are required to be installed and maintained in the short–term rental unit, each smoke alarm shall:</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>be interconnected with other smoke alarms so that the activation of one smoke alarm activates all smoke alarms in the short–term rental unit; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>comply with an alternative requirement authorized by the State Fire Marshal in consultation with the State Fire Prevention Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>When activated, a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm required under this section shall sound an alarm that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>clearly audible in all sleeping rooms and sleeping areas in a short–term rental unit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>loud enough to be heard over background noise and with all doors closed between the sleeping rooms in a sleeping area and the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm required under this section shall be replaced if the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm:</text> <level label="i"> <text>stops functioning;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is more than 10 years old based on the production date marked on the back of the device; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>has no production date on the back of the device.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1104" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="11"> <text>A booking service shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>electronically notify all short–term rental hosts that use the booking service of the fire safety requirements of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>require each short–term rental host that uses the booking service to provide to the booking service confirmation documentation provided to the short–term rental host under § 9–1105 of this subtitle for each short–term rental unit owned by the short–term rental host.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1105" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="11"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a county or Baltimore City that prohibits short–term rentals in the jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before July 1, 2028, each county and Baltimore City shall, by local law or regulation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>require the annual inspection of all short–term rental units in the jurisdiction for compliance with the requirements of § 9–1103 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submit a report to the State Fire Marshal on or before July 1, 2028, summarizing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each local law or regulation adopted on or after October 1, 2026, governing the inspection of short–term rental units described in item (1) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each local law or regulation in effect before October 1, 2026, governing the inspection of short–term rental units described in item (1) of this subsection, including the effective date of the law or regulation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the number of short–term rental units in the jurisdiction inspected under item (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the number of short–term rental units in the jurisdiction that are in compliance with the requirements of § 9–1103 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A county or Baltimore City may establish a fee to cover the cost of inspection required under subsection (b)(1) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In consultation with the State Fire Marshal, a county or Baltimore City may delegate the inspection of short–term rental units required under subsection (b) of this section to a third–party inspector who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>meets the qualifications, insurance requirements, and procedures established by the State Fire Marshal; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is certified by a nationally recognized fire safety organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall establish the minimum required qualifications, certifications, and licensing for a third–party inspector under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If the person conducting the inspection under this section finds ashort–term rental unit to be in compliance with the requirements of § 9–1103 of this subtitle, the person shall provide to the short–term rental host a certificate, receipt, or other documentation of compliance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gps" article_name="Public Safety" number="9-1106" title_number="9" title_name="Fire Protection and Prevention" subtitle_number="11"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>require a county or Baltimore City to authorize the use of short–term rentals in the jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>preempt or prohibit a county or Baltimore City from enacting other measures regarding short–term rentals in the jurisdiction in addition to the measures required by this subtitle.</text> </level> </section>