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Code Status: Maryland

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Maryland. Information for all 50 States is also available. Maryland Code News.

*View Maryland Fact Sheet*

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: The 2010 Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS - COMAR 05.02.07) incorporate by reference the 2009 IECC and are mandatory statewide. REScheck may be used to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: The 2010 Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS - COMAR 05.02.07) incorporate by reference the 2009 IECC and are mandatory statewide. COMcheck may be used to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Codes are usually reviewed every three years with the publication of the new editions of the model code. Last update on January 1, 2010.

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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: Per legislation (SB 625) passed in May 2009, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) must adopt subsequent versions of the MBPS within 12 months of publication of new code editions by the International Code Council (ICC).

Enforcement of the MBPS shall be the responsibility of the local jurisdiction in which the building or structure is located. Local governments must implement and enforce the most current MBPS within six months of adoption by DHCD.

State Code History: In 1981, Maryland passed the Energy Conservation Building Standards Act, which established the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS). The Act established a limited role for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The Act also grants them rulemaking authority to amend the MBPS through publications in the Maryland register and subsequent hearings on administrative actions.

On September 20, 2004, the 2004 MBPS -- based on the 2003 IBC (including Chapter 13- Energy Efficiency) -- became effective.

The next code iteration, the 2007 Maryland Building Performance Standards, became effective July 1, 2007. The state adopted (with modifications), the 2006 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The 2010 Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS - COMAR 05.02.07) incorporate by reference the 2009 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with modifications by the state. Each local jurisdiction in Maryland may modify these codes to suit local conditions with exception to the 2009 IECC and the energy efficiency chapter (Chapter 13) of the 2009 IBC, which can be made more stringent but not less by the local jurisdictions. The energy efficiency chapter (Chapter 11) of the 2009 IRC has been deleted and replaced with a reference to the 2009 IECC.

These regulations became effective January 1, 2010.

With the anticipated publication of the 2012 International Code Series in January 2011, an update to the MBPS would be expected some time in 2011.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 399.9 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 402.4 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 802.3 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 5,296,486
  • Total Housing Units2: 2,197,126
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 29,225
    • 1 unit: 23,258
    • 2 units: 678
    • 3 and 4 units: 128
    • 5+ units: 5,161
    • structures of 5+ units: 290

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
Green Building Initiatives
44 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified Buildings
ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Market Index between 3% and 11%
132 ENERGY STAR Labeled Buildings and Plants
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Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Maryland's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Jim Magliano
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Codes Administration
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032

Tel: (410) 514-7216
Fax: (410) 987-8902

Email: magliano@dhcd.state.md.us

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Malcolm D. Woolf
Director
Maryland Energy Administration
1623 Forest Drive, Suite 300
Annapolis, MD 21403

Tel: (410) 260-7655
Fax: (410) 974-2250

Email: Mwoolf@energy.state.md.us

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