(a) Applicability.
(1) This title applies to new buildings, conditions, or facilities. Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), this title does not apply to existing buildings, conditions, or facilities unless:
(i) the Fire Chief or the Fire Chief’s designee has found that the continuation of an existing condition constitutes a distinct hazard adverse to life, property, public safety, or welfare as to require correction; or
(ii) except as provided in paragraph (2), the building undergoes a change from one occupancy classification to another or from one occupancy sub-classification to another.
(2) The use of a single-family detached dwelling as a recovery residence is not a change of occupancy classification or sub-classification under paragraph (1)(ii) if the recovery residence:
(i) 1. is certified under Title 19, Subtitle 25 of the Health-General Article of the State Code; and
2. is in compliance with the occupancy limitations established by Maryland Certification of Recovery Residences (MCORR); or
(ii) 1. is not certified under Title 19, Subtitle 25 of the Health-General Article of the State Code;
2. has no more than two occupants per sleeping room and not more than six occupants total; and
3. is inspected annually by the Fire Marshal for the following fire safety measures:
A. functioning smoke detectors;
B. windows suitable for exit in all sleeping rooms as required by the code in effect at the time of inspection;
C. functioning carbon monoxide detectors if there are gas appliances;
D. functioning fire extinguishers in plain sight, or in clearly marked locations, that are serviced or inspected annually by a third party;
E. an interior free of fire hazards, such as hoarding conditions, and with adequate access to electrical facilities, hot water heaters, exit doors, windows, and hallways;
F. a prohibition against smoking or vaping inside the dwelling;
G. an emergency plan posted in a conspicuous location that includes emergency phone numbers, exit procedures, marked fire exits, and an evacuation map; and
H. fire exits marked with reflective signage at a minimum.
(b) Inapplicability. This title does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings, except for:
(1) the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and residential sprinklers when required by the State Code or this Code; and
(2) Fire Department access and Fire Department access roads as required by NFPA 1 Fire Code, except for private driveways serving only one dwelling unit.
(c) NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code permit requirements. The permit requirements of section 1.12 of NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code, 2018 Edition apply to all buildings, plants, conditions, and equipment, regardless of the issuance date of a building, electric, mechanical, or plumbing permit.
(1985 Code, Art. 18, § 2-102) (Bill No. 31-93; Bill No. 18-96; Bill No. 7-03; Bill No. 82-06; Bill No. 75-13; Bill No. 95-20; Bill No. 61-23)