All new construction is required to meet section R-602.10 for wall bracing, and if the length of a wall bracing panel is less than forty-eight (48”) inches, Section R-602.10.5 shall be used. This section states that the walls shall be sheathed in continuous wood structural panel sheathing. The minimum length for the braced wall panel based on the size (height) of the opening shall be as listed below:

Beginning August 1, 2007, we will begin strict enforcement of the window sill height requirement that is now outlined in the 2006 International Residential Code. Below you will find the new requirements for window sill heights on egress windows in bedrooms:

All bedrooms are required to have a direct means of escape from the bedroom to the outside. This escape can be by a means of emergency escape and rescue egress window, which meets Section R-310 of the IRC for size and area. The new IRC has additional requirements for windows under Section R613.2, and this is for all windows in the proposed dwelling, regardless of their location. This new requirement states the following: If the outside grade to the window is more than seventy-two (72”) inches below the window and the inside window sill height is twenty-four (24”) inches or less to the floor, the window is to be restricted to only allow an opening size of four (4”) inches (so as a 4” ball will not pass through it). [So that the emergency escape and rescue window will function with full open sizes, no bedroom rescue egress window sill height less than twenty-four (24”) inches to the floor will be permitted, unless an approved window guard that complies with ASTM F 2090 is installed.]

Howard County will now require all incoming fire sprinkler lines with a fire department connection to be equipped with a reduced pressure zone backflow preventor (RPZ). Any incoming sprinkler line that does not have a fire department connection will still be allowed to use a double detector check backflow preventor. An RPZ will now be required on all sprinkler systems that have a Fire Department Connection installed in the county and are connected to a potable water supply.

The requirements for the installation of RPZ’s to be installed will become effective on all sprinkler systems submitted for approval on or after September 1, 2007. We understand that this is a major change to the current practices and may affect current projects already in process so we have allowed time to phase in this new requirement. The backflow preventor will still be required to have a metered bypass on the backflow preventor and this line must also be protected with a RPZ.

Howard County will begin, in the fall, an expedited plan review for small commercial interior alterations. This process will allow small interiors to be reviewed in a faster process so that construction can proceed in a timely manner. The details of this process will be distributed soon.

December 7, 2006

The Howard County Council passed legislation on October 5, 2006 to adopt the 2006 versions of the Howard County Building Code and the Howard County Plumbing & Gasfitting Code. The County Executive subsequently signed the legislation and it will become effective on Thursday December 7, 2006. The codes include:

The International Building Code 2006 Edition

The International Residential Code 2006 Edition

The Life Safety Code 2006 Edition

The International Mechanical Code 2006 Edition

The International Energy Conservation Code 2006 Edition

The National Standard Plumbing Code, Illustrated 2006 Edition

The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54-2006)

We have made every attempt to maintain the same level of technical requirements while referencing the 2006 editions of the model codes.

If you have any questions about the codes and the local amendments contact the Plan Review Division at (410) 313-2436.

In 2003 DILP noted several instances of significant deviation from approved framing plans. This matter has been discussed with our supervisors and inspectors to ensure that the work they are inspecting in the field is done in accordance with the approved plans. We have noted situations where framing contractors have negelected framing plans in their installations. Ultimately building code violations are the responsibility of the owenr and their agents. The actions of subcontractors will affect the working relationship with this Department. Ensure that your field superintendents check the framing contractors work very carefully. We have found serious problems with column placement, beam placement, over-spanning, improper intervals between joists, improper fastening, and improper installation of sub-floor in relationship to the supporting structure. DILP inspectors will be inspecting framing work very closely and we hope that contractors will do the same. DILP inspectors are not on-site supervisors.

