The purpose of this chapter is to provide basic and uniform HVAC regulations in terms of performance objectives implemented by specific requirements, establishing reasonable safeguards for the installation and repair of HVAC systems.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CODE OFFICIAL The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the applicable codes.
CONTRACTOR A heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and/or refrigeration contractor.
COOLING SYSTEM A system in which heat is removed from air, surrounding surfaces or both; includes an air-conditioning system.
HEATING SYSTEM A system in which heat is transmitted by radiation, conduction, or convection, or a combination of any of these methods, to the air, surrounding surfaces or both. Does not include a fireplace or wood-burning stove not incorporated into or used as a primary heating system.
HVAC CONTRACTOR An individual who provides heating, ventilation, air-conditioning or refrigeration services.
HVAC SERVICES To install, maintain, alter, remodel or repair heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems, ventilation systems or hydronic systems.
HYDRONIC SYSTEM A heating and cooling system using liquids or steam to transmit or remove heat.
LICENSE Unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the State of Maryland to provide or to assist in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services.
PERSON A natural person, the heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns and includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns.
PREMISES The building(s) and that part of the grounds of one parcel of property where an installation would affect the safety of those buildings or adjacent property.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM A combination of interconnected refrigerant-containing parts constituting one closed circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated for the purpose of extracting heat.
VENTILATION SYSTEM The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to or removing such air from any space.
[Amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-12]
Any HVAC mechanical work commenced within Cecil County shall be conducted by a corporation, firm or person licensed by the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, as outlined in the Business Regulation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 9A, Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
Inspection of all HVAC work required before and during any construction must be requested by the contractor who holds the HVAC permit prior to covering any work performed. The County Inspector shall be notified by the contractor, at least 24 hours in advance, to perform an inspection before covering any rough work. The Inspector shall be requested to perform a final inspection at such time when all work is completed.
This chapter does not apply to the following:
A. An employee of a public utility service company regulated by the Public Service Commission when engaged in the development, construction, maintenance, or repair of electric or gas appliances in the service area of the public utility.
B. An employee of the United States, the State of Maryland, or the local government, or an independent agency while that employee is practicing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning or refrigeration services on or within buildings or structures owned or solely occupied by those entities.
C. An individual possessing a master electrician's license issued by the state or the County, when engaged in the installation, alteration, service, repair or replacement of individually controlled electric resistant heat.
D. An individual who assists in providing services as an employee or subordinate of a licensee if the individual assists in providing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning or refrigeration services while under control of the licensee. The licensee is responsible for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning or refrigeration services that the individual provides.
E. An individual who installs, alters, remodels, maintains or repairs oil burners exclusively.
All licensed HVAC contractors shall display the company name and license number on all work vehicles.
[Amended 11-20-2019 by Bill No. 2019-18]
Fees shall be established by resolution by the Cecil County Council as provided for by law. Copies of the fee schedule will be available in the offices of the Cecil County Council and the Division of Permits and Inspections.
[Amended 11-20-2019 by Bill No. 2019-18]
The 2018 edition of the International Mechanical Code shall be the code in effect and will be enforced within Cecil County. Any provisions of the Maryland Building Performance Standards that deal directly with mechanical installations as adopted by the State of Maryland shall also be complied with.