Code Services and Natural Resource Permitting have responsibility for reviewing facility development and renovation projects involving any structures owned or operated by the University. University projects and facilities are designed and constructed in accordance with the State Fire Prevention Code, the Maryland Building Performance Standards and applicable environmental and safety regulations.

The University Fire Marshal is the Delegated Authority by the State Fire Marshal to provide necessary plan reviews plan approvals, and site inspections for fire prevention issues associated with University projects. Code Services reviews plans and inspects sites to ensure University projects fulfill DES program goals and meet applicable code/UM permit requirements.

The Occupational Safety & Health unit of Code Services provides technical assistance in the identification and abatement of hazardous materials in existing structures as part of project planning and design. Common hazards anticipated may include asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, mercury containing equipment, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Code Services also reviews plans and specifications to identify the need for various environmental permits and studies including those related to air quality (emissions), storm water discharges, sanitary wastewater, fuel storage, chemical and controlled waste storage, environmental site assessments, and subsurface contamination assessments and decontamination. When identified as part of a project, these issues are referred to the environmental affairs unit within DES for follow-up technical assistance.

The Manager of Natural Resource Permitting is responsible to assure that appropriate permits from agencies such as the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are obtained for all University of Maryland construction projects. These permits cover soil erosion and sediment control, storm water management, site dewatering, forestation, and work in floodplains and wetlands. Typically, MDE permits will be required for any project with exterior site work that disturbs more than 5,000 square feet, excavates earth in quantities greater than 100 cubic yards, removes and discharges any naturally occurring ground water, or disturbs any areas within designated 100-year floodplains or nontidal wetlands. DNR permits for forestation are typically required for site disturbances greater than 40,000 square feet. The Manager of Natural Resource Permitting provides technical expertise and guidance in the identification of required natural resource studies and permits, and provides project support through the review of plans, draft permit applications and interaction with project design firms and environmental regulatory agencies.

Code Services and Natural Resource Permitting periodically revise the campus Design Criteria and Facilities Standards to ensure planned building designs fulfill University ES&H objectives and code requirements.

• Air Quality Permitting
• CFC Recovery Practices
• Fire Prevention and Protection
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Laboratory Relocation Guidelines
• Underground Storage Tanks (Emergency Generators)

• Emergency Response
• Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines For Construction, Renovation and Demolition
• Policy on Means of Egress
• Design Criteria and Facilities Standards (DCFS) Manual
• Policies and Procedures for Environmental Safety and Health Management

• Asbestos & Lead in Project Management
• Environmental Hazards - Design and Construction
• Natural Resources Protection - Design and Construction
• OSHA Safety - Design and Construction
• Planning and Renovating Academic Facilities

• Hot Works Permit
• Asbestos Abatement Permit for Contractors

• Maryland State Fire Marshal
• Maryland Environmental Permits Guide
• NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Construction
• OSHA Construction Assistance
• NIBS Whole Building Design Guide
• Maryland Environmental Design Program