County To Implement New Building Regulations, Fees On July 1

mh/code.pr 97-209 Contact: Bill Boyajy, 301-217-6382

COUNTY TO IMPLEMENT
NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS,
FEES ON JULY 1 For Immediate Release: June 26, 1997

Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will adopt and
implement new building codes beginning July 1, in addition to instituting a new fee structure
for fire code plan review services. The changes, which are outlined in three Executive
Regulations (2-97, 3-97 and 4-97), will provide a two-month adjustment period to help
builders and contractors avoid redesign costs in order to conform with the new codes.
Executive Regulations 3-97 and 4-97 adopt, respectively, the 1996 and 1995 editions
of the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Building Code (and the
companion International Mechanical Code) and the Council of American Building Officials
(CABO) One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code as the official standards for construction in
Montgomery County. The new codes replace the 1993 BOCA and 1992 CABO codes. The
BOCA code covers all buildings and structures, except detached one- and two-family
dwellings and one-family townhouses, and their accessory structures. Detached one- and two-
family dwellings and one-family townhouses, and their accessory structures are covered in the
CABO code.
DPS officials are allowing clients until September 1, 1997 to submit building permit
applications and plans designed to either the current or new codes. After that time, all plans
-more-

NEW BUILDING CODES ADOPTED 2-2-2-2

will have to be designed in compliance with the new codes. However, any construction
project authorized a permit issued prior to or during the adjustment period may continue in
accordance with the code applicable at the time of issuance.
Executive Regulation 2-97 establishes new fees to recover the costs of plan review
associated with the installation of fire suppression systems and to provide adequate funding
for service improvements. The minimum fee is $85. Total fees, which are outlined in the
regulation, vary considerably based on the type of system and the degree to which permit
extensions and revisions are necessary.
Copies of the Executive Regulations are available at DPS offices at 250 Hungerford
Drive, Rockville, or by calling 301-217-6370.
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