Maryland is one of two states mandating residential fire sprinklers in all newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings. Baltimore enforces the rule through the Department of Housing permitting process under the Maryland Building Performance Standards.
Under COMAR 09.12.50 and Maryland Public Safety Article section 12-501, all new single-family and townhouse construction permitted after January 1, 2015, must include NFPA 13D-compliant residential sprinkler systems. Existing homes are not required to retrofit unless undergoing substantial renovation. Baltimore Housing enforces the requirement through plan review; sprinklers must pass inspection before certificate of occupancy. Multi-family buildings have separate, stricter NFPA 13 or 13R requirements depending on height and occupancy.
Permits will not be approved without sprinkler plans. Construction without compliant systems faces stop-work orders, daily fines, and demolition orders. Insurance coverage is unavailable for noncompliant new builds.
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