In residential construction the HVAC plans must match the approved building plans. When a building permit is amended in such a way as to affect the volume or layout of the building be aware that your mechanical contractors must also have those revised plans so they can submit a revised Manual J and revised mechanical plans. This must be done before our HVAC inspector is called out to do a rough-in inspection in order for him to properly inspect the work. When an amendment changing the house type is submitted for a building permit ensure that your staff works very closely with your HVAC subcontractor so that a corresponding amendment can be filed for HVAC as well. We expect to see the revised HVAC plan at the time of application for the bulding permit amendment for the model change.

The acceptance and processing of sign permit applications and the issuance of all sign permits is at the George Howard Building. The address for the processing and issuance of sign permits is the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Licenses and Permits Division, 1st Floor, George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043, phone 410-313-2455.

WALK IN APPLICANTS should go to the George Howard Building to submit their sign permit applications. ALL sign permit applications should be mailed to the above referenced address. As part of this procedure the sign permit application has been substantially revised. The new application is a 2 part NCR legal size form.

We are asking all applicants to provide photos of all buildings on the site, showing all existing sign and sign dimensions. Photos and dimensions of free standing signs that are anywhere on the building site are also required(No Polaroid pictures. The photos will be used to expedite the processing of the permit and will be retained in a history file in order to simplify changes over time. Copies of photos are acceptable on paper no larger than 81/2 " x 11". Sign inspections remain at the Thomas B. Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, MD 21045. Their telephone number remains at 410-313-1830.

Effective May 1, 2004, the following policies apply to Grading Certifications, Wall Check Drawing for Single Family Dwellings, and Non-SDP Residential Plot Plan Requirements.

If you have additional questions please contact Thomas E. Butler, Chief of Construction Inspection, Bureau of Engineering, Department of Public Works, at 410-313-1884.

The Board of Electrical Examiners has no meetings scheduled.

Howard County has adopted the 2005 National Electrical Code with local amendments EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 6, 2005. The legislation ( continues the existing local amendments.subsection, except as otherwise approved by the department.

SHOULD YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE ELECTRICAL PLANS EXAMINER IN THE PLAN REVIEW DIVISION AT 410-313-2436.

Effective August 1, 2003, the following procedures and requirements are in effect.

• Building permits for swimming pools will be issued only after applicable electrical and/or plumbing permit applications have been submitted to the County.
• All swimming pools require approved County inspected electrical connections. These electrical connections must be completed by master electricians licensed in Howard County. Final electrical inspections include verification of the door alarms where applicable/required.
• Gas-fired pool heaters require approved County inspections of the pool heater connections. Pool heater connections are to be completed by Howard County registered master plumbers or master gasfitters.
• Final electrical and plumbing inspections must be approved prior to the final building inspection. The final inspection includes the verification of the proper fence, gate and latches. Note that water cannot be placed in the pool before the final building inspection approval.

The pool and the site for the pool must be safe before the pool is put into use. For all building permits for new pools issued after May 27, 2002, DILP will make the final inspection prior to the filling of the pool. At that time, the building inspector will look for the approval of the plumbing inspector (if a heated pool) and the electrical inspector. The building inspector will also look for a fence that meets all of the building code criteria. Final approval and placing the pool into use will not occur if all of the required safety devices are not in place and operational.

Proper safety equipment (fence, gate, alarm) is as essential to the safe operation of a pool as the pumps, filters, etc. To that extent, the safety devices should be installed and functioning before the pool is placed into operation. The property owner must be made aware that the fence and safety devices are an integral part of the pool and no final approval for the filling of the pool or its use will be given by the County until the approved devices are in place. The pool contractor must assure that the property owner clearly understands the conditions that exist in the order to put the pool into use.

Concerning pressure relief devices on heated pools, the relief valve is only required if there is another device installed in the system which will impede the flow of water. Such devices include valves, checks, nozzles, etc. In other words, a pressure relief valve is required if there is a component in the heater which, when manipulated, might cause the heater to become a pressure vessel. If this condition does not exist in the system, the gas fitter should so note on his permit application and we will not require the pressure relief valve.

