The newly adopted Baltimore County Building Code Bill 49-24 became effective on September 3, 2024. This bill adopts, with certain amendments, the following international codes:
• Building – IBC, 2021 Edition
• Residential – IRC, 2021 Edition
• Energy Conservation – IECC, 2021 Edition
• Mechanical – IMC, 2021 Edition
• Swimming Pool and Spa – ISPSC, 2021 Edition
Electrical amendments are located in Part 128.
Highlights of selected amendments include:
PART 128.1.3 SIGNS, LABELS, MARKINGS. ALL REQUIRED SIGNS, LABELS, MARKINGS, ETC. SHALL BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED AND SHALL BE SUITABLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED. THE LABEL REQUIRED PER 230.85 IN THE 2023 EDITION OF THE NEC SHALL ALSO BE REFLECTIVE.
Electrical permits issued as of September 3rd, 2024 will need to comply with the new amendments.
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Click link to view: CURRENT CODES AND REGULATIONS
Energy Storage Systems – Residential Requirements:
All residential Energy Storage Systems (ESS) installed within a Dwelling are required to obtain a Building Permit. These installations must comply with Section R328 of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).
Please note: The Electrical Inspection will not be scheduled or conducted until the Building Inspection has been completed and approved by the Building Department.
Smoke Detectors:
Residential Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors must be interconnected and if the alarms are currently hardwired, they must be replaced with hardwired systems. Smoke detector wiring is required at rough in inspection. In some cases where removal of interior walls and ceiling finishes would be required, wireless interconnected smoke detectors with the 10-year sealed battery type may be allowed if the electrician can demonstrate the availability of this product.
Battery-only smoke alarms shall be replaced with new 10-year smoke alarms with sealed batteries and a “hush” feature (to silence the alarm temporarily during cooking). Both Section 314 of the International Residential Code (2021) and the Public Safety Article of the Maryland apply.
Click here for more fire alarm installation information
Information on Generator Installations:
PART 128.12 GENERATORS.
PART 128.12.1 PROPERTY LINE SETBACK. ALL GENERATORS SHALL BE SO POSITIONED AS TO BE A MINIMUM OF 5 FEET FROM A PROPERTY LINE.
PART 128.12.2 GENERATOR EXHAUST. ALL GENERATORS SHALL BE POSITIONED SO THAT THE EXHAUST POINT OF DISCHARGE IS AS FOLLOWS:
- AT LEAST 5 FT IN ANY DIRECTION AWAY FROM ANY OPENINGS OR AIR INTAKES.
- AT LEAST 5 FT AWAY FROM A BUILDING.
- AT LEAST 5 FT AWAY FROM A PROPERTY LINE.
Table 110.26(A)(1) Working Spaces
| Nominal Voltage to Ground | Minimum Clear Distance | ||
| Condition 1 | Condition 2 | Condition 3 | |
| 0–150 | 900 mm (3 ft) | 900 mm (3 ft) | 900 mm (3 ft) |
| 151–600 | 900 mm (3 ft) | 1.0 m (3 ft 6 in.) | 1.2 m (4 ft) |
| 601–1000 | 900 mm (3 ft) | 1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.5 m (5 ft) |
Note: Where the conditions are as follows:
Condition 1 — Exposed live parts on one side of the working space and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space, or exposed live parts on both sides of the working space that are effectively guarded by insulating materials.
Condition 2 — Exposed live parts on one side of the working space and grounded parts on the other side of the working space. Concrete, brick, or tile walls shall be considered as grounded.
Condition 3 — Exposed live parts on both sides of the working space.
EV Requirement for New Housing Units:
Beginning October 1, 2023, all new single-family detached houses, duplexes and some townhomes, that include a garage, driveway, or carport, must have one Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment or one EV-Ready Parking Space. See Maryland Md. Public Safety Code Ann. § 12-205, House Bill 830. When Electrical applications are submitted for wiring of a New Housing Units, you must include the EV wiring as a part of the application or provide documentation that the New Housing Unit is exempt from the requirement.