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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State Building Code
Fourth Edition
JSHED BY THE OFFICE OF THE MASsMlUSEf ^S ^^^M0W&M
MICHAEL J CONNOLLY, SECRETARY / , /;
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
SECRETARY OF STATE
REGULATION FILING AND PUBLICATION
L REGULATION CHAPTER NUMBER AND HEADING:
780 CMR: THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
2. NAME OF AGENCY:
STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
3. THIS DOCUMENT IS REPRINTED FROM THE CODE OF MASSACHUSETTS REGULATIONS
AND CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:
THIS IS THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE AS ADOPTED
BY THE STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
AND ON FILE WITH THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 30A, SECTION 6
AND CHAPTER 233, SECTION 75 THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE USED AS EVIDENCE OF THE
ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS ON FILE WITH THE STATE SECRETARY.
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COMPILED AS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT 9/30/82
$24.00
A TRUE COPY, ATTES
MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY;
SECRETARY OF STATE
6
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Office of the Secretary of State
State Bookstore
Michael Joseph Connolly, Secretary
NOTICE
WE REMIND YOU THAT THIS CODE, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER CODES, IS SUBJECT
TO CHANGE BY AMENDMENT. THESE AMENDMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE WHEN PUBLISHED
IN THE WEEKLY MASSACHUSETTS REGISTER AND ARE PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY
THE SECRETARY AS REPLACEMENT PAGES TO THE CODE. THE SECRETARY WILL
PUBLISH A NOTICE ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF THESE REPLACEMENT PAGES
IN THE CENTRAL REGISTER. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL APPEAR IN THE CENTRAL
REGISTER PUBLISHED THE LAST WEEK OF JANUARY, APRIL, JULY AND OCTOBER.
THE CENTRAL REGISTER IS AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS WELL AS BY
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following committees and organizations contributed toward the
development of specific sections of the Massachusetts State Building
Code:
The Advisory Committep on Historic Buildings for developing
the Basic Code provisions for historic buildings, the first
in the nation, and for the basic work they performed on the
Code provisions for existing buildings.
The Advisory Committee on Code Provisions for the Reuse of
Existing Buildings (Appendix S) for committee members.
The National Bureau of Standards, Office of Building Standards
and Code Services, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards,
481 Carlisle Drive, Herndon, Virginia.
International conference of Building Officials, 5360 South
Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California.
Southern Building Code Congress, International, 900 Montclair
Road, Birmingham, Alabama.
Association of Major Cities Building Officials, 1970 Chain
Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia.
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials,
2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
A substantial portion of this Code has been copied from the BOCA
Basic Building Code/1978, Seventh Edition, Copyright 1978, Building
Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. All rights
reserved. For further information write BOCA International, Inc.
17926 South Halsted Street, Homewood, Illinois, 60430.
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section
100. Scope
101. Applicability
102. Ordinary repairs
103. Installation of service equipment
104. Maintenance
105. Change in existing use
106. Alterations and repairs
107. Building department
108. Duties and powers of the building official and state inspector
109. Rules and regulations
110. Approval
111. Inspection
112. Right of entry
113. Application for permit
114. Permits
115. Conditions of permit
116. Demolition of structures
117. Moving structures
118. Fees
119. Certification of use and occupancy
120. Posting structures
121. Violations
122. Stop-work order
123. Unsafe structures
124. Emergency measures
125. Reserved
126. Controlled construction
128. Construction materials safety board
129. Activities requiring licenses
130. Fire prevention-Fire protection board
131.
139. Reserved
140. Validity
Article 2 DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS
200. General
201. General definitions
202. Use group classification
203. Use group A, assembly buildings
204. Use group B, business buildings
205. Use group F, factory and industrial buildings
206. Use group H, high hazard buildings
207. Use group I, institutional buildings
208. Use group M, mercantile buildings
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 2 - continued
Section
209. Use group R, residential buildings
210. Use group S, storage buildings
211. Use group T, temporary and miscellaneous uses
212. Doubtful use classification
213. Mixed use and occupancy
214. Construction classification
215. Type 1, fireproof construction
216. Type 2, noncombustible construction
217. Type 3, exterior masonry wall construction
218. Type 4, frame construction
Article 3 GENERAL BUILDING LIMITATIONS
300. General
301 . Fire limits
302. Restriction within the fire limits
303. Restrictions outside fire limits
304. Existing buildings
305. General area and height limitations
306. Area exceptions
307. Unlimited areas
308. Height exceptions
309. Street encroachments
310. Permissible street projections
311. Permissible yard and court encroachments
312. Special and temporary projections
313. Awnings and canopies
314. Temporary structures
315. Accessibility for the physically handicapped
Article 4 SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS
400. General
401. Explosion hazards
402. Volatile flammables
403. Fire prevention codes
404. Special permits and certificates of fitness
405. Existing buildings
406. Liquefied petroleum gases
407. Pyroxylin plastics
408. Use and storage of flammable film
409. Use and storage of combustible fibers
410. Combustible dusts, grain processing and storage
411. Paint spraying and spray booths
412. Dry cleaning establishments
413. Private garages
414. Public garages
415. Motor fuel service stations
416. Motor vehicle repair shops
417. Places of public assembly
418. Public assembly other than theaters
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 4 - continued
Section
419. Amusement parks
420. Stadiums and grandstands
421. Drive in motion picture theatres
422. Tents, air-supported structures and other temporary structures
423. Parking lots
424. Group residence
425. Motels
426. Radio and television towers
427. Radio and television antennae
428. Swimming pools
429. Open parking structures
430. Fallout shelters
431. High rise buildings
432. Covered malls
433. Nursing homes, rest homes, charitable homes for the aged, con-
valescent homes and hospitals
434. Day care centers
435. Summer camps for children
436. Historic buildings
437. Open wells
Article 5 LIGHT, VENTILATION AND SOUND TRANSMISSION CONTROL
500. General
501. Plans and specifications
502. Standards of natural light
503. Standards of natural ventilation
504. Artificial light and ventilation
505. Existing buildings
506. Natural lighting and ventilation of rooms
507. Lighting and venting of special spaces
508. Basements and cellars
509. Business and work rooms
510. Assembly rooms
511. Rooms of institutional buildings
512. Bath and toilet rooms
513. Stairways and exitways
514. Required fresh air supply
515. Ventilation of shafts other than elevator and dumbwaiter hoistways
516. Courts
517. Rear yards
518. Obstruction of courts and yards
519. Fire emergency ventilating system
520. Reserved
521. Window cleaning safeguards
522. Sound transmission control in residential buildings
Article 6 MEANS OF EGRESS
600. General
601. Plans and specifications
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 6 - continued
Section
602. Use and occupancy requirements
603. Air-conditioned buildings
604. Existing buildings
605. Maintenance of exitways
606. Occupancy load
607. Types and location of exitways
608. Capacity of exits
609. Number of exitways
610. Exitway access passageways and corridors
611. Grade passageways and lobbies used as an exitway element
612. Means of egress doorways
613. Revolving doors
614. Horizontal exits
615. Egress ramps
616. Interior exitway stairways
617. Access to roof
618. Smokeproof enclosures
619. Exterior exitway stairways
620. Moving exitway stairways
621 . Fire escapes
622. Slidescapes
623. Exit signs and lights
624. Means of egress lighting
625. Hazards to means of egress
Article 7 STRUCTURAL AND FOUNDATION LOADS AND STRESSES
700. General
701 . Design safe load
702. Test safe load
703. Design live load
704. Design dead load
705. Existing buildings
706. Uniformly distributed live load
707. Concentrated loads
708. Impact loads
709. Special loads
710. Roof loads
711 . Snow load
712. Wind load
713. Wind load on structures as a whole, and on vertical surfaces of
enclosed or partially enclosed structures
714. Wind load on roofs
715. Special configurations, shapes and considerations for wind
forces
716. Earthquake load
717. Combination of loads
718. Live load reduction
719. Strength criteria
720. Bearing value of soils
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 7 - continued
Section
721. Subsurface explorations
722. Bearing tests, pile loads tests and settlement analyses
723. Allowable foundation pressure
724. Depth of footings
725. Footing design
726. Timber footings, wood foundations
727. Steel grillages
728. Concrete footings
729. Masonry unit footings
730. Floating foundations
731. Foundation piers
732. Pile foundations
733. Corrosion protection
734. Allowable pile loads
735. Timber piles
736. Precast concrete piles
737. Cast-in-place concrete piles
738. Concrete-filled pile and tapered tubular piles
739. Concrete-filled pipe and steel core caissons
740. Structural steel piles
741 . Composite piles
742. Special piles and caissons
743. Lateral support
744. Design requirements for floodplains and coastal high hazard areas
Article 8 Part A MATERIALS AND TESTS
800.
General
801.
Basic classification of construction
materials
802.
Tests
803.
Conditions of acceptance
804.
Approvals
805.
Masonry construction units
806.
Brick units
807.
Structural clay tile units
808.
Glazed clay masonry units
809.
Concrete units
810.
Gypsum units
811.
Structural glass block units
812.
Architectural terra cotta
813.
Natural stone
814.
Cast stone
815.
Mortar for masonry
816.
Concrete aggregates
817.
Ready-mix concrete
818.
Structural wood glues
819.
Interior lathing and plastering
820.
Exterior lathing and stucco
821.
Plastering materials
822.
Plaster bases
823.
Fiber boards
824.
Plywood
825.
Wall boards and sheathing
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 8 Part B STEEL MASONRY, CONCRETE, GYPSUM AND LUMBER CONSTRUCTION
Section
826. Structural steel construction
827. Formed steel construction
828. Steel joist construction
829. Reinforcing steel
830. Cast steel construction
831. Deleted
832. Special steels
833. Light weight metal alloys
834. Masonry wall construction
835. Bonding of walls
836. Lateral bracing of walls
837. Chases and recesses in bearing walls
838. Corbeled and projected masonry
839. Bearing on hollow unit walls
840. Plain concrete
841. Reinforced concrete
842. Deleted
843. Deleted
844. Deleted
845. Deleted
846. Concrete-filled pipe columns
847. Pneumatic concrete
848. Minimum concrete dimensions
849. Reinforced gypsum concrete
850. Engineered unreinforced masonry
851. Reinforced masonry
852. Lumber and timber construction
853. Heavy timber type construction
854. Wood frame construction
855. Stress skin panels
856. Structural glued laminated timber and built-up wood construction
Article 8 Part C BUILDING ENCLOSURES, WALLS AND WALL THICKNESS
857. Enclosure walls
858. Protection of wall openings
859. Fire access panels
860. Structural glass block walls
861. Wall facings and veneers ,
862. Structural glass veneers
863. Thin stone and tile veneers
864. Metal veneers
865. Plastic veneers
866. Thickness of solid masonry walls
867. Thickness of panel walls
868. Deleted
869. Foundation walls
870. Retaining walls
871. Deleted
872. Waterproofing and floodproofing
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 8 - continued
Section
873. Deleted
874. Protection against decay and termites
875. Delete, add Reserved
876. Thermal insulating materials
Article 9 FIRERESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
900. General
901. Plans and specifications
902. Fire hazard classification
903. Fireresi stance tests
904. Flameresi stance tests
905. Special fireresi stive requirements
906. Exterior walls
907. Fire walls and party walls
908. Fire wall openings
909. Fire separation walls
910. Vertical shafts
911. Fireresistance of structural members
912. Fireresistance rated floor/ roof-ceiling assemblies
913. Roof construction
914. Exterior opening protectives
915. Fire doors
916. Fire windows and shutters
917. Wired glass
918. Fireresistive requirements for plaster
919. Firestopping and draftstopping
920. Interior wall and ceiling finish, floor coverings and trim
921. Application of interior finish
922. Combustible materials permitted in floor construction of Type 1
and Type 2 buildings
923. Decorative material restrictions
924. Exterior trim restrictions
925. Roof structures
926. Roof coverings
Article 10 CHIMNEYS, FLUES AND VENT PIPES
1000. General
1001. Plans and specifications
1002. Performance test and acceptance criteria
1003. Chimneys
1004. Appliances requiring chimneys
1005. Existing buildings
1006. Vent systems
1007. Fireplaces
1008. Incinerators
1009. Construction of metal ducts and vents
1010. Spark arrestors
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 11 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
Section
1100. General
1101. Plans and specifications
1102. Inspections and tests
1103. Existing buildings
1104. Fees
1105. Boiler rooms
1106. Drying rooms
1107. Refuse chutes
1108. Refuse vaults
1109. Dust, stock and refuse conveyor systems
1110. Solid fuel burning heating appliances
Article 12 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
1200. General
1201. Plans and specifications
1202. Fire suppression systems
1203. Suppression system selection
1204. Water sprinkler systems
1205. Limited area sprinkler systems
1206. Water spray fixed systems
1207. Foam extinguishing systems
1208. Carbon dioxide estinguishing systems
1209. Halogenated fire extinguishing systems
1210. Dry chemical extinguishing systems
1211. Standpipe systems
1212. Standpipes for buildings under construction or demolition
1213. Fire department connections
1214. Water supply and other extinguishing supply media
1215. Yard hydrants
1216. Automatic fire systems
1217. Manual fire alarm systems (pull stations)
1218. Supervision
Article 13 PRECAUTIONS DURING BUILDING OPERATIONS
1300. General
1301. Plans, specifications and special permits
1302. Tests
1303. Inspection
1304. Maintenance '
1305. Existing buildings
1306. Protection of public and workmen
1307. Excavations
1308. Regulations of lots
1309. Retaining walls and partition fences
1310. Storage of materials
1311. Removal of waste material
1312. Protection of adjoining property
1313. Protection of floor and wall openings
1314. Scaffolds
1315. Hoists
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 13 - continued
Section
1316. Stairways and ladders
1317. Lighting
1318. Fire hazards
1319. Health hazards
1320. Welding safety precautions
1321. Deleted
1322. Disputes
Article 14 SIGNS
1400. General
1401. Plans, specifications and permits
1402. Exemptions
1403. Unsafe and unlawful signs
1404. Existing signs
1405. Maintenance and inspection
1406. Bonds and liability insurance
1407. General requirements for all signs
1408. Ground signs
1409. Roof signs
1410. Wall signs
1411. Projecting signs
1412. Marquee signs
1413. Miscellaneous and temporary signs
1414. Illuminated signs
1415. Portable signs
Article 15 ELECTRICAL WIRING AND EQUIPMENT
Article 16 ELEVATOR DUMBWAITER AND CONVEYOR EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE
Article 17 PLUMBING AND GAS FITTING
Article 18 MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMPONENTS AND MOBILE HOMES
1800. General
1801. Approval
1802. Certification
1803. Reciprocity
1804. Assurance inspection
1805. Responsibility of the building official
1806. Suspension and revocation of certification
Article 19 LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION
1900. General
1901. Design and installation
1902. Glazing of unprotected openings
1903. Exterior panel walls
1904. Roof panels
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 19 - continued
Section
1905. Skylight assemblies
1906. Light-diffusing systems
1907. Partitions
1908. Bathroom accessories
1909. Awnings and similar structures
1910. Greenhouses
Article 20 ENERGY CONSERVATION
2000. General
2001. Administrative
2002. Existing buildings
2003. Plans and specifications
2004. Materials and equipment
2005. Design conditions
2006. Building insulation
2007. Vapor barriers
2008. Component design
2009. Exterior envelope requirements
2010. Mechanical systems
2011. Electrical power distribution
2012. Lighting power limits
2013. Building design by system analysis
2014. Buildings utilizing solar, geothermal , wind or other non-
depletable energy sources as alternative design
2015. Lighting power limits for existing buildings
Article 21 ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLING
2107. Roof coverings
2108. Chimneys, fireplaces and connector pipes
2109. Solid fuel burning heating appliances
2110. Mechanical equipment general
2111 . Combustion air
2112. Warm-air furnaces
2113. Vented decorative appliances, floor furnaces, vented wall fur-
naces and vented room heaters
2114. Venting of appliances
2115. Ducts
2116. Comfort cooling
2117. Absorption units and absorption systems for comfort cooling
and comfort heating
2118. Fuel supply systems
2119. Energy conservation by component design
2120. Building insulation
2121. Ventilation
2122. Vapor barriers
2123. U-values of building components
2124. Air leakage for all buildings
2125. System design heating/cooling capacity
2126. Controls
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 21 - continued
Section
2127. Balancing
2128. Duct insulation
2129. Pipe insulation
Reference Standards
Index to Tables and Figures
General Index
Article 22 REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING
BUILDINGS
2200. Scope
2201. Definitions
2202. Implementation
2203. Requirements for continuation of the same use group or change
to a use group of equal or lesser hazard index
2204. Requirements for change in use group to one hazard index
greater
2205. Requirement for change in use group to two or more hazard in-
dices greater
2206. Compliance alternatives
2207. Energy provisions for existing buildings
2208. Other Code Sections pertaining to repair alteration or change
of use of existing buildings
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Article 1
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 100.0 SCOPE
100.1 Title: These regulations shall be known as the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts State Building Code hereinafter re-
ferred to as "this code."
100.2 Scope: These regulations, in accordance with Chapter
802 of the Acts of 1972 as amended, shall control: a) the con-
struction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition, re-
moval, inspection, issuance and revocation of permits or
licenses, installation of eguipment, classification and definition
of any building or structure and use or occupancy of all build-
ings and structures and parts thereof or classes of buildings
and structures and parts thereof; b) the rehabilitation and
maintenance of existing buildings; c) the standards or reguire-
ments for materials to be used in connection therewith, includ-
ing but not limited to provisions for safety, ingress and egress,
energy conservation and sanitary conditions; d) the establish-
ment of reasonable fees for the issuance of licenses and permits
in connection therewith; except as such matters are otherwise
provided for in the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, or
in the rules and regulations authorized for promulgation under
the provisions of this code.
100.3 Application of reference: Unless otherwise specifically
provided in this code, all references to article or section num-
bers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number,
shall be construed to refer to such article, section or provision
of this code.
100.4 Code remedial: This code shall be construed to secure
its expressed intent which is to insure public safety, health
and welfare insofar as they are affected by building construc-
tion through structural strength, adeguate egress facilities,
sanitary conditions, equipment, light and ventilation and fire
safety; and, in general, to secure safety to life and property.
100.5 Specialized codes: Specialized codes, rules or regula-
tions pertaining to building construction, reconstruction, alter-
ation, repair, or demolition promulgated, and as amended, from
time to time, by the various authorized state agencies shall be
incorporated in this code. The said specialized codes, rules or
regulations include, but are not limited to, those listed in
Appendix P.
100.5.1 Technical Code Council: The Technical Code Council
is comprised of representatives from each of the state agencies
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
having jurisdiction over the specialized codes including those
listed in Appendix P, and serves as an advisory board to the
State Building Code Commission, herein referred to as the
Commission, on matters related to uniformity of rules and reg-
ulations governing building construction and the establishment
of uniform procedures relative to their administration and en-
forcement. Members of the Technical Code Council are listed in
Appendix R.
SECTION 101.0 APPLICABILITY
101.1 General: The provisions of this code shall apply to all
matters affecting or relating to buildings and structures; and
shall apply with equal force to municipal, county, state author-
ities of or established by the legislature and private buildings
and structures, except where such buildings and structures are
otherwise specifically provided for by statute.
Exceptions:
1. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this code, all exist-
ing buildings and structures shall meet and shall be pre-
sumed to meet, the provisions of the applicable laws, codes,
rules or regulations, by-laws or ordinances in effect at the
time such building or structure was erected or substantially
altered .
2. In cases where applicable codes, rules or regulations, by-
laws or ordinances were not in use at the time of such
erection or substantial alteration, the provisions of Section
104.0 of this code shall apply.
3. In cases where the provisions of this code are less stringent
than the applicable codes, rules or regulations, by-laws or
ordinances in force at the time of such erection or sub-
stantial alteration, the applicable provisions of this code shall
apply* providing such application of these provisions does
not result in danger to the public as determined by the
building official.
101.2 Zoning restrictions: When the provisions herein speci-
fied for structural strength, adequate egress facilities, sanitary
conditions, equipment, light and ventilation, and fire safety
conflict with the local zoning by-laws or ordinances, this code
shall control the erection or alteration of buildings.
101.3 Matters not covered: Any requirements essential for
structural, fire or sanitary safety of an existing or proposed
building or structure, or essential for the safety of the occu-
pants thereof, and which is not specifically covered by this
code, shall be determined by the building official. The State
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Building Code Commission and the Department of Public Safety
shall be notified in writing within seven (7) working days of
any action taken under this section.
SECTION 102.0 ORDINARY REPAIRS
102.1 General: Except as provided in Section 113.1, a permit
shall not be required for ordinary repairs to buildings and
structures .
SECTION 103.0 INSTALLATION OF SERVICE EQUIPMENT
103.1 General: When the installation, extension, alteration or
repair of an elevator, moving stairway, mechanical equipment,
refrigeration, air conditioning or ventilating apparatus, plumb-
ing, gas piping, electric wiring, heating system or any other
equipment is specifically controlled by the provisions of this
code or the approved rules, it shall be unlawful to use such
equipment until a certificate of approval has been issued there-
for by the building official or other agency having jurisdiction.
SECTION 104.0 MAINTENANCE
104.1 General: All buildings and structures and all parts
thereof, both existing and new, shall be maintained in a safe
and sanitary condition. All service equipment, means of
egress, devices and safeguards which are required by this code
in a building or structure, or which were required by a pre-
vious statute in a building or structure, when erected, altered
or repaired, shall be maintained in good working order.
104.2 Owner responsibility: The owner, as defined in
Article 2, shall be responsible for the safe and sanitary main-
tenance of the building or structure and its exitway facilities at
all times, unless otherwise specifically provided in this code.
SECTION 105.0 CHANGE IN EXISTING USE
105.1 Continuation of existing use: The legal use and occu-
pancy of any existing structure for which it had been hereto-
fore approved, may be continued without change, except as may
be specifically covered in this code or as may be deemed nec-
essary by the building official for the general safety and wel-
fare of the occupants and the public.
105.2 Change of existing use: Any change in the use and
occupancy of any existing building or structure shall comply
with Article 22.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 106.0 ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS
106.1 Application: Except as provided in this code, existing
buildings or structures when altered or repaired shall be made
to conform to Article 22.
SECTION 107.0 BUILDING DEPARTMENT
107.1 Appointment: The chief administrative officer of each
city or town shall employ and designate an inspector of build-
ings or building commissioner, as well as such other local in-
spectors as are reasonably necessary. The inspector of build-
ings or building commissioner shall report directly and be solely
responsible to the appointing authority.
107.2 Building commissioner or inspector of buildings: The
building department shall have an administrative chief respon-
sible for the administration and enforcement of this code who
shall be known as the building commissioner or inspector of
buildings .
107.2.1 Local Inspector: The local inspector shall assist the
building commissioner or inspector of buildings in the perfor-
mance of his duties and shall also be responsible for the en-
forcement of this code.
107.2.2 Alternate inspector: An alternate inspector of build-
ings may be appointed to act in the disability of the inspector
of buildings in case of illness, absence, or conflict of interest.
The alternate inspector shall meet the gualifications of
Section 107.3.
107.3 Qualifications of the building commissioner or inspector
of buildings: Each building commissioner or inspector of build-
ings shall have had at least five (5) years of experience in the
supervision of building construction or design or in the alter-
native a four-year undergraduate degree in a field related to
building construction or design. In addition, such persons
shall have had general knowledge of the accepted requirements
for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and
safe egress; as well as a general knowledge of other equipment
and materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of
the occupants of a building or structure; plus whatever other
requirements of experience and knowledge that are deemed
necessary by the municipality.
107.4 Qualifications of the local inspector: Each local inspector
shall have had at least five (5) years of experience in the
supervision of building construction or design or in the alterna-
tive a two-year associate degree in a field related to building
construction or design. In addition, such persons shall have a
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building
construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe
egress; as well as a general knowledge of other equipment and
materials essential for safety, comfort, and convenience of the
occupants of a building or structure; plus whatever other re-
quirements of experience and knowledge that are deemed
necessary by the municipality.
107.5 Restriction on employees: No full-time building com-
missioner, inspector of buildings, or full-time local inspector as
defined herein shall be engaged in, or directly or indirectly
connected with, the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances
for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a building or
structure, or the preparation of plans or of specifications
therefor within the city, town or region for which he is
appointed, unless he is the owner of the building or structure;
nor shall any officer or employee associated with the building
department engage in any work which conflicts with his official
duties or with the interests of the department.
107.6 Relief from personal liability: Insofar as the law allows,
while acting for the municipality, the building official, charged
with the enforcement of this code shall not be deemed person-
ally liable in the discharge of his official duties.
SECTION 108.0 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE
BUILDING OFFICIAL AND STATE INSPECTOR
108.1 The local building official: The building commissioner or
inspector of buildings and the local inspector shall enforce all
the provisions of this code and any other applicable state
statutes, rules and regulations, or ordinances and by-laws, and
act on any question relative to the mode or manner of construc-
tion, and the materials to be used in the construction, recon-
struction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, installation of
equipment, and the location, use, occupancy, and maintenance
of all buildings and structures, including any building or struc-
ture owned by any authority established by the legislature but
not owned by the Commonwealth.
108.2 Applications and permits: The building official shall re-
ceive applications and inspect the premises for which permits
have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of
this code.
108.3 Building notices and orders: The building official shall
issue all necessary notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe
conditions, to require the necessary safeguards during con-
struction, to require adequate egress facilities in new and
existing buildings and structures, and to insure compliance with
all the code requirements for the safety, health and general
welfare of the public.
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
108.4 Credentials: The building official or his authorized
representative shall carry proper credentials of his respective
office for the purpose of inspecting any and all buildings,
structures and premises in the performance of his duties under
this code.
108.5 Inspections: The building official shall make all the re-
quired inspections or may accept reports of inspections from a
qualified registered professional engineer or architect or others
certified by the Commission, and all reports of such inspections
shall be in writing; or the building official may engage such
experts as he may deem necessary to report upon unusual tech-
nical issues that may arise.
108.5.1 Inspection and certification, specified use groups:
The building official shall periodically inspect and certify build-
ings and structures or parts thereof in accordance with
Table 108. A building or structure shall not be occupied or
continue to be occupied without the posting of a valid certifi-
cate of inspection where required by Table 108. A certificate
of inspection as herein specified shall not be issued until an
inspection is made certifying that the building or structure or
parts thereof complies with all the applicable requirements of
this code, and until the fee is paid as specified in Table 108.
Municipalities may waive only in their entirety the fees as speci-
fied in Table 108 for buildings and structures or parts thereof.
Municipalities may increase the fees specified in Table 108 or
may waive only in their entirety the fees as specified in said
Table 108 for buildings and structures or parts thereof.
Exception: Municipalities may revise or modify, or waive in
part those fees for buildings and structures or parts thereof
owned by the municipality, county or political subdivision
thereof and for buildings and structures or parts thereof
used solely for religious purposes.
108.6 Administrative procedures: The building commissioner or
inspector of buildings shall have the authority to formulate ad-
ministrative procedures necessary to uniformly administer and
enforce this code provided that such procedures do not conflict
with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission.
2/1/si (Supplement 3/31/81)
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes applicable to Table 108
General:
The maximum certification period specified in Table 108 is
intended to provide administrative flexibility. For those
buildings and structures or parts thereof allowing more than a
one (1) year maximum certification period, the building official
may determine the length of validity of the certificate issued.
For example, a building in the R-2 use group could be issued a
certificate valid for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years. The total amount of
fees charged for a certificate or certificates issued during the
maximum certification period can exceed the fee listed or refer-
enced in column 4 of Table 108. For example, if the building
official issues a certificate valid for two (2) years for a building
in the R-2 use group, the fee charged would be two-fifths (2/5)
times the fee per maximum certification period as determined for
the building in question using the formula in note f below.
Note a. For all buildings or structures, or parts thereof, in
the A-3+ use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum
certification period of one (1) year is $75 for accommodations
for up to five thousand (5,000) persons, plus $15 for the
accommodations for each additional one thousand (1,000) persons
or fraction thereof.
Note b. For all buildings or structures, or parts thereof,
in A-5 use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum cer-
tification period of one (1) year is $40 for seating accommoda-
tions for up to five thousand (5,000) persons, plus $8 for the
accommodation for each additional one thousand (1,000) persons
or fraction thereof.
Note c. For all buildings and structures, or parts thereof,
in the 1-1 use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum
certification period of two (2) years is $75 for each structure
containing up to one hundred (100) beds, plus a $2 charge for
each additional ten (10) beds or fraction thereof over the initial
one hundred (100) beds.
Note d. For hospitals, nursing homes, sanitariums, and
orphanages in the 1-2 use group, the fee to be charged for the
maximum certification period of two (2) years is $75 for each
structure containing up to one hundred (100) beds, plus a $2
charge for each additional ten (10) beds or fraction thereof over
the initial one hundred (100) beds. All other buildings or
structures or parts thereof in the 1-2 use group classification
shall be charged a fee of $75 for a two (2) year maximum certi-
fication period.
2/1/81 (Supplement 3/31/81)
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Note e. For all buildings and structures or parts thereof in
the R-l use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum
certification period of one (1) year shall be $40 for up to five
(5) units plus $2 per unit for all over five (5) units. A unit
shall be defined as follows:
two (2) hotel guest rooms;
two (2) lodging house guest rooms;
two (2) boarding house guest rooms; or
four (4) dormitory beds
Note f. For all buildings and structures or parts thereof in
the R-2 use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum
certification period of five (5) years shall be $75, plus $2 per
dwelling unit, except three (3) family dwelling units shall be
exempt from such fees.
Note g. For purposes of determining the required number
of inspections, the maximum certification period, and the fees,
as specified in Table 108, dormitories are included in the R-l
use group classification rather than the R-2.
Note h. Summer camps for children in use group R-2 shall
be inspected and certified annually prior to the beginning of
each season. The annual fee shall be $15 for the first twenty-
five (25) residential units: $8 for each additional twenty-five
(25) residential units; and $15 for each assembly building or
use. (A residential unit for this purpose shall be defined as
four (4) beds.)
108.7 Department records: The building official shall keep in
a public place and open to public inspection during normal
working hours official records of applications received, permits
and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections,
variances granted, and notices and orders issued. File copies
of all papers in connection with building operations shall be re-
tained in the official records so long as the building or struc-
ture to which they relate remains in existence.
108.8 Reports: The building official shall submit the following
reports :
1. to the Department of Community Affairs on a form pro-
vided by said department a report of the building permit
activity for the month;
2. to the chief administrative officer of the municipality a
written statement of all permits and certificates issued,
fees collected, inspections made, and notices and orders
issued for the year;
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. to the Commission and Department of Public Safety re-
ports on decisions regarding the matters not covered as
specified in Section 101.3; and
4. to the assessors of the municipality reports on permits
issued as specified in Section 114.2.
108.9 The state inspector: In every city and town this code
shall be enforced by the state inspector as to any structures or
buildings or parts thereof that are owned by the Commonwealth
or any departments, commissions, agencies, or authorities of
the Commonwealth. The state inspector shall have as to such
buildings and structures all the powers of a building commis-
sioner or inspector of buildings. All buildings and structures
owned by any authority established by the legislature shall be
regulated in accordance with Section 108.1 of this code.
108.9.1 Other responsibilities: The state inspector shall make
periodic reviews of all local building inspection practices, pro-
vide technical assistance and advice to the local building
officials in the implementation of this code, and report in writ-
ing his findings to the building officials.
108.9.2 Review by the commissioner: The Commissioner of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Safety
shall establish districts which shall be supervised by a state
inspector of the Division of Inspection. The Commissioner may
review, on his own initiative or on the application of any state
inspector, any action or refusal or failure of action by any
building official the result of which does not comply with the
uniform implementation of this code; and may reverse, modify or
annul, in whole or in part, such action except with respect to
the specialized codes, provided that an order or action of the
Commissioner shall not reverse, modify, annul, or contravene
any order, action, determination, interpretation or any decision
by the Commission or the State Building Code Appeals Board.
108.9.3 Reports: The state inspector shall file with the
Commission reports of his periodic reviews and recommendations
for improvements of building inspection practices. The format
and due dates for these reports shall be determined by the
Commission.
SECTION 109.0 RULES AND REGULATIONS
109.1 Rule making authority: Under authority granted by
Chapter 802, Acts of 1972, as amended, the Commission is em-
powered in the interest of public safety, health and general
welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations, and to
interpret and implement the provisions of this code to secure
the intent thereof.
9/1/80 10
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
109.1.1 Licensing of Construction Supervisors;
Except for those structures governed by Construction Control
in Section 127.0, effective September 1, 1982 no individual
shall be engaged in directly supervising persons engaged in
construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or
demolition involving the structural elements of buildings and
structures, unless he or she is licensed in accordance with
the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission as
listed in Appendix Q, entitled Rules and Regulations for Li-
censing Construction Supervisors.
Exception: Any Home Owner performing work for which a
building permit is required shall be exempt from the pro-
visions of this section; provided that if a Home Owner en-
gages a person(s) for hire to do such work, that such
Home Owner shall act as supervisor.
For purposes of this section only, a "Home Owner" is de-
fined as follows:
Person(s) who owns a parcel of land on which he/she re-
sides or intends to reside, on which there is, or is inten-
ded to be, a dwelling of six or less units, attached or
detached structures accessory to such use and/or farm
structures. A person who constructs more than one home
in a two-year period shall not be considered a home owner.
109.1.1.1 No municipality shall be prohibited from requiring
a license for those individuals engaged in directly supervising
persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration,
repair, removal or demolition in those categories of building
and structures for which the commission is not requiring a
license, provided that those municipalities which have estab-
lished licensing requirements for construction supervisors
prior to January 1, 1975, may maintain their existing licen-
sing requirements.
109.1.2 Licensing of laboratories and test personnel: The Com-
mission shall issue rules and regulations for the examination and
licensing, and the revocation of licenses of individuals, labor-
atories and firms responsible for the inspection and/or testing
of materials, devices and methods of construction, in accordance
with the Rules and Regulations for Concrete Testing Personnel
and the Rules and Regulations for Licensing of Concrete Test-
ing Laboratories referenced in Appendix Q.
109.1.3 Manufactured buildings: The Commission shall issue
rules and regulations pursuant to Article 18 governing manu-
factured buildings and building components referenced in Ap-
pendix Q.
109.1.4 Mobile homes: The Commission shall issue rules and
regulations pursuant to Article 18 governing mobile homes ref-
erenced in Appendix Q.
9/30/82 11
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
109.2 Amendments and promulgation of rules: Any person may
propose amendments to this code. Public hearings shall be held
in the city of Boston in May and October of each year, and at
such other times and places as the Commission may determine,
to consider petitions for such amendments. Amendments adop-
ted by the Commission shall be binding and have the full force
and effect in all cities and towns.
SECTION 110.0 APPROVAL
110.1 Approved materials and equipment: All materials, equip-
ment, devices, systems or methods of construction shall be sub-
ject to the following approvals required by this section.
110.2 Accepted engineering practice: If not otherwise speci-
fied in this code, the regulations, specifications and standards
listed in the appropriate appendices shall be deemed to repre-
sent accepted engineering practice with respect to the material,
equipment, device, system or method of construction therein spe-
cified .
110.3 New materials and methods of construction: The provi-
sions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any
material, system or method of construction not specifically pre-
scribed by this code. The building official shall accept appro-
vals of the Commission on all new materials, systems or methods
of construction proposed for use which are not specifically pro-
vided for in this code.
110.4 Used materials and equipment: Used materials, equip-
ment and devices which meet the minimum requirements of this
code for new materials, equipment and devices shall be permit-
ted; however, the building official may require satisfactory
proof that such materials, equipment and devices have been
reconditioned, tested, and/or placed in good and proper work-
ing condition prior to approval.
110.5 Research and investigations: Wherever there is insuffic-
ient evidence that any material, system or method of construc-
tion conforms to the requirements of this code or there is in-
sufficient evidence to substantiate claims for alternative mater-
ials, systems or methods of construction, the building official
may require tests meeting the functional requirements of this
code (see Sections 800.0, 802.0, and 803.0) and such test shall
be conducted by a laboratory and/or personnel approved by the
Commission. The costs of all such tests or other investigations
required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant.
110.5.1 Test results: Copies of the results of all such tests
shall be forwarded to the Commission within ten (10) days and
shall be kept on file in the permanent records of the building
department.
4/9/81 (Supplement 6/30/81) 12
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
110.5.2 Retesting: The Commission may require tests to be
repeated, if at any time there is reason to believe that material
or construction no longer conforms to the requirements on
which its approval was based.
110.6 Variances/modifications: When there are practical diffi-
culties involved in carrying out structural or mechanical pro-
visions of this code, the Board of Appeals may allow a variance
or a modification from such provisions as applied for by the
owner as provided in Section 126.0, provided that the decision
of the Board shall not conflict with the general objectives of
this code and its enabling legislation and provided that no de-
cision shall be considered by any person or agency as a prece-
dent for future decisions.
SECTION 111.0 INSPECTION
111.1 Preliminary inspection: Before issuing a permit, the
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
4/9/81 (Supplement 6/30/81) 12.2
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
building official may examine or cause to be examined all build-
ings, structures and sites for which an application has been
filed for a permit to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, re-
move, demolish or change the use thereof.
111.2 Inspection: The building official shall make all required
inspections as specified in the provisions of this code and he
shall conduct such inspections from time to time during and
upon completion of the work for which he has issued a permit;
and he shall maintain a record of all such examinations and in-
spections and of all violations of this code. In conjunction with
specific construction projects, the building official may desig-
nate specific inspection points in the course of construction that
require the contractor or builder to give the building official
twenty-four (24) hours notice prior to the time when those in-
spections need to be performed. The building official shall
make the inspection within forty-eight (48) hours after such
notification .
111.2.1 Inspection services: The building official may accept
the written report of inspections from a qualified registered
professional engineer or architect or others certified by the
Commission; and such inspection report shall specify but not be
limited to any violation of the requirements of this code in re-
spect to egress requirements, floor load, fire grading, occu-
pancy load and use of the buildings or structures.
111.3 Final inspection: The owner or his authorized represen-
tative shall notify the building official upon completion of the
building or structure or part thereof. Prior to the issuance of
the certificate of use and occupancy required in Section 119.0,
a final inspection shall be made and all violations of the
approved plans and permit shall be noted and the holder of the
permit shall be notified of any discrepancies.
111.4 Manufactured Buildings
111.4.1 Plant inspection: Inspection of all manufactured build-
ings and building components at the plant shall be performed
by a third party which shall be certified and approved by the
Commission and monitored as specified in Article 18 and the
rules and regulations pursuant thereto.
111.4.2 Site inspection: Inspection of all manufactured build-
ings, building components, and mobile homes at the installation
site shall be made by the building official as specified in
Article 18 and the rules and regulations pursuant thereto.
111.5 Existing Buildings
111.5.1 Periodic Inspections: The building commissioner or in-
spector of buildings shall develop plans for the systematic per-
iodic inspection of all existing buildings and structures and
9/1/80 13
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
shall cause such buildings and structures to be periodically or
otherwise inspected as specified in Section 108.5.1 and
Section 120.4, for compliance with this code.
SECTION 112.0 RIGHT OF ENTRY
112.1 General: In the discharge of his duties, the building
official shall have the authority to enter at any reasonable hour
any building, structure or premises in the municipality to en-
force the provisions of this code.
If any owner, occupant, or other person refuses, impedes,
inhibits, intereferes with, restricts, or obstructs entry and
free access to every part of the structure, operation or
premises where inspection authorized by this code is sought,
the building official, or state inspector may:
1. seek in a court of competent jurisdiction a search warrant
so as to apprise the owner, occupant or other person
concerning the nature of the inspection and justification
for it and may seek the assistance of police authorities in
presenting said warrant; and/or
2. revoke or suspend any permit, license, certificate or other
permission regulated under this code where inspection of
the structures, operation or premises is sought to deter-
mine compliance with this code.
112.2 Office badge: The Commission may adopt a badge of
office for building officials which shall be displayed for the
purpose of identification.
112.3 Jurisdictional cooperation: The assistance and cooper-
ation of police, fire, and health departments and all other
officials shall be available to the building official as required in
the performance of his duties.
SECTION 113.0 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
113.1 When permit is required: It shall be unlawful to con-
struct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a
structure; or to change the use or occupancy of a building or
structure; or to install or alter any equipment for which pro-
vision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this
code without first filing a written application with the building
official and obtaining the required permit therefor.
Exception: Ordinary repairs as defined in Section 201.0.
113.2 Form of application: The application for a permit shall
be submitted in such form as the building official may prescribe
9/1/80 14
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
and shall be accompanied by the required fee as prescribed in
Section 118.0.
113.3 By whom application is made: Application for a permit
shall be made by the owner of the building or structure. The
full names and addresses of the owner, applicant, and of the
responsible officers, if the owner is a corporate body, shall be
stated in the application.
113.4 Description of work: The application shall contain a
general description of the proposed work, its location, the use
and occupancy of all parts of the building or structure and of
all portions of the site or lot not covered by the building; and
shall state whether or not fire extinguishing equipment, plumb-
ing, water piping, gasfitting, heating or electrical work is in-
volved, the estimated cost of such work including the general
work , and such additional information as may be required by
the building commissioner or inspector of buildings. The build-
ing commissioner or inspector of buildings may require the facts
contained in each application to be certified by the applicant
under oath.
113.5 Plans and specifications: The application for the permit
shall be accompanied by not less than three (3) copies of spec-
ifications and of plans drawn to scale, with sufficient clarity
and detail dimensions to show the nature and character of the
work to be performed. When quality of materials is essential
for conformity to this code, specific information shall be given
to establish such quality; and the code shall not be cited nor
the term "legal" or its equivalent be used as a substitute for
specific information . The building official may waive the _ re-
quirement for filing plans when the work involved is of a minor
nature .
When such application for a permit must comply with the pro-
visions of Article 4 or Article 12 of this code, the building
official shall cause one (1) such set of plans and specifications
received by him to be forwarded simultaneously to the head of
the fire department for his file and approval of the items spec-
ified in Section 1200.0 as they relate to the applicable sections
of Article 4 and Article 12. The head of the fire department
shall within ten (10) working days from the date of receipt by
him approve or disapprove such plans and specifications. Upon
request by the head of the fire department, the building official
may grant one (1) or more extensions for such review, pro-
viding, however, that the total review by said head of the fire
department shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days. If such
approval, disapproval or request for an extension of time shall
not be received by the building official within said ten (10)
working days, the building official may deem the plans and
specifications to be in full compliance with the applicable sec-
tions of Article 4 and Article 12 and, therefore, approved by
the head of the fire department.
9/1/80 15
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
All plans filed with- the building official shall include but not
be limited to:
1. the accurate locations and dimension of all means of egress
from fire and an occupancy schedule of persons for all
occupiable spaces;
2. the method and amount of ventilation and sanitation;
3. the methods of firestopping as required in this code; and
4. schedules and details indicating compliance of interior trim
and finish with provisions of Article 9.
113.5.1 Structures subject to control: In those structures
subject to control as required in Section 127.0, affidavits must
be submitted with the permit application that the individuals
and testing laboratories responsible for carrying out the duties
specified in Section 127.0 have been licensed by the Commission.
113.5.2 Architects' and engineers' seals: Unless otherwise
provided in this code, all plans and specifications for buildings
and structures containing more than thirty-five thousand
(35,000) cubic feet of enclosed space shall bear the Massachu-
setts seal of registration of a qualified registered professional
engineer or architect.
Plans and specifications, plats and records whenever re-
quired to be stamped with the seal of a registered professional
engineer or architect shall be signed by the registrant named
thereon. The use of a facsimile signature stamp shall not be
deemed to comply with this section.
113.6 Site plan: There shall also be filed prior to a permit
being granted for the excavation or for the erection of any
building or structure a site plan showing to scale the size and
location of all new construction and all existing structures on
the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades
if they exist (verified by the town or city) and proposed
finished grades. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall
show all construction to be demolished and the location and size
of all existing structures and construction that are to remain on
the site or plot. The site plan shall not be changed except as
specified in Sections 113.8 and 115.3.
113.7 Engineering details: The building official may require
adequate details of structural, mechanical and electrical work,
including computations, stress diagrams and other essential
technical data, prepared by a registered professional engineer
qualified by experience in the specific field of construction, to
be filed. All such plans and computations shall bear the Massa-
chusetts seal of registration and signature of the qualified reg-
istered professional engineer or architect.
9/1/80 16
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
113.8 Amendments to application: Subject to the limitations of
Section 113.9, amendments or revisions to a plan or other
records accompanying the same may not be made until the pro-
posed changes have been filed with and approved by the
building official; and such approved amendments shall be
deemed part of the original application and shall be filed
therewith .
113.9 Time limitation of application: An application for a per-
mit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been
abandoned six (6) months after date of filing, unless such
application has been diligently prosecuted or a permit has been
issued; except that for reasonable cause the building official
may grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods
not exceeding ninety (90) days each.
SECTION 114.0 PERMITS
114.1 Action on application: The building commissioner or in-
spector of buildings shall examine or cause to be examined all
applications for permits and amendments thereto within thirty
(30) days after filing. If the application or the plans do not
conform to the requirements of Section 113.0 or other related
sections of this code or of all pertinent laws, he shall reject
such application in writing citing the specific sections of this
code or pertinent law. If he is satisfied that the proposed
work conforms to the requirements of this code and all perti-
nent law applicable thereto, he shall issue a permit.
114.2 Report to assessors: The building official shall give to
the assessors of the municipality written notice of the granting
by him of permits for the construction of any buildings or
structures, or for the removal or demolition, or for any sub-
stantial alteration or addition thereto. Such notice shall be
given within seven (7) days after the granting of each permit,
and shall state the name of the person to whom the permit was
granted and the location of the building or structure to be con-
structed, reconstructed, altered, demolished or removed.
114.3 Expiration of permit: Any permit issued shall be deemed
abandoned and invalid unless the work authorized by it shall
have been commenced within six (6) months after its issuance;
however, for cause, one or more extensions of time, for periods
not exceeding six (6) months each, may be granted in
writing by the building commissioner or inspector of buildings.
Work under such a permit in the opinion of the building com-
missioner or inspector of buildings, must proceed in good faith
continuously to completion so far as is reasonably practicable
under the circumstances.
For purposes of this section, any permit issued shall not be
considered invalid if such abandonment or suspension of work is
9/1/80 17
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
due to a court order prohibiting such work as authorized by
such permit; provided, however, in the opinion of the building
commissioner or inspector of buildings, the person so prohibited
by such court order, adequately defends such action before the
court.
114.4 Previous approvals: Nothing in this code or the rules
and regulations pursuant thereto shall affect any building per-
mit lawfully issued, or any building or structure lawfully begun
in conformance with such permit, before the effective date of
this code or any amendments thereto.
114.5 Signature to permit: The building commissioner or in-
spector of buildings shall attach his signature to every permit,
or he may authorize a subordinate to affix such signature
thereto .
114.6 Approved plans: If approved by him, the building com-
missioner or inspector of buildings or his authorized subordi-
nate shall stamp and endorse in writing the plans submitted in
accordance with Section 113.5; one (1) set of such stamped and
endorsed plans shall be retained; the other set of plans shall
be kept at the building site, open to the inspection of the
building commissioner, inspector of buildings, or his authorized
subordinate, at all reasonable times.
114.7 Revocation of permits: The building commissioner or in-
spector of buildings may revoke a permit or approval issued
under the provisions of this code in case of any false statement
or misrepresentation of fact in the application or the plans on
which the permit or approval was based.
114.8 Approval in part: When application for a permit to erect
or add to a building or structure has been filed, as required in
Section 113.5 and pending issuance of such permit, the building
commissioner or inspector of buildings may, at his discretion,
issue a special permit for the foundations or any other part of
a building or structure. The holder of such a special permit
may proceed at his own risk without assurance that a permit for
the entire structure will be granted.
114.9 Posting of permit: A copy of the building permit pro-
vided by the building department shall be kept in view and pro-
tected from the weather on the site of operation during the
entire time the work is under execution and until the certificate
of use and occupancy shall have been issued. The building
permit shall serve as an inspection record card to allow the
building official conveniently to make entries thereon regarding
inspection of the work.
114.10 Notice of start: At least twenty-four (24) hours' notice
of start of work under a building permit shall be given to the
building official.
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SECTION 115.0 CONDITIONS OF PERMIT
115.1 Compliance with code: The permit shall be a license to
proceed with the work and shall not be construed as authority
to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions of this
code, except as specifically stipulated by modification or legally
granted variation in accordance with Section 126.0.
115.2 Compliance with permit: All work shall conform to the
stamped or endorsed application and plans for which the permit
has been issued and any approved amendments thereto.
115.3 Change in site plan: A lot or site shall not be changed,
increased or diminished in area from that shown on the official
site plan, as specified in Section 113.6, unless a revised plan
showing such changes accompanied by the necessary affidavit of
owner or applicant shall have been filed and approved.
Exception: A revised site plan will not be required if the
change is caused by reason of an official street opening,
street widening or other public improvement.
SECTION 116.0 DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES
116.1 Service connections: Before a building or structure can
be demolished or removed, the owner or agent shall notify all
utilities having service connections within the building or struc-
ture, such as; water, electric, gas, sewer and other connec-
tions. A permit to demolish or remove a building or structure
shall not be issued until a release is obtained from the utilities,
stating that their respective service connections and appurten-
ant equipment, such as; meters and regulators have been re-
moved or sealed and plugged in a safe manner.
116.2 Lot regulation: When a building or structure has been
demolished or removed and a building operation has not been
projected or approved, the vacant lot shall be filled with non-
organic fill, graded and maintained in conformity with adjacent
grades. The lot shall be maintained free from the accumulation
of rubbish and all other unsafe or hazardous conditions which
endanger the life or health of the public; provisions shall be
made to prevent the accumulation of water or damage to any
foundations on the premises or the adjoining property; and the
necessary retaining walls and fences shall be erected in accord-
ance with the provisions of Article 13.
SECTION 117.0 MOVED STRUCTURES
117.1 General: Buildings and structures moved into or within
the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code.
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SECTION 118.0 FEES
118.1 General: A permit shall not be issued to begin work for
new construction, alteration, removal, demolition or other build-
ing operation until the fees prescribed by municipal ordinance
or by-law shall have been paid to the city or town collector or
other municipal agency authorized to collect such fees.
118.2 Special fees: The payment of the fee for the construc-
tion, alteration, removal or demolition and for all work done in
connection with or concurrently with the work contemplated by
a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the
permit from the payment of other fees that may be prescribed
by law or ordinance for water taps, sewer connections, elec-
trical and plumbing permits, erection of signs and display
structures, marquees or other appurtenant structures, or fees
for inspections, certificates of use and occupancy or other priv-
ileges or requirements, both within and without the jurisdiction
of the building department.
SECTION 119.0 CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY
119.1 New buildings and structures: A building or structure
hereafter shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part
until the certificate of use and occupancy shall have been
issued by the building commissioner or inspector of buildings
or, when applicable, the state inspector. The certificate shall
not be issued until all the work has been completed in accord-
ance with the provisions of the approved permits and of the
applicable codes for which a permit is required, except as pro-
vided in Section 119.4.
119.2 Buildings or structures hereafter altered: A building or
structure, in whole or in part, altered to change from one use
group to another; to a different use within the same use group;
the fire-grading; the maximum live load capacity; the occupancy
load capacity; or a building or structure hereafter altered for
which a certificate of use and occupancy has not been hereto-
fore issued, shall not be occupied or used until the certificate
shall have been issued certifying that the work has been com-
pleted in accordance with the provisions of the approved per-
mits and of the applicable codes for which a permit is required.
Any use or occupancy, which was not discontinued during the
work of alteration, shall be discontinued within thirty (30) days
after the completion of the alteration unless the required certif-
icate is issued.
119.3 Existing buildings or structures: If a certificate of use
and occupancy has not been issued, upon written request from
the owner of an existing building or structure, a certificate of
use and occupancy shall be issued, provided there are no
violations of law or orders of the building official pending, and
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it is established after inspection and investigation that the
alleged use of the building or structure has heretofore existed.
Nothing in this code shall require the removal, alteration or
abandonment of, or prevent the continuance of the use and
occupancy of a lawfully existing building or structure, unless
such use is deemed to endanger public safety and welfare.
119.4 Temporary occupancy: Upon the request of the holder
of a permit, a temporary certificate of occupancy for a building
or structure or part thereof may be issued before the entire
work covered by the permit shall have been completed, pro-
vided such portion or portions may be occupied safely prior to
full completion of the building or structure without endangering
life or public welfare, and provided that the agencies having
jurisdiction for permits issued under other applicable codes are
notified of the decision to issue a temporary certificate.
119.5 Contents of certificate: The certificate shall certify
compliance with the provisions of this code and the purpose for
which the building or structure may be used in its several
parts; and shall be issued within ten (10) days after final in-
spection, provided that the provisions of the approved permits
and of the applicable codes for which permits are required have
been met. The certificate of use and occupancy shall specify:
the use group in accordance with the provisions of Article 2,
the fire grading as defined in Article 2 and Table 902, the
maximum live load on all floors as prescribed in Article 7, the
occupancy load in the building and all parts thereof as defined
in Article 2 and Article 6, and any special stipulations and con-
ditions of the building permit.
SECTION 120.0 POSTING STRUCTURES
120.1 Posted use and occupancy: A suitably designed placard
approved by the building official shall be posted by the owner
on all floors of every building and structure and part thereof
designed for high hazard, storage, mercantile, factory and in-
dustrial or business use (use groups H, S, M, F and B) as de-
fined in Article 2. Said placard shall be securely fastened to
the building or structure in a readily visible place, stating:
the use group, the fire grading, the live load and the occu-
pancy load.
120.2 Posted occupancy load: A suitably designed placard
approved by the building official shall be posted by the owner
in every room where practicable of every building and structure
and part thereof designed for use as a place of public assembly
or as an institutional building for harboring people for penal,
correctional, educational, medical or other care or treatment, or
as residential buildings used for hotels, lodging houses, board-
ing houses, dormitory buildings, multiple-family dwellings (use
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groups A, I, R-l and R-2). Said placard shall designate the
maximum occupancy load.
120.3 Replacement of posted signs: All posting signs shall be
furnished by the owner and shall be of permanent design; they
shall not be removed or defaced, and if lost, removed or de-
faced, shall be immediately replaced.
120.4 Periodic inspection for posting: The building official
may periodically inspect all existing buildings and structures
except one and two-family dwellings for compliance with this
code in respect to posting; or he may accept the report of such
inspections from a qualified registered engineer or architect or
others certified by the Commission; and such inspections and
reports shall specify any violation of the requirements of this
code in respect to the posting of floor load, fire grading, occu-
pancy load and use group of the building or structure.
SECTION 121.0 VIOLATIONS
121.1 Unlawful acts: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm
or corporation to erect, construct, alter, reconstruct, repair,
remove, demolish, use or occupy any building or structure or
equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done,
contrary to or in conflict with or in violation of any of the pro-
visions of this code.
121.2 Notice of violation: The building official shall serve a
notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the
erection, construction, alteration, reconstruction, repair, re-
moval, demolition, use or occupancy of a building or structure
in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a
detail statement or a plan approved thereunder, or in violation
of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this
code; and such order shall direct the discontinuance of the il-
legal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
121.2.1 Notice or orders, service and content: Every notice
or order authorized by this code shall be in writing and shall
be served on the person responsible:
1. personally, by any person authorized by the building
official; or
2. by any person authorized to serve civil process by leav-
ing a copy of the order or notice at his last and usual
place of abode; or
3. by sending him a copy of the order by registered or
certified mail return receipt requested, if he is within the
Commonwealth; or
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4. if his last and usual place of abode is unknown, by post-
ing a copy of this order or notice in a conspicuous place
on or about the premises in violation and by publishing it
for at least three (3) out of five (5) consecutive days in
one (1) or more newspapers of general circulation wherein
the building or premises affected is situated.
121.3 Prosecution of violation: If the notice of violation is not
complied with within the time period specified in the notice,
unless otherwise provided in this code, the building official may
institute the appropriate proceedings at law or in equity in a
court of competent jurisdiction to restrain, correct or abate
such violation or to require the removal or termination of the
unlawful use of the building or structure in violation of the
provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pur-
suant thereto.
121.4 Violation penalties: Anyone who shall violate a provision
of this code shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one
thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than
one year, or both, for each violation. Each day during which
any portion of a violation continues shall constitute a separate
offense .
121.5 Abatement of violation: The imposition of the penalties
herein prescribed shall not preclude the building official from
instituting appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction
or to restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent illegal
occupancy of a building, structure or premises or to stop an
illegal act, conduct, business or use of a building or structure
in or about any premises.
SECTION 122.0 STOP-WORK ORDER
122.1 Notice to owner: Upon notice from the building official
that any work is being prosecuted contrary to the provisions of
this code or in an unsafe or dangerous manner, such work shall
be immediately stopped. The stop-work order shall be in writ-
ing and shall be served on the owner or on the person doing
the work, and shall state the conditions under which work may
be resumed; provided, however, that in instances where immed-
iate action is deemed necessary for public safety or in the
public interest, the building official may require that work be
stopped upon verbal order, provided that said verbal order be
confirmed in writing within forty -eight (48) hours.
