Building Energy Code
If you're building or significantly renovating a home in Maryland, your builder must meet the Maryland Building Performance Standards (based on the 2021 IECC) to obtain electrical service and permits—this ensures your new or updated home meets current energy efficiency requirements. You don't need to take separate action; compliance is mandatory and verified by your builder with local government or your utility company.
Maryland requires all new residential construction and major renovations to comply with the 2021 IECC with amendments, effective May 29, 2023; you must demonstrate compliance to the local jurisdiction or certify to the electric utility if your jurisdiction hasn't formally adopted the code. You can use REScheck software to document residential compliance, and the state updates codes within 12 months of new IECC releases, so staying current with the latest standards is essential for permit approval.
Maryland's Building Energy Code is a mandatory statewide standard (2021 IECC for residential, 2021 IECC with amendments and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 for commercial, effective May 29, 2023) administered by DHCD's Codes Administration and enforced through local jurisdictions or utility certification. The state is required by 2009 legislation to update standards within 12 months of new IECC publication; Maryland also allows voluntary adoption of the International Green Construction Code, positioning it as the first state to enable this option.
Program details
- Program ID
- 1825
- Effective
- 9/21/2015
- Last updated
- 5/21/2025
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial residential
- Technologies
- comprehensive measures/whole building
Program summary
NOTE: Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.
The Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) are adopted by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Codes Administration. As required by legislation passed in 2009, DHCD must update the MBPS to incorporate the latest applicable IECC codes within 12 months of publication of the new code editions. The latest version of the Maryland Building Performance Standards, incorporating the 2018 IECC, became effective on March 25, 2019.
The MBPS is mandatory statewide. Builders must demonstrate compliance to local government (cities, counties) that have adopted the code. In cities and counties that have not adopted the code, the builder must certify code compliance to the serving electric utility as a condition for electrical service. The new standards are posted on the web site.
Legislation signed in May 2011 (HB 972) made Maryland the first state to allow its jurisdictions to voluntarily adopt the International Green Construction Code beginning in March 2012.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- david.stjean1@maryland.gov
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
