§ 3-103. Scope of title

   (a) Architect's seal required in certain circumstances. -- Except as otherwise provided in this section, all architectural documents prepared in connection with the addition, alteration, construction, or design of a building, an integral part of a building, or a group of buildings which are intended for public use or residential use shall be signed, sealed, and dated by a licensed architect in accordance with § 3-501 of this title.

(b) Design coordination by licensed architect. -- A licensed architect may perform design coordination for a project or portion of a project provided that the licensed architect:

   (1) holds a current license issued by the Board; and

   (2) has adequate experience in, and understanding of, achieving the purpose of the project or portion of the project being coordinated.

(c) Rights not limited. -- This title does not limit the right of:

   (1) a construction contractor to administer construction contracts;

   (2) 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;

   (3) a certified interior designer or other individual to provide interior design services as that term is defined in Title 8 of this article; or

   (4) 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.

(d) Alteration or repair of existing building or structure. --

   (1) 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:

         1. interior alterations or repairs;

         2. storefronts or facades;

         3. fixtures, cabinetwork or furniture; or

         4. exterior stairways, landings, decks, and ramps; and

      (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.

   (2) Any work performed under this subsection shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Maryland Building Performance Standards set forth in Title 12, Subtitle 5 of the Public Safety Article.

   (3) The exclusion provided for in this subsection shall be used only once per building or structure in a 12-month period.

   (4) A building permit issued under this subsection:

      (i) shall contain an affidavit signed by the person who has submitted the permit stating that the repair or alteration is in compliance with this subsection; and

      (ii) may not be amended or revised in any way to cause the alteration or repair to exceed $ 5,000 in total costs, including labor and materials.

   (5) Any building permit issued under this subsection that contains technical submissions that fail to conform to the requirements of this subsection shall be invalid.

(e) Architectural documents for alterations or repairs of existing buildings or structures. -- Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, a code official may require that architectural documents for alterations or repairs of existing buildings or structures be signed and sealed by a licensed architect if the code official determines that the signature and seal of a licensed architect is necessary to provide conformity with the Maryland Building Performance Standards or to otherwise provide for the health and safety of the public.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 56, § 469, 471; 1989, ch. 3, § 1; ch. 236, § 1; ch. 632, § 3; 1991, chs. 456, 663; 1992, ch. 351; 1994, ch. 3, § 13; ch. 625; 1998, ch. 780; 1999, ch. 34, § 8; 2001, ch. 193; 2003, ch. 17; ch. 227, § 1.