# Public Safety (GPS)

## Title 9. Fire Protection and Prevention

### Subtitle 5. Evacuation Procedures in Case of Fire

#### Section 9-501

(a) This subtitle does not apply to Washington County.

(b) This subtitle:

  (1) is in addition to any existing fire safety laws; and

  (2) does not limit the authority of the State Fire Prevention Commission or State Fire Marshal to act under existing fire safety laws.

#### Section 9-502

Each hotel, motel, and lodging house shall post in a prominent place in each guest room a notice that states:

(1) the location of the nearest exits and fire pull stations;

(2) the procedures to be followed if the fire or smoke detector gives warning signals; and

(3) the procedures to be followed if fire or smoke develops.

#### Section 9-503

(a) 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:

  (1) designed to detect and extinguish a fire automatically while sounding an alarm; and

  (2) installed in accordance with accepted engineering practices approved by the authority with jurisdiction.

(b)

  (1) 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.

  (2) 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.

#### Section 9-505

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.

#### Section 9-506

(a) A person who violates this subtitle is subject to the penalties provided in Sec. 6-601 of this article.

(b) A hotel, motel, or lodging house that violates a regulation adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission is subject to the penalties provided in Sec. 6-601 of this article.

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