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Insights Category: Code Updates

Code Basis

The next edition of the code will be based on the 2015 NFPA 1, Fire Code with Massachusetts Amendments. The 2015 NFPA 1 is one code edition newer than the previously adopted 2012 version of the code.

Next Steps

The code has been submitted through the formal review process via the Building Code Coordination Council (BCCC) and Executive Order 562, which was Governor Baker’s order to review each code and regulation to reduce redundancy. The adoption of the 2012 NFPA 1 on January 1, 2015 previously underwent this review, and therefore this upcoming review should not be as time consuming. After review from the BCCC, the code will be submitted to The Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) and with their approval, a public hearing will be held thereafter.

Public Hearing and Comments

The code has yet to be approved for the public hearing period, however comments can be submitted to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) at any time via email, in writing, or in person. A sample code change form can be found on the BFPR website at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dfs/osfm/cmr/publicproposalform.pdf

Date of Adoption

The adoption date is still up in the air but the intent is for the code to be promulgated before the end of the year.

Have questions on the preliminary amendments to the code and how they may affect your facility? Contact us with questions about the implications of the code change!

The 9th Edition of the State Building Code was recently approved by the state and its adoption is right around the corner, expected in July 2017. In March, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) held two public hearings to allow testimony by interested parties on the code or any proposed amendments. Once the public comment period closes on April 10th, the BBRS will convene to review any remaining public comments and to make final revisions to the code prior to promulgation. When the final contents are approved, the 9th Edition is expected to have an effective date on or around July 1, 2017. A concurrency period, where the code user may choose to design under the 8th or 9th editions of the Code (no mixing of provisions allowed), will be in effect immediately and will last 6 months ending on or around January 1, 2018. After this time, projects will be required to be designed and constructed under the 9th Edition unless a state variance is granted. The applicable code edition for a particular project is based on the date that the building permit is applied for.

The new 9th Edition will be a modified version of the 2015 I-Codes including the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and the 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC). There are a number of noteworthy, impactful changes within the 2015 IBC including fire service access elevators and open egress stairs:

1. Fire Service Access Elevators – Under the 8th Edition, all high-rise buildings (roofs ≥ 70’ above grade) are required to be served by a one fire service access elevator (FSAE). A FSAE lobby must be accessed directly from the elevator and stair. Under the 9th Edition, the FSAE will now only be required in buildings with occupied floors > 120’ above fire department vehicle access. Additionally, at least 2 FSAEs, or all elevators (whichever is less), must be provided. The stair located adjacent to the FSAE lobby must also be accessed from a 2nd means other than the lobby (i.e. a corridor or the balance of the floor).

2. Use of Exit Access Stairway for Egress – The 8th Edition limited the use of open stairways as means of egress elements only when connecting no more than 2 adjacent stories with no interconnection to other floors. Stairs that connect more than 2 stories are now permitted to be used for egress under the 9th Edition including (1) stairs protected by draft curtains/closely spaced sprinklers, and (2) stairs located within atriums. These options will be beneficial for architects designing larger occupant load assembly buildings such as college campus centers where the balance between interconnectivity and egress was always a challenge.

Want to learn more about these code changes and how they will impact your futures projects? Contact us at info@crcfire.com to schedule a customized presentation for your team.

Effective Sunday, January 1, 2017, the Cambridge Fire Department will begin formally enforcing requirements associated with NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations. A completed Fire Prevention Program Manager (FPPM) Identification Form will be required to accompany all CFD permit applications in 2017. Furthermore, a unique, in-depth Construction Fire Safety Plan will also be required to accompany each building permit application for both new construction and renovations. Free access to the NFPA codes and standards can be found here: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards.

What does this mean for you? If you plan to submit plans to the Cambridge Fire Department after January 1st then you must identify a designated FPPM specific to that project. When the project includes the stamp of a Registered Design Professional (RDP), which includes but is not limited to: modification or installation of fire protection or fire alarm systems, ground-up construction, major demolition, etc., then you must also supplement your permit submission with a Construction Fire Safety Plan that depicts your proposed fire protection and life safety mitigation throughout the life of your project.

More information can be found on the Cambridge Fire Department’s website: http://www.cambridgema.gov/cfd

The Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations recently adopted a new electrical code.

Code Basis

The newly amended Massachusetts Electrical Code is based on the 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) with Massachusetts specific amendments.

Date of Adoption

The new code went into effect on January 1, 2017.

