Town Holiday Schedule

Training Closure Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Town of Easton
Holiday Schedule for 2009
As Approved by the Mayor

The Building Inspection Division for the Town of Easton will be closed for inspections on the following dates:

January 1st 2010 – New Years Day
January 18th 2010– Martin Luther King Day
February 15th 2010 – President’s Day
April 2nd 2010 – Good Friday
May 31st 2010 – Memorial Day
July 5th 2010 – Independence Day
September 6th 2010 – Labor Day
November 11th 2010 – Veteran’s Day
November 25th 2010 –Thanksgiving Day
December 23rd 2010 –Christmas Eve
December 24th 2010 – Christmas Day

Inspections will resume on the following business day. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Town of Easton
Building Inspection Division
Training Closure Schedule for 2010
As Approved by the Code Official

The Building Inspection Division for the Town of Easton will be closed for inspections on the following dates:

April 28th 2010 – International Residential Code 2009
May 12th 2010 – International Property Maintenance Code 2009

Inspections will resume on the following business day.  Please check this calendar often as the training schedule adjusts from time to time dependant on the available training. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What code does the Town of Easton use?

The State of Maryland has incorporated the following referenced codes effective January 1, 2010:

-A. International Residential Code 2009
-B. International Building Code 2009
-C. International Energy Conservation Code 2009

The state adopted these codes as a part of the Maryland Building Performance Standard and are required by the Annotated Code of Maryland 12-505(a)(1)(ii) to be adopted by local jurisdictions within six months of the State's effective date.

Effective March 22, 2010 the Town Code has incorporated the following referenced codes for the Town of Easton:

2009 International Residential Code
2009 International Building Code
2009 International Energy Conservation Code

The Town currently recognizes the following; mechanical code as incorporated by reference under COMAR 09.15.05.01 and plumbing codes as incorporated by reference under COMAR 09.20.01.01:

-D. International Mechanical Code 2003
-E. National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated 2006 and the 2007 Supplement
-F. NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 2006 and NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 2004

The Town will be adopting and enforcing a local plumbing code which meets and or exceeds the State Plumbing Code in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland 12-206(b). The Town anticipates the adoption of the following codes in 2010:

-E. International Plumbing Code 2009
-F. International Fuel Gas Code 2009 and NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 2008

The Town will be adopting the latest version of the National Electrical Code in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland 12-603(1). The Town anticipates the adoption of the following code in 2010:

-G. National Electrical Code 2008

2) How long is the plan review process from initial application?

The current average application processing time, from the date receipt to the issuance of a permit are as follows:

Commercial New = 14 days
Commercial Alteration = 9 days
Residential New = 9 days
Residential Additions = 5 days
Residential Alteration = 3 days
Decks = 3 days
Pools = 2 days
Electrical = 1-2 days
Plumbing – Fuel Gas = 1-2 days

Application processing time has several variables that may affect the time periods indicated above some of those variables are: Application Type, Permit Type, Completeness of the Application, Documentation of Required Pre-Approvals and the Number of Application in Queue.

3) How could I expedite my Commercial, Residential and Industrial applications processing time?

An applicant can make sure, prior to making an application, that all prior approvals have been received from the Planning and Zoning offices for subdivisions, developments and historic districts. In completing the application be sure that the contractor information is completed and that those contractors have the required license for the project. During the application process an applicant can also make the necessary payments for Talbot County Impact Fees and any capital charges with Easton Utilities. These are common items that prevent the issuance of a permit once all agencies have approved the application.

4) How could I calculate my building permit fees?

You will need to know the Buildings Total Gross Area, Construction Classification – Type of Construction and Use & Occupancy Classification for all buildings and additions. For existing buildings you will need to refine the Building Total Gross Area to the Total Gross Work Area and also need to determine the Classification of the Work. Informational aids are available under the Information section to the left.

Once you have all of this information, see the Schedule of Fees and the Square Foot Construction Costs links under the Information section to the left. The equation can be outlined as Permit Fees = Building Gross Area or Gross Work Area x Classification of Work x Construction Square Foot Costs x .0075.

The Building Inspection Division determines the cost of all permits however if you are having difficulty or have a complex project with multiple aspects please contact the Building Inspection Division. Please remember that additional fees such as plan review fees, certificate fees and home builder guarantee fees may need to be added to the permit fees for the final cost of a building permit.

5) Do I need to make application for Mechanical, Plumbing or Electrical installations with the Town of Easton?

