The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2024 Edition) is incorporated by reference, except for the following amendments:

1. A. Amend Sections 2.2 and 2.4 to delete the referenced publications NFPA 150 Standard on Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities, 2022 edition, and NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code, 2024 edition. Wherever NFPA 5000 is referenced, other than for extracted text, substitute the building code adopted by the AHJ.
2. B. Amend Subsection 3.3.66 to add the following Paragraph: 3.3.66.3 Bulkhead Door. A type of door assembly covering an opening in the ground providing direct access to a basement, the floor of which is not more than 8 feet below ground level. The door consists of a single rigid leaf or two overlapping rigid leaves or covers that need to be pushed or lifted upwards in order to be opened. A person, after opening the door, can walk up a series of steps to escape to the outside.
3. C. Amend Paragraph 3.3.70.1 to replace “three” with “five" and delete, “if any, accommodated in rented rooms”.
4. D. Amend Paragraph 3.3.154.1 and Subparagraphs 16.6.1.1.2 and 17.6.1.1.2 to delete “more than 3, but”.
5. E. Amend Paragraphs 3.3.205.4 and 6.1.4.1 to delete “four or more”.
6. F. Amend Paragraphs 3.3.205.12 and 6.1.9.1 to replace “four” with “six”.
7. G. Amend Subsection 4.5.8 and Paragraph 4.6.12.1 to delete “for compliance with the provisions of this Code”.
8. H. Amend Paragraph 4.6.10.2 to replace “Where required by Chapters 11 through 43, construction” with “Construction”.
9. I. Amend Paragraph 4.6.12.3 to delete “by the Code”.
10. J. Amend Subsection 4.8.2 to add the following Paragraph: 4.8.2.4 Emergency action plans shall be maintained in a location approved by the AHJ.
11. K. Amend Subparagraph 6.1.8.1.1 to replace “three” with “five” and delete “, if any, accommodated in rented rooms”.
12. L. Amend Subsection 7.1.10 to add the following Paragraph: 7.1.10.3 Trash or recyclable materials awaiting scheduled collection shall not be placed in exits, exit access corridors, or on egress balconies.
13. M. Amend Sub-subparagraph 7.2.1.6.4.1 to replace “in Chapters 11 through 43” with “by the AHJ and Chapters 11 through 43”.
14. N. Amend Subparagraph 7.2.1.7.1 to delete “required to be”.
15. O. Amend Subparagraph 7.2.1.7.4 to delete “Required”.
16. P. Amend Paragraph 7.2.1.12 to delete “7.2.1.12.1 or”.
17. Q. Delete Subparagraph 7.2.1.12.1.
18. R. Amend Subparagraphs 7.2.1.14.1 and 7.2.1.15.1 to replace “Chapters 11 through 43” with “the AHJ or Chapters 11 through 43”.
19. S. Amend Paragraph 7.9.1.2 to replace “only” in the first sentence with “, but not be limited to,”.
20. T. Amend Paragraph 8.7.3.3 to replace “8.7.3.3.5” with “8.7.3.3.5, unless otherwise permitted by the AHJ:”
21. U. Amend Paragraph 9.6.1.3 and Subsection 9.11.1 to delete “required by this Code”.
22. V. Amend Paragraph 9.6.2.6 to add the following: This paragraph does not permit the omission of manual fire alarm boxes in accordance with other provisions of this Subsection unless specifically permitted by Chapters 11 through 43.
23. W. Delete Subparagraph 9.6.2.10.7 and Sub-subparagraphs 9.6.2.10.7.1 and 9.6.2.10.7.2.
24. X. Amend Paragraph 9.7.1.1 to add the following Subparagraph: 9.7.1.1.1 For new ceiling installations, drop-out ceilings as referenced in NFPA 13 Subsection 9.3.11 and NFPA 13R Section 6.15 shall be prohibited.
25. Y. Amend Paragraph 9.11.4.1 and Subsection 9.14.1 to replace “Chapters 11 through 43” with “the AHJ and Chapters 11 through 43”
26. Z. Amend Paragraph 9.11.4.2 to replace “by 9.3.5” with “by the AHJ, 9.3.5”.
27. AA. Amend Subsection 9.13.1 to replace “by another section of this Code” with “the AHJ and another section of this Code”.
28. BB. Amend Subsections 9.15.1 and 9.15.2 to insert the words “and the AHJ” after “NFPA 1225”.
29. CC. Amend Subsections 10.4.1 and 10.5.1 to add the following at the beginning of each sentence: “Unless otherwise permitted by the AHJ,”.
30. DD. Amend Paragraph 10.7.1.1 to add “and be approved by the AHJ” after “10.7.5.2”.
31. EE. Amend Paragraph 11.8.3.1 to add “High-rise buildings do not include a structure or building used exclusively for open-air parking.”
32. FF. Amend Paragraphs 11.8.6.1 and 11.8.6.2 to replace “approved by the fire department” with “approved by the AHJ”.
33. GG. Amend Paragraph 11.11.2.1 to add “or other approved testing standard approved by the State Fire Marshal”.
34. HH. Delete Section 11.12.
35. II. Delete Paragraphs 12.2.1.2, 14.2.1.5, 16.2.1.1, 28.2.1.4, 30.2.1.3, 32.2.2.7, 36.2.1.6, 38.2.1.5, 40.2.1.3, 42.2.1.3, Subparagraphs 16.6.2.1.2, 32.3.2.1.3, and Subsection 26.2.4.

