Part V
International Mechanical Code
§ 5-101. City adoption
(a) In general.
The International Mechanical Code (2021 Edition) is adopted as part of the Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City, subject to the additions, deletions, amendments, and other modifications contained in this Part V.
(b) Codification.
Unless otherwise specified, chapter and section numbers in this Part V refer to the chapter and section numbers of the International Mechanical Code.
§ 5-102. City modifications.
The additions, deletions, amendments, and other modifications adopted by the City are as follows:
Chapter 1
Scope and Administration
Section 101. General
101.1 Title.
The regulations contained in this Code constitute and are known as the "Baltimore City Mechanical Code".
101.1.1 References to "this Code".
Throughout this Part V, all references to "this Code" refer to the Baltimore City Mechanical Code.
101.2 to 101.4 {As in IMC}
Section 102. Applicability {As in IMC}
Section 103. Department of Mechanical Inspection
103.1 General.
This Code is administered and enforced by the Department of Housing and Community Development and its Commissioner. Accordingly, in this Code:
1. "Department of Mechanical Inspection" or "Department" means the Department of Housing and Community Development, and
2. "Code Official", means the Building Official, as defined in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.
103.2 to 103.3 {Not adopted}
Section 104. Duties and Powers of Code Official
104.1 to 104.2 {As in IMC}
104.3 Inspections.
The Code Official must make all of the required inspections or accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. All reports of these inspections must be in writing and signed by a responsible officer of the approved agency or by the responsible individual. The Code Official may engage any expert opinion that the Code Official considers necessary to report on unusual technical issues that arise.
104.4 Right of entry.
The Code Official may enter any structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect, subject to constitutional restrictions on unreasonable searches and seizures. If entry is refused or not obtained, the Code Official may pursue recourse as provided by law, including § 104 {"...Powers of Building Official"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
104.5 Identification. {As in IMC}
104.6 Notices and orders.
The Code Official may issue all notices or orders necessary to ensure compliance with this Code.
104.7 Department records.
The Code Official must keep records of all of the Department's business and activities under this Code.
104.8 Liability. {Not Adopted. See State Courts Article § 5-302}
Section 105. Approval
105.1 Modifications. {As in IMC}
105.2 Alternative materials and methods.
The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by this Code, as long as that alternative has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction may be approved if the Code Official finds in writing that, for the purposes intended:
1. the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with the intent of this Code, and
2. the material, method, or work offered is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.
105.2.1 Annual permit. {As in IMC}
105.3 to 105.5 {As in IMC}
Section 106. Permits
106.1 to 106.2 {As in IMC}
106.3 Application for permit.
The requirements for obtaining a permit are as set forth in § 105.3 {"Application for permit"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.3.1 to 106.3.2 {Not Adopted}
106.4 Permit issuance. {As in IMC}
106.4.1 to 106.4.2 {As in IMC}
106.4.3 Expiration.
Unless extended, a permit expires as set forth in § 105.5 {"Expiration; Extension"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.4.4 Extension.
An expired permit may be extended as provided in § 105.5 {"Expiration; Extension"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.4.5 Suspension or revocation.
The Building Official may suspend or revoke a permit as provided in § 105.6 {"Suspension or revocation"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.4.6 to 106.4.7 {As in IMC}
Section 107. Construction Documents {As in IMC}
Section 108. Notice of Approval {As in IMC}
Section 109. Fees {As in IMC}
109.1 Payment of Fees. {As in IMC}
109.2 Fee schedule.
The fees for mechanical work are as provided in § 109 {"Fees”} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
109.3 Permit valuations. {As in IMC}
109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. {Not Adopted}
109.5 Related fees. {As in IMC}
109.6 Fee refunds. {Not Adopted}
Section 110. Service Utilities {As in IMC}
Section 111. Temporary Equipment, Systems, and Uses {As in IMC}
Section 112. Inspections and Testing {As in IMC}
Section 113. Administrative and Judicial Review
113.1 General.
A decision of the Code Official is subject to administrative and judicial review as provided in the Baltimore City Building Code.
113.2 to 113.4 {Not Adopted}
Section 114. Board of Appeals {Not Adopted}
Section 115. Violations
115.1 to 115.3 {As in IMC}
115.4 Violation penalties.
The penalties for a violation of this Code are as provided in § 114 {"Violations”} of the Baltimore City Building Code for a violation of that Code.
115.5 to 115.6 {As in IMC}
Section 116. Stop Work Order
116.1 Authority.
The issuance and enforcement of stop-work orders are as provided in § 115 {"Stop-Work Order”} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
116.2 to 116.4 {Not Adopted}
Chapter 2
Definitions
Section 201. General
201.1 to 201.2 {As in IMC}
201.3 Terms defined in other codes.
If a term is not defined in this Code and is defined in the Baltimore City Building Code or in one or another of the standards and codes listed in § 101.4 {"Referenced Codes"} of the Baltimore City Building Code, the term has the meaning given to it in that code or standard.