122.1.1 Posting: A stop-work notice shall be posted in a con-
spicuous place on the job site and can only be removed by the
building official.
122.2 Unlawful continuance: Anyone who shall continue any
work in or about the job site after having been served with a
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stop-work order, except such work as he is directed by the
building official to perform to remove a violation of unsafe con-
ditions, shall be liable to prosecution as provided in Section
121.0.
SECTION 123.0 UNSAFE STRUCTURES
123.1 Inspection: The building official immediately upon being
informed by report or otherwise that a building or other struc-
ture or anything attached thereto or connected therewith is
dangerous to life or limb or that any building in that city or
town is unused, uninhabited or abandoned, and open to the
weather, shall inspect the same; and he shall forthwith in writ-
ing notify the owner to remove it or make it safe if it appears
to him to be dangerous, or to make it secure if it is unused,
uninhabited or abandoned and open to the weather. If it
appears that such structure would be especially unsafe in case
of fire, it shall be deemed dangerous within the meaning hereof,
and the building official may affix in a conspicious place upon
its exterior walls a notice of its dangerous condition, which
shall not be removed or defaced without authority from him.
123.2 Removal or making structure safe: Any person so noti-
fied shall be allowed until twelve o'clock noon of the day follow-
ing the service of the notice in which to begin to remove such
building or structure or make it safe, or to make it secure, and
he shall employ sufficient labor speedily to make it safe or re-
move it or to make it secure; but if the public safety so re-
quires and if the mayor or selectmen so order, the building
official may immediately enter upon the premises with the nec-
essary workmen and assistants and cause such unsafe structure
to be made safe or demolished without delay and a proper fence
put up for the protection of Passersby, or to be made secure.
SECTION 124.0 EMERGENCY MEASURES
124.1 Failure to remove or make structure safe, survey board,
survey report: If an owner of such unsafe structure refuses
or neglects to comply with the requirements of such notice
within the specified time limit, and such structure is not made
safe or taken down as ordered therein, a careful survey of the
premises shall be made by a board consisting; in a city, of a
city engineer, the head of the fire department, as such term is
defined in Section 1 of Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General
Laws Annotated, as amended, and one disinterested person to
be appointed by the building official; and, in a town, of a sur-
veyor, the head of the fire department and one disinterested
person to be appointed by the building official. In the absence
of any of the above officers or individuals, the mayor or select-
men shall designate one or more officers or other suitable
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persons in place of the officers so named as members of said
board. A written report of such survey shall be made, and a
copy thereof served on such owner.
124.2 Removal of dangerous or abandoned structures: If such
survey report as outlined in Section 124.1 declares such struc-
ture to be dangerous or to be unused, uninhabited or aband-
oned, and open to the weather, and if the owner continues
such refusal or neglect, the building official shall cause it to be
made safe or taken down or to be made secure; and, if the
public safety so requires, said building official may at once
enter the structure, the land on which it stands or the abut-
ting land or buildings, with such assistance as he may require,
and secure the same; and may remove and evict, under the
pertinent provisions of Chapter 239 of the Massachusetts
General Laws Annotated as amended, or otherwise, any tenant
or occupant thereof; and may erect such protection for the
public by proper fence or otherwise as may be necessary, and
for this purpose may close a public highway. In the case of
such demolition, the said building official shall cause such lot to
be levelled to conform with adjacent grades by a non-organic
fill. The costs and charges incurred shall constitute a lien
upon the land upon which the structure is located, and shall be
enforced in an action of contract; and such owner shall, for
every day's continuance of such refusal or neglect after being
so notified, be punished by a fine in accordance with Sec-
tion 121.4. The provisions of the second paragraph of Sec-
tion 3A of Chapter 139 of the Massachusetts General Laws
Annotated as amended, relative to liens for such debt and the
collection of claims for such debt shall apply to any debt re-
ferred to in this section, except that the said building official
shall act hereunder in place of the mayor or board of select-
men. During the time such order is in effect, it shall be un-
lawful to use or occupy such structure or any portion thereof
for any purpose.
124.3 Remedy of person ordered to remove a dangerous struc-
ture or make it safe: An owner, aggrieved by such order may
have the remedy prescribed by Section 2 of Chapter 139 of the
Massachusetts General Laws Annotated as amended; provided
that any provision of said Section 2 shall not be construed so
as to hinder, delay or prevent the building official from acting
and proceeding under Section 124.2; and provided, further,
that this section shall not prevent the city or town from re-
covering the forfeiture provided in said Section 124.2 from the
date of the service of the original notice, unless the order is
annulled by the jury.
125.0 RESERVED
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SECTION 126.0 BOARD OF APPEALS
126.1 State Building Code Appeals Board: Whoever is
aggrieved by an interpretation, order, requirement, direction
or failure to act under this code by any agency or official of
the city, town or region, or agency or official of the State
charged with the administration or enforcement of this code or
any of its rules or regulations, excepting any specialized codes,
may appeal directly to the State Building Code Appeals Board
as provided in Section 126.0.
Whoever is aggrieved by an interpretation, order, require-
ment, direction or failure to act under this code by any agency
or official of a city, town or region charged with the adminis-
tration or enforcement of this code or any of its rules and
regulations, excepting any specialized codes, may appeal direct-
ly to the State Building Code Appeals Board or may appeal first
to a local or regional appeals board and if aggrieved thereby he
may then appeal to the State Building Code Appeals Board as
provided in Section 126.0.
In the event an appeal is taken directly to the State Build-
ing Code Appeals Board from an interpretation, order, require-
ment or direction, said appeal shall be filed as specified in
Section 126.3.1 with the State Building Code Appeals Board not
later than forty-five (45) days after the service of notice there-
of of the interpretation, order, requirement or direction.
In the event the appeal is taken directly to the State Build-
ing Code Appeals Board for the failure to act, the appeal shall
be taken not later than forty-five (45) days after a request to
act has been made by the aggrieved person in writing and
served upon the appropriate building official or chief adminis-
trative officer of the state or local agency which fails to act.
If the aggrieved person elects to appeal before the local or
regional board, he shall not be allowed to enter such appeal
with the State Building Code Appeals Board until such time as
the said local or regional board renders a decision, unless the
reason for appeal to the State Building Code Appeals Board is
the failure of the local or regional board to act.
126.2 Membership
126.2.1 Three member panel: The State Building Code Appeals
Board (hereinafter referred to in Section 126.0 as the Board)
shall consist of the membership of the State Building Code
Commission. The chairman of the Commission shall be Chairman
of the Board. The chairman of the Board may designate any
three (3) members of the Board to act as a three (3) member
panel to hold any public hearing under Section 126.0 and to
hear testimony and take evidence. The chairman of the Board
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shall select one (1) of the three (3) members to act as chairman
of the said three (3) member panel. If a three (3) member
panel is so designated, the three (3) member panel shall act as
the Appeals Board and render a decision as provided in Section
126.0.
126.2.2 Clerk: The executive director of the Commission shall
designate one (1) of the staff of the Commission to act as clerk
to the Board. The clerk shall keep a detailed record of all
decisions and appeals and a docket book on file showing the
name of each appeal properly indexed and the disposition of the
appeal. Said docket book shall be open to public inspection at
all times during normal business hours.
126.2.3 Quorum: A majority of the Board shall constitute a
quorum if the appeal is heard by the entire Board.
126.3 Appeals procedure for State Building Code Appeals
Board
126.3.1 Entry: Appeals shall be entered on forms provided by
the Commission and shall be accompanied by an entry fee of one
hundred ($100) dollars or such other amounts as may be deter-
mined by the Commission from time to time.
The appeal shall be signed by the appellant or his attorney
or agent and shall note the name and address of the person or
agency in whose behalf the appeal is taken and the name of the
person and address wherein service of notice for the appellant
is to be made. The appeal shall also state in detail the inter-
pretation, order, requirement, direction or failure to act which
are the grounds of the appeals as well as the particular section
or sections of this code which are involved in the appeal and
the reasons for the appellant advances supporting the appeal.
A copy of the appeal shall be served in accordance with
Section 121.2.1 by the appellant on the person or state,
regional or local agency from whose action or inaction the
appeal is taken, on or before entry of the appeal. An affi-
davit, under oath, that such copy has been served shall be
filed with the Board forthwith by the appellant.
126.3.2 Stay of Proceedings: Entry of an appeal shall stay all
proceedings in furtherance of the action or failure to act
appealed from, unless the state, regional or local agency or any
person charged with the administration or enforcement of this
code or any of its rules or regulations presents evidence and
the Board or a three (3) member panel or a single member of
the Board, appointed by the chairman for said purpose, finds
that upon the evidence presented a stay would involve imminent
peril to life or property. In such an event, stay of all pro-
ceedings shall be waived or the Board or three (3) member
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panel or single member may order such other action necessary
to preserve public safety.
Before waiving the stay or proceedings, the Board or three
(3) member panel or single member of the Board, appointed by
the chairman for said purpose, shall hold a hearing and give
the appellant and state, regional or local agency or any person
claiming that a stay would involve imminent peril to life or pro-
perty, notice in writing of the hearing not less than twenty-
four (24) hours before said hearing.
126.3.3 Documents: Upon entry, the clerk shall request in
writing from the state, city, regional or town officer in charge
of the matter on appeal, a copy of the record and all other
papers and documents relative to the appeal to be transmitted
forthwith to the Board. Said state, city, regional or town
officer shall upon receipt of the request of the Board transmit
forthwith all the papers and documents and a copy of the record
relating to the matter on appeal.
126.3.4 Hearings: The chairman of the Board shall fix a con-
venient time and place for a public hearing. Said hearings
shall be held not later than thirty (30) days after the entry of
such appeal, unless such time is extended by agreement with
the appellant. Any such party may appear in person or by
agent or attorney at such hearing. The chairman or clerk shall
give notice of the time and place of said hearing to all parties
to the hearing and to anyone else requesting notice in writing
at least ten (10) days prior thereto. Failure to hold a public
hearing within thirty (30) days shall not affect the validity of
the appeal or any decision rendered. The Board or three (3)
member panel in its hearings conducted under this section shall
not be bound by strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of
law or equity.
126.4 Decisions
126.4.1 Votes required: If the appeal is conducted by a three
(3) member panel, then the concurrence of two (2) of the three
(3) members holding the public hearing shall be required. If
the appeal is conducted by the entire Board, then a majority
vote of those hearing the case shall be required.
126.4.2 Standard: The Board or a three (3) member panel
may vary the application of any provision of this code to any
particular case when in the opinion of the Board or a three (3)
member panel, the enforcement of this code would do manifest
injustice, provided that the Board or threemember panel finds
that the decision to grant a variance shall not conflict with the
general objectives set forth in Section 18 of Chapter 23B of the
General Laws of the Commonwealth or with the general objec-
tives of this code.
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126.4.3 Time for decision: The Board shall within thirty (30)
days after such hearing, unless such time is extended by
agreement of the parties, issue a decision or order reversing,
affirming or modifying in whole or in part the order, interpre-
tation, requirement, direction or failure to act which is the
subject matter of the appeal.
Failure to render a decision within thirty (30) days shall not
affect the validity of any such decision or appeal.
Notice of and a copy of the decision shall be sent by the
clerk to all parties to the appeal and anyone requesting in
writing a copy of the decision.
126.4.4 Contents of decision: All decisions shall be in writing
and state findings of fact, conclusions and reasons for
decisions. Every decision shall indicate thereon the vote of
each member and shall be signed by each member voting. A
decision shall not be considered by any person or agency as a
precedent for future decisions.
126.4.5 Additional powers: The Board or a three (3) member
panel may impose in any decision, limitations both as to time
and use, and a continuation of any use permitted may be con-
ditioned upon compliance with future amendments to this code.
126.5 Enforcement: Upon receipt of the decision of the Board
or a three (3) member panel, the parties to the appeal shall
take action forthwith to comply with the decision unless a later
time is specified in the decision.
126.6 Appeals from State Building Code Appeals Board: Any
person aggrieved by a decision of the State Building Code
Appeals Board may appeal to a court of law or equity in con-
formance with Chapter 30A, Section 14 of the General Laws.
126.7 Local and regional board of appeals
126 .7.1 Local or regional board of appeals : Whoever is
aggrieved by an interpretation, order, requirement, direction
or failure to act under this code by any agency or official of a
city, region or town charged with the administration or enforce-
ment of this code or any of its rules and regulations may appeal
first to the appeals board in that city, region or town and then
to the State Building Code Appeals Board as provided in Sec-
tion 126.0.
In the event an appeal is taken from an interpretation,
order, requirement or direction, said appeal shall be filed with
the local or regional appeals board not later than forty-five (45)
days after the service of notice thereof of the interpretation,
order, requirement or direction.
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In the event the appeal is taken for the failure to act, the
appeal shall be taken not later than forty-five (45) days after a
request to act has been made by the aggrieved person in writ-
ing and served to the appropriate building official or chief ad-
ministrative officer of the city, regional or town agency which
fails to act.
126.7.2 Membership: Any building code board of appeals duly
established by ordinance or by-law or otherwise in a city,
region or town and in existence on January 1, 1975, shall qual-
ify as a local board of appeals under Section 126.0 notwithstand-
ing anything to the contrary contained herein. However, the
procedure and rights for appeals for such board of appeals
shall be governed by this code.
If a city, region or town had not duly established by ordi-
nance or by-law or otherwise a local or regional building code
appeals board prior to January 1, 1975, said city, region or
town may establish a local or regional board of appeals, herein-
after referred to as the local board of appeals, consisting of
five (5) members appointed by the chief administrative officer
of the city, region or town: one (1) member appointed for five
(5) years, one (1) for four (4) years, one for three (3) years,
one for two (2) years and one to serve for one (1) year; and
thereafter each new member to serve for five (5) years or until
his successor has been appointed.
126.7.3 Qualifications of local board members: Each member of
a local board of appeals established under Section 126.7.2 shall
have had at least five (5) years experience in the construction,
alteration, repair and maintenance of building and building
codes. At least one (1) member shall be a registered structural
or civil professional engineer and one (1) member a licensed pro-
fessional architect.
126.7.4 Chairman of local or regional board: The board shall
select one (1) of its members to serve as chairman and a de-
tailed record of all proceedings shall be kept on file in the build-
ing department.
126.7.5 Absence of members: During the absence of a member
of a local board of appeals for reason of disability or disqualifi-
cation, the chief administrative officer of the city, region or
town shall designate a substitute who shall meet the qualifi-
cations as outlined in Section 126.7.3.
126.7.6 Quorum: A quorum shall be three (3) members.
126.7.7 Procedures: Entry of appeals shall be governed by
Section 126.3.1 excepting that a city, region or town may set
its own entry fee.
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Upon notice of entry of appeal the local building commis-
sioner or inspector of buildings shall transmit a copy of the
record and all the papers and documents to the local board of
appeals.
Entry of an appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance
of the action or failure to act appealed from, unless the build-
ing commissioner or inspector of buildings certifies in writing to
the local board of appeals that a stay would involve imminent
peril to life or property. Notice in writing of such certification
by the building commissioner or inspector of buildings shall be
given the appellant at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the
hearing. In such an event a hearing on such stay shall be
given first priority and be the first matter heard by the local
board of appeals at its next scheduled meeting. The hearing
on the appeal shall be held as soon as possible thereafter in
accordance with Section 126.7.8.
The local board of appeals may establish its own rules for
procedure not established herein or not inconsistent with this
code or the enabling legislation creating a statewide building
code.
126.7.8 Hearings: All hearings shall be public and notice of
said hearings shall be advertised in a newspaper of general cir-
culation in the city, region or town in which the appeal is
taken at least ten (10) days before said hearing. Notice of the
hearing, setting forth the date and time of said hearing, shall
be mailed by the local board of appeals to all parties and all
those who requested notice in writing at least fourteen (14)
days before said hearing. Said hearings shall be held not later
than thirty (30) days after the entry of such appeal, unless
such time is extended by agreement with the appellant. This
section as it pertains to notice shall not apply to hearings on a
stay as provided in Section 126.7.7.
126.7.9 Decisions of local boards: A concurring vote of a
majority of all the members present shall be required for any
decision. The local appeals board may vary the application of
this code to any particular case when in its opinion the enforce-
ment of this code would do manifest injustice; provided that the
decision of the board shall not conflict with the general objec-
tives of the state building code or any of its enabling legis-
lation. The local board of appeals may impose in any decision,
limitations both as to time and use, and a continuation of any
use permitted may be conditioned upon compliance with future
amendments to this code.
126.7.10 Time for decision: The board shall within thirty (30)
days after such hearing, unless such time is extended by
agreement of the parties, issue a decision or order reversing,
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
affirming or modifying in whole or in part the order, interpre-
tation, requirement, direction or failure to act which is the sub-
ject matter of the appeal.
Failure to render a decision within thirty (30) days shall not
affect the validity of any such decision or appeal.
Notice of and a copy of the decision shall be sent by the
clerk to all parties to the appeal and to anyone requesting in
writing a copy of the decision.
126.7.11 Contents of decision: All decisions shall be in writ-
ing and state findings of fact, conclusions and reasons for the
decisions. Every decision shall indicate thereon the vote of
each member and shall be signed by each member voting. Any
decision shall not be considered by any person or agency as a
precedent for future decisions.
126.7.12 Copy of decision: A copy of any decision by a local
board of appeals shall be transmitted to the State Building Code
Appeals Board within ten (10) days after the rendering of such
decision. If the State Building Code Appeals Board disapproves
of the said decision of the local board, it may on its own
motion appeal from the local appeals board's decision according
to Section 126.0 and call for a hearing de novo.
If the State Building Code Appeals Board does not notify the
local board in writing within forty-five (45) days from the date
of the local board's decision, the said decision shall be deemed
approved; provided that the decision shall not conflict with the
general objectives of the state building code and any of its en-
abling legislation.
126.7.13 Enforcement of decision: If said decision is approved
by the State Building Code Appeals Board, all parties to the
appeal shall take immediate action in accordance with the
decision of the local board unless the person aggrieved by such
decision appeals to the State Building Code Appeals Board as
provided in Section 126.0.
126.7.14 Review: Any person, including the State Building
Code Appeals Board, aggrieved by a decision of the local board
of appeals, whether or not a previous party to the decision, or
any municipal officer or official board of the municipality, may,
not later than forty-five (45) days after the mailing of the
decision of the local board, apply to the State Building Code
Appeals Board for a hearing de novo before the State Board, in
accordance with the regulations contained in Section 126.0.
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SECTION 127.0 CONSTRUCTION CONTROL
127.1 Responsibilities: The provisions of this section define
the construction controls required for all structures needing
registered professional architectural or engineering services,
and delineate the responsibilities of such professional services
together with those services that are the responsibility of the
contractor during construction.
Exceptions :
1. Any building containing less than thirty-five thousand
(35,000) cubic feet of enclosed space;
2. Any single or two-family house or any accessory building
thereto ;
3. Any building used for farm purposes; and
4. Retaining walls less than ten (10) feet in height at all
points along the wall as measured from the base of the
footing to the top of the wall.
127.2 Professional architecture or engineering services.
127.2.1 Design: All plans, computations and specifications in-
volving new construction, alterations, repairs, expansions or
additions shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision
of a registered professional architect or engineer and bear his
signature and seal; said signature and seal shall signify that
the plans, computations and specifications meet the applicable
provisions of this code, all acceptable engineering practices and
all applicable laws and ordinances.
127.2.2 Architect/engineer inspectional responsibility: The reg-
istered professional architect or engineer shall be responsible
for the following:
1. Review of shop drawings, samples and other submittals of
the contractor as required by the construction contract
documents as submitted for building permit, and approval
for conformance to the design concept.
2. Review and approval of the quality control procedures for
all code-required controlled materials.
3. Special architectural or engineering professional inspection
of critical construction components requiring controlled
materials or construction specified in the accepted engi-
neering practice standards listed in Appendix B.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
The registered professional architect or engineer shall per-
form the necessary professional services and be present on the
construction site on a regular and periodic basis to determine
that, generally, the work is proceeding in accordance with the
documents approved for the building permit.
127.2.3 Reporting: The registered professional architect or
engineer shall submit periodically, in a form acceptable to the
building official, a progress report together with pertinent com-
ments. At the completion of the construction, the registered
professional architect or engineer shall submit to the building
official a report as to the satisfactory completion and the readi-
ness of the project for occupancy (excepting any items not en-
dangering such occupancy and listing pertinent deviations from
the approved building permit documents).
127.3 Construction contractor services: The actual construc-
tion of the work shall be the responsibility of the general con-
tractor as identified on the approved building permit and shall
involve the following:
1. Execution of all work in accordance with the approved con-
struction documents.
2. Execution and control of all methods of construction in a
safe and satisfactory manner in accordance with all appli-
cable local, state, and federal statutes and regulations.
3. Upon completion of the construction, he shall certify to
the best of his knowledge and belief that such has been
done in substantial accord with items 1 and 2 above and
with all pertinent deviations specifically noted.
127.4 Special professional services: When applications for un-
usual designs or magnitude of construction are filed, or where
code reference standards and/or Appendix B require special
architectural or engineering inspections, the building official
may require full-time project representation by the registered
professional architect or engineer in addition to that provided
in Section 127.2.2. The project representative shall keep daily
records and submit reports as may be required by the building
official. Upon completion of the work, the registered profes-
sional architect or engineer shall file a final report as required
under Section 127.2.3.
127.4.1 Building permit requirement: This special professional
service requirement shall be determined prior to the issuance of
the building permit and shall be a requisite for the permit
issuance. Refusal by the applicant to provide such service as
required by the building official shall result in the denial of the
permit. However, the applicant may file an appeal as provided
in Section 126.0.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
127.4.2 Fee and costs: All fees and costs related to the per-
formance of special professional services shall be borne by the
applicant.
127.5 Building official responsibility: Nothing contained in
this section shall have the effect of waiving or limiting the
building official's authority to enforce this code with respect to
examination of the contract documents, including plans, compu-
tations and specifications, and field inspections (see Section
108.0).
SECTION 128.0 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SAFETY BOARD
128.1 Membership: There shall be a board under the control
of the Commission called the Construction Materials Safety
Board, hereafter in Section 128.0 called the Board which shall
consist of nine (9) members, one (1) of whom shall be a member
of the Commission who shall be ex officio and a voting member
of the Board and eight (8) members to be appointed by the
chairman of the Commission: one of whom shall be a registered
professional engineer who is a structural engineer; one of whom
shall be a registered architect; one of whom shall be a repre-
sentative of a commercial testing laboratory; one of whom shall
be a representative of a public testing laboratory; two of whom
shall be representatives from the construction industry; one of
whom shall be a member of a university faculty engaged in re-
search and teaching in structural materials; and one of whom
shall be a member of a university faculty engaged in research
and teaching in the area of theoretical and applied mechanics.
128.2 Duties: The Board will review applications for registra-
tion or licensing of individuals, laboratories or firms responsible
for the inspection, control and testing of construction materials,
and review applications and pertinent data relevant to all mater-
ials, devices, products and methods of construction not in-
cluded in this code; and report to the Commission their recom-
mendations. The Board will collect information and review cases
where disciplinary action against an existing license, whether
an individual, laboratory or firm, has been proposed; and make
recommendations to the Commission. The Commission will issue
applications, receive payment for the review of such appli-
cations and approvals, registration and licensing fees, and
maintain records for the efficient dispatch of the duties of the
Board.
128.3 Testing and evaluation groups: The Commission shall
establish and maintain testing and evaluation groups who will
have the responsibility of administering and directing, under
the supervision of the Commission, the testing and controls for
evaluating individual applicants, laboratories and firms wishing
to become registered or licensed.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 129.0 ACTIVITIES REQUIRING LICENSES
129 . 1 Concrete
129.1.1 Field technicians: A person shall not engage in the
activities of field testing of concrete for use in structures
subject to construction control (Section 127.0) and/or controlled
materials (Section 719.0) unless such person is licensed by the
Commission in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for
Concrete Testing Personnel as referenced in Appendix Q.
129.1.2 Testing laboratories: A testing laboratory, branch
laboratory and/or project laboratory shall not test concrete
and/or concrete materials for use in structures subject to con-
struction control (Section 127.0) and/or controlled materials
(Section 719.0) unless licensed by the Commission in accordance
with this code and the Rules and Regulations for Licensing of
Concrete Testing Laboratories as referenced in Appendix Q.
129.2 Native lumber: A person shall not engage in producing
of native lumber for use in structures within the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts unless registered by the Commission in accord-
ance with this code and the Rules and Regulations Controlling
the Use of Native Lumber as referenced in Appendix Q.
129.3 Enforcement: Any person or laboratory who violates the
provisions of this section, or any rules and regulations promul-
gated hereunder, or who falsifies or counterfeits a license or
registration issued by the Commission, or who fraudently issues
or accepts such a license shall be punished as provided in
Section 121.0.
SECTION 130.0 FIRE PREVENTION - FIRE PROTECTION BOARD
130.1 Constitution of the Fire Prevention - Fire Protection
Board: There shall be a Board under the control of the Com-
mission called the Fire Prevention - Fire Protection Board, here-
inafter in Section 130.0 called the Board which shall consist of
thirteen (13) members, two (2) of whom shall be members of the
Commission; one (1) of whom shall be the State Fire Marshal or
his designee, all three (3) of whom shall be ex-officio and
voting members of the Board, and ten (10) members to be
appointed by the chairman of the Commission for a term of one
(1) year; three (3) of whom shall be representatives of the Fire
Chiefs Association; two (2) of whom shall be representatives of
the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Association; one (1) of whom
shall be a representative of the International Municipal Signal-
men's Association; one (1) of whom shall be a member of the
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations; one (1) of whom shall be
a Fire Protection Engineer; one (1) of whom shall be a building
official and one (1) of whom shall be a registered professional
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
engineer or architect. A chairman and a vice chairman shall be
chosen by the members of the Board to serve for one (1) year.
A member of an agency or board of the state shall not be elig-
ible for the office of chairman or vice chairman.
130.2 Purpose: The Board will review and recommend to the
Commission changes to this code relating to fire prevention and
fire protection and more specifically those matters contained in
Article 12 of this code.
131.0 - 139.0 RESERVED
SECTION 140.0 VALIDITY
140.1 General: The provisions of this code are severable, and
if any of its provisions shall be held unconstitutional or other-
wise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision
of such court shall not affect or impair any of the remaining
provisions .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/1/80 38
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS
SECTION 200.0 GENERAL
200.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control the classifi-
cation of all buildings as to use group and type of construction; and the
definition of all terms relating thereto in the Commonwealth of Massachu-
setts .
200.2 Application of terms: The terms herein defined shall be used to
interpret all the applicable provisions of this code.
200.3 Application of other laws: Nothing herein contained shall be
deemed to nullify any provisions of the zoning by-laws or ordinance of
any municipality in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts insofar as those
provisions deal exclusively with those powers of regulating zoning granted
by the provisions of Chapters 40A and 41 of the Massachusetts General
Laws Annotated, as amended.
SECTION 201.0 GENERAL DEFINITIONS
201.1 Meaning: Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms
shall, for the purpose of this code, have the meaning indicated in this
section.
201.2 Tense, gender and number: Words used in the present tense
include the future; words used in the masculine gender include the fem-
inine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural
the singular.
201.3 Terms not defined: Where terms are not defined, they shall have
their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the context may imply.
Any terms relating to elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall have
their meaning as defined by 524 CMR 3.00-11.00 and 524 CMR 15.00-33.00.
Any terms relating to plumbing, gasfitting and electrical wiring shall have
their terms as defined by 248 CMR 2.00, 248 CMR 3.00-8.00 and 527 CMR
12.00 respectively as listed in Appendix B.
Accepted engineering practice: That which conforms to accepted princi-
ples, tests or standards of nationally recognized technical or scientific
authorities .
Accessory structure: A building or structure, the use of which is inci-
dental to that of the main building or structure and which is located on
the same lot.
Accessory use: A use incidental to the principal use of a building as
defined or limited by the provisions of the local zoning laws.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Accredited authoritative agencies: See Appendix O.
Addition: An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building
or structure.
Air-conditioning: The treatment of air so as to control simultaneously its
temperature, humidity, cleanness and distribution to meet the require-
ments of a conditioned space.
Air duct: A tube or conduit used for conveying air.
Airplane hangar, private: A hangar for the storage of four (4) or less
single motor planes and in which volatile or flammable oil is not handled,
stored or kept other than that contained in the fuel storage tank of the
plane .
Airplane hangar, public: A building for the storage, care or repair of
private or commercial airplanes not included in the term "private airplane
hangar" .
Air supported structure: A structural and mechanical system which is
constructed of high strength fabric or film and achieves its shape, stabil-
ity, and support by pretensioning with internal air pressure; air struc-
tures may be used for temporary applications.
Air transport factor: The ratio of the rate of useful sensible heat re-
moval from the conditioned space to the energy input to the supply and
return fan motor(s), expressed in consistent units and under the desig-
nated operating conditions.
Aisle: A clear and unobstructed passageway through a room.
Alley: A secondary thoroughfare less than thirty (30) feet in width
dedicated for the public use of vehicles and pedestrians, affording access
to abutting property.
Alteration: A change or modification of a building or structure, or the
service equipment thereof, that affects safety or health and that is not
classified as an ordinary repair.
Alternate inspector: A person appointed to act in the absence of the
inspector of buildings in case of illness, disability, or conflict of interest.
Amusement device: A device or structure open to the public by which
persons are conveyed or moved in unusual manner for diversion.
Anchor store: An anchor store is an exterior perimeter department store
or major merchandising or magnet center having direct access to a mall
and having its required exits independent of the mall.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Annunciator: A unit containing two (2) or more identified targets or
indicator lamps in each target, or lamp, indicating the circuit, condition
or location to be annunciated.
Apartment: A "Dwelling unit" as defined in this code.
Approval: When used in Article 18 for manufactured buildings or build-
ing components, approved by the State Building Code Commission.
Approved: Approved by the Commission, the building official or other
authority having jurisdiction.
Approved material, equipment and methods: Approved by the Commission
or by an agency approved by the Commission.
Approved plastic: See Section 1900.2.1.
Approved rules: Those rules approved by the State Building Code Com-
mission unless otherwise specified.
Appurtenant structure: A device or structure attached to the exterior or
erected on the roof of a building designed to support service equipment
or used in connection therewith, or for advertising or display purposes,
or other similar uses.
Architectural terra cotta: Plain or ornamental hard-burned plastic clay
units, larger in size than brick, with glazed or unglazed ceramic finish.
Area (building): The area included within surrounding exterior walls (or
exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas
of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in
the building area if included within the horizontal projection of the roof
or floor above.
Areaway (form of construction): An uncovered subsurface space adjacent
to a building.
Ashlar facing: Facing of solid rectangular units larger in size than brick
of burned clay or shale, natural or cast stone, with sawed, dressed and
squared beds and mortar joints.
Ashlar masonry: Masonry composed of bonded, rectangular units, larger
in size than brick, with sawed, dressed or squared beds and mortar
joints .
Atrium: See "Open well".
Attic: The space between the ceiling beams of the top habitable story
and the roof rafters.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Attic (habitable): A habitable attic is an attic which has a stairway as a
means of access and egress and in which the ceiling area at a height of
seven and one-third (7 1/3) feet above the attic floor is not less than
one-third (1/3) the area of the floor next below.
Automatic: As applied to energy conservation, is self-acting, operating
by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence such as
a change in electric current, pressure, temperature, or mechanical con-
figuration. (See definition of "Manual.")
Automatic: As applied to fire protection devices, is a device or system
providing an emergency function without the necessity of a human inter-
vention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise,
rate of rise of temperature, or increase in the level of combustion pro-
ducts; such as incorporated in an automatic sprinkler system, automatic
fire door, etc.
Automatic collapsible revolving door: A door which is designed, sup-
ported and constructed so that the wings will release and fold back in the
direction of egress under pressure exerted by persons under panic con-
ditions, providing a means of travel on both sides of the door pivot.
Automatic detecting device: A device which automatically detects heat,
smoke or other products of combustion.
Automatic fire alarm system: A system which automatically detects a fire
condition and actuates a fire alarm signal device.
Automatic fire door: A fire door or other opening protective constructed
and arranged so that, if open, it shall close when subjected to:
1. a predetermined temperature;
2. a predetermined rate of temperature rise, or
3. smoke or other products of combustion.
Automatic sprinkler: A device, connected to a water supply system, that
opens automatically at a predetermined fixed temperature and disburses a
spray of water.
Automatic sprinkler system: A sprinkler system for fire protection pur-
poses, is an integrated system of underground and/or overhead piping
designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The
system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system
above ground is a network of specially or hydraulically designed piping
installed in a building, structure, or area, generally overhead, and to
which automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The
system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over
the fire area.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Automatic water supply: Water supplied through a gravity or pressure
tank or automatically operated fire pumps, or from a direct connection to
an approved municipal water main.
Auxilliary alarm system: A connection to the municipal fire alarm system
to transmit an alarm of fire to the fire department. Fire alarms from an
auxilliary alarm system are received at municipal fire alarm headquarters
on the same equipment and by the same alerting methods as alarms trans-
mitted from municipal fire alarm boxes located on streets.
Base: The level at which earthquake motions are considered to be im-
parted to the structure or the level at which the structure as a dynamic
vibrator is supported.
Basement: That portion of a building which is partly below and partly
above grade, and having at least one-half (1/2) its height above grade
(see "Grade," "Story" and "Cellar").
Basic Code: The State Building Code of the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts, also referred to as this code.
Bay (part of a structure): The space between two (2) adjacent piers or
mullions or between two (2) adjacent lines of columns.
Bay window: A window projecting beyond the wall line of the building
and extending down to the foundation.
Billboard (poster panel): A board panel or tablet used for the display of
printed or painted advertising matter.
Boiler: A closed heating appliance intended to supply hot water or steam
for space heating, processing or power purposes.
Low pressure and temperature
Steam: Any boiler, generator, pressure vessel, system, piping or steam
equipment used for the purpose of heating or distributing steam for
heating, power or processing, operating at pressure of fifteen (15) pounds
per square inch gauge (psig) or less, shall be classed as low pressure.
Hot water: Any boiler, generator, pressure vessel, system, piping or
equipment used for the purpose of heating or distributing hot water for
heating, supply or processing, operating at pressure not exceeding one
hundred sixty (160) psig and temperatures not exceeding two hundred
(250) degrees F., shall be classed as low pressure.
Exception: Hot water supply boilers equipped with safety devices as
required by the mechanical code listed in Appendix B and direct fired are
considered outside the scope of this definition when the heat input is less
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
than two hundred thousand (200,000) Btus per hour, the water temper-
ature is less than two hundred (200) degrees F. and the capacity is less
than one hundred twenty (120) gallons.
High pressure and temperature
Steam: Any boiler, generator, pressure vessel, system, piping or equip-
ment used for the purpose of heating or distributing steam for heating,
power and processing, operating at pressure in excess of fifteen (15)
psig, shall be classed as high pressure.
Hot water: Any boiler, generator, pressure vessel, system, piping or
equipment used for the purpose of heating or distributing hot water for
heating or processing, operating at pressures in excess of one hundred
sixty (160) psig or temperatures in excess of two hundred fifty (250)
degrees F., shall be classed as high pressure.
Boiler capacity: The amount of heat output in Btu/h at the design tem-
perature rise and rated input.
Box system: A structural system where the vertical load is carried by
bearing walls and structural framing and where the lateral stability and
lateral force resisting system consists of shear walls or braced frames.
Braced frame: A vertical truss or its equivalent which is provided to
resist lateral forces in which the members are subjected primarily to axial
stresses .
Brick (clay or shale): A solid masonry unit of clay or shale, usually
formed into a rectangular prism while plastic and burned or fired in a
kiln.
Calcium-silicate brick (sand lime brick): A building unit made of sand
and lime.
Concrete brick: A solid masonry unit having a shape approximately a
rectangular prism and composed of inert aggregate particles embedded in
a hardened cementitious matrix.
Hollow brick: A masonry unit of clay or shale whose net cross-sectional
area in any plane parallel to the bearing surface is not less than sixty
(60) per cent or more than seventy-five (75) per cent of its gross cross-
sectional area measured in the same plane.
Building (see also "Structure"): A structure enclosed within exterior
walls or firewalls, built, erected and framed of a combination of any
materials, whether portable or fixed, having a roof, to form a structure
for the shelter of persons, animals or property. For the purpose of this
definition, "roof" shall include an awning or any similar covering,
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
whether or not permanent in nature. The word "building" shall be con-
strued where the context requires as though followed by the words "or
part or parts thereof".
Building commissioner: The administrative chief of the building depart-
ment in a municipality who is charged with the administration and en-
forcement of this code. (See also "Inspector of buildings" and Section
107.1.)
Building component: Any subsystem, subassembly, or other system
designed for use in or as part of a structure having concealed elements
such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems and
other systems affecting health and safety.
Building department: The person, body, agency, department or office of
any municipality charged with the administration and enforcement of this
code.
Building envelope: The elements of a building which enclose conditioned
spaces through which thermal energy may be transferred to or from the
exterior.
Building, existing: Any structure erected or one for which a legal
building permit has been issued prior to the adoption of this code (and
its amendments).
Building line: The line established by law, beyond which a building shall
not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
Building official: The officer or other designated authority charged with
the administration and enforcement of this code. Building official as used
herein includes the building commissioner or the inspector of buildings
and the local inspector.
Building service equipment: The mechanical, electrical and elevator
equipment, including piping, wiring, fixtures and other accessories,
which provide sanitation, lighting, heating, ventilation, firefighting and
transportation facilities essential for the habitable occupancy of the build-
ing or structure for its designated use and occupancy.
Building site: The area occupied by a building or structure, including
the yards and courts required for light and ventilation, and such areas
that are prescribed for access to the street.
Building system: See Article 18.
Buttress: A projecting part of a masonry wall built integrally therewith
to furnish lateral stability which is supported on proper foundations.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Carbon dioxide extinguishing system (C02V , svstem t0 cvmnlv C02
from a pressurized vessel through fixed pfpgs and -11022163. Tne system
includes an automatic detection and actuating mechanism.
Cellar: That portion of a building which is partly or completely below
grade and having at least one-half (1/2) its height below grade (see
"Grade," "Story" and "Basement").
Central station system: A system, or group of systems, the operations of
which are signaled to, recorded in, maintained and supervised from an
approved central station, in which there are competent and experienced
observers and operators in attendance at all times whose duty it shall be,
upon receipt of a signal, to take such an action as shall be required
under the rules established for their guidance. Such systems shall be
controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose principal
business is the furnishing and maintaining of supervised protective signal-
ing service and who does not have interest in the protected properties.
Ceramic surface unit: See "Tile."
Certificate of use and occupancy: The certificate issued by the building
official which permits the use of a building in accordance with the ap-
proved plans and specifications and which certifies compliance with the
provisions of law for the use and occupancy of the building in its several
parts, together with any special stipulations or conditions of the building
permit.
Certification: Any manufactured building or building component that
meets the provisions of Article 18 and the rules and regulations pursuant
thereto; and which has been labeled accordingly.
Change of use: An alteration by change of use in a building heretofore
existing to a new use group or sub-use group which imposes other special
provisions of law governing building construction, equipment or means of
egress.
Chimney: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one (1) or more
passageways.
Factory-built chimneys: A chimney that is factory-made, listed by a
nationally recogni2ed testing or inspection agency, for venting gas ap-
pliances, gas incinerators and solid or liquid fuel burning appliances.
Masonry chimney: A field constructed chimney of solid masonry units,
bricks, stones, listed hollow masonry units or reinforced concrete built in
accordance with nationally recogni2ed standards.
Metal chimney (smokestack): A field constructed chimney made of metal
and built in accordance with nationally recogni2ed standards.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Chimney connector: A pipe which connects a fuel burning appliance to a
chimney .
Class A soil: Includes all the classes of soil and rock enumerated in
Section 720.4.
Class A soil site:
1. A site composed exclusively of Class A soil; or
2. A site where Class A soil overlies or includes Class B soil, provided
that the depth below ground surface to the uppermost Class B soil and
the cumulative thickness of Class B soil meet the criteria in Figure 716.1.
Class B soil: Includes all classes of soil not qualifying as Class A soil.
Class B soil site: Any site which does not meet the criteria for Class A
soil site.
Classroom: A room with desks or equivalent used for group instruction
purposes for ten (10) or more students. Libraries, study halls, science
laboratories, shops, domestic science rooms and typing rooms shall be
considered classrooms for the number of students indicated in the occu-
pancy schedule.
Clay masonry unit: A building unit larger in size than a brick, composed
of burned clay, shale, fireclay or mixtures thereof.
Coefficient of performance (COP): See Section 2010.0 for the definitions
of COP as appropriate: electrically operated HVAC equipment- -cooling;
applied HVAC system components—cooling; heat operated HVAC system
equipment — cooling; and heat pump --heating.
Cold-formed steel constuction: That type of construction made up en-
tirely or in part of steel structural members cold-formed to shape from
sheet or strip steel, such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs,
floor joists, roof joists and other structural elements.
Combination of municipalities: Any two (2) or more cities and/or towns
who have agreed to combine in order to share costs necessary for the
administration and enforcement of this code in the said cities and/or
towns .
Combination system: A system of piping designed to provide both stand-
pipe service and automatic sprinkler protection.
Combustible fire damper: A damper arranged to seal off air flow auto-
matically through part of an air duct system, so as to restrict the pas-
sage of heat. The fire damper may also be used as a smoke damper if
the location lends itself to the dual purpose.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Combustible (material): A combustible (material) is a material which
cannot be classified as noncombustible in accordance with that definition.
Comfort envelope: The area on a psychometric chart enclosing all those
conditions described in ASHRAE 55-74 as being comfortable.
Commenced: Any physical action begun on the job site for the purposes
of construction for which a building permit is required.
Commission: See "State Building Code Commission."
Common hallway: A common corridor or space separately enclosed which
provides any of the following in any story:
1. common access to the required exitways of the building, or
2. common access for more than one (1) tenant; or
3. common access for more than thirty (30) persons.
Complete sprinkler system: An automatic sprinkler system providing
protection for the entire building or structure.
Compliance assurance program: The system, documentation and methods
for assuring that manufactured buildings, building components, building
systems and mobile homes, including their manufacture, storage, trans-
portation and assembly and handling and installation, conform with Article
18 and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
Component: An integral part of a building or its mechanical systems; an
element of a building envelope.
Concrete: A mixture of cement, aggregates and water, of such propor-
tions and manipulation as to meet specific requirements.
Concrete masonry unit: A building unit or block larger in size than
twelve (12) by four (4) by four (4) inches made of cement and suitable
aggregates .
Conditioned floor area: All portions of interior gross floor area which are
contained within exterior walls and which are conditioned directly or
indirectly by an energy-using system (see "Gross floor area").
Conflagration hazard: The fire risk involved in the spread of fire by
exterior exposure to and from adjoining buildings and structures.
Connected lighting load: Total possible simultaneous demand for lighting,
including power used in the lamp itself and any losses in the fixture and
ballast.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Construction operation: The erection, alteration, repair, renovation,
demolition or removal of any building or structure; and the excavation,
filling, grading and regulation of lots in connection therewith.
Construction supervisor: Any individual directly supervising persons
engaged in construction, reconstruction, alterations, repairs or demolition
involving the structural elements of buildings and structures.
Controlled construction: The construction of a building or structure or a
specific part thereof which has been designated and erected under the
supervision of a licensed professional engineer or architect using con-
trolled materials as herein defined in compliance with accepted engineering
practice under the procedure of Section 127.0.
Controlled materials: Materials which are certified by an accredited
authoritative agency as meeting accepted engineering standards for quality
and as provided in Sections 719.0 and 800.0.
Controlled materials procedure: See Section 127.0.
Corridor: A hallway, passageway or other compartmented space providing
the occupants with access to the required exitways of the building or
floor area.
Court: An open, uncovered, and unoccupied space on the same lot with
a building.
Inner: Any court other than an outer court.
Outer: A court extending to and opening upon a street, public alley, or
other approved open space, not less than fifteen (15) feet wide, or upon
a required yard.
Covered mall buildings: A covered mall building is a single building
enclosing a number of tenants, and occupancies such as retail stores,
restaurants, places of assemblage, recreation facilities, motion picture
theaters, offices, banks, specialty shops and anchor stores, but ex-
cluding high hazard (H) and institutional (I) occupancies, and may be
either of two (2) types:
Type A: A covered mall building containing such occupancies in airport
passenger terminals, hotel lobbies, department stores, discount stores,
the lower stories of office buildings, etc. in which the allowable distance
of travel from the most remote part of the buildings is measured to an
exterior exit door, horizontal exit, exit passageway or an enclosed stair-
way.
Type B: A covered mall building wherein two (2) or more tenants have a
main entrance into one (1) or more malls which are roofed interior areas
providing common pedestrian facilities for the public wherein the distance
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
of travel of one (1) of the exits from any point within a tenant space is
measured to the mall.
Curb level: The elevation of the street curb as established in accordance
with law.
Building or wall height: The elevation of the street grade opposite the
center of the wall nearest to and facing the street lot line.
Excavations: The elevation of the street grade nearest to the point of
excavation .
Day care center: Any facility operated on a regular basis whether known
as a day nursery, nursery school, kindergarten, child play school,
progressive school, child development center, or preschool, or known
under any other name, which receives children not of common parentage
under seven (7) years of age or under sixteen (16) years of age if such
children have special needs for non-residential custody and care during
part or all of the day separated from their parents. Day care center
shall not include: any part of a public school system; any part of a
private, organized educational system unless the services of such system
are primarily limited to kindergarten, nursery or related preschool ser-
vices; a Sunday school conducted by a religious institution; a facility
operated by a religious organization where children are cared for during
short periods of time while persons responsible for such children are
attending religious services; a family day care home, as defined by Chap-
ter 28A, Section 9, of the MGLA as amended; an informal cooperative
arrangement among neighbors or relatives; or the occasional care of
children with or without compensation therefor.
Degree day, heating: A unit, based upon temperature difference and
time, used in estimating fuel consumption and specifying nominal heating
load of a building in winter. For any one day, when the mean temper-
ature is less than 65°F there exists as many degree days as there are
Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between the mean tempera-
ture for the day and 65°F.
Deluge system: An automatic sprinkler system consisting of open sprink-
lers with water supply valves activated by a separate automatic detection
system.
Department (DPS): The Department of Public Safety, Division of Inspec-
tion. Detoxification Facility: See Section 439.0.
Display sign: Any fabricated sign, including its structure, consisting of
any letter, figure, character, mark, point, plane, marguee sign, design,
poster, pictorial, picture, stroke, stripe, line, trademark, reading matter,
of illuminating device which is constructed, attached, erected, fastened,
or manufactured in any manner whatsoever so that the same is used for
the attraction of the public to any place, subject, person, firm, corpora-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
tion, public performance, article, machine or merchandise whatsoever, and
is displayed in any manner whatsoever out of doors for recognized adver-
tising purposes.
Display surface: The surface which is made available by the structure
either for the direct mounting of letters and decoration or for the mount-
ing of the facing material that is intended to carry the entire advertising
message.
Doorway: The clear width of the opening protected by a door, subject to
the width reduction provisions of this code.
Draft: The pressure difference existing between the equipment or any
component part and the atmosphere which causes a continuous flow of air
and products of combustion through the gas passages of the appliance to
the atmosphere.
Forced draft: The pressure difference created by the action of a fan,
blower or ejector which supplies the primary combustion air above atmos-
pheric pressure.
Induced draft: The pressure difference created by the action of a fan,
blower or ejector which is located between the appliance and the chimney
or vent termination.
Natural draft: The pressure difference created by a vent or chimney due
to its height and the temperature difference between the flue gases and
the atmosphere.
Draft hood: A device built into a gas appliance or made a part of a
chimney connector or vent connector from a gas appliance which is de-
signed to:
1. permit the ready escape of flue gases in the event of zero draft, a
back-draft or stoppage in the vent beyond the draft hood;
2. permit the ready relief of the back pressure from a back-draft so it
does not enter the gas appliance; and
3. neutralize the possible effect of excess draft (stack action) upon the
operation of the appliance.
Draft regulator: A device which functions to maintain a desired draft in
the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value.
Dry chemical extinguishing system: A system consisting of dry chemical
and expellant gas storage tanks, fixed piping, and nozzles used to assure
proper distribution of an approved extinguishing agent on a specific fire
hazard or into a potential fire area. The system includes an automatic
detection and actuating mechanism.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Dual bracing system: Consists of a moment resisting space frame and
shear walls which meet the following design criteria:
1. The space frame and shear walls shall resist the total lateral force in
accordance with their relative rigidities considering the interaction of
the shear walls and space frame.
2. The shear walls acting independently of the resisting portions of the
space frame shall resist the total lateral force.
3. The space frame shall have the capacity to resist not less than
twenty-five (25) per cent of the total lateral force.
Duct: A tube or conduit used for conveying or encasing purposes as
specifically defined below:
Air duct: A tube or conduit used for conveying air. The air passages
of self-contained systems are not to be construed as air ducts.
Pipe duct: A tube or conduit used for encasing pipe.
Wire duct: A tube or conduit used for encasing either moving or sta-
tionary wire, rope, etc.
Dumbwaiter: A hoisting and lowering mechanism with a car of limited
capacity and size which moves in guides in a substantially vertical direc-
tion and is used exclusively for carrying material.
Dwellings
Boarding house, tourist house: A building arranged or used for lodging,
with or without meals, for compensation, by more than three (3) lodgers
or boarders (use group R-l).
Dormitory: A space in a building where group sleeping accommodations
are provided for persons not members of the same family group, in one
(1) room, or in a series of closely associated rooms.
Hotel: Any building containing six (6) or more guest rooms intended or
designed to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be oc-
cupied or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests.
Lodging house: Any building or portion thereof arranged or used for
lodging by more than three (3) lodgers or boarders and where cooking or
sanitary facilities may be provided (R-l use group).
Multi- family apartment house: A building or portion thereof containing
more than two (2) dwelling units and not classified as a one- or two-
family dwelling.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
One-family dwelling: A building containing one (1) dwelling unit with not
more than three (3) lodgers or boarders.
Two-family dwelling: A building containing two (2) dwelling units with
not more than three (3) lodgers or boarders per family.
Dwelling unit: A single unit providing complete, independent living
facilities for one (1) or more persons including permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Efficiency, overall system: For a designated time period, the ratio of
useful energy at the point of use to the thermal energy input expressed
in per cent.
Egress: See "Means of egress."
Elevator: See Elevator and Escalator Regulations (524 CMR 3.00 through
11.00); Elevator, Dumbwaiter, Escalator and Moving Walk Regulations (524
CMR 15.00 through 33.00).
Elevator lobby: That portion of a floor, platform or alcove immediately
adjacent to the elevator shaft opening, used to receive and discharge
passengers or freight, or used as a waiting area.
Energy: The capacity for doing work. Energy takes a number of forms
which may be transformed from one into another, such as thermal (heat),
mechanical (motion), electrical, and chemical. In customary units, energy
is measured in kilowatt-hours (kwh) or British thermal units (Btu).
Energy efficiency ratio (EER): The ratio of net cooling capacity in Btu/h
to total rate of electric input in watts under designated operating con-
ditions .
Erection: The construction of a building or structure or a specific part
thereof.
Escalator: A moving stairway.
Existing building: See "Building, existing."
Existing equipment: Any equipment covered by this article which was
installed prior to the effective date of this code or for which an applica-
tion for permit to install was filed with the building official prior thereto.
Exitway: That portion of a means of egress which is separated from all
other spaces of a building or structure by construction or equipment as
required in this code to provide a protected way of travel to the exitway
discharge .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exitway access: Exitway access is that portion of a means of egress
which leads to an entrance to an exitway.
Exitway discharge: That portion of a means of egress between the ter-
mination of an exitway and a public way.
Exitway discharge court: An exterior unoccupied space which is open to
the sky for its entire area, located on the same lot with a theatre or
other assembly building which it serves exclusively as an obstructed
passageway to the street or other public space.
Exterior envelope: The elements of a building which enclose conditioned
spaces through which thermal energy may be transferred to or from the
exterior .
Exterior masonry wall construction: See Section 217.0.
Fenestration: Any light-transmitting devices in the building envelope
admitting natural light.
Fire area: The floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls or exterior
walls of a building to restrict the spread of fire.
Fire damper: A damper arranged to seal off air flow automatically through
part of an air duct system, so as to restrict the passage of heat. The
fire damper may also be used as a smoke damper if location lends itself to
the dual purpose.
Fire department connection: A connection for fire department use in
supplementing or supplying water for standpipes or sprinkler systems.
Fire department hose outlet: A connection to standpipe or combination
system piping to which the public fire department can connect its hose to
provide an effective hose stream.
Fire district: See "Fire limits."
Fire division: The interior means of separation of one part of a floor
area from another part together with fireresistive floor construction to
form a complete barrier between adjoining or superimposed floor areas in
the same building or structure.
Fire door: A door and its assembly, so constructed and assembled in
place as to give protection against the passage of fire.
Fire door assembly: The assembly of a fire door and its accessories,
including all hardware and closing devices and their anchors; and the
door frame, when required, and its anchors.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Fire drill: The organized procedure conducted with or without a private
fire brigade for vacating the occupants of a building and for operating
the first-aid fire appliances and equipment for the extinguishing of fire
and safeguarding of life.
Fire grading: The fire hazard classification of a building or structure in
hours or fractions of an hour established for its use group and occupancy
in Table 902.
Fire hazard: The potential degree of fire severity existing in the use
occupancy of a building and classified as high, moderate or low.
High: All uses which involve the storage, sale, manufacture or pro-
cessing of highly combustible, volatile flammable or explosive products
which are likely to burn with extreme rapidity and produce large volumes
of smoke, poisonous fumes, gases or explosions in the event of fire.
Moderate: All uses which involve the storage, sale, manufacture or
processing of materials which are likely to burn with moderate rapidity
and a considerable volume of smoke, but which do not produce either
poisonous fumes or explosions in the event of fire.
Low: All uses which involve the storage, sale or manufacture of materials
that do not ordinarily burn rapidly, nor produce excessive smoke, poi-
sonous fumes, or explosions in the event of fire.
Fire limits: The territories defined and limited by the provisions of this
code for the restriction of types of construction.
Fire partition: A partition which subdivides a story of a building to
provide an area of refuge or to restrict the spread of fire.
Fire prevention: The preventive measures which provide for the safe
conduct and operation of hazardous processes, storage of highly com-
bustible and flammable materials, conduct of fire drills, and the main-
tenance of fire detecting and fire- extinguishing service equipment and
good housekeeping conditions.
Fireproof construction: See Section 215.0.
Fire protection: The provision of safeguards in construction and of exit
facilities, and the installation of fire alarm, fire detecting and fire-extin-
guishing service equipment, to reduce the fire risk and the conflagration
hazard .
Fire protection system: A system including systems, devices, and equip-
ment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm or suppress or control a fire or
any combination thereof.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Fireresistance: That property of materials or their assemblies which
prevents or retards the passage of excessive heat, hot gases or flames
under conditions of use.
Fireresistance rating: The time in hours or fractions thereof that ma-
terials or their assemblies will resist fire exposure as determined by fire
tests conducted in compliance with recognized standards.
Fireresistive partition: A partition other than a fire partition which is
required to subdivide the floor area of a fireresistive building for the
purpose of restricting the spread of fire.
Fireretardant construction: Fabricated units or assemblies of units or
construction which have a fireresistance rating of not less than one-third
(1/3) hour.
Fireretardant lumber: Wood so treated by a recognized impregnation
process as to reduce its combustibility.
Fire safety: The measure of protection of a building or structure against
interior and exposure fire hazards through fireresistive construction and
the provision of safe exitways and fire- detecting and extinguishing equip-
ment.
Fire separation, exterior fire exposure: The distance in feet measured
from the building face to the closest interior lot line, to the center line of
a street or public space or to an imaginary line between two buildings on
the same property.
Fire separation wall: A fireresistance rated assembly of materials not
having unprotected openings, designed to restrict the spread of fire.
Fire suppression system: A mechanical system designed and equipped to
detect a fire, actuate an alarm and suppress or control a fire.
Fire wall: A fireresistance rated wall, having protected openings, which
restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation
to or through the roof.
Fire window: A window constructed and glazed to give protection against
the passage of fire.
Flameresistance: The property of materials or combinations of component
materials which restricts the spread of flame as determined by the flame-
resistance tests specified ih this code (see Section 904.0).
Flame spread: The propagation of flame over a surface.
Flame spread rating: The measurement of flame spread on the surface of
materials or their assemblies as determined by tests conducted in com-
pliance with recognized standards.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Flammable: Subject to easy ignition and rapid flaming combustion.
Floor area, gross: Gross floor area shall be the floor area within the
perimeter of the outside walls of the building under consideration, without
deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of walls, columns, or
other features.
Floor area, net: For the purpose of determining the number of persons
for whom exitways are to be provided, net floor area shall be the actual
occupied area, not including accessory unoccupied areas or thickness of
walls .
Floor fill: The fill between the structural floor arch or slab and the
finished flooring.
Floor filling: The type of short-span floor construction in fireproof and
fireresistive buildings installed between structural steel framing to serve
as a combination structural floor slab or arch and fireproof protection of
the framing.