36. JJ. Amend Paragraphs 12.2.4.1 and 13.2.4.1 to add the following:

    1. (1) Not less than two separate exits shall be provided on every story.
    2. (2) Not less than two separate exits shall be accessible from every part of every story.
37. KK. Amend Paragraph 12.3.5.1 to replace “The following assembly occupancies” with “The following assembly occupancies having an occupant load of 100 or more persons, or 5,000 or more square feet in area, or located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge”.
38. LL. Amend Paragraphs 12.7.7.3 and 13.7.7.3 to replace “prior” with “within 10 minutes prior”.

39. MM. Amend Paragraphs 14.7.2.3 and 15.7.2.3 to delete existing wording and replace with the following: Fire emergency egress drills shall be conducted as follows:

    1. (1) Not less than one fire emergency egress drill shall be conducted every month the facility is in session, unless the following criteria are met:

       1. (a) In climates where the weather is severe, the monthly fire emergency egress drills shall be permitted to be deferred; and

       2. (b) In educational occupancies which are:

          1. (i) fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the total number of annual fire emergency egress drills shall be five, with a least two of the required drills conducted in the first four months of the school year; or
          2. (ii) not fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the total number of annual fire emergency egress drills shall be eight, with at least three of the required drills conducted in the first four months of the school year.
    2. (2) All occupants of the building shall participate in the fire emergency egress drill.
    3. (3) One fire emergency egress drill, other than for educational occupancies that are open on a year-round basis, shall be required within the first 30 days of operation.
40. NN. Amend Sub-subparagraphs 15.2.2.2.4.1(3) and 17.2.2.2.6.1(3) to replace “operations,” with “operations, the locking device is of a type that is readily distinguishable as locked,”.
41. OO. Amend Paragraph 15.2.4.2 to delete “unless otherwise permitted by 15.2.4.2(3)” from item (1) and delete item (3).
42. PP. Amend Sub-subparagraph 15.3.4.3.1.2 to delete “control unit or”.
43. QQ. Amend Subsections 16.1.1 and 17.1.1 to add the following Paragraphs: 16.1.1.10 and 17.1.1.10 Day-care centers providing day care for school-age children before or after school hours in a building which is in use as a public or private school are not required to meet the provisions of this chapter, but shall meet the provisions for educational occupancies.
44. RR. Amend Subparagraphs 16.2.11.1.1 to add the following item: (4) For grade floor windows the minimum net clear opening shall be permitted to be 5.0 square feet.

