Baltimore, Maryland Building Codes

Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Baltimore, MD has adopted the 2018 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2018 IRC (for One and Two Family Dwellings) and IBC. Baltimore, MD, Muni, Codes § 10-101 (IRC adoption), § 10-102 (IRC amendments), § 2-101 (IBC adoption) and § 2-103 (IBC amendments), 

Helpful resources for Baltimore, Maryland include the following.

Residential Building Code

Maryland adopted a model state residential code but it is not in force unless adopted locally.See PLRB, Maryland Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Baltimore adopted the 2018 IRC, statewide. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Baltimore ? No
Citation: § 301.2.4
Municipal Code https://archive.baltimorecity.gov/portals/0/charter%20and%20Codes/code/Art%2000%20-%20Bldg,%20Fire.pdf#page=293
Comments:

Table 301.2(1)

Ground Snow Load: 30 psf

Wind Speed: 90 mph

Wind Topographic Effects: No

Special Wind Region: No

Wind-Borne Debris Zone: No

Seismic Design Category: B

Weathering: Severe

Frost Line Depth: 30" (762 mm)

Termite: Moderate to Heavy [Decay: Slight to Moderate]

Winter Design Temp: 13º F

Ice Barrier Underlayment Required: No

Air Freezing Index: 231

Mean Annual Temp 57º F

Government Officials
Last Name First Name Title E-mail Phone Note
Zoning Administrator DHCD_DHCD_Permits@baltimorecity.gov 410/396-3470

Comments

Baltimore, MD has adopted the 2018 IRC including appendices E, F, G, H, K, M and O. Baltimore, MD Muni. Code § 102.5.

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

{Per MBPS Modification} Existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations, or additions, and change of occupancy must comply with the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, set forth in COMAR 05.16. City of Baltimore, MD, Municipal Code § 2-103, Chapter 1, Section 101.1.

Commercial Building Code

Baltimore adopted the 2018 IBC, statewide with limitations. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Comments

Baltimore, MD has adopted the 2018 IBC including appendices C, D, F, H, I and J. Baltimore, MD Muni. Code § 101.2.1.1.

Existing Buildings

Baltimore, MD did not adopt the IEBC, therefore Chapter 34 of the IBC would apply.

{Per MBPS Modification} Existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations, or additions, and change of occupancy must comply with the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, set forth in COMAR 05.16. City of Baltimore, MD, Municipal Code § 2-103, Chapter 1, Section 101.1.

Other Building Codes

Baltimore, MD also adopted the following code:

Maryland Building Performance Standards. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 1-101 (adoption) and § 1-102 (amendments).

2017 National Electrical Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 3-101 (adoption) and § 3-102 (amendments).

2018 International Fuel Gas Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 4-101 (adoptions), § 4-102 (amendments).

2018 International Mechanical Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 5-101 (adoptions), § 5-102 (amendments).

2018 International Plumbing Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 6-101 (adoptions), § 6-102 (amendments).

2018 International Property Maintenance Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 7-101 (adoptions), § 7-102 (amendments).

2018 International Fire Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 8-101 (adoptions), § 8-102 (amendments).

2018 International Energy Conservation Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 9A-101 (adoptions), § 9A-102 (amendments).

2012 International Green Construction Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 11-101 (adoptions), § 11-102 (amendments).

2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Baltimore, MD Muni. Codes § 12-101 (adoptions), § 12-102 (amendments).