Maryland Public Safety Section 9-301

      (a)      This subtitle:

            (1)      is in addition to any existing fire safety laws; and

            (2)      does not limit the authority of the State Fire Prevention Commission or State Fire Marshal to act under existing fire safety laws.

      (b)      If there is clear evidence that equivalent protection of human life will be provided as required by this subtitle, exceptions to this subtitle may be made by:

            (1)      the State Fire Prevention Commission;

            (2)      the State Fire Marshal;

            (3)      a county fire chief;

            (4)      a fire administrator with responsibility for code enforcement; and

            (5)      in Baltimore City, the Board of Fire Commissioners or the Chief of the Fire Department.

      (c)      This subtitle does not prevent a county or municipal corporation from enacting more stringent laws to govern the installation of fire sprinkler systems.