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Caroline County directs staff to require HVAC permits for new construction, keeps retrofit inspections optional
Summary
After a lengthy discussion of safety, energy codes and homeowner burden, commissioners instructed staff to pursue registration of trades and to require permits and inspections for new HVAC systems in new construction and additions; contractors must notify homeowners that retrofit inspections are available but retrofits will not be mandatory immediately.
Members of the county Construction Trades Board told commissioners that current county practice lacks consistent HVAC permitting and inspection requirements and recommended three steps: permit and inspect certain HVAC work, adopt the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) locally, and add a county registration for HVAC contractors.
A trades representative outlined proposed inspection thresholds: permit and inspect HVAC installations in new residential and commercial construction, unit replacements/changeouts, ductwork replacement exceeding 50% of the system, and installation of a central HVAC in a dwelling that previously had none. Routine service and minor supplemental mini-split installs would be exempt. "If you replace more than 50% of your existing ductwork, have that inspected," a trades board representative said.
Board members consistently raised concerns about placing permitting costs and administrative burdens on homeowners for routine changeouts. Commissioner Porter asked whether a retrofit homeowner would be liable for additional corrective work if an inspection found deficiencies; the trades board replied that homeowners would be responsible to bring installations into compliance. Staff estimated an inspection fee ‘‘around, let's say, around a $100’’ for a changeout and said inspection scheduling could accommodate same-day requests if submitted early.
The board discussed phasing and implementation logistics: registration across trades, online application systems, public information campaigns, and fee setting during the budget process. Staff suggested a July 1 effective date to allow time for legislative/code changes and system setup.
After the exchange, commissioners directed staff to establish trade registration, require permits and inspections for new construction and additions, and include contractor disclosure language so homeowners are informed that retrofit/changeout inspections are available as an option. The board did not mandate immediate retrofits inspections; it opted for an opt-in/notification approach for replacements.
