Code Training News - Building Codes Administration

This course is co-hosted by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) and the Maryland Building Codes Administration (BCA), with instruction by Shums Coda Associates.

The course examines the construction and safety codes applied to cannabis facilities, plus the various related use designations, employee hazards, and criteria for identification of building occupancies within these types of facilities.

Seminar materials discuss Maryland's adopted editions of the IBC, NFPA, and OSHA requirements — and methods for applying the codes to encourage public and occupant safety.

Who should attend:

• Building Officials, Plans Examiners, and Inspectors responsible for reviewing plans, issuing permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing building codes.
• Fire Marshals and Fire Protection Professionals involved in hazardous materials, fire prevention, fire protection systems, and life safety.
• Design Professionals and Engineers responsible for cannabis facility design, equipment integration, ventilation, and code compliance.
• Cannabis Facility Owners and Operators seeking a better understanding of applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• State and Local Agency Administrators, Permit Staff, and Regulatory Personnel involved in permitting, licensing, inspections, and interagency coordination.

Under the Maryland Public Safety Article §12–305, the Maryland Department of Labor's Building Codes Administration (BCA) regulates industrialized buildings (IB) to ensure they meet the state's safety and protection standards. As the demand for rapid, cost-effective, and high-quality construction grows, understanding the IB regulatory landscape is critical for manufacturers, developers, consumers, and local code officials.

This session provides a comprehensive guide to Maryland's Industrialized Buildings Program. Participants will learn about the application and approval process, from manufacturer document submission to a Maryland Approved Testing Facility (ATF), through state certification, to local permitting and site installation. Finally, the session will bridge theory and practice by exploring real-world applications within a private school in Montgomery County.

Learning Objectives

After this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Regulatory Framework: Define the purpose and scope of the Maryland Industrialized Buildings Program as enforced by the BCA.
2. Navigate the Approval Process: Describe the procedural steps for a manufacturer to obtain building certification, including the required reviews by a Maryland ATF and the straightforward process for acquiring state-issued insignias.
3. Coordinate Site Procedures: Understand the division of responsibilities between the state program and local building departments regarding site preparation, construction permitting, and final installation inspections.
4. Analyze Real-World Applications: Evaluate a case study from Montgomery County, Maryland to understand how modular construction solves urgent space requirements, and adheres to state industrialized building codes.

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