Baltimore City Council
File #: 05-0252    Version: 0 Name: Building, Fire, and Related Codes - State and City Modifications
Type: Ordinance Status: Enacted
File created: 9/19/2005 In control: City Council
On agenda: Final action: 2/14/2006
Enactment #: 06-187
Title: Building, Fire, and Related Codes - State and City Modifications FOR the purpose of amending the Building, Fire, and Related Codes article to reflect certain changes made to the Maryland Building Performance Standards; prohibiting certain required guards from being constructed with horizontal rails or other pattern that results in a ladder effect; correcting, clarifying, and conforming certain language; and generally relating to the building, fire, property maintenance, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related codes for Baltimore City.
Sponsors: City Council President (Administration)
Attachments: 1. 252~3rd.pdf

EXPLANATION: CAPITALS indicate matter added to existing law.

[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.

 

                     * WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.

                     THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.

                     INTRODUCTORY*

 

                     CITY OF BALTIMORE

                     COUNCIL BILL          

                                                                                                                                                           

Introduced by: The Council President

At the request of: The Administration (Department of Housing and Community Development)    

 

                     A BILL ENTITLED

 

AN ORDINANCE concerning

Title

Building, Fire, and Related Codes - State and City Modifications

 

FOR the purpose of amending the Building, Fire, and Related Codes article to reflect certain changes made to the Maryland Building Performance Standards; prohibiting certain required guards from being constructed with horizontal rails or other pattern that results in a ladder effect; correcting, clarifying, and conforming certain language; and generally relating to the building, fire, property maintenance, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related codes for Baltimore City.

Body

BY repealing and reordaining, with amendments

Article - Building, Fire, and Related Codes

Section(s) 1-101, 1-102, and 2-103 (IBC §§ 101.2, 504.2, 901.1,

1001.1, 1003.2.12, 1003.3, 2406, 3501, and Notes to Chs. 30 and 34)

Baltimore City Revised Code

(Edition 2000)

 

BY repealing and reordaining, without amendments

Article - Building, Fire, and Related Codes

Section(s) 2-102

Baltimore City Revised Code

(Edition 2000)

 

SECTION 1.  BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Laws of Baltimore City read as follows:

 

                     Baltimore City Revised Code

 

                     Article - Building, Fire, and Related Codes

 

 

                     Part I.  Maryland Building Performance Standards

 

§ 1-101.  State action.

 

(a)  In general.

 

The Maryland Building Performance Standards [were] ARE adopted AND, FROM TO TIME, AMENDED by the State Department of Housing and Community Development under [Article 83B, Title 6, Subtitle 4 of the Maryland Code] STATE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE, TITLE 12, SUBTITLE 5.

 

(b)  Contents.

 

As most recently amended, effective [October 15, 2001] SEPTEMBER 20, 2004, these Standards consist of:

 

(1) the International Building Code [(2000 Edition)] (2003 EDITION), with certain State modifications {COMAR 05.02.07.04A and B}; and

 

(2) The International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings [(2000 Edition)] (2003 EDITION), with certain State modifications {COMAR 05.02.07.04C}.

 

§ 1-102.  City adoption.

 

The Maryland Building Performance Standards are adopted as part of the Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City, subject to the following modifications:

 

(1)                     BALTIMORE CITY ADOPTS THE  INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (2000 EDITION);

 

(2)                     [(1)] in the International Building Code (2000 Edition):

 

(1) incorporate the State modifications[, as] indicated in the appropriate chapter, section, or other provision of Part II below; and

 

(2) add the Baltimore City modifications[, as] indicated in the appropriate chapter, section, or other provision of Part II below; and

 

(3)                     [(2)] the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings [(2000)] is not adopted by Baltimore City.

 

 

                     Part II.  International Building Code

 

§ 2-102.  Maryland Building Performance Standards.

 

The Maryland Building Performance Standards contain certain State modifications to the International Building Code.  The State modifications that Baltimore City has adopted are repeated in this Part II, for the user's convenience, in the appropriate chapter, section, or other provision.  These State modifications are labeled "MBPS Modification".

 

 

 

§ 2-103.  City modifications.

 

The additions, deletions, amendments, and other modifications adopted by the City are as follows:

 

                     Chapter 1.  Administration

 

101.2  Scope.  [As in IBC]

 

Exception:  [IBC EXCEPTION Not Adopted]

 

EXCEPTION:  {PER MBPS MODIFICATION}  EXISTING BUILDINGS UNDERGOING REPAIR, ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS, AND CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY MUST COMPLY WITH THE MARYLAND BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE, SET FORTH IN COMAR 05.16.

