1) What codes does the Town of Easton Use?
- A -International Building Code 2000-IBC2000
- B - International Residential Code 2000-IRC2000
- C - International Plumbing Code 2000
- D -International Energy Code 2000

2) How could I expedite my Commercial, Multi-Family and Industrial permit application plan review?
- An option is available for an applicant to have their plans reviewed by the International Code Council (www.intlcode.org), BOCA (www.bocai.org), ICBO (www.icbo.org) or SBCCI (www.sbcci.org). These organizations offer review services. View their web-sites to get more information concerning their professional review service. Additionally there are independent firms that offer these services and if they are approved by the Town of Easton you may use such a firm. You must submit credentials from independent plan review firms for pre-approval, prior to submitting plans reviewed by them. All three code councils are acceptable, the applicant will have to make sure they are aware of all Maryland applicable codes and amendments. If you require more information on this process, please call our office (410-822-2526).

3) What is the purpose of the Residential Building Code ?
- To provide minimum standards for the protection of life, limb, health, property, environment and for the safety and welfare of the consumer, general public, and the owners and occupants of residential buildings regulated by this code.

4) If I'm building an addition to an existing structure, must the existing structure conform to today's code standards?
- No. Additions, alterations or repairs to any structure shall conform to that required of a new structure without requiring the existing structure to comply with all the requirements of today's code, provided that the existing structure was constructed to the code standards of the time when it was built and continued use is not dangerous to life.

5) Why must the "approved" plans, permit and sign-off sheet be on site during all inspections?
- Many changes can take place in the field from the initial plan submittal for a building permit. Those changes should appear on the final draft of the plans (possibly through amendments) and then be stamped for approval. These approved plans are (usually indicate code compliance ) then brought on site for the contractor and sub-contractors to follow and also for the inspector to acknowledge that these plans were in fact followed. Occasionally the field inspector may find items that were not in compliance with the code on plans, he will take the appropriate actions in the field that will bring the item into compliance. The permit and sign-off sheet (inspection record) must, by Code and local jurisdiction requirements, be posted on the job site in an accessible and conspicuous place to allow the inspector to make the required entries. This tells the contractor that the work was performed according to the plan and he/she may continue with the construction or if any corrections need to take place before the work progresses.

6) Do I have to have a Maryland licensed professional approve, seal and sign for Multi-Family Commercial and Industrial permit application?
- Yes, in all cases including Use Group changes. However, if you have a very limited project, you may choose to call our office to talk with the Plans Reviewer prior to having professional plans drawn.

7) Do I have to submit MECcheck or COMcheck-EZ (certification for compliance with the Int'l Energy Code 2000) for all projects?
- Yes, in all cases such as additions, new residential and commercial buildings, a verification of the compliance with the Int'l Energy Code 2000 is required. If a Maryland design professional chooses to use an alternative certification, they may do so as long as it complies with the current code and they submit all applicable calculations and evidence. All builders doing repetitive home designs, with several floor plan options, must submit the appropriate compliance check and inspection sheets for each individual house design.

8) Do I have to submit four (4) sets of plans for a commercial application if there is no change to the footprint of the existing building?
- No, if the change of use or structure is completely interior or dealing with no change of the existing building's exterior or footprint. You may submit two (2) sets from your designer.

9) What does the Town's Plans Reviewer expect to see on a Commercial Application?
- If your Designer uses the "REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR MULTI-FAMILY, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL" checklist that is part of that application you can be assured that your plans will move through the review process more efficiently. Also a clear and concise "Description of Proposed Work" on the application is useful when processing your application.

10) How does the Town of Easton determine square footage on building projects?
- You take the footprint of the floor to get the square footage when filling out your application. If the second or third floors have openings, such as for stairs or balconies to the first floor, that will count as square footage and no deduction will be given.

11) If I am applying for an above ground or in-ground swimming pool, must I have an application for the barrier enclosure submitted.
- Yes, in all cases. Our history with this issue requires that the two applications must be approved at the same time due to the fact that the Pool Use Certificate cannot be issued without the permanent pool barrier having a final approval inspection. Often times the owner wants to build the enclosure or have a separate contractor do the work and this should be coordinated for completion around the same time. Additionally, a temporary enclosure must be provided from the time the excavation work begins until the permanent barrier enclosure is in place. Door alarms are required on all doors of a wall of the house or garage that are used as part of the barrier enclosure and all gates must be out-swinging, self closing and latching. The Pool Barrier information is on the Internet or at our office and should be read and understood by the barrier applicant prior to the submittal of their barrier application and all of this information must be provided on their barrier enclosure plan.

12) Do I need to make application for HVAC or Electrical Permits with the Town of Easton?
- A - The Town of Easton HVAC inspections are performed by the Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA, PH: 410-822-8300 OR 1-800-242-6342, FAX 410-820-4197) as required by the Town of Easton adoption of the 2003 International Mechanical Code.  Your Master HVAC Contractor must make application with that agency for “rough and final HVAC inspections”.  The MDIA office is located at 8673 Commerce Drive, Unit 2, Easton, MD.

- B – The Town of Easton Electrical Inspections are performed by the Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA, PH: 410-822-8300 OR 1-800-242-6342, FAX 410-820-4197) as required by the Talbot County Electrical Board and Town of Easton adoption of the current NEC Code.  Your Electrician must make application with that agency for “rough and final electrical inspections”.  The MDIA office is located at 8673 Commerce Drive, Unit 2, Easton, MD.