Gaithersburg is moving to adopt the 2024 editions of the national building codes and to require homeowners to pass a basic knowledge test before they can pull their own electrical permits. The Mayor and Council introduced both ordinances on Nov. 2.
What would change
Robert Purkey Jr., the city’s permits and inspections division chief, told the council that the city is updating Chapter 5, its building code, and Chapter 7, its electrical code. The International Code Council updates its codes on a three-year cycle, and the city is moving from the 2021 editions to the 2024 editions with local amendments.
He described most of the changes as cleanup. Amendments made last cycle that are now part of the model code were removed, and the residential code was reorganized and renumbered, which makes the draft look larger than it is. The city also clarified which work is exempt from a permit.
Two articles are on hold. The city is developing a climate action plan, and staff are holding off on the energy conservation and green construction codes until that plan is adopted, so that any amendments can align with it. Purkey said they will likely return next year.
The city is also adopting two new appendices, one on accessory dwelling units and one on 3D-printed construction. Purkey said the accessory dwelling unit language was aligned with the city’s zoning ordinance. He called the 3D-printing appendix very short and said he does not expect to see a project soon but wants standards on the books. A definition of vacant buildings in the multifamily fire safety rules was also narrowed and clarified.
A knowledge test for homeowners
The most notable change is in Chapter 7. Purkey said Gaithersburg currently lets homeowners get an electrical permit with no knowledge requirement. Under the proposal, they would take a basic test on the electrical code, which he said is consistent with Montgomery County and Rockville. Inspections would still check the finished work.
Homeowners rarely use the option, Purkey said, averaging about four or five electrical permits a year. The proposal would also bar homeowners from work on swimming pools and spas and from replacing electrical panels or subpanels.
Staff also added a short-term amendment on electric vehicle charging cords that cross sidewalks at homes without a driveway or garage. Purkey said staff will work with public works on a longer-term solution that keeps sidewalks safe.
Schedule
The council voted unanimously to introduce each ordinance. A public hearing on both is set for Dec. 7, with policy discussion and final action proposed for Jan. 4. Staff proposed an April 1 effective date to give the city time to update documents, web pages and its permitting system and to give designers time to adjust. Applicants who submit before April 1 could still use the 2024 editions, Purkey said.
Purkey said staff have told developers of large projects, including the Lakeforest Mall redevelopment, that a new code is coming, and shared a draft with that project’s architect.
