Md. Code Regs. 29.06.04.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024

Section 29.06.04.04 - Fees in General

A. Fee Computation. The amount of the fee for the following services shall be computed in accordance with Regulations .05-.07 of this chapter:

(1) Plan review, and use and occupancy inspection;

(2) Fire protection system plan review and inspection; and

(3) Fire safety inspection.

B. Fee Payment for Plan Review and Use and Occupancy Inspections.

(1) Fees for plan review and use and occupancy inspections are payable upon receipt of an invoice from the State fire authority of:

(a) Preliminary or construction plans for the construction of a new building, addition, expansion, or renovation of an existing building or facility; and

(b) Plans for a fire protection system.

(2) Fee payments shall be reviewed by the State fire authority to ensure that they are in the proper amount. If a fee payment is incorrect, an invoice requesting the balance of the fee shall be sent to the person identified on the original invoice.

(3) Failure to pay the fee within the required time shall result in appropriate administrative or legal action. Further plan review or inspection action may not take place until the fee is paid in full. This may result in the delay of the issuance of a building permit, or use and occupancy permit, for the building or facility.

C. Fee Payment for Fire Safety Inspections.

(1) Fees for fire safety inspections are payable upon receipt of an invoice from the State fire authority upon completion of the inspection. Failure to pay this fee within the specified time may result in:

(a) Administrative or legal action;

(b) No further inspection activity;

(c) Denial of the issuance or renewal of a permit or license held by the facility being inspected; and

(d) Violation of Public Safety Article, §§ 6-601, 6-317, 9-109, 9-206, or 9-905, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(2) The fire safety inspection fee may not be charged if the initial inspection is conducted in response to a specific complaint regarding an alleged violation of the Code.Any reinspection based on the initial inspection is subject to the fees outlined in Regulation .07C of this chapter.

(3) The fire safety inspection fee may not be charged if the initial inspection is initiated by the State fire authority.Any reinspection based on the initial inspection is subject to the fees outlined in Regulation .07C of this chapter.

D. Payment Method.

(1) Fee payments shall be made payable to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(2) Cash payment is not acceptable.

(3) Fee payment shall be in the form of a check, money order, or other approved means.

E. Disputes Over Fees.

(1) Disputes regarding the amount of the fee charged and any other matter related to the charging of a fee shall be resolved in accordance with administrative procedures adopted by the State fire authority.

(2) An appeal of an administrative finding by the State Fire Marshal may be made to the State Fire Prevention Commission in accordance with procedures in COMAR 29.06.02.

F. Technical Assistance, Unclassified Inspections, and Special Events. Fees for technical assistance, unclassified inspections, and special events shall be based upon criteria required in Regulation .08 of this chapter.

Md. Code Regs. 29.06.04.04

Regulations .04 amended and chapter recodified from COMAR 12.03.04 to COMAR 29.06.04 effective January 14, 1999 (26:1 Md. R. 25)
Regulation .04 amended effective January 1, 2008 (34:17 Md. R. 1510); April 1, 2012 (39:1 Md. R. 21)
Regulation .04B, G amended effective January 1, 2004 (30:19 Md. R. 1336)