Plumbing and Electrical Applications shall be completed with the Town of Easton prior to commencing any work. If necessary a Plumbing or Electrical permit will be issued outlining the scope covered by the permit and the required inspections. Once a required permit is obtained work may commence.

Mechanical applications with the Town of Easton are currently not required; however the Town of Easton uses Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA) for Mechanical inspections. Applications for inspection shall be completed with MDIA for all installations. An inspection applicant should be prepared to provide the necessary plans and specifications and or residential heat gain and loss load calculation in accordance with COMAR 09.15.05.03B. MDIA can be reached at 8673 Commerce Drive, Unit 2, Easton Maryland 21601, PH: 410-822-8300 or 1-800-242-6342, FAX 410-820-4197.

6) What codes are used for Existing Buildings undergoing Repairs, Alterations and Additions?

All existing buildings are regulated by the “Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code” under Comar 05.16.01. The Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code incorporates the International Existing Building Code 2006 which provides flexibility in compliancy with modern building codes for all existing buildings. This code also applies to Existing Buildings; undergoing a Change of Use, being Relocated or Moved and all aspects of Historic Buildings.

7) What do I have to do if the tenant of my building changes?

This is a Change of Use and Occupancy for the building or space. A determination needs to be made regarding the hazard classification of this change. If there is no increase in the hazard classification then a new Certificate of Occupancy may be issued including the new tenant information.

If there is an increase in hazard classification a building analysis needs to be completed by a registered design professional to determine if any alterations are necessary.

Please contact the Code Enforcement Department regarding any Change of Use and Occupancy of your building or space.

8) Do I have to have Maryland licensed professional prepare, sign, seal and date, drawings and specifications for Commercial Residential and Industrial permit application?

Yes, for Land Surveyors, Engineers and Architects, however there are a few exceptions to the need for a professional Architect. They are as follows:

 (1) a developer, builder, or contractor to provide design services related to the developer's, builder's, or contractor's own construction of new or existing single-family or two-family dwellings, or structures ancillary to them, or farm buildings.

 (2) an individual to prepare plans, drawings, and other documents in connection with the addition, alteration, construction, design, or repair of a single-family dwelling and appurtenances that are for the personal use of that individual or a member of the immediate family of that individual.

 (3) A person may not be required to employ a licensed architect in connection with the alteration or repair of an existing building or structure in a municipal corporation if the alteration or repair:  (i) does not exceed $5,000 in estimated costs, including labor and materials; (ii) is limited to: interior alterations or repairs; storefronts or facades; fixtures, cabinetwork or furniture; or  (iii) does not adversely affect the structural system of the building, including foundations, footings, walls, floors, roofs, bearing partitions, beams, columns, joists, or the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems.

9) Do I have to submit a MECcheck or COMcheck to certify compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code?

Yes, a submission of a MECcheck or COMcheck to certify compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code shall be required by the Town of Easton Building Inspection Division to certify that the project shall conform to the provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code.

If performance based provisions are used the applicant will need to submit documentation prepared by a registered design professional providing certification that it conforms to the provisions of the Code. Model home designs using the performance based options with several floor plan options must submit the appropriate documentation for each individual house design.

 

Contact the Building Inspection Division
Name	Position	Telephone
Donald Richardson	Code Official	410-822-2526 or 410-822-2525
Trevor Newcomb	Code Assistant	410-822-2526 or 410-822-2525
Susan Filbird	Code Administrator	410-822-2526 or 410-822-2525
John Garlick	Code Enforcement Officer	410-822-2526 or 410-822-2525
Joseph Fonti	Technical Building Inspector	410-822-2526 or 410-822-2525

 