Floor finish: The finish placed on top of the floor arch, slab or other
structural floor element.
Foam extinguishing system: A special system to discharge a foam made
from concentrates, either mechanically or chemically, over the area to be
protected .
Formed steel construction: That type of construction used in floor and
roof systems consisting of integrated units of sheet or strip steel plates
which are shaped into parallel steel ribs or beams with a continuous
connecting flange deck; generally attached to and supported on the
primary or secondary members of a structural steel or reinforced concrete
frame.
Foundation: A base constructed to support any building or structure
including but not limited to footings, floating foundation, piles, caissons.
Foundation level: The lowest of any of the following:
1. the bottom of any spread or combined footing or foundation mat;
2. the bottom of any pile cap; or
3. the top of any pier or caisson.
Foundation wall: A wall below the floor nearest grade serving as a
support for a wall, pier, column or other structural part of a building.
Foyer: The enclosed space surrounding or in the rear of the auditorium
of a theatre or other place of assembly which is completely shut off from
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
the auditorium and is used as an assembly or waiting space for the occu-
pants .
Fuel: A solid, liquid, or gaseous substance with a high energy content
that can be burned to release the energy.
Fuel oil: A liquid mixture or compound derived from petroleum which
does not emit flammable vapor below a temperature of one hundred and
twenty-five (125) degrees F. in a Tag closed-cup tester (ASTM D56).
Furnace
Floor furnace: A self-contained, connected or vented furnace designed to
be suspended from the floor of the space being heated taking air for
combustion outside this heated space and with means for observing the
flame and lighting the appliance from the space being heated.
Forced warm air furnace: A furnace equipped with a blower to provide
the primary means for circulating air.
Warm air furnace: A solid, liquid or gas-fired appliance for heating air
to be distributed with or without duct systems to the space to be heated.
Furring: The application of thin wood, brick, or metal to a surface to
level it, or to create an air space.
Garage, private: A garage for four (4) or less passenger motor vehicles
without provision for repairing or servicing such vehicles for profit.
Garage, public: A building or structure for the storage or parking of
more than four (4) passenger motor vehicles or motor powered boats, or
more than one (1) commercial motor vehicle; and in which provision may
be made for the dispensing of gasoline, oil or similar products for the
servicing of such vehicles. Public garages shall be classified according
to their specific use in one (1) of the following groups:
Group 1: A public garage in which provision is made for the care,
storage, repair or painting of motor vehicles.
Group 2: A public garage used exclusively for passenger vehicles that
will accommodate not more than nine (9) passengers.
Glass fiber reinforced plastic: See Section 1900.2.1.
Grade: A reference plane representing the average of finished ground
level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.
Grade hallway, grade lobby, grade passageway: An enclosed hallway or
corridor that is an element of an exitway, terminating at a street or an
open space or court communicating with a street.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Grandstand: Any structure, except movable seating and sectional ben-
ches, intended primarily to support individuals for the purposes of as-
sembly, but this definition shall not apply to the permanent seating in
theatres, churches, auditoriums and similar buildings.
Gross floor area: The floor area within the perimeter of the outside walls
of the building, without deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness
of walls, columns, or other features.
Gross leasable area: The gross leasable area is the total floor area
designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive use. The area of tenant
occupancy is measured from the center lines of joint partitions to the
outside of the tenant walls.
Gross wall area: The exterior wall area bounding interior space which is
conditioned by an energy-using system. It includes the opaque wall, and
window and door areas.
Ground sign: A sign supported by uprights or braces in or upon the
ground surface.
Group residence: See Section 424.0.
Habitable space: Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or
cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or
utility space, and similar areas are not considered habitable space.
Hallway, common: A common corridor or space separately enclosed which
provides any of the following in any story:
1. common access to the required exitways of the building;
2. common access for more than one (1) tenant, or
3. common access for more than thirty (30) persons.
Halogenated extinguishing system: A system of pipes, nozzles and an
actuating mechanism and a container of halogenated agent under pressure.
Head of the fire department: The chief executive officer of the fire
department in a city, town or fire district having such an officer, other-
wise the fire commissioner, board of fire commissioners or fire engineers,
or commissioner of public safety; and in towns not having a fire depart-
ment, the chief engineer, if any, otherwise the chairman of the board of
selectmen.
Heat: The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a temperature
difference .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Heated slab: Containing heated pipes or ducts that constitute a radiant
slab or portion thereof for complete or partial heating of the contained
space.
Heating appliance: Any device designed or constructed for the gen-
eration of heat from solid, liquid or gaseous fuel or electricity.
Recessed heater: A completely self-contained heating unit usually re-
cessed in a wall and located entirely above the floor of the space it is
intended to heat.
Unit heater: A factory-assembled device designed to heat and circulate
air. Essential components are a heat transfer element, housing and fan
with driving motor. Normally designed for free delivery of recirculated
air.
Heated space: A space within a building which is provided with a pos-
itive heat supply to maintain air temperature of fifty (50) degrees F. or
higher.
Height, building: The vertical distance from the grade to the top of the
highest roof beams of a flat roof, or to the mean level of the highest
gable or slope of a hip roof. When a building faces on more than one (1)
street, the height shall be measured from the average of the grades at
the center of each street front.
Court: The vertical distance from the lowest level of the court to the
mean height of the top of the enclosing walls.
Story: The vertical distance from top to top of two (2) successive tiers
of beams or finished floor surfaces; and, for the topmost story, from the
top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists, or, where there is
not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
Wall: The vertical distance from the foundation wall or other immediate
support of such wall to the top of the wall.
Hereafter: After the time that this code becomes effective.
Heretofore: Before the time that this code became effective.
High hazard use: See Section 206.0.
Historic buildings: See Section 436.2.
Hollow masonry unit: A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area in
any plane parallel to the bearing surface is less than seventy-five (75)
per cent of its gross cross -sectional area measured in the same plane.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Horizontal exit: A way of passage from one (1) building or fire area to
an area of refuge in another building or fire area on approximately the
same level, which affords safety from fire or smoke from the area of
escape and areas communicating therewith.
Horizontal fire line: A fire line installed around the interior walls and
columns of a building, pier or wharf, with hose outlets located so that
every part of the floor area is within reach of at least one (1) fire stream.
Humidistat: An instrument which measures changes in humidity and
controls a device(s) for maintaining a desired humidity.
HVAC: Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
HVAC system: A system that provides either collectively or individually
the processes of comfort heating, ventilating, and/or air conditioning
within or associated with a building.
Industrial lift (material lift): A non-portable power operated raising or
lowering device for transporting freight vertically, operating entirely
within one (1) story of the building or structure.
Illumination: The density of the luminous flux incident on a surface; it
is the quotient of the luminous flux and the area of the surface when the
latter is uniformly illuminated.
Infiltration: The uncontrolled inward air leakage through cracks and
interstices in any building element and around windows and doors of a
building, caused by the pressure effects of wind and/or the effect of
differences in the indoor and the outdoor air density.
Inspector of buildings: The administrative chief of the building depart-
ment in a municipality who is charged with the administration and enforce-
ment of this code. See also "Building commissioner" and Section 107.1).
Installation: See Article 18.
Interior lot line: Any lot line other than one adjoining a street or public
space.
Kerosene: An oil or liquid product of petroleum which does not emit a
flammable vapor below a temperature of one hundred and fifteen (115)
degrees F. when tested in a Tag closed-cup tester (ASTM D56).
Kiosk: A small structure used as a newstand, refreshment booth and/or
pavillion for similar usage.
Label: See Article 18.
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Lateral force resisting system: That part of the structural system to
which the total lateral forces prescribed in Section 716.4 are assigned.
Light-diffusing system: A suspended construction consisting in whole or
in part of lenses, panels, grids or baffles suspended below lighting
fixtures .
Light gage steel construction: That type of construction in which the
structural frame consists of studs, floor joists, arch ribs, rafters, steel
decks and other structural elements which are composed and fabricated of
cold-formed sheet or strip steel members less than three sixteenths (3/16)
inch thick.
Limited access: Available only to authorized personnel.
Limited area sprinkler system: An automatic sprinkler system consisting
of not more than twenty (20) sprinklers for use in a room or space en-
closed by construction assemblies as reguired by this code.
Lintel: A beam placed over a opening or recess in a wall which supports
the wall construction above.
Liguefaction : A term used to describe a group of phenomena occurring in
saturated cohesionless sandy and silty soils consisting of a large decrease
in effective stress (total stress minus pore pressure) accompanied by
large deformations under either static or cyclic loading. The term cyclic
mobility should also be included within the scope of the definition of
liguefaction .
Load •
Dead load: The weight of all permanent construction including walls,
floors, roofs, partitions and stairways, and of fixed service eguipment.
Duration of load: The period of continuous application of a given load,
or the aggregate of periods of intermittent applications of the same load.
Earthguake load: The assumed lateral load acting in any horizontal
direction on the structural frame due to the kinetic action of earthguakes.
Impact load: The load resulting from moving machinery, elevators, crane-
ways, vehicles, and other similar forces and kinetic loads.
Lateral soil load: The lateral pressure due to the weight of the adjacent
soil, including due allowance for hydrostatic pressure and possible sur-
charge from fixed or moving loads.
Live load: The weight superimposed by the use and occupancy of the
building, not including the wind load, earthguake load, snow load or dead
load.
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Wind load: The pressure (either positive pressure or suction), on, or
in, a building or structure due to wind blowing in any direction.
Loading ramp: A hinged, non-portable device, either mechanical or
hydraulic, hand or power operated, used for spanning gaps or adjusting
heights between loading surface and carrier or between loading surface
and loading surface.
Lobby: The enclosed vestibule between the principal entrance to the
building and the doors to the main floor of the auditorium or assembly
room of a theatre or place of assembly, or to the main floor corridor of a
business building (see also "Elevator lobby").
Local enforcement agency: A department or agency in a municipality
charged with the enforcement of this code and appropriate specialized
codes which include, but are not limited to, The State Plumbing Gas
Fitting Code, and the State Electrical Code.
Local inspector: A person in a municipality who assists the building
commissioner or inspector of buildings in the performance of his duties
and is charged with the enforcement of this code (see Section 107.11).
Lot: A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
Corner lot: A lot with two (2) adjacent sides abutting upon streets or
other public spaces.
Interior lot: A lot which faces on one (1) street or with opposite sides
on two (2) streets.
Lot line: A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street or any
public place.
Low hazard use: See Section 210.3.
Maintenance: Restoring or replacing deteriorated elements.
Mall: A mall is a roofed-over common pedestrian area serving more than
one (1) tenant located within a covered mall building.
Manual: Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Auto-
matic").
Manual fire alarm system: An interior alarm system composed of sending
stations and signaling devices in a building, operated on an electric
circuit, so arranged that the operation of any one station will ring all
signals throughout the building on at one or more approved locations.
Signals may be either non-coded, or coded to indicate the floor area in
which the signal originated and may be transmitted to an outside central
station .
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Manufactured building: Any building which has concealed elements, such
as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, insulation, and other
systems affecting health and safety, and which is manufactured or assem-
bled in manufacturing facilities, on or off the building site. Also, any
building as defined above which does not have concealed elements, but
which has been approved by the Commission at the request of the manu-
facturer .
Marquee sign: A sign attached to or hung from a marquee canopy or
other covered structure projecting from and supported by the building
and extending beyond the building wall, building line or street lot line.
Masonry: A built-up construction or combination of building units or
materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other ap-
proved units bonded together with mortar or monolithic concrete. Rein-
forced concrete is not classed as masonry.
Material platform hoist: A power or manually operated suspended platform
conveyance operating in guide rails for the exclusive raising or lowering
of materials, which is operated and controlled from a point outside the
conveyance .
Means of egress: A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any
point in a building or structure to a public way and consists of three (3)
separate and distinct parts: (a) the exitway access; (b) the exitway;
and (c) the exitway discharge. A means of egress comprises the vertical
and horizontal means of travel and shall include intervening room spaces,
doors, hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclo-
sures, lobbies, escalators, horizontal exits, courts, and yards.
Mechanical ventilation: The mechanical process of supplying air to, or
removing air from, any space.
Mezzanine: An intermediate level between the floor and ceiling of any
story, and covering not more than thirty-three (33) per cent of the floor
area of the room in which it is located.
Miscellaneous hoisting and elevating equipment: See Elevator and Esca-
lator Regulations (524 CMR 3.00 through 11.00); Elevator, Dumbwaiter,
Escalator and Moving Walk Regulations (524 CMR 15.00 through 33.00).
Mobile home: A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which
is eight (8) body feet or more in width and is thirty-two (32) body feet
or more in length, and which is built on a permanent chassis, and de-
signed to be used as a dwelling with permanent foundation, when con-
nected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating,
air-conditioning and electrical systems contained therein.
Mobile unit: A structure of vehicular, portable design built on a chassis
and designed to be moved from one site to another and to be used, with
or without a permanent foundation.
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Moderate hazard use: See Section 210.2.
Moment-resisting space frame: A space frame designed to carry all ver-
tical loads and in which the members and joints are capable of resisting
design lateral forces by bending moments.
Mortar: A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggre-
gates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units.
Motel: A hotel as defined in this code.
Motor fuel service station: A structure, building or premise or any
portion thereof where a flammable fluid is stored, housed or sold for
supply to motor vehicles.
Motor vehicle repair shop: A building, structure or enclosure in which
the general business of repairing motor vehicles is conducted, including a
public garage.
Moving stairway (escalator): See Elevator and Escalator Regulations (524
CMR 3.00 through 11.00); Elevator, Dumbwaiter, Escalator and Moving
Walk Regulations (524 CMR 15.00 through 33.00).
Moving walk: See Elevator and Escalator Regulations (524 CMR 3.00
through 11.00); Elevator, Dumbwaiter, Escalator and Moving Walk Regu-
lations (524 CMR 15.00 through 33.00).
Municipality: Any city or town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The word "municipality" shall be construed, where the context requires,
as though followed by the words "or combination of municipalities."
Native lumber: Native lumber is wood processed in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts by a mill registered in accordance with the regulations of
the State Building Code Commission. Such wood is ungraded but is
stamped or certified in accordance with the requirements of Section
852.1.1 of this code. For the purpose of this definition, native lumber
shall be restricted to use in one- and two-story dwellings, barns, sheds,
agricultural and accessory buildings and other structures when permitted
by section 852.1.1.
Nominal dimension
Lumber: A dimension that may vary from actual dimensions as provided
in American Lumber Standard listed in Appendix C.
Masonry: A dimension that may vary from actual masonry dimensions by
the thickness of a mortar joint but not to exceed one-half (1/2) inch.
Non-automatic sprinkler system: A sprinkler system in which all pipes
are maintained dry and which is equipped with a Siamese fire department
connection .
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Non-depletable energy sources: Sources of energy (excluding minerals)
derived from incoming solar radiation including photosynthetic processes;
from phenomena resulting therefrom including wind, waves and tides, lake
or pond thermal differences; and energy derived from the internal heat of
the earth, including nocturnal thermal exchanges.
Noncombustible: This is a general, relative term. Its precise meaning is
defined in this code for specific applications.
Noncombustible building material (incombustible): See Section 903.0
Noncombustible construction: See Section 216.0.
Non-slip: As used in this code, shall mean a surface that is tested and
approved to be slip resistant by a nationally recognized testing labo-
ratory, and have a minimum coefficient of anti-slip friction of forty one-
hundredths (0.40) as defined by Research Paper No. RP-1879 of the
National Bureau of Standards.
Notice: See Section 122.1.
Occupancy: The purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used
or intended to be used, within a use group.
Occupancy load: The number of individuals normally occupying the
building, or part thereof, or for which the exitway facilities have been
designed.
Occupancy sprinkler system: An automatic sprinkler system servicing a
use group in a building enclosed by construction assemblies as required
by this code.
Occupant use hose station: A valve, rack, one and one-half (1 1/2) inch
hose, and nozzle assembly located and labeled for use by building occu-
pants only. Such occupant use hose stations may be connected to stand-
pipe, combination or sprinkler systems.
Occupiable room, minimum height: A clear height from finished floor to
ceiling or lowest projection of not less than seven and one quarter (7
1/4) feet shall be provided in all exitway access and occupiable rooms of
assembly, business or mercantile uses.
Occupied: As applied to a building, shall be construed as though fol-
lowed by the words "or intended, arranged or designed to be occupied."
One- source sprinkler system: An automatic sprinkler system which is
supplied from one of the approved automatic sources of water supply.
Opaque areas: All exposed areas of a building envelope which enclose
conditioned space, except openings for windows, skylights, doors, and
building service systems.
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Open Well: A floor opening, series of floor openings or an atrium
connecting two or more stories, which does not meet the requirements for
a covered shaft with respect to enclosure.
Ordinary materials: Materials which do not conform to the requirements
of this code for controlled materials.
Oriel window: A window projected beyond and suspended from the wall
of the building or cantilevered therefrom.
Outbuilding: A building the use of which is incidental to that of the
main building, and which is located on the same lot.
Outside air: Air taken from the outdoors and, therefore, not previously
circulated through the system.
Overall thermal transfer value (ottv): Overall heat gain through the
building wall.
Owner: Every person who alone or jointly or severally with others (a)
has legal title to any building or structure; or (b) has care, charge, or
control of any building or structure in any capacity including but not
limited to agent, executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix,
trustee or guardian of the estate of the holder of legal title; or (c) lessee
under a written letting agreement; or (d) mortgagee in possession; or (e)
agent, trustee or other person appointed by the courts. Each such per-
son is bound to comply with the provisions of this code.
Packaged terminal air- conditioner: A factory-selected combination of
heating and cooling components, assemblies, or sections, intended to
serve a room or zone.
Panel (part of a structure): The section of a floor or wall comprised
between the supporting frame of two (2) adjacent rows of columns and
girders or column bands of floor construction.
Panning: The sealing off of a joist or stud space for use as a plenum.
This is allowed in one and two-family dwellings only for use as a return
air plenum.
Parking structure, open: A structure for the parking of passenger cars
wherein two (2) or more sides of such structure are not less than fifty
(50) per cent open on each floor or level for fifty (50) per cent of the
distance from the floor to the ceiling and wherein provision for the re-
pairing of such vehicles is not made. Such open parking structures are
not classified as public garages, but shall comply with the requirements
of Section 429.0 and FPR-4.
Party wall: A fire wall on an interior lot line used or adapted for joint
service between two (2) buildings.
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Penthouse: An enclosed structure above the roof of a building, other
than a roof structure or bulkhead, occupying not more than thirty-three
and one third (33 1/3) per cent of the roof area.
Permit: An official document or certificate issued by the authority having
jurisdiction authorizing performance of a specified activity.
Person: Every individual, partnership, corporation, firm, association,
trustee or group, including a city, town, county, authority or other
governmental unit, owning property or conducting any activity regulated
by this code.
Place of Assembly: A room or space accommodating fifty (50) or more
individuals for religious, recreational, educational, political, social or
amusement purposes, or for the consumption of food and drink, including
all connected rooms or space with a common means of egress and en-
trance .
Place of outdoor assembly: Premises used or intended to be used for
public gatherings of two hundred (200) or more individuals in other than
buildings .
Plastic, combustible: A plastic material more than one twentieth (1/20)
inches in thickness which burns at a rate of not more than two and
one-half (2 1/2) inches per minute when subjected to ASTM D635, Stan-
dard Method of Test for Flammability of Self- Supporting Plastics, listed in
Appendix C.
Plastic glazing: Material glazed, or set in frame or sash, and not held
by mechanical fasteners which pass through the glazing material.
Plastic roof panels: Approved plastic materials which are mechanically
fastened to structural members, or to structural panels or sheathing, and
which are used as light- transmitting media in roofs.
Plastic wall panel: Approved plastic materials which are mechanically
fastened to structural members, or to structural panels or sheathing, and
which are used as light- transmitting media in exterior walls.
Plenum: An air compartment or chamber to which one (1) or more ducts
are connected, and which forms part of an air distribution system.
Portable sign: A sign, usually of a temporary nature, not securely
anchored to the ground or to a building or structure and which obtains
some or all of its structural stability with respect to wind or other nor-
mally applied forces by means of its geometry or character.
Positive heat supply: Heat supplied to a space by design.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Posted use and occupancy: The posted classification of a building in
respect to use, fire grading, floor load and occupancy load.
Posted sign: The tablet, card or plate which defines the use, occu-
pancy, fire grading and floor loads of each story, floor or parts thereof
for which the building or part thereof has been approved.
Power: In connection with machines, power is the time rate of doing
work. In connection with the transmission of energy of all types, power
refers to the rate at which energy is transmitted; in customary units, it
is measured in watts (W) or British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
Prefabricated: Construction materials or assembled units fabricated prior
to erection or installation in a building or structure (See "Manufactured
buildings" and "Building components").
Prefabricated buildings: The completely assembled and erected building
or structure, including the service equipment, of which the structural
parts consist of prefabricated individual units or subassemblies using
ordinary or controlled materials; and in which the service equipment may
be either prefabricated or at-site construction.
Prefabricated subassembly: A built-up combination of several structural
elements designed and fabricated as an assembled section of wall, ceiling,
floor or roof to be incorporated into the structure by field erection of two
(2) or more such subassemblies.
Prefabricated unit: A built-up section forming an individual structural
element of the building, such as a beam, girder, plank, strut, column or
truss, the integrated parts of which are prefabricated prior to incor-
poration into the structure, including the necessary means for erection
and connection at the site to complete the structural frame.
Prefabricated unit service equipment: A prefabricated assembly of mech-
anical units, fixtures and accessories comprising a complete service unit
of mechanical equipment, including bathroom and kitchen plumbing assem-
blies, unit heating and air-conditioning systems and loop-wiring assem-
blies of electric circuits.
Preservative treatment (treated material): Unless otherwise noted, is
impregnation under pressure with a wood preservative. Wood preser-
vative is any suitable substance that is toxic to fungi, insects, borers,
and other living wood-destroying organisms.
Primary member: Any member of the structural frame of a building or
structure used as a column, grillage beam, or to support masonry walls
and partitions; including trusses, isolated lintels spanning an opening of
eight (8) feet or more, and any other member required to brace a column
or a truss.
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Professional engineer or architect: An individual technically and legally
qualified to practice the profession of engineering or architecture.
Projecting sign: A display sign which is attached directly to the building
wall, and which extends more than fifteen (15) inches from the face of
the wall.
Proprietary (local) system: An electrical alarm system capable of auto-
matically notifying building supervisory personnel of a water flow and/or
an impairment of a sprinkler system.
Protected construction: That in which all structural members are con-
structed, chemically treated, covered or protected so that the individual
unit or the combined assemblage of all such units has the required fire-
resistance rating specified for its particular use or application in Table
214; including protected-frame, protected-ordinary and protected-non-
combustible construction.
Public way: Any street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside
air leading to a public street, deeded, dedicated, or otherwise perma-
nently appropriated to the public for public use and having a clear width
of not less than ten (10) feet.
Pyroxylin plastic: Any nitro-cellulose product or compound soluble in a
volatile, flammable liquid, including such substances as celluloid, pyroxy-
lin, fiberloid and other cellulose nitrates (other than nitrocellulose film)
which are susceptible to explosion from rapid ignition of the gases emitted
therefrom.
Raised platform: A raised portion of floor to be used for simple stage
purposes that involves a minimum of fire hazard, so located that it ex-
tends not more than eighteen (18) feet behind the probable curtain line of
the proscenium opening and of an area limited to seventeen and one-half
(17.5) per cent of the assembly room floor area or fifteen hundred and
fifty (1,550) square feet, whichever is less.
Raised platform, enclosed: A raised portion of a floor, to be used for
simple stage purposes that involve a minimum of fire hazard, having a
ceiling which extends not more than five (5) feet above the top of the
proscenium opening, containing a proscenium opening curtain, not con-
taining a gridiron, fly gallery or other apparatus above or below the
stage for the movement of scenery, not extending more than eight (8)
feet beyond the curtain line and having two (2) separate and independent
means of egress such that any point behind the curtain shall not be more
than fifty (50) feet from an egress doorway.
Readily accessible: Capable of being reached quickly for operation,
maintenance, or inspection, without requiring those to whom ready access
is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable
ladders, chairs, etc.
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Recovered energy: Energy utilized, which would otherwise be wasted,
from a system that utilizes energy for any purpose.
Refrigerant: The medium used to produce cooling or refrigeration by the
process of expansion or vaporization.
Refrigeration: The mechanical process of removing heat from the air in
an enclosed space of a building or structure.
Reheat: The application of sensible heat to the supply air that has been
previously cooled below the temperature of the conditioned space by
either mechanical refrigeration or the introduction of outdoor air.
Reinforced concrete: Concrete in which reinforcement, other than that
provided for shrinkage or temperature changes, is combined in such
manner that the two (2) materials act together in resisting forces.
Reinforced thermosetting plastic: A thermosetting plastic reinforced with
a glass fiber mat having not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) ounces of
glass fiber per square foot.
Remote station system: An electrical alarm system capable of automatically
notifying the public or private fire departments, or other approved con-
stantly-attended location, when the system is activated.
Repair: Any maintenance which affects structure, egress, fire protection
systems, fire ratings, energy conservative provisions (Article 20), use,
occupancy or utilities. A builing permit is required.
Repairs, ordinary: Any maintenance which does not affect structure,
egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation pro-
visions (Article 20), plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities.
A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs.
Required: Shall be construed to be mandatory by provisions of this
code.
Reset: Adjustment of the set point of a control instrument to a higher or
a lower value, either automatically or manually in order to conserve
energy.
Residential unit: a) in R-2 multi-family use group, a dwelling unit; b) in
R-2 dormitory use group, a room or group of rooms occupied as a single
unit; and c) in R-l use group, a room or group of rooms occupied as a
single unit.
Resistance, thermal (R): A measure of the ability to retard the flow of
heat. The R value is the reciprocal of a heat transfer coefficient as
expressed by U. R = 1/U.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Riser: The vertical supply pipes in a sprinkler system or standipe
system.
Roof: The roof slab or deck with its supporting members, not including
vertical supports.
Roof covering: The covering applied to the roof for weather resistance,
fireresistance or appearance.
Roof sign: A sign which is erected, constructed and maintained above
the roof of the building.
Roof structure: An enclosed structure on or above the roof of any part
of a building.
Room air conditioner: An encased assembly designated as a unit for
mounting in a window or through a wall, or as a console. It is designed
primarily to provide free delivery of conditioned air to an enclosed space,
room or zone. It includes a prime source of refrigeration for cooling and
dehumidification and means for circulating and cleaning air, and may also
include means for ventilating and heating.
Room dimensions: See Section 506.5.
Rubble
Coursed rubble: Masonry composed of roughly shaped stones fitting
approximately on level beds and well bonded.
Random rubble: Masonry composed of roughly-shaped stones laid without
regularity of coursing but well bonded and fitted together to form well
defined joints.
Rough or ordinary rubble: Masonry composed of unsquared field stones
laid without regularity of coursing but well bonded.
Rubble masonry: Masonry composed of roughly shaped stones.
Runway: Any aisle or walkway constructed or maintained as a temporary
passageway for pedestrians or vehicles.
Rupture member: A mechanical device that will rupture at a predeter-
mined pressure to control automatically the compressor or maximum pres-
sure of operation of the refrigerant.
Salamander: Portable stove or incinerator.
Scaffold: Any elevated platform which is used for supporting workmen,
materials or both.
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Schoolhouse: Any building or premise in which a regular course of
public or private instruction is given to not less than ten (10) students
at one time, except for rooms in buildings separate from or attached to
churches used for the primary purpose of religious instruction.
Secondary member: Any member of the structural framework other than a
primary member, including filling- in beams of floor systems.
Self-closing: As applied to a fire door or other opening protective,
means normally closed and equipped with an approved device which will
insure closing after having been opened for use.
Sensible heat: Heat added or removed which can be measured by a
change in temperature of the substance.
Separate sleeping area: See Section 1216.3.2.2.
Sequence: A consecutive series of operations.
Service systems: All energy-using systems in a building that are oper-
ated to provide services for the occupants or processes housed therein,
including HVAC, service water heating, illumination, transportation,
cooking or food preparation, laundering or similar functions.
Service water heating: Supply of hot water for domestic or commercial
purposes other than comfort heating.
Service water heating demand: The maximum design rate of heated water
withdrawal from a service water heating system in a designated period of
time (usually an hour or a day).
Shading coefficient: The ratio of the solar heat gain through a glazing
system corrected for external and internal shading to the solar gain
through an unshaded single light of double strength sheet glass under
the same set of conditions.
Shaft, covered: An interior enclosed space extending through one (1) or
more stories of a building, connecting openings in successive floors, or
floors and roof, and covered at the top.
Shaft, open: An exterior, enclosed space extending through one (1) or
more stories of a building, enclosed with walls of the required weather
and fireresistance rating for exterior walls, and open to the sky at the
top.
Shall: The term, when used in this code, shall be construed as man-
datory.
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Shear wall: A wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the wall.
Signs: Any fabricated sign or outdoor display structure, including its
structure, consisting of any letter, figure, character, mark, point,
plane, marguee sign, design, poster, pictorial picture stroke, stripe,
line, trademark, reading matter, or illuminating device, constructed,
attached, erected, fastened, or manufactured in any manner whatsoever
so that the same shall be used for the attraction of the public to any
place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article,
machine, or merchandise whatsoever, and displayed in any manner out of
doors for recognized advertising purposes.
Closed sign: A sign in which more than fifty (50) per cent of the entire
area is solid or tightly enclosed or covered, preventing transmission of
wind.
Open sign: A sign in which at least fifty (50) per cent of the enclosed
area is uncovered, or open to the transmission of wind.
Slidescape: A straight or spiral chute erected on the interior or exterior
of a building which is designed as a means of human egress direct to the
street or other public space.
Smoke detector: An approved, listed detector sensing visible or invisible
particles of combustion.
Smokeproof enclosure: An enclosed stairway, with access from the floor
area of the building either through outside balconies or ventilated ves-
tibules, opening on a street or yard or open court, and with a separately
enclosed direct exitway to the street at the grade floor.
Solar energy source: Source of thermal, chemical or electrical energy
derived directly from conversion of incident solar radiation.
Solid fuel burning appliance: Room heaters which are free standing fire
chamber assemblies designed to burn wood or coal. They may be of the
circulating or radiant type. These units are for attachment to a resi-
dential type chimney and may be thermostatically controlled.
Solid masonry: Masonry consisting of solid masonry units laid contig-
uously with the joints between the units filled with mortar, or consisting
of plain concrete.
Solid masonry unit: A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area in
every plane parallel to the bearing surface is seventy-five (75) per cent
or more of its gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
Space frame: A three-dimensional structural system composed of inter-
connected members, other than bearing walls, designed to function as a
complete self-contained laterally stable unit with or without the aid of
horizontal diaphragms or floor bracing systems.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Special hoisting and conveying eguipment: Manually or power-operated
hoisting, lowering or conveying mechanisms, other than elevators, moving
stairways or dumbwaiters for the transport of persons or freight in a
vertical, inclined or horizontal direction on one (1) floor or in successive
floors .
Automotive lift: A fixed mechanical device for raising an entire motor
vehicle above the floor level, but not through successive floors of the
building or structure.
Conveyors: A system of machinery and manual or mechanized devices
other than elevator and dumbwaiter equipment, consisting of belts, chains,
rollers, buckets, aprons, slides and chutes and other miscellaneous equip-
ment for hoisting, lowering and transporting materials and merchandise in
packages or in bulk in any direction in a building or structure.
Manlifts: A power-operated belt device with steps and handholds for
transporting persons in a vertical position through successive floors or
levels of the building or structure.
Material lift: A power-operated rising or lowering device for transporting
freight vertically, operating entirely within one (1) story of the building
or structure.
Specialized Code: All building codes, rules or regulations pertaining to
building construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition
promulgated by and under the authority of the various agencies which
have been authorized from time to time by the General Court of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Sprinkler alarm system: An alarm activated by waterflow from a sprinkler
system.
Sprinklered: A building or structure equipped with a complete, approved
automatic sprinkler system properly maintained.
Sprinkler system, dry pipe: A system in which all pipes and sprinkler
heads are filled with air under pressure and the water supply is con-
trolled by an approved automatic dry-pipe valve, in the event of fire
actuated either by the release of air or by thermostatic electric control.
Sprinkler system, thermostatic: An open or closed head sprinkler system
operated through an auxiliary thermostatic device which functions at a
predetermined rate of temperature rise.
Sprinkler system, wet pipe: A system of automatic sprinklers in which
all pipes are filled with water at all times.
Stage: A partially enclosed portion of a building which is designed or
used for the presentation of plays, demonstrations, or other entertainment
wherein scenery, drops or other effects may be installed or used.
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Stairway: One (1) or more flights of stairs, and the necessary landings
and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted
passage from one floor to another. A flight of stairs, for the purposes
of this code, must have at least three (3) risers.
Standard fire tests: See Appendix G.
Standpipe: A system of piping and allied equipment installed to provide a
means for manual application of water to fires in buildings. Standpipe
systems are for fire department use to obtain effective hose streams in
taller buildings or large low buildings.
Standpipe, dry: A standpipe system not having permanent water supply
connection. Water is supplied by the fire department through the re-
quired fire department connection only.
Standpipe, dry /wet: A standpipe system which is normally dry but can
be charged with water.
Standpipe, wet: A standpipe system which has the supply normally open
and water pressure maintained in all portions of the standpipe system at
all times.
State Building Code: The State Building Code and amendments and rules
and regulations thereto as promulgated by the State Building Code Com-
mission under Chapter 23B, Sections 16, 17 and 18, of the Massachusetts
General Laws Annotated as amended.
State Building Code Commission (SBCC): The Massachusetts State rules
and regulations thereto as promulgated by the State Building Building
Code Commission established by Chapter 23B, Section 16, of the Mass-
achusetts General Laws Annotated as amended.
State inspector: An employee of the Division of Inspection, State Depart-
ment of Public Safety who is charged with administering and enforcing
this code relative to any structure or building or parts thereof that are
owned by the Commonwealth or any departments, commissions, agencies or
authorities of the Commonwealth. The state inspector is also charged
with supervising the enforcement of this code relative to all buildings and
structures other than those owned by the Commonwealth (see Section
108.9).
Steel joist: Any secondary steel member of a building or structure made
of hot or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded
bar, strip or sheet steel members or slotted and expanded or otherwise
deformed rolled sections.
Story: That portion of a building included between the upper surface of
a floor and upper surface of the floor or roof next above (see also "Mez-
zanine").
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Story (first): The lowermost story entirely above the grade plane.
Street: A public thoroughfare (street, avenue, boulevard) which has
been dedicated for public use.
Street lot line: The lot line dividing a lot from a street or other public
space.
Structural clay tile: A hollow masonry unit composed of burned clay,
shale, fireclay or mixtures thereof, and having parallel cells.
Structural steel member: Any primary or secondary member of a building
or structure consisting of a rolled steel structural shape other than
cold-formed steel, light gage steel or steel joist members.
Structure: A combination of materials assembled at a fixed location to
give support or shelter, such as a building, framework, retaining wall,
tent, reviewing stand, platform, bin, fence, sign, flagpole, recreational
tramway, mast for radio antenna or the like. The word "structure" shall
be construed, where the context requires, as though followed by the
words, "or part or parts thereof."
Summer camps for children: premises, operated solely between April and
October of each year for recreational or other purposes, and having
residential facilities. The use of such accommodations for purposes of
inspection, certification and inspection fees shall be considered as being
similar to a dormitory in R-2 use group and subject to Article 4, Sections
435.2 through 435.6.
Supervised sprinkler system: A system in which all water supply, valves
and accessory equipment are provided with electrical contact devices to
transmit signals to an outside central supervisory station.
System: A combination of equipment and/or controls, accessories inter-
connecting means, and terminal elements by which energy is transformed
and delivered to desired areas so as to perform a special function, such
as HVAC, service water heating, or illumination.
Task lighting: Illumination applied to an individual location, with local
control of switching. Examples include desk lights, examining lights, and
machine lights.
Technical Code Council: See Section 100.5.1.
Temperature difference equivalent, TDeq: Total heat flow through the
structure caused by solar radiation and outside temperature.
Temporary signs: A sign constructed of cloth, fabric or other light
temporary material with or without a structural frame intended for a
limited period of display; including decoration displays for holidays or
public demonstrations.
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Terminal element: The means by which the transformed energy from a
system is finally delivered; i.e., registers, diff users, lighting fixtures,
faucets, etc.
Theatre: A building or part thereof in which it is intended to make a
business of the presentation of performances for the entertainment of
spectators, with a stage which can be used for scenery and other appli-
ances (see Section 203.2).
Thermal resistance, R: A measure of the ability to retard the flow of
heat. The R value is the reciprocal of the heat transfer coefficient. R =
1/U.
Thermal transmittance overall, Uo, or overall Uo: Overall (average) heat
transmission of a gross area of the exterior building envelope, expressed
in units of Btu per hour per sguare foot per degree F. The Uo value
applies to the combined effect of the time rate of heat flows through the
various parallel paths, such as windows, doors, and opaque construction
areas, comprising the gross area of one or more exterior building com-
ponents, such as walls, floors, or roof /ceiling .
Thermal transmittance, U: Coefficient of heat transmission (air to air)
expressed in units of Btu per hour per square foot per degree F. It is
the time rate of heat flow. The U value applies to combinations of dif-
ferent materials used in series along the heat flow path, single materials
used in series along the heat flow path, single materials that comprise a
building section, cavity air spaces, and surface air films on both sides of
a building element.
Thermoplastic material: A solid plastic material which is capable of being
repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease
of temperature.
Thermosetting material: A solid plastic material which is capable of being
changed into a substantially non-reformable product when cured under
the application of heat or pressure.
Thermostat: An instrument which measures changes in temperature, and
controls devices for maintaining a desired temperature.
Tile: A ceramic surface unit, usually relatively thin in relation to facial
area, made from clay or a mixture of clay and other ceramic materials,
called the body of the tile, having either "glazed" or "unglazed" face and
fired above red heat in the course of manufacture to a temperature suffi-
ciently high to produce specific physical properties and characteristics.
Travel trailer: A vehicular, portable stucture built on a chassis and
designed to be used for temporary occupancy for travel, recreational or
vacation use; with the manufacturer's permanent identification "Travel
Trailer," thereon; and when factory equipped for the road, being of any
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length provided its gross weight does not exceed forty-five hundred
(4500) pounds, or being of any weight provided its overall length does
not exceed twenty-eight (28) feet.
Two-source system: An automatic sprinkler system which is supplied
from a combination of any two (2) of the approved automatic sources of
water supply, or from two (2) pressure tanks, or by direct connections
of the municipal water supply on two (2) streets in which the water mains
are separately valved.
Unitary cooling and heating eguipment: One or more factory-made assem-
blies which normally include an evaporator or cooling coil, a compressor
and condenser combination, and may include a heating function as well.
Where such eguipment is provided in more than one assembly, the sep-
arate assemblies shall be designed to be used together.
Unitary heat pump: One or more factory-made assemblies which normally
include an indoor conditioning coil, compressor(s) and outdoor coil or
refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger, including means to provide both
heating and cooling functions. It is designed to provide the functions of
air-circulation, air cleaning, cooling, and heating with controlled temper-
ature, and dehumidifying , and may optionally include the function of
humidifying. When such eguipment is provided in more than one assem-
bly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together.
Use group: The classification of a building or structure based on the
purpose for which it is used as set forth in Sections 203.0 through 212.0.
Use (used): The purpose for which the building or structure is de-
signed, used or intended to be used.
Vent: A conduit or passageway, vertical or nearly so, for conveying
products of combustion to the outside atmosphere.
Type B and Type B-W: A gas venting system consisting of vent piping
and fittings listed for use with a listed gas appliance.
Type L: A low temperature venting system, consisting of listing vent
piping and fittings for use with oil-burning appliances listed for use with
Type L vents, or with listed gas appliances.
Vent connector: The pipe used to connect an approved fuel-fired appli-
ance to a chimney or vent.
Vent system: A continuous open passageway from the flue collar or draft
hood of a fuel burning appliance to the outside atmosphere for the pur-
pose of removing products of combustion.
Ventilation: The process of supplying air to, or removing air from, any
space. Such air may or may not have been conditioned.
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Ventilation air: That portion of supply air which comes from outdoors,
plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired
quality of air within a designated space.
Vertical opening: An opening through a floor or roof.
Volatile flammables: A liquid that will emit a flammable vapor at a tem-
perature of less than one-hundred (100) degrees Fahrenheit, to be ascer-
tained by any standard closed-cup instrument.
Wall
Apron wall: That portion of a skeleton wall below the sill of a window.
Bearing wall: A wall supporting any vertical load in addition to its own
weight.
Cavity wall: A wall built of masonry units or of plain concrete, or a
combination of these materials, arranged to provide an air space within
the wall, and in which the inner and outer parts of the wall are tied
together with metal ties.
Composite wall: A wall built of a combination of two (2) or more masonry
units of different materials bonded together, one (1) forming the back-up
and the other the facing elements.
Curtain wall: A non-bearing enclosure wall not supported at each story.
Division wall: A wall used to divide the fioor area of a building or
structure into separate parts for fire protection, for different uses, for
restricted occupancy, or for other purposes specified in this code.
Faced wall: A wall in which the masonry facing and backing are so
bonded as to exert common action under load.
Hollow wall: A wall built of masonry units so arranged as to provide an
air space within the wall, and in which the facing and backing of the wall
are bonded together with masonry units.
Non-bearing wall: A wall which does not support vertical load other than
its own weight.
Parapet wall: That part of any wall entirely above the roof line.
Retaining wall: A wall designed to resist the lateral displacement of soil
or other material.
Skeleton or panel wall: A nonbearing wall supported by each story on a
skeleton frame.
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Spandrel wall: That portion of a skeleton wall above the head of a win-
dow or door.
Veneered wall: A wall having a facing of masonry or other weather-
resisting noncombustible materials securely attached to the backing but
not so bonded as to exert common action under load.
Wall sign: A sign which is painted on or attached directly to a fence or
on the surface of masonry, concrete, frame or other approved building
walls, and which extends not more than fifteen (15) inches from the face
of the fence or wall.
Water spray fixed system: A system using water in a form having a
predetermined pattern, particle size, velocity, and density discharged
from specially designed nozzles or devices.
Width
Inner court: As applied to an inner court, means its least horizontal
dimension .
Outer court: As applied to an outer court, means the shortest horizontal
dimension measured in a direction substantially parallel with the principal
open end of such court.
Winder: A step in a winding stairway.
Writing: The term shall be construed to include handwriting, type-
writing, printing, photo-offset or any other form of reproduction in
legible symbols or characters.
Written notice: A notification in writing delivered in person to the indivi-
dual or parties intended, or delivered at, or sent by certified or regis-
tered mail to the last residential or business address of legal record.
Yard: An unoccupied open space other than a court.
Zone: A space or group of spaces within a building with heating and/ or
cooling requirements sufficiently similar so that comfort conditions can be
maintained throughout by a single controlling device.
Zoning: The reservation of certain specified areas within a community or
city for building and structures, or use of land, for certain purposes
with other limitations such as height, lot coverage and other stipulated
requirements .
SECTION 202.0 USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
202.1 General: All buildings and structures shall be classified with
respect to use in one (1) of the following use groups listed below:
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1. Use group A assembly (see Section 203.0).
2. Use group B business (see Section 204.0).
3. Use group F factory and industrial (see Section 205.0).
4. Use group H high hazard (see Section 206.0).
5. Use group I institutional (see Section 207.0).
6. Use group M mercantile (see Section 208.0).
7. Use group R residential (see Section 209.0).
8. Use group S storage (see Section 210.0).
9. Use group T temporary and miscellaneous (see Section 211.0).
202.2 Fire grading of buildings: All buildings and structures shall be
graded in accordance with the degree of fire hazard of their use in terms
of hours and fractions of an hour and as regulated by Section 902.0.
202.3 New uses: The building official shall establish by approved rules
the degree of hazard involved and the fire grading of any use not speci-
fically provided for in this code.
SECTION 203.0 USE GROUP A, ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS
203.1 General: All buildings and structures, or parts thereof, shall be
classified in the assembly (A) use group which are used or designed for
places of assembly as defined in this code. Other buildings and struc-
tures, or parts thereof, which accommodate less than fifty (50) indivi-
duals but would otherwise qualify as places of assembly, shall be classi-
fied in the business (B) use group.
203.2 Use group A-l, theatres
203.2.1 Use group A-l-A structures: This use group shall include all
theatres and other buildings used primarily for theatrical or operatic
performances and exhibitions, arranged with a raised stage proscenium
curtain, fixed or portable scenery loft, lights, motion picture booth,
mechanical appliances or other theatrical accessories and equipment, and
provided with fixed seats.
203.2.2 Use group A-l-B structures: This use group shall include all
theatres without a stage and equipped with fixed seats used for motion
picture performances.
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203.3 Use group A-2 structures: This use group shall include all buil-
dings and places of public assembly, without theatrical stage accessories,
designed for use as dance halls, night clubs and for similar purposes
including all rooms, lobbies and other spaces connected thereto with a
common means of egress and entrance.
203.4 Use group A-3 structures: This use group shall include all buil-
dings with or without an auditorium in which persons assemble for amuse-
ment, entertainment or recreation, and incidental motion picture dramatic,
theatrical or educational presentations, lectures, or other similar purposes
without theatrical stage other than a raised platform; and principally used
without permanent seating facilities, including art galleries, exhibition
halls, museums, lecture halls, libraries, restaurants other than night
clubs, and recreation centers; and buildings designed for other similar
assembly purposes including passenger terminals.
203.5 Use group A-4 structures: This use group shall include all buil-
dings used as churches, schools, colleges and for similar educational and
religious purposes, (see Section 434.0, Day care centers.)
203.6 Use group A-5 structures: This use group shall include grand-
stands, bleachers, coliseums, stadiums, drive-in theatres, tents and
similar structures for outdoor assembly use, and shall comply with the
provisions of this code for special uses and occupancies (see Article 4).
203.7 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 203.7 is
a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use group
A, assembly buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor all, of
the provisions with which compliance is required. Omission of reference
to any provision shall not nullify any requirement of this code, nor
exempt any structure from such requirement.
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Table 203.7
ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction:
Construction classification 214.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Places of public assembly 417.0
Public assembly other than theatres 418.0
Stadiums and grandstands 420.0
Drive-in motion picture theatres 421.0
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Unlimited areas 307.0
Unlimited area, school bldgs. 307.1.1
Unlimited area, indoor recreation 307.1.2
Allowable height:
Fire separations:
Exterior wall protection:
Fire limit requirements:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic.fire doors and dampers 903.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Interior finish:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Fire stopping 919.0 and 875.9
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Basement assembly uses 905.7.3
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Decorative material restrictions 923.0
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
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ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Means of egress:
(continued)
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Smokeproof enclosures 618.0
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Panic hardware 612.5.2 (also see Sections 417.0 and
418.0)
Fire protection systems:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Manual fire alarm systems 1217.0
Supervision 1218.0
Vertical openings:
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistwavs 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Hazardous area:
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Inspection of hazardous uses 403.1
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and
mechanical ventilation (see mechanical code listed
in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Motion picture protection rooms:
Use and storage of flammable films 408.0
Projection rooms, construction 408.3
Stages and platforms:
Stage construction 417.7
Dressing rooms 417.8
Provisions for the handicapped
and aged:
Section 315.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
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SECTION 204.0 USE GROUP B, BUSINESS BUILDINGS
204.1 General: All buildings and structures, or parts thereof, shall be
classified in the business ( B ) use group which are used for the trans-
action of business for the rendering of professional services, or for other
services that involve stocks of goods, wares or merchandise in limited
quantities for use incidental to office uses or similar purposes; including
among others offices, banks, civic administration activities, courthouses
fire houses, police stations, professional services, clinics operated on an
outpatient basis which do not harbor patients overnight, testing and
research laboratories, radio stations, telephone exchanges, motor fuel
service stations and similar establishments.
204.2 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 204.2
is a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use
group B, business buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor all
of the provisions with which compliance is requiired. Omission of refer-
ence to any provision shall not nullify any requirement of this code, nor
exempt any structure from such requirement.
Table 204.2
BUSINESS BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction:
Allowable area:
Allowable height:
Fire separations:
Exterior wall protection:
Fire limit requirements:
Fireresistance:
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Motor fuel service stations 415.0
Open parking structures 429.0
High rise buildings 431.0
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Unlimited area buildings 307.0
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
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Table 204.2
Table 204.2 (cont'd.)
BUSINESS BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Light and ventilation:
(continued)
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and
mechanical ventilation (see mechanical code
listed in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Provisions for the handicapped
and aged:
Section 315.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
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Table 204.2 (cont'd.)
BUSINESS BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Fireresistance:
(continued)
Interior finish:
Means of egress:
Fire protection systems:
Vertical openings:
Hazardous area:
Light and ventilation:
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Fire stopping 919.0
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Shipping areas 905.5
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Smokeproot enclosures 618.0
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Buildings with one exitway 609.3
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 431.0 and Article 12
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Automatic fire alarm systems 1216.0
Manual fire alarm systems 1217.0
Supervision 1218.0
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
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SECTION 205.0 USE GROUP F, FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
205.1 General: All buildings and structures, or parts thereof, in which
occupants are engaged in performing work or labor in fabricating, as-
sembling or processing, of products or materials, shall be classified in
the factory and industrial (F) use group; including, among others, fac-
tories, assembling plants, industrial laboratories and all other industrial
and manufacturing uses, except those involving highly combustible,
flammable or explosive products and materials of the high hazard use
group (use group H).
205.2 List of factory and industrial uses: The processes and manu-
facturers listed in the following Table 205.2 shall be indicative of, and
include, the uses permitted in use group F buildings.
Table 205.2
Table 205.2
USE GROUP F, FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL USES
Bakeries
Boiler works
Breweries
Canneries, including food products
Condensed and powered milk manufacture
Dry cleaning using other than volatile flam-
mable liquids in cleaning or dyeing opera-
tions or other than classified in Table 206.3
Electric Hght plants and power houses
Electrolytic reducing works
Glass plants
Ice plants
Leather and tanneries, excluding enameling or
japanning
Millwork and woodworking
Sugar refineries
Tenant factories, excluding ladies' dresses and
other high hazard uses.
Textile mills, including canvas, cotton cloth,
bagging, burlap, carpets and rags
Upholstery and manufacturing shops
Water-pumping plants
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205.3 Special industrial uses: All buildings and structures designed to
house low hazard industrial processes, including, among others, the
production and distribution of electric, gas or steam power and rolling
mills and foundries, requiring large areas and unusual heights to accom-
modate craneways or special machinery and equipment, shall be exempt
from the height and area limitations of Table 305.
205.3.1 Construction: Buildings and structures for such special indus-
trial uses shall comply with the requirements of Section 307.0, except as
to height, and when constructed of noncombustible (Type 2C) construc-
tion may have balconies and mezzanine floors which do not exceed two-
thirds (2/3) the area of the main floor in any one (1) tier.
205 .3.2 Exterior walls : The exterior walls of buildings of such low
hazard industrial uses shall be constructed of approved noncombustible
and weather resisting materials , and , when located with a fire separation
of less than thirty (30) feet from interior lot lines of any other building
shall be protected or constructed to provide a fireresistance rating of not
less than two (2) hours.
205.3.3 Fire protection systems: Special use industrial buildings as
herein defined shall comply with the requirements of Article 12 for fire
protection systems; except that the provisions of Section 307.0 for auto-
matic fire suppression systems in unlimited area buildings may be waived
by the building official when such installations would be detrimental or
dangerous to the specific use and occupancy.
205.4 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 205.4
is a guide to the principal requiremenmts of this code applicable to use
group F, factory and industrial buildings. They are not necessarily the
only, nor all, of the provisions with which compliance is required. Omis-
sion of reference to any provision shall not nullify any requirement of
this code, nor exempt any structure from such requirement.
Table 205.4
FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction:
Allowable area:
Allowable height:
Fire separations:
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Unlimited area buildings 307.0
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic tire doors and dampers 903.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical Shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
9/1/80
90
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 205.4
Exterior wall protection:
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Fire limit requirements:
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Fire stopping 919.0 and 875.9
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish:
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Smokeproof enclosures 618.0
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Fire protection systems:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Supervision 1218.0
Vertical openings:
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
9/1/80
91
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 205.4
Hazardous area:
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Special permits 404.0
Paint spraying 411.0
Dry cleaning establishments 412.0
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and
mechanical ventilation (see mechanical code
listed in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Drying rooms 1106.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Provisions for the handicapped
Section 315.0
and aged:
Energy conservation:
Article 20
9/1/80
n
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 206.0 USE GROUP H, HIGH HAZARD BUILDINGS
206.1 General: All buildings and structures, or parts thereof, shall be
classified in the high hazard (H) use group which are used for the stor-
age, manufacture or processing of highly combustible or explosive prod-
ucts or materials, which are likely to burn with extreme rapidity, or
which may produce poisonous fumes or explosions; for storage or manu-
facturing which involves highly corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalies, acids
or other liquids or chemicals producing flame, fume, poisonous, irritant
or corrosive gases; and for the storage or processing of any materials
producing explosive mixtures of dust, or which result in the division of
matter into fine particles subject to spontaneous ignition.
206.2 List of high hazard uses: The processes, materials and manu-
factures listed in the following Table 206.2 are indicative of and shall be
included among high hazard uses.
Table 206.2
Use Group H, High Hazard Uses
Acetylene gas and gases under pressure of
fifteen (15) pounds or more and in quan-
tities of greater than twenty-five hundred
(2500) cubic feet; including hydrogen, il-
luminating, natural, ammonia, chlorine,
phosgene, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide,
methyl oxide and all gases subject to ex-
plosion, fume or toxic hazard
Ammunition, explosives and fireworks manu-
facture
Artificial flowers and synthetic leather manu-
facture
Celluloid and celluloid products
Cereal, feed, flour and grist mills
Cotton batting and cotton waste processes
Cotton dressmaking
Dry cleaning establishments using or storing
more than three (3) gallons of gasoline or
other hazardous liquids with a flash point
under one hundred (100) degrees F., or more
than sixty (60) gallons of volatile flammable
liquids with flash point between one hun-
dred (100) and one hundred and forty (140)
degrees F., in a closed-cup tester (ASTM
D56).
Feather renovating
Fruit ripening processes
Grain elevators
Hydrogenation processes
Industries employing solids or substances
which ignite or produce flammbale gases
on contact with water
Kerosene, fuel, lubricating, or any oil storage
with a flash point under two hundred (200)
degrees F.
Match manufacture or storage
Metal enameling or japanning
Nitrocellulose film exchanges and labora-
tories
Paint and varnish manufacture
Paint spraying or dipping
Petroleum manufacture
Processing of paper or cardboard in loose form
Pyroxylin products manufacture and storage
Rag sorting and storage
Refrigerating systems using high hazard re-
frigerants as defined in the mechanical code
Shoddy mills
Shoe polish manufacture
Smoke houses (industrial)
Straw goods manufacture or broom corn stor-
age
Sugar and starch pulverizing mills
Tar. pitch or resin processing
Tanneries with enameling or japanning
Tire storage warehouse
Waste paper sorting, shredding, storage or
baling
9/1/80
03
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
206.3 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 206.3
is a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use
group H, high hazard buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor
all, of the provisions with which compliance is required. Omission of
reference to any provision shall not nullify any requirement of this code,
nor exempt any structure from such requirement.
Table 206.3
HIGH HAZARD BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction-.
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Special high hazards 400.3
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Allowable height:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire separations:
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior wall protection:
Exterior walls 906 0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Fire limit requirements:
Restrictions within limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant-treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Firestopping 919.0 and 875.9
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish:
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
9/1/80
94
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 206.3 (cont'd.)
HIGH HAZARD BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Exterior exitway stairway 619.0
Slidescapes 622.0
Fire protection systems:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Supervision 1218.0
Vertical openings:
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Hazardous area:
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Explosion hazards 401.0
Volatile flammables 402.0
Outside aboveground storage 402.2.2
Inspection of hazardous uses 403.1
Special permits 404.0
Hazardous area:
(continued)
Combustible dusts, grain processing and storage 410.0
Combustible fibers, construction requirements 409.2
Paint spraying 411.0
Dry cleaning establishments 412.0
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms.512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation
(see mechanical code listed in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Provisions for the handicapped
and aged:
Section 315.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
9/1/80
95
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 207.0 USE GROUP I, INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
207.1 General: All buildings and structures, or parts thereof, shall be
classified in the institutional (I) use group in which people suffering from
physical limitations because of health or age are harbored for medical or
other care or treatment, or in which people are detained for penal or
correctional purposes, or in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted.
207.2 Use goup 1-1: This use group shall include all buildings designed
for the detention of people under restraint, including, among others,
jails, prisons, reformatories, insane asylums and similar uses.
207.3 Use group 1-2: This use group shall include all buildings used
for housing people suffering from physical limitations because of health or
age, including among others, day nurseries, hospitals, sanitariums,
clinics, infirmaries, orphanages, and homes for aged and infirm. (see
Section 434.0, Day care centers.)