45. SS. Amend Paragraph 16.3.5.1 to add the following: Automatic sprinkler protection is not required if all of the following conditions are met:

    1. (1) The total number of occupants in the occupancy in which the day care center is located is not more than 300 persons.
    2. (2) All rooms used for day care are located on the level of exit discharge;
    3. (3) All rooms used for day care have at least one exterior exit door at grade level; and
    4. (4) The occupancy in which the day care center is located does not exceed 12,000 square feet in area.
46. TT. Amend Sub-subparagraphs 16.6.1.4.1.1 and 17.6.1.4.1.1 to delete “more than three, but” and replace “seven” with “nine”.
47. UU. Amend Sub-subparagraphs 16.6.1.4.1.2 and 17.6.1.4.1.2 to replace “7” with “9”.

48. VV. Amend Subparagraphs 16.6.1.7.1 and 17.6.1.7.1 to replace “both” with “all” and Items (1) and (2) with the following Items:

    1. (1) The minimum staff-to-client ratio shall be not less than one staff member for up to eight clients, including the caretaker's own children incapable of self-preservation.
    2. (2) There shall be not more than four clients incapable of self-preservation, including the caretaker's own children incapable of self-preservation.
    3. (3) A staff-to-client ratio of at least one staff member to every two clients incapable of self-preservation shall be maintained at all times.
    4. (4) The staff-to-client ratio shall be permitted to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction where safeguards in addition to those specified in this section are provided.
49. WW. Amend Subparagraph 16.6.2.1.1 and Paragraph 17.6.2.1 to add the following: Bulkhead doors may not serve as a primary means of escape.
50. XX. Amend Subparagraphs 16.6.2.4.5 and 17.6.2.4.5 to delete item (3).

51. YY. Amend Paragraphs 16.6.2.2 (Reserved) and 17.6.2.2 (Reserved) to add the following: SLIDING DOOR: For family day-care homes, a sliding door used as a required means of escape shall comply with the following conditions:

    1. (1) The sliding door shall have not more than one, easily operated, locking device that does not require special knowledge, effort, or tools to operate;
    2. (2) There may not be draperies, screens, or storm doors that could impede egress;
    3. (3) The sill or track height may not exceed 1/2 inch above the interior finish floor;
    4. (4) The surface onto which exit is made shall be an all weather surface such as a deck, patio, or sidewalk;
    5. (5) The floor level outside the door may be one step lower than the inside, but not more than 8 inches lower;
    6. (6) The sliding door shall open to a clear open width of at least 28 inches;
    7. (7) Before day-care use each day, the sliding door shall be unlocked and tested to the full required width to be sure it is operating properly, and the door shall be nonbinding and slide easily; and
    8. (8) During periods of snow or freezing rain, door tracks shall be cleared out and the door opened periodically throughout the day in order to ensure proper operation.
52. ZZ. Amend Paragraphs 16.6.2.3 (Reserved) and 17.6.2.3 (Reserved) to add the following: SPECIAL MEANS OF ESCAPE REQUIREMENTS: For family day-care homes, deadbolt locks shall be provided with approved interior latches, or these locks shall be of a captured key design from which the key cannot be removed from the interior side of the lock when the lock is in the locked position.
53. AAA. Amend Subparagraph 16.6.3.4.5 to replace the word “Reserved.” with the following: For compliance with Paragraph 43.7.2.1(2), approved battery-powered smoke alarms, rather than house electrical service-powered smoke alarms required by 16.6.3.4.4, shall be permitted where the facility has testing, maintenance, and smoke alarm replacement programs that ensure reliability of power to the smoke alarms.

54. BBB. Amend Subparagraph 17.2.11.1.1 to add the following item:

    1. (5) For grade floor windows the minimum net clear opening shall be permitted to be 5.0 feet.
55. CCC. Amend Paragraphs 17.6.2.1, 28.2.1.2, 29.2.1.2, 30.2.1.2, 31.2.1.2 and Subparagraphs 16.6.2.1.1, 16.6.2.4.1, 16.6.2.4.2, 17.6.2.4.1, 17.6.2.4.2, and 33.3.2.1.2 to add the following sentence: The provisions of Subsection 24.2.8 shall not apply.
56. DDD. Amend Subparagraph 17.6.3.4.5 to delete “existing” and replace “battery” with “smoke alarm”.

