Harford County Adopts 2012 International Building Codes; Enforcement to Start July 1

From Harford County Government:

(Bel Air, MD) – With Harford County Council Bill 11-51 having been enacted into law, Harford County has completed the legislative process of updating its building and mechanical codes to the applicable 2012 International Codes (I-Codes) prior to the state-mandated enforcement date of July 1, 2012.

The 2009 I-Codes will remain in effect until the July 1, 2012 with one exception. The requirement for installation of an automatic residential fire sprinkler system in new one and two family dwellings has been delayed until the July 1, 2012 date. The 2012 I-Codes will be applicable to building and mechanical permits that are applied for on or after the July 1, 2012 date.

The adoption of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will see numerous changes in achieving compliance with the code. The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) is working on new policies regarding how to demonstrate compliance which will be made public in the spring of 2012. The provisions of the 2012 IECC are intended to increase energy efficiency by a minimum of 15% over the 2009 edition.

Additionally, the Maryland Accessibility Code has been updated to comply with 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The new standards have gone into effect as of January 1, 2012. Permit applications made on or after the January 1, 2012 date will be required to comply. Existing projects permitted prior to January 1, 2012 may remain under the previous provisions.

DILP’s website, www.harfordcountymd.gov/dilp, has been updated to reflect these new codes and regulations. Also, the Building Services Division webpage has been updated with links to the local amendments to the adopted codes, the 2009 and 2012 I-Codes, and to the Maryland Accessibility Code.

Questions regarding the adoption of the applicable 2012 International Codes for Harford County can be directed to the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Building Services Division at (410) 638-3366 or by email at building@harfordcountymd.gov.