207.4 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 207.4
is a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use
group I, institutional buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor
all, of the provisions with which compliance is required. Omission of
reference to any provisions shall not nullify any requirement of this code,
nor exempt any structure from such requirement.
9/1/80 96
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 207.4
INSTITUTIONAL BUILDNGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction:
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Unlimited area buildings 307.0
Allowable height:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire separations:
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior wall protection:
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Fire limit requirements:
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/ roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Firestopping 919.0
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish.-
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
9/1/80
97
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 207.4 (cont'd.)
INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Means of egress:
(continued)
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Smokeproof enclosures 618.0
Slidescapes 622.0
Revolving doois 613.0
Fire protection systems:
Vertical openings:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Fire emergency ventilating system 519.0
Automatic fire alarm systems 1216.0
Supervision 1218.0
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Hazardous area:
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation
(see mechanical code-listed in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring-.
Article 15
Provisions for the handicapped
and aged:
Section 315.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
9/1/80
98
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 208.0 USE GROUP M, MERCANTILE BUILDINGS
208.1 General: All buildings and structures, or parts thereof, shall be
classified in the mercantile (M) use group which are used for display and
sales purposes involving stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental
to such purposes and accessible to the public; including, among others,
retail stores, shops and salesrooms and markets. Highly combustible
goods, such as merchandise made of pyroxylin products, shall be limited
to small guantities that do not constitute a high hazard; and if not so
limited, the construction shall comply with the reguirements of the high
hazard use group as reguired by the provisions of Article 4 and Tables
214 and 305.
208.2 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 208.2
is a guide to the principal reguirements of this code applicable to use
group M, mercantile buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor
all, of the provisions with which compliance is reguired. Omission of
reference to any provisions shall not nullify any reguirement of this code,
nor exempt any structure from such reguirement.
Table 208.2
MERCANTILE BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction;
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Tents and air supported structures 422.0
Radio and television towers 426.0
Radio and television antennae 427.0
Open parking structures 429.0
Covered malls 432.0
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision attic spaces 875.9
Unlimited area buildings 307.0
Allowable height:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire separations:
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Retail business use 905.6.3
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior wall protection:
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
9/1/80
99
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 208.2 (cont'd.)
MERCANTILE BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Fire limit requirements:
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings S03.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Firestopping 919.0
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Packing and shipping rooms 905.4
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish:
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Means of egress:
(also see section 432.0)
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Smokeproof enclosures 618.0
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Fire protection systems:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Sta'ndpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Supervision 1218.0
Vertical openings:
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Hazardous area.-
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
9/1/80
100
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 208.2 (cont'd.)
MERCANTILE BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation
(see mechanical code listed in Appendx B)
Skylghts 1905.0
Business and work rooms 509.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Provisions for the handicapped
and aged:
Section 315.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
9/1/80
101
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 209.0 USE GROUP R, RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
209.1 General: All buildings and strctures, or parts thereof, shall be
classified in the residential (R) use group in which families or households
live or in which sleeping accommodations are provided for individuals with
or without dining facilities, excluding those that are classified as institu-
tional buildings.
209.2 Use group R-l structures: This use group shall include all hotel
and motel buildings, detoxification facilities, and dormitory buildings
arranged for the shelter and sleeping accommodation of more than twenty
(20) individuals.
209.3 Use group R-2 structures: This use group shall include all mul-
tiple-family dwellings having more than two (2) dwelling units; and shall
also include all dormitories, boarding and lodging houses arranged for
shelter and sleeping accommodation by more than three (3) and not more
than twenty (20) individuals.
209.4 Use group R-3 structures: This use group shall include all build-
ings arranged for the use of one- or two-family dwelling units including
not more than three (3) lodgers or boarders per family.
209.5 Use group R-4 structures: This use group shall include all de-
tached one- or two-family dwellings not more than three (3) stories in
height, and their accessory structures as indicated in Article 21, One-
and Two-Family Dwelling Code. All such structures may be designed in
accordance with the One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code or in accordance
with the requirements of this code for a use group R-3 structure.
209.6 Use group R-5 structures: This use group shall include all build-
ings arranged for use as limited group residences in accordance with the
requirements of this Code (see Section 438.0).
209.7 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 209.6
is a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use
group R, residential buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor
all, of the provisions with which compliance is required. Omission of
reference to any provision shall not nullify any requirement of this code,
nor exempt any structure from such requirement.
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 102
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 209.6
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction:
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Motels 425.0
High rise buildings 431.0
Mobile units 424.0
Detoxification facilities 439. o
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Allowable height:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire separations:
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Private garages 413.0
Lot line separation 303.2
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior wall protection:
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Fire limit requirements.-
Restrictions with fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Firestopping 919.0
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Interior finish:
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81)
103
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 209.6 (cont'd.)
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Means of egress:
(continued)
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Smokeproof enclosures 618.0
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Buildings with one exitway 609.3
Fire protection systems:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 431.0 and Article 12
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Fire emergency ventilating system 519.0
Automatic fire alarm systems 1216.0
Manual fire alarm systems 1217.0
Vertical openings:
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Hazardous area:
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Incinerator 1008.0
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation
(see mechanical code listed in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Provisions for the handicapped
and aged
Section 315.0
Sound transmission control:
Section 522.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
9/1/80
104
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 210.0 USE GROUP S, STORAGE BUILDINGS
210.1 General: All buildings and structures or parts thereof shall be
classified in the storage (S) use group which are used primarily for the
storage of goods, wares or merchandise, except those that involve highly
combustible or explosive products or materials; including, among others,
warehouses, storehouses and freight depots.
210.2 List of moderate hazard uses: Buildings used for the storage of
moderate hazard contents are likely to burn with moderate rapidity, but
which do not produce either poisonous gases, fumes or explosives, includ-
ing among others, the materials listed in the following Table 210.2, shall
be classified in the S-l storage use group.
Table 210.2
USE GROUP S-1 STORAGE USES, MODERATE HAZARD
Bags, cloth, burlap and paper
Bamboo and rattan
Baskets
Belting, canvas and leather
Books and paper in rolls or packs
Boots and shoes
Buttons, including cloth-covered,
pearl or bone
Cardboard and cardboard boxes
Clothing, woolen wearing apparel
Cordage
Furniture
Furs
Glue, mucilage, paste and size
Horn and combs, other than celluloid
Leather enameling or japanning
Linoleum
Livestock shelters
Lumber yards
Motor vehicle repair shops
Petroleum warehouses for storage of lubri-
cating oils with a flash point of three hun-
dred (300) degrees F. or higher (see Sec-
tion 905.3.)
Photo-engraving
Public garages (Group 1) and stables
Silk
Soap
Sugar
Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff
Upholstering and mattress manufacturing
Wax candles
y/i/8o
105
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
210.3 List of low hazard uses: Buildings used for the storage of non-
combustibility materials, and of low hazard wares that do not ordinarily
burn rapidly, shall be classified in the S-2 storage use goup unless
herein otherwise classified, including, among others, the materials listed
in the following Table 210.3.
Table 210.3
USE GROUP S-2 STORAGE USES, LOW HAZARD
Asbestos
Chalk and crayons
Food products
Glass
Ivory
Metals
Porcelain and pottery
Talc and soapstones
210.4 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 210.4
is a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use
goup S, storage buildings. They are not necessarily the only, nor all,
of the provisions with which compliance is required. Omission of refer-
ence to any provision shall not nullify any requirement of this code, nor
exempt any structure from such requirement.
Table 210.4
STORAGE BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction:
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Historic buildings 436.0
Motor vehicle repair shops 416.0
Open parking structures 429.0
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Unlimited area buildings 307.0
Allowable height:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Fire separations:
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Exterior wall protection:
Fire limit requirements:
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Public garages 414.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
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106
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 210.4 (cont'd.) Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
crnDArr niiiiniuor n™,,. .,, Fireresistance of structural members 9II.0
STORAGE BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Fireresistance: Roof construction 913.0
(continued) Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Firestopping 919.0
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Grade floor protection 905.7
Interior finish:
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614 0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Fire protection systems:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Supervision 1218.0
Vertical openings:
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Hazardous area:
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Segregation of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Pyroxylin plastics 407.0
Outside aboveground storage 402.2.2
Inspection of hazardous uses 403.1
Special permits 404.0
9/1/80
Light and ventilation:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504 0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation
(see mechanical code listed in Appendx B)
Skylights 1905.0
Drying rooms 1106.0
Sanitation:
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Electrical wiring:
Article 15
Provisions for the physically
handicapped and aged:
Section 315.0
Energy conservation:
Article 20
1 107
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 211.0 USE GROUP T, TEMPORARY AND MISCELLANEOUS USES
211.1 General: Structures and buildings of a temporary character and
miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific use group shall be
constructed, equipped and maintained to meet the requirements of this
code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their use.
Miscellaneous uses shall include all accessory buildings and structures
used as private garages, sheds, fences and similar purposes.
211.2 Regulations guide: The following listing contained in Table 211.2
is a guide to the principal requirements of this code applicable to use
group T, temporary and miscellaneous buildings. They are not necessar-
ily the only, nor all, of the provisions with which compliance is required.
Omission of reference to any provision shall not nullify any requirement
of this code, nor exempt any structure from such requirement.
Table 211.2
TEMPORARY AND MISCELLANEOUS BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Types of construction-.
Construction classification 214.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Temporary structures 314.0
Tents and air supported structures 422.0
Builders shanties and reviewing stands 302.4
Signs Article 14
Allowable area:
General area limitations 305.0
Area exceptions 306.0
Subdivision of attic spaces 875.9
Temporary projections 312.0
Allowable height:
General height limitations 305.0
Height exceptions 308.0
Bins, tanks and towers 302.5
Storm enclosures 302.3
Fire separations:
Fire walls and party walls 907.0
Fire separation walls 909.0
Elevator opening protectives Article 16
Automatic fire doors and dampers 903.0
Mixed use and occupancy 213.0
Vertical shafts 910.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Exterior wall protection:
Exterior walls 906.0
Exterior opening protectives 914.0
Glazing of unprotected openings 1902.0
Fire limit requirements:
Restrictions within fire limits 302.0
Restrictions outside fire limits 303.0
Roof structures 925.0
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 211.2 (cont'd.)
TEMPORARY AND MISCELLANEOUS BUILDINGS REGULATIONS GUIDE
Fireresistance:
Fire hazard classification 902.0
Fireresistance tests 903.0
Roof coverings 903.3
Opening protectives 903.4
Fire-retardant treated wood 903.6
Fireresistance of structural members 911.0
Fireresistance rated floor/roof assemblies 912.0
Roof construction 913.0
Fire windows and shutters 916.0
Firestopping 919.0
Balconies 924.0
Roof structures 925.0
Roof coverings 926.0
Refuse vaults, enclosure requirements 1108.0
Interior finish:
Interior finish and trim 920.0
Application of interior finish 921.0
Flame resistance tests 904.0
Means of egress:
Occupancy load 606.0
Location 607.0
Capacity 608.0
Number of exitways 609.0
Exitway access corridors 610.0
Grade passageways 611.0
Means of egress doorways 612.0
Horizontal exits 614.0
Interior exitway stairways 616.0
Access to roof 617.0
Exit signs 623.0
Means of egress lighting 624.0
Elevator, exitway restrictions Article 16
Exterior exitway stairways 619.0
Fire protection systems:
Vertical openings:
Hazardous area:
Water sprinkler systems 1204.0
Fire suppression systems 1202.0
Standpipe systems 1211.0
Fire department connections 1213.0
Water supply 1214.0
Shafts 515.0
Firestopping 919.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways 910.0
Hoistway enclosures and venting Article 16
Fire ventilation of open wells 520.0
Boiler and equipment rooms 400.6
Refrigeration of storage space 400.8
Existing buildings 405.0
Light and ventilation:
Sanitation:
Electrical wiring:
Bath and toilet rooms 512.0
Required fresh air supply 514.0
Ventilation of shafts 515.0
Artificial light and ventilation 504.0
Natural light and ventilation 506.0
Air-conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical ventilation
(see mechanical code listed in Appendix B)
Skylights 1905.0
Plumbing and drainage Article 17
Termite protection 874.0
Plumbing and water connections 1807.0
Article 15
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 212.0 DOUBTFUL USE CLASSIFICATION
212.1 General: When a building or structure is proposed for a use not
specifically provided for in this code or the classification of which is
doubtful, such building or structure shall be included in the use group
which it most nearly resembles in respect to the existing or proposed life
and fire hazard, and it shall be so classified by the building official.
SECTION 213.0 MIXED USE AND OCCUPANCY
213.1 Two or more uses: When a building is occupied for two (2) or
more uses, not included in the same use group, one (1) of the following
shall apply:
1. The provisions of the code applying to each use shall apply to such
parts of the building as come within that use group; and if there
are conflicting provisions the requirements securing the greater
public safety shall apply to the entire building; or,
2. the mixed uses shall be completely separated, both horizontally and
vertically, by fire separation walls and floor-ceiling assemblies
having a fireresistance rating corresponding to the highest fire
grading prescribed in Table 902 for the separate uses. Each part
of the building shall be separately classified to use. The most
restrictive height and area limitations in this code for the mixed
uses shall apply to the entire building, or except as otherwise
provided for in this code; or,
3. the mixed uses shall be completely separated by fire walls having
a fireresistance rating corresponding to the highest fire grading
prescribed in Table 902 for the separate uses. Each use group
shall then comply with the provisions of this code applicable to that
group .
213.1.1 Detoxification facilities: In mixed occupancies, the separation
required by Sections 439.7 may be applied in lieu of the provisions of
this section.
213.2 Incidental uses: Where the higher hazard use is supplemental to
the main use of the building and the area devoted to such use is con-
structed and segregated by fireresistance rated construction as required
in Article 4, the building shall be classified according to the main use.
SECTION 214.0 CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION
214.1 General: All buildings and structures erected or to be erected,
altered or extended in height or area shall be classified in any one (1) or
in a combination of the four (4) construction types herein defined:
1. Type 1, fireproof construction;
2. Type 2, noncombustible construction;
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 110
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. Type 3, exterior masonry wall construction; and
4. Type 4, frame construction.
214.2 False designation: A building shall not be designated a given type
of construction unless it conforms to the minimum requirements for that
type; and it shall be unlawful to post, or use, or designate, or advertise
a building as of a given type of construction unless it complies with the
minimum code requirements for that type.
214.3 Minimum requirements: When a superior type of construction is
used in preference to the minimum herein required for any special use,
nothing in this code shall be construed to require full compliance with the
specifications for the higher type; but the designated construction classi-
fication of the building shall be that of the lesser requirement, unless all
the requirements for the higher type are fulfilled.
Note: Table 214 appears at the end of this article.
SECTION 215.0 TYPE 1, FIREPROOF CONSTRUCTION
215.1 General: Buildings and structures of fireproof construction are
those in which the walls, partitions, structural elements, floors, ceilings,
and roofs, and the exitways are constructed and protected with approved
noncombustible materials to afford the fireresistance rating specified in
Table 214, except as otherwise specifically regulated by the provisions of
Article 9. Fireproof buildings shall be further classified as Types 1A and
IB. Fire-retardant treated wood may be used as specified in Table 214
and Section 903.6.
SECTION 216.0 TYPE 2, NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
216.1 General: Buildings and structures of noncombustible construction
are those in which the walls, partitions, structural elements, floors,
ceilings, roofs, and the exitways are constructed of approved noncom-
bustible materials meeting the fireresistance rating requirements specified
in Table 214, except as modified by the fire limit restrictions of Article 3,
and as further regulated in Article 9. Noncombustible buildings shall be
further classified as Types 2A, 2B, and 2C. Fire-retardant treated wood
may be used as specified in Table 214 and Section 903.6.
SECTION 217.0 TYPE 3, EXTERIOR MASONRY WALL CONSTRUCTION
217.1 General: Buildings and structures of exterior masonry wall con-
struction are those in which the exterior, fire and party walls are con-
structed of masonry or other approved noncombustible materials, of the
required fireresistance rating and structural properties; and the floors,
roofs, and interior framing are wholly or partly of wood or of metal or
other approved construction; the fire and party walls are ground sup-
ported; except that girders and their supports carrying walls of masonry
9/1/80 111
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
shall be protected to afford the same degree of fireresistance rating of
the walls supported thereon; and all structural elements have the re-
quired fireresistance rating specified in Table 214.
217.2 Type 3A: Buildings and structures of heavy timber construction
are those in which fireresistance rating is attained by placing limitations
on the minimum sizes of wood structural members and on minimum thick-
ness and composition of wood floors and roofs; by the avoidance, or by
the proper protection by firestopping or other acceptable means, of
concealed spaces under floors and roofs; by the use of approved fasten-
ings, construction details, and adhesives for structural members; and by
providing the required degree of fireresistance rating in exterior and
interior walls (see Section 853.0 for construction details).
217.2.1 Columns: Wood columns may be sawn or glued laminated and
shall be not less than eight (8) inches, nominal, in any dimension when
supporting floor loads and not less than six (6) inches, nominal, in width
and not less than eight (8) inches, nominal, in depth when supporting
roof and ceiling loads only.
217.2.2 Floor framing: Beams and girders of wood may be sawn or
glued laminated and shall be not less than six (6) inches, nominal, in
width and not less than ten (10) inches, nominal, in depth. Framed or
glued laminated arches which spring from the floor line and support floor
loads shall be not less than eight (8) inches, nominal, in any dimension.
Framed timber trusses supporting floor loads shall have members of not
less than eight (8) inches, nominal, in any dimension.
217.2.3 Roof framing: Framed or glued laminated arches for roof con-
struction which spring from the floor line or from grade and do not
support floor loads shall have members not less than six (6) inches,
nominal, in width and not less than eight (8) inches, nominal, in depth
for the lower half of the height and not less than six (6) inches, nomi-
nal, in depth for the upper half. Framed or glued laminated arches for
roof construction which spring from the top of walls or wall abutments,
framed timber trusses, and other roof framing which do not support floor
loads, shall have members not less than four (4) inches, nominal, in
width and not less than six (6) inches, nominal, in depth. Spaced mem-
bers may be composed of two (2) or more pieces not less than three (3)
inches, nominal, in thickness when blocked solidly throughout their
intervening spaces or when such spaces are tightly closed by a continu-
ous wood cover plate of not less than two (2) inches, nominal in thick-
ness, secured to the underside of the members. Splice plates shall be
not less than three (3) inches, nominal, in thickness. When protected by
approved automatic sprinklers under the roof deck, framing members shall
be not less than three (3) inches, nominal, in width.
217.2.4 Flooring: Floors shall be without concealed spaces and shall be
of sawn or glued laminated plank, splined, or tongue-and-groove, of not
9/1/80 112
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
less than three (3) inches, nominal, in thickness covered with one (1)
inch, nominal, dimension tongue -and -groove flooring, laid crosswise or
diagonally, or one-half (1/2) inch plywood, or one-half (1/2) inch particle
board; or of planks not less than four (4) inches, nominal, in width, set
on edge close together and well spiked, and covered with one (1) inch,
nominal, dimension flooring, or one-half (1/2) inch plywood, or one-half
(1/2) inch particle board.
217.2.5 Roof decking: Roofs shall be without concealed spaces and roof
decks shall be sawn or glued laminated, splined or tongue-and-groove
plank, not less than two (2) inches, nominal, in thickness, one and
one-eighth (1 1/8) inches thick interior plywood (exterior glue), or of
planks not less than three (3) inches, nominal, in width, set on edge
close together and laid as required for floors. Other types of decking
may be used if providing equivalent fireresistance rating and structural
properties .
217.2.6 Bearing walls: Bearing portions of exterior and interior walls
shall be of approved noncombustible material and shall have a fireresis-
tance rating of not less than two (2) hours.
217-2.7 Nonbearing walls: Nonbearing portions of exterior walls shall be
of approved noncombustible materials, except as otherwise noted and
where a horizontal separation of less than twenty (20) feet is provided,
nonbearing exterior walls shall have a fireresistance rating of not less
than two (2) hours. Where a horizontal separation of twenty (20) feet to
thirty (30) feet is provided, nonbearing exterior walls shall have a fire-
resistance rating of not less than one (1) hour. Where a horizontal
separation of thirty (30) feet or more is provided, fireresistance rating is
not required. Where a horizontal separation of twenty (20) feet or more
is provided, wood columns and arches conforming to heavy timber sizes
may be used externally.
217.3 Type 3B: Structures of Type 3B (ordinary protected) shall in-
clude all exterior masonry wall buildings in which the interior structural
elements are wholly or partly of fire-protected wood of not less than two
(2) inch nominal thickness, or of other approved protected combustible
materials, or of metal protected and insulated to afford the fireresistance
rating specified in Table 214.
217.4 Type 3C: Structures of Type 3C (ordinary unprotected) construc-
tion shall include all exterior masonry wall buildings in which the interior
structural members are of wood of not less than two (2) inch nominal
thickness or consist of other combustible or noncombustible materials with
protection of less than one (1) hour fireresistance rating.
SECTION 218.0 TYPE 4, FRAME CONSTRUCTION
218.1 General: Buildings and structures of frame construction are those
in which the exterior walls, bearing walls, partitions, floor and roof
9/1/80 113
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
construction are constructed wholly or partly of wood stud and joist
assemblies with a minimum nominal dimension of two (2) inches, or of
other approved combustible materials; with firestopping at all vertical and
horizontal draft openings as regulated in Section 875.0, and in which the
structural elements have the required fireresistance ratings specified in
Table 214. Frame buildings shall be further classified as Types 4A and
4B according to Table 214.
9/1/80 114
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/1/80 115
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSI!
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes applicable to Table 214
Note a. For special high hazard uses involving a higher degree of fire
severity and higher concentration of combustible contents, the fireresis-
tance rating requirements for structural elements shall be increased accor-
dingly (see Section 400.3).
Note b. The fire separation or fire exposure in feet as herein limited
applies to the distance measured from the building face to the closest in-
terior lot line, the center line of a street or public space or an imaginary
line between two (2) buildings on the same property.
Note c. Protected exteriors shall be required within the fire limits in
Type 2 construction as follows: high hazard uses, two (2) hour fireresis-
tance with fire separation up to eleven (11) feet.
Note d. See Section 303.2.
Note e. See Sections 213.0, 909.0 and 912.0.
Note f. In all buildings of Types 3 or 4 construction, the stairways
and their enclosures may be constructed of wood or other approved materials
of similar characteristics and of adequate strength. Exitways may be en-
closed in one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction in buildings three
(3) stories or less in height.
Note g. In Type 3A construction members which are of material other than
heavy timber shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than one (1)
hour (see Section 853.2).
Note h. Fire-Retardant Treated Wood, complying with Section 903.6.1 may
be used as provided in Section 903.6.2.
Note i. Where the omission of fire protection from roof trusses, roof
framing and decking is permitted, the horizontal or sloping roofs in Type 1
and Type 2 buildings, immediately above such members, shall be constructed
of noncombustible materials of the required strength without a specified
fireresistance rating, or of mill type construction in buildings not over
five (5\ stories or sixty-five (65) feet in height (see Section 913.3) „
Note j. Exitway access corridors serving thirty (30) or less occupants
may have a zero (0) fireresistance rating (see Section 610.4).
Note k. Separation of all dwelling units iiall have a fireresistance rat-
ing of not less than one (1) hour.
Note 1. Interior bearing walls shall meet the requirements of Section
909.0 if serving a fire separation function.
Note m. Buildings of H (high hazard), S-l (moderate hazard storage) or
M (mercantile) occupancies when of Type 1 or 2A construction shall have not
less than one (1) hour fireresistance rated roof construction (see Section
913.2). One (1) story buildings are exempted.
9/1/80 116.2
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 3
GENERAL BUILDING LIMITATIONS
SECTION 300.0 GENERAL
300.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control the division of
the municipalities of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts into fire limits
and the general limitations of height and area of all buildings hereafter
erected, and additions to existing buildings hereafter enlarged as affected
by the fire and life hazard incident to type of construction, use group,
density of development, exterior exposure and accessibility of buildings
and structures to fire-fighting facilities and equipment.
SECTION 301.0 FIRE LIMITS
301.1 Fire limits: For the purpose of control of use and construction of
buildings, the building official may establish designated fire limits and
outside fire limits under the legal procedure of the municipalities of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts for creating and establishing fire limits.
301.2 Outside fire limits: All other areas not included in the fire limits
shall be designated as outside fire limits.
301.3 Changes in fire limits: Any changes in the boundaries of fire
limits shall be established by the local municipality.
301.4 Buildings on fire limit boundary: If a building or structure is
partially located in a fire limit, the provisions of the fire limit shall
apply.
SECTION 302.0 RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE FIRE LIMITS
302.1 General: All buildings and structures, and all additions to exist-
ing buildings and structures, hereafter erected within the boundaries of
the fire limits shall be of fireproof (Type 1), protected noncombustible
(Types 2A and 2B), heavy timber (Type 3A), or ordinary protected
(Type 3B), construction as defined in Article 2 and regulated in Table
214; and shall be constructed within the height and area limitations of
Table 305 except as herein provided. Open parking structures may be
constructed as permitted under Section 429.0.
302.2 Type 2C, 3C and 4A construction permitted: Buildings and struc-
tures, and additions to existing buildings and structures, hereafter
erected within the fire limits may be of unprotected noncombustible (Type
2C), ordinary unprotected (Type 3C) or protected frame (Type 4A)
construction as defined in Article 2 and regulated in Tables 214 and 305
when constructed and located in accordance with the requirements of
Table 302.
9/1/80 117
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 302
EXTERIOR WALL FIRERESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS
Width of fire
separation adjacent
to exterior wall
Fireresistance
rating of
exterior wall'
or barrier
Fireresistance
rating of
exterior opening
protectives
Classification
minimum
of
roof covering
On lot lines or
less than 3 ft.
therefrom or from
any building
4 hour
Not
permitted
B
More than 3 ft. but
less than 6 ft.
3 hour
3 hour
B
6 ft. or more but
less than 11 ft.
2 hour
IV2 hour
B
11 ft. or more but
less than 30 ft.
1 hour
% hour
B
30 ft. or more
0 hour
0 hour
C
*Not less than that required by Table 214.
Note 1. The exterior wall or barrier shall extend to the height of the building and be so constructed
that it will remain structurally in place for the duration of time indicated by the required fire resis-
tance rating. When the exterior wall or barrier is adjacent to a flat roof, it shall be constructed with
a parapet.
Note 2. Fences of Type 4 construction up to six (6) feet in height are allowed without permit-
however, fences of Type 4 construction over six (6) feet in height are not allowed in the fire limits.
Note 3. Roof decking and roof fencing within the fire limits shall be of noncombustible construction
or of exterior fire-retardant lumber complying with Section 903.6.2. Roof fences shall not exceed six
(6) feet in height.
Note 4. Fireresistance of exterior wall for 2C and 3C (Type 4) construction to comply with Table 214.
9/1/80
118
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
302.3 Storm enclosures: Storm enclosures may be erected of frame
(Type 4) construction not more than ten (10) feet in height and not more
than three (3) feet wider than the entrance doors which they serve,
provided they do not project more than six (6) feet beyond the building
line.
302.4 Accesory buildings
302.4.1 Outbuildings and parking lot offices: Outbuildings and parking
lot offices not more than ten (10) feet in height and one hundred (100)
square feet in area may be erected of frame (Type 4) construction when
accessory to one- or two-family dwellings on the same lot or accessory to
a lot approved for motor vehicle parking, when located not less than six
(6) feet from the lot line or any other building.
302.4.2 Greenhouses: Greenhouses and similar structures may be
erected of frame (Type 4) construction when accessory to a one- or
two-family dwelling on the same lot and when located not less than six (6)
feet from interior lot lines or any building.
302.4.3 Sheds: Sheds open on the long side not more than fifteen (15)
feet in height nor more than five hundred (500) square feet in area may
be erected of frame (Type 4) construction when located not less than six
(6) feet from the lot lines.
302.4.4 Builders' shanties and reviewing stands: Temporary builders'
shanties erected in connection with approved building operations, plat-
forms, reviewing stands, and other similar miscellaneous structures may
be erected of frame (Type 4) construction for a limited period of time as
approved by the building official.
302.4.5 Garages: Garages of Type 4 construction are not allowed within
the fire limits.
302.5 Bins, tanks, towers and roof structures
302.5.1 Timber construction: Coal and material bins, water towers, tank
structures and trestles may be erected of mill type heavy timber construc-
tion with dimensions not less than required for Type 3A construction, not
over thirty-five (35) feet in height, when located thirty (30) feet from
the interior lot lines of any building, except when located on lot lines
along a railroad right of way or waterfront.
302.5.2 Erection on buildings: Aerial supports not more than twelve
(12) feet in height, water tanks and flag poles may be erected or wood
on buildings not more than three (3) stories nor more than forty (40)
feet in height, and drip bars in cooling towers may be constructed of
wood.
9/1/80 119
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
302.6 Motor fuel service stations: Gasoline service stations, and struc-
tures of similar business uses, not including high hazard (H) uses, may
be erected of unprotected noncombustible (Type 2C) construction within
the height and area limits of use group B of Table 305, provided they are
located not less than eleven (11) feet from the lot line or any building.
302.7 Bus and passenger terminals: Roofs over parking lots, bus and
passenger terminals may be erected one (1) story and not over twenty
(20) feet in height and not more than eleven thousand (11,000) sguare
feet in area of noncombustible (Type 2C) construction or of heavy timber
mill (Type 3A) construction.
302.8 Store fronts: Wood veneers of one (1) inch nominal thickness or
exterior grade plywood not less than three-eighths (3/8) inch thick may
be used on store fronts when facing public streets; provided the veneer
does not exceed one (1) story in height and is applied to noncombustible
backing or is furred not to exceed one and five-eighths 1 5/8) inch and
firestopped in accordance with Sections 875.0 and 912.0. Where all wood
veneers comply with Section 903.6.2 for exterior use, the height may be
increased to two (2) stories.
SECTION 303.0 RESTRICTIONS OUTSIDE FIRE LIMITS
303.1 General: Outside the fire limits, all types of construction except
as herein specifically prohibited, or for which special approval is required
in connection with high hazard uses and occupancies in Article 4, shall be
permitted within the height and area limitations of Table 305.
303.2 Lot line separation: In frame construction, an exterior wall erected
less than six (6) feet from its adjacent lot line shall be of one (1) hour
fireresistance rated construction, including opening protectives, except
store front and window and door openings in one- and two-family dwell-
ings. Exterior walls of Type 4 frame construction shall not have open-
ings of any type when located three (3) feet or less from interior lot
lines.
303.3 Roof coverings: Roof coverings shall conform to the fireresistive
requirements for Class A, B, C or non-rated roofings complying with the
provisions of Sections 903.0 and 926.0.
SECTION 304.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
304 . 1 Alterations
304.1.1 Limitations: These provisions shall not be deemed to prohibit
alterations within the limitations of Section 106.0, provided an unlawful
change of use is not involved.
304.1.2 Minor changes: Changes, alterations or repairs to the interior
of a building and to the front facing a street or other public space may
9/1/80 }20
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
be permitted, provided such changes, in the opinion of the building
official, do not increase the size or the fire hazard of the building, or
endanger the public safety, and are not specifically prohibited by this
code.
304.1.3 Existing projections: A change or enlargement shall not be made
to an existing part of a building now projecting beyond the street lot line
or building line where such is established by law, except in conformity to
the provisions of Section 310.0 governing new construction.
304.2 Increase in height and area: It shall be unlawful to increase the
height or area of an existing building or structure, unless it is of a type
of construction permitted for new buildings of the increased height and
area, and of a use group within the fire limit in which it is located and
as regulated by Table 305.
SECTION 305.0 GENERAL AREA AND HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
305.1 General: The areas and heights of all buildings and structures
between exterior walls, or between exterior walls and fire walls, shall be
governed by the type of construction and the use group classification as
defined in Article 2 and shall not exceed the limits fixed in Table 305,
except as these may be specifically modified by other provisions of this
article and Article 4.
305.2 Area limit: The area limitations specified in Table 305 shall apply
to all buildings fronting on a street, or public space not less than thirty
(30) feet in width accessible to a public street.
305.3 Height limit: The height in feet and number of stories specified in
Table 305 shall apply to all buildings and to all separate parts of a build-
ing enclosed within lawful fire walls complying with the provisions of Article
9.
305.4 Multi-story buildings: Building two (2) stories in height may be
built to the same area limits provided in Table 305 for one (1) story
buildings. In buildings over two (2) stories in height, the area limits of
Table 305 for one (1) story buildings shall be reduced as specified in the
following Table 305.4.
9/1/80 121
780 CMR: ST
HEIGHT A
ight limitations of buildings (shown
i area limitations of one or two-sto
t less than 30 feet wide (shown in 1
ATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
TABLE 305
ND AREA LIMITATIONS OF BUILDINGS
in upper figure as stories and feet above grad
ry buildings facing on one street or public spa
ower figure as area in square feet per floor) .
Type of construction
1
e Note a. Table notes appear on
ge 123 following. N.P.-Not permitte
d T"*1
Type 2
Type 3
~ype 4
use group Unlimited
Fireproof
Note b
Noncombustible
Exterior masonry walis
Frame
Protected
■
Unpro-
tected
(H.T.)
Mill
Ordinary joisted
1
Pro-
tected
Unpro-
tected
Pro-
tected
Uru
teci
Note a
1A
IB
2A
2B
2C
3A
3B
3C
4A
4!
With stage and scenery
6 St. 75'
14,400
4 St. 50/
11.400
2St.30'
7.500
lSt.20'
4.800
2 St. 30'
7,200
2 St 30'
6,600
1 St. 20"
4300
1 St. 20"
5100
1
Without stage (motion
6 picture theatres)
5 St 65'
19,950
3 St. 40'
13,125
2 St. 30'
8.400
3 St. 40'
12,600
3 St. 40'
11,550
2 St. 30'
8,400
1 St. 20
8.925
Assembly, night clubs and similar uses
4 St. 50/
7,200
3 St. 40'
5,700
2Vf- 30"
3./ 50
i St. 2rr
2,400
2 St. 30"
3,600
2 St. 30'
3.300
1 St. 20'
2.400
1 St. 20'
2.550
IS
Lecture halls, recreation centers.
Assembly terminals, restaurants other than
night clubs
5 St. 65'
19,950
3 St 40-
13,125
2S» 30'
8.400
3 St. 40'
12.600
3 St. 40'
11,550
2 St. 30'
8.400
1 St 20'
8.023
15
Assembly, churches, schools
Note c
5 St. 65'
34.20C
3 St. 40"
22,500
2 St. 3Q>
14.400
3 St. 40'
21.600
Note d
3 St. 40'
19.800
2 51.30"
14,400
1 St. 20'
15.300
Note d
1-
Business
7 St. 85'
34,200
5 St. 65'
22.500
3 51.40"
14,400
5 St. 65'
21,600
4 St. 50"
19.800
3 St. 40'
14.4C0
3 St. 40"
15.300
2 SI
Factory and industrial
6 St. 75'
22,800
4 St. 50"
15,000
2St.30'
9,600
4 St. 50'
14.400
3 St. 40'
13.200
2 St. 30'
9,600
2St.30'
10.200
IS'
1
High hazard Note e
5 St. 65'
16.800
3St.40'
14.400
3 St. 4C
11.400
2 St. 30'
7,500
1 St. 2f>
4.8CD
2 St. 30'
7,200
2 St 30'
6.600
lSt.20"
4.800
1 St. 20'
5,100
Institution, restrained
6 St. 75'
18.000
4 51.50"
14,250
2 St. 30"
9,375
istw
6.000
2 St. SO7
9.000
2St.30'
8.250
1 St. 20"
6,000
151.20-
6,375
1
Nc
institutional, incapacitated
sst.w
21,600
4 St. 50"
17,100
i St. 3C
11,250
lSt^
7.200
2 St. 30'
10.800
2 St. 30-
9,900
lSt.20"
7.2O0
ISt.W
7.65C
1
IS:
i
Mercantile
6 St. 75'
22.800
4 St 50"
15,000
2 St. 30"
9.600
4 St. 50-
14.400
3St.4C
13.200
2 St. 30-
9.600
2St.3f/
10,200
Residential, hotels rJnfp k
9 St. 100'
22.800
4 51.50-
15,000
3 St. 401
9,600
4St.50'
14,400
4 St 50'
13.200
3 St. 40'
9.6O0
3St.*V
10.200
ZV4S
1
Residential, multi-family
9 St. IOC
22,800
4 St. 50'
15,000
Note f
3 St. 40-
9.600
4St.50'
14.400
4 51.50"
13.200
Note f
3 St. 40'
9.6O0
3St*(y
10.200
|
Residential. 1 & 2 family
1St. 50"
22,800
4 star
15.000
3 St 40*
9,600
4 St 5C
14,400
4 5150"
13.200
3 St. 40"
9.600
3St4C
10.200
2MS
Storage, moderate Notes g and h
5 St. 65'
19.950
4St50'
13,125
2 St. 30"
8.40D
4 St. 50/
12.600
3 St. 40-
11,550
2 St. 30/
8.400
2 St SO"
8.925
IS!
i
Storage, low
7 St 85'
34,200
5 St. 65'
22,500
3 St. 40'
14.400
5 St 65'
21,600
4St.5C
19.800
3St.4<r
14.400
3 St 40-
15,300
i
Temporary miscellaneous
1.
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Motes applicable to Table 305
Note a. See the following sections for general exceptions to Table 305.
Section 305.4 Allowable area reduction for multi-story buildings.
Section 306.2 Allowable area increase due to street frontage.
Section 306.3 Allowable area increase due to automatic fire suppression system installation.
Section 307.0 Unlimited area one-story buildings.
Section 308.1 Allowable height increase due to automatic fire suppression system installation.
Note b. Typj 1 buildings permitted unlimited tabular heights and areas are not subject to special re-
quirements that allow increased heights and areas for other types of construction.
Note c. The tabular area of one-story school buildings of use group A-4 may be increased two hun-
dred (200) per cent provided every classroom has at least one (1) door opening directly to the exterior
of the building. Not less than one-half (V2) of the required exitways from any assembly room included
in such bui'ding- shall also open directly to the exterior of the building.
Note d. Church auditoriums of Type 3A construction may be erected to sixty-five (65) feet in height,
and of Type 4 construction to. forty-five (45) feet in height.
Note e. For exceptions to height and area limitations of high hazard use buildings, see Article 4 gov-
erning the specific use. For other special fireresistive requirements governing specific uses, see Section
905.0.
Note *. For exceptions to height of multi-family dwellings of Types 2B and 3B construction, see Sec-
tion 905.6.
Note g. For height and area exceptions covering open parking structures, see Section 429.0.
Note h. Deleted.
Note i. The tabular area for use group A-4 sr-hoolhouse, Type 4B construction, shall be limited to
forty-eight hundred (4800) square feet, one (1) story and twenty (20) feet high (no increase allowed for
sprinklers or accessibility).
Note j. See Section 434.4 for applicable height and area limitations.
Note k. For R-l detoxification facilities see Table 439,6
Table 305.4
PER CENT REDUCTION OF AREA LIMITS
Type of construction
No. of stories
1A&1B
2A 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B
1
None
None
None
2
None
None
None
3
None
5%
20%
4
None
10%
20%
5
None
15%
30%
6
None
20%
40%
7
None
25%
50%
8
None
30%
60%
9
None
35%
70%
10
None
40%
80%
SECTION 306.0 AREA EXCEPTIONS
306.1 General: The provisions of this section shall modify the area limits of
Table 305 as herein specified.
9/1/80
123
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
306.2 Street frontage increase: When a building or structure has more
than twenty-five (25) per cent of the building perimeter fronting on a
street or other unoccupied space not less than thirty (30) feet in width
accessible from a street by a posted fire lane not less than eighteen (18)
feet in width, the tabular areas may be increased two (2) per cent for
each one (1) per cent of such excess frontage.
306.3 Automatic fire suppression system: When a building of other than
high hazard (use group H) use is equipped with an approved automatic
fire suppression system, the tabular areas may be increased by two
hundred (200) per cent for one (1) story buildings and one hundred
(100) per cent for buildings more than one (1) story in height.
306.4 School buildings: When every classroom of a one (1) story school
building (use group A-4) has at least one (1) door opening directly to
the exterior of the building, the tabular area of Table 305 may be in-
creased two hundred (200) per cent. Not less than one-half (1/2) of the
required exitways from any assembly room included in such buildings
shall also open directly to the exterior of the building.
306.5 Maximum total area: The maximum total area under the combined
provisions of Sections 306.2 and 306.3 shall not exceed three and one-half
(3 1/2) times the tabular area in Table 305.
SECTION 307.0 UNLIMITED AREAS
307.1 One-story buildings: In other than frame (Type 4) construction,
the area of all buildings of assembly (use group A-3), business (B),
factory and industrial (F), mercantile (M) and storage (S) use groups not
including high hazard uses, which do not exceed one (1) story or eighty-
five (85) feet in height shall not be limited; provided the exitway facilities
comply with the provisions of Article 6, an automatic fire suppression
system is provided complying with the provisions of Section 1202.0, and
the building is isolated as specified in Section 307.2, except that a fire
suppression system shall not be required for buildings of Type 1, Type 2
or Type 3A construction used exclusively for storage of non-combustible
material, not packed or crated in combustible materials, or as exempted
by Section 205.3 for special industrial uses.
307.1.1 School buildings: One (1) story school buildings of Types 2, 3A
and 3B construction may be unlimited in area when a direct exitway to
the outside of the building is provided from each classroom and the
building is equipped with an approved automatic fire suppression system
throughout. A fire separation shall be provided on all sides of such
buildings as specified in Section 307.2.
307.1.2 Indoor recreation buildings: Indoor participant sport areas such
as tennis courts, skating rinks, swimming pools and equestrian clubs may
be unlimited in area and exempt from the automatic fire suppression system
requirements, providing:
9/1/80 124
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1. direct exitways to the outside are provided for all the occupants
of the recreation area;
2. the recreation area is conspicuously posted as to use and
occupancy load;
3. the building is equipped with a manual fire alarm system; and
4. all other areas are equipped with an automatic fire suppression
system.
307.2 Fire separation: The minimum fire separation on any side of one
(1) story buildings of unlimited area shall be determined by the type of
construction and fireresistance rating of the exterior wall adjacent thereto
as specified in the following Table 307.
Table 307
Table 307
MINIMUM FIRE SEPARATION FOR TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Fire-
Fireresistance
resistance
rating of
rating of
Minimum
bearing & non-
Minimum
Type of
exterior
fire
bearing portions
fire
construction
bearing walls
separation***
of exterior walls
separation
2A
2hr.
30 ft.
_
_
2B
1 hr.
40 ft.
2 hr.*
30 ft.
2C
Ohr.
50 ft.
3hr.**
30 ft.
3A
2 hr.
40 ft.
3 hr.**
30 ft.
3B
2hr.
40 ft.
3 hr.**
30 ft.
3C
2 hr.
50 ft.
4 hr.**
30 ft.
* A 1 1 exterior wall openings shall be protected with one and one-half hour fireresistance rated
approved opening protectives.
**AII exterior wall openings shall be protected with three hour fireresistance rated approved
opening protectives.
***When the fire separation exceeds the herein specified minimum, the requirements of Table
214, Row 1 (Exterior walls with fire separation of 30 ft. or more: bearing) shall apply.
9/1/80
125
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
307.3 Roof vents: The roof system of one (1) story buildings of unlimi-
ted area when of Type 2 or Type 3 construction shall be provided with
smoke and heat vents in accordance with Sections 230 and 240 of the
Guide for Smoke and Heat Venting (NFiPA 204) listed in Appendix B.
307.4 Fire access panels: Grade level doors or fire access panels, as
specified in Sections 859.4 and 1200.1.1, shall be provided and spaced not
more than one hundred fifty (150) feet apart in exterior walls adjacent to
a required fire separation less than forty (40) feet.
SECTION 308.0 HEIGHT EXCEPTIONS
308.1 Automatic fire suppression systems: When a building of other than
high hazard (use group H) use is equipped with an approved automatic
fire suppression system, the building may be erected one (1) story or
twenty (20) feet higher than specified in Table 305.
308.2 Auditoriums: Auditoriums (use group A-4) of protected or heavy
timber (Type 3A) construction may be erected to sixty-five (65) feet in
height and of unprotected construction to forty-five (45) feet.
308.3 Roof structures: In applying the provisions of this code govern-
ing height limits, the following appurtenant structures shall not be in-
cluded in the height of the building: roof tanks and their supports;
ventilating, air conditioning and similar building service equipment; roof
structures other than penthouses; chimneys and parapet walls not exceed-
ing four (4) feet in height; unless the aggregate area of such structures
including penthouses exceeds one-third (1/3) of the area of the roof of
the building upon which they are erected.
SECTION 309.0 STREET ENCROACHMENTS
309.1 General: Except as herein provided, a part of any building erec-
ted and additions to an existing building heretofore erected shall not
project beyond the lot lines or beyond the building line when such line is
established by the zoning law or any other statute controlling building
construction.
309.2 Below grade: A part of a building erected below grade that is
necessary for structural support of the building shall not project beyond
the lot lines, except that the footings of street walls or their supports
located at least eight (8) feet below grade may project not more than
twelve (12) inches beyond the street lot line.
309.3 Above grade: All projections permitted beyond the street lot line
or the building line above grade shall be so constructed as to be readily
removable without endangering the safety of the building.
9/1/80 126
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
309.4 Projections necessary for safety: In any specific application, the
building official may designate by approved rules such architectural
features and accessories which are deemed desirable or necessary for the
health or safety of the public and the extent to which they may project
beyond the street lot line or the building line where such is established
by statute, subject to all provisions and restrictions that may be other-
wise prescribed by law, ordinance or rule of the authorities having juris-
diction over streets or public spaces.
309.5 Permit revocable: Any permit granted or permission expressed or
implied in the provisions of this code to construct a building so as to
project beyond the street lot line or building line shall be revocable by
the municipality at will.
309.6 Existing encroachments: Parts of existing buildings and struc-
tures which already project beyond the street lot line or building line may
be maintained as constructed until their removal is directed by the proper
municipal authorities.
SECTION 310.0 PERMISSIBLE STREET PROJECTIONS
310.1 General: Subject to such provisions as may be otherwise pre-
scribed by law or ordinance, or by rule of the municipal authorities
having jurisdiction over streets, highways, and public spaces, the follow-
ing projections, as described in Sections 310.2 through 310.11.1, shall be
permitted beyond the street lot line or the building line, as the case may
be.
310.2 Cornices and eaves: Main cornices or roof eaves located at least
twelve (12) feet above the curb level shall project not more than three
(3) feet.
310.3 Architectural decorations: Belt courses, lintels, sills, architraves,
pediments and similar architectural decorations shall project not more than
four (4) inches when less than ten (10) feet above the curb level, and
not more than ten (10) inches when ten (10) feet or more above the curb
level .
310.4 Ornamental columns: Ornamental columns, or pilasters, including
the bases and moldings which emphasize the main entrance of the build-
ing, shall project not more than twelve (12) inches.
310.5 Entrance steps: Entrance steps and doors shall project not more
than twelve (12) inches and shall be guarded by check pieces not less
than three (3) feet high, or shall be located between ornamental columns
or pilasters.
310.6 Oriel windows: Oriel windows with the lowest portion at least ten
(10) feet above the curb level shall project not more than two and one-
half (2 1/2) feet.
9/1/80 127
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
310.7 Balconies: Balconies located at least ten (10) feet above the curb
level shall project not more than three (3) feet, except than when the
balcony is required in connection with a fire escape or exterior stairway
as an element of a means of egress, the projection may be increased, but
not to exceed four (4) feet.
310.8 Awnings: Rectractable or fixed awnings shall have clearances
above the grade, and shall be installed in accordance with the require-
ments of Section 313.0.
310.9 Awning covers or boxes: Awning covers or boxes located at least
eight (8) feet above the curb level shall project not more than three (3)
feet.
310.10 Marquees: For the purpose of this section, a marquee shall
include any object or decoration attached to or a part of said marquee.
310.10.1 Projection and clearance: The horizontal clearance between a
marquee and the curb line shall be not less than two (2) feet. A mar-
quee projecting more than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the
property line to the curb line shall be not less than ten (10) feet above
the ground or pavement below.
310.10.2 Thickness: The maximum height or thickness of a marquee
measured vertically from its lowest to its highest point shall not exceed
three (3) feet when the marquee projects more than two-thirds (2/3) of
the distance from the property line to the curb line, and shall not exceed
nine (9) feet when the marquee is less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
distance from the property line to the curb line.
310.10.3 Roof construction: The roof or any part thereof may be a
skylight of approved plastics, or wired glass not less than one-fourth
(1/4) inch thick with a single pane not more than eighteen (18) inches
wide. Every roof and skylight of a marquee shall be sloped to downspouts
which shall conduct any drainage from the marquee in a manner not to
spill over the sidewalk.
310.10.4 Location prohibited: Every marquee shall be so located as not
to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe, and not to
obstruct the clear passage of stairways or exitway discharge from the
building or the installation or maintenance of street lighting.
310.10.5 Construction: A marquee shall be supported entirely from the
building and constructed of noncombustible material. Marquees shall be
designed and constructed to withstand wind or other lateral loads and live
loads as required in Article 7 of this code. Structural members shall be
protected to prevent deterioration as required by Article 8.
310.11 Vaults: Vaults below the sidewalk level shall extend not closer
than three (3) feet to the curb line; and the construction and use of
9/1/80 128
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
such vaults shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the authority
or legislative body having jurisdiction.
310.11.1 Areaways: Areaways shall not project beyond the street lot
line more than four (4) feet; provided that every such areaway shall be
covered over at the street grade by an approved grating of metal or
other noncombustible material.
SECTION 311.0 PERMISSIBLE YARD AND COURT ENCROACHMENTS
311.1 General: A part of any building or structure shall not extend into
side courts, inner courts or yards required for light and ventilation of
habitable and occupiable rooms by the provisions of Article 5, or of the
zoning law or other statutes controlling building construction, except as
hereinafter provided; but the encroachment shall not exceed twenty (20)
per cent of the legal area of yard or court required for light and ventila-
tion purposes.
311.2 Roof eaves: Roof eaves shall project not more than three (3) feet
beyond the face of the wall.
311.3 Steps and architectural features: Steps, window sills, belt
courses and similar architectural features, rain leaders and chimneys shall
project not more than two (2) feet beyond the face of the wall.
311.4 Exterior stairways and fire escapes: Outside stairways, smoke-
proof tower balconies, fire escapes or other required elements of a means
of egress shall not project more than four (4) feet beyond the face of the
wall.
SECTION 312.0 SPECIAL AND TEMPORARY PROJECTIONS
312.1 Alley projections: The permissible projection beyond street lot
lines shall apply in general to building projections into alleyways, except
as may be modified by the local administrative authority having jurisdic-
tion or by special deed restriction.
312.2 Special permits: When authorized by special permit, vestibules
and storm doors may be erected for periods of time not exceeding seven
(7) months in any one (1) year, and shall project not more than three
(3) feet nor more than one-fourth (1/4) the width of the sidewalk beyond
the street lot line. Temporary entrance awnings may be erected with a
minimum clearance of seven (7) feet to the lowest portion of the hood or
awning when supported on removable steel or other approved noncombus-
tible supports.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 313.0 AWNINGS AND CANOPIES
313.1 Permit: A permit shall be obtained from the building official for
the erection, repair of replacement of any fixed awning, canopy or hood
except as provided in Section 313.1.1, and for any retractable awning
located at the first story level and extending over the public street or
over any portion of a court or yard beside a building serving as a passage
from a required exitway or exitway discharge to a public street.
313.1.1 Exemption from permit: a permit shall not be required for the
erection, repair or replacement of fixed or retractable awnings installed
on one- and two-family dwellings, unless they project over public proper-
ty, or for retractable awnings installed above the first story or where the
awning does not project over the public street or over any court or yard
serving as a passage from a required exitway to a public street.
313.2 Installation of awnings
313.2.1 Retractable awnings: There shall be a minimum clearance of
seven (7) feet from the sidewalk to the lowest part of the framework or
any fixed portion of any retractable awning, except that the bottom of
the valance of canvas awnings may extend to six (6) feet nine (9) inches
above the sidewalk. Retractable awnings shall be securely fastened to
the building and shall not extend closer than twelve (12) inches from the
curb line. They shall be equipped with a mechanism or device for raising
and holding the awning in a retracted or closed position against the face
of the building.
313.2.2 Fixed or permanent awnings: The clearance from the sidewalk to
the lowest part of any fixed or permanent awning shall be the same as
required in Section 313.2.1 for retractable awnings. Fixed or permanent
awnings installed above the first story shall not project more than four
(4) feet.
313.3 Canopies: Canopies shall be constructed of a metal framework,
with an approved covering, attached to the building at the inner end and
supported at the outer end by not more than two (2) stanchions with
braces anchored in an approved manner and placed not less than two (2)
feet in from the curb line. The horizontal portion of the framework shall
be not less than eight (8) feet nor more than twelve (12) feet above the
sidewalk and the clearance between the covering or valance and the
sidewalk shall be not less than seven (7) feet. The width of canopies
shall not exceed eight (8) feet.
313.4 Special applications of awnings: Rigid awnings supported in whole
or part by members resting on the ground and used for patio covers, car
ports, summer houses or other similar uses shall comply with the require-
ments of Section 313.5 for design and structure. Such structures shall
be braced as required to provide rigidity.
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313.5 Design and construction: Fixed awnings, canopies and similar
structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind or other
lateral loads and live loads as required by Article 7 of this code with due
allowance for shape, open construction and similar features that relieve
the pressures or loads. Structural members shall be protected to prevent
deterioration .
SECTION 314.0 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
314.1 General: The building official may issue a permit for temporary
construction. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but
such temporary construction shall not be for more than a period of one
(1) year. However, such temporary construction may be extended for an
additional one (1) year period.
314.2 Special approval: All temporary construction shall conform to
structural strength, fire safey, means of egress, light, ventilation and
sanitary requirements of this code necessary to insure the public health,
safety and general welfare.
314.3 Termination of approval: The building official is hereby author-
ized to terminate such special approval and to order the demolition of any
such construction at his discretion.
SECTION 315.0 ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
315.1 Building access for handicapped: All buildings and parts thereof
classified in use groups M (Mercantile), F (Factory and Industrial), B
(Business), A (Assembly), I (Institutional), R-l and R-2, (Residential),
shall have at least one (1) primary entrance accessible to and usable by
the handicapped. Such entrance shall provide access to a level that
makes elevators available in buildings where elevators are provided.
Where ramps are used to comply with this requirement, they shall have a
slope not greater than one (1) in twelve (12).
315.1.1 Handicapped access for limited group residences: All required
means of agress in buildings classified in use group R-5 (limited group
residence) shall be made accessible to the handicapped in accordance with
the provisions of Section 438.3. Where ramps are used to comply with
this requirement, they shall have a slope not greater than one (1) in
twelve (12). Such ramps shall be constructed in accordance with the
provisions of Section 615.0.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 4
SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 400.0 GENERAL
400.1 Scope: In addition to the general requirements of this code govern-
ing the location, construction and equipment of all buildings and struc-
tures and the fireresistance ratings, height and area limitations of Tables
214 and 305, the provisions of this article shall control all buildings and
structures designed for high hazard uses and occupancies which involve
extreme fire, smoke, explosion or toxic gas risks, and places of assembly
in which people congregate in large numbers and which are susceptible to
panic incidental to crowds. Except as herein specifically provided, the
applicable standards listed in Appendix B shall be deemed to comply with
the requirements of this article.
Chemical plants, packing plants, grain elevators, refineries, flour mills
and other special structures may be constructed in accordance with the
recognized practices and requirements of the specific industry. The
building official may permit such variations from the requirements of this
code which will secure reasonable and economical construction with the
necessary fire, life and property safeguards. In granting such varia-
tions, due regard shall be given to the isolation of the structure and fire
hazard from and to surrounding property.
400.1.1 Applicable Massachusetts General Laws: The applicable Massa-
chusetts General Laws Annotated, as amended, and applicable rules and
regulations, specifically the 522 and 527 CMR series as listed in Appendix
P and elsewhere, shall be adhered to in the design and construction of
structures covered under this article.
400.2 Uses involving explosion hazards: The provisions of this article
shall apply to all uses involving the storage, manufacture, handling or
filling of flammable and volatile solids, liquids or gases which generate
combustible and explosive air-vapor mixtures and toxic gases including
nitrocellulose film; pyroxylin plastics; grain and other combustible dusts
and pulverized fuels; combustible fibers; pyroxylin lacquer-spraying
operations; liquified petroleum gases; alcohol, ether and gasoline; flamma-
ble dusts and residues resulting from fabrication, grinding and buffing
operations, and all other explosion hazard risks.
400.3 Special high hazards: When necessary to resist a higher degree of
fire severity than specified herein, for high concentrations of combustible
contents and for buildings of high hazard uses which exceed five (5)
stories or sixty-five (65) feet in height, the building official may require
higher fireresistance ratings than the requirements of Table 214 govern-
ing the fireresistance ratings of types of construction and protection of
structural elements.
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400.4 Means of egress: The means of egress for buildings of hazardous
uses and occupancies shall conform to the requirements of Article 6,
except as may be modified by more restrictive provisions of this article
for specific uses.