 

101.2.1  Appendices {Per MBPS Modification}.  The appendices to the International Building Code apply as follows:

 

101.2.1.1  Appendices Adopted.  The provisions of the following appendices are adopted as part of this Code:

 

a.                     Appendix C:  "Group U - Agricultural Buildings".

 

b.                     Appendix F:  "Rodent Proofing".

 

c.                     Appendix G:  "Flood Resistant Construction".

 

d.                     Appendix H:  "Signs".

 

e.                     Appendix I:  "Patio Covers".

 

101.2.1.2  Appendices Not Adopted.  The following appendices are not adopted as part of this Code:

 

a.                     Appendix A:  "Employee Qualifications".

 

b.                     Appendix B:  "Board of Appeals".

 

c.                     Appendix D:  "Fire Districts".

 

d.                     Appendix E:  "Supplementary Accessibility Requirements".

 

e.                     Appendix J:  "Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities".

 

                     Chapter 5.  General Building Heights and Areas

 

504.2  Automatic sprinkler increase {per MBPS Modification}.  The maximum number of stories specified in Table 503 and the value specified in that Table for maximum height are increased as follows, these increases being permitted in addition to [the] ANY area increase UNDER §§ 506.2 AND 506.3:

 

 

a.                     1 story and 20 feet (6096 mm), if the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with § 903.3.1.1 of this Code,

 

b.                     1 story and 20 feet (6096 mm) but not to exceed a height of 4 stories and 60 feet (18,288 mm) above grade level, if the building has an occupancy in Group R-1, R-2, or R-4 and is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with § 903.3.1.2 of this Code, and

 

c.                     1 story and 20 feet (6096 mm) but not to exceed a height of 4 stories and 60 feet (18,288 mm) above grade level, if the building has an occupancy in Group R-3 and is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.3.

 

Exceptions:  [As in IBC]

 

 

                     Chapter 9.  Fire Protection Systems

 

901.1  Scope.  [As in IBC, subject to following Note]

 

{MBPS Modification - Note to § 901.1:  The fire protection system requirements of Chapter 9 may be concurrently covered [in] BY the State Fire PREVENTION Code, ADOPTED UNDER STATE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE §6-206 AND contained in [Article 38A, §§3 through 68, of the Maryland Code and] COMAR 29.06.01.  The State Fire Code is enforced by the State Fire Marshall or authorized fire official.}

 

 

                     Chapter 10.  Means of Egress

 

1001.1  General.  [As in IBC, subject to the following Note]

 

{MBPS Modifications - Note to § 1001.1:  The means of egress requirements of Chapter 10 may be concurrently covered [in] BY the State Fire PREVENTION Code, ADOPTED UNDER STATE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE §6-206 AND contained in [Article 38A, §§3 through 68, of the Maryland Code and] COMAR 29.06.01.  The State Fire PREVENTION Code is enforced by the State Fire Marshall or authorized fire official.}

 

1003.2  System design requirements. 

 

1003.2.12  Guards.  Guards must be located along open-sided walking surfaces, mezzanines, industrial equipment platforms, stairways, ramps, and landings that are located more than 151/2 inches (394 mm) above the floor or grade below.  Guards must be adequate in strength and attached in accordance with § 1607.7 of this Code.  Guards must also be located along glazed sides of stairways, ramps, and landings that are located more than 151/2 inches (394 mm) above the floor or grade below where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements in § 1607.7.

 

Exceptions:  [As in IBC]

 

1003.2.12.1  Height.  [As in IBC]

 

 

1003.2.12.2  Opening limitations - GENERAL.  Open guards [shall] MUST have balusters or ornamental patterns [such] SO that:

 

A.                     TO A HEIGHT OF 34 INCHES (864 MM) ABOVE THE ADJACENT WALKING SURFACES, a [4-inch-diameter (102 mm)] sphere 4 INCHES (102 MM) IN DIAMETER cannot pass through any opening [up to a height of 34 inches (864 mm).]; AND

 

B.                     [From] FROM a height of 34 inches (864 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter [shall not] CANNOT pass THROUGH ANY OPENING.

 

1003.2.12.2.1  OPENING LIMITATIONS - RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES.  FOR OCCUPANCIES IN USE GROUP R, REQUIRED GUARDS MAY NOT BE CONSTRUCTED WITH HORIZONTAL RAILS OR ANY ORNAMENTAL PATTERN THAT RESULTS IN A LADDER EFFECT.