All gas installations require the work to be done by a licensed gas fitter or master plumber. The licensee must apply for the permit on the standard long form. Express Permits cannot be used for a swimming pool heater installation. Natural gas installations include a trench inspection. Propane installations do not.

The electrical inspector will condition his final approval of the electrical work on the presence of functioning door alarms on pool installations that use the house as part of the safety enclosure. The building inspector will need to know that the plumbing and electrical inspections have been made, and passed, so that the final approval can be made in order for the pool to be filled with water.

When a fence that meets all of the requirements has been contracted for and ordered, but not yet installed, the County will work with the pool contractor and the homeowner to try to accommodate the situation. A temporary fence will still need to meet all of the safety criteria. This must be worked out before the pool is finished and filled.

The County is willing to accept the plot plan for the pool in an enlarged area, so that it can be moved around within that area for the best fit. The only restriction is that no part of the enlarged area may encroach into a setback, easement, septic area, or septic reserved area. For example, if a 20' x 30' pool is being built, DILP would be willing to look at a box that is 40' x 60' and allow the placement of the pool anywhere within the box so long as the area of the pool did not increase. DILP would also need to have the location of present and future fences shown, as well as assurances that they will be made to meet current building code requirements.

For questions regarding the building permit process please cal the Licenses and Permits Office at 410-313-2455. for inspection procedure assistance please call the Inspections and Enforcement Office at 410-313-1823.

Master Plumbers and Master Gasfitters need to be aware that effective Monday, May 5, 2003, the gas test requirements for Howard County will be as follows:

• A 20 PSI test performed and sustained without adjustment for a period of at least 12 hours prior to inspection.
• The gas test gauge for new gas services in existing homes shall be located on the outside.
• Alternative testing methods and/or inspection arrangements may be made with the inspector prior to the inspection.
• A minimum of 30 PSI and a maximum of 60 PSI test gauge shall be used.
• All test gauges shall be in good repair, i.e., no cracked, broken or missing glass cover, no bent gauge faces, etc. A damaged gauge will result in a failed inspection.

If you have any questions regarding these new requirements, feel free to call our Plumbing Inspectors for clarification between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday at 410-313-1840.

When Howard County adopted the International Residential Code, 2000 edition, it also included Appendix F, which deals with radon control methods. Most of the rules deal with construction methods, containment and ventilation. There are several areas where we will be focusing more of our inspection effort. The code has not changed. We are simply placing inspection emphasis on enforcement of this aspect of the code.

Inside Drains for Condensate and Pressure/Temperature Relief Valves

The above referenced drains are required to go to an indirect waste receptor inside the building. The indirect waste receptor shall be a 2-inch diameter deep seal trap of not less than 6 inches, located under the floor slab. A 3”x 2” increaser may be installed and cut flush to the floor after pouring the slab. Breaking off the receptor pipe with a hammer, kicking, etc., will result in a failed inspection and the damaged pipe must be cut out and repaired. The deep seal trap shall be piped to the sump crock.

The pressure/temperature relief valve may be discharged into the center of the increaser, as long as a visible air gap is maintained. The air gap must be at least twice the diameter of the discharging pipe. Condensation lines can be inserted into the increaser without an air gap.

The seal has the effect of confining the radon to the control system. Home buyers should be reminded during their walk-through that the trap should be flushed from time to time when it is not otherwise being primed by condensation.

Provisions for Active Depressurization

Provisions need to be made for the future installation of an active depressurization component. This is a specially designed fan that will be installed in the attic area of a house. When properly installed, the fan will discharge into the end of the vent pipe, nearest the roof. The discharge end of the vent pipe cannot have any bends. Therefore, the fan must sit directly under the vent pipe. The fans tend to be large. Therefore, it is advantageous to have the vent located equidistant between trusses as opposed to tight against one or the other.

The code also requires the installation of an electrical circuit installed during construction in a location in the vicinity of the likely location of a future fan. The circuit must be terminated in an approved box. An electrical supply must also be accessible for the installation of a future system failure alarm.