400.5 Heating and venting: The requirements herein prescribed for the
installation of heating and venting appliances and equipment for high
hazard uses and occupancies shall be construed as supplemental to the
provisions of Articles 5 and 10, and the mechanical code listed in Appen-
dix B.
400.6 Equipment rooms: Heating and ventilating equipment in occupan-
cies involving fire hazards from flammable vapors, dust, combustible
fibers or other highly combustible substances shall be installed and protec-
ted against fire and explosion hazards in accordance with the mechanical
code listed in Appendix B. Rooms containing such equipment shall be
segregated by construction of not less than two (2) hour fireresistance
rating except as may be required for specific uses, without openings in
the enclosure walls and with means of direct ingress and egress from the
exterior, or such equipment shall be located in accessory structures
segregated from the main building.
400.7 Fire-fighting and extinguishing equipment: All buildings designed
for specific hazardous uses shall be protected with approved automatic
fire suppression systems or such other fire-extinguishing and auxiliary
equipment as herein provided and in accordance with the requirements of
Article 12.
400.8 Segregation of storage spaces: All rooms and spaces used for the
storage of volatile and flammable materials shall be separately enclosed
and segregated with fireresistance rated construction as herein required
for specific uses and occupancies.
400.9 Restricted locations: Except as otherwise specifically approved,
high hazard uses shall not be located in the fire limits nor in a building
of unprotected frame (Type 4B) construction, nor in any case within two
hundred (200) feet of the nearest wall of a building classified in a public
assembly or institutional use group.
400.10 Light and electric wiring: In every structure involving flash fire
and explosion hazards, all artificial lighting shall be restricted to incan-
descent electric lights or other approved lighting with keyless sockets
and dust-tight, vapor-proof globes protected against mechanical injury.
All wiring in vaults or compartments for the storage of highly flammable
materials shall be in metal or other approved conduit complying with the
provisions of the Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00).
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SECTION 401.0 EXPLOSION HAZARDS
401.1 Explosion relief: Every structure, room or space occupied for
uses involving explosion hazards shall be equipped and vented with
explosion relief systems and devices arranged for automatic release under
predetermined increase in pressure as herein provided for specific uses
or in accordance with accepted engineering standards and practice.
401.2 Venting devices: Venting devices to relieve the pressure resulting
from explosive air-vapor mixtures shall consist of windows, skylights,
vent flues or releasing roof or wall panels which discharge directly to the
open air or to a public place or other unoccupied space not less than
twenty (20) feet in width on the same lot. Such releasing devices shall
be so located that the discharge end shall be not less than (10) feet
vertically and twenty (20) horizontally from window openings or means of
egress facilities in the same or adjoining buildings or structures. The
exhaust shall always be in the direction of least exposure and never into
the interior of the building.
401.3 Area of vents: The aggregate clear vent relief area shall be
regulated by the type of construction of the building and shall be not
less than prescribed below:
1. heavy reinforced concrete frame, one (1) square foot for eighty
(80) cubic feet of volume;
2. light structural steel frame and ordinary construction, one (1)
square foot for sixty-five (65) cubic feet of volume.
The combined area of open windows pivoted sash or wall panels arranged
to open under internal pressure shall not be less than ten (10) per cent
of the area of the enclosure walls, with not less than fifty (50) per cent
of the opening arranged for automatic release.
401.4 Construction of vents: All explosion relief devices shall be of an
approved type constructed of light weight, noncombustible and corrosion-
resistive materials, and the discharge end shall be protected with ap-
proved screens of not more than three-quarter (3/4) inch mesh, arranged
to blow out under relatively low pressures.
SECTION 402.0 VOLATILE FLAMMABLES
402.1 Process storage
402.1.1 Inside storage: Unless otherwise approved by the fire official,
inside storage in process rooms shall be limited to one (1) day's supply in
approved sealed containers of not more than five (5) gallon capacity or in
approved steel barrels or drums of not more than fifty-five (55) gallon
capacity .
402.1.2 Handling: Discharge or filling operations shall be by pump
through an approved system of securely attached and continuous piping
or hose lines. In processes requiring the use of open vats or mixing
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
tanks, an approved mechanical ventilating system shall be provided to
remove the vapors or to produce a vapor mixture of not more than one
(1) per cent concentration.
402.1.3 Construction of enclosures: Process rooms shall be separated
from other uses and occupancies by walls, floors and ceilings of not less
than two (2) hours fireresistance rating with one and one-half (1 1/2)
hour fire doors or the approved labeled equivalent complying with Article
9. The interior door openings shall be provided with non-combustible
sills not less than six (6) inches high and the room shall be vented as
required in Section 401.1. Floors shall be waterproofed and drained to
comply with Section 872.0
402.1.4 Fire protection: First aid fire appliances and automatic fire
suppression systems or other extinguishing equipment shall be provided
in accordance with Article 12 and the standards listed in Appendix I.
Provision shall be made to prevent leaking flammable vapors from being
exposed to open flames, fire or sparks.
402.2 Main storage: No tank for the storage of volatile flammable liquids
shall be erected, altered, or removed without first obtaining a permit
from the building official. No permit shall be issued by the building
official to erect, alter, or remove a flammable liquid storage tank without
first obtaining the written approval of the head of the fire department.
Flammable liquid storage tanks shall be constructed, located, and installed
in conformance to the applicable provisions of this section, 527 CMR 9.00,
522 CMR 10.00, 522 CMR 11.00, 522 CMR 12.00 (see Appendix P) and the
accepted engineering practice standards listed in Appendix B of this
code.
402.2.1 Special restrictions: When necessary to ensure public safety,
greater fire separations may be required or greater limitations may be
placed on storage capacity for flammable liquid storage tanks.
SECTION 403.0 FIRE PREVENTION CODES
403.1 Inspections: All buildings and structures involving the use and
handling of flammable or explosive materials, places of assembly and other
hazardous uses and occupancies shall be inspected in accordance with the
fire prevention codes listed in Appendix B. Such inspection shall be
made to insure compliance with the provisions of the fire prevention codes
in respect to protection against fire and panic; maintenance of exitways
and operation of fire door assemblies; fire protection systems; standpipes;
hydrant and fire suppression systems; fire-alarm, signaling and central
station alarm systems; conduct of fire drills and fire brigades; and all
special fire extinguishing equipment.
403.2 Housekeeping: Periodic inspections of existing uses and occupan-
cies shall be made to insure maintenance of good housekeeping conditions
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
including the removal of waste and rubbish; safe arrangement and storage
of merchandise and other contents; proper segregation of hazardous pro-
cesses; handling of volatile flammables; avoidance of dangerous congestion
and maintenance of all means of egress clear of obstructions; and the safe
operation of all places of public assembly in which combustible scenery
and hazardous eguipment are in use while open to the public.
403.3 Coordination of inspections: The building, fire, and health offi-
cials and other administrative agencies of the jurisdiction to whom the
authority is delegated to inspect buildings and structures in respect to
the maintenance of safe conditions of use and occupancy shall immediately
notify the respective official of any violation of the provisions of this
code or the fire prevention and health rules and regulations.
SECTION 404.0 SPECIAL PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES OF FITNESS
404.1 Special permits: A hazardous or dangerous industry, trade,
occupation or use which involves the transportation, storage or handling
of explosive, flammable, combustible or other substance involving fire or
life hazards shall not be conducted without a permit from the fire official
prescribing the conditions and reguirements necessary to secure the pub-
lic safety.
404.2 Certificate of fitness: Before any equipment involving fire or life
hazard is placed in operation, the supervisor or operator shall secure a
certificate of fitness from the administrative official certifying to the qual-
ifications of the person to whom such certificate is issued. Certificates of
fitness shall be required for the operation of boilers and unfired pressure
vessels as specified in the mechanical and boiler codes listed in Appendix
B and for the conduct of all high hazard uses involving the storage, use
or handling of flammable volatile liquids, materials and mixtures, liquified
gases and compressed gases under a pressure of more than fifteen (15)
pounds per square inch (psi), and all acid and liquid chemicals of a
combustible and explosive character. All certificates of fitness may be
terminated for cause at any time, and shall be renewed at intervals of not
more than one (1) year.
SECTION 405.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
405.1 Special permit for existing uses: Any existing hazardous use
which was heretofore authorized by a permit issued under the provisions
of law or the regulations of the fire official may be continued by special
permit provided the continuance of such use or occupancy does not en-
danger the public safety.
405.2 Existing use prohibited: An existing building of frame (Type 4)
construction which is more than two (2) stories in height or more than
five thousand (5,000) square feet in area; or of nonfireproof (Type 3)
construction which is more than four (4) stories in height shall not be
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
continued in use or hereafter occupied for the manufacture of pyroxylin
plastics or similar materials of high fire hazard and explosive characteris-
tics.
405.3 Places of assembly
405.3.1 Change of use: An existing building or structure or part there-
of shall not be altered or converted into a place of assembly unless it
complies with the provisions of this code applicable to places of public
assembly (see Article 22).
405.3.2 Deleted
405.3.3 Deleted
405.4 Deleted
405.4.1 Deleted
405.4.2 Deleted
SECTION 406.0 LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GASES
406.1 General: The provisions of this section shall apply to the design,
construction, location, installation, and operation of propane, butane and
other petroleum gas facilities, normally stored in the liquid state under
pressure for use in all buildings and structures. No tanks for the stor-
age of liquified petroleum gases shall be erected, altered or removed
without first obtaining a permit from the building official. No permit
shall be issued by the building official to erect, alter or remove a liqui-
fied petroleum gas storage tank without first obtaining the written ap-
proval of the head of the fire department. Liquified petroleum gas stor-
age tanks and accompanying valves, accessories, piping, vaporizers and
safety devices shall be constructed, located, and installed in conformance
to the applicable provisions of this section, 527 CMR 9.00, 522 CMR
10.00, 522 CMR 11.00, 522 CMR 12.00 (see Appendix P), and the ac-
cepted engineering practice standards listed in Appendix B of this code.
406.2 Classification of systems: Systems for the storage and use of
liquified petroleum gases shall be classified as: cylinder or bottled gas
systems; aboveground tank systems other than bottled gas; and under
ground tank systems. This applies to containers of less than ten thou-
sand (10,000) gallons.
406.3 Bottled gas: A container or cylinder of bottled gas for domestic
or commercial use shall not exceed twelve hundred (1200) gallon equiva-
lent water capacity; and such container shall be tested and approved by
an accredited testing authority and shall be identified in accordance with
the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The cylinders shall
be installed above ground, with valves, flexible connectors, piping and
safety devices in accordance with the approved rules; except that such
containers, when approved by the building official, may be installed for
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
use inside buildings for industrial purposes or in connection with con-
struction, repair or alteration operations.
406.4 Above ground tank systems other than bottled gas: Above ground
bulk storage of liquified petroleum gases shall not be permitted within the
fire limits.
406.4.1 Special restrictions: When necessary to ensure public safety,
greater fire separations may be required or greater limitations may be
placed on storage capacity for liquified petroleum gas storage tanks.
406.5 Underground tank systems: When required, underground tanks
for storage of liquified petroleum gases shall be anchored or weighted to
prevent flotation.
406.6 Labeling: All inlet and outlet connections except safety relief
valves, level and pressure gauges shall be labeled to designate whether
they communicate with vapor or liquid space and the tanks shall be marked
marked with a securely attached label and nameplate identifying the sys-
tem working pressure, vapor pressure of the contents and permissible
liquid level in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
406.7 Instructions: Complete installation, operation and maintenance
instructions shall be supplied for the personnel responsible for the use of
the system.
406.8 Grounding: All aboveground tanks exceeding twelve hundred
(1200) gallons equivalent water capacity shall be permanently and effec-
tively grounded.
SECTION 407.0 PYROXYLIN PLASTICS
407.1 General: The provisions of this section, including reference 527
CMR 7.00, shall regulate all buildings, structures and parts thereof used
for the storage, handling or fabrication of pyroxylin plastics permitted by
Massachusetts law whether as raw material, process, finished product or
scrap .
407.2 Exceptions: The provisions of this section shall not apply to the
manufacture, use or storage of nitro-cellulose film or the incidental stor-
age of articles manufactured from pyroxylin plastics offered for sale in
mercantile buildings (see Section 208.0).
407.3 Restrictions: A permit for the storage or manufacture of pyroxy-
lin plastics, except as specified in Section 407.2, shall not be issued for
a building or structure hereafter erected, altered or used which is occu-
pied or located as described in the following Sections 407.3.1 through
407.3.5.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
407.3.1 Place of assembly: Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest wall of a
school, theatre or other place of public assembly.
407.3.2 Residential building: As a residential building, use group R-l,
R-2 or R-3.
407.3.3 High hazard uses: In quantities, exceeding one thousand (1,000)
pounds in buildings where paints, varnishes or lacquers are manufactured,
stored or kept for sale; or where matches, resin, oils, hemp, cotton or
any explosives are stored or kept for sale.
407.3.4 Other flammable materials: Where drygoods, garments or other
materials of a highly flammable nature are manufactured in any portion of
the building above that used for nitro-cellulose products.
407.3.5 Tenant factory building: In quantities exceeding one hundred
(100) pounds in any tenant factory building (use group F) in which more
than five (5) people are employed or likely to congregate on one (1) floor
at any one (1) time.
407.4 Inside storage: All pyroxylin raw material and products intended
for use in further manufacture shall be stored as herein provided on the
following Sections 407.4.1 through 407.4.6
407.4.1 Cabinets: Quantities of more than twenty-five (25) pounds and
not more than five hundred (500) pounds shall be stored in approved
cabinets constructed of noncombustible materials but the total quantity of
storage shall not be more than one thousand (1,000) pounds in any work
room or space enclosed in floor, walls and ceilings of not less than two
(2) hours fireresistance rating.
407.4.2 Vaults: Quantities of more than one hundred (100) pounds and
not more than ten thousand (10,000) pounds shall be stored in vaults
enclosed in floors, walls and ceilings of not less than four (4) hours
fireresistance rating. The interior storage volume of the vault shall be
not more than fifteen hundred (1500) cubic feet and the vault shall be
constructed vapor and gastight in accordance with the approved rules,
with one and one-half (1 1/2) hour vapor-tight fire doors or the ap-
proved labeled fire door assembly equivalent on each side of the door
opening. The vault shall be drained and provided with scuppers.
407.4.3 Tote boxes and scrap containers: During manufacture, pyroxy-
lin materials and products not stored in finished stock rooms, cabinets or
vaults shall be kept in approved covered noncombustible tote boxes.
Scrap and other refuse material shall be collected in approved noncom-
bustible containers in quantities not greater than three hundred and fifty
(350) pounds and removed at frequent intervals as directed by the fire
official .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
407.4.4 Ventilation: Each separate compartment in storage vaults shall
be vented directly to the outer air through flues complying with the re-
quirements of the mechanical code listed in Appendix B for low tempera-
ture chimneys, or exterior metal smokestacks, or as otherwise provided in
the approved rules. The vent shall discharge not less than four (4) feet
above the roof of the building or on a street, court or other open space
not less than fifty (50) feet distance from any other opening in adjoining
walls which are not in the same plane, nor nearer than twenty-five (25)
feet vertically or horizontally to an exterior stairway, fire escape or exit-
way discharge. The area of the vent shall be not less than one (1)
square inch for each seven (7) pounds of pyroxylin stored.
407.4.5 Structural strength: The floors, walls, roof and doors of all
vaults, structures or buildings used for the storage or manufacture of
pyroxylin materials and products shall be designed to resist an inside
pressure load of not less than three hundred (300) pounds per square
foot (psf).
407.4.6 Fire protection: Vaults located within buildings for the storage
of raw pyroxylin shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler
system capable of discharging one and sixty-six one-hundredths (1.66)
gallons per minute (gpm) per square foot over the area of the vault.
407.5 Isolated storage buildings: Pyroxylin products in quantities great-
eater than permitted for interior storage shall be housed in isolated
storage buildings. Such buildings shall not be used for any purpose
other than packing, receiving, shipping and storage of pyroxylin plastics
unless otherwise approved by the building official.
407.5.1 Capacity: The maximum storage in any fire area enclosed in
construction of four (4) hours fireresistance rating shall be not greater
than one hundred thousand (100,000) pounds. The storage capacity of
the building and its separation from lot lines and other buildings on the
same lot shall be limited as provided in Table 407.5. When equipped with
an approved automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of
Article 12 and as herein modified, the exposure distances may be de-
creased fifty (50 per cent. Such systems shall be designed in accordance
with Section 2061 of NFiPA 42, Pyroxylin Plastics, as listed in Appendix
B.
EXPOSURE DISTANCE FOR PYROXYLIN STORAGE BUILDINGS
Maximum quantity stored in pounds
Fire separation from lot line or other
buildings in feet
9/1/80
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
75,000
100,000
150,000
300,000
40
50
60
70
80
100
125
150
160
180
200
225
250
300
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780 CMR: STATE B" ILDING CODE COMMISSION
407.6 Fire protection
407.6.1 Heating equipment: All radiators, heating coils, piping and
heating apparatus shall be protected with approved noncombustible mesh
to maintain a clearance of six (6) inches of all pyroxylin products from
such equipment. All piping and risers within six (6) feet of the floor
shall be insulated with approved noncombustible covering unless protected
with wire guards.
407.6.2 Lighting control: All lighting shall comply with the provisions of
Section 400.10, shall be controlled from panel boards located outside of
storage compartments and vaults, shall comply with Article 15 of NFiPA
42, Proxylin Plastics, as listed in Appendix B.
407.6.3 Standpipes: First-aid standpipes shall be provided for each five
thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area equipped with one and one-half
(1 1/2) inch hose, complying with Article 12.
407.6.4 Automatic sprinklers: All manufacturing and storage spaces and
vaults where required shall be protected with an approved automatic
sprinkler system as herein specified and with fire pails and portable fire
extinguishers complying with Article 12 and the approved rules.
407.6.5 Special protection: Special chemical extinguishers and other
first-aid fire appliances shall be provided around motors and other elec-
trical equipment in accordance with the approved rules.
SECTION 408.0 USE AND STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE FILM
408.1 Permit required: A permit for handling, use, storage or recovery
of flammable film shall not be issued for any building located as specified
in Section 407.3; except that those restrictions shall not apply to the
screening and projection rooms of theatres and other places of amusement
or instruction. It shall be unlawful to store, stock or use any nitro-cel-
lulose or other flammable film in quantities of more than two thousand
(2,000) feet in length or more than ten (10) pounds in weight unless
approved by the fire official. All installations shall comply with the
applicable standards listed in Appendix B.
408.2 Storage: Other than motion picture projection and rewind rooms,
or as herein specifically exempted, all rooms in which flammable film is
stored or handled shall be enclosed in not less than two (2) hour firere-
sistive construction complying with the provisions of Article 9. All film,
except when in process or use, shall be kept in approved closed
containers .
408.2.1 Cabinets: Flammable film in amounts of twenty-five (25) to one
thousand (1,000) pounds shall be stored in approved noncombustible cabi-
nets constructed and vented in accordance with the approved rules. One
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
(1) cabinet shall not contain more than three hundred and seventy-five
(375) pounds. All cabinets with a capacity of more than seventy-five
(75) pounds shall be equipped with not less than one (1) automatic sprin-
kler head.
408.2.2 Vaults: Flammable film in amounts greater than one thousand
(1,000) pounds shall be kept in vaults constructed as provided in Section
407.0; except that the interior storage volume shall not exceed seven
hundred and fifty (750) cubic feet.
408.2.3 Rooms: Unexposed film may be stored in the original approved
shipping cases complying with the rules of the Department of Transporta-
tion (DOT) in rooms equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler
system complying with the provisions of Section 407.4.6.
408.2.4 Ventilation: Storage rooms shall be ventilated as specified in
Section 407.4.4 with the vents arranged to open automatically in the event
of fire, in accordance with the approved rules.
408.2.5 Heating: All heating equipment and installations shall conform to
the requirements of Section 407.6.1. The duct systems of warm air heat-
ing and air conditioning systems shall comply with Article 5, and shall be
protected with automatic fire dampers to cut off all rooms in which film is
handled from all other rooms and spaces in the building. The heating of
film vaults shall be automatically controlled to a maximum temperature of
seventy (70) degrees F.
408.2.6 Fire protection: Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be
provided in all buildings and structures and parts thereof in which flam-
mable film is stored or handled in amounts of more than fifty (50) pounds
and as herein specifically required, except in projection rooms and rewind
rooms conforming to the requirements of Section 408.3. First-aid fire-ex-
tinguishing and auxiliary fire-fighting equipment shall be provided in ac-
cordance with Article 12 and the approved rules adopted thereunder.
408.3 Projection room required (scope): The provisions of this section
shall apply to rooms in which ribbon-type cellulose acetate or other safety
film is used in conjunction with electric arc, xenon or other light source
projection equipment which develops hazardous gases, dust or radiation.
Where cellulose nitrate film is used, projection rooms shall comply with
NFiPA 40, listed in Appendix B.
Every motion picture machine projecting film as mentioned within the
scope of this section shall be enclosed in a projection room. Appurtenant
electrical equipment, such as rheostats, transformers and generators, may
be within the projection room or in an adjacent room of equivalent con-
struction. There shall be posted on the outside of each projection room
door and within the projection room itself a conspicuous sign with one (1)
inch block letters stating: Safety film only permitted in this room.
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408.3.1 Construction of projection rooms: Every projection room shall be
of permanent construction consistent with the construction requirements
for the type of building in which the projection room is located. Open-
ings need not be protected.
The room shall have a floor area of not less than eighty (80) square feet
for a single machine. Each motion picture projector, flood light, spotlight
or similar piece of equipment shall have a clear working space of not less
than thirty (30) inches by thirty (30) inches on each side and at the
rear thereof, but only one (1) such space shall be required between two
(2) adjacent projectors. The projection room and the rooms appurtenant
thereto shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven (7) feet, six
(6) inches. The aggregate of openings for projection equipment shall not
exceed twenty-five (25) per cent of the area of the wall between the
projection room and the auditorium. All openings shall be provided with
glass or other approved material, so as to completely close the opening.
408.3.2 Means of egress from projection rooms: Exiting shall be pro-
vided as required in Article 6.
408.3.3 Ventilation of projection rooms: Ventilation shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
408.3.3.1 Projection room
1. Supply air: Each projection room shall be provided with two (2)
or more separate fresh air inlet ducts with screened openings
terminating within twelve (12) inches of the floor, and located at
opposite ends of the room. Such air inlets shall be of sufficient
size to permit an air change every three (3) minutes. Fresh air
may be supplied from the general building air conditioning system;
but when this is done, it shall be so arranged that the projection
room will continue to receive one (1) change of air every three (3)
minutes, regardless of the status of the general air conditioning
system.
2. Exhaust air: Each projection room shall be provided with one (1)
or more exhaust air outlets which may be manifolded into a single
duct outside the room. Such outlets shall be so located as to
insure circulation throughout the room. Projection room exhaust
air systems shall be independent of any other air systems in the
building. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate at the exterior of the
building in such a location that the exhaust air cannot be readily
recirculated into the supply air system. The exhaust system shall
be mechanically operated and of such a capacity as to provide a
minimum of one (1) change of air every three (3) minutes. The
blower motor shall be outside the duct system. The projection
room ventilation system may also serve appurtenant rooms, such as
the generator room and the rewind room.
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408.3.3.2 Projection equipment ventilation: Each projection machine shall
be provided with an exhaust duct which will draw air from each lamp and
exhaust it directly to the outside of the building in such a fashion that it
will not be picked up by supply inlets. Such a duct shall be of rigid
materials, except for a continuous flexible connector for the purpose. The
lamp exhaust system shall not be interconnected with any other system.
1. Electric arc projection equipment: The exhaust capacity shall be
two hundred (200) cubic feet per minute (cfm) for each lamp con-
nected to the lamp exhaust system, or as recommended by the
equipment manufacturer. Auxiliary air may be introduced into the
system through a screened opening to stabilize the arc.
2. Xenon projection equipment: The lamp exhaust system shall ex-
haust not less than three hundred (300) cubic feet per minute
(cfm) per lamp, nor less than that exhaust volume required or
recommended by the equipment manufacturer, whichever is the
greater. The external temperature of the lamp housing shall not
exceed one hundred thirty (130) degrees F., when operating.
408.3.4 Lighting control: Provision shall be made for control of the
auditorium lighting and the emergency lighting systems of theatres from
inside of the room and from at least one (1) other convenient point in the
building as required in Section 417.9.
408.3.5 Miscellaneous equipment: Each projection room shall be provided
with rewind and film storage facilities. A maximum of four (4) containers
for flammable liquids not greater than sixteen (16) ounce capacity and of
a nonbreakable type may be permitted in each projection room.
408.3.6 Sanitary facilities: Every projection room shall be provided with
a lavatory. Every projection room serving an assembly occupancy shall
be provided with a water closet.
408.4 Screening rooms: Screening rooms shall provide a seating capacity
of not more than thirty (30) persons, with not less than two (2) ap-
proved means of egress complying with Article 6. Such rooms shall be
enclosed in one (1) hour fire separation walls with self-closing fire doors
in their approved labeled equivalent at the openings. All seats shall be
permanently fixed in position and the arrangement shall comply with the
requirements of Section 417.4.
408.5 Temporary motion picture installations: Permits for portable and
temporary room construction for incidental amusement and educational
purposes shall be secured from the fire official in accordance with the
approved rules.
408.6 Motion picture studios
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408.6.1 Construction: All buildings designed or used as motion picture
studios shall be protected with an approved two (2) source automatic
sprinkler system complying with the provisions of Article 12; except that
the building official may exempt rooms designed for housing electrical
equipment from this requirement when constructed of fireproof (Type 1)
construction.
408.6.2 Special rooms: Rooms and spaces used as carpenter and repair
shops, dressing rooms, costume and property stage rooms shall be en-
closed in floors, walls and ceilings of not less than two (2) hour firere-
sistance rated construction.
408.6.3 Trim, finish and decorative hangings: All permanently attached
acoustic, insulating and light reflecting materials and temporary hangings
on walls and ceilings shall comply with the requirements of Article 9.
408.6.4 Film storage: All film shall be stored as required in Section
408.2 and surplus film shall not be kept on the studio stage except loaded
magazines in the cameras and sound recording apparatus. All extra
loaded magazines shall be stored in a separate magazine room enclosed in
two (2) hour fireresistive construction.
408.7 Film laboratories: Film laboratories shall not be conducted in other
than fireproof (Type 1A) buildings or structures, equipped throughout
with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
408.8 Film exchanges: All film exchanges and depots shall be housed in
buildings and structures of fireproof (Type 1A) construction equipped
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. All flammable
film other than that in process of receipt, delivery or distribution shall
be stored in vaults complying with the requirements of Section 407.4.2.
SECTION 409.0 USE AND STORAGE OF COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS
409.1 General: The provisions of this section shall apply to all buildings
and structures involving the storage or use of finely divided combustible
vegetable or animal fibers and thin sheets or flakes of such materials
involving flash fire hazard, including among others cotton, excelsior
(shredded paper), hemp, sisal, jute, kapok and paper and cloth in the
form of scraps and clippings in excess of one thousand (1,000) pounds.
The provisions of the applicable standards listed in Appendix B except as
herein specifically provided shall be deemed to conform to the provisions
of this code.
409.2 Construction requirements: All buildings designed for the storage
of combustible fibers as herein described shall be constructed within the
limits of height and area specified in Table 305 for high hazard use (use
group H) except as described in the following Sections 409.2.1 through
409.2.6.
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409.2.1 Special limits: A single storage room or space shall not be more
than five thousand (5,000) square feet in area or more than fifty thou-
sand (50,000) cubic feet in volume unless of protected noncombustible
(Type 2B) or better construction.
409.2.2 Floor loads: The floors of all buildings designed for the storage
of combustible fibers shall not be loaded in excess of one-half (1/2) the
safe load capacity of the floor, nor shall materials be piled to more than
two thirds (2/3) of the clear story height.
409.2.3 Salvage doors: Every exterior wall shall be provided with a
door to each storage compartment arranged for quick removal of the
contents .
409.2.4 Wall openings: All openings in outside walls shall be equipped
with approved fire doors and fire windows complying with Article 9.
409.2.5 Roof openings: All skylights, monitors and other roof openings
shall be protected with galvanized wire or other approved corrosion-resis-
tive screens with not less than thirty-six (36) meshes to the square inch
or with wire glass in stationary frames.
409.2.6 Boiler rooms: All power and heating boilers and furnaces shall
be located in detached boiler houses or in a segregated boiler room en-
closed in three (3) hour fireresistance rated construction with direct
entrance from the outside, except that rooms containing gas-fired heating
equipment may have openings into the warehouse protected with one and
one-half (1 1/2) hour fire doors or their approved labeled equivalent.
409.3 Fire protection: Fire protection equipment shall be provided com-
plying with Article 12 consisting of casks, pails and portable chemical ex-
tinguishers and standpipes. Where deemed necessary by the administra-
tive authority, a system of outside hydrants and hose shall be provided.
409.4 Housekeeping: Ashes, waste, rubbish or sweepings shall not be
kept in wood or other combustible receptacles and shall be removed from
the premises daily. Grass or weeds shall not be allowed to accumulate at
any point on the premises.
409.5 Open storage: Only temporary open storage of combustible fibers
shall be permitted on the same premises with a fiber warehouse and shall
be kept covered on top and sides with tarpaulins secured in place. Not
more than seven thousand two hundred (7,200) cubic feet of fiber shall
be stored in the open; and fire-extinguishing equipment shall be provided
as directed by the fire official.
409.6 Special treatments: When combustible fibers are packed in special
noncombustible containers or when packed in bales covered with wrap-
pings to prevent ready ignition, or when treated by approved chemical
dipping or spraying processes to eliminate the flash fire hazard, the
restrictions governing combustible fibers shall not apply.
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SECTION 410.0 COMBUSTIBLE DUSTS, GRAIN PROCESSING
AND STORAGE
410.1 General: The provisions of this section shall apply to all buildings
in which materials producing flammable dusts and particles which are
readily ignitable and subject to explosion hazards are stored or handled,
including, among others, grain bleachers and elevators, malt houses,
flour, feed or starch mills, wood flour manufacturing and manufacture and
storage of pulverized fuel and similar uses. The applicable standards
listed in Appendix B, except as herein specifically required, shall be
deemed to conform to the requirements of this code.
410.2 Construction requirements
410.2.1 Buildings: All such buildings and structures, unless herein
otherwise specifically provided, shall be of fireproof (Type 1), noncom-
bustible (Type 2), or of laminated planks or lumber sizes qualified for
heavy timber mill (Type 3A) construction, within the height and area
limits of high hazard uses (use group H) of Table 305; except that when
erected of fireproof (Type 1A) construction, the height and area of grain
elevators and similar structures shall be unlimited, and when of heavy
timber (Type 3A) construction, the structure may be erected to a height
of sixty-five (65) feet; and except further that, in isolated areas, the
height of Type 3 A structures may be increased to eighty-five (85) feet.
410.2.2 Grinding rooms: Every room or space for grinding or other
operations producing flammable dust shall be enclosed with floors and
walls of not less than two (2) hour fireresistance rating when the area is
not more than three thousand (3,000) square feet and of not less than
four (4) hour fireresistance rating when the area is greater than three
thousand (3,000) square feet.
410.2.3 Conveyors: All conveyors, chutes, piping and similar equipment
passing through the enclosures of such rooms or spaces shall be con-
structed dirt and vapor tight, of approved noncombustible materials
complying with Article 16.
410.3 Explosion relief: Means for explosion relief shall be provided as
specified in Section 401.0, or such spaces shall be equipped with the
equivalent mechanical ventilation complying with the mechanical code listed
in Appendix B.
410.4 Grain elevators: Grain elevators, malt houses and buildings for
similar uses shall not be located within thirty (30) feet of interior lot
lines or structures on the same lot, except when erected along a railroad
right of way.
410.5 Coal pockets: Coal pockets located less than thirty (30) feet from
interior lot lines or structures on the same lot shall be constructed of not
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less than protected noncombustible (Type 2A) construction. When more
than thirty (30) feet from interior lot lines, or erected along a railroad
right of way, such structures may be built of lumber sizes qualifying for
heavy timber or laminated construction, provided they are not more than
sixty-five (65) feet in height.
SECTION 411.0 PAINT SPRAYING AND SPRAY BOOTHS
411.1 General: The provisions of this section shall apply to the con-
struction, installation and use of buildings and structures or parts there-
of for the spraying of flammable paints, varnishes and lacquers or other
flammable materials, mixtures or compounds used for painting, varnishing
staining or similar purpose. All such construction and equipment shall
comply with the approved rules and the applicable standards listed in
Appendix B.
411.2 Location of spraying processes: Such processes shall be conduc-
ted in a spraying space, spray booth, spray room or shall be isolated in
a detached building or as otherwise approved by the building official in
accordance with accepted engineering practice.
411 . 3 Construction
411.3.1 Spray spaces: All spray spaces shall be ventilated with an
approved exhaust system to prevent the accumulation of flammable mist or
vapors. When such spaces are not separately enclosed, noncombustible
spray curtains shall be provided to restrict the spread of fire.
411.3.2 Spray booths: All spray booths shall be constructed of ap-
proved noncombustible materials equipped with mechanical ventilating
systems .
411.3.3 Spray rooms: All spray rooms shall be enclosed in partitions of
not less than one (1) hour fireresistance rating. Floors shall be water-
proofed and drained in an approved manner. Floor drains to the building
drainage system and the public sewer shall be prohibited.
411.3.4 Storage rooms: Spraying materials in quantities of not more
than twenty (20) gallons may be stored in approved cabinets ventilated at
top and bottom; when in quantities of more than twenty (20) gallons and
not more than one hundred (100) gallons, they may be stored in approved
double-walled noncombustible cabinets vented directly to the outer air;
and all spraying materials in quantities of more than one hundred (100)
gallons shall be stored in an enclosure of not less than two (2) hour
fireresistance rating or in a separate exterior storage building. Such
storage shall not be in quantities of more than two hundred and fifty
(250) gallons, except when stored in isolated storage buildings; and
except further that not more than twenty-five (25) gallons of spraying
material shall be stored in buildings in which pyroxylin products are
manufactured or stored.
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411.4 Ventilation of spraying processes: The ventilation system shall
comply with the provisions of Section 401.0 and shall be adequate to
exhaust all vapors, fumes and residues of spraying material directly to
the outer air. Fresh air shall be admitted to the spraying spaces in an
amount equal to the capacity of the fan in such manner as to avoid short
circuiting the path of air in the working space and to provide air move-
ment with a velocity of not less than one hundred (100) feet per minute
at the face of the spray booth. All ducts and vents shall be constructed
and installed to comply with the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
Unless equipped with approved explosion-proof motors with nonferrous fan
blade fans, the mechanical exhaust equipment shall be located outside of
spray spaces.
411.5 Fire protection: Sprinkler heads shall be provided in all spray,
dip and immersing spaces and storage rooms and shall be installed in
accordance with accepted engineering practice and the standards listed in
Appendix B. Where buildings containing spray areas are not equipped
with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the sprinkler heads in
booths and other spray areas and storage rooms may be supplied from the
building water supply when approved by the building official, to comply
with the provisions of Section 1205.0.
411.6 Electrical equipment: Artificial lighting and electrical equipment
shall comply with Section 400.10.
SECTION 412.0 DRY CLEANING ESTABLISHMENTS
412.1 General: Before any dry cleaning plant is constructed or an
existing plant is remodeled or altered, complete drawings shall be filed
showing to scale the relative location of the dry cleaning area, the boiler
room, finishing department, solvent storage tanks, pumps, washers,
drying tumblers, extractors, filter traps, stills, piping and all other
equipment involving the use of flammable liquid solvents. All dry clean-
ing by immersion and agitation shall be carried on in closed machines,
installed and operated in accordance with the approved rules and the
applicable standards listed in Appendix B.
412.2 Classification: For the purpose of this code, all dry cleaning and
dry dyeing establishments shall be classified as described in the following
Sections 412.2.1 through 412.2.3.
412.2.1 High hazard: All such establishments shall be classified as high
hazard which employ gasoline or other solvents having a flash point below
one hundred (100) degrees F. (ASTM D56) in quantities of more than
three (3) gallons, or more than sixty (60) gallons of flammable solvents
with a flash point between one hundred (100) and one hundred and forty
(140) degrees F. (ASTM D56).
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412.2.2 Moderate hazard: All such establishments employing less than
three (3) gallons of volatile flammables with a flash point of less than one
hundred (100) degrees F. or less than sixty (60) gallons of solvent with
a flash point between one hundred (100) and one hundred and forty (140)
degrees F. (ASTM D56) shall be classified as moderate hazard.
412.2.3 Low hazard: All such establishments using solvents of other
than volatile flammable liquids or solvents with a flash point more than
one hundred and forty (140) degrees F. (ASTM D56) in cleaning and
dyeing operations shall be classified as low hazard.
412.3 Construction of dry cleaning plants
412.3.1 High hazard: High hazard dry cleaning plants as herein defined
shall be located in buildings or structures of fireproof (Type 1A) con-
struction, not more than one (1) story in height with solid floors and
roofs and without openings other than required for egress and ventilation
purposes. Such a building shall not be used for any other purpose.
412.3.2 Moderate hazard: Moderate hazard dry cleaning plants as herein
defined may be located in buildings or structures of any type of construc-
tion other than frame (Type 4) buildings subject to the fire limit restric-
tions of Article 3 and the height and area limitations for high hazard
buildings (use group H) of Table 305. The room or space in which such
operations are conducted shall be enclosed in not less than two (2) hour
fireresistance rated construction with not less than two (2) means of
egress from each dry cleaning or dry dyeing room or space.
412.3.3 Low hazard: Low hazard dry cleaning plants shall not be re-
stricted as to type of building construction within the height and area
limitations for use group B of Table 305; except that such uses shall not
be located in basements nor in a building used for public assembly (use
group A) or institutional (use group I) purposes.
412.3.4 Roof construction of dry cleaning plants: The roof over high
hazard dry cleaning plants shall be flat without attic or concealed spaces
and shall be provided with a pivot type skylight or other approved vent
complying with Section 401.0, arranged to release outwardly under explo-
sion pressures.
412.3.5 Floor construction of dry cleaning plants: The floor finish in
high hazard dry cleaning plants shall be constructed of water-resistant,
noncombustible materials with nonsparking surface elevated above the
adjoining grade and with door sills not less than ten (10) inches in
height. There shall not be openings, vaults or pits below the floor.
412.3.6 Exterior walls of dry cleaning plants: Exterior walls of high
hazard dry cleaning plants having a fire separation of less than thirty
(30) feet shall be solid masonry without openings, but more than two (2)
sides of the building shall not be enclosed in blank walls. Opening pro-
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tectives of exterior doors and windows shall have not less than three-
quarter (3/4) hour fireresistance or the labeled equivalent construction,
and the windows shall be pressure-releasing to comply with Section 401.0.
412.3.7 Basements of dry cleaning plants: The basements of all build-
ings in which high or moderate hazard dry cleaning establishments are
conducted shall be completely separated from the superstructure with
unpierced floor construction of not less than two (2) hours fireresistance
rating. The access to such basements shall be from the exterior only.
412.4 Boiler room separation: Boiler rooms and heating equipment for
high hazard dry cleaning plants shall be separated from drying rooms,
dry cleaning and dry dyeing rooms with unpierced walls of not less than
four (4) hours fireresistance rating and in moderate hazard establishments
with solid walls of not less than two (2) hours fireresistance rating; or
such boiler rooms shall be located in a separate building.
412.5 Ventilation: All rooms and spaces in high hazard dry cleaning
plants shall be provided with a mechanical system of ventilation capable of
twenty (20) complete and continuous changes of air per hour. Mechanical
systems of ventilation in moderate hazard shall have sufficient capacity to
insure ten (10) complete and continuous changes of air per hour. Satis-
factory mechanical or natural ventilation shall be provided in low hazard
plants by means of fans, pipes and ducts to ventilate drying tumblers,
drying cabinets and similar equipment directly to the outer air.
412.6 Solvent storage: All volatile flammable solvents with a flash point
under seventy-five (75) degrees F. (ASTM D56) shall be stored under-
ground in accordance with the provisions of Section 402.0. Interior
aboveground storage shall be permitted for solvents with a flash point
above seventy-five (75) degrees F. (ASTM D56) provided the aggregate
quantity of such solvent in use in the system and in storage is not more
than five hundred and fifty (550) gallons and the capacity of any indi-
vidual tank is not more than two hundred and senventy-five (275) gal-
lons.
412.7 Fire protection: Every dry cleaning room and dry dyeing room
employing high and moderate hazard solvents shall be protected with a
fire protection system consisting of approved automatic sprinklers, manu-
ally controlled steam-blankets carbon dioxide flooding systems or other
approved fire-extinguishing equipment.
SECTION 413.0 PRIVATE GARAGES
413.1 Attached garages
413.1.1 One- and two-family dwellings: Private garages located beneath
one- and two-family dwellings shall have walls, partitions, floors and
ceilings separating the garage space from the dwelling constructed of not
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less than one (1) hour fireresistance rating. Private garages attached to
one and two-family dwellings shall be completely separated from the dwell-
ing and its attic area by means of one-half (1/2) inch gypsum board or
equivalent applied to the garage side. The sills of all door openings
between the garage and dwelling shall be raised by step or sill not less
than four (4) inches above the garage floor. The door opening protec-
tives shall be one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inch solid wood core doors
or approved equivalent.
413.1.2 Motels and multi-family dwellings: Private garages located be-
neath motels and multi-family dwellings and in which gasoline or oil is not
stored or handled shall be of protected construction of not less than one
and one-half (1 1/2) hour fireresistance rating.
413.1.3 Separation by breezeway: A garage separated from a residence
outside the fire limits by a breezeway not less than ten (10) feet in
length may be of unprotected frame (Type 4B) construction, but the
junction of the garage and breezeway shall be firestopped to comply with
Section 875.0.
413.1.4 Other conditions: All private garages not falling within the
purview of Sections 413.1.1, 413.1.2, or 413.1.3, attached to or located
beneath a building shall comply with the requirements of Section 414.2.3
for public garages.
413.1.5 Heating equipment: Boilers, furnaces, hot water heaters or any
other appliances having an open flame or exposed heated surfaces shall
not be located in a private garage unless precautions are taken to protect
such equipment from impact by automobiles. This equipment shall have
the combustion chamber, ash pit etc., raised a minimum of eighteen (18)
inches above the floor to eliminate a possible source of ignition.
413.2 Means of egress: Where living quarters are located above a pri-
vate garage, required means of egress facilities shall be protected from
the garage area with one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction.
SECTION 414.0 PUBLIC GARAGES
414.1 General: Public garages shall comply with the applicable require-
ments of this section. The portions of such buildings and structures in
which gasoline, oil and similar products are dispensed shall comply with
the requirements of Section 415.0; the portions in which motor vehicles
are repaired shall comply with Section 416.0; and the portions in which
paint spraying is done shall comply with the requirements of Section 411.0
and 527 CMR 5.00.
414.2 Construction: All Group 1 public garages hereafter erected shall
be classified as storage buildings, moderate hazard (use group S-l) and
all Group 2 public garages shall be classified as storage buildings, low
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hazard (use group S-2) and shall conform to the height and area limita-
tions of Table 305 except as herein specifically provided. The areas used
for dispensing gasoline in such buildings shall be located on the grade
floor and shall comply with the requirements of Section 415.0.
414.2.1 Special height limitations: Public garage buildings shall comply
with the height and area limitations of Table 305 for the classification of
the use as specified in Section 414.2. Such heights may be increased one
(1) additional story when the building is equipped with an approved
automatic fire suppression system.
414.2.2 Basements: The first floor construction of public garages of all
classifications and public hangars with basements shall be constructed of
not less than two (2) hour fireresistance rating and shall be water and
vapor proof. Where openings are provided in the floor they shall be
protected by a curb or ramp not less than six (6) inches high above the
floor to avoid the accumulation of explosive liquids or vapors and prevent
them from spilling to the lower floor. There shall be not less than two
(2) means of egress from such areas, one (1) of which shall be directly
to the outside independent of the exitways serving other areas of the
building.
414.2.3 Mixed occupancy: A public garage shall not be located within or
attached to a building occupied for any other use, unless separated from
such other use by walls or floors complying with Table 902 for fireresis-
tance rating. Such fire separation walls shall be continuous and un-
pierced by openings; except that door openings equipped with self-closing
fire doors complying with Article 9 shall be permitted. In buildings of
single occupancy not excluding the area limitations of Table 305, doors
without a fireresistance rating shall be permitted between the garage area
and salesroom or offices that are operated in connection with the garage.
414.2.4 Roof storage of motor vehicles and airplanes: The roof of a
public garage shall not be used for the parking or storage of motor
vehicles unless the building is of fireproof construction (Type 1A or IB).
When the roof of a building is used for parking or storage of motor
vehicles, it shall be provided with a parapet wall or guard rail not less
than three (3) feet six (6) inches in height and a wheel guard not less
than six (6) inches in height, located so as to prevent any vehicle from
striking the parapet wall or guard rail. The use of roofs for airplanes
storage and landing shall be subject to the approval of the Federal Avia-
tion Administration, if required.
414.2.5 Floor construction and drainage: Floors of public garages and
airplane hangars shall be graded to drain through oil separators or traps
to avoid accumulation of explosive vapors in building drains or sewers as
provided in the Massachusetts Plumbing Code (248 CMR 2.00). The floor
finish shall be of concrete or other approved nonabsorbent, noncombust-
ible material.
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414.3 Ventilation
414.3.1 Below grade: Enclosed and below grade public garages shall be
equipped with mechanical ventilation adequate to provide six (6) air
changes per hour. The ventilation system shall be operated at all times
the garage areas are occupied by human beings.
414.3.2 Repair shops or rooms: When motor vehicles are to be operated
or engines are run for test purposes or minor adjustments, provisions
shall be made to collect the exhaust fumes from each vehicle individually
and to discharge such fumes to the outer air by means of a positive
induced draft. The discharge from such system shall be located so as
not to create a hazard to adjoining properties, but not less than eight (8)
feet above the adjacent ground level on the exterior of the building and
shall discharge into a yard or court. When necessary to discharge across
a walkway or private thoroughfare, the discharge opening shall be carried
to a height of not less than twenty-five (25) feet above the ground level
or to a distance four (4) inches above the highest point of the wall of the
building or structure on which it is located.
414.3.3 Pits: Pits shall not be installed in floors below the first; and
pits in first and upper stories shall be provided with mechanical ventila-
tion sufficient to prevent the accumulation of noxious or volatile fumes or
vapors. The ventilation system shall be operated at all times the pits are
occupied by human things.
414.4 Special hazards: Any process conducted in conjunction with public
garages involving volatile flammable solvents shall be segregated or loca-
ted in a detached building or structure, except as provided in Section
402.0 for the storage and handling of gasoline and other volatile flam-
mables. The quantity of flammable liquids stored or handled in public
garages other than in underground storage and in the tanks of motor
vehicles shall be not more than five (5) gallons in approved safety cans,
except as provided in Rule 40 of 527 CMR 5.00.
414.5 Heating and protection of equipment: Radiation and heating coils
and pipes located within six (6) inches of the floor shall be protected
with wire mesh or other approved noncombustible shields of adequate
strength; and with asbestos or other insulation on top of the equipment
when located in partitions or near combustible racks or woodwork.
414.6 Boiler rooms of public garages: All heat generating plants other
than approved direct fired heaters shall be located in separate buildings
or shall be separately enclosed within the structure with solid, water and
vapor tight masonry. All rooms housing boilers, stoves or other heating
apparatus shall be cut off from all other parts of the building with four
(4) hour fireresistance rated construction with entrance from outside
only, and there shall not be openings through the fire separation wall
other than those necessary for heating pipes or ducts.
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SECTION 415.0 MOTOR FUEL SERVICE STATIONS
415.1 Construction: Buildings and structures used for the storage and
sale of motor fuel oils may be of all types of construction within the
height and area limitations of Table 305 for business (use group B)
buildings and as modified by Section 302.0. The canopies and supports
over pumps and service equipment when located less than twenty (20)
feet from interior lot lines shall be constructed of approved noncombust-
ible materials, Type 3A (heavy timber) construction, or one (1) hour
fireresistance rated construction.
415.1.1 Exceptions: Approved plastics conforming to the requirements of
Article 19 may be used in canopies over pumps when conforming to the
following requirements .
1. The canopies are located at least ten (10) feet from any building
on the same property and face yards or streets not less than forty
(40) feet wide on the other sides;
2. the aggregate area of plastic in each canopy shall not exceed two
hundred (200) square feet in the fire limits or one thousand (1,000)
square feet outside the fire limits; and
3. the maximum area of each panel shall not exceed one hundred
(100) square feet.
415.1.2 Opening protectives: All permissible openings in walls with a
fire separation of less than twenty (20) feet shall be protected with
approved fire windows or fire doors complying with Article 9, except
doors in such walls to rest rooms.
415.1.3 Basements: Motor fuel service stations shall not have cellars or
basements; and when pits are provided, they shall be vented as required
in Section 414.3.
415.2 Gasoline storage: All volatile flammable liquid storage tanks shall
be installed below ground and vented as specified in Section 402. Such
tanks shall be subject to the approval of the fire official and comply with
the provisions of 527 CMR 5.00.
415.3 Location of pumps: Gasoline pumps or other mechanical equipment
shall not be installed so as to permit servicing of motor vehicles standing
on a public street or highway; except when necessitated by the widening
of streets or highways, the use of the outer driveway of existing service
stations may be continued for servicing of vehicles when approved by the
authority having jurisdiction.
SECTION 416.0 MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS
416.1 General: All buildings and structures designed and used for
repair and servicing motor vehicles, motor boats, airplanes or other motor
rtriven means of transportation shall be subject to the limitations of Tables
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214 and 305 for moderate hazard storage (use group S-l). Such build-
ings shall be used solely for that purpose.
416.2 Enclosure walls: Exterior walls, when located within six (6) feet
of interior lot lines or other buildings, shall not have openings therein.
416.3 Handling of volatile flammables: All volatile flammables shall be
stored and handled as provided in Section 415.2 and as provided in 527
CMR 5.00.
416.4 Ventilation: All rooms and spaces used for motor vehicle repair
shop purposes shall be provided with an approved system of mechanical
ventilation meeting the requirements of Section 414.3 and the mechanical
code listed in Appendix B.
416.5 Fire prevention: Open gas flames except heating devices comply-
ing with Section 414.6, torches, welding apparatus, or other equipment
likely to create an open flame or spark shall not be located in a room or
space in which flammable liquids or highly combustible materials are used
or stored.
SECTION 417.0 PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
417.1 Applicability: The provisions of this section shall apply to all
places of public assembly and all parts of buildings and structures classi-
fied in the use group A-l, theatres and in other places of public assem-
bly, use groups A-2, A-3, and A-4, except as specifically exempted in
Section 418.0.
417.2 Restrictions
417.2.1 High hazard uses: A place of public assembly shall not be
permitted in a building classified in the high hazard group (use group
H).
417.2.2 Superimposed theatres: An addition or extension shall not be
erected over the stage section of a theatre, nor shall a second theatre be
erected above another. The building official may waive the prohibition
against superimposed theatres and construction above the stage when
adequate access is provided for fire fighting with direct means of ventila-
tion to the outer air from the stage portion.
417.2.3 Frame construction: A theatre with stage, fly gallery and
rigging loft shall not be permitted in a building of unprotected frame
(Type 4B) construction.
417.2.4 Location: All buildings used for assembly purposes shall front
on at least one (1) street in which the main entrance and exitway dis-
charge shall be located. The total capacity of such main exitway shall be
not less than one-third (1/3) of the total required width of building
exitways .
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417.2.5 Trim, finish and decorative hangings: All permanent acoustic
insulating and similar materials and temporary hangings shall comply with
the flameresistance requirements of Article 9. Moldings and decorations
around the proscenium openings shall be constructed entirely of noncom-
bustible material.
417.2.6 Existing buildings: Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the
alteration of a building heretofore occupied as a place of public assembly
for such continued use provided seats, aisles, passageways, balconies,
stages, appurtenant rooms and all special permanent equipment comply
with the requirements of this article (see Article 22).
417.2.7 Deleted
417.3 Theatre means of egress requirements
417.3.1 Types of exitways: The required exitways from every tier or
floor of a theatre shall consist of grade exitway discharge doors, interior
or exterior stairways or horizontal exitways which provide direct access
to a street, an exitway discharge court, or unobstructed passageway,
hallway or lobby leading to a street or open public space. The number,
location and construction of all means of egress facilities shall comply with
the requirements of Article 6 and the applicable standards listed in Ap-
pendix B, except as herein specifically provided.
417.3.2 Number of stairways in auditorium: Each tier above the main
floor of a theatre or other auditorium shall be provided with at least two
(2) interior enclosed stairways which shall be located on opposite sides of
the structure; except that enclosures shall not be required for stairs
serving the first balcony only, or mezzanine thereunder. Such stairways
shall discharge to a lobby on the main floor. Exitway stairways serving
galleries above the balcony shall lead directly to the street or open public
space as provided in Section 417.3.1.
417.3.3 Emergency means of egress from main floor of auditorium: In
addition to the main floor entrance and exitway, emergency exitway dis-
charge doors shall be provided on both sides of the auditorium which lead
directly to a street, or through a passageway to the street independent
of other exitways, or to an exitway discharge court as defined in this
code.
417.3.4 Emergency means of egress from balconies and galleries: Emer-
gency exitways shall be provided from both sides of each balcony and
gallery with direct egress to the street, or to an independent passage-
way, or to an exitway discharge court. There shall not be communication
from any portion of the building to the emergency exitway stairways
except from the tier for which such exitway is exclusively intended.
417.3.5 Exitway discharge courts: All exitway discharge courts shall be
not less than six (6) feet wide for the first six hundred (600) persons to
be accommodated or fraction thereof, and shall be increased one (1) foot
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in width for each additional two hundred and fifty (250) persons. Such
courts shall extend sufficiently in length to include the side and rear
emergency exitways from the auditorium.
417.3.6 Hardware: Latches or bolts on all means of egress doorways
shall be of an approved self-releasing, panicproof type complying with
Section 612.5.2.
417.3.7 Width of exitway doors: The maximum width of single exitway
doors shall be forty-two (42) inches and the minimum width of double
doorways shall be sixty (60) inches.
417.3.8 "Exit" lights: All exitway doors shall be marked with illuminated
Exit signs complying with Section 623.0 which shall be kept lighted at all
times during occupancy of the building.
417.4 Theatre seatings
417.4.1 Fixed seats: In all theatres and similar places of assembly
except churches, stadiums and reviewing stands, individual fixed seats
shall be provided with an average width of not less than twenty (20)
inches and seats shall not be less than nineteen (19) inches wide. All
seats shall be provided with separating arms and arranged in rows not
less than thirty- two (32) inches apart, back to back, measured horizon-
tally .
417.4.2 Number of seats: Aisles shall be provided so that not more than
seven (7) seats intervene between any seat and the aisle or aisles, except
that the number of seats in a row shall not be limited when self-raising
seats are provided which leave an unobstructed passage between rows of
seats of not less than eighteen (18) inches in width leading to side aisles
in which exitway doorways are located at not more than twenty-five (25)
foot intervals to the exitway corridor or exitway discharge court.
417.4.3 Box seats: In boxes or loges with level floors, the seats need
not be fastened when not more than fourteen (14) in number.
417.5 Theatre aisles
417.5.1 Longitudinal aisles: The width of longitudinal aisles at right
angles to rows of seats and with seats on both sides of the aisle shall be
not less than forty-two (42) inches, increasing one-guarter (1/4) inch for
every foot of length of aisle from its beginning to an exitway door, or to
a cross aisle or between cross aisles. The width of the longitudinal aisles
with banks of seats on one side only shall be not less than thirty (30)
inches, increasing one-guarter (1/4) inch for each foot of length from its
beginning to an exitway door, or to a cross aisle or between cross seats.
417.5.2 Cross aisles: When there are twenty-seven (27) or more rows of
seats on the main floor of theatres, cross aisles shall be provided so that
a block of seats shall not have more than twenty-two (22) rows. The
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width of cross aisles shall be not less than the widest aisle with which
they connect or the width of exitway which they serve; but a cross aisle
shall not be less than forty-two (42) inches wide, or when bordering on
means of entrance not less than forty-eight (48) inches wide. In balcon-
ies and galleries of theatres, one (1) or more cross aisles shall be pro-
vided when there are more than ten (10) rows of seats and in accordance
with the provisions of the Life Safety Code NFiPA 101.
417.5.3 Gradient: Aisles shall not exceed a gradient of one and three-
quarter (1 3/4) inches per foot.
417.5.4 Balcony steps: Steps may be provided in balconies and galleries
only, and such steps shall extend the full width of the aisle with treads
and risers complying with Article 6, which shall be illuminated by lights
on both sides or by a step light or otherwise to insure an intensity of
not less than one (1) foot candle.