57. EEE. Amend Section 19.3 to add the following Paragraph and Subparagraphs:

    1. 19.3.4.6 Carbon Monoxide Detection.
    2. 19.3.4.6.1 Carbon monoxide detection, where required by 19.3.4.6.2, shall be in accordance with Section 9.12.

    3. 19.3.4.6.2 Carbon monoxide detection shall be provided in the following locations:

       1. (1) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed on the ceilings of rooms containing permanently installed fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces.
       2. (2) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed within 36 inches (910 millimeters) of the first supply air register from a permanently installed, fuel-burning HVAC system.

58. FFF. Amend Section 21.3 to add the following Paragraph and Subparagraphs:

    1. 21.3.4.5 Carbon Monoxide Detection.
    2. 21.3.4.5.1 Carbon monoxide detection, where required by 21.3.4.5.2, shall be in accordance with Section 9.12.

    3. 21.3.4.5.2 Carbon monoxide detection shall be provided in the following locations:

       1. (1) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed on the ceilings of rooms containing permanently installed fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces.
       2. (2) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed within 36 inches (910 millimeters) of the first supply air register from a permanently installed, fuel-burning HVAC system.

59. GGG. Amend Paragraph 22.4.6.2 to add the following Subparagraph:

    1. 22.4.6.2.5 Automatic sprinkler protection shall be installed throughout the building in accordance with 9.7.1.1.
60. HHH. Amend Paragraph 24.1.1.2 to replace “three” with “five” and delete “, if any, accommodated in rented rooms”.
61. III. Amend Subparagraphs 24.2.2.3.3, 32.2.2.3.1(3), and 33.2.2.3.1(3) to insert “, or not less than 5.0 square feet for grade floor windows” after “5.7 ft2”.
62. JJJ. Amend Paragraph 26.1.1.1 to replace “buildings” with “buildings that do not qualify as one- and two-family dwellings”.
63. KKK. Delete Subsections 30.7.5 and 31.7.5.
64. LLL. Amend Paragraph 31.3.5.9.1 to replace “by January 1, 2033” with “within 12 years of the date of the original violation notice issued by the fire authority having jurisdiction.”
65. MMM. Amend Sub-subparagraph 33.3.3.4.8.1 to delete “33.3.3.4.8.2 and”.
66. NNN. Delete Sub-subparagraph 33.3.3.4.8.2.
67. OOO. Amend Paragraphs 36.3.5.3, 37.3.5.3, 38.3.5.2, and 39.3.5 to replace “portable” with “Unless otherwise permitted by the AHJ, portable”.
68. PPP. Amend Table 42.2.5 to replace “50” with “75” and “15” with “23” for common path of travel for ordinary hazard storage occupancy not protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1).
69. QQQ. Amend Subparagraphs 42.3.4.1.2 and 42.3.4.1.3 to replace “Storage occupancies” with “Storage occupancies less than three stories”.
70. RRR. Amend Sub-subparagraphs 42.8.3.4.1.1 and 42.8.3.4.1.3 to replace “Parking structures” with “Parking structures less than three stories”.

Authority: Public Safety Article, §§6-206 and 6-501, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 21, 1972

Regulations .01B, .13A, .15B, G, .16B, .18A, B, .22B, .23A—C, .26B, .29B—D, .33, .35B amended effective October 7, 1977 (4:21 Md. R. 1604)

Regulations .04—.14, .16—.35, and .41 amended effective August 30, 1982 (9:17 Md. R. 1709)

Regulation .14D adopted effective July 1, 1967

Regulations .15G, .16C, .18C, .22A, .29B, and .35B, E, F amended as an emergency provision effective February 23, 1978 (5:5 Md. R. 332); adopted permanently effective June 2, 1978 (5:11 Md. R. 885)

Regulation .16A amended effective April 9, 1984 (11:7 Md. R. 628)

Regulations .16B, .18A, E, .23, .26B, .29D amended effective May 14, 1975 (2:10 Md. R. 759)

Regulation .16B amended effective April 18, 1980 (7:8 Md. R. 772)

Regulation .23B amended effective August 22, 1980 (7:17 Md. R. 1672)