201.4 Terms not defined. {As in IMC}
Section 202. General Definitions
202.1 General.
Except as provided in § 202.2 of this Code, terms that are used in this Code and defined in the International Mechanical Code (2021 Edition) have the meanings given in the International Mechanical Code (2021 Edition).
202.2 Supplemental definitions Notwithstanding any different definition in the International Mechanical Code, the following terms have the meanings given in this § 202.2.
202.2.1 Building.
"Building" has the meaning stated in IMC § 202 and, unless the context indicates otherwise, includes premises and lands.
202.2.2 Code Official.
"Code Official" has the meaning stated in § 103.1 of this Code.
202.2.3 Design-flood elevation.
"Design-flood elevation" has the meaning stated in City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, § 1-2 {"Definitions – "Accessory structure" to "Floodplain District"}.
202.2.4 Flood; Flooding.
"Flood" or "flooding" has the meaning stated in City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, § 1-2 {"Definitions – "Accessory structure" to "Floodplain District"}.
202.2.5 Flood Hazard Area.
"Flood Hazard Area" means a Regulated Flood Hazard Area established under and regulated by the Floodplain Management Code
202.2.6 Floodplain Management Code.
"Floodplain Management Code" means the Baltimore City Floodplain Management Code, City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, Division I {"Floodplain Management"}.
202.2.7 May not, etc.
"May not", "must not", and "no ... may" are each mandatory negative terms used to establish a prohibition.
202.2.8 Must/shall.
"Must" and "shall" are each mandatory terms used to express a requirement or to impose a duty.
202.2.9 Occupancy.
"Occupancy" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.
202.2.10 Premises.
"Premises" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.
Chapter 3
General Regulations
Section 301. General
301.1 to 301.5 {As in IMC}
301.6 Fuel gas appliances and equipment.
The approval and installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances, and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems must be in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code.
301.7 to 301.10 {As in IMC}
301.11 Plumbing connections.
Potable water supply and building drainage system connections to equipment and appliances regulated by this code must be accordance with the International Plumbing Code.
301.12 to 301.15 {As in IMC}
301.16 Flood hazard areas.
For structures in a flood hazard, mechanical systems, equipment, and appliances must be located at or above the elevation required by the Floodplain Management Code for electric, plumbing, and mechanical systems and their attendant components and equipment.
Exception {Not Adopted}
301.16.1 High-velocity wave action.
In a flood hazard area subject to high-velocity wave action, mechanical systems and equipment must meet the requirements of the Floodplain Management Code.
301.17 Rodent proofing. {As in IMC}
301.18 Seismic resistance. {As in IMC}
Section 302. Protection of Structure {As in IMC}
Section 303. Equipment and Appliance Location
303.1 to 303.2 {As in IMC}
303.3 Prohibited locations.
Fuel-fired appliances may not be located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces:
1. sleeping rooms,
2. bathrooms,
3. toilet rooms,
4. storage closets,
5. surgical rooms, or
6. residential kitchens (except cooking appliances).
Exception : {As in IMC}
303.4 to 303.9 {As in IMC}
Section 304. Installation
304.1 to 304.12 {As in IMC}
304.13 Disconnects For Fuel-Burning Equipment.
Fuel-burning equipment must be supplied with 2 emergency disconnect switches. One switch must be installed on the equipment and the other in a convenient, labeled location that is near the entrance to the area where the equipment is located. These switches must be able to manually stop the flow of fuel to the burner and must be identified as emergency disconnects.
Sections 305 to 306. {As in IMC}
Section 307. Condensate Disposal
307.1 Fuel-burning appliances. {As in IMC}
307.2 Evaporators and cooling coils. {As in IMC}
307.2.1 Condensate disposal.
Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators must be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. The piping must maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1% slope). Condensate may not discharge into a street, alley, or other area so as to cause a nuisance. Clear water discharge must be conveyed to the storm drain where feasible unless otherwise approved by the Code Official.
307.2.2 Drain pipe material and sizes. {As in IMC}
307.2.3 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. {As in IMC}
307.2.4 Traps. {Not adopted}
307.2.5 Drain line maintenance. {As in IMC}
307.3 Condensate pumps. {As in IMC}
Sections 308 to 312. {As in IMC}
Chapter 4
Ventilation
[As in IMC]
Chapter 5
Exhaust Systems
Section 501. General
501.1 to 501.2 {As in IMC}
501.3 Exhaust discharge. {As in IMC}
Exceptions:
1. {As in IMC}
2. {Not adopted}
3. {As in IMC}
501.3.1 Location of exhaust outlets.
The termination point of exhaust outlets and ducts discharging to the outdoors shall be located with the following minimum distances:
1. to 3. {As in IMC}
4. Exhaust outlets serving structures in a flood hazard area must be installed at or above the elevation required by the Floodplain Management Code for electric, plumbing, and mechanical systems and their attendant components and equipment.
