LA PLATA, Md. (April 22, 2010)—On Tuesday, the Charles County Commissioners voted unanimously to enact Bill No. 2010-08. This bill adopts the International Building Code 2009 and the International Residential Code 2009, collectively as the Building Code for Charles County.
The purpose of the ordinance is to adopt the International Building Code 2009 and associated construction codes, with certain insertions, additions, deletions and changes in Charles County. The legislation will repeal and reenact Chapter 224—Building Construction of the Code of Charles County and set the local amendments for construction in Charles County.
The ordinance adopts the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, Fuel Gas Code, and International Plumbing Code. In order to properly implement the Energy Conservation standards, the International Mechanical Code has been adopted, including Mechanical permit standards. The 2008 National Electric Code will also become effective with the updated Building Code.
On April 6, at 4:00 p.m., the Commissioners held a Public Hearing on the adoption of the new Building Code. Mr. Chuck Beall, Director of Planning Growth Management, and Frank Ward, Chief of Codes, Permits and Inspection Services (CPIS), addressed the Commissioners. The hearing was open to the public, but there was no representation from the public.
At the request of Mr. Chuck Beall, the Commissioners agreed to leave the record open until close of business on Friday, April 9, 2010, to allow staff to further address requests from the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA).
Mr. Beall and Mr. Ward addressed four concerns of the MNCBIA at the April 20 Commissioner meeting and proposed amendments that were accepted by the Commissioners on fire sprinkler and energy conservation requirements.
The updated Building Code will enable Charles County to meet the requirements of the Maryland Building Performance Standards--Energy Conservation and Efficiency as required by Senate Bill 625, which became effective October 1, 2009.
Source: Charles County Government