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Building Codes Administration - Division of Labor and Industry

Building Code AdministrationTo ensure that buildings meet the applicable standards for health and safety, Building Codes Administration fulfills the following mandates of Maryland statutes:

  1. the adoption of State building codes and Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code,
  2. the administration of Maryland Industrialized Building and Manufactured Homes Program, Maryland Accessibility Code, and Minimum Livability Code, and
  3. the provision of trainings on building codes for local government employees.

Building Codes Administration maintains an online repository of information related to the building codes adopted by the Federal government, the State government, and the local jurisdictions. Interested parties can find useful hyperlinks to various resources and the contact information of local jurisdictions on the web site.

Building Codes Administration provides technical assistance to the local jurisdictions, the industries, and the public to ensure that buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and accessible to individuals with disabilities. The staff are available to address miscellaneous inquiries related to the buildings and the surrounding environment.

Maryland State Codes
List of state codes for building, accessibility, rehabilitation, minimum livability, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire and ordinance information.

Industrialized/Modular Buildings
Requirements, application letters, standards, applicable codes and other regulations for the State of Maryland related to Industrialized/Modular buildings.

Manufactured/Mobile Homes
Requirements, application letters, standards, applicable codes and other regulations for the State of Maryland related to manufactured/mobile homes.

Contacts for Local Codes

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Special Announcement - NEW!

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Proposed Regulations for Adoption of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) - 09.12.56 Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Standards

Public Hearing

A public hearing on the amendments to the Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Standards (09.12.56) will be held on December 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at 10946 Golden West Drive, Suite 160, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031.

Comments may be sent to Mischelle F Vanreusel, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Labor and Industry, 10946 Golden West Drive, Suite 160, Hunt Valley, MD 21031, or call 410-767-2225, or email to dli.regulations+pool@maryland.gov.

View specific details regarding this proposed legislation

Previous Post

Proposed Regulations for Adoption of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)

The public is invited to provide feedback related to the draft regulations at dli.regulations+pool@maryland.gov before Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

View a free online version of the code

The proposed language to the existing code is below for review and feedback.

.01 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt the International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).

.02 Scope.

A. Except as provided in §B of this regulation, the Standards shall apply to all swimming pools and spas for which an application for a building permit is received by a local jurisdiction on or after December 31, 2023.

B. The standards adopted under this Chapter do not apply to a swimming pool or spa built and in operation before December 31, 2023, unless there is an alteration or repair that results in substantial and material structural change to the swimming pool or spa that occurs on or after December 31, 2023.

C. If there is an alteration or repair to a swimming pool or spa built and in operation before December 31, 2023 that results in a substantial or material structural change, the alteration or repair shall conform to the Standards.

.03 Incorporation by Reference.

The 2021 International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), International Code Council, is incorporated by reference.

.04 Definitions.

A. “Substantial and material structural change” means an alteration or repair that:
  1. Increases the volume of the pool or spa by 15 percent or more; or
  2. Decreases the flow capacity of the pool or spa by 15 percent or more.

.05 Amendments.

A. Chapter 3. Rename Section 305.2 to “Applicability” and replace the text with the following:
  1. A public swimming pool or spa shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7, except that the top of the barrier where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa shall be not less than:

    a. 72 inches (1828mm) above grade for a Class A, B, or D swimming pool or spa;
    b. 60 inches (1524mm) above grade for a Class C or E swimming pool or spa; and
    (c) 36 inches (914.4mm) above grade for a wading pool.

  2. Non-public outdoor pools and spas and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7.

B. In Section 307.1.4, where “International Building Code” appears, substitute “Maryland Accessibility Code” and where “ICC A117.1” appears substitute “Maryland Accessibility Code”

C. In Section 324.7.1, where “International Fire Code” appears, substitute “Maryland State Fire Prevention Code.”

For additional information, contact:
Department of Labor
Division of Labor and Industry
Building Codes Administration
10946 Golden West Drive, Suite 160
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
410-767-2227
e-mail: dldlibuildingcodes-labor@maryland.gov