417.5.5 Railings: Metal or other approved noncombustible railings shall
be provided on balconies and galleries as prescribed below:
1. At the facia of boxes, balconies and galleries not less than thirty
(30) inches in height; and not less than thirty-six (36) inches in
height at the foot of steps;
2. along cross aisles not less than twenty-six (26) inches in height
except where the backs of the seats along the front of the aisle
project twenty-four (24) inches or more above the floor of the aisle;
and
3. where seatings are arranged in successive tiers, and the height of
rise between platforms exceeds eighteen (18) inches, not less than
twenty- six (26) inches in height along the entire row of seats at
the edge of the platform.
417.6 Theatre foyers
417.6.1 Capacity: In every theatre or similar place of public assembly,
not including churches, for theatrical use with stage and scenery loft, a
foyer or lobby shall be provided with a net floor area, exclusive of stairs
or landings, of not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet for
each occupant having access thereto. The use of foyers and lobbies and
other available spaces for harboring occupants until seats become available
shall not encroach upon the clear floor area herein prescribed or upon
the required clear width of front exitways.
417.6.2 Egress: When the foyer is not directly connected to the public
street through the main lobby, an unobstructed corridor or passage shall
be provided which leads to and equals the required minimum width of
main entrances and exitways. A mirror shall not be placed so as to give
an appearance as a doorway, exit or passageway.
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417.6.3 Gradient: The rear foyer shall be at the same level as the back
of the auditorium and the means of egress leading therefrom shall not
have a steeper gradient than one (1) foot in eight (8) feet.
417.6.4 Construction: The partitions separating the foyer from the
auditorium and other adjoining rooms and spaces of theatres shall be
constructed of not less than two (2) hour fireresistance rating; except
that opening protectives may be constructed of noncombustible materials
without fireresistance rating.
417.6.5 Waiting spaces: Waiting spaces for harboring occupants shall be
located only on the first or auditorium floor. Separate exitways in addi-
tion to the required theatre exitways shall be provided from the waiting
space based on an occupancy of one (1) person for each three (3) square
feet of waiting space area.
417.7 Theatre stage construction
417.7.1 Stage enclosure walls: Every stage hereafter erected or altered
for theatrical performances which is equipped with portable or fixed
scenery, lights and mechanical appliances, shall be enclosed on all sides
with solid walls of not less than four (4) hour fireresistance rating,
extending continuously from foundation to at least four (4) feet above the
roof. There shall not be window openings in such walls within six (6)
feet of an interior lot line; and all permissible window openings shall be
protected with three-quarter (3/4) hour fire windows complying with
Article 9.
417.7.2 Floor construction: The entire stage, except that portion used
for the working of scenery, traps, and other mechanical apparatus for
the presentation of a scene, and the roof over the stage shall be not less
than three (3) hour fireresistance rated construction. All openings
through the stage floor shall be equipped with tight fitting, solid wood
trap doors not less than three (3) inches in thickness or other materials
of equal physical and fireresistance rated properties.
417.7.3 Roof and rigging loft: The roof over the stage shall be of not
less than three (3) hour fireresistive construction. The rigging loft, fly
galleries and pin rails shall be constructed of approved noncombustible
materials .
417.7.4 Footlights and stage electrical equipment: Footlights and border
lights shall be installed in troughs constructed of noncombustible materi-
als. The switchboard shall be so located as to be readily accessible at all
times and the storage of placing of stage equipment against it shall be
prohibited. All electrical equipment shall conform to the requirements of
the Massachusetts Electric Code 527 CMR 12.00.
417.7.5 Exterior doors: All required exitway discharge door openings to
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the outer air shall be protected with approved self-closing fire doors,
complying with Article 9. All exterior openings which are located on the
stage for means of egress or loading and unloading purposes which are
likely to be open during occupancy of the theatre, shall be constructed
with vestibules to prevent air draughts into the auditorium.
417.7.6 Proscenium wall: There shall not be other openings in the wall
separating the stage from the auditorium except the main proscenium
opening; two (2) doorways at the stage level, one (1) on each side there-
of; and, where necessary, not more than two (2) doorways to the musi-
cians' pit from the space below the stage floor. Each such doorway shall
not exceed twenty-one (21) sguare feet in area and shall be protected
with approved automatic and self-closing fire door assemblies complying
with Article 9 with a combined fireresistance rating of three (3) hours or
the approved labeled eguivalent. The distance between the top of the
proscenium opening and the ceiling of the stage shall be not less than
five (5) feet.
417.7.7 Proscenium curtain: The proscenium opening shall be protected
with an automatic fireresistive and smoke-tight curtain designed to resist
an air pressure of not less than ten (10) pounds per square foot (psf)
normal to its surface, both inward and outward. The curtain shall with-
stand a one-half (1/2) hour fire test at a temperature of not less than
seventeen hundred (1700) degrees F. without the passage of flame. The
curtain shall be operated by an automatic heat activated device to descend
instantly and safely and to completely close the proscenium opening at a
rate of temperature rise of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees F. per
minute; and by an auxiliary operating device to permit prompt and imme-
diate manual closing of the proscenium opening.
417.7.8 Scenery: All combustible materials used in sets and scenery
shall be rendered flameresistant to comply with Article 9.
417.7.9 Stage ventilation: Metal or other approved noncombustible
ventilators, equipped with movable shutters or sash, shall be provided
over the stage, constructed to open automatically and instantly by ap-
proved heat activated devices, with an aggregate clear area of opening
not less than one-eighth (1/8) the area of the stage, except as otherwise
provided in Section 417.2.2. Supplemental means shall be provided for
manual operation of the ventilator.
417.8 Dressing and appurtenant rooms
417.8.1 Construction: Dressing rooms, scene docks, property rooms,
work shops and store rooms and all compartments appurtenant to the
stage shall be of fireproof (Type 1) construction and shall be separated
from the stage and all other parts of the building by walls of not less
than three (3) hour fireresistance rating. Such rooms shall not be placed
immediately over or under the operating stage area. All shelving and
closets in dressing rooms, property rooms or storage rooms shall be
constructed of flameresistant materials complying with Article 9.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
417.8.2 Opening protectives: Openings other than to trunk rooms and
the necessary doorways at stage level shall not connect such rooms with
the stage, and such openings shall be protected with one and one-half (1
1/2) hour self-closing fire doors or the approved labeled equivalent
complying with Article 9.
417.8.3 Dressing room and stage exitways: Each tier of dressing rooms
shall be provided with at least two (2) means of egress, one (1) of which
shall lead directly to an exitway corridor, exitway discharge court or
street. Exitway stairways from dressing and storage rooms may be unen-
closed in the stage area behind the proscenium wall. At least one (1)
approved exitway shall be provided from each side of the stage and from
each side of the space under the stage, and from each fly gallery, and
from the gridiron to a street, exitway discharge court or passageway to a
street. An iron ladder shall be provided from the gridiron to a scuttle in
the stage roof.
417.9 Lighting
417.9.1 Exitways: During occupancy all exitways in places of assembly
shall be lighted to comply with the requirements of Section 624.0.
417.9.2 Auditoriums: Aisles in auditoriums shall be provided with gen-
eral illumination of not less than one-tenth (1/10) foot candles at the
front row of seats and not less than two tenths (2/10) foot candles at the
last row of seats and the illumination shall be maintained throughout the
showing of motion pictures or other projections.
417.9.3 Foyers and waiting spaces: Foyers and waiting spaces shall be
artificially lighted by electrical means at all times during occupancy of a
place of assembly so as to provide illumination of at least three (3) foot
candles at the level of the floor and on the surface of all stairs, steps,
ramps, and escalators within the foyers and waiting spaces.
417.9.4 Open exterior spaces: Yards or courts which serve as open
exterior spaces shall be artificially lighted by electrical means at all times
between sunset and sunrise during occupancy of a place of assembly so
as to provide illumination of at least one (1) foot candle at the level of
the floor over at least the required area.
417.9.5 Other places of public assembly: All areas and portions of
buildings used as places of public assembly other than theatres shall be
lighted by electric light to provide a general illumination of not less than
one (1) foot candle.
417.9.6 Control: The lighting of exitways, aisles and auditoriums shall
be controlled from a location inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Supple-
mentary control shall be provided as specified in Section 408.3.4 in the
motion picture projection room.
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417.10 Fire protection and fire fighting eguipment: Every theatre class-
ified in the use group A-l shall be eguipped with a fire protection system
complying with the requirements of Article 12 and as herein specified.
417.10.1 Fire suppression system: Approved automatic fire suppression
systems complying with the provisions of Section 1202.0 shall be provided
to protect all parts of the building except the auditorium or in the immed-
iate vicinity of automatic equipment or over dynamos and electric equip-
ment. Such protection shall be provided over the stage, under the
gridiron, under all fly galleries, in dressing rooms, over the proscenium
opening on the stage side, under the stage, in all basements, cellars,
work rooms, store rooms, property rooms and in toilet, lounge and smok-
ing rooms.
417.10.2 Standpipes: Standpipe fire lines complying with the provisions
of Section 1211.0 shall be provided with outlets and hose attachments; one
(1) on each side of the auditorium in each tier; one (1) in each mezza-
nine; one (1) in each tier of dressing rooms; and protecting each proper-
ty, store and work room; and one (1) on each side of the stage. Such
standpipes shall be not less than two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in
diameter, equipped with one and one-half (1 1/2) inch hose connections.
417.10.3 First-aid hand equipment: Approved portable two and one-half
(2 1/2) gallon fire extinguishers shall be provided and located as follows:
two (2) on each tier or floor of the stage; one (1) immediately outside of
the motion picture projection room; one (1) in each dressing room; and
one (1) in each work, utility and storage room. Fire axes and fire hooks
shall also be provided as directed by the fire official; and all fire extin-
guishers and fire tools shall be securely mounted on walls in plain view
and readily accessible.
SECTION 418.0 ASSEMBLY OTHER THAN THEATRES
418.1 General: Other places of public assembly, including auditoriums,
armories, bowling alleys, broadcasting studios, chapels, churches, com-
munity houses, dance halls, gymnasiums, lecture halls, museums, exhibi-
tion halls, night clubs, rinks, roof gardens and similar occupancies and
uses shall comply with the general exitway requirements of Article 6 and
the applicable requirements of Section 417.0, except the provisions of
Sections 417.5.5 and 417.6.4 or as herein specifically exempted. Places
of public assembly which are equipped with a stage, movable scenery,
scenery loft and dressing rooms shall comply with all the requirements of
Section 417.0, except use group A-l, theatres.
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Table 418
Minimum Number
Occupancy Load Per Floor °f Exitways
Not more than 500 2
501 to 900 3
901 to 1800 4
Over 1800 5
418.2 Number of exitways: Every tier, floor level and story of places of
public assembly other than theatres, shall be provided with the number of
required exitways as specified in Section 609.2, and of not less than the
required width complying with Section 608.0, for the occupancy load. The
required exitways shall be remote and independent of each other and
located on opposite sides of the area served thereby.
418.3 Aisles with fixed seats: All rows of seats shall be individually
fixed or fixed in rigid units between longitudinal aisles complying with
Sections 417.4.2 and 417.5 except as provided for chapels and churches
in Section 610.3. Where permitted, continuous fixed benches shall comply
with the provisions of Section 420.0.
418.4 Aisles without fixed seats: Tables and chairs in all rooms and
spaces for assembly use shall provide convenient access by unobstructed
aisles not less than thirty-six (36) inches wide which lead to required
exitways complying with Article 6. Tables and chairs shall be so ar-
ranged that the distance from any chair at any table by way of a path
between tables and chairs is not greater than eighteen (18) feet to an
aisle leading to an exitway. The width of the path shall be at least
eighteen (18) inches; except that it may be reduced by one (1) inch for
each one (1) foot that the distance to the aisle is less than eighteen (18)
feet, but may not be reduced to less than twelve (12) inches. Chairs,
when placed with the front edge of the seat on a line with the edge of
the table, shall not protrude into this path. Booths containing up to
eight (8) seats may be used, provided they open directly on an aisle.
418.5 Bowling alleys: The storage and use of all volatile flammable
liquids shall comply with Section 402.0 and the finishing rooms shall be
separately enclosed in two (2) hour fireresistance rated construction with
floor finish of concrete or other noncombustible , nonabsorbent material.
418.6 Skating rinks: Skating rinks shall not be located below the floor
nearest grade.
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SECTION 419.0 AMUSEMENT PARKS
419.1 General: All buildings and structures used as part of an amuse-
ment park shall be subject to this code. This section specifically includes
any building or structure supporting a moving device. The jurisdiction
of structures or buildings is limited to the points of interface of the
moving device and rails, said device is to be controlled by Form B-ll,
(520 CMR 5.00) Rules and Regulations for the Safety, Construction and
Operation of Ferris Wheels, Carousels, Inclined Railways or Similar Amuse-
ment Devices, filed with the Secretary of State on December 16, 1974.
SECTION 420.0 STADIUMS AND GRANDSTANDS
420.1 General: Stadiums and grandstands shall be constructed as re-
guired by this code and in accordance with the approved rules and the
Standard for Tents, Grandstands and Air-Supported Structures Used for
Places of Assembly (NFiPA 102) listed in Appendix B.
420.2 Handrails: Means of egress stairways shall be provided with a
handrail on at least one (1) side. The handrail may be broken as neces-
sary to provide for entrance to the seating platforms.
420.3 Spaces underneath seats: Spaces underneath grandstand seats
shall be kept free of all combustible and flammable materials and shall not
be occupied or used for other than exitways; except that when enclosed
in not less than one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction, the build-
ing official may approve the use of such spaces for other purposes that
do not endanger the safety to public.
SECTION 421.0 DRIVE-IN MOTION PICTURE THEATRES
421.1 Location: The location of drive-in motion picture theatres shall be
approved by the local or state authority having jurisdiction over highways
and streets.
421.2 Arrangement of lanes: Separate entrance and exit lanes shall be
provided not less than twelve (12) feet in width, with not less than forty
(40) foot intervals between access lanes. The parking space for each car
shall not be less than nine (9) feet by twenty (20) feet in area, and so
arranged to provide continuous lanes of travel.
421.3 Projection booth: The projection booth shall comply with Section
408.3 and shall be supported on a structure of Type 2C or other ap-
proved noncombustible construction. A motor vehicle shall not be permit-
ted to park within twenty (20) feet of the projection booth or room.
421.4 Fire protection: Sufficient approved portable fire extinguishers
shall be provided in readily accessible locations, plainly and visibly
identified by signs, at distances of not more than one hundred and fifty
(150) feet so as to be available to every motor vehicle as directed by the
lire official. The fire extinguishers shall be mounted on posts or plat-
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forms protected from mechanical injury with substantial guards as ap-
proved by the building official.
SECTION 422.0 TENTS, AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES AND OTHER
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
422.1 Tents and other temporary structures
422.1.1 General: Tents shall be constructed as reguired by this code
and in conformance with accepted engineering practice and the Standard
for Tents, Grandstands and Air- Supported Structures Used for Places of
Assembly (NFiPA 102) as listed in Appendix B.
422.1.2 Conditions of permit: A special temporary permit for tents and
other temporary structures shall be obtained from the building official for
installation for a period of time as determined by the building official but
not to exceed ninety (90) days.
422.1.3 Location: Tents shall be located outside the fire limits unless an
accessible unoccupied open space is provided around the perimeter with a
minimum width of ten (10) feet beyond stakes. Such structures may not
be erected within the fire district for a period of more than twenty-four
(24) hours unless such use is reviewed and approved by the fire official,
and any such structure shall be subject to any condition of use, egress,
and protection as may be determined by the building official.
422.1.4 Approved type: Tents, and other temporary structures shall be
of an approved type and shall have evidence submitted that the structure
satisfies all structural and fire safety reguirements as indicated in NFiPA
102.
422.1.5 Flame, resistant treatment: For every tent used as a place of
assembly, composed of combustible fabric material, there shall be submit-
ted to the building official:
1. a certificate or other evidence of approval by a recognized
accredited laboratory; or,
2. a certificate signed and stamped by a registered professional
engineer, showing that the material has been tested and approved
for flame resistance in accordance with the recommendations of
NFiPA 701 within a period of twelve (12) months of the date on
which the use will terminate under any building permit issued. If
certification is not provided for within the time period indicated
above, then the building official and fire official shall reguire
confirmatory field tests using test specimens from the original
material affixed at the time of manufacture to the exterior of the
tent.
422.1.6 Combustible materials: Combustible materials shall not be permit-
ted under stands or seats at any time. Excessive vegetation shall not be
allowed beneath the stands or seats.
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422.2 Air support structures
422.2.1 General: Air-supported structures shall be constructed as
required by this code and in conformance with accepted engineering
practice and the Standard for Tents, Grandstands and Air-Supported
Structures used for Places or Assembly (NFiPA 102) listed in Appendix
B.
422.2.2 Conditions of permit: A temporary permit or a permanent per-
mit, with the following provisions, shall be obtained from the building
official for installation of a period of time as determined by the building
official. A permanent permit shall be issued for a period not longer than
two (2) years, with the added provision that the owner of an air struc-
ture shall submit a certified inspection record to the building official upon
renewal of said permit. This certification shall verify that the structure
has been inspected and serviced by a qualified service organization.
422.2.3 Location: Air-supported structures may not be erected within
the fire district for a period of more than twenty-four (24) hours unless
such use is reviewed and approved by the fire official, and they shall be
subject to any condition of use and protection as may be determined by
the building official.
422.2.4 Approved type: Air-supported structures shall be of an ap-
proved type and shall have evidence submitted that the structure satisfies
all structural and fire safety requirements as indicated in NFiPA 102
listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 423.0 PARKING LOTS
423.1 Parking lot offices: The construction of parking lot offices shall
comply with the fire limit restrictions of Section 302.0 and Section 56,
Chapter 148 of the General Laws.
423.2 Protection of adjoining property: A substantial bumper of mason-
ry, steel or heavy timber shall be placed near all interior lot lines to
protect structures and property abutting the parking lot.
SECTION 424.0 GROUP RESIDENCE
424.1 Definition: A group residence is a premise licensed by or oper-
ated by an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or subdivision
thereof, as a special residence for those who are capable of self-preser-
vation in the following categories:
1. not more than twelve (12) unrelated persons between the ages of
seven (7) and fifteen (15) years of age inclusive; or
2. not more than twenty-five (25) unrelated persons, sixteen (16)
years of age or over; or
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. a combination of Category 1 and 2 above consisting of not more
than eighteen (18) unrelated persons over seven (7) years of age
calculated at the rate of two (2) such persons, or portion thereof,
from Category 2 being egual to one (1) such person in Category 1
all in accordance with Table 424.
Note: In determining the classification for proposed use, group resi-
dence shall not be construed as being similar in any way to a multi-
family dwelling, two-family dwelling, boarding house, lodging house,
dormitory, hotel, school or institution of any kind. For building code
purposes, it shall be treated as a single-family residential building.
Table 424
Category 1
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Category 2
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
25
Maximum
Total
Residents
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
18
18
18
18
18
25
424.1.1 Special definitions: For the purpose of Section 424.0, the fol-
lowing terms shall be defined exclusively for use with group residences:
Self preservation: Having the capability, both mentally and physically,
to take action to preserve one's own life. Specifically, to egress the
building within two and one-half (2 1/2) minutes. (Reference inspec-
tion procedures in Sections 424 . 7 and 424 . 8 . )
Egress: A continuous unobstructed path of travel from any space in a
building to the open air outside at grade.
Principal means of egress: The primary choice of two (2) routes normally
used by occupants to enter or leave a building.
Escape route: To reduce the possibility of entrapment in the event that
the principal means of egress is blocked by fire or smoke, an escape
route shall be available which performs in accordance with Section
424.8. In an existing building where a second means of egress is
physically impractical from above grade floors, any proven, usable path
to the open air outside at grade shall be deemed acceptable, including
but not limited to connecting doors, porches, windows within six (6)
feet of grade, ramps, fire escapes, balcony evacuation systems, etc.
Authorized inspectors: The state or local building official having juris-
diction and a representative of the licensing or operating agency having
jurisdiction .
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Room: See definition of "Habitable space" and "Occupiable room" in
Section 201.0.
424.2 Existing buildings: These regulations shall apply to existing
dwelling units which are to be converted to a group residence, notwith-
standing Section 106.0
424.2.1 Height limitations: Existing buildings, of Type 4B construction,
greater than two and one-half (2 1/2) stories, or thirty-five (35) feet in
height may be allowed to be used (as an exception to Table 305) as a
group residence.
424.3 Plans and specifications: Plans shall be filed with the building
official having jurisdiction in accordance with Section 113.0 for any build-
ing to be constructed as, or altered for use as, a group residence under
Section 424.0. The floor plans shall show all rooms, spaces, closets,
doors, corridors, windows, stairs and stairways, hazardous vertical
openings and the location of all required fire warning equipment and
proposed fire suppression equipment.
424.4 Hazardous contents: Any contents which represent a fire hazard
greater than that which could be expected of ordinary household furnish-
ings, shall not be allowed. Storage shall not be allowed above the second
floor .
424.4.1 Interior finish: Only Class I and Class II interior finish materi-
als shall be allowed in the principal means of egress. In refinishing any
other area, material having a Class III flame spread rating shall be al-
lowed provided it does not decrease the existing rating. The smoke
contribution rating of any material shall not exceed 450 (see Section
904.0).
424.4.2 Exception: In existing buildings, the required flame spread or
smoke development classification of interior surfaces may be obtained by
applying approved fire retardant paints or solutions to existing interior
surfaces having a higher flame spread rating than permitted.
424.5 Egress: In existing buildings there shall be one (1) means of
egress and one (1) escape route serving each floor, remote as possible
from each other and leading to grade. The stairway between the first
and second floors, if unenclosed, may remain unenclosed to preserve
functional and aesthetic requirements. In new construction, two (2)
means of egress are required in accordance with the One- and Two-Family
Dwelling Code, and stairways above the grade floor shall be enclosed with
one (1) hour fireresistive construction.
424.6 Fire protection systems
424.6.1 Hazardous vertical openings: Openings to such spaces as laun-
dry chutes, dumbwaiters, heating plenums or combustible concealed spa-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ces shall be permanently blocked with one (1) hour construction, as
regulated by the provisions of Article 9.
424.6.2 Automatic fire warning systems: An approved automatic fire
warning system shall be provided in accordance with Article 12.
424.7 Inspections: There shall be three (3) mandatory types of inspec-
tions as described below. The results of such inspections shall be on file
in the office of the building official with copies sent to the licensing or
operating agency on a prepared checklist and signed by the authorized
inspectors.
424.7.1 Temporary certificate: The building official shall perform plan
review and post- construction inspection to ensure that the building con-
forms to this code. He shall issue a temporary certificate of occupancy
effective for ninety (90) days only.
424.7.2 Final certificate: Before issuance of the final certificate of
occupancy, the authorized inspectors shall mutually conduct a test (see
Section 424.8.1) to ensure that the occupants are capable of self-preser-
vation. Upon complete satisfaction of all requirements, the building
official shall then issue a permanent certificate of occupancy. This test
shall be conducted once a year in accordance with Section 108.5.1 for
purposes of recertifying both the building and the occupants.
424.8 Inspection procedure: The building and the occupants' capability
of self-preservation constitute a system of life safety which are unique
for each building and for each occupant in a group residence. There-
fore, a simple direct test is specified herein to determine the capability of
the occupant and/or the suitability of the building as a life safety sys-
tem.
424.8.1 Direct test/fire drill: A fire drill shall be conducted as the
direct test required by Section 424.8. The building official may require
that he be present for the fire drill, or may accept an affidavit signed by
the residence manager citing the names of the authorized inspectors
present, the names of the occupants who participated, the name(s) of any
occupants who failed to egress the building within two and one-half (2
1/2) minutes, the date, time and place where said fire drill was held.
During the conduct of the drill, all staff personnel of the group residence
shall isolate themselves from the occupants. The authorized inspector(s),
when present, shall then cause to be blocked any one point in the princi-
pal egress route to simulate a hazardous condition and the internal alarm
system shall be activated for two and one-half minutes.
424.8.2 Evaluation: Any occupant who fails to escape from the building
and achieve egress outside the building at ground level within the two
and one-half (2 1/2) minute period shall not be permitted to remain living
in the residence.
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Note: The occupant or the building may be at fault; therefore, the
system has failed to perform adequately to provide life safety and is,
consequently, unacceptable for that occupant.
424.8.3 Other tests: Other tests are not necessary and shall not be
required by the building official. It shall be the responsibility of the
residence manager of the group residence to provide immediate suitable
accommodations elsewhere for any occupant deemed unacceptable by the
building official. Each occupant must be certified at regular intervals but
not less than every quarter at the group residence by the licensing or
operating agency. The building official may require an inspection at his
discretion when he feels that either the building or the occupant may not
conform .
424.9 Certificate of occupancy: Any certificate of occupancy issued for
a building intended to be used as a group residence, as defined in Sec-
tion 424.1, shall become invalid if the premises have not been licensed or
authorized by an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within
ninety (90) days of the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
SECTION 425.0 MOTELS
425.1 General: All buildings and accessory structures used as motels
shall comply with the requirements and limitations of this code for the
occupancy and use for which they are designed and as herein specifically
required .
425.2 Garages: Garages when attached to motel residential buildings
shall have the interior faces of all walls, when not of approved masonry
construction, and the ceilings protected to afford one (1) hour fireresis-
tance rating and all connecting openings shall be protected with approved
three-quarter (3/4) hour fire doors or their equivalent complying with
Article 9, or with one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inch solid core wood
doors. Roofed-over passageways may be used to connect garages to
dwellings if protected with one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction.
425.3 Required exitways: All exitways in buildings more than one (1)
story in height shall be constructed of one (1) hour fireresistance rating
and all stories above the first shall have at least two (2) means of egress
complying with Article 6. All exitways from residential quarters shall
lead to open spaces not less than twenty (20) feet in width which provide
direct access to public streets or highways.
425.4 Driveways and parking spaces: The arrangement of driveways
and lanes shall provide adequate access for emergency vehicles.
SECTION 426.0 RADIO AND TELEVISION TOWERS
426.1 General: Subject to the structural provisions of Section 715.0 for
wind loads and the requirements of Section 925.0 governing the fireresis-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
tance ratings of buildings for the support of roof structures, all radio
and television towers shall be designed and constructed as herein pro-
vided.
426.2 Location and access: The towers shall be so located and equipped
with step bolts and ladders to be readily accessible for inspection pur-
poses. Guy wires or other accessories shall not cross or encroach upon
any street or other public space, or over any electric power lines, or
encroach upon any other privately owned property without written con-
sent of the owner.
426.3 Construction: All towers shall be constructed of approved corro-
sion-resistive, noncombustible materials. Within the limitations of Section
302.0 for fire limits, isolated radio towers may be constructed of lumber
sizes qualifying for mill type construction when not more than one hun-
dred (100) feet in height.
426.4 Loads: The structure shall be securely braced and anchored to
resist a wind of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot (psf)
on the net area of both sides of latticed construction and on the projected
area of the antennae plus the wind on ice-covered sections in localities
where subject to freezing temperatures. Where subject to winds of un-
usual velocity, the loads shall be increased accordingly. Due allowance
shall be made for effect of shape of individual elements and contour of
the tower as provided in Section 715.0 in computing wind loads.
426.4.1 Dead load: Antennae and towers shall be designed for the dead
load plus ice load in regions where ice formation is likely to occur.
426.4.2 Uplift: Adequate foundations and anchorage shall be provided to
resist two (2) times the calculated wind uplift.
426.5 Grounding: All towers shall be permanently and effectively ground-
ed.
SECTION 427.0 RADIO AND TELEVISION ANTENNAE
427.1 Permits not required: Antennae structures for private radio or
television reception not more than twelve (12) feet in height may be
erected and maintained on the roof of any building without a building
permit. Such a structure, however, shall not be erected so as to injure
the roof covering and when removed from the roof, the roof covering
shall be repaired to maintain weather and water tightness. The installa-
tion shall not be erected nearer to the lot line than the total height of
the antennae structure, nor shall such structure be installed near electric
power lines or encroach upon any street or other public space.
427.2 Permits required: The approval of the building official shall be
secured for all antennae structures more than twelve (12) feet in height.
The application shall be accompanied by detailed drawings of the struc-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ture and methods of anchorage. All connections to the roof structure
must be properly flashed to maintain water tightness. The design and
materials of construction shall comply with the requirements of Section
426.3 for character, quality, and minimum dimensions.
SECTION 428.0 SWIMMING POOLS
428.1 General: Pools used for swimming or bathing shall be in conform-
ity with the requirements of this section, provided, however, these
regulations shall not be applicable to any such pool less than twenty-four
(24) inches deep or having a surface area less than two-hundred and
fifty (250) square feet, except when such pools are permanently equipped
with a water recirculating system or involve structural materials. For
purposes of this code, pools are classified as private swimming pools or
public and semi-public swimming pools, as defined in Section 428.2.
Materials and constructions used in swimming pools shall comply with the
applicable requirements of this code. Pools used for swimming or bathing
and their equipment or accessories which are constructed, installed and
maintained in accordance with the applicable standards listed in Appendix
B shall be deemed to conform to the requirements of this code, provided
the requirements of Section 428.8 are included in the installation and the
requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Environmental Code
310 CMR 16.00 are met.
428.2 Classification of pools: Any constructed pool which is used, or
intended to be used, as a swimming pool in connection with a single
family residence and available only to the family of the householder and
his private guests shall be classified as a private swimming pool. Any
swimming pool other than a private swimming pool shall be classified in
the public or semi-public swimming pool categories.
428.3 Plans and permits
428.3.1 Permits: A swimming pool or appurtenances thereto shall not be
constructed, installed, enlarged or altered until a permit has been ob-
tained from the building official. The approval of all city, county and
state authorities having jurisdiction over swimming pools shall be obtained
before applying to the building official for a permit. Certified copies of
these approvals shall be filed as part of the supporting data for the
application for the permit.
428.3.2 Plans: Plans shall accurately show dimensions and construction
of pool and appurtenances and properly established distances to lot lines,
buildings, walks and fences; details of water supply system, drainage and
water disposal systems, and all appurtenances pertaining to the swimming
pool. Detail plans of structures, vertical elevations, and sections through
the pool showing depth shall be included.
428.4 Locations: Private swimming pools shall not encroach on any front
or side yard required by this code, or the governing zoning law, except
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
by specific rules of the jurisdiction in which it may be located. A wall of
a swimming pool shall not be located less than six (6) feet from any rear
or side property line or ten (10) feet from any street property line,
except by specific rules of the jurisdiction in which it may be located.
428.5 Design and construction
428.5.1 Structural design: The pool structure shall be engineered and
designed to withstand the expected forces to which it will be subjected.
428.5.2 Wall slopes: To a depth up to five (5) feet from the top, the
wall slope shall not be more than two (2) feet horizontal in five (5) feet
vertical .
428.5.3 Floor slopes: The slope of the floor on the shallow side of
transition point shall not exceed one (1) foot vertical to seven (7) feet
horizontal. The transition point between shallow and deep water shall not
be more than fix (5) feet deep.
428.5.4 Surface cleaning: All swimming pools shall be provided with a
recirculating skimming device or overflow gutters to remove scum and
foreign matter from the surface of the water. Where skimmers are used
there shall be at least one (1) skimming device for each one thousand
(1,000) square feet of surface area or fraction thereof. Where overflow
gutters are used they shall be not less than three (3) inches deep,
pitched one-quarter (1/4) inch per foot to drains, and constructed so
they are safe, cleanable and that matter entering the gutters will not be
washed out by a sudden surge of entering water.
428.5.5 Walkways: All public or semi-public swimming pools shall have
walkways not less than four (4) feet in width extending entirely around
the pool. Where curbs or sidewalks are used around any swimming pool
they shall have a non-slip surface for a width of not less than one (1)
foot at the edge of the pool and shall be so arranged to prevent return
of surface water to the pool.
428.5.6 Steps and ladders: One (1) or more means of egress shall be
provided from the pool. Treads of steps or ladders shall have non-slip,
surfaces and handrails on both sides, except that handrails may be omit-
ted when there are not more than (4) steps or when they extend the full
width of the slide or end of the pool. Access to public pools shall in-
clude a paraplegic lift.
428.6 Water supply, treatment and drainage systems
428.6.1 Water supply: All swimming pools shall be provided with a
potable water supply, free of cross-connections with the pool or its
equipment.
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428.6.2 Water treatment: Public and semi-public swimming pools shall be
designed and installed so that there is a pool water turnover at least once
every eight (8) hours. Filters shall not filter water at a rate in excess
of three (3) gallons per minute per sguare foot of surface area. The
treatment system shall be so designed and installed to provide in the
water, at all times when the pool is in use, excess chlorine of not less
than four-tenths (0.4) parts per million (ppm) or more than six-tenths
(0.6) ppm, or excess chloramine between seven-tenths (0.7) and one
(1.0) ppm, or disinfection may be provided by other approved means.
Acidity-alkalinity of the pool water shall not be below seven (7.0) or more
than seven and one-half (7.5). All recirculation systems shall be pro-
vided with an approved hair and lint strainer installed in the system
ahead of the pump.
Private swimming pools shall be designed and installed so that there is a
pool water turnover at least once every eighteen (18) hours. Filters
shall not filter water at a rate in excess of five (5) gallons per minute
per sguare foot of surface area. The pool owner shall be instructed in
proper care and maintenance of the pool, by the supplier or builder,
including the use of high test calcium hypochlorite (dry chlorine) or
sodium hypochlorite (liguid chlorine) or egually effectively germicide and
algaecide and the importance of proper pH (alkalinity and acidity) con-
trol.
428.6.3 Drainage systems: The swimming pool and equipment shall be
equipped to be completely emptied of water and the discharged water shall
be disposed of in an approved manner that will not create a nuisance to
adjoining property.
428.7 Appurtenant structures and accessories
428.7.1 Appurtenant structures: All appurtenant structures, installa-
tions, and equipment, such as showers, dressing rooms, equipment hous-
es or other buildings and structures, including plumbing, heating, and
air conditioning, amongst others appurtenant to a swimming pool, shall
comply with all applicable requirements of this code, the zoning laws, the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health Sanitary Code
310 CMR 12.00, the Plumbing Code 248 CMR 2.00, as well as the Massa-
chusetts Electrical Code 527 CMR 12.00.
428.7.2 Accessories: All swimming pool accessories shall be designed,
constructed, and installed so as not to be a safety hazard. Installations
or structures for diving purposes shall be properly anchored to insure
stability, and properly designed and located for maximum safety.
428.8 Safety precautions
428.8.1 Equipment installations: Pumps, filters, and other mechanical
and electrical equipment for public and semi-public swimming pools shall
be enclosed in such a manner as to be accessible only to authorized
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persons and not to bathers. Construction and drainage shall be such as
to avoid the entrance and accumulation of water in the vicinity of electri-
cal equipment. The construction and installation of electrical wiring for
equipment in or adjacent to swimming pools, to metallic appurtenances in
or within five (5) feet of the pool, and to auxiliary equipment such as
pumps, filters, and similar equipment shall conform to Article 680 of the
Massachusetts Electrical Code 527 CMR 12.00.
428.8.2 Enclosures: Every public and semi-public outdoor in-ground
swimming pool shall be enclosed by a fence five (5) feet in height and
firmly secured at ground level. If over five (5) feet in height, the fence
shall be chain link. Such enclosure, including gates therein, shall not be
less than five (5) feet above the ground, and any gate shall be self-
latching with latches placed four (4) feet above the ground or otherwise
made inaccessible from the outside to children up to eight (8) years of
age. Any such pool shall be equipped with at least one (1) life ring and
a rescue hook.
428.8.3 Draining: Every outdoor in- ground swimming pool open to the
public shall be drained or covered within seven (7) days of closing.
428.8.4 Inspection: Every public and semi-public outdoor in-ground
swimming pool shall be inspected annually by the inspector of buildings of
each city and town in which said pools are located (in accordance with
Chapter 140, Section 206, of the Massachusetts General Laws as amen-
ded).
428.8.5 General safety requirements: Cities or towns may enact by-laws
or ordinances for enclosing private swimming pools by requiring the
installation of fences or equivalent enclosures or means of protection from
access to the pool.
SECTION 429.0 OPEN PARKING STRUCTURES
429.1 General: Open passenger vehicle parking structures are those
structures used for the parking or storage of passenger motor vehicles
designed to carry not more than nine (9) persons, and include the follow-
ing two (2) general types:
1. Ramp type parking structures are those employing a series of
continuously rising floors or a series of interconnecting ramps
between floors permitting the movement of passenger automobiles
under their own power to and from the street level.
2. Mechanical type parking structures are those employing specially
designed parking machines, elevators, lifts, conveyors, moving
cranes, dollies or other devices for moving passenger automobiles to
and from the street level.
For exitway requirements see Section 609.5.
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429.2 General construction requirements: Passenger vehicle structures
shall be constructed of noncombustible materials throughout, including
structural framing, floors, roofs and walls. Any enclosed rooms or
spaces on the premises shall comply with the applicable requirements of
this code.
429.3 Separations: Parking structures may be erected without exterior
walls except that an enclosure wall with not less than two (2) hours
fireresistance rating, without openings therein, shall be provided when
located within six (6) feet of interior lot lines.
429.4 Basements: Basements, if used for parking of vehicles, shall be
sprinklered in accordance with the provisions of Section 1202.0 and shall
be ventilated in accordance with the provisions of Section 414.3.1.
429.5 Gasoline dispensing: Areas used for dispensing of gasoline in
parking structures shall be located on the grade floor and shall comply
with the requirements of Section 415.0.
429.6 Heights and areas: Heights and areas of open parking structures
shall not exceed the limits specified in the following Table 429.
Table 429
HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATION FOR OPEN PARKING STRUCTURES
Type of construction
Height
Area in square feet
1A&1B
2A
2B
2C
2B&2C
Unlimited
12 Stories— 120 feet
10 Stories— 100 feet
8 Stories— 85 feet
2 Stories— 25 feet1
Unlimited
Unlimited
50,000
30,000
Unlimited
Note 1 Type 2B and 2C construction may be six (6) stories in height and unlimited in area when at
least fifty (50) per rent open on all sides and when the horizontal distance from any point on any level to
an exterior wall opening on a street, alley, courtyard or any other permanent open space does not ex-
ceed two hundred (200) feet.
The areas of structures wherein more than twenty-five (25) per cent of
the perimeter has frontage on street or other open space leading to a
street each of which is not less than thirty (30) feet wide may be in-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
creased as provided in Section 306.2. When an automatic sprinkler sys-
tem is installed in accordance with Section 1204.0 in Types 2B and 2C
construction, the area may be unlimited. The above limits of height
permit parking on the roof.
429.7 Protective guard rails: All wells, shafts and other open, exposed
spaces throughout, except first floor, shall be enclosed and protected
with continuous walls or protective guard rails at least three (3) feet six
(6) inches in height, except that in those structures wherein vehicles are
hoisted to the desired level and placed in the parking space entirely by
approved mechanical means, the three (3) foot six (6) inch high continu-
ous wall or protective guard rail may be omitted on the side of the park-
ing levels adjacent to the space occupied by the hoisting and placing
equipment.
429.8 Curbs and bumpers: Curbs or bumpers of noncombustible materi-
als shall be provided at the perimeter of each parking tier. Such curbs
or bumpers shall be at least twelve (12) inches high, substantially an-
chored, and so located that any part of any motor vehicle will not contact
a wall, partition or railing.
429.9 Special restrictions: Open parking structures shall be subject to
the provisions of this section and the Massachusetts Fire Prevention
Regulation 527 CMR 5.00 and NFiPA 88. Where 527 CMR 5.00 and NFiPA
88 may conflict with construction regulations contained in this code, this
code shall govern.
SECTION 430.0 FALLOUT SHELTERS
430.1 General: This article shall establish the minimum criteria which
must be met before a building or building space can be constructed,
occupied, used, or designated as a fallout shelter, and such shelters
must be constructed in accordance with the applicable standards as listed
in Appendix B.
SECTION 431.0 HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
431.1 Applicability: The provisions of this section shall apply to all
buildings more than seventy (70) feet above mean grade.
431.2 Maintenance and inspection: All fire protection systems shall be
maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be periodically
inspected and tested in accordance with the fire prevention code listed in
Appendix B. Maintenance inspections shall be made quarterly and logged
in a journal kept available for inspection.
431.3 General: All high-rise buildings complying with Section 431.1 shall
be provided with an approved automatic fire suppression system.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
431.3.1 Automatic fire suppression system: The automatic fire suppres-
sion system shall be installed throughout the building. The system shall
be designed using the parameters set forth in the applicable standards
listed in Appendix I, and shutoff valves and a water flow device shall be
provided for each floor.
Exception: In use groups R-l and R-2, sprinklers may be omitted in
closets and similar spaces which are located within an individual dwell-
ing unit when the least dimension of such spaces is not greater than
thirty (30) inches and the floor areas within such spaces does not
exceed twenty-four (24) sguare feet.
431.3.1.1 Automatic fire suppression system alternatives: When a fire
suppression system is installed, modifications to this code are permitted
as described below.
1. The type of construction required by this code may be modified as
follows :
Modified type
Type of construction of construction
set forth in Table 214 permitted hereunder
1A IB
IB 2A
2A 2B
2. The fireresistance rating of exitway access corridors and vertical
separation of tenant spaces shall:
a. not be required in use group B (business) buildings;
b. be a minimum of one-half (1/2) hour in use group R-l (resi-
dential, hotel) and R-2 (residential, multi-family) buildings;
and the wall or partitions may be terminated at the lowest
portion of the fireresistance rated assembly above.
3. Vertical shafts other than stairway enclosures and elevator hoist-
way enclosures may be reduced to one (1) hour when sprinklers
are installed within the shafts at alternate floors.
4. The exitway access and common corridor doors need not meet the
requirements of Section 610.4 except they shall be self-closing and
tight fitting.
5. The one and one-half (1 1/2) inch hose line, nozzle, rack and
cabinet may be omitted as set forth in Section 1211.5.1.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
6. The exitway access travel distance set forth in Table 607 may be
increased to three hundred (300) feet.
7. Smokeproof enclosures as set forth in Section 618.0 may be omitted,
but required stairways shall be pressurized to fifteen-hundredths
(0.15) inches of water column in the manner described in Section
618.9.3.
8. Spandrel walls, eyebrows and compartmentation are not required;
however, the fireresistance rating of the floors and junctures of
exterior walls with each floor must be maintained.
9. Fire dampers, other than those needed to maintain the fireresis-
tance rating of the floor-ceiling assembly, are not required. Where
fire dampers will interfere with the operation of the smoke control
system approved alternate protective devices shall be utilized.
10. Operable windows required by Section 609.4 for emergency egress
or rescue may be omitted.
431.4 Smoke detection systems in high-rise buildings.
431.4.1 Mechanical and equipment rooms: An approved smoke detector
suitable for the intended use shall be installed in every mechanical equip-
ment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator machine or
similar room unless such rooms are protected with an automatic fire sup-
pression system.
The actuation of any detector required by this section shall operate the
voice alarm system and shall place into operation all equipment necessary
to prevent the recirculation of smoke.
431.4.2 Dwelling units: In use groups R-l and R-2, single or multiple
station smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with Section
1216.3.2.1, Item 6.
431.5 Alarm and communication systems: Alarm and communication sys-
tems shall be provided. The alarm and communication systems shall be so
designed and installed that damage to any terminal unit or speaker will
not render more than one (1) zone of the system inoperative.
A single communication system may be designed to serve the voice alarm,
public address and fire department communication system as follows:
1. Voice alarm system: The operation of any smoke detection, sprin-
kler waterflow device or manual fire alarm station shall automati-
cally activate a voice alarm system. Activation of the system shall
automatically sound an alert signal to the desired areas. The
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
voice alarm system shall provide a predetermined message on a
selective basis to the area where the alarm originated and shall
provide information and give direction to the occupants. The
alarm shall be designed to be heard clearly by all occupants within
the building or designated portions thereof as is required for the
public address system.
The central control station shall contain controls for the voice
alarm system so that a selective or general voice alarm may be
manually initiated.
The system shall be continuously electrically supervised against com-
ponent failure of the audiopath including amplifiers, speaker wiring,
switches and electrical contacts and shall detect opens, shorts and
grounds which might impair the function of the system.
2. Public address system: A public address communication system de-
signed to be clearly heard by all occupants of the building shall
operate from the central control station. It shall be established on a
selective or general basis to the following terminal areas:
a . elevators ,
b. elevator lobbies,
c . corridors ,
d. exitway stairways,
e. rooms and tenant spaces exceeding one thousand (1,000) square
feet in area,
f. dwelling units in apartment houses, and
g. hotel guest rooms or suites. .
3. Fire department communication system: A two (2) way fire depart-
ment communication system shall be provided for fire department use.
It shall operate between the central control station and every eleva-
tor, elevator lobby and entry to every enclosed exitway stairway.
431.6 Central control station: A central control station for fire
department operations shall be provided in a location approved by the
fire department. It shall contain:
1. the voice alarm and public address system panels;
2. the fire department communications panel;
3. fire detection and alarm system annunciator panels;
4. status indicator for elevators;
5. status indicators and controls for air handling systems;
6. controls for unlocking all stairway doors simultaneously;
7. sprinkler valve and waterflow detector display panels;
8. emergency power, light and emergency system controls and status
indicators; and
9. a telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the
public telephone system.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
431.7 Smoke control: Natural or mechanical ventilation for the removal
of products of combustion shall be provided in every story and shall
consist of one (1) of the following:
1. Panels or windows in the exterior walls which can be opened re-
motely from an approved location other than the fire floor. Such
venting facilities shall be provided at the rate of twenty (20)
square feet per fifty (50) lineal feet of exterior wall in each story
and shall be distributed around the perimeter at not more than fifty
(50) foot intervals. Such windows or panels and their controls
shall be clearly identified.
2. When a complete and approved automatic fire suppression system is
installed, the mechanical air handling equipment may be designed to
accomplish smoke removal. Under fire conditions, the return and
exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recircu-
lation to other sections of the building. The air handling system
shall provide a minimum of one (1) exhaust air change each ten
(10) minutes for the area involved.
3. A continuous shaft through which smoke and heat can be mechani-
cally vented to the outdoors. The size of the shaft shall be uni-
form throughout and of such dimension as to produce one (1) air
change per ten (10) minutes in the largest compartments served
anywhere in the building. Openings into the shaft shall be pro-
tected with an automatic single-piece shutter located as high in the
room as possible and designed to vent the entire compartment.
4. Any other approved design which will produce equivalent results.
431.8 Elevators: Elevator operation and installation shall be in accord-
ance with Article 16 and the standards listed in Appendix B, and the
elevator cab shall be of such size as to accommodate an ambulance cot in
its horizontal open position, and in accordance with the provisions of 524
CMR 3.00-11.00.
431.9 Emergency power, light and emergency systems: Emergency
power, light and emergency systems shall comply with the following:
1. Emergency power: A permanently installed on-site power generation
system shall be provided. All power, lighting, signal and commu-
nication facilities provided under the requirements of this section,
including an independent ventilation system for the emergency
power generator room, shall be transferable to the emergency power
source.
The electrical power requirements for sizing the emergency power
generation systems shall include but not be limited to the following:
a. fire protection equipment, including fire pumps;
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
b. mechanical ventilation equipment required by this section includ-
ing power operated windows;
c. elevator cars required by 524 CMR 15.00-33.00;
d. emergency lighting; and
e. the normal loads of all facilities classed as emergency. The
regular light and power circuits supplying such facilities are
classified as emergency systems and shall be automatically trans-
ferable to the emergency power generation system.
2. Emergency lighting: Emergency lighting shall include but not be
limited to the following:
a. separate lighting circuits and facilities sufficient to provide light
with an intensity not less than one (1) foot candle measured at
floor level in all exitway access corridors, stairways, smokeproof
enclosures, elevators, elevator lobbies, and other areas which
are clearly part of the means of egress; and
b. all circuits supplying lighting for the central control station, the
emergency power generator rooms, and other rooms housing
control equipment for mechanical systems required by this sec-
tion shall be transferable to the emergency power system.
3. Emergency systems: All electrical systems and facilities required
by this section and classified as emergency shall be installed in an
approved manner. The following systems and lighting loads are
classified as emergency facilities and shall operate within ten (10)
seconds of primary power failure:
a. required lighted exit signs and exit pathway illumination,
b. fire alarm and sprinkler alarm systems,
c. fire detection systems,
d. elevator car lighting,
e. stairway door control systems, and
f. voice communication systems.
431.10 Exits: Exits shall comply with other requirements of this code
and the following:
1. All stairway doors which are to be locked from the stairway side
shall have the capability of being unlocked simultaneously without
unlatching upon a signal from the central control station.
2. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to
an approved emergency service which operates continuously shall be
provided at not less than every fifth (5) floor in each required
stairway where other provisions of this code permit the doors to be
locked .
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. Smokeproof enclosures may be eliminated if all enclosed stairways
are pressurized, as provided for mechanically operated smokeproof
enclosures, to a minimum of fifteen-hundredths (0.15) and a maxi-
mum of thirty-five hundredths (0.35) inch of water column in fully
sprinklered buildings.
SECTION 432.0 COVERED MALLS
432.1 Scope: Covered mall buildings are subject to the special require-
ments of this section and are of two (2) types:
1. Type A covered mall buildings are subject to the general provisions
of this code.
2. Type B covered mall buildings may be designd and constructed in
accordance with the special provisions as noted herein. All other
applicable provisions not specified herein shall be complied with.
432.2 Requirements for Type B covered mall buildings
432.2.1 Lease plan: The permit holder shall provide both the building
and fire departments with a lease plan showing the locations of each
occupancy and its means of egress after the certificate of occupancy has
been issued. Such plans shall be kept current. No modifications or
changes in occupancy or use shall be made from that shown on the lease
plan without prior approval of the building official.
432.2.2 Tenant separations: Each tenant shall be separated from adjoin-
ing tenants by a wall having a minimum one (1) hour fireresistance rating
which shall extend from the floor to the underside of the ceiling. No
separation is required between a tenant space and a mall.
432.2.3 Exitways: Exitways shall be provided in accordance with the
following :
1. The maximum length of exitway access travel from any point within
the mall to an approved exitway along the natural and unobstructed
path of travel shall not exceed two hundred (200) feet.
2. Each individual occupancy within the covered mall building shall be
provided with a means of egress in accordance with other provisions
of this code. Measurements may be made to the entrance to the
mall.
3. When the length of travel from the most remote point within a
tenant space exceeds one hundred (100) feet to the mall, a second
means of egress shall be provided. When two (2) or more means of
egress are required, the secondary exits may open into the mall, an
exit corridor, an exit enclosure, or to the exterior. When a corri-
dor provides the second means of egress, it shall be of one (1)
hour fireresistance rated construction and doors to the corridors
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
shall be one (1) hour opening protectives. Such doors shall be self
closing, and be so maintained, or shall be automatic closing when
actuated by smoke detectors.
4. Anchor stores shall provide the required number of exitways and
units of exit width directly to the exterior. The occupant load of
anchor stores opening into the mall shall not be included in deter-
mining exitway requirements for the mall.
5. The dead end of a mall shall not exceed twice its width.
6. In determining required exitway facilities of the mall, the number of
occupants for whom exitway facilities are to be provided, shall be
based on gross leasable area of the covered mall building (including
anchor stores) and shall be based on the following table.
Square feet per person Gross leasable area (sq. ft.)
30 under 300.000
40 300.000-700,000
50 over 700,000
7. The minimum width of exitway access passageways and corridors
from a mall shall be fifty-six (56) inches.
8. The required units of exit width and exitways shall be distributed
equally throughout the mall.
9. Storage is prohibited in exitway corridors which are also used for
service to the tenants. Such corridors shall be posted with con-
spicuous signs so stating.
432.2.4 Mall width: The minimum width of the mall shall be thirty (30)
feet.
There shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet clear exitway width to a height
of eight (8) feet between any projection of a tenant space bordering the
mall and the nearest kiosk, vending machine, bench, display opening, or
other obstruction to egress travel.
The mall width shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupancy load
emptying into the immediately adjacent mall as determined by Section
432.2.3 for all occupancies except assembly which shall be determined by
Section 606.0
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
432.2.5 Type of construction
1. The structural elements of the covered mall building shall be of
noncombustible (Types 1 and 2) or heavy timber (Type 3A) con-
struction.
2. Floor/ceiling assemblies and their supporting columns and beams
within multi-level covered malls shall be of one (1) hour fire-
resistance rated noncombustible construction.
3. Separation between tenant spaces and the mall is not required.
When walls are provided, they shall comply with the provisions of
Table 214 for other non-bearing partitions.
432.2.6 Roof coverings: Roof coverings for covered mall buildings shall
be Class A, B, or C as required by Section 926.0.
432.2.7 Mixed occupancy: Use groups assembly (A), business (B),
mercantile (M), and residential (R) may be accessory to the covered mall
building. Accessory occupancies may be three (3) times the area permit-
ted by Table 305 for the type of construction and the occupancy in-
volved. Use groups assembly (A), business (B), mercantile (M) and
residential (R) shall be separated from adjacent tenants by a minimum of
one (1) hour fireresistance rated separation wall.
Exception: Assembly (A) occupancies shall be located in the covered mall
building so that their main entrance is immediately adjacent to a principal
entrance to the mall.
The sprinkler system required in covered mall buildings shall not be
substituted for required one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction.
Assembly (A) occupancies other than restaurants shall have not less than
one-half (1/2) of their required exitways opening directly to the exterior
of the covered mall building.
432.2.8 Fire protection: Every covered mall building shall be provided
with fire protection equipment as follows:
1. The covered mall and all buildings connected thereto shall be pro-
vided throughout with an approved fire suppression system. The
suppression system in the covered mall shall be independent of the
suppression systems in the buildings connected to the covered mall.
2. All sprinkler control valves shall be electrically supervised and
connected to either the fire department or to an approved super-
visory service, except as otherwise approved by the local fire
official .
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Fire department standpipe outlets shall be provided within the mall
at each entrance to an exit passageway, corridor or enclosed stair-
way and at exterior exits.
4. First aid fire extinguishers shall be provided as required by the
fire prevention code listed in Appendix B, and as required by the
local fire official.
432.2.9 Fire emergency ventilating system: The covered mall and exit-
way corridors serving the mall shall be equipped with an approved autom-
atic exhaust system capable of producing six (6) air changes per hour
computed on volume measured to a height of twelve (12) feet above each
pedestrian area. Necessary outside air to accomplish the six (6) air
changes per hour shall be provided.
The exhaust system shall be activated by smoke detectors complying with
the applicable standards listed in Appendix B, by operation of the sprink-
ler system, and manually. The activation system shall be installed in an
approved manner. Exhaust shall be taken uniformly from the entire mall
area and exitways serving the mall through an approved duct system with
vents spaced not more than fifty (50) feet or through a ceiling plenum
with uniformly distributed openings. Where tenant spaces are open to the
mall area exhaust may be taken through the tenant spaces.
The approved automatic exhaust system may be a separate system or may
be integrated with an approved air-conditioning system. Where a sepa-
rate system is provided, operation of the fire emergency ventilating
system shall automatically shut down the air-conditioning system or any
other devices which interfere with the effective operation of the fire
emergency ventilating system. The fire emergency ventilating system
shall be connected to an emergency power source in accordance with the
requirements of the Massachusetts Electric Code 527 CMR 12.00.
432.2.10 Fire department access to equipment: Controls for air-condi-
tioning systems, sprinkler risers and valves, or other fire detection,
suppression or control elements shall be accessible to and properly iden-
tified for use by the fire department.
432.2.11 Plastic panels and plastic signs: Within every story or level
and from side wall to side wall of each tenant, approved plastic panels
and signs shall be limited as follows:
1. They shall not exceed twenty (20) per cent of the wall area facing
the mall.
2. They shall not exceed a height of thirty-six (36) inches, except if
the sign is vertical, the height shall not exceed ninety-six (96)
inches and the width shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches.
3. They shall be located a minimum distance of eighteen (18) inches
from adjacent tenants.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4. All edges and the backs shall be fully encased in metal.
432.2.12 Kiosks: Kiosks and similar structures (temporary or perma-
nent) shall meet the following reguirements :
1. Combustible kiosks or other structures shall not be located within
the covered mall unless constructed of fire retardant treated wood
throughout, conforming to the standards listed in Appendices C and
G.
2. Kiosks or similar structures located within the covered mall shall be
provided with approved fire suppression and detection devices.
3. The minimum horizontal separation between kiosks and other struc-
tures within the covered mall shall be twenty (20) feet.
4. Kiosks or similar structures shall have a maximum area of three
hundred (300) sguare feet.
SECTION 433.0 NURSING HOMES, REST HOMES, CHARITABLE HOMES
FOR THE AGED, CONVALESCENT HOMES AND HOSPITALS
433.1 New facilities: Buildings to be constructed or proposed for a
change of occupancy, to be used as nursing homes, rest homes, chari-
table homes for the aged, convalescent homes and hospitals (in use group
1-2) shall meet the provisions of NFiPA 101 Life Safety Code, as refer-
enced in Appendix B and the applicable provisions of this code.
