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CODES ADOPTED EFFECTIVE MAY 4, 2010

The County Council adopted and the County Executive signed into law Council Bill No 5-2010 which adopts the 2009 Interntional Building Code, 2009 International Residential Code, 2009 International Mechanical Code and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code as collectively the Howard County Building Code. Additionally the 2009 National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated and the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54-2009) are also adopted. The bill becomes effective on May 4, 2010.

The requirement for sprinklering all single family detached houses as well as changes to the residential stair geometry are effective January 1, 2011.

Click on Building Codes for a copy of Council Bill 05-2011.

FEE CHANGES FOR FY11

School Surcharge

Effective July 1, 2010 the school surcharge will increase to $1.16 per square foot for residential new construction/addition building permits. The fee is calculated per gross square foot and applies to building permits issued on July 1st and thereafter.

Building Excise Tax

The County Council passed Council Bill 20-2010 which removes from the code the flat rate for the 1st 500 gross square feet of new construction. The effective date of the excise tax increase will be July 22, 2010. The Building Excise Tax will increase to $0.99 cents for residential new construction/addition building permits. The fee for non-residential construction/addition will increase to $0.50 cents. The fee is calculated per gross square foot and applies to building permits issued on July 22, 2010 and thereafter.

FY2011 Excise Tax Fee Schedule for Permits Issued on/after July 1, 2010

Adopted Excise Tax Code Change

Adopted FY2011 Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits Fee Schedule

The schedule includes fees for building, grading, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fire protection permits and rental housing and animal licensing

Express Plumbing Permits

Reminder that express plumbing permits are non refundable and expire one year from the date of issuance if no inspections have occured.

Commercial Electrical Permit Fees

Commercial electrical permit fees have been restructured. Licensed electricians should consult the proposed schedule below.

FY2011 Electrical Permit Fee Schedule for Permits Issued on/after July 1, 2010

OFFICE RELOCATION

ATTENTION CUSTOMERS!!!

THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, LICENSES AND PERMITS HAS TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO:

8930 STANFORD BOULEVARD

COLUMBIA, MARYLAND

Phone numbers remain the same.

Mailing Address:

Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits

3430 Courthouse Drive

Ellicott City, MD

21043

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE INITIATES GUARANTY FUND COLLECTION

The General Assembly has established a Home Builder Guaranty Fund to protect consumers, similar to the fund operated by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. The Guaranty Fund will be available to consumers who have contracted with a registered home builder and who suffer an “actual loss” due to incomplete construction, breach of warranty, failure to meet standards or guidelines, or failure to return a deposit. Claims against the Guaranty Fund will be limited to $50,000 per claimant and $300,000 per builder. The Guaranty Fund applies only to contracts entered into after January 1, 2009. The Guaranty Fund will be funded through a $50 fee to be paid with each application for a new home construction permit, which the permit office will begin collecting January 1, 2009. The Guaranty Fund fee is non refundable. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions Flier from the Office of the Attorney General

Click here for the Office of the Attorney General Website.

GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR HOMES AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT

Attached is the Green Neighborhood Guidance Document for Homes.

Click below for the Guidance Document

Green Neighborhood Guidance Document for Homes

Green Neighborhood Guidance Compliance Checklist-Excel Spreadsheet

Green Neighborhood Guidance Templates & Appendices-Excel Spreadsheet

If you need copies of the spreadsheets contact Donald Mock, P.E., Chief of Plan Review at 410-313-3948.

2008 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED

The 2008 National Electrical Code with local amendments was adopted by the Howard County Council (Council Bill #47-2008) and is effective on September 9, 2008.

Download Electrical Regulations and Local Amendments

COMMERCIAL EXPEDITED REVIEW FEE CHANGED

Effective July 1, 2008, the Commercial Expedited Review Fee has been changed to streamline payment of fees. The new fee structure is:

Up to 2,500 square feet=$550

2,501 to 5,000 square feet=$1,100

For review of projects over 5,000 square feet the fee shall be $550 for each additional square feet of area or fraction thereof.

Technology fee is still charged which is 10% of the permit fee and the $200 filing fee is still collected.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

The State of Maryland passed House Bill 401 earlier this year with an effective date of January 1, 2008. All residential building permits issued on or after January 1, 2008 must comply with HB401. This bill requires the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in all dwellings that provide living or sleeping facilities for one or more individuals. This would include all one and two family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, hotels, motels, or dormitories which rely on the combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation, hot water, or clothes dryer operation. The carbon monoxide alarms shall be located in a central location outside of all sleeping areas.

WALL BRACING INFORMATION

Note that changes in requirements and procedures for residential walk through, wall bracing, new residential window requirements, and in the plumbing code have resulted from the adoption of the 2006 International Residential Code and the National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated.

Go to Recent News and Events for details on the requirements or click here for the Plan Review memorandum.

June 1, 2007, Memo to Contractors on Changes to the Howard County Building Code

Click here for the Wall Bracing Chart

MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits is the clearinghouse for processing licenses and permits, reviewing construction documents, and inspecting buildings and structures for code compliance.

The mission of the department is to make the permit process as simple and friendly as possible, while ensuring that buildings, structures, and the environment are safe for our customers and the citizens of Howard County.