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.

Current State Codes
Code Adoption & Change Process
Energy Consumption Estimates
Construction Activity
Web Links
State Energy Code Contacts

Current State Codes

Residential Code: 2006 IECC mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.
Commercial Code: 2006 IECC mandatory statewide; can use COMcheck 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 July 1, 2007.

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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The Department of Housing and Community Development adopts the latest iteration of the International Building Code (IBC), including energy efficiency chapters, within 12 months of its promulgation.

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 newest code, the 2007 Maryland Building Performance Standards, became effective July 1, 2007. The state has adopted (with modifications), the International Building Code (IBC) 2006 and the International Residential Code (IRC) 2006. These standards require the buildings to be designed and constructed in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2006. Local jurisdictions may not modify this standard to a lesser requirement.

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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 2005, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Residential Sector: 441.5 Trillion BTU
Commercial Sector: 286.1 Trillion BTU
Total Energy Consumption: 727.6 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