MODEL # 97-5
BUILDING AND FIRE CODE COMPUTER SYSTEM
MARYLAND CODES ADMINISTRATION
STATE OF MARYLAND
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REGULATORY AREA:
Automation

PROBLEM:

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) needed a computer database to maintain Maryland state building and fire prevention codes, as well as the Maryland Building Performance Standards (Model # 97-4). This database needed to be accessible to the general public in a format which is easy to update.

SOLUTION:

A database was developed, containing the above codes. The database will also contain energy and electric codes in the near future. It allows anyone involved with building in the State of Maryland to access readily the most recent and prevailing building codes and standards being enforced.

Although the most recent BOCA building code has been adopted state-wide by Maryland, modifications to the code can be made at the local level. All of these changes must be reported to the DHCD and placed into the database. If a builder wants to determine whether the codes being enforced in one local jurisdiction have any variations from the codes in another locality, they could find out quickly through the DHCD database.

DESCRIPTION:

The database can be used for any application that may have a central information base that must be modified by multiple entities to include the most up-to-date content. The system is also relatively easy to create. It stores information on personal computers instead of a central computer, uses off-the-shelf software packages, and can be accessed with standard modems. The system also uses a modem-accessible bulletin board system for jurisdictions that do not have connections to the internet, enabling users of all types of computer systems to benefit from the package.

The cost of the database is $180 annually, and is downloaded from DHCD onto the user's computer. The only time one would be required to use a modem for access to the bulletin board would be for the original download, to obtain any future updates, or to read and discuss relevant topics via the bulletin board system.

EVALUATION BY STREAMLINING COMMITTEES:

Advantages:
The Automation Task Group lists two main strengths of this program. First, the database provides access to local code variations for other jurisdictions and the general public. And second, the information provided in the database results in less rework of plans since the codes are always up to date.

IMPLEMENTATION:

The database is currently in use in the state of Maryland. At the end of 1997, 115 computers were connected to the system. All local jurisdictions should be using the system by 1999. The cost of developing the software for the program was $60,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN CONSIDERING THE USE OF THIS MODEL, PLEASE CONTACT:

James Hanna
Director, Codes Administration/MHF
100 Community Place
Annapolis, MD 21032
(410) 514-7212 FAX (410) 987-8902

FOR A COPY OF THE REGULATIONS, COMAR .05.02.07, PLEASE CONTACT:

Maryland Division of State Documents
(410) 974-2486
Email: mddsd@ari.net

To download a copy of the order form, please visit www.sos.state.md.us and click on "Division of State Documents"

FOR A COPY OF THE LEGISLATION, ARTICLE 83b, 6-401 THROUGH 6-406, PLEASE CONTACT:

Maryland Department of Legislative Services, Library of Information Services
(410) 841-3810
Email: libr@mlis.state.md.us
Website: www.mlis.state.md.us