The 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which is an amended version of the 2015 International Building Code, is on the cusp of adoption. It’s been a long time coming and just recently the state released the official adoption date. The 9th Edition will go into effect on October 20, 2017. The final amendments to the Code will be available from the state bookstore (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/spr/sprcat/catidx.htm) on that date. It is also expected that an unofficial electronic copy of the amendments will be available on the Office of Public Safety and Inspections’ website within a few days of adoption (http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/government/oca-agencies/dpl-lp/opsi/ma-state-building-code-780-cmr.html). Once 9th Edition is promulgated, there will be a shortened concurrency period through December 31, 2017 where either the 8th or 9th Edition may be utilized. The effective date is based on when the permit package is submitted to the municipality. As of January 1, 2018, the 9th Edition will solely be adopted. Any permit packages after this date will be required to comply with the 9th Edition provisions, unless a variance is granted by the Building Code Appeals Board.
Contact us at info@crcfire.com if you’re interested in us coming into your office for a Significant Changes in the 9th Edition presentation. A focus will be given to those code changes which will be most impactful on the design, cost, and schedule of your future projects.