 

Exceptions:  [As in IBC]

 

1003.2.12.3  Screen porches.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.2.12.4  Mechanical equipment.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3  Means of egress components.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.1 - 1003.3.3.2  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3  Stairways.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.1 - 1003.3.3.2  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.3  Stair treads and risers.  [As in IBC]

 

Exceptions:

 

1 - 4.  [As in IBC]

 

5.                     {Per MBPS Modifications}  In occupancies in Group R-3, as applicable in § 101.2, in dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, AS APPLICABLE IN § 101.2, and in occupancies in Group U that are accessory to an occupancy in Group R-3, AS APPLICABLE IN § 101.2:

 

A.                     the maximum riser height is 81/4 inches (210 mm), [and]

 

B.                     the minimum tread depth is 9 inches (229 mm),

 

C.                     THE MINIMUM WINDER TREAD DEPTH AT THE WALK LINE IS 9 INCHES (229 MM),

 

D.                     THE MINIMUM WINDER TREAD DEPTH IS 6 INCHES (152 MM), AND

 

 

E.                     [A] A nosing not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) but not more than 11/4 inches (32 mm) must be provided on stairways with solid risers where the tread depth is less than 11 inches (279 mm).

 

6.                     [[As in IBC]] {PER MBPS MODIFICATIONS}  FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING STAIRWAYS, SEE THE  MARYLAND BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE, SET FORTH IN COMAR 05.16.

 

1003.3.3.11  Handrails.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.11.1  Height.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.11.2  Intermediate handrails.   [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.11.3  Handrail graspability.   [As in IBC]

 

Exception: {[Adopted] Per MBPS Modifications} FOR OCCUPANCIES IN GROUP R-3, AS APPLICABLE IN § 101.2,AND IN DWELLING UNITS IN OCCUPANCIES IN GROUP R-2, AS APPLICABLE IN § 101.2, THE GRIP PORTION OF HANDRAILS MUST HAVE A CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION OF 11/4 INCHES (32 MM) MINIMUM TO 2.625 INCHES (66.7 MM) MAXIMUM.  OTHER SHAPES THAT PROVIDE AN EQUIVALENT GRASPING SURFACE ARE PERMISSIBLE.  EDGES MUST HAVE A MINIMUM RADIUS OF 0.125 INCH (3.2 MM).

 

1003.3.3.11.4 - 1003.3.3.11.7  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.12  Stairway to roof.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.3.13  Fire escapes.  Where fire escapes are permitted, they must comply with all applicable provisions of the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, COMAR 05.16.

 

1003.3.4  Ramps.  [As in IBC]

 

1003.3.5  Turnstiles.  [As in IBC]

 

 

                     Chapter 24.  Glass and Glazing

 

Section 2406  Safety Glazing  [As in IBC, subject to the following Note]

 

{MBPS Modification - The requirements for safety glazing contained in [Article 83B, §§ 6-301 through 6-306, of the Maryland Code] STATE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE, TITLE 12, SUBTITLE 4, are in addition to those contained in § 2406 of the IBC.  In the event of a conflict between the Maryland Code and the IBC, the Maryland Code prevails.}

 

 

                     Chapter 30.  Elevators and Conveying Systems

                     [As in IBC]

 

 

{MBPS Modification - Note to Chapter 30:  The provisions of Chapter 30 of the IBC relate to elevators and conveying systems and are in addition to and not instead of the requirements contained in [Article 89, § 49B, of the Maryland Code] STATE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE, TITLE 12, SUBTITLE 8.  In the event of a conflict between the[ IBC and the] Maryland Code AND THE IBC, the [provisions of the] Maryland Code [prevail] PREVAILS.}

 

 

                     Chapter 34.  Existing Structures

                     [Not Adopted]

 

{MBPS Modification:  [Chapter 34 is superseded by] REHABILITATION WORK IN AN EXISTING BUILDING MUST COMPLY WITH THE APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, [adopted under State Code Article 83B, § 6-503, and codified] AS SET FORTH in COMAR 05.16.}

 

 

                     Chapter 35.  Referenced Standards

 

3501.1  Scope [{Per MBPS Modification}].  This Chapter 35 lists the standards that are referred to in various sections of this Code.  The standards are listed by the promulgating entity, the standard identification, the effective date and title, and the section(s) of this Code that refer to the standard.  The application of these standards is as specified in § 102.4 of this Code.

 

SECTION 2.  AND BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, That the catchlines contained in this Ordinance are not law and may not be considered to have been enacted as a part of this or any prior Ordinance.

 

SECTION 3.  AND BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, That this Ordinance takes effect on the 30th day after the date it is enacted.

 

Dlr05-339-intro/14Sep05

BFR/MBPS/aa:me

 

 

Dlr05-339-intro/14Sep05

- 2 -

BFR/MBPS/aa:me