Md. Code, Local Government § 13–902

(a) This section applies only to:

(1) Calvert County;

(2) Caroline County;

(3) Dorchester County;

(4) Frederick County;

(5) Harford County;

(6) Kent County; and

(7) Worcester County.

(b) The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an

ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.

(c) (1) A building code or housing code adopted under this section does

not apply to a building on a farm or to any premises devoted solely to agricultural

uses.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, a building code

or housing code adopted under this section applies to:

(i) in Calvert County, dwellings on which construction is

begun after July 1, 1979; or

(ii) in Frederick County, residential buildings or buildings

constructed for human habitation regardless of location or other auxiliary use.

(d) (1) The County Commissioners of Kent County shall adopt a building

code and a housing code.

(2) The governing bodies of Calvert County, Caroline County,

Dorchester County, Frederick County, Harford County, and Worcester County may

adopt a building code and a housing code.

(e) (1) A building code or housing code adopted under this section, and

all regulations adopted under the codes, shall be designed to protect the public health

and welfare.

(2) A building code shall include:

(i) regulations requiring a building permit before a building is

built or improved; and

(ii) standards for constructing, maintaining, and repairing,

including structural safety, fire prevention, lighting, ventilation, and proper means

of access.

(3) A housing code shall include regulations and standards for

human habitation, including sanitation, density of occupancy, open space, and rodent

infestation.

(4) A building code or housing code may include provisions for

enforcement of the code, including providing for inspectors and penalties for a

violation of the code or the regulations adopted under the code.

(f) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a building

code or housing code adopted under this section may incorporate by reference all or

part of a building code or housing code issued or proposed and made available for

general distribution by any governmental unit or trade or professional association.

(2) In Caroline County, Frederick County, Harford County, Kent

County, and Worcester County, any later amendment to a code or part of a code that

is adopted by reference is not effective until the governing body of the county

incorporates the specific amendment into the county’s building code or housing code.

(g) (1) This subsection applies only to:

(i) Frederick County;

(ii) Harford County; and

(iii) Kent County.

(2) The governing body of the county may charge a fee for a zoning

certificate or permit for construction of improvements to real property.