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County of Howard (MD)

Maryland Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTargeted
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2023
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2021 NFPA 101 LIFE SAFETY CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Targeted
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
Other (See Submission Notes)
Revision Required
0
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Per city council bill no. 71-2021, pathways are not required when photovoltaic systems are installed on only one side of the roof structure. Other than this exception, the AHJ follows 2018 modified setbacks.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
40
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

If there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not. [a past project (Tony). DCR 052021] Test, SE digital stamps on corresponding PV pages & PE Letter / Calcs.

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
PV Breaker,Load Side Taps,Meter Adapter,Line Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.91
BOS Restrictions

If there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not.

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

Standard

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

If LINE SIDE TAP, there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not. Unfused disconnect on the exterior of home. If exterior service disconnect present on site: always TAP the exterior disconnect, only exterior disconnect needed in this case ALWAYS refer to IRC 2018 324.6 fire code setbacks off-sets always required in Howard County If there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not. Check service cable to see if frayed If so will require replacement to pass inspection

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Mesh/Scrim
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Howard (MD) building department before you rely on this, and treat it as a research head start, not a ruling. Getting quotes? Run them through the quote checker first.