5. {As in IMC}
6. Exhaust outlets serving crematoriums shall be installed at least 200 feet from the property line of any adjacent property.
501.3.2 Exhaust opening protection. {As in IMC}
501.4 to 501.5 {As in IMC}
Section 502. Required Systems
502.1 to 502.13 {As in IMC}
502.14 Motor vehicle operation.
In any area where motor vehicles operate:
1. mechanical ventilation must be provided in accordance with § 403 of this Code,
2. for stationary motor vehicles, the area must be provided with a source capture system that connects directly to the motor vehicle exhaust systems, and
3. in fuel-dispensing areas, the bottom of the air inlet or exhaust opening must be located no more than 18 inches (203 mm) above the floor.
502.14.1 System requirements.
The source capture system provided for stationary motor vehicles must be engineered by a registered design professional or must be factory-built equipment designed and sized for the purpose.
Exceptions: {As in IMC}
502.15 to 502.20 {As in IMC}
Sections 503 to 514. {As in IMC}
Chapter 6
Duct Systems
Section 601. General {As in IMC}
Section 602. Plenums
602.1 to 602.2 {As in IMC}
602.3 Stud cavity and joist space plenums. {As in IMC}
1. - 6. {As in IMC}
7. Stud wall cavities and spaces between solid floor joists abutting garage walls may not be utilized as air plenums.
602.4 Flood hazard areas.
For structures in a flood hazard area, plenum spaces must be located above the elevation required by the Floodplain Management Code for electric, plumbing, and mechanical systems and their attendant components and equipment or designed and constructed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the plenum spaces during floods up to that elevation, if allowed by the requirements of the Floodplain Management Code.
Section 603. Duct Construction and Installation
603.1 to 603.12 {As in IMC}
603.13 Flood hazard areas.
For structures in a flood hazard area, ducts must be located above the elevation required by the Floodplain Management Code for electric, plumbing, and mechanical systems and their attendant components and equipment or designed and constructed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the ducts during floods up to that elevation, if allowed by the requirements of the Floodplain Management Code.
603.14 to 603.18 {As in IMC}
Sections 604 to 608. {As in IMC}
Chapter 7
Combustion Air
[As in IMC]
Chapter 8
Chimneys and Vents
Section 801. General
801.1 to 801.17 {As in IMC}
801.18 Existing chimneys and vents. {As in IMC}
801.18.1 to 801.18.4 {As in IMC}
801.18.5 Prohibited use.
Masonry chimneys may not be used simultaneously as air duct chases and flue gas chases.
801.19 Multistory prohibited. {As in IMC}
801.20 Plastic vent joints. {As in IMC}
Sections 802 to 806. {As in IMC}
Chapter 9
Specific Appliances, Fireplaces, and Solid Fuel-Burning Equipment
[As in IMC]
Chapter 10
Boilers, Water Heaters, and Pressure Vessels
Sections 1001 to 1005. {As in IMC}
Section 1006. Safety and Pressure Relief Valves and Controls
1006.1 to 1006.5 {As in IMC}
1006.6 Safety and relief valve discharge.
Safety and relief valve discharge pipes must be of rigid pipe that is approved for the temperature of the system. The discharge pipe must be the same diameter as the safety or relief valve outlet. Safety and relief valves may not discharge so as to be a hazard, a potential cause of damage, or otherwise a nuisance. High-pressure-steam safety valves must be vented to the outside of the structure. Where a low- pressure safety valve or where a relief valve discharges the drainage system, the installation must conform to the International Plumbing Code. All discharges to floor drains must be from within 2 to 6 inches (50.8 mm to 152.4 mm) from the drain.
1006.7 to 1006.8 {As in IMC}
Sections 1007 to 1011. {As in IMC}
Chapter 11
Refrigeration
[As in IMC]
Chapter 12
Hydronic Piping
Sections 1201 to 1205. {As in IMC}
Section 1206. Piping Installation
1206.1 to 1206.8 {As in IMC}
1206.9 Strains and stresses {As in IMC}
1206.9.1 Flood hazard areas.
Piping located in a flood hazard area must be capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, as required by the Floodplain Management Code..
Sections 1207 to 1210. {As in IMC}
Chapter 13
Fuel Oil Piping and Storage
Sections 1301 to 1304. {As in IMC}
Section 1305. Fuel Oil System Installation
1305.1 Size. {As in IMC}
1305.2 Protection of pipe, equipment, and appliances. {As in IMC}
1305.2.1 Flood hazard.
All fuel oil pipe, equipment, and appliances located in a flood hazard area must be located above the elevation required by the Floodplain Management Code for electric, plumbing, and mechanical systems and their attendant components and equipment or capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, and meet all other requirements of the Floodplain Management Code.
1305.3 to 1305.7. {As in IMC}