MA Energy Code Concurrency Period Extension

Update as of 10/15/2020:

Contrary to initial indications, there will be no extension of the energy code concurrency period beyond the previously-approved November 7, 2020 date. All projects submitted for permit after this date will be required to comply with the 2018 IECC and associated Massachusetts amendments, which can be found here.

Update as of 7/15/2020:

The energy code concurrency period will officially be extended to November 7, 2020, at least at first. At their 7/14 meeting, the BBRS approved the maximum extension possible under an emergency amendment, which is 90 days. This extension applies to both commercial and residential energy provisions as well as Stretch Code application. It appears probable that the period will get extended further (to January 1, 2021) under an additional, future emergency amendment. Stay tuned for more updates.

Most designers are aware that the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has been adopted in Massachusetts through amendments to 780 CMR 13.00. The amendments dictate an energy code ‘concurrency period’ that started on February 7, 2020 and is scheduled to end on August 7, 2020 – building permit applications filed during this period can identify either the 2015 or 2018 IECC as the applicable energy code for a given project.

COVID-19 has obviously disrupted much of the AEC industry over the past several months. At the June 9th Board of Building Regulations & Standards (BBRS) meeting, the Board agreed in principle to extend the concurrency period to January 1, 2021. This decision will require an emergency amendment, slated to be voted on at the July BBRS meeting. The decision will not be finalized until that point, but all signs point to an extension of the use of the 2015 IECC in Massachusetts.

Please reach out to Code Red Consultants for assistance with energy code scoping provisions and big-picture implications of the new 780 CMR 13.00 amendments and the 2018 IECC.

Application of any information provided, for any use, is at the reader’s risk and without liability to Code Red Consultants. Code Red Consultants does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained in this blog as applicable codes and standards change over time. The application, enforcement and interpretation of codes and standards may vary between Authorities Having Jurisdiction and for this reason, registered design professionals should be consulted to determine the appropriate application of codes and standards to a specific scope of work.