Building Codes

Buildings are among the top five sources of emissions in Maryland. Building energy codes set minimum standards for new construction and major renovations to ensure buildings support our clean energy future, as well as reducing operating and utility costs for building owners.

In addition to improving efficiency, building energy codes contribute to building safety, durability, sustainability, comfort, and affordability for households and businesses. They regulate a variety of safety measures, including moisture management, indoor air quality, fire protection, and weather protection. 

Maryland's law related to building codes is called the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) - not to be confused with the Maryland building energy performance standards, which target the emissions of existing buildings. The MBPS requires each jurisdiction in Maryland to adopt the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)​. The State has modified the IBC and the IRC to align with other Maryland laws.

The Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) provides authority for Maryland Building Performance Standards. See COMAR Title 09, Subtitle 12, Chapter 51.04(D) for Maryland-specific modifications to the International Energy Conservation Code.

The IECC is one of two predominant model energy codes adopted by states. Developed by the International Code Council (ICC), the IECC contains provisions for both residential and commercial homes and buildings. The 2021 IECC is regarded by many as a significant achievement in building energy efficiency compared to the prior two code cycles (IECC 2015 and IECC 2018). An initial U.S. Department of Energy determination estimates that the 2021 IECC generates a national average of 9.38% site energy savings and 8.66% energy cost savings compared to the 2018 IECC, with variance dependent upon climate zones.

Maryland law requires the Maryland Building Codes Administration, housed within the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Labor & Industry, to adopt the most recent version of the IECC within 18 months of the ICC’s release of a new code. On May 29, 2023, the State of Maryland adopted the 2021 IECC. All local jurisdictions were required to amend and adopt the new code for local code enforcement by May 29, 2024, 12 months after state adoption.

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