(a) No license shall be granted for the operation of any institution unless the building or structure in which the institution is housed meets the requirements of the building code in effect at the time that such building or structure is devoted or converted to such use, except as certain exceptions to such code are expressly provided for by this section or by rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. Prior to adoption of a building code applicable to the entire county, the building or structure in which such institution is housed, whether within or without the Maryland--Washington Regional District, shall, at the time it is devoted or converted to such use, meet the requirements of the Building Code for the Maryland-Washington Regional District. This section shall not apply to any institution in operation and duly licensed on the effective date of this article.
(b) A license to operate in a class C structure may be granted to any institution which provides care to not more than five (5) patients as an exception to the building code; provided, that the institution is in compliance with all other applicable provisions of this chapter and standards, rules and regulations for the health, safety, welfare and physical requirements of the patients. (Mont. Co. Code 1965, § 89-51.)
