LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — On June 25, 2024, the Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) passed significant updates to the local Building Code Ordinance. The revisions, aimed at aligning with the latest state laws and regulations, will take effect starting July 15, 2024. These changes include the adoption of updated 2021 International Codes alongside the repeal of outdated local code sections.
The ordinance updates are substantial, repealing and reenacting Chapter 203, titled "Building Construction," and repealing Chapter 223 Article IV, "Inspection Fees." These modifications will introduce several new codes to the county's regulatory framework:
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
The county will also update the 2018 versions of the IFGC, IMC, and IPC to their 2021 counterparts once the State of Maryland adopts these versions. These updates will take effect six months after the state's adoption date or publication date, whichever is later. Future editions of these codes will follow a similar adoption timeline.
An important caveat in the new ordinance is that it will not affect projects underway prior to the effective date. Specifically, any building or structure activities under a valid permit issued after July 15, provided the application was submitted before this date, will be exempt from the new requirements if work commences within 12 months.
This building code overhaul is part of St. Mary's County's efforts to ensure compliance with the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) as mandated by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) will oversee the implementation and enforcement of these updated standards, which will include plan reviews, the issuance of building permits, and inspections.
The public can access digital copies of the Maryland Building Codes and the specific International Codes being adopted via the Department of Labor's website and the International Code Council's pages. These resources provide detailed information on the code requirements and are accessible through the following links:
For further information or queries regarding these updates, residents can contact the LUGM at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1542 or via email at bpservice@stmaryscountymd.gov. Additional details about the Department of Land Use & Growth Management can be found on their website at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/lugm.
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