To ensure the safety and comfort of all buildings and structures in Rockville, the Inspection Services Division is charged with reviewing their design and construction in compliance with Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code and the State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code. Note that the links provided on this page are for the most commonly used sections, however this is not a complete list of all applicable standards for every situation. Please contact permits@rockvillemd.gov if you have questions on applicable standards for your project.
Building and Property Maintenance Regulations
The Mayor and Council adopted an ordinance on May 20, 2024 that made several updates to Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code (Building and Property Maintenance Regulations) to adopt International Codes (I-Codes) with local amendments. Many of these updates are effective beginning May 29, 2024, while some have a deferred effective date of Dec. 1, 2024. The amendments and their effective dates are covered in detail in Administrative Bulletin 2024-01. The following codes are effective as of May 29, 2024:
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)*
- 2015 International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
- 2010 ADA Standards
*You will need to create an NFPA account for free access to view any NFPA standards.
The State of Maryland’s Building Code Administration maintains the adoption of statewide building codes through the Public Safety Act and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), with the most recent update to the codes being adopted on May 29, 2023. Local jurisdictions were required to begin implementing and enforcing the following statewide building codes as of May 29, 2024:
- Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 12 (Public Safety Act)
- Maryland Building Performance Standards (COMAR 09.12.51)
- Maryland Accessibility Code (COMAR 09.12.53)
- Maryland Minimum Livability Code (COMAR 09.12.54)
- Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Standards (COMAR 09.12.56)
- Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code (COMAR 09.12.58)
Fire Code
The State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code, including the following codes, was adopted as of April 1, 2021 with updates to Chapter 9 of the Rockville City Code (Fire Code):
- 2018 NFPA 1 Fire Code*
- 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code*
- 2016 NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, and NFPA 13D Fire Sprinkler Codes*
- 2016 NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code*
*You will need to create an NFPA account for free access to view any NFPA standards.
Administrative Interpretations
Administrative interpretations are available to provide commentary on the intent of specific code sections. To request an administrative interpretation, please submit a Request for Administrative Interpretation form to the Inspection Services Division.
contact
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Contact
Community Planning and Development Services Department
Inspection Services Division
240-314-8240
permits@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address
Rockville City Hall
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850