The current Massachusetts State Building Code, the 8th Edition, has been in effect since August 6, 2010 and has been the active building code throughout most of the post-recession building boom. Following on the heels of the new Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code which was adopted on January 1, 2015, Massachusetts is looking to adopt a new version of the state building code, the 9th Edition, based on the 2015 International Code Council set of model codes.
On November 10, 2015, the state’s Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) approved the most recent batch of draft amendments for public review (see link below). In consideration of Governor Baker’s Executive Order EO 562 the new draft is intended to reduce the complexity of the code by limiting amendments and clarifying language to better align with the referenced base codes (I-Codes).
When Can We Expect Adoption?
The BBRS has indicated that the new edition of 780 CMR is to take effect in mid-2016 (anticipated in July) after time has passed for public input and the final adoption process. Projects looking to have permit application dates in mid-2016 and beyond should plan accordingly for the anticipated adoption of the new 9th Edition regulations. The BBRS has indicated that there may not be a concurrency period, where either the 8th or 9th Edition could be elected to be utilized for a period of time as we have seen in the past. The most recent updates from the BBRS still indicate that this is the case but they are continuing to discuss options with the Secretary of State’s office to help design professionals. Stay tuned for future Code Red Consultants blog posts for updates on this topic.
What’s Included?
As part of the adoption of the 9th Edition 780 CMR the following model codes will be incorporated with amendments:
- 2015 International Building Code
- 2015 International Existing Building Code
- 2015 International Residential Code
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
- 2015 International Mechanical Code
- 2015 International Fire Code (as limited by application of 527 CMR)
- Recent NFPA Standards as referenced by the above codes.
Unlike the 8th Edition, the BBRS is anticipating that a single building code document will be released that contains both the amendments and base code to simplify use.
Links to the proposed MA Amendments and key changes are included at this location:
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/consumer-prot-and-bus-lic/license-type/buildings/updates-to-draft-9th-edition-of-the-building-code.html
The ICC Codes can be read here:
http://codes.iccsafe.org/I-Codes.html
What Does This New Code Mean For Me?
The new building code will bring about a number of new changes within each trade as the most up to date practices and regulations are adopted. If you would like to know how this code change will affect your building and future projects don’t delay in contacting us to guide you through navigating the new codes.
As of January 1, 2015, the newest edition of 527 CMR, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, is in effect. All permits filed on or after January 1 will be required to comply with the new edition of the code. All permits filed prior to this date should be in compliance with the previous edition of 527 CMR.
Code Basis
The new fire safety code is largely based on the 2012 Edition of NFPA 1, the Uniform Fire Code, with Massachusetts Amendments. Link to Amendments
Code Organization
The MA Department of Fire Services has issued a guide, “Crosswalk,” that provides a cross reference between the sections of the previous fire code and the new Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. Link to Crosswalk The Massachusetts Electrical Code remains in 527 CMR Chapter 12.00.
Key Highlights
- Changes to the requirements for fire department access roads;
- Increased focus on the required maintenance of fire protection and life safety systems; and
- Modernization and expansion of code requirements for special hazards, including flammable and combustible liquids, pyrophoric gases, and oxidizers just to name a few.
More information about this change can be found at the following site: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/fire-prev/comprehensive-model-fire-code.html Concerned about how the new code will affect your existing facility or next project? Get in touch with us to find out what you need to know.
On August 7, 2014 the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations voted to promulgate a revised fire safety code, referred to as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.
Date of Adoption
The new fire safety code will take effect on January 1, 2015. Any permit filed on or after this date will be required to comply with the new code. Any permit filed prior to this date should be in compliance with the current edition of 527 CMR.
Code Basis
The new fire safety code will be largely based on the 2012 Edition of NFPA 1, the Uniform Fire Code, with Massachusetts Amendments. Link to Amendments
Code Organization
The MA Department of Fire Services has issued a guide, “Crosswalk,” that provides a cross reference between the sections of the previous fire code and the new Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. Link to Crosswalk The Massachusetts Electrical Code will remain in 527 CMR Chapter 12.00.
What Does This New Code Mean For Me?
The new fire code adoption will be beneficial for designers and owners and will result in:
- A more comprehensive code which addresses a greater range of fire-safety related topics
- A code based on a nationally-recognized standard which incorporates the latest technologies, fire science, and design trends
- An easier code to update and maintain a working knowledge of moving forward
We believe the adoption of a new fire code based on a nationally-recognized standard is a big step in the right direction for Massachusetts. More information about this change can be found at the following site: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/fire-prev/comprehensive-model-fire-code.html Concerned about how the new code will affect your existing facility or next project? Get in touch with us to find out what you need to know.
