 Maryland
State Fire Prevention Code
COMAR 12.03.01 and 12.03.02 The purpose and intent of this CODE is to establish
minimum requirements that will provide a reasonable degree of fire
prevention and control to safeguard life, property or public welfare
from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage,
handling or use of substances, materials or devices and from conditions
hazardous to life, property or public welfare in use or occupancy
of buildings, structures, sheds, tents, lots or premises. This CODE, updated in January
2007, adopts by incorporation
by reference the NFPA 1, National Fire Prevention Code. This
same CODE adopted by incorporation b y reference NFPA 101, the Life
Safety Code, and other 20 other NFPA standards. The provisions of this code generally apply to all buildings
and/or renovations of buildings, with the exception of one and two-family
dwellings as they are exempt under State Law Article 38A. This
code in some cases may apply to existing buildings or conditions
if the building or condition within the building has been determined
to constitute a distinct hazard adverse to life, property, public
welfare or safety as to require correction. The Maryland State Fire Marshal or his legally appointed
designee may make a determination of the applicability of this code
to any existing building or condition in it, subject to the right
of appeal to the State Fire Prevention Commission. The provisions of this code do not apply in the City
of Baltimore except on state owned/operated buildings/facilities
under the authority of the State Fire Marshal. Enforcement of this code is the responsibility of the
Maryland State Fire Marshal or legally appointed designated fire
official of a county or municipal corporation of the State of Maryland
or other person appointed by the State Fire Marshal. When a difference of conflict of requirements
between this code and the standards adopted by incorporation
by reference
by this code, the Maryland State Fire Marshal or legally
appointed designee shall resolve the differences or
conflicts in the requirements. This
action is referred to through out the Code system as
the Authority Having Jurisdiction. | 
