Under the Department are five divisions: Animal Control Services, Building Services, Electrical Services, Housing Services, and Plumbing Services.
ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES DIVISON
Nine members comprise the Commission. Five members are appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent to four-year terms. The Director of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, the Chief of Animal Control Services, the Director of the Human Society of Harford County, Inc., and a representative of the County Health Department serve ex officio. The County Executive appoints the Chair (County Code, secs. 9-174, 9-175).
BUILDING SERVICES DIVISION
To obtain building permits for additions, remodeling, renovations, deck construction or replacement, or building a new home, plans must be submitted to the Division for approval.
For related systems, homeowners must apply for a mechanical permit prior to performing any work themselves. Issued after successfully passing the exam, the permit is good for twelve months.
The Board also hears allegations of misconduct of those certified to work on mechanical systems. If guilty, the Board may rule for a revocation of licenses.
Comprised of six members, the Board has five members appointed by County Executive with County Council consent to a term coterminous to the County Executive. A representative of the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits serves ex officio (County Code, sec. 16-11.1).
ELECTRICAL SERVICES DIVISION
Homeowners must apply for a one-time homeowners permit to perform electrical work in their own home. An exam is required for the homeowners permit.
Five members appointed by County Executive with County Council consent constitute the Board. Members serve terms coterminous with the County Executive, with officers elected by the Board (County Code, secs. 16-3, 105-11 through 105-18).
HOUSING SERVICES DIVISION
PLUMBING SERVICES DIVISION
Homeowners must apply for a one-time homeowners permit to perform plumbing work in their own home. An exam is required for the homeowners permit. No gas related plumbing work may be done under the homeowners permit.
Appointed by County Executive with County Council consent, five members serve terms coterminous with the County Executive. The Board elects the Chair (County Code, sec. 16-7).
The Board of Liquor Control establishes and maintains county liquor dispensaries for the sale of wines and other alcoholic beverages (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-203).
In Harford County, the Board's five members are appointed by the County Executive with advice and consent of the Harford County Delegation and the County Council. Members serve three-year terms (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-201).
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In cooperation with the Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., and the County Health Department, the Animal Control Services Division is responsible for enforcing the animal control section of the County Code. Animal control officers respond to reports of animal abuse or misuse, as well as dead, at-large, wild or nuisance animals. Dog licenses may be obtained through offices of the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (County Code, secs. 64-1 through 64-30).
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY COMMISSION
The Animal Control Advisory Commission hears allegations regarding animal abuse, mishandling, or other animal related violations of the County Code. The Commission also hears appeals relating to license denials by the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits regarding pet shops or kennels.
The Building Services Division issues licenses and permits regarding commercial and residential construction. For construction plans involving other divisions within the Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits, the Division coordinates all related licenses and permits. Permits issued through the Division include: building, altering, or demolishing a structure; changing the use of a structure; or installing any equipment regulated by the County Code. Building permits regarding manufactured or mobile homes are also issued through the Division.
MECHANICAL BOARD
Established in February 2010, the Mechanical Board conducts examinations of applicants for mechanical licenses. Contractors must have this license to perform work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration units, or geothermal systems. Applicants may apply for a general mechanical license, or a specialized license applying to only one area.
Responsible for the enforcement of the electrical code, and licensing electrical work performed in the County, the Electrical Services Division maintains a staff of certified electrical inspectors. The Division coordinates and conducts inspections with contractors, and maintains a record of all certified electrical work conducted in the County.
BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS
The Board of Electrical Examiners advises the Director of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits on matters related to the issuance of electrical licenses and permits. In addition, the Board conducts examinations for all applicants for electrician licenses, and forwards results to the Director of the Department for final authorization. In cases where the applicant is licensed elsewhere in Maryland, or by the State Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, the Board may request the Director to waive the examination.
The Housing Services Division enforces livability standards established by State and local ordinances. Conducting inspections of standard and commercial residential contstruction, the Division also conducts inspections of manufactured and mobile homes. For mobile homes, the Division issues permits for electrical, and plumbing work, and coordinates related inspections. In addition, the Division investigates complaints related to landlord disputes and abandoned or unsafe structures.
The Plumbing Services Division licenses and inspects all plumbing and gas work performed in the County. In addition, the Division licenses and inspects mechanical work (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and geothermal systems). The Division administers related exams, and maintains records regarding license holders, and inspectors.
PLUMBING BOARD
Establishing rules and regulations for those holding plumbing licenses in the County, the Plumbing Board hears allegations of misconduct of certified plumbers. In findings of guilt, the Board may rule for a revocation of license.
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
The Board of License Commissioners regulates the retail sale of alcoholic beverages in Harford County (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-112).
BOARD OF LIQUOR CONTROL
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