Regulation .26 amended effective December 7, 1981 (8:24 Md. R. 1936)

Regulation .30E adopted effective October 5, 1979 (6:20 Md. R. 1629); September 19, 1980 (7:19 Md. R. 1808)

Regulation .33 amended effective November 21, 1983 (10:23 Md. R. 2064)

Regulation .34 amended effective January 21, 1976 (3:2 Md. R. 87) and November 4, 1977 (4:23 Md. R. 1735)

Regulation .36 adopted effective April 27, 1977 (4:9 Md. R. 1719)

Regulation .36A, C amended effective October 7, 1977 (4:21 Md. R. 1604)

Regulation .37 adopted effective February 26, 1979 (6:4 Md. R. 227); amended effective October 5, 1979 (6:20 Md. R. 1629)

Regulation .37 (Cellulose and Foam Insulation) adopted as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1979 (6:1 Md. R. 15); emergency status withdrawn by AELR Committee for §B of this regulation effective February 1, 1979 (6:4 Md. R. 275); emergency status expired May 12, 1979

Regulation .38 adopted effective October 5, 1979 (6:20 Md. R. 1629)

Regulation .39 adopted effective October 31, 1980 (7:22 Md. R. 2074)

Regulation .40 adopted effective July 20, 1981 (8:14 Md. R. 1228)

Regulation .41 adopted effective October 12, 1981 (8:20 Md. R. 1636)

Regulation .42 adopted effective January 17, 1983 (10:1 Md. R. 32)

Chapter revised effective May 6, 1985 (12:9 Md. R. 812)

Regulation .06A amended effective July 28, 1986 (13:15 Md. R. 1735); July 24, 1989 (16:14 Md. R. 1568)

Regulation .06O amended effective October 5, 1987 (14:20 Md. R. 2143)

Regulation .06R adopted effective October 1, 1985 (12:19 Md. R. 1849)

Regulation .06S adopted effective March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 622)

Regulation .07B amended effective January 23, 1989 (16:1 Md. R. 72)

Chapter revised effective May 11, 1992 (19:9 Md. R. 879)

Regulation .09B amended effective November 22, 1993 (20:23 Md. R. 1805)

Regulation .10 adopted effective November 22, 1993 (20:23 Md. R. 1805)

Chapter revised effective December 4, 1995 (22:24 Md. R. 1897)

COMAR 12.03.01 repealed effective January 14, 1999 (26:1 Md. R. 25)

Regulations .01—.22 adopted effective January 14, 1999 (26:1 Md. R. 25)

Regulations .01—.22 repealed effective August 6, 2001 (28:15 Md. R. 1400)

Regulations .01—.17 adopted effective August 6, 2001 (28:15 Md. R. 1400)

Chapter revised effective August 1, 2004 (31:12 Md. R. 914)

Chapter revised effective January 1, 2007 (33:24 Md. R. 1907)

Regulation .02B amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); January 1, 2013 (39:23 Md. R. 1533); January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

Regulation .03B repealed effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956)

Regulation .04D amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956)

Regulation .05B amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

Regulation .06 amended effective January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436)

Regulation .06B amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

Regulation .06C amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); January 1, 2013 (39:23 Md. R. 1533)

Regulation .07 amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); January 1, 2013 (39:23 Md. R. 1533); January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

Regulation .08 amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); January 1, 2013 (39:23 Md. R. 533); January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

Regulation .09 amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); January 1, 2013 (39:23 Md. R. 533); January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)

Regulation .09E amended as an emergency provision effective February 7, 2020 (47:10 Md. R. 514); emergency provision expired effective August 3, 2020

Regulation .09E amended effective August 10, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 738)

Regulation .10 amended effective January 1, 2013 (39:23 1533); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847)

Regulation .11 amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956)

Regulation .11-1 adopted effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956)

Regulation .13 repealed effective January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436)

Regulation .14A amended effective January 1, 2010 (36:25 Md. R. 1956); January 1, 2013 (39:23 Md. R. 1533); January 1, 2016 (42:23 Md. R. 1436); October 7, 2019 (46:20 Md. R. 847); June 23, 2025 (52:12 Md. R. 599)