Please click here to read important memo concerning new roof design load requirements
Please click here to read important memo concerning Walk Through Process
Instructions On How To Apply For A Citizen's Access Account In Order To Apply For A Residential Permit.
An addition has been made to our website which include lists of General Electrical and Master Electrical Licenses, Residential Additions for Single Family Dwellings, Duplexes and Townhouses are available online in the Inspection & Permits Online Permitting Services section.
ATTENTION
Howard County Building Code Adoption
July 14, 2019
Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits will be adopting the following codes effective July 14, 2019:
2018 International Building Code
2018 International Residential Code
2018 International Energy Conservation Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Plumbing Code
2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Rental Housing Code 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
The following links go to the current Howard County amendments for the above mentioned codes:
CB13-2019 Howard County Building Code Amendments
CB14-2019 Requirements for Diaper Changing Stations
CB15-2019 Rental Housing Code Amendments
CB16-2019 Howard County Plumbing and Gasfitting Code Amendments
Included within the above code changes that go into effect July 14, 2019 are requirements for diaper changing stations in all commercial buildings open to public that allow adults with young children to enter their building. Also The county has updated the plumbing and rental housing codes for the first time in a long time bringing all the county codes up to the current published standards.
Licensed contractor for residential construction
Section 105.8 Contractor Licensing requirements in residential one and two-family dwellings:
Homeowners of one and two-family dwellings, as defined by the Howard County Building Code, may act as their own general contractor for alterations and additions if they own the property in questions and the property is their primary residence. If the property is a rental property, or not their primary residence, they must have a Maryland Home Improvement Contractors License or a Maryland Home Builders License in accordance with the State of Maryland licensing laws.
Required sprinklers in one and two family dwelling additions
Section: R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems:
An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler for additions or alterations less than fifty percent of the existing gross area of the building or structure are exempt from fire sprinkler systems.
Roof Design Loads for IRC 2018
Council Bill No. 13 – 2019 Roof Design Live Load was amended to 40 lbs. per square foot, with allowances for reductions due to roof slope. This is an increase from the previous code which required 30 lbs. per square foot, with no allowances for roof slope reduction.
All truss designs are to reflect the new design requirements Effective July 14, 2019. In addition, any conventional framed roof will be required to meet the same design values of 40 lbs. per square foot, with allowed reductions for slope.
All properties served by private well and septic require prior Health Dept. approval. Please contact the Health Dept. at 410-313-2640 for information on obtaining their approval before coming to the walk-through process.