Worcester County, MD Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Section PS 1-410(e), added 10-21-2014 by Bill No. 14-8 and amended 3-5-2016 by Bill No. 16-2, changes how townhouses are classified for sprinkler purposes. The Code defines a townhouse as a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a horizontal series of attached units with property lines separating the units. Notwithstanding any other applicable code or regulation, any group of three or more townhouse units is considered a multifamily structure for determining the applicable automatic fire sprinkler requirements. The rule is a classification trigger: it does not print a sprinkler design standard itself but decides which code category, and so which sprinkler requirement, the building falls into.

There is one way out of the multifamily category. If the structure is provided with an automatic audible flow enunciator and an approved exterior fire department connection, the townhouse units are considered a one- and two-family dwelling for the purpose of determining the applicable automatic fire sprinkler requirements. A builder in unincorporated Worcester County therefore weighs two paths: treat the group as multifamily, or add both the enunciator and the exterior connection.

Ongoing inspection follows. Under § PS 1-403(c), the Fire Marshal inspects residences accommodating more than two families at least once a year, and all sprinkler, standpipe and foam systems required by law are inspected annually and, if deemed necessary, tested annually in the presence of the Fire Marshal, with the owner paying labor and material costs. Section PS 1-403(d), added 10-21-2014 by Bill No. 14-9, creates a quality assurance program administered by the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office: fire protection system inspection agencies must complete all necessary forms, submit them within the established time period, and pay fees set by resolution of the County Commissioners.