Plumbing Systems

Baltimore City Code div. Building Codes, pt. II, ch. 29

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part II, Section 2901 General

Section 2901. General 2901.1 Scope. The erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, use, or maintenance of or addition to plumbing equipment and systems are governed by: 1. this Chapter, 2. the International Plumbing Code (2021 Edition) (the “IPC”), as modified by Part VI of this Code; and 3. for private sewage disposal systems, COMAR 26.04.02 {“Sewage Disposal and Certain Water Systems...”}. 2901.2 “Plumbing regulations”. Together, this Chapter 29 and the IPC are referred to in this Code as “plumbing regulations”. (Ord. 24-341 Section 1.)

Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part II, Section 2902 Minimum Plumbing Facilities

Section 2902. Minimum Plumbing Facilities 2902.1 Minimum number of fixtures. {As in IBC} 2902.1.1 Fixture calculations. {As in IBC} 2902.1.2 Single-user toilet facility and bathing room fixture. {As in IBC} 2902.1.3 Lavatory distribution. {As in IBC} 2902.1.4 Family or assisted-use toilet and bath fixtures. Fixtures located within accessible family or assisted-use toilet and bathing rooms required by the Maryland Accessibility Code (COMAR 09.12.53) are permitted to be included in the number of required fixtures for either the male or female occupants in assembly and mercantile occupancies. 2902.2 to 2902.3 {As in IBC} 2902.4 Signage. Required public facilities must be provided with signs that designate the sex, as required by § 2902.2. Signs must be readily visible and located near the entrance to each toilet facility. Signs for accessible toilet facilities must comply with the Maryland Accessibility Code (COMAR 09.12.53). 2902.4.1 Gender-inclusive signage. If separate facilities for each sex are not required, as permitted by the exceptions to § 2902.2 {“Separate facilities”} of this Code, then Article 15, § 43-3 {“Requirement for single-user restrooms”} of the City Code mandates that a public single-user restroom in a commercial or industrial establishment, a place of public accommodation, or a City-owned or -occupied building shall be: 1. made available for use by individuals of any gender, and 2. identified with gender-inclusive signage. {Editor’s Note: But see City Code Article 15, Subtitle 43 {“Public Restrooms”}, which requires the use of “gender-inclusive signage” to identify any “public single-use restroom” in a commercial or industrial establishment, a place of public accommodation, or a City-owned or -occupied building.} 2902.5 to 2902.6 {As in IBC} (Ord. 24-341 Section 1.)

Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part II, Section 2903 Permits

Section 2903. Permits 2903.1 Permit required. Unless specifically excepted by these plumbing regulations, no plumbing work may be undertaken before the Building Official has issued a permit for that work. 2903.2 Applications. The application for a plumbing work permit must bear the name and address of the insured, licensed master plumber responsible for all work to be done under the permit. 2903.3 To whom issued. A permit may be issued only: 1. to a master plumber licensed to do business in the City, 2. to a master gas fitter licensed to do business in the City, or 3. for on-site utility facilities, to an on-site utility contractor licensed to do business in the City. 2903.4 Insurance. The Building Official may not issue a permit to any master plumber unless the master plumber has provided the Building Official with certification of insurance, as required by State law. 2903.5 Emergency work. When emergency work needs to be done to rectify a possible health hazard or other hazardous condition, the work may be undertaken, even before a permit is issued, by: 1. a master plumber, or 2. within the scope of his or her license: a. an on-site utility contractor, or b. a gas fitter. 2903.5.1 Notice and subsequent permit. A master plumber, contractor, or gas fitter who performs emergency work under this section must: 1. promptly notify the proper City authorities of the emergency, and 2. within a reasonable time, obtain a permit for the work.

Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part II, Section 2904 {Reserved}

Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part II, Section 2905 Licensing Requirements

Section 2905. Licensing Requirements 2905.1 Licenses and supervision required. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person may provide plumbing services or otherwise engage in any plumbing work unless: 1. the person is licensed to do so in accordance with State law, and 2. the services and work are done by or under the direct supervision of an insured, licensed master plumber. 2905.1.1 On-site utilities work. On-site utility work, as defined in City Code Article 13, § 18-1, may be done by or under the direct supervision of an on-site utility contractor licensed by the City. 2905.1.2 Gas-fitting work. A licensed gas fitter may perform any gas-fitting work that falls within the scope of his or her license. 2905.2 Limits on plumber’s, etc., liability. The liability of the surety on any bond given under this Chapter and the liability of any master plumber or on-site utility contractor for materials furnished or work done under this Code does not extend to defects in materials or workmanship discovered more than 1 year after completion of the work. 2905.2.1 Plumber’s, etc., responsibility for certain defects. The surety and the master plumber or on-site utility contractor are responsible to the City to correct all defects that are discovered during the 1-year period after completion of the work and about which they were promptly notified in writing. 2905.2.2 Owner remains responsible. Notwithstanding the limited liabilities of the surety and the master plumber or on-site utility contractor, the owner of the property is responsible at all times to the City to correct any defects in the plumbing installations in or on his or her property. 2905.2.3 Use of license by others prohibited. A master plumber, on-site utility contractor, or gas fitter may not allow his or her name to be used by any other person for obtaining permits or for doing business or work under his or her license.

Baltimore City Code, Building Codes, Part II, Chapter 29 (introductory text) Introductory text

Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems {MBPS Modification – The subject matter of this Chapter is not within the scope of the Maryland Building Performance Standards. See the Plumbing Code in Part VI of this Article, and the plumbing code adopted under State Business and Occupation Article, Title 12.}

Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/building-codes/II/29Fetched: 10/25/2026