Square Foot Construction Costs in Dollars ($) Construction Classification - Type of Construction Use and Occupancy Classification 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 4 5A 5B Assembly, Theaters & Studios with stage 204.81 197.86 192.77 184.35 172.91 168.11 177.81 158.10 151.39 Assembly, Theaters & Studios without stage 187.37 180.42 175.33 166.91 155.51 150.71 160.37 140.70 133.99 Assembly, Nightclubs 155.74 151.36 147.50 141.90 133.46 129.73 136.94 121.02 116.96 Assembly, Restaurants, Taverns, Bars & Banquet Halls 154.74 150.36 145.50 140.90 131.46 128.73 135.94 119.02 115.96 Assembly, Worship 189.22 182.27 177.18 168.76 157.33 152.53 162.22 142.51 135.80 Assembly, General, Community Halls, Librarires, Museums 158.87 151.92 145.83 138.41 125.97 122.17 131.88 111.16 105.45 Assembly, Arenas 186.37 179.42 173.33 165.91 153.51 149.71 159.37 138.70 132.99 Business 158.40 152.65 147.57 140.34 127.30 122.71 134.52 111.91 106.66 Educational 171.53 165.59 160.55 153.20 141.88 134.72 147.92 123.99 119.32 Factory and Industrial, Moderate Hazard 93.92 89.61 84.47 81.69 73.14 69.92 78.41 60.23 56.97 Factory and Industrial, Low Hazard 92.92 88.61 84.47 80.69 73.14 68.92 77.41 60.23 55.97 High Hazard, Explosives 88.02 83.71 79.57 75.79 68.42 64.20 67.51 55.51 N.P. High Hazard 88.02 83.71 79.57 75.79 68.42 64.20 67.51 55.51 51.25 Hazardous Production Materials 158.40 152.65 147.57 140.34 127.30 122.71 134.52 111.91 106.66 Institutional, Supervised Environment 159.09 153.50 148.95 142.51 130.74 127.30 138.80 117.44 112.84 Institutional, Hospitals 266.39 260.64 255.56 248.33 234.50 N.P. 242.51 219.11 N.P. Institutional, Nursing Homes 185.59 179.83 1 74.76 167.53 154.81 N.P. 161.71 139.41 N.P. Institutional, Restrained 180.47 174.72 169.64 162.41 150.60 145.01 156.59 135.20 127.96 Institutional, Day Care Facilities 159.09 153.50 148.95 142.51 130.74 127.30 138.80 117.44 112.84 Mercantile 115.80 111.42 106.56 101.96 93.15 90.42 97.00 80.71 77.65 Residential, Hotels 160.44 154.84 150.29 143.85 132.24 128.80 140.31 118.95 114.35 Residential, Multiple Family 134.26 128.66 124.11 117.67 106.72 103.28 114.78 93.42 88.82 Residential, One and Two Family 124.88 121.41 118.43 115.31 111.07 108.19 113.40 104.09 97.95 Residential, Care-Assisted Living Facilities 159.09 153.50 148.95 142.51 130.74 127.30 138.80 117.44 112.84 Storage - Moderate Hazard 87.02 82.71 77.57 74.79 66.42 63.20 71.51 53.51 50.25 Storage - Low Hazard 86.02 81.71 77.57 73.79 66.42 62.20 70.51 53.51 49.25 Utility, Misc. 68.13 64.29 60.15 56.88 50.70 47.41 54.03 39.33 37.47 N/P = Not Permitted Unfinished basements = $15.00 per sq. ft.

 

 

Construction Classification – Type of Construction
Building Elements including the; structural frame, bearing walls, nonbearing wall and partitions, floor construction and roof construction.  

Type I and II Construction have building elements that are noncombustible.  

Type III Construction have exterior walls of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted.  

Type IV Construction have exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces.  

Type V Construction have building elements that areof any materials permitted.  

The information provided above is for general use only and the final determination for the Construction Classification shall be made by the registered design professional, for the determination between an A or B classification an applicant must determine the the fire resistance rating of the building elements. Additional information is available in the International Building Code specifically Chapter 6 Types of Construction.

 

Classification of Work for Existing Buildings

Repairs = The restoration to good or sound condition of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance.

Level 1 Alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures that serve the same purpose.

Level 2 Alterations include the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.

Level 3 Alterations apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the aggregate area of the building.

Change of Occupancy = When a change in the purpose or level of activity within a building that involves a change in application of the requirements.

Additions = An extension or increase in floor area, number of stories, or height of a building or dwelling.

Historic Buildings = Any building or structure that is listed in the State or National Register of Historic Places; designated as a historic property under local or state designation law or survey; certified as a contributing resource within a National Register listed or locally designated historic district; or with an opinion or certification that the property is eligible to be listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing building to a historic district by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places.

Relocated Buildings = When a building or dwelling is relocated or moved.

 

Related Links

 Maryland State Fire Marshals Office

Maryland Department of the Environment

Talbot Soil Conservation District

Maryland State Highway Administration

Talbot County Office of Environmental Health

Easton Utilities

Middle Department Inspection Agency

Talbot County Land Management

DLLR’s Division of Occupation and Professional Licensing

Maryland Home Improvement Commission

Maryland Attorney General Home Builder Registration Unit

Maryland Attorney General Home Builder Guaranty Fund

 International Code Council

Maryland Office of the Secretary of State - COMAR

 Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Maryland Code Administration

Maryland Building Officials Association

 REScheck Web

Comcheck Web