433.2 Deleted
433.2.1 Deleted
433 . 2 . 2 Deleted
433.2.3 Deleted
433.2.4 Deleted
433 . 2 . 5 Deleted
433.2.6 Deleted
433.2.7 Deleted
433.3 Construction requirements: Hospitals, nursing homes, and conva-
lescent homes shall be built only of Type 1 construction, in accordance
with Chapter 111, Sections 51 and 71, of the Massachusetts General Laws,
as amended.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 434.0 DAY CARE CENTERS
434.1 General: Day care centers shall be subject to the applicable
provisions of this code and the special requirements of this section. Day
care centers licensed by the Office for Children may be subject to compli-
ance with the rules and regulations of that authority. These provisions
shall apply to new and existing day care centers.
434.2 High hazard restriction: A day care center shall not occupy the
same building with, or be located within two hundred (200) feet of a high
hazard occupancy.
434.3 Day care center use groups
434.3.1 Less than two years and nine months in age: Buildings and
portions thereof licensed by the Office for Children as day care centers
for children two (2) years and nine (9) months in age or younger shall
be classified as 1-2 use group.
434.3.2 More than two years and nine months in age: Buildings and
portions thereof licensed by the Office for Children as day care centers
for children more than two (2) years and nine (9) months in age shall be
classified as A-4 use group.
434.4 Height and area limitations
434.4.1 1-2 limitations: Existing buildings containing day care occupan-
cies (use group 1-2) not in conformance with the height and area limita-
tions of Table 305 shall be limited to not more than three (3) stories and
forty (40) feet in height. The day care center shall be restricted to the
first floor and cellar or basement use and not more than two thousand
four hundred (2,400) square feet per floor. All required egresses shall
be directly to grade.
434.4.2 A-4 limitations: Existing buildings containing day care occupan-
cies (use group A-4) not in conformance with the height and area limita-
tions of Table 305 shall be limited to not more than three (3) stories and
forty (40) feet in height. The day care center shall be restricted to the
first two (2) stories and the basement or cellar use and not more than
four thousand eight hundred (4,800) square feet per floor.
434.4.3 Increases: Increases in height or area shall not be allowed for
A-4 or 1-2 day care center use groups.
434.5 Day care centers classified as 1-2 use group
434.5.1 Basement and cellar use in Types 3C and 4B construction
434.5.1.1 Basement use: A basement, as defined in this code, of a
Type 3C or 4B construction may be used for a day care center in accord-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ance with the following requirements: there shall be two (2) separate
and independent means of egress, remote from each other:
1. leading to grade; or
2. leading to a one (1) hour fire-rated enclosed stairway not more
than four (4) feet in height vertically which leads directly to grade
and is separated from any other use as an egress by one (1) hour
fire-rated partitions and self-closing doors.
434.5.1.2 Cellar use: A cellar, as defined in this code, of a Type 3C or
4B construction may be used for a day care center in accordance with the
following requirements :
1. There shall be at least two (2) separate and independent interior
means of egress, remote as possible from each other and leading
directly to grade or to a one (1) hour fire-rated enclosed stairway
not more than four (4) feet in height, vertically. Any such stair-
way serving as a required means of egress from a day care center
shall serve only the day care center.
2. Smoke detectors shall be located in the story of use and in the
story below, if one exists, directly beneath the area being used for
the day care center.
3. Interior stairways used as required means of egress shall contain
smoke detectors connected to alarms audible throughout the day
care center.
434.6 Egress requirements for 1-2 and A-4 day care center use groups
434.6.1 Below grade: All day care centers or parts thereof located
below grade, except for 1-2 day care center use in Types 3C and 4B
construction is provided in Sections 434.5.1.1 and 434.5.1.2, shall con-
form to the following requirements:
1. There shall be at least two (2) separate and independent means of
egress, remote as possible from each other, at least one (1) of
2. Required interior stairways shall be of at least one (1) hour fire-
rated construction enclosed with self-closing fire doors.
3. Required interior stairways shall contain smoke detectors connected
to alarms audible throughout the day care center.
434.6.2 Egress on floors other than basement or cellar: Each story of
the day care center shall be provided with not less than two (2) indepen-
dent means of egress, remote as possible from each other, and such
additional approved means of egress leading from the occupied spaces so
that to reach an egress it will not be necessary to pass through a common
corridor or space.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
434.6.2.1 Buildings of Types 1, 2A and 2B construction: In buildings
of Types 1, 2A or 2B construction, except for R-2 use group, equipped
with a fire suppression system in compliance with Section 1202.0, a single
common corridor shall be acceptable for providing access to two (2) means
of egress as required in this section.
434.6.2.2 Common corridors used as exitways: Common corridors may be
subdivided, for the purpose of Section 424.6.2 to provide separate and
independent exitways by using smoke stop partitions complying with the
provisions of this code. The doors in the smoke stop partitions may be
equipped with an automatic hold open device connected to smoke or smoke
and heat detectors and designed to close automatically by activation of the
detector system.
434.6.2.3 Egress from each room: Two (2) approved means of egress
located as remotely as possible from each other shall be required for each
occupied room. One (1) such required egress may be made by communi-
cating door.
434.6.3 Roof egress: Where the roof is used by a day care center, two
(2) enclosed stairways shall be provided, one (1) leading directly to an
enclosed exitway system and one (1) leading to a corridor on a floor
below that leads to two (2) remote and independent exitways. The stair-
ways shall comply with all the provisions of Section 434.0 and this code.
434.6.4 Egress lighting: Egress lighting shall be provided in conform-
ance with Article 6, including requirements for emergency lighting.
434.6.5 Doorways: All required exitway doorways shall be at least
thirty-six (36) inches in width. All other egress doorways shall be at
least thirty-two (32) inches in width.
434.6.6 Handrails: All required egress stairways shall be provided with
double handrails on both sides, and these shall be continuous including
all runs and platforms and shall be built as follows.
1. The upper rail shall be not less than thirty (30) inches nor more
than thirty-three (33) inches, measured vertically, above the nos
ing of the treads.
2. The lower rail shall be installed at approximately twenty (20) inches
high measured vertically at the face of the riser.
434.7 Heating system: Any portable or permanent heater in spaces
occupied by children shall be separated from the occupied space by
partitions, guards, screens, or other means. Space and unit heaters
using combustible fuels shall be prohibited.
434.8 Boiler rooms: Boilers, furnaces or other fire units shall be en-
closed as required in Section 1105.0. Boiler room doors shall not open
nto occupied areas.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
434.9 Roofs: Where a roof is used by a day care center, there shall be
a solid, smooth non-climbable fence or barrier a minimum of seven (7)
feet high on all sides and separating the day care center area from any
other uses. Fences shall be set back at least three (3) feet from the
outside edge of the exterior wall below. A weatherproof telephone or
equivalent means of communication shall be provided for use in emergen-
cies and shall be openable without keys, coins, etc.
434.10 Fire alarm systems: Fire alarm systems shall be provided in day
care centers in accordance with the requirements of this section. The
requirements of Sections 434.5.1.2 and 434.6.1 may be combined with the
requirements of this section.
1. Facilities for up to twenty-four (24) children shall be provided with
a manual alarm system which will sound an alarm audible throughout
the day care center.
2. Facilities for twenty-five (25) or more children shall be provided
with an automatic alarm system consisting of approved smoke detec-
tors located as provided in Section 434.11 and audible throughout
the day care center or throughout each floor of the center. In
addition, there shall be at least one (1) manual alarm on each floor
of the day care center which will sound on all floors when actuated.
434.11 Location of detectors: Smoke detectors shall be installed on the
ceiling of each story occupied by the day care center above or in front of
the doors to the stairways and at not greater than thirty (30) foot spac-
ing in the corridor providing required means of egress on all floors of
the day care center. Smoke detectors shall also be installed in all acces-
sory spaces of the day care center not used for children, including
storage over one hundred (100) square feet in area. All required detec-
tors shall be located on the same circuit and interconnected so that when
one (1) sounds, all will sound. Required detectors shall meet the re-
quirements of UL 217 as listed in Appendix I and shall have an alarm
decibel rating of at least 85.
434.12 Floor and ceiling protection: When the floor occupied by the day
care center is above any usable space, the floor shall have a minimum of
three quarter (3/4) hour fire rating. When the floor occupied by the day
care center is below any usable space, the ceiling shall have at least a
three quarter (3/4) hour fire rating or the floor above shall be equipped
with smoke detectors.
SECTION 435.0 SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN
435.1 Definition: Summer camps for children include premises, operated
solely between April and October of each year for recreational or other
purposes, and having residential facilities. The use of such accommoda-
tions for purposes of inspection, certification and inspection fees shall be
considered as being similar to a dormitory in R-2 use group and subject
to the following provisions of this section.
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435.2 New and existing occupancies: These regulations shall apply to
existing and new summer camps for children as defined in Section 435.1
of this code.
435.3 Means of egress: All one-story, one-room buildings having one
thousand (1,000) square feet or less and having twenty-five (25) occu-
pants or less shall require only one (1) means of egress provided that:
1. the length of travel does not exceed fifty (50) feet from any point
in the building to the outside at grade; and,
2. the minimum width for aisles and corridors shall be three (3) feet.
435.3.1 Emergency escape: Every sleeping room shall have at least one
(1) exterior door or openable window to permit emergency exit or rescue;
the windows shall conform to the following restrictions:
1. must be openable from the inside without the use of separate tools;
2. the sill height shall not be more than thirty-six (36) inches above
the finish floor and with a maximum six (6) foot drop from the
window sill to grade below the window; and
3. provide a minimum net clear opening area of three and three tenths
(3.3) square feet with a rectangle having minimum net clear opening
dimensions of twenty (20) inches by twenty-four (24) inches.
435.4 Fire protection: Smoke detectors shall be required for existing
and new residential units in accordance with Section 1216.0 of this code
and may be either A.C. wired or battery-operated.
Exception: Tents and other temporary shelters which are designed to
sleep less than eight (8) persons and which have an open side con-
sisting of greater than one sixth (1/6) of the perimeter of the shelter
or which have built-in provisions for emergency escape.
435.5 Mechanical: If camps are heated, then the building must conform
to all applicable code sections and specialized codes, notwithstanding any
of the provisions in Section 435.0.
435.6 Enforcement and inspections: Enforcement shall be by the local
building official who shall inspect and certify the summer camps yearly,
prior to season opening. Fees charged shall be in accordance with Table
108 of this code.
SECTION 436.0 HISTORIC BUILDINGS
436.1 Scope: The provisions of Section 436.0 shall govern all buildings
and structures in the Commonwealth which are legally designated as
historic buildings. This section shall preempt all other regulations of this
code governing the reconstruction, alterations, change of use and occu-
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pancy, repairs, maintenance and additions for the conformity of historic
buildings and structures to this code, with the exception of Section 126.0
for appeals, or unless otherwise specified (see Appendix U).
436.2 Definitions
Historic buildings: Any individual building or structure, but excluding
districts, so designated by the National Register of Historic Places or
certified by the Massachusetts Historic Commission and ratified by the
Massachusetts Building Code Commission as listed in Appendix U. Historic
buildings shall be further defined as totally or partially preserved build-
ings.
Partially preserved buildings: Any building or structure designated as a
historic building by the State Building Code Commission or listed in the
National Register of Historic Places and not designated as a totally pre-
served building in Appendix U.
Restoration: Restoration is the process of accurately reconstructing the
form and details of a building or structure or portion thereof as it ap-
peared at a particular period or periods of time by means of removal of
later work and/or the replacement of missing original work.
Totally preserved buildings: A totally preserved building is a historic
building or structure. The principal use of such a building or structure
must be as an exhibit of the building or structure itself which is open to
the public not less than twelve (12) days per year, although additional
uses, original or ancillary to the principal use, shall be permitted within
the same building up to maximum of twenty-five (25) per cent of the
gross floor area. Totally preserved buildings shall be those listed in
Appendix U.
436.3 Totally preserved buildings
436.3.1 State Building Code exceptions: A totally preserved building
shall be subject to the following exceptions:
1. Repairs, maintenance and restoration shall be allowed without con-
formity to this code if the provisions of Section 436.4 have been
fully complied with.
2. In case of fire or other casualty to a totally preserved building, it
may be rebuilt, in total or in part, using such techniques and
materials as are necessary to restore it to its original condition and
use group.
3. If a historic building or structure, as a result of proposed work,
would become eligible for certification as a totally preserved build-
ing and the Massachusetts Historical Commission so certifies by
affidavit and it is submitted to the building official with the permit
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
application, then the building official shall allow the work to pro-
ceed under the provisions of this section.
436.4 Mandatory safety requirements: All totally preserved buildings
shall comply to the following requirements:
436.4.1 Fire protection equipment: Fire protection equipment shall be
provided according to the following requirements.
1. Manual fire extinguishing equipment: all use groups, other than
residential R-3, shall have approved manual fire extinguishing
equipment, as determined by the fire official.
2. Automatic fire warning system: all residential buildings in use
groups R-l, R-2, and R-3 shall conform to the requirements of
• Section 1216.3.2 of this code. All other use groups shall comply
with Items a and b below:
a. Locations: provide one (1) smoke detector, but not less than
one, for every twelve hundred (1200) square feet of floor area
per level. In addition, all lobbies, common corridors, hallways
and exitway access and discharge routes shall be provided with
approved smoke detectors with not more than thirty (30) foot
spacing between detectors. All required smoke detectors shall
have an alarm audible throughout the structure or building.
b. Single station and multiple station smoke detection devices:
smoke detectors of single station and multiple station types shall
meet the requirements of U.L. 217 and be listed or approved by
a nationally-recognized fire-testing laboratory.
3 . Manual pull stations : a manual fire alarm pull station shall be
provided in the natural path of egress in all use groups except
R-3. Manual pull stations shall be connected to the building fire
warning system in conformance with NFiPA 72A as listed in Appen-
dix B.
436.4.2 Exit signs and emergency lights: Approved exit signs and
emergency lighting, where designated by the local building official, shall
be provided in compliance with Sections 623.0 and 624.0 of this code.
Exception: All totally preserved buildings need not comply with Sec-
tions 623.0 and 624.0 if not occupied after daylight hours, except that
paths of egress shall have exit signs.
436.4.3 Maximum occupancy: Occupancy shall be limited by the actual
structural floor load capacity as certified by a qualified Massachusetts
registered professional engineer or architect or as per Section 606.0,
whichever is less. Said floor load shall be posted as per the procedures
set forth in Sections 119.0, 120.0 and 705.0. The owner shall submit
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
evidence of this certification and related computations to the building
official upon request.
436.4.4 Limited egress: Where one or more floors of a totally preserved
building are limited to one (1) means of egress, the occupancy load shall
be computed as follows:
1. Floors below the first story: not more than one (1) occupant per
one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area with a maximum
occupancy of forty-nine (49).
2. First story: not more than one (1) occupant per fifty (50) square
feet of gross floor area.
3. Second story and above: not more then one (1) occupant per one
hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area, or thirty (30) occu-
pants per unit of egress width, whichever condition results in the
lesser occupancy load.
436.4.5 Inspections: The building official and fire official shall inspect
all totally preserved buildings not less frequently than once every year in
order to determine that the building or structure continues to conform to
Section 436.4. A qualified Massachusetts registered professional engineer
or architect shall certify every five (5) years thereafter as to the exact
floor load capacity of the building or structure. The building official
shall certify all totally preserved buildings not less frequently than once
every year. Fees shall be established at $25 per building per inspection.
436.5 Historic buildings not qualified as totally preserved
436.5.1 Applicability: This section and Article 22 shall apply to all
historic buildings which are not defined as totally preserved buildings.
436.5.2 Continuation of use and occupancy: The legal use and occu-
pancy of any partially preserved building may be continued without
change or further compliance to this code. The provisions of Section
436.4 shall be required for historic buildings accessible to the public on
more than fifty (50) days per year.
436.5.3 Inspection, certification and fees: The building inspector shall
inspect all partially preserved buildings not less frequently than once a
year in order to determine that the building or structure continues to
conform to Sections 436.5 and/or 436.4. If in conformance, then he shall
issue a certification. Fees shall be in conformance with Table 108.
436.5.4 Fire damage: If a building or structure is damaged from fire or
other casualty, it may be restored to its original condition using tech-
niques and methods consistent with its original construction, or it shall
meet the requirements of this code provided these requirements do not
compromise the features for which the building was considered historic
when listed in Appendix U of this code or the National Register of His-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
toric Places.
436.5.5 Repairs and maintenance: See Article 22.
436.5.6 Change in occupancy: See Article 22.
436.5.7 New systems: See Article 22.
436.5.8 Lesser and equal hazard: See Article 22.
436.5.9 Greater hazard: See Article 22.
SECTION 437.0 OPEN WELLS
437.1 General: Open wells are to be classified as either atriums (Section
437.2) or floor openings (Section 437.3) and shall be permitted in all
buildings in other than use group H (high hazard) when provided with
the protection herein required.
437.1.1 Fire suppression: An approved automatic fire suppression
system shall be installed throughout all floor areas connected by the open
well in accordance with the provisions of Article 12, except those floor
areas separated from the open well by fire separation assemblies conform-
ing to Table 214.
437.1.2 Use: The floor of the open well shall not be used for other
than low fire hazard uses and only approved materials and decorations
may be used in the open well space.
The open well space may be used for any approved use when the indivi-
dual space is provided with an approved fire suppression system.
437.1.3 Exitways: An open well connecting not more than three (3)
floor levels may contain an exitway as permitted by Section 616.10.
437.1.4 Standby power: All equipment required to provide smoke control
shall be connected to a standby power system meeting the requirements of
Section 431.9.
437.1.5 Acceptance of the smoke control system: Before the certificate
of occupancy is issued, the smoke control system shall be tested in an
approved manner to show compliance with the requirements of this sec-
tion.
437.1.6 Inspections of the smoke control system: All operating parts of
the smoke control system (including dampers) shall be tested by the
owner every three (3) months and a log of the tests shall be kept for
examination by the fire department. At six (6) month intervals the
system shall be inspected and operated in accordance with the Basic Fire
Prevention Code listed in Appendix B.
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437.2 Atriums: Atriums shall be constructed as herein required except
atriums in buildings two (2) stories in height shall not be required to be
equipped with a smoke control system as indicated in Section 437.2.2. For
purposes of this section, the volume of the atrium shall include all spaces
not separated from the atrium in accordance with Section 437.2.2.
437.2.1 Smoke control: A smoke control system shall be designed to
control the migration of products of combustion in the atrium spaces.
Upon detection of a fire or smoke, the system shall shut down the air
supply to the fire floor and the return air from all non-fire floors.
437.2.1.1 Atriums fifty-five (55) feet or less in height: In atriums
fifty-five (55) feet or less in height with a volume of six hundred thou-
sand (600,000) cubic feet or less a smoke exhaust system shall be located
at the ceiling of the atrium. Such system shall exhaust forty thousand
(40,000) cfm or six (6) air changes per hour, whichever is greater.
When the volume of the atrium exceeds six hundred thousand (600,000)
cubic feet, the exhaust system shall be sized to provide a minimum of
four (4) air changes per hour.
Supply air may be provided at the lowest level of the atrium. These
inlets shall be sized for seventy-five (75) per cent of the exhaust.
437.2.1.2 Atriums in excess of fifty-five (55) feet in height: When the
height of the atrium exceeds fifty-five (55) feet, an exhaust system shall
be provided as required by Section 437.2.1.1; however, supply air shall
be introduced mechanically from the floor of the atrium and shall be
directed vertically at the exhaust outlet above. The capacity of the
supply shall be seventy-five (75) per cent of the exhaust.
437.2.1.3 Smoke detectors: Smoke detectors shall be provided at the
ceiling of the atrium and on the underside of each floor area projecting
into the atrium space. Detectors shall be located in accordance with their
listing .
437.2.1.4 Smoke control activation: The smoke control system required
for the atrium spaces shall be activated by the fire suppression system,
smoke detectors required by Section 437.2.1.3 and by manual controls
provided for the fire department use. The system shall not be activated
by a manual fire alarm system required by Section 1217.0. Manual con-
trols shall be located in the central control station or other location
approved by the fire department.
437.2.1.5 Other approved methods: Any other approved design which
will achieve the same level of smoke control as described in this section
may be used in lieu of these requirements.
437.2.2 Enclosure of atriums: Atrium spaces shall be separated from
adjacent spaces by a one (1) hour fire separation wall. A glass wall
forming a smoke partition may be used in lieu of the required fire separa-
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
tion wall where automatic sprinklers are spaced six (6) feet or less along
both sides of the separation wall, or on the room side only if there is not
a walkway on the atrium side, and not more than one (1) foot away from
the glass and so designed that the entire surface of the glass will be wet
upon activation of the sprinkler system.
Exception: The adjacent spaces of any three (3) floors of the atrium
shall not be required to be separated from the atrium; however, these
spaces shall be included in the atrium volume according to Section 437.2.
437.2.3 Voice alarm: In use groups R-l, R-2 and I, a voice alarm
system complying with the requirements of Section 431.5, Item 1, shall be
required on the floors communicating with the atrium. The alarm shall be
initiated by either the fire suppression system or the activation of two
(2) or more smoke detectors in the atrium.
437.2.4 Travel distance: In other than the lowest level of the atrium,
when the required means of egress is through the atrium space, the
exitway access travel distance shall not exceed one hundred and fifty
(150) feet.
437.3 Floor openings: Floor openings for unenclosed supplemental stair-
ways, except supplemental stairways conforming to Section 616.8, or
escalators conforming to Article 16 shall be permitted when protected on
every floor pierced by the opening with an approved automatic exhaust
system or by other approved smoke control method as herein required to
prevent the passage of products of combustion to the story above.
437.3.1 Smoke control: The approved automatic exhaust system may be
a separate unit or integrated with an approved air handling system and
shall be thermostatically controlled to operate simultaneously with the
detection of fire.
437.3.1.1 Capacity of exhaust system: The exhaust system shall be of
adequate capacity to create a controlled draft in the floor opening with
sufficient velocity of flow over the entire area of the floor opening under
normal conditions of window and door openings in the building.
437.3.1.2 Operation of mechanical system: The exhaust system herein
required shall be so arranged as to automatically stop the operation of the
normal mechanical air handling system and ventilating systems and close
the dampers of the return air duct connection in the event of fire.
437.3.2 Draft stop: An approved draft stop shall be intalled herein at
each story of the floor opening. The draft stop shall enclose the perim-
eter of the opening and shall extend from the ceiling downward at least
eighteen (18) inches on all sides. Automatic sprinklers shall be provided
around the perimeter of the opening and within two (2) feet of the draft
stop. The distance between the sprinklers shall not exceed six (6) feet
center to center.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 438.0 LIMITED GROUP RESIDENCE
438.1 General: A building licensed by or operated by the Department
of Mental Health or the Office for Children, Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts as a limited group residence: this is a special residence to
include residents not capable of self-preservation.
438.1.1 Scope: A limited group residence shall have a mzximum of
twelve (12) residents who are at least four (4) years of age. Not
more than four (4) of the residents shall be impaired; provided,
however, that more than four (4) such residents may be impaired if
the structure complies with Section 438.2. A limited group residence
shall be classified in the R-5 use category for code purposes.
438.1.2 Definitions: The following terms shall have the meaning
indicated for the purpose of Section 438.0:
Existing building or structure: Any completed building or struc-
ture which has been legally occupied and/or legally used for a
period of at least five (5) years. Structures which fail to qualify
with this definition shall comply with Section 438.2.
Resident: A client in need of care who resides in the limited group
residence of the licensing or operation agency. Staff are not
considered as residents under the provisions of Section 438.0. The
licensing agency shall classify all residents in one (1) of the follow-
ing three (3) categories:
Impaired: All residents not capable of self-preservation through
physical, mental and/or developmental disability and requiring
physical assistance to exit the building. All residents under
seven (7) years of age shall be classified as impaired.
Partially impaired: All residents physically, mentally and/or
developmentally disabled but capable of exiting the limited group
residence with either supervision and/or instruction without any
physical assistance.
Unimpaired: All residents capable of exiting the building with-
out physical assistance and/or supervision or instruction by staff
personnel and capable of negotiating any exitway of the limited
group residence.
438.1.3 Application of building code and reference: Except as may
otherwise be specifically provided for in Section 438.0, the Massa-
chusetts State Building Code shall apply in its entirety.
Exception: Article 22 shall not apply.
438.1.4 Mixed use occupancy: A limited group residence shall not be
housed in a building used for any occupancy other than a limited
group residence (R-5).
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
438.1.5 Plans and specifications: Plans shall be filed with the build-
ing official having jurisdiction in accordance with Section 113.0 for any
building to be constructed as, or altered for use as, a limited group
residence under Section 438.0.
438.1.6 Temporary certificate of occupancy: Upon satisfactory com-
pliance with the code sections pertaining to building reguirements , the
building official shall issue a temporary certificate of occupancy in
accordance with Section 119.4 for a period not to exceed ninety (90)
days. This temporary certificate of occupancy specifically prohibits
residents as defined in Section 438.1.2 from inhabiting the building
overnight until the building official issues the certificate of occupancy
under Section 438.1.8.
438.1.7 Rules and regulations of the licensing or operating agency
pertaining to and including, but not limited to, smoking regulations,
staffing ratios, and resident classifications shall be provided to the
building official by the licensing or operating agency prior to the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
438.1.8 Certificate of occupancy: Certificates of occupancy shall only
be issued when a license, if appropriate, and an affidavit from the
Department of Mental Health or the Office for Children, Commonwealth
of Massachusetts have been accepted by the builidng official attesting
to the satisfactory compliance with the applicable rules and regulations
referenced in Section 438.1.7.
438.1.9 Certificate of inspection: Certificates of inspection shall be
issued by the building official in accordance with Section 108.5.1 and
Table 108.
438.1.10 Failure to comply:. The building official immediately upon
being informed by written report or otherwise that a building or
structure or anything attached thereto or connected therewith is being
occupied in violation of this code may revoke or suspend any permit,
license, certificate or other permission regulated by this code and
granted by him, and no such building or structure shall be continued
to be operated after such revocation or suspension. Such revocation
or suspension shall not preclude the building official from instituting
appropriate action in accordance with Section 121.0.
438.2 New structures: All new structures shall be constructed,
eguipped, and maintained to the reguirements of Article 21, Section
438.0 and this code, and shall be limited to one (1) story in height.
Corridors shall be of one (1) hour fireresistive construction.
438.2.1 Other reguirements: New structures shall also satisfy the
general reguirements contained in Sections 438.1 and 438.3.
438.3 Existing structures: Existing structures of any construction up
to three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in height may be converted and
used for limited group residence occupancies. All residents classified
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
as impaired as defined in Section 438.1.2 are restricted to those stories
having direct access to grade without steps or changes in elevation
other than ramps in accordance with Section 315.1.
438.3.1 Third-story utilization: The third (3rd) story of buildings
permitted by Section 438.3 may be only occupied by staff. Other use
of the third (3rd) story is restricted to heating, ventilation units and
ordinary storage. All doors leading to non-resident areas shall be
maintained locked.
438.3.2 Vertical openings: Openings to such spaces as laundry
chutes, dumb-waiters, heating plenums or combustible concealed spaces
shall be permanently blocked with one (1) hour construction, in accor-
dance with the provisions of Article 9, unless such installation is in
compliance with the pertinent provisions of other sections of this code.
438.3.2.1 Firestopping and draftstopping : Firestopping and draft-
stopping shall be provided in accordance with Sections 919.0 and
2103.2.7 or as approved by the building official.
438.3.3 Exitway Details
438.3.3.1 Corridor width: The minimum clear width of an exitway
access corridor shall be three (3) feet.
Exception: In new structures the minimum clear width shall be four
(4) feet.
438.3.3.2 Dead ends: In no case shall dead end corridors exceed
thirty (30) feet. Existing dead end corridors, wherever possible, shall
be altered so that exitways shall be accessible in at least two (2)
different directions from all points in corridors.
438.3.3.3 Corridor walls: Corridor walls that separate use areas from
exitway access corridors shall be of construction that will resist the
passage of smoke.
Exception: Existing openings to congregate living areas, other
than kitchens, shall be allowed to remain open.
438.3.3.4 Sleeping room doors: All sleeping room doors shall be of
construction that will resist the passage of smoke. All doors shall be
equipped with approved positive latching hardware and approved
self-closing devices.
Exceptions :
1. Sleeping room doors may be equipped with approved hold-open
smoke activated devices in accordance with Section 612.5.4.
2. Hollow core doors shall not be permitted.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
438.3.3.5 Means of Egress: All habitable floors shall be provided
with at least two (2) means of egress, located as remote as practicable
from one another. Exitways shall be located to provide a safe path of
travel to a public way without traversing any corridor or space ex-
posed to an unprotected open stairway.
Exceptions :
1. Open stairs may be used as one (1) of the required means of
egress when permitted by Section 438.3.3.6, Exception 3. How-
ever, in no case may both required means of egress traverse the
unprotected open space.
2. Access to one (1) of the required exitways on sleeping room
floors may be through adjoining rooms.
438.3.3.6 Interior exitway stairs: Every story shall be provided
with at least one (1) enclosed interior stairway which discharges
directly to grade or through a grade passageway to a public way.
The enclosed interior stairway(s) shall be of construction having a
minimum fireresistance rating of one (1) hour, properly firestopped.
Spaces below the stairway (s) shall be enclosed to maintain the in-
tegrity of the one (1) hour fireresistive construction of the stairway
enclosure. Stairway (s) openings shall be protected by at least Class
"B" label one (1) hour fire door assemblies.
New stair construction shall comply with Section 616.0. Existing
stairs shall comply with Section 2101.10.8 or as approved by the
building official.
Exceptions :
1. Secondary stairs not considered an exitway component may have
door openings protected by a minimum one and three-eighths (1
3/8) inch solid bonded wood core doors or equivalent; however,
such doors shall be equipped with approved automatic positive
latching hardware and approved self-closing devices.
2. Basement/cellar: Stairway(s) shall be separated from the first
floor by a twenty (20) minute fire rated, self-closing door or its
equivalent.
3. One (1) stairway may be allowed to remain unenclosed to pre-
serve functional and aesthetic requirements.
438.3.3.7 Door widths: No single egress door in a doorway shall be
less than twenty-eight (28) inches wide.
Exceptions :
1. Exitway door leaves shall not be less than thirty-four (34)
inches wide.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. Door leaves to resident bedrooms occupied by residents who are
classified as "Impaired" shall not be less than thirty-four (34)
inches wide.
438.3.3.8 Basement/cellar: Basements/cellars shall be provided with
at least two (2) acceptable exitways, one (1) of which shall discharge
directly to the outside of the building.
Exception: Basement/cellar areas with only one (1) existing en-
trance from the outside only, and used solely as a mechanical space
shall be permitted to maintain only one (1) doorway which shall be
maintained locked as an entrance/exitway .
438.3.3.9 Emergency escape: All sleeping rooms shall have at least
one (1) openable window or exterior door to permit smoke control,
emergency escape, or rescue. A required door or window must be
openable from the inside without the use of separate tools, and shall
comply with Section 609.4.
438.3.3.10 Means of egress lighting: Means of egress lighting sys-
tems shall be provided in accordance with Section 624.0.
438.3.3.11 Locks: Locks installed in resident sleeping room doors
shall be so arranged that they can be locked from the corridor side.
All such locks shall be arranged to permit exit from the room by a
simple operation without the use of a key. Double cylinder dead bolts
requiring key operation on both sides are prohibited throughout this
occupancy .
438.3.4 Interior finish: The flame spread of interior finish shall be
limited to Class II in exitways or exit access corridors. Rooms shall
be permitted to have interior finish of a Class III flame spread. Floor
coverings shall conform to the requirements of Section 920.7 except
that carpei type floor coverings shall possess a critical radiant flux of
0.22 w/cm or greater.
438.3.5 Fire suppression systems: Automatic fire suppression systems
shall be provided and installed in accordance with NFiPA Standard No.
13D, 1980 edition.
Additions :
1. Exceptions listed in NFiPA Standard No. 13D applicable to
dwellings shall not apply.
2. A water flow detector, connected to the fire alarm system, shall
be provided.
3. NFiPA Standard No. 13D, Sections 4-6; Exception 1 shall not
apply.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4. The control valve(s) shall be secured in the open position.
438.3.6 Fire alarm system: A manual fire alarm system shall be
provided and installed in accordance with Section 1217.0 and speci-
fically NFiPA Standard No. 72A as listed in Appendix I.
438.3.7 Automatic protection alarm system: Approved smoke detectors
shall be installed in accordance with Section 1216.0 and specifically
NFiPA Standard No. 72E as listed in Appendix I in the following loca-
tions :
1. exitway access corridors not more than thirty (30) feet on
center ;
2. congregate living areas other than kitchens;
3. at least one (1) detector in all basement/cellar areas; and
4. all sleeping rooms.
Exception: Smoke detectors used in combination with automatic
closing devices may be substituted in each area aforementioned for
the protection herein reguired.
438.3.8 Fire department connection: All automatic and manual fire
alarm systems shall be electrically interconnected; this combined system
shall automatically transmit an alarm to the municipal fire department
or to such other outside assistance as may be available. Such connec-
tion shall be made in accordance with NFiPA Standard Nos. 71 or 72B
or 72C as listed in Appendix I.
438.3.9 Heating devices: Portable comfort heating devices and solid
fuel burning appliances are prohibited. Any heating device, other
than a central heating plant, shall be so designed and installed that
combustible material will not be ignited by it or its appurtenances. If
fuel-fired, such heating devices shall be chimney or vent connected,
shall take air for combustion directly from the outside, and shall be so
designed and installed to provide for complete separation of the com-
bustion system from the atmosphere of the occupied area. The heating
system shall have safety devices to immediately stop the flow of fuel
and shut down the eguipment in case of either excessive temperature
or ignition failure.
Exceptions :
1. Approved suspended unit heaters may be used in locations other
than means of egress and sleeping areas, provided such heaters
are located high enough to be out of the reach of persons using
the area and provided they are eguipped with the safety devices
specified in Section 438.3.9.
1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 199.6
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. Fireplaces which comply with Sections 1007.0 and 2108.0 may be
used only in areas other than resident sleeping rooms. The
fireplaces shall be equipped with a heat tempered glass fireplace
enclosure guaranteed against breakage up to a temperature of
650 Farenheit. A lock on the enclosure shall be required.
438.3.10 Fire drills: The licensing or operating agency shall require
that fire drills be held with sufficient frequency so as to familiarize all
residents and staff personnel with emergency procedures. Drills shall
be held at unexpected times under varying conditions to simulate the
unpredictable conditions which may occur in case of fire, including
blocking of any point of any means of egress.
438.3.10.1 Log: A log shall be kept of all fire drills and shall be
available for inspection and duplication by the building official, fire
official, and other parties having jurisdiction.
438.3.10.2 The resident manager shall record in said log the names of
any authorized inspectors who may have been present and the names
or identifying numbers of the residents who participated.
4/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 199.7
♦
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 439.0 DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES
439.1 General: A detoxification facility is a facility licensed or operated by the
Department of Public Health, Division of Alcoholism in accordance with the Rules
fnd Regulations for Detoxification Facilities issued by the Department of Public
health, Division of Alcoholism, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and shall be
used to treat individuals acceptable to the program in accordance with those
Rules and Regulations.
439.2 Scope: Detoxification facilities shall be subject to the requirements of
this section for new and existing buildings which are to be used or operated as
licensed facilities. This section shall establish the requirements applicable to
«uch facilities. Where specific reference is made to other sections of the Massa-
hussetts State Building Code, to reference standards or other regulations,
hose requirements cited shall apply. Where no reference is specifically made,
this code, including Article 22, shall apply.
439.3 Classification of Residents: All residents enrolled in the detoxification
program shall be identified according to one of the following classifications when
evaluated by the facility personnel in accordance with the Rules and Regulations
for Detoxification Facilities of the Division of Alcoholism of the Department of
Public Health:
1 . Impaired
2. Partially Impaired
3 . Unimpaired
439.4 Definitions: The following terms shall have the meaning indicated for the
purpose of this section:
Impaired: Anyone who will require assistance to egress the building.
Partially Impaired: Anyone who may require assistance to egress the
building.
I
Unimpaired: Anyone who appears able to egress the building without
assistance.
39.5 Use group classification: Detoxification facilities licensed and approved in
accordance with these provisions shall be classified in the R-l use group.
439.6 Mixed use occupancy: A portion of a building may be used for a detoxi-
fication facility provided that it is completely separated from the rest of the
building by both horizontal and vertical fire division assemblies of at least one
) hour fireresistance rating.
I
Exception: Detoxification facilities shall not be located in buildings in
which any of the following use groups are located: A-2, F, H, or S-l.
439.7 Submission of plans: Plans shall be filerf, with the building official in
accordance with Section 113.0 for any building to be constructed as, or altered
*
71/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 199.8
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
for use as, a detoxification facility under Section 439.0. The plans shall also
identify those rooms which comply with these regulations for use by the im-
paired.
439.8 Inspection and certification: The building official shall inspect and cen*
tify detoxification facilities once every two years Fees shall be applied in accor^
ance with Table 108 for the R-l Use Group.
439.9 Resident location limitations: In buildings used as detoxification facilities
in accordance with these provisions, resident locations shall be limited according
to the use and type of construction as provided in Table 439.9. All heights are
in stories above grade. All buildings used as detoxification facilities in accord-
ance with these provisions shall be accessible to the Fire Department wherevej
escape windows are required.
TABLE 439.9
RESIDENT SLEEPING ROOM LOCATION LIMITATION FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
1A
»
2A
2B
2C
3A
3B
3C
4A
4B
Impaired
NO
LIMIT
8
St.
4
St.
2
St.
1
St.
2
St.
2
St.'
1
St.
1
St.
1*
St.
Partially Impaired
NO
LIMIT
NO
LIMIT
8
St.
3
St.
1
St.
3
St.
3
St.
2
St.
2
St.
1
St.
Unimpaired
NO
LTMIT
NO
LIMIT
9
St.
4
|st.
3
St.
4
St.
4
St.
3
St.
3
St.
2
St.
1
Note: * Impaired sleeping rooms in 4B construction require either fu.
building sprinklering or one (1) hour fire rated separation for flooi
and ceiling of sleeping room walls.
439.9.1 Sprinklered buildings: Buildings which are completely sprinklered ma}
have resident locations one story higher than allowed in Table 439.9.
439.9.2 Sleeping room limitations: Sleeping facilities in building licensed I
use as detoxification facilities shall not be located below the first story.
439.10 Egress: At least two (2) exitways located as remote as practicable fror
each other shall be provided from each floor of the building.
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81)
199.9
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
)
439.10.1 Every room used for sleeping for the impaired and partially impaired
shall have an exitway access door leading directly to an exitway access corridor:
Exceptions :
1. Rooms having a means of egress doorway leading directly to the
exterior of the building at grade.
2. Rooms having a means of egress doorway leading directly to the
exterior of the building above grade and connected directly to grade
by means of an exterior stairway in accordance with Section 619.
439.10.2 All other sleeping rooms: All other sleeping rooms shall comply with
the reguirements of Article 6 in accordance with the provisions for the R-l use
-roup .
»
i
39.10.3 Corridors shall provide at least thirty-six (36) inches minimum nominal
width.
439.10.4 All means of egress doorways shall be thirty-two (32) inches minimum
nominal width.
Exception: Egress doorways from impaired sleeping rooms shall be
thirty-six (36) inches minimum nominal width.
439.10.5 Every reguired exitway access corridor shall have a one (1) hour
fire-resistance rating and shall provide access to at least two (2) approved
exitways without passing through any intervening rooms or spaces other than
corridors and lobbies.
Exception: In buildings with a complete sprinkler system, exitway
access corridors not reguired for the impaired or partially impaired
may be separated from other use areas by non-fire rated partitions.
439.10.6 Stairways: Where not otherwise specified in this section, stairways
I reguired as a means of egress shall be subject to these reguirements :
: 439.10.6.1 Stairways reguired to provide egress for the impaired shall be at
fcast thirty-six (36) inches minimum nominal width. The total capacity of the
stairways shall be adeguate for the occupancy load served.
439.10.6.2 Stairway enclosures shall have a fireresistance rating of one (1)
hour for buildings not exceeding three (3) stories in height, and two (2) hours
for buildings exceeding three (3) stories in height.
439.10.6.3 Doors to the reguired exitway stairways shall comply with the pro-
Iftsions of Section 616.6.3.
1439.11 Interior finish: Interior finish reguirements shall comply with Table
439.11
I
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) ;994Q
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
.
Exceptions:
1. In buildings which are completely sprinklered, the interior finish
requirements may be reduced one (1) level except in sleeping rooms
for the impaired.
2. The interior finish classifications in existing buildings may A
improved one (1) level by the use of fire retardant coatings whi^j
have been approved when tested in accordance with ASTM E-84.
TABLE A39.ll
INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS
LOCATION
WALLS
FLOOR
CEILING
Sleeping rooms, Impaired
II
II2
II j
Corridors, Impaired
I
ll
I
i
Sleeping Rooms, Partially Impaired
I
ll
I
;
Corridors, Partially Impaired
I
ll
1
All Other Exitway Access Corridors
II
Il2
II
Stairways
I
ll
I
Note 1: Carpet type floor coverings shall withstand a test exposure oil
0.45 watts per square centimeter when tested in accordance with|
Section 904.3.
Note 2: Carpet type floor coverings shall withstand a test exposure o:f
0.22 watts per square centimeter when tested in accordance wit
Section 904.3.
439.12 Fire alarm systems: Manual and automatic fire alarm systems shall
provided in accordance with Sections 1216.0 and 1217.0 as they apply to Usi
Group R-l.
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81)
199.11
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
I
I
Exceptions:
1. In rooms for the impaired and partially impaired the heat detectors
required by Section 1216.3.2.1 (7) (b) shall be replaced with approved
smoke detectors.
2. Buildings or portions thereof with twenty-five (25) beds or less
shall have as a minimum a Type II system as described in Section
1216.3.2.3 (2): buildings with twenty-six (26) beds or more shall have
as a minimum a Type I system as described in Section 1216.3.2.3 (1).
3. All buildings or portions thereof regardless of the number of beds
shall incorporate manual pull stations in conformance with Section
1216.3.2.4.
9.12.1 All automatic and manual fire alarm systems shall be electrically inter-
^ nnected; this combined system shall automatically transmit an alarm to the
municipal fire department or to another approved source of assistance. Such
communication shall be made in accordance with NFiPA Standards Nos. 71 or 72B
or 72C as listed in Appendix I.
439.13 Means of egress lighting: Means of egress lighting including an emer-
gency lighting system shall be provided throughout the facility in accordance
with Section 624.
439.14 Smoke enclosure doors: Smoke enclosure doors shall be tight-fitting
with approved hardware.
439.15 Heating apparatus: The use of portable heaters, solid fuel burning room
heaters and fireplaces shall be prohibited.
439.16 Sprinkler systems: Where a complete building sprinkler system is in-
stalled, it shall comply with the provisions of NFiPA Standard No. 13, 1976
edition as referenced in Appendix I.
439.16.1 All rooms used for sleeping for the impaired shall be sprinklered.
Exception: A partial system required for impaired sleeping rooms may
be provided with a sprinkler system serving no more than six (6)
■ sprinklers, which may be connected directly to a domestic water sup-
ply system having a capacity sufficient to provide 0.15 gallons per
minute per square foot of floor area throughout the entire area. An
indicating shut-off valve shall be installed in an accessible location
between the sprinklers and the connection to the domestic water supply.
♦
I
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 199.12
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 5
LIGHT, VENTILATION AND SOUND
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
SECTION 500.0 GENERAL
500.1 Scope: The provision of this article shall govern the means of
light and ventilation required in all habitable and occupiable spaces and
rooms. Every building and structure hereafter erected and every build-
ing room or space which is changed in use shall be constructed, arranged
and equipped to conform to the requirements of this article and the
applicable standards listed in Appendix B.
500.2 Conflicting laws: The provisions in this article shall not be con-
strued to nullify the provisions of any other law or ordinance regulating
yards, courts, or other spaces required for light or ventilation; but the
provisions specifying the greater requirements shall control the construc-
tion.
500.3 Buildings on same lot: If more than one (1) building is hereafter
placed on a lot, or if a building is placed on the same lot with existing
buildings, the several buildings may be treated as a single structure for
the purpose of this article, provided equivalent uncovered lot area or
other adequate sources of light and ventilation are furnished for all
habitable and occupiable spaces and rooms.
500.4 Other standards: Compliance with the applicable provisions of the
standards listed in Appendix B shall be deemed to meet the requirements
of this article, unless otherwise specifically provided herein.
SECTION 501.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
501.1 General: Plans for all buildings and structures other than one-
and two-family and multi-family dwellings, which are designed for human
occupancy, shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated
in the various rooms and spaces, and when means of artificial lighting
and ventilation are required, the application shall include sufficient de-
tails and description of the mechanical system to be installed as herein
required or as specified in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 502.0 STANDARDS OF NATURAL LIGHT
502.1 General: In the application of the provisions of this article, the
standard of natural light for all habitable and occupiable rooms, unless
otherwise specifically required by the provisions of Article 4 for special
uses and occupancies, shall be based on two hundred and fifty (250) foot
candles of illumination on the vertical plane adjacent to the exterior of the
light transmitting device in the enclosure wall and shall be adequate to
provide an average illumination of six (6) foot candles over the area of
the room at a height of thirty (30) inches above the floor level.
9/1/80 200
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 503.0 STANDARDS OF NATURAL VENTILATION
503.1 General: In the application of the provisions of this article, the
standard of natural ventilation for all habitable and occupiable rooms shall
be based on a volume of four hundred (400) cubic feet of air per occu-
pant with ventilating skylights, monitors, louvres, windows, transoms,
doors or other alternate ventilating devices located in the exterior walls
or on the roof of the building as provided in Sections 506.0 to 514.0
inclusive.
SECTION 504.0 ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AND VENTILATION
504.1 When required: When natural light and ventilation do not meet the
minimum requirements of this code, or when rooms, which by use or
occupancy, involve the presence of dust, fumes, gases, vapors or other
noxious or deleterious impurities that create a fire or health hazard, or
when required by the provisions of Article 4 for special uses, the build-
ing shall be equipped with artificial light and mechanical means of ventila-
tion under the conditions and of the minimum capacity prescribed herein
and in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
504.2 Operation of ventilating systems: Where mechanical ventilation is
accepted as an alternate for natural means of ventilation, or is required
under the conditions herein prescribed, the system, equipment and distri-
buting ducts shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Arti-
cle 10 and the mechanical code listed in Appendix B. Ventilating systems
shall be kept in operation at all times during normal occupancy of the
building or space so used.
504.3 Habitable rooms: The glazed areas of windows and exterior doors
in habitable rooms and spaces need not be openable where an approved
mechanical ventilation system is provided capable of producing two (2)
changes of air per hour. Recirculation of not more than seventy-five
(75) per cent of the air supplied may be permitted in habitable rooms
except kitchens, provided the air recirculated does not come from a
plenum or system fed with air returned from habitable rooms occupied by
other families, or from the stairways or common hallways; except that
recirculation of one hundred (100) per cent of the air supplied may be
permitted if the system supplies only a single dwelling unit.
SECTION 505.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
505.1 Unsafe conditions: In all existing rooms or spaces in which the
provisions for light and ventilation do not meet the requirements of this
article and which, in the opinion of the building official, are dangerous to
the health and safety of the occupants, he shall order the required
repairs or installations to render the building or structure livable for the
posted use and occupancy load.
9/1/80 201
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
505.2 Alterations: A building shall not hereafter be altered or re-
arranged so as to reduce either the size of a room, or the fresh air
supply, or the amount of available natural light to less than that reguired
for buildings hereafter erected; or to create an additional room unless
made to conform to the reguirements of Section 506.0. The building
official may permit new rooms to be of the same height as existing rooms
in the same story unless in his opinion greater provision of artificial light
and ventilation is deemed necessary to insure healthful living conditions.
505.3 Uncovered yard and court area: A building shall not be hereafter
enlarged, nor shall the lot on which it is located be diminished so as to
decrease the reguired courts or yards to less than that prescribed in this
article for the lighting and ventilation of new buildings.
SECTION 506.0 NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION OF ROOMS
506.1 Window and skylights: All habitable and occupiable rooms or
spaces shall contain windows, skylights, monitors, glazed doors, tran-
soms, glass block panels or other light transmitting media opening to the
sky or on a public street, yard or court complying with the provisions of
this article. The light transmitting properties and the area of the devi-
ces used shall be adeguate to meet the minimum daylighting and ventila-
ting reguirements specified herein and in the approved rules.
506.2 Window size: Windows and exterior doors may be used as a natu-
ral means of light and ventilation, and when so used their aggregate
glass area shall amount to not less than eight (8) per cent of the floor
area served, and with not less than one-half (1/2) of this reguired area
available for unobstructed ventilation.
506.3 Openings on yards and courts: In order to be credited as a
source of natural light or ventilation under the provisions of this article,
a window or any other approved device shall open directly on a public
street, alley or other open public space, or on a yard or court located on
the same lot or plot complying with the reguirements of Sections 516.0,
517.0 and 518.0.
506.4 Alternate devices: In place of the means for natural light and
ventilation herein prescribed, alternate arrangement of windows, louvres,
or other methods and devices that will provide the eguivalent minimum
performance reguirements shall be permitted when complying with the
code.
506.5 Room dimensions
506.5.1 Ceiling heights: Habitable (space) rooms, other than kitchens,
storage rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less
than seven (7) feet three (3) inches. Hallways, corridors, bathrooms,
water closet rooms , and kitchens shall have a ceiling height of not less
than seven (7) feet measured to the lowest projection from the ceiling.
9/1/80 202
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
If any room in a building has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed ceiling
height for the room is reguired in only one-half (1/2) the area thereof.
No portion of the room measuring less than five (5) feet from the finished
floor to the finished ceiling shall be included in any computation of the
minimum area thereof.
If any room has a furred ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height is re-
quired in two-thirds (2/3) of the area thereof, but in no case shall the
height of the furred ceiling be less than seven (7) feet.
506.5.2 Floor area: Habitable rooms except kitchens shall have an area
of not less than seventy (70) square feet between enclosing walls of
partitions, exclusive of closet and storage spaces.
506.5.3 Width: No habitable room other than a kitchen shall be less
than seven (7) feet in any dimension.
SECTION 507.0 LIGHTING AND VENTING OF SPECIAL SPACES
507.1 Alcove rooms: When alcove rooms open without obstruction into
adjoining rooms, the required window openings to the outer air shall be
based on the combined floor area of room and alcove. An alcove space
shall not be more than sixty (60) square feet in area and the opening to
the adjoining room shall be not less than eighty (80) per cent of the
superficial area of the dividing wall, unless provided with separate means
of light and ventilation.
507.2 Attic ventilation: Enclosed attics, and enclosed rafter spaces
formed where ceilings are applied direct to the underside of the roof
rafters, shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventila-
ting openings protected against the entrance of rain and snow, sized by
the following criteria:
1. With a ceiling vapor barrier installed: attics with a ceiling vapor
barrier shall be ventilated with screened openings of at least one
(1) square foot of free vent area for each three hundred (300)
square feet of ceiling area.
2. Without a ceiling vapor barrier installed: attics without a ceiling
vapor barrier installed shall be ventilated with screened openings of
at least one (1) square foot of free vent area for each one hundred
and fifty (150) square feet of ceiling area.
3. Flat roofs: blocking and bridging shall be arranged so as not to
interfere with the movement of air. Such roofs shall be ventilated
along the overhanging eaves with at least one (1) square foot of
free vent area for each two hundred and fifty (250) square feet of
ceiling area.
9/1/80 203
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4. Eave vents: when eave vents are installed, adquate baffling shall
be provided to deflect the incoming air above the surface of the
insulation. Baffles shall be installed prior to insulation, and shall
be installed over the exterior wall at an angle to provide a two (2)
inch minimum clearance under the roof deck for upward flow of
ventilation air to the fixed vents in the upper portion of the attic.
The ridge or gable vent must be at least three (3) feet above the
level of the eave vents.
507.3 Underfloor space ventilation: Enclosed underfloor spaces shall
have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating openings
protected against the entrance of rain and snow, sized by the following
criteria.
1. With a ground vapor barrier: underfloor spaces with a vapor
barrier installed on the ground surface shall be ventilated with
screened openings of one (1) square foot of vent area for each
fifteen hundred (1500) square feet of crawl space.
2. Without a ground vapor barrier: underfloor spaces without a vapor
barrier installed on the ground surface shall be ventilated with
screened openings of one (1) square foot of vent area for each fifty
(50) square feet of crawl space.
SECTION 508.0 BASEMENTS AND CELLARS
508.1 General: Except as may be otherwise specified for habitable or
occupiable rooms or specifically provided in Article 4 for special uses, the
glass window area in basements and cellars, except crawl spaces as pro-
vided in Section 507.3, shall be not less than one-fiftieth (1/50) of the
floor area served, and provisions shall be made for fresh air supply
prescribed for specific uses in Section 514.0 and the mechanical code
listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 509.0 BUSINESS AND WORK ROOMS
509.1 General: Offices, stores, mercantile and salesrooms, restaurants,
markets, bakeries, hotel and restaurant kitchens, factories, workshops,
machinery and boiler rooms shall be provided with the required windows
specified in Section 506.0 for habitable and occupiable rooms, opening
directly on a street or required yard or court; or such rooms shall be
equipped with an approved system of mechanical ventilation complying
with Section 504.0 and the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 510.0 ASSEMBLY ROOMS
510.1 General: In addition to the requirements of Article 4 for special
uses, the required windows or other approved devices for natural ventila-
tion shall be distributed as equally as practicable on at least two (2)
9/1/80 204
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
sides of the room; and artificial lighting shall comply with the require-
ments of this article and Article 15.
SECTION 511.0 ROOMS OF INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
511.1 General: In buildings of the institutional use group, every habi-
table and occupiable room shall be provided with light and ventilation as
herein provided, except that in buildings used for enforced detention of
people (use group 1-1) indirect openings to the street or court may be
permitted through intermediate corridors or by other approved means of
light and ventilation.
SECTION 512.0 BATH AND TOILET ROOMS
512.1 General: Every bath and toilet room shall be lighted and ventila-
ted by one (1) of the methods prescribed in Sections 512.2 through
512.7.
512.2 Exterior windows: Windows opening to the outer air as provided
in Section 506.0 but not less than three (3) square feet in area.
512.3 Vent shaft windows: Windows as provided in Section 506.0 but not
less than three (3) square feet in area, opening on a vent shaft with a
cross-sectional area of one (1) square foot for every foot in height, but
not less than nine (9) square feet in area, open to the outer air at top
or constructed with equivalent side louvre openings.
512.4 Vents and ducts: Individual vents or ducts constructed of ap-
proved noncombustible materials complying with Section 1009.0 with a
minimum cross-sectional area of one-half (1/2) square foot and one-third
(1/3) additional square foot for each additional water closet or urinal
above two (2) in number. Such ducts shall be of adequate height and so
located as to insure a minimum supply of two (2) cubic feet of fresh air
per square foot of room area.
512.5 Skylights: A skylight of approved noncombustible construction
complying with Section 925.3, and not less than three (3) square feet in
area with ventilating opening.
512.6 Mechanical ventilating systems: Any system of mechanical or
gravity ventilation capable of producing a change of air every 12 minutes
in private bathrooms. Public bathroom mechanical ventilation systems
shall comply with the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
512.6.1 Recirculation: Recirculation of air supplied to toilet rooms,
bathrooms and rest rooms shall not be permitted.
512.7 Artificial lighting: Illumination shall be provided in all toilet rooms
to afford an average intensity of three (3) foot candles measured at a
level thirty (30) inches above the floor.
9/1/80 205
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 513.0 STAIRWAYS AND EXITWAYS
513.1 Residential and institutional buildings
513.1.1 Windows: In all multi-family dwellings (use group R-2) and in
institutional buildings for the care or treatment of people (use group 1-2)
required interior stairways shall be provided with windows to the outer
air having a glass area of not less than ten (10) square feet which opens
on a required street, alley, yard or court, or with the equivalent source
of light for each story through which the stairway passes; and such
additional artificial lighting to provide the equivalent illumination at all
times that the building is occupied as specified in Section 624.0 and
Article 15.
513.1.2 Skylights: When the building is not more than three (3) stories
in height, a ventilating skylight of the required area may be used in lieu
of windows.
513.1.3 Hallways: Hallways shall have at least one (1) window opening
directly on a street or on a required yard or court in each story, located
so that light penetrates the full length of the hallway, with additional
windows for each change of direction of the hallway; or the equivalent
artificial lighting shall be provided. Every recess or return with a depth
or length which exceeds twice the width of the hall, and every corridor
separately shut off by a door, shall be treated as a separate hall in
applying the provisions of this section.
513.1.4 Mechanical ventilating systems: All exitways and common corri-
dors in multi-family dwellings (use group R-2) and in institutional build-
ings (use group I) shall be provided with not less than one (1) cubic
foot per minute of fresh air per square foot of floor area. Not more than
seventy-five (75) per cent of the air supplied shall be recirculated. For
institutional (Use Group I) buildings where controlled environmental
conditions, such as air-conditioning, are provided, mechanical ventilating
systems for corridors and exitways shall comply to the applicable refer-
ence standard as listed in Appendix B of this code.
513.2 Business and assembly buildings: All stairway enclosures shall
conform to the requirements of Articles 6 and 9 for construction and shall
have the means of artificial illumination to meet the requirements of this
article and Article 15.