Amendments

The amendments to the Massachusetts Electrical Code can be found on the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations page under the Fire Code (527 CMR) link. The link below can also be followed to access the amendments.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dfs/osfm/cmr/2017.pdf

The base code of NFPA 70 (2017) can also be viewed for free here: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?mode=cod…

Compliance with Executive Order 562

Back in March of 2015, Governor Baker issued the Executive Order which required all state regulations to be reviewed to ensure they were mandated by law or essential to the health, safety, environment, or welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters were in the midst of regulatory changes when this Order took place, and therefore had to review 248 CMR prior to their adoption.

Public Hearing and Promulgation

The Executive Order review process was commenced in August of 2015, and after the approval process, new amendments were released for public hearing in July of 2016. The public hearing was held on October 5, 2016 during which public comment was accepted by the Board. The Board finalized these changes during the October 28th meeting and the new amendments were promulgated on January 27, 2017.

Code Changes of Note

The following code changes were reviewed and have been deemed to be of potential significance to ongoing design projects:

  • Increased allowances for single user toilet rooms in Restaurants and Commercial/Business areas
  • Architectural features to limit the requirement of interceptors, separators, or holding tanks at overhead doors
  • Use of Gender Neutral toilet fixtures in lieu of separate male/female toilet fixtures

Single User Toilet Room Allowances

The Board increased the allowances for single user toilet rooms as follows:

  • Restaurants previously required separate male and female toilet fixtures when the square footage of the space was greater than 1,200 sf or the combined occupants served (employees and patrons) was 20 or more individuals. The limit has now been increased to 2,000 sf and a maximum of 20 individuals.
  • Business and commercial buildings previously required separate male and female toilet fixtures when the square footage of the space was greater than 1,2000 sf. The limit has now been increased to 2,000 sf and a maximum of 20 individuals.

Eliminating the Use of Interceptors, Separators, or Holding Tanks

The board previously required a variance to omit the requirement for floor drains connected to interceptors, separators, or holding tanks where overhead doors were provided in a commercial building but were not intended to be used by motor vehicles. This variance typically required bollards (or similar architectural features) which prevented motor vehicles to enter the space. 248 CMR 10.09 now permits the use of architectural features such as bollards to omit the requirement without the need to file a variance.

Gender Neutral Bathroom Allowance

Gender Neutral Bathrooms are now permitted to be utilized in lieu of separate male/female toilet fixtures in certain instances. In order to be utilized as a Gender Neutral, or unisex bathroom, the bathroom is required to be a single user bathroom, and either (1) all of the required toilet fixtures serving the space are required to be placed in single user, gender neutral bathrooms, or (2) an equal number of the required fixtures for each gender are placed in single user bathrooms. For example, if four male and four female toilets and sinks were required, if a single female toilet and sink were placed in a gender neutral bathroom, a single male toilet and sink would also be required to be placed in a gender neutral bathroom. For the purpose of determining the required number of fixtures, each of the single user bathrooms would be counted towards a gender. Signage designating the bathrooms as Gender Neutral, or as Unisex (depending on the owner’s preference) is permitted.

Refer the following link for a full list of the amendments as well as Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/pl/

Approval of 9th Edition Amendments

The proposed Massachusetts Amendments to the 2015 IBC were approved by The Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance (A&F) during their January Meeting. Their approval permits the BBRS to hold a public hearing, which is the last hurdle for promulgation of the 9th Edition.

Public Hearing and Comments

Two public hearings are currently being scheduled for the Eastern and Western portions of the state. One public hearing will be held in Boston on March 7th with a second public hearing being held in Springfield on March 14th. Those who cannot attend a public hearing can submit written public comment to the BBRS.

Code Basis

The 9th Edition of the code will be based on the 2015 IBC with MA specific amendments.

Date of Adoption

The desire of the BBRS is to have the 9th Edition adopted on July 1, 2017.

Use of Old Code

The adoption of the new provisions includes a concurrency period which will be in effect from the adoption date and the following six months. During those six months, either the 8th edition, or the 9th edition can be utilized, but designers are not able to pick and choose between the two. The date of building permit application will determine which code will be utilized for each project.

Blended Printed Code

The ICC has agreed to print a blended version of the code which will incorporate the Massachusetts amendments directly into the code book. This blended version, however, will not be the official copy of the code sold by the State House Bookstore. The State House Bookstore will still sell separate copies of the MA amendments. The blended version of the code will consist of three volumes, as follows:

  • Volume 1: 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) with MA Amendments
  • Volume 2: 2015 International Building Code (IBC) and 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with MA amendments
  • Volume 3: 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC), and 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) with MA amendments

Have questions on how this affects your design? Contact us with questions about the implications of the code change!

Effective Sunday, January 1, 2017, the Cambridge Fire Department will begin formally enforcing requirements associated with NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations. A completed Contractor Owner Notification Document will be required to accompany all CFD permit applications in 2017. Furthermore, a unique, in-depth Construction Fire Safety Plan will also be required to accompany each building permit application for both new construction and renovations. Free access to the NFPA codes and standards can be found here: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards.

What does this mean for you? If you plan to submit plans to the Cambridge Fire Department after January 1st then you must identify a designated FPPM specific to that project. When the project includes the stamp of a Registered Design Professional (RDP), which includes but is not limited to: modification or installation of fire protection or fire alarm systems, ground-up construction, major demolition, etc., then you must also supplement your permit submission with a Construction Fire Safety Plan which depicts your proposed fire protection and life safety mitigation throughout the life of your project.

More information can be found on the Cambridge Fire Department’s website: http://www.cambridgema.gov/cfd

On August 4th, 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety put out an announcement regarding amendments to the Energy Conservation provisions of the Massachusetts State Building Code. Here’s what you need to know:

Public Hearing and Comments

In early June, a public hearing was held in order to receive feedback and review amendments to 780 CMR Chapter 13 and 780 CMR 115 Appendix AA, the commercial energy efficiency standards and the Stretch Energy Code. After the public hearing was held, additional comments were accepted in writing until the end of June. At the following board meeting, the feedback and comments were addressed and the board voted on, and approved, amendments to 780 CMR Chapter 13 and Appendix AA. These amendments were filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth in late July and approved.

Code Basis

The newly amended Energy Conservation and Stretch Energy Codes are based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Massachusetts specific amendments.

Date of Adoption

The new codes went into effect on Friday, August 12, 2016.

Use of Old Code

The adoption of the new provisions includes a concurrency period which is in effect from August 12, 2016 until January 1, 2017. During this time period, individuals seeking building permits are permitted to comply with either the old energy provisions in effect prior to the August 12 adoption, or the new amendments that went into effect on August 12, but not a combination of both. After the January 1 deadline, all submitted plans and documents are required to comply with the new energy provisions.

Have questions on how this affects your design? Contact us with questions about the implications of the code change!

The State of Connecticut has announced its intent to adopt a new State Building Code and a new State Fire Safety Code.

Code Basis

The new codes will largely be based on nationally recognized codes and standards, including the following:

2016 Connecticut State Building Code

  • 2012 International Building Code
  • 2012 International Residential Code
  • 2012 International Existing Building Code
  • 2012 International Mechanical Code
  • 2012 International Plumbing Code
  • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2014 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
  • 2009 ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

2016 Connecticut Fire Safety Code

  • 2012 International Fire Code
  • 2012 NFPA 101, Life Safety Code

The proposed state amendments to the above codes and standards can be found at the link below.

Date of Adoption

The new codes are intended to take effect on October 1, 2016.

Use of Old Code

Following the adoption of the new code, the use of the previous state building and fire safety codes will only be permitted by means of a modification with the State. The basis for this modification and use of the old code will be substantial design progression and is expected to be evaluated on a project-by-project basis.

More about this change, along with the State’s notice of intent can be found on the CT Division of Construction Services Website:

http://www.ct.gov/dcs/cwp/view.asp?a=4447&q=523368

At the latest Boston Society of Architects (BSA) meeting this past Wednesday, an update was provided on the adoption of new code editions in Massachusetts. The following information was provided as part of the meeting:

Building Code

  • The 9th Edition of 780 CMR is tied up in the Building Code Coordination Committee (BCCC)
  • The last BCCC meeting was cancelled
  • Next BCCC meeting is hopefully soon and it is possible to get release on the 9th Edition soon

Energy Code

  • The IECC needs to be adopted soon by law, and currently the administration is holding it up
  • The BBRS adopted a majority of the energy provisions (MA amended 2015 IECC) yesterday for low rise residential and commercial buildings at their meeting with the following portions not yet accepted:
    • Solar roof top preparedness
    • This will be included at the same time as the 9th Edition of 780 CMR
  • They also adopted the updated stretch code with no amendments
  • Working to get these promulgated now – the date is suspected to be soon

Elevator Code

  • Public hearing on the new 524 CMR on 8/22/16 (targeted date currently for public hearing)
  • The new elevator code will be based on ASHRE 2013
  • Code will have new format to better align with building code
  • There will still be unique MA requirements but they are trying to rely on international codes

Keep an eye out for more updated code update information in the coming weeks!