513.3 Intensity of illumination: In all required exitways, except in
one-and two-family dwellings, and wherever natural lighting is not avail-
able, artificial lighting shall be provided to furnish not less than three
(3) foot candles at the floor level of all required exitways.
SECTION 514.0 REQUIRED FRESH AIR SUPPLY
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514.1 General: Mechanical or gravity systems of ventilation shall provide
the minimum air changes per hour specified in this code and the mechani-
cal code listed in Appendix B. Recirculation of air supplied to kitchens,
lavatories, toilet rooms, bathrooms, rest rooms, laboratories and garages
shall not be permitted.
SECTION 515.0 VENTILATION OF SHAFTS OTHER THAN ELEVATOR
AND DUMBWAITER HOISTWAYS
515.1 General: All enclosed vertical shafts extending through more than
two (2) stories of every building or structure, except elevator or dumb-
waiter hoistways, shall be automatically vented to the outer air as herein
required or as specified in Section 910.0.
515.2 Extending to roof: Shaft enclosures extending to the roof shall be
provided with a metal skylight constructed to comply with Section 925.3
or with windows of equivalent area or with other approved automatic
means of removing hot air and gases.
515.3 Thermostatic control: The automatic operation of fire shutters,
skylights and other vent relief devices may be controlled by fusible links
designed to operate at a fixed temperature of not more than one hundred
and sixty (160) degrees F., or by electric or pneumatic operation under a
rapid rise in temperature at a rate of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees
F. per minute or by other approved methods.
515.4 Not extending to roof: Shaft enclosures not extending to the roof
shall be provided with gas and smoke relief vents or adequate mechanical
means of ventilation in conformity to the provisions of Section 910.6 and
the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 516.0 COURTS
516.1 General: All courts required to serve rooms for light and ventila-
tion purposes shall comply with the requirements of this section.
516.2 Width of court
516.2.1 Minimum width: Every such court shall have a minimum width of
three (3) inches for each foot of height or fraction thereof but not less
than five (5) feet for outer courts and twice these values for inner
courts .
516.2.2 Irregular court width: In the case of irregular or gore-shaped
courts, the required minimum width of a court may be deemed to be the
average width, provided that such a court shall not be less than five (5)
feet at any point.
516.3 Area of court: The cross-sectional area of a required court shall
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be not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the square of its width;
nor shall the length of any court be more than twice its width.
516.4 Access to court: A door or other means of access shall be provid-
ed at the bottom of every court that is not otherwise conveniently acces-
sible for purposes of cleaning.
516.5 Air intakes to court
516.5.1 Inner court: Every court serving one (1) or more habitable
rooms that does not open for its full height on one (1) or more sides to a
street or legal yard shall be connected at or near the bottom with a
street or yard by a horizontal intake or passage of fireresistive construc-
tion. Such intake or passageway shall have a cross-sectional area of not
less than twenty-one (21) square feet, and shall remain fully open at
both ends and unobstructed for its full size and length, except that
grilles of noncombustible construction complying with the approved rules
may be permitted at the ends of the intake.
516.5.2 Fireresistance: The walls, floors and ceilings of such intakes or
passages shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than two (2) hours
in buildings of Types 1, 2 or 3 construction and not less than one (1)
hour in Type 4 construction.
516.6 Court walls: When, in the opinion of the building official, win-
dows facing on courts do not receive adequate direct light by reason of
peculiar arrangement or orientation, he may require the walls to be con-
structed of light colored masonry, or to be painted and maintained a light
color to furnish additional reflected light.
516.7 Court drainage: The bottom of every court shall be properly
graded and drained to a public sewer or other approved disposal system
complying with the plumbing code listed in Appendix P; and shall be
paved with concrete or other non-absorbent material when required by
the building official.
SECTION 517.0 REAR YARDS
517.1 Residential and institutional buildings: At the rear of every
building hereafter erected to be occupied as a one- and two-family or
multi-family dwelling (use groups R-2 and R-3), or institutional building
(use group I), there shall be maintained a yard of the minimum dimensions
herein prescribed. When such yard serves as a required light and venti-
lation court, its minimum dimensions shall be those required for a court in
this article.
517.1.1 Depth of yards: The depth of a required yard between the
extreme rear of the building and the rear lot line shall be not less than
fifteen (15) feet at any point for a height of thirty-five (35) feet, and
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shall increase four (4) inches in depth for each additional foot of height
above that limit; except that for a corner lot the minimum depth shall be
not less than ten (10) feet. When the lot is less than sixty-five (65) feet
in depth, the required yard may be diminished six (6) inches in depth
for each foot less than sixty-five (65) feet.
517.2 Other use groups: In buildings of other use groups, rear yards
shall be provided to serve all habitable and occupiable rooms requiring
light and ventilation from such source. Except for basements, such
yards shall have a depth of not less than ten (10) feet for a height of
thirty-five (35) feet and shall increase three (3) inches for each addi-
tional foot of height above that level.
SECTION 518.0 OBSTRUCTION OF COURTS AND YARDS
518.1 Permissible projections: Every required court and yard shall
remain unobstructed for its required area and full height, except for the
projections permitted in Section 311.0. In residential and institutional
buildings, clothes poles, arbors, garden trellises and other such accesso-
ries shall not be prohibited in the open spaces at ground level.
518.2 Motor vehicle parking: When approved by the building official,
required court and yard areas may be used for automobile parking spaces
or private garages not exceeding one (1) story in height when accessory
to and only for the use of the occupants of a residential building, provid-
ed required windows for light and ventilation are not obstructed thereby.
SECTION 519.0 FIRE EMERGENCY VENTILATING SYSTEM
519.1 Common corridors: In all buildings and structures herein required
to have fire emergency ventilating systems, the common corridors shall be
constructed with:
1. vertical fire vent stacks and lateral fire vent ducts as herein pro-
vided, or
2. windows to the outer air, or
3. mechanical ventilating or exhaust systems or
4. other equivalent approved means for dissipating smoke, heated air
and toxic gases directly to the outer air in the event of fire.
519.2 Where required: Fire emergency ventilating systems shall be
provided as described below:
1. In buildings used for 1-1 and 1-2 (institutional) use groups which:
a. exceed three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in height; and
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b. exceed ten thousand (10,000) square feet in floor area; and
c. are occupied by more than fifty (50) persons above the first
floor, or have more than twenty-five (25) sleeping rooms above
the first floor.
2. In buildings used for R-l and R-2 (hotel and apartment house) use
groups which:
a. same as l.a. above;
b. same as l.b. above;
c. same as I.e. above.
3. In all fully enclosed industrial buildings without provision of ex-
terior openings for ventilation purposes.
519.3 Fire vent ducts: When the common corridors and exitways are not
ventilated by windows opening directly to the outer air as required in
Section 513.0, a system of collecting fire ducts shall be provided in each
story of aggregate size to remove the smoke, hot air and noxious fumes
or gases in event of fire. Each duct shall be not less than one (1)
square foot in area located in the common hallways, with screened open-
ings complying with the approved rules, constructed as provided for hot
air ducts in Section 1009.0.
519.4 Thermostatic operation: When not connected to a vent stack, the
inlet openings on each story shall be controlled by automatic heat-opera-
ted devices as required in Section 515.3 and in accordance with the
approved rules.
519.5 Fire vent stacks: When the fire ducts do not discharge directly to
the outer air in each story, one (1) or more fire vent stacks of adequate
capacity shall be installed to accommodate the discharge from the fire duct
system in any one (1) floor or enclosed fire area, but an individual stack
shall not be less than four (4) square feet in area, and all stacks shall
terminate in an approved automatic cowl or ventilator outlet above the
roof.
519.6 Location of stacks: The vent stack shall be located in as central a
position as practicable with respect to the floor area vented thereby,
preferably in the vicinity of vertical shafts, and shall extend continuously
to the roof.
519.7 Vent control of stacks: The vent control of the vertical stacks
shall consist of approved noncombustible dampers, shutters, or glazed
metal sash designed to open outwardly, located not less than twenty (20)
feet distant from window openings or exitway doors in adjoining walls,
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and shall be equipped with a thermostatic unit arranged to open at a
predetermined rate of temperature rise in accordance with the approved
rules. Auxiliary mechanical means for manual operation of all vent con-
trols shall be provided in an accessible location designated by the build-
ing official.
519.8 Stack construction: The stack enclosure shall be constructed to
be vapor and smoke tight with walls of not less than two (2) hour fire-
resistance rating, and without openings other than the fire duct inlets
and the top automatic ventilator outlet.
519.9 Mechanical exhaust systems: When mechanical exhaust is required
to operate the emergency ventilating system either in horizontal ducts or
vertical vent stacks, the installation shall be thermostatically controlled
and installed in accordance with the provisions of the mechanical code
listed in Appendix B and the approved rules.
SECTION 520.0 FIRE VENTILATION OF OPEN WELLS
520.1 through 520.6 deleted.
SECTION 521.0 WINDOW CLEANING SAFEGUARDS
521.1 General: All buildings and structures shall be designed to comply
with the Dept. of Labor and Industry's Rules and Regulations for the
Prevention of Accidents in Window Cleaning, (Industrial Bulletin No. 21),
441 CMR 19.00.
SECTION 522.0 SOUND TRANSMISSION CONTROL
IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
522.1 Scope: This section shall apply to all common interior walls,
partitions and floor-ceiling constructions between adjacent tenant units or
between a tenant unit and adjacent public areas such as halls, corridors,
stairs or service areas in all residential occupancies.
522.2 Airborne noise: Walls, partitions and floor-ceiling constructions
separating tenant units from each other or from public or service areas
shall have a sound transmission class (STC) of not less than forty-five
(45) for airborne noise. This requirement shall not apply to dwelling
unit entrance doors. However, such doors shall be tight fitting to the
frame and sill.
522.2.1 Tested assemblies: All walls, partitions and floor-ceiling con-
structions tested in accordance with the applicable standard ASTM E90
listed in Appendix C and which meet the requirements for a forty-five
(45) STC rating shall be considered as meeting the requirements of this
section.
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522.3 Structureborne sound: Floor-ceiling constructions between tenant
units and between a tenant and public or service areas within the struc-
ture shall have an impact insulation class (IIC) rating of not less than
forty-five (45).
522.3.1 Tested assemblies: All floor-ceiling constructions tested in
accordance with the applicable standard ASTM E492 listed in Appendix C
and which meet the requirements for a forty-five (45) IIC rating shall be
considered as meeting the requirements of this section.
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ARTICLE 6
MEANS OF EGRESS
SECTION 600.0 GENERAL
600.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control the design,
construction and arrangement of building elements required to provide a
reasonably safe means of egress from all buildings hereafter erected and
from all buildings hereafter altered to a new occupancy load, or manner
of use, or inherent fire hazard.
600.2 Modification of exitway requirements: When strict compliance with
the provisions of this code is not practical, the building official may
accept alternate means of egress which will accomplish the same purpose,
by the procedure established in Article 1 for modification of this code, or
by adoption of approved rules. Existing buildings shall not be occupied
during repairs or alterations unless all existing exitways and any existing
fire protection are continuously maintained, or in lieu thereof other mea-
sures are taken which provide equivalent safety.
600.3 Minimum requirements: It shall be unlawful to alter any building
or structure in any manner that will reduce the number of exitways or
the capacity of exitways below the requirements of this code for new
buildings of the proposed use and occupancy.
600.4 Other standards: Compliance with the applicable provisions of the
standards listed in Appendix B shall be deemed to meet the requirements
of this article, unless otherwise specifically provided herein.
SECTION 601.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
601.1 Arrangement of exitways: The plans shall show in sufficient detail
the location, construction, size and character of all exitways together
with the arrangement of aisles, corridors, passageways and hallways
leading thereto in compliance with the provisions of this code.
601.2 Number of occupants: In other than one- and two-family and
multi-family dwellings, the plans and the application for permit shall
designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor,
and in all rooms and spaces when required by the building official. When
not otherwise specified, the minimum number of occupants to be accommo-
dated by the exitways shall be determined by the occupancy load pre-
scribed in Section 606.0. The posted occupancy load of the building shall
be limited to that number.
SECTION 602.0 USE AND OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS
602.1 New buildings: Every building and structure and part thereof
hereafter erected shall have the prescribed number of exitways of one (1)
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or more of the approved types defined in this article. Exitways, in
combination with the exitway access and exitway discharge, shall provide
safe and continuous means of egress to a street or to an open space with
direct access to a street.
602.2 Mixed use groups: In buildings classified in more than one (1)
use group, each fire area shall be considered separately in determining
the required number, capacity, size and construction of all exitways.
602.3 Multiple tenants: When more than one (1) tenant occupies any one
(1) floor of a building or structure, each tenant shall be provided with
direct access to approved exitways.
SECTION 603.0 AIR-CONDITIONED BUILDINGS
603.1 Location of stairways: In all buildings, without exterior window
openings in all stories, that are artificially ventilated and air-conditioned
as provided in Section 504.0, the stairway element of required exitways
shall be located as to be accessible to the fire department either through
the access openings specified in Section 859.0 or as otherwise approved in
at least alternate stories of the building.
603.2 Exhaust ducts: Exhaust ducts or vents of air-conditioning sys-
tems shall not discharge into stairway or elevator enclosures, nor shall
corridors serving as exitway access be used as the return exhaust from
air-conditioned spaces through louvres or other devices in the doors or
partitions enclosing such air-conditioned spaces; unless such passageways
are equipped with approved smoke detectors to automatically stop the
supply and exhaust fans and close the louvres, and unless such use is
approved by the building official.
SECTION 604.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
604.1 Owner responsibility: The owner or lessee of every existing
building and structure shall be responsible for the safety of all persons
in, or occupying, such premises with respect to the adequacy of means of
egress therefrom (see Section 104.0).
604.2 Unsafe means of egress
604.2.1 Inadeqate exitways: See Article 22.
604.2.2 Appeal from exitway order: Within seven (7) days after the
service of the exitway order of the building official, the owner may file a
written appeal therefrom, and the building official shall appoint a board
of survey as defined in Section 124.0 to make a final determination.
Nothing herein is to supersede the provisions of Section 123.0, Unsafe
structures .
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SECTION 605.0 MAINTENANCE OF EXITWAYS
605.1 Obstructions: It shall be unlawful to obstruct, or reduce in any
manner, the clear widths of any doorway, hallway, passageway or any
other exitway required by the provisions of this code.
605.2 Maintenance: All required means of egress components shall at all
times be maintained in a safe usable condition. All exterior stairways,
fire escapes, egress balconies and bridges shall be kept free of snow and
ice. All corrodible structural parts thereof shall be kept painted, or
otherwise protected against rust and corrosion both before and after
erection. All wood structural members shall be maintained to prevent
rotting and decaying. Where these elements tie directly into the building
structural system, all joints shall be sealed to prevent water from dam-
aging or corroding the structural elements.
605.3 Testing and certification: All exterior bridges, steel or wooden
stairways, fire escapes and egress balconies shall be examined and/or
tested, and certified for structural adequacy and safety every five (5)
years, by a Massachusetts Registered Professional Egineer, or others
qualified and acceptable to the building official, who shall then submit an
affidavit to the building official.
SECTION 606.0 OCCUPANCY LOAD
606.1 Design occupancy load: In determining required exitway facilities,
the number of occupants for whom exitway facilities shall be provided
shall be established by the largest number computed as follows:
1. the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space,
floor, or building, as the case may be, is designed for;
2. the number of occupants computed at the rate of one (1) occupant
per unit of area as prescribed in Table 606; or
3. the number of occupants of any space as computed in 1 or 2 above,
plus the number of occupants similarly computed for all spaces that
discharge through the space in order to gain access to an exitway.
606.1.1 Assembly occupancy: The occupancy load for places of assembly
may be determined as provided in Section 606.1 if the necessary aisles
and means of egress are provided as approved by the building official.
An aisle, egress and seating diagram may be required by the building
official to substantiate the occupancy load.
606.2 Mezzanine levels: The occupancy load of a mezzanine level dis-
charging through a floor below shall be added to that floor occupancy
and the capacity of the exitways shall be designed for the total occupancy
loads thus established.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
606.3 Roofs: Roof areas occupied as roof gardens or for assembly,
storage or other purposes shall be provided with exitway facilities to
accommodate the required occupancy load, but there shall not be less
than two (2) approved means of egress for assembly uses from such roof
areas.
606.4 Special or unlisted occupancies: Where data regarding the square
feet per person for an occupancy is not listed in Table 606, the occupant
load shall be established by the architect or engineer, subject to the
approval of the building official.
Table 606
MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES PER OCCUPANT
Use
Floor area in square
feet per occupant
Assembly without fixed seats
Concentrated (chairs only — not fixed)
Unconcentrated (tables and chairs)
Standing space
Assembly with fixed seats
Business areas
Court rooms
Educational
Classroom area
Shops and other vocational room areas
Industrial areas
Institutional areas
Sleeping areas
Inpatient treatment areas
Outpatient areas
Library
Reading rooms
Stack area
Mercanti'e, basement and grade floor areas
Areas on other floors
Storage, shipping areas
Residentia-I
Sleeping rooms
Storage areas, mechanical equipment room
Bowling alleys, allow 5 persons for each alley
including 15 feet of runway, and for
additional areas
7 net
15 net
3 net
Notel
100 gross
40 net
20 net
50 net
200 gross
80 gross
240 gross
100 gross
50 net
100 gross
30 gross
60 gross
100 gross
200 gross
50 net
300 gross
7 net
Note 1. The occupant load for an assembly area having fixed seats shall be dete'mineJ by the number of
fixed seats installed.
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606.5 Conflicts: When there are special requirements for specific occu-
pancies and users which differ from general requirements herein pre-
scribed, such special provisions shall take precedence.
606.6 Non-simultaneous occupancy: The occupant load of toilets, locker
rooms, meeting rooms, storage rooms, employee cafeterias, and similar
rooms or spaces that are not occupied at the same time as other rooms or
spaces on the same floor of a building, may be omitted from the occupant
load calculation of the floor on which they are located, to the extent that
such spaces only serve occupied rooms on the same floor.
606.7 Modifications: The following modifications may be used in deter-
mining the occupant load:
1. When the actual occupant load of any space will be significantly
different than that determined by Table 606, the building official
may establish an alternate basis for the determination of the occu-
pant load. The space occupied by permanent fixtures or displays
may serve to reduce the occupant load.
2. When a building is altered or changed in occupancy or use so as to
require enlarged exitway facilities, the building official may auth-
orize the alteration or change in occupancy or use without an
enlargement of exitway facilities, provided the occupant load is
limited to that accommodated by the existing exitway facilities as
determined by the provisions of this code, and the building or
space is posted as required by Section 120.0.
SECTION 607.0 TYPES AND LOCATION OF EXITWAYS
607.1 General: All approved exitways, including doorways, passage-
ways, corridors, interior stairways, exterior stairways, moving stairways,
smokeproof enclosures, ramps, horizontal exits, bridges, balconies, fire
escapes and combinations thereof shall be arranged and constructed as
provided in this code.
607.2 Arrangement: All required exitways shall be so located as to be
discernible and accessible with unobstructed access thereto and so ar-
ranged as to lead directly to the street or to an area of refuge with
supplemental means of egress that will not be obstructed or impaired by
fire, smoke or other cause.
607.2.1 Exitway discharge: All exitways shall discharge directly at a
public way or at a yard, court or open space of the required width and
size to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way.
607.3 Remote location: Whenever more than one (1) exitway is required
from any room, space or floor of a building, they shall be placed as
remote from each other as practicable, and shall be arranged to provide
direct access in separate directions from any point in the area served.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
607.4 Length of travel: Except as modified by provisions of Section
609.3 for buildings with one (1) exitway, all exitways shall be so located
that the maximum length of exitway access travel, measured from the most
remote point to an approved exitway along the natural and unobstructed
line of travel shall not exceed the distances given in Table 607; except
where the area is subdivided into rooms or compartments, and the egress
travel in the room or compartment is not greater than fifty (50) feet [one
hundred (100) ft. in use groups equipped with an automatic fire suppres-
sion system] , the distance shall be measured from the exitway access
entrance to the nearest exitway.
Table 607
LENGTH OF EXITWAY ACCESS TRAVEL (FT.)
Without fire
With fire
Use group
suppression system
suppression system
Assembly
150
200
Business
200
300
Factory and industrial
200
300
High hazard
75
Institutional
100
200
Mercantile
100
150
Residential
100
150
Storage, low hazard
300
400
Storage, moderate hazard
200
300
Note. The maximum length of exitway access travel in unlimited area buildings shall be 400 feet.
SECTION 608.0 CAPACITY OF EXITS
608.1 Unit of egress width: The unit of egress width for all approved
types of means of egress parts and facilities shall be twenty-two (22) in-
ches with a credit of one-half (1/2) unit for each twelve (12) inches
width width in addition to one (1) or more twenty-two (22) inch units.
Fractions of a unit of width less than twelve (12) inches shall not be
credited.
608.2 Design allowance for use groups: Except as may be specifically
modified in Article 4, the design capacity per unit of egress width shall
be computed in accordance with Table 608 for the specified use groups.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 608
CAPACITY PER UNIT EGRESS WIDTH
Without fire suppression system
With fire suppression system
Number of occupants
Number of occupants
Use group
Doors, ramps and
Doors, ramps and
Stairways
corridors
Stairways
corridors
Assembly
75
100
113
150
Business
60
100
90
150
Factory and
industrial
60
100
90
150
High hazard
. — -
— —
60
100
Institutional
22
30
33
45
Mercantile
60
100
90
150
Residential
75
100
113
150
Storage
60
100
90
150
Note. The main exitway of a bowling alley shall be of sufficient capacity to accommodate 50 per cent of the
total occupant load, without regard to the number of aisles which it serves.
SECTION 609.0 NUMBER OF EXITWAYS
609.1 General: The following general requirements apply to buildings of
all use groups. More restrictive requirements that may be provided in
Article 4 for special uses and occupancies shall take precedence over the
general provisions of this section.
609.2 Minimum number: There shall be not less than two (2) approved
independent exitways serving every building except as modified in Section
609.3. There shall be not less than two (2) approved independent exit-
ways serving every story, except in one and two-family dwellings and as
modified in Section 609.3.
609.3 Buildings with one exitway: Only one (1) exitway shall be re-
quired in buildings of the use group and characteristics specified in the
following Table 609. In a building with the first story two thousand
(2,000) square feet or less in area and with an occupancy load not ex-
ceeding fifty (50) persons, one (1) means of egress may be permitted
from the first story. Egress from other stories, shall comply with other
sections of this article.
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Table 609
BUILDINGS WITH ONE EXITWAY
Characteristics of the building
Min. fire-
Min. fire-
resistance
resistance
Max. exitway
rating
rating
Max. height
access travel
of exitway
of opening
Use group
above grade
Size
distance
enclosure
protection
B
(Business)
2 stories
3000 sq.
ft. per
floor
75 ft.
1 hour
1 hour
Note 1. Areas complying with definition for basements shall not be counted as a story.
609.4 Emergency escape: Every sleeping room below the fourth (4th)
story shall have at least one (1) operable window or exterior door ap-
proved for emergency egress or rescue. The units must be operable from
the inside opening without the use of separate tools. Where windows are
provided as a means of egress or rescue they shall have a sill height not
more than forty-four (44) inches above the floor. All egress or rescue
windows from sleeping rooms must have a minimum net clear opening of
three and three-tenths (3.3) square feet. The minimum net rectangular
clear opening dimensions shall be twenty (20) inches by twenty-four (24)
inches in either direction.
Bars, grills or screens placed over emergency escape windows shall be
releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or
excessive force.
609.5 Open parking structures: Parking structures shall have not less
than two (2) exitways from each parking tier, except that where vehicles
are mechanically parked, only one (1) exitway need be provided. The
maximum distance from any point on a parking tier to an exitway at that
tier shall not exceed three hundred (300) feet. Unenclosed vehicle ramps
may be considered as required exitways if pedestrian facilities are pro-
vided. Interior exitway stairways need not be enclosed.
SECTION 610.0 EXITWAY ACCESS PASSAGEWAYS AND CORRIDORS
610.1 Access passageways: Direct exitway access shall be provided to
required exitways through continuous passageways, aisles or corridors,
conveniently accessible to all occupants and maintained free of obstruc-
tion.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
610.1.1 Turnstiles and gates: Access through turnstiles, gates, rails or
similar devices shall not be permitted unless such a device is equipped to
readily swing in the exiting direction of travel under a total pressure of
not more than fifteen (15) pounds.
610.1.2 Restrictions: The required width of passageways, aisles or
corridors shall be maintained free of projections and restrictions except
doors opening into such spaces may reduce the clear width to not less
than one^-half (1/2) the required width. When fully open, the door may
project not more than seven (7) inches into the required width.
610.2 Dead ends: Exitway access passageways and corridors in all
stories which serve more than one (1) exitway shall provide direct con-
nection to such exitways in opposite directions from any point in the
passageway or corridor, insofar as practicable. The length of a dead end
corridor shall not be more than twenty (20) feet.
610.3 Width: The unit of egress width and occupancy allowance of aisles
and corridors, unless otherwise provided for special uses and occupancies
in Article 4, shall comply with Table 608 with a minimum total width of
forty-four (44) inches except in institutional (I) buildings used for the
movement of beds which shall be ninety-six (96) inches; in schools with
more than one hundred (100) occupants which shall be seventy-two (72)
inches; in one- and two-family dwellings which shall be thirty-six (36)
inches; and in churches and chapels, side aisles may be one-half (1/2)
the width but not less than thirty-two (32) inches clear.
610.4 Enclosures: All corridors serving as exitway access shall be
enclosed in fire separation walls having a fireresistance rating of at least
one (1) hour when serving an occupancy load greater than thirty (30).
610.4.1 Opening protectives: All door assemblies from rooms opening
onto a corridor required to be of one (1) hour fireresistance rated con-
struction shall be self-closing or automatic closing by smoke detection,
with a twenty (20) minute fire protection rating when tested in accord-
ance with ASTM E152 without the hose stream and labeled and listed by
an independent, approved agency; or be one and three-quarter (1 3/4)
inch solid wood core door or equivalent.
All door assemblies from rooms opening onto a corridor, required by
Table 214 to be of two (2) hour fireresistance rated construction, shall be
one and one-half (1 1/2) hour fire doors.
SECTION 611.0 GRADE PASSAGEWAYS
USED AS AN EXITWAY ELEMENT
611.1 Passageways: Every required interior and exterior exitway ele-
ment which does not adjoin a public way shall be directly connected to
the public way or to an open court leading to the public way by an
enclosed grade passageway or other unobstructed exitway element con-
structed as provided in this section.
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611.2 Vestibule: An exitway may discharge into an interior vestibule
used for ingress and egress only and which complies with the following:
1. The vestibule depth from the exterior of the building is not greater
than ten (10) feet and the width is not greater than twenty (20)
feet; and
2. The vestibule is separated from the remainder of the level of dis-
charge by self-closing doors and the equivalent of one-quarter
(1/4) inch thick wired glass in steel frames.
611.3 Lobby: An exitway may discharge into an interior lobby which
shall be provided with an automatic fire suppression system and any other
portion of the floor with access to the lobby shall be provided with an
automatic fire suppression system or shall be separated therefrom in
accordance with the requirements for the enclosure of exitways.
611.4 Width and height: The effective width of the passageway shall be
not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the aggregate width of all required
exitway stairways leading thereto and all required exitway doorways open-
ing into the passageway. Such passageway shall have a minimum width of
forty-four (44) inches and a minimum clear ceiling height of eight (8)
feet.
611.5 Maximum stairway limitations: Not more than fifty (50) per cent of
the required stairways shall discharge through the same passageway.
SECTION 612.0 MEANS OF EGRESS DOORWAYS
612.1 General: The requirements of this section shall apply to all door-
ways serving as a component or element of a means of egress; except that
this section shall not apply to doorways leading to or from required
stairways (see Sections 616.6, 618.4 and 619.3).
612.2 Number of doorways: Every room or tenant space with an occu-
pancy load of more than fifty (50) or which exceeds two thousand (2,000)
square feet in area shall have at least two (2) egress doorways leading
from the room or tenant space to an exitway or corridor. All doors shall
swing in the direction of egress travel when serving an occupancy load of
fifty (50) or more or a high hazard occupancy.
Exceptions
1. For all areas, spaces or rooms with an occupancy load of ten (10)
or more persons used for instructional purposes (see "Classroom"
definition, Section 201.0) there shall be at least two (2) indepen-
dent means of egress, leading to separate exitways remote from
each other, and so arranged that to reach one it will not be neces-
sary to pass through a common corridor or space, unless effectively
divided by a smoke screen barrier into independent areas. Commu-
nicating doors, which may swing in either direction, will be allowed
as a second means of egress.
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2. One- and two-family dwellings.
612.2.1 Entrance and egress doorways: Where separate doors are pro-
vided for entrance and egress use, the entrance door shall be clearly
marked Entrance only in letters not less than six (6) inches in height and
legible from both inside and outside.
612.3 Size of doors: The minimum width of single door openings shall
provide a clear width of not less than thirty-two (32) inches except in
one- and two-family dwellings (use groups R-3 and R-4) the clear width
shall be not less than twenty-eight (28) inches. The maximum width shall
be forty-eight (48) inches nominal. Means of egress doors in institutional
buildings (use group I) used for the movement of beds shall be at least
forty-four (44) inches wide. When the doorway is subdivided into two
(2) or more separate openings, the minimum clear width of one (1) open-
ing shall be not less than thirty-two (32) inches, and each opening shall
be computed separately in determining the number of required units of
egress width. A door forty (40) inches in width shall be deemed the
equivalent of two (2) full units of egress width. The height of doors
shall not be less than six and two-thirds (6 2/3) feet except in one- and
two-family dwellings (use groups R-3 and R-4) the height of doors shall
be not less than six and one-half (6 1/2) feet.
612.4 Location of doors: The required doorways opening from a room or
space within a building and leading to an exitway access shall be located
as remote as practicable from each other. The distance of exitway access
travel from any point in a room or space to a required exitway door shall
not exceed the limitations of Section 607.4.
612.5 Door hardware
612.5.1 Operation: All egress doors shall be readily opened from the
side from which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special
knowledge or effort except for special institutional uses as indicated in
Section 612.5.3. Except for dwelling units, draw bolts, hooks and other
similar devices shall be prohibited on all egress doors, unless there is a
readily visible, durable sign on the door stating "This door to remain
unlocked during occupancy." The sign shall be in letters not less than
one (1) inch high on a contrasting background. The locking device must
be of a type that will be readily distinguishable as locked. The use of
manually operated flush bolts or surface bolts is prohibited.
Double cylinder dead bolts requiring a key operation on both sides are
prohibited on required means of egress doors in residential occupancies
(use group R), excepting where serving only one dwelling unit.
612.5.1.1 Locks in multi-family dwellings: Requirements for locks in
multi-family dwellings are subject to the provisions of Section 3R of
Chapter 143 of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, as amended.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
612.5.2 Panic devices: All doors equipped with latching devices in
buildings of use group A (assembly) with an occupant load greater than
forty nine (49) shall be equipped with approved panic hardware. Ac-
ceptable panic hardware will be a device which causes the door latch to
release when a force of fifteen (15) pounds is applied in the direction of
egress to a bar or panel extending not less than one-half (1/2) of the
width of the door and at a height greater than thirty (30) inches but less
than forty-four (44) inches above the floor.
612.5.3 Remote control: In rooms of use group 1-1 (institutional, re-
strained) occupied as places of detention, approved releasing devices with
remote control shall be provided for emergency use unless otherwise
specifically approved.
612.5.4 Mechanical operations: All doors which open into enclosed exit-
way stairs, exitway passageways or those which are installed to provide
fire or smoke barriers across corridors shall be self-closing and be so
maintained, or shall be automatic doors which will close upon activation of
an approved smoke detector. Where egress doors are arranged to be
opened by non-power operated mechanical devices of any kind, they shall
be so constructed that the door may be opened manually and will release
under a total pressure of not more than fifteen (15) pounds applied in
the direction of egress travel. Power operated exitway doors shall be
capable of being opened with not more than fifty (50) pounds pressure
applied at the normal door knob location when power is lost.
612.6 Door construction: All required egress doors that serve as an
element of an exitway shall be self-closing or automatic except for grade
floor exitway discharge doors and revolving exitway doors.
612.6.1 Grade exitway discharge doors: Doors at grade may be glazed
with plate glass not less than seven thirty- seconds (7/32) inch thick, or
with any other approved glazing materials. Approved doors having one
(1) or more unframed edges may be used, provided they are constructed
of safety glazing not less than one-half (1/2) inch thick.
612 . 7 Deleted
612.8 Door arrangement: Doors in series shall have a space between
them of not less than seven (7) feet when measured in their closed
positions .
Exceptions: Power operated doors, one- and two-family dwellings (use
groups R-3 and R-4) and use group T.
SECTION 613.0 REVOLVING DOORS
613.1 Limitations of use: Revolving doors shall not be used in calcula-
ting exitway door requirements.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
613.2 Speed control: All approved automatic collapsible revolving doors
shall be equipped with an approved speed control governor adjustable to
safe traffic speed as required by the approved rules, but not more than
fifteen (15) nor less than ten (10) revolutions per minute.
613.3 Construction: All approved automatic collapsible revolving doors
shall be constructed as indicated in the following Sections 613.3.1 through
613.3.5.
613.3.1 Operating mechanism: The collapsing mechanism shall be con-
structed of stainless steel or other approved corrosion-resistive materials.
613.3.2 Use of wood: The doors may be constructed of wood or other
approved materials of similar combustible characteristics with a minimum
thickness of one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches.
613.3.3 Floor covering: Approved mats or other floor coverings, not
more than one-half (1/2) inch thick, may be installed within the enclosure
when permanently secured to the structural flooring and finishing flush
with the adjacent floor area.
613.3.4 Glazing: The doors shall be glazed with approved safety glaz-
ing.
613.3.5 Door size: The door shall be not less than six (6) feet, six (6)
inches nor more than seven (7) feet, six (6) inches in diameter and not
less than seven (7) feet nor more than nine (9) feet in height.
SECTION 614.0 HORIZONTAL EXITS
614.1 General: Horizontal exits as herein defined shall be accepted as
an approved element of a required means of egress when complying with
the requirements of this article. The connection between the areas of
refuge as herein specified may be accomplished by protected openings in
a fireresistance rated wall, by a vestibule, or by an open-air balcony or
bridge .
614.2 Separation: The separation between fire areas shall be provided
by at least a two (2) hour fireresistance rated fire wall or fire separation
wall complying with Article 9 and Table 214.
614.2.1 Opening protectives: All fire doors in horizontal exits are to be
self-closing or automatically closing when activated by an approved smoke
detector. All doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel. When
serving as a dual element of a means of egress, there shall be adjacent
openings with swinging fire doors opening in opposite directions.
614.3 Size of doors: Size of openings in fire walls shall comply with the
provisions of Section 908.0, but the width of one (1) opening used as a
required exit shall not be greater than eighty-eight (88) inches nor shall
the area exceed eighty (80) square feet.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
614.4 Area of refuge: The discharge area of a horizontal exit shall be
either public areas or spaces occupied by the same tenant and each such
area of refuge shall be adequate to house the total occupancy load of both
connected areas. The capacity of areas of refuge shall be computed on a
net floor area allowance of three (3) square feet for each occupant to be
accommodated therein except for non-ambulatory institutional areas which
shall be thirty (30) square feet per occupant, not including areas of
stairs, elevators and other shafts or courts.
614.5 Unlocked doors: Horizontal exit doors shall be kept unlocked and
unobstructed whenever the area on either side of the horizontal exit is
occupied.
614.6 Egress from area of refuge
614.6.1 Stairway exitway: In multi-story buildings, there shall be at
least one (1) interior enclosed stairway or smokeproof enclosure on each
side of the horizontal exit, and any fire area not having a stairway
accessible thereto shall be considered as part of an adjoining section with
such stairway; but the length of exitway access travel distance to the
horizontal exit or the required exitway shall not exceed the requirements
of Section 607.4
614.6.2 Auxiliary elevator: When horizontal exits are provided in floors
located twelve (12) or more stories above grade, the required stairway
shall be supplemented by at least one (1) passenger elevator maintained
ready for use during normal occupancy of the building.
SECTION 615.0 EGRESS RAMPS
615.1 Capacity: The capacity of ramps used as an egress component
shall be computed in accordance with Section 608.0.
615.2 Minimum dimensions
615.2.1 Width: The minimum width of an egress ramp shall be not less
than that required for corridors by Section 610.3
615.2.2 Headroom: The minimum headroom in all parts of the egress ramp
shall be not less than six and two-thirds (6 2/3) feet.
615.2.3 Restrictions: Egress ramps shall not reduce in width in the
direction of egress travel. Projections into the required ramp and land-
ing width are prohibited except for handrails and stringers. Doors
opening onto a landing shall not reduce the clear width to less than
forty-two (42) inches.
615.3 Landings: Landings shall be provided at all points of turning,
entrance, exiting and doors. Ramp slopes greater than one (1) in fifteen
(15) shall have landings at the top, bottom and each five (5) feet of
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
vertical rise. Each landing shall have a minimum lengt" nf five (5) feet
except the bottom landing shall have a length of six (6)
615.4 Maximum slope: A ramp used for egress for + ysically handi-
capped shall have a maximum slope of one (1) in tw „ l2) All other
egress ramps shall have a maximum slope of one (1) in eigh
615.4.1 Surface: For all slopes exceeding one (1) in tT e (12), and
wherever the use is such as to involve danger of slipping, ne ramp shall
be surfaced with approved non-slip materials.
615.5 Handrails: Handrails shall be provided on at least one (1) side of
every ramp having a slope greater than one (1) in fifteen (15), and they
shall be not less than thirty (30) inches nor more than thirty-four (34)
inches in height, measured from the surface of the ramp. Handrails shall
be smooth and shall extend one (1) foot beyond the top and bottom of the
ramp and return to walls or posts at the ends.
615.6 Ramp construction: Ramps used as an exitway shall conform to
the applicable requirements of Section 616.9 as to materials of construc-
tion and enclosure.
SECTION 616.0 INTERIOR EXITWAY STAIRWAYS
616.1 Capacity: The capacity of stairways and doors per unit of exit
width shall be computed in accordance with Section 608.0.
616.2 Minimum dimensions
616.2.1 Width: All interior exitway stairways shall be not less than
forty-four 44 inches in width, except that such width may be reduced to
thirty-six (36) inches when serving an occupancy load of fifty (50) or
less.
616.2.2 Headroom: The minimum headroom in all parts of the stair
enclosure shall be not less than six and two-thirds (6 2/3) feet measured
vertically from the tread nosing or from the floor surface of the landing
or platform.
616.2.3 Restrictions: Stairways shall not reduce in width in the direc-
tion of exit travel. Projections into a stairway are prohibited except for
handrails as indicated in Section 616.5.1 and for stairway stringers which
may project not more than one and one-half (1 1/2) inches.
616.3 Landings and platforms
616.3.1 Width: The least dimension of landings and platforms shall be
not less than the required width of stairway.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
616.3.2 Vertical rise: In all buildings a stairway shall not have a height
of vertical rise of more than twelve (12) feet between landings and inter-
mediate platforms.
616.4 Treads and risers
616.4.1 Minimum dimensions: The height of risers and width of treads
in inches shall be as indicated in the following Table 616.
TREAD AND RISER SIZE1
Use group Maximum riser Minimum tread
Assembly and institutional2 IVi" 10"
One and two family dwellings V-h" 9"
All others2 8" 9^
Note 1. Within any flight, a three-sixteenths (3/16) inch maximum variation in riser height or tread
width is permitted.
Note 2. Except in one ano two family dwellings, tread and riser shall be so proportioned that the sum
of two (2) risers plus one (1) tread, exclusive of nosing, is not less than twenty-four (24) nor more than
twenty-five (25) inches.
616.4.2 Winders: Winders shall not be permitted in required exitway
stairways except in one- and two-family dwellings and stairways serving a
single dwelling unit and in ornamental stairways not required as an ele-
ment of an exitway. Such winders shall have a tread width of not less
than nine (9) inches at a point not more than twelve (12) inches from the
side where the tread is narrower and the minimum tread width is not less
than six (6) inches.
616.5 Stairway guards and handrails: Stairways shall have continuous
guards and handrails on both sides, and in addition thereto, stairways
more than eighty-eight (88) inches in required width shall have intermedi-
ate handrails dividing the stairway into portions not more than eighty-eight
(88) inches wide. Stairways in one- and two-family dwellings may have
one (1) handrail.
616.5.1 Handrail details: Handrails shall be provided according to the
following requirements :
1. Handrails may project not more than three and one-half (3 1/2)
inches into the required stair width.
2. Handrails shall be not less than thirty (30) inches, nor more than
thirty-four (34) inches, measured vertically, above the nosing of
the treads.
3. Handrails shall extend eighteen (18) inches beyond the top and
bottom step if a guard or wall exists and shall be returned to walls
or posts at the ends of the stairways.
4. Handrails shall be designed to withstand an applied load of two
hundred (200) pounds in any direction at any point.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
616.5.2 Guard details: Guards shall be provided according to the follow-
ing requirements:
1. Guards shall be not less than forty-two (42) inches in height mea-
sured vertically above the nosing of the tread.
Exception: Guards shall be not less than thirty (30) inches in
height measured vertically above the nosing of the tread along
stairs which:
a. do not exceed twenty (20) feet in height; or
b. reverse direction at intermediate landings with twelve (12)
inches or less measured horizontally between successive flights.
2. Guards shall be constructed so that the area in the plane of the
guard, from the top of the tread to the top of the guard, is sub-
divided or filled in one (1) of the following methods:
a. a sufficient number of intermediate longitudinal rails constructed
so that the clear distance between rails (measured at right
angles to the rail) does not exceed six (6) inches. The bottom
rail shall not be more than six (6) inches (measured vertically)
from the tread nosing; or
b. balusters spaced not more than six (6) inches apart; or
c. panels of wire mesh, or expanded metal, or ornamental grills
which provide protection equivalent to that provided by the
intermediate rails or balusters specified in the two (2) preced-
ing paragraphs; or
d. walls; or
e. any combination of the foregoing.
3. Guards at least forty-two (42) inches in height shall be located
along open-sided floor areas, mezzanines and landings.
Exception: In R-3 and R-4 occupancies, guards shall be at least
thirty-six (36) inches in height.
616.6 Stair exitway doors
616.6.1 Width: The width of every exitway door to or from a stairway
shall be not less than the number of units of exit width required for the
capacity of the stairway which services the floor or area from which the
exitway door leads; but such a door shall not be less than twenty-eight
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
(28) inches in clear width in use group R-3 and R-4 buildings (one- and
two-family dwellings), nor less than thirty-two (32) inches in clear width
in all other use groups.
616.6.2 Direction of swing: All doors shall swing on a landing in the
direction of exit travel. When opening, stair exitway doors shall not
reduce the width of landings to less than one-half (1/2) the minimum
required for its capacity. When fully open, the exitway door may project
seven (7) inches onto the landing.
616.6.3 Door construction: All doorway opening protectives, including
the frames and hardwares, shall be approved self-closing, swinging fire
doors, except in one- and two-family dwellings where one and three-quar-
ters (1 3/4) inch solid core wood doors are permitted. Labeled fire doors
shall have a maximum transmitted temperature end point of not more than
four hundred fifty (450) degrees F. above ambient at the end of thirty
(30) minutes of standard fire test exposure.
616.7 Spiral stairways: Spiral stairways of noncombustible construction
may be used as an element of a means of egress in one- and two-family
dwellings and within a single dwelling unit and from a mezzanine area not
more than two hundred fifty (250) square feet in area and serving not
more than five (5) occupants. The minimum width shall be twenty-six
(26) inches with each tread having a seven and one-half (7 1/2) inch
minimum tread width at twelve (12) inches from the narrow edge. All
treads shall be identical and the rise shall be not more than nine and
one-half (9 1/2) inches. A minimum headroom of six and one-half (6 1/2)
feet shall be provided.
616.7.1 Circular stairways: Circular stairways may be used as an ele-
ment of egress when a minimum tread width of ten (10) inches is provided
and the smaller radius is not less than twice the width of the stairway.
616.8 Supplemental stairways: Stairways which are not a required means
of egress element, serving one (1) adjacent floor and not connected with
a corridor or stairway serving other floors, may be used in all use groups
except institutional (use group I). (See Sections 520.1, 1202.1 and
1202.17.)
616.9 Stairway construction: Unless herein otherwise provided, all
required interior stairways shall be built entirely of noncombustible mate-
rials with solid risers, treads and landing platforms and all finish floor
surfaces of non-slip noncombustible materials; except that wood handrails
shall be permitted, complying with the requirements of Section 616.5.
616.9.1 Strength: All stairways, platforms, landings and exitways in
other than one- and two-family dwellings, shall be adequate to support a
live load of one hundred (100) pounds per square foot (psf) and a con-
centrated load of three hundred (300) pounds.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
616.9.2 Enclosures: Required interior exitway stairways shall be en-
closed in fire separation assemblies of the fireresistance rating specified
in Table 214. An exitway enclosure shall not be used for any purpose
other than means of egress. A space below a stairway shall be enclosed
as required or kept open. Doors shall not open into the stairway enclo-
sure except exitway doors.
Exceptions :
1. Exitways in buildings of use groups R-3 and R-4 (residential, one-
and two-family).
2. Exitways serving and contained within a single residential dwelling
unit.
3. Exitways in communicating floor levels as provided in Section
616.10.
4. Supplemental stairways as provided in Section 616.8.
616.9.3 Combustible construction: In all buildings of Types 3 or 4
construction, the stairways and their enclosures may be constructed of
wood or other approved materials of similar characteristics and of ade-
quate strength.
616.10 Communicating floors: In other than use groups A-4 (assembly,
schools) or I (institutional), any building with low hazard occupancy (use
group S-2), or with ordinary hazard occupancy (use groups B, M, R-l
and R-2) with automatic sprinkler protection where necessary to the
effective utilization of a building site with sloping grade or otherwise
essential to the functional design of the building, not more than three (3)
communicating floor levels may be permitted without enclosure or protec-
tion between such areas, only provided all the conditions described below
are met:
1. the lowest, or next to the lowest, level is a street floor;
2. the entire area, including all communicating floor levels, is suffi-
ciently open and unobstructed to be assumed that a fire or other
dangerous condition in any part will be immediately obvious to the
occupants of all communicating levels and areas;
3. egress capacity is simultaneously sufficient for all the occupants of
all communicating levels and areas, all communicating levels in the
same fire area being considered as a single floor area for purposes
of determination of required egress capacity; and
4. each floor level, considered separately, has at least one-half (1/2)
of its individual required egress capacity provided by an exitway or
exitways leading directly out of that area without traversing another
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
other communicating floor level or being exposed to the spread of
fire or smoke therefrom.
616.11 Discharge identification: Stairways which continue beyond the
floor of discharge shall be interrupted at the floor of discharge by parti-
tions, doors or other effective means of preventing persons from continu-
ing past the floor of discharge while egressing. A sign shall be provided
at each landing in all interior stairways more than three (3) stories in
height designating the floor level above the floor of discharge.
SECTION 617.0 ACCESS TO ROOF
617.1 By stairway or ladder: In buildings more than three (3) stories
in height except those with a roof slope greater than four (4) in twelve
(12), access to the roof shall be provided by means of a stairway or a
ladder and trap door; the ladder shall not be on the exterior of the
building. Where the roof is used as a roof garden or for other habitable
purposes, sufficient stairways shall extend to it to provide the necessary
exitway facilities from the roof as required for such occupancy. Roof
trap doors shall be constructed to comply with Section 925.2.
617.1.1 Optional stairway or ladder: Buildings not required to have a
stairway or ladder to the roof as described above, may include such a
stairway or ladder at the discretion of the designer of the building. The
stairway or ladder shall conform to the provisions of this section, except
that ladders may be placed on the exterior of the building. The siderails
of exterior ladders shall be carried over the coping or parapet to afford
hand hold; the ladder shall be metal, and if it exceeds twenty (20) feet
in height, shall have a protective cage or other safety device; other
design details of such exterior ladders are subject to the approval of the
building official.
617.2 Roof enclosures: Stairways extending through roofs shall be
enclosed in roof structures of fireresistance rated construction meeting
the requirements of Section 925.0.
SECTION 618.0 SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURES
618.1 General: A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a continuous
stairway, enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point, meeting the
requirements of this section.
618.2 Where required: At least one (1) of the required exitways shall
be a smokeproof enclosure in buildings over six (6) stories or seventy-
five (75) feet in height when of one (1) of the following use groups:
1. use groups A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5 (assembly other than theaters);
2. use group B (business);
3. use group F (factory and industrial);
4. use group I (institutional);
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
5. use group M (mercantile); and
6. use group R-l (residential, hotel).
618-3 Access: Exitway access to the stairway at each story shall be
through a vestibule or balcony with an unobstructed width not less than
the required stairway width and a minimum dimension of seventy-two (72)
inches in the direction of exit travel.
618.4 Doors: Door openings from interior spaces to the vestibule or
balcony and from the vestibule or balcony to the stairway, shall be as
required in Section 612.3. The doors from interior spaces to the vesti-
bule shall have a fireresistance rating not less than one and one-half (1
1/2) hours and shall comply with the requirements of Section 616.6 for
stair exitway doors. The door from the vestibule to the stairway shall be
a tight-fitting door, equal to not less than an exterior type solid wood
door without voids, assembled with exterior type glue, one and three-
quarter 1 3/4) inch minimum thickness set in a steel frame. Wired glass,
if provided, shall not exceed one hundred (100) square inches in area
and shall be set in a steel frame. The door shall be provided with a
drop sill and be weather stripped or otherwise provided to minimize air
leakage .
618.5 Terminal passageway: The smokeproof enclosure shall terminate at
grade level and shall provide egress to the street independently of all
other exitways. When grade passageways are used, they shall comply
with the requirements of Section 611.0, except that there shall not be
openings therein other than the smokeproof enclosure and street exit
doorways. The passageway walls shall be of four (4) hour fireresistance
rated construction, and the floor and roof of three (3) hour fireresistance
rated construction.
618.6 Construction: The construction of smokeproof enclosures shall be
of walls with a four (4) hour fireresistance rating without openings other
than the required doorways. The vestibule shall be considered to be an
element of the exitway and shall be constructed in accordance with the
fireresistance rating requirements of Table 214. The balcony shall be
constructed in accordance with the fireresistance rating requirements in
Table 214 for floor construction. The stairshaft vestibule or balcony
shall be provided with emergency lighting from an approved independent
power source to assure continued illumination in case of emergency.
618.7 Ventilation of smokeproof enclosures: Smokeproof enclosures shall
be ventilated with natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation meeting the
requirements of Section 618.8 or 618.9.
618.8 Smokeproof enclosure by natural ventilation: The balcony separa-
ting the smokeproof enclosure from the interior building spaces shall have
at least one (1) open side adjacent to a street, alley, or yard with guard
railings across the open side(s). One (1) open side of the balcony shall
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
have a minimum open area of sixteen (16) square feet with any dimension
at least thirty (30) inches. The balcony floor shall be level with or
installed below the building floor where climatic conditions involve the
possibility of door obstruction by snow or ice. A step shall not be
permitted between the balcony and the smokeproof enclosure. The street,
alley, or yard adjacent to one (1) open side of the balcony shall have a
minimum area of two hundred (200) square feet and a minimum dimension
of ten (10) feet.
618.9 Smokeproof enclosure by mechanical ventilation: The stairshaft
and vestibule shall be provided with a mechanical ventilation system as
specified herein that will be automatically activated on three (3) or more
floors in case of emergency.
618.9.1 Operation of ventilating equipment: Vestibule and stairshaft
mechanical ventilation may be inactive or may operate at reduced levels
for normal operations, but when the detectors referred to herein either
fail or are activated, the vestibule and stairshaft mechanical ventilation
systems shall operate at the levels specified in Section 618.9.2 and
618.9.3. The vestibule ventilation system shall be designed and activated
in accordance with one (1) of the following methods. t
1. Total system: simultaneous operation of all vestibules. *If the
vestibule mechanical ventilation system is designed to provide the
ventilation in the vestibules on all floors simultaneously, a
products-of-combustion detector shall be located outside each ves-
tibule so designed that activation or failure of any one (1) of the
detectors will simultaneously activate the vestibule ventilation sys-
tem on all floors.
2. Zoned system: simultaneous operation of three (3) or more vesti-
bules. If the vestibule ventilation system is designed as one (1) or
more zones to provide the simultaneous ventilation in the vestibules
for at least a three (3) floor zone, automatic supply and exhaust
dampers shall be provided in all vestibules in order to obtain the
zoned control of the ventilation as follows: a smoke detector shall
be located outside each vestibule so designed to open the supply
and exhaust duct dampers in the vestibules within the affected zone
[three (3) or more floors] and to actuate the stairshaft ventilation
system in case any detector in the affected zone either fails or is
activated .
618.9.2 Vestibule ventilation: The vestibule shall have an emergency
ventilating system providing a supply of not less than one (1) air change
per minute. The exhaust shall be one hundred fifty (150) per cent of
the supply. Supply air and exhaust air shall serve the vestibule through
separate tightly constructed ducts used only for that purpose. Supply
air shall enter the vestibule within six (6) inches of the floor level. The
top of the exhaust register shall be located within six (6) inches of the
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
vestibule ceiling and shall be entirely within the smoke trap area. Doors,
when in the open position, shall not obstruct the duct openings. Duct
openings may be provided with controlling dampers if required by Section
618.9.1 (method 2) but these are not otherwise required. The vestibule
ceiling shall be at least twenty (20) inches higher than the door opening
into the vestibule, to serve as a smoke trap and to provide an upward
moving air column. Special provision shall be made in the design to avoid
creation of negative pressures which would retard the opening of the door
to the stairshaft from the vestibule.
618.9.3 Stairshaft ventilation: The stairshaft shall be provided with
emergency mechanical supply and exhaust air. There shall be a minimum
of twenty-five hundred (2500) cubic feet per minute (cfm) discharge at
the top of the shaft. The supply shall be sufficient to provide a minimum
of five-hundredths (.05) inches of water column pressure above atmos-
pheric pressure with all doors closed and a minimum of ten-hundredths
(.10) inch water column difference between the stairshaft and the vesti-
bule, i Supply air shall be introduced at the level of the grade exitway
discharge .
618.9.4 Standby power: Mechanical vestibule stairshaft ventilation
systems and detector systems shall be powered by an approved self-con-
tained * generator designed to operate whenever there is a loss of power in
the normal house current. The generator shall be located in a separate
room of two (2) hour fireresistance rated construction and shall have a
minimum fuel supply to operate the equipment for two (2) hours.
618.9.5 Emergency lighting: The vestibules and stairshaft shall be
provided with emergency lighting. The standby generator which is
installed for the vestibule and stairshaft mechanical ventilation equipment
may be used for the standby emergency lighting power supply.
618.9.6 Fire protection indicator panel: A fire protection indicator panel
may be required by the building official and, if so, shall be located as
near as practical inside the entrance to the smokeproof tower stairshaft at
grade. Said panel shall indicate the floor or floors having caused the
alarm. Said panel shall have an overriding manual switch capable of
deactivating the ventilation equipment.
618.9.7 Fire department communications connection: The fire protection
indicator panel shall have a direct connection to the fire department
facilities if required by the building official.
618.9.8 Acceptance and testing: Before the foregoing equipment is
accepted by the building official, it shall be tested in his presence to
confirm that equipment is operating in compliance with these require-
ments .
618.9.9 Building owners* responsibility: The building engineer shall test
all the equipment referred to in these requirements at least once every
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
thirty (30) days and maintain a log attesting to the results. The log
shall be available for inspection by the building official and the fire
official.
SECTION 619.0 EXTERIOR EXITWAY STAIRWAYS
619.1 As required exitway: Exterior stairways conforming to the re-
quirements for interior stairways in all respects, except as to enclosures
and except as herein specifically modified, may be accepted as an element
of a required means of egress in buildings not exceeding five (5) stories
or sixty-five (65) feet in height for other than use group I (institutional)
buildings, except as provided in Section 619.1.1 for residential buildings.
Exterior stairways which are accepted as exitway elements shall be re-
lieved from requirements for fire doors, but shall be provided with hand-
rails and guards as required for interior exitway stairs. Exterior stair-
ways in climates subject to snow or ice shall be protected to prevent
accumulation of snow and ice.
619.1.1 Location and arrangement: Exterior stairways may be utilized
where at least one (1) door from each tenant opens onto a roofed-over
open porch or balcony served by at least two (2) stairways, except that
one (1) stairway may be provided as permitted in Table 609, so located as
to provide a choice of independent, unobstructed means of egress directly
to the grade. Such porches and stairways shall comply with the require-
ments for interior exitway stairways as specified in Section 616.0. Porch-
es and balconies shall be not less than four and one-half (4 1/2) feet in
width. The stairways shall be located remotely from each other. The
maximum travel distance from any tenant space to the nearest stairway
shall be as specified in Table 607. Porches and stairways shall be located
at least ten (10) feet from adjacent property lot lines and from other
buildings on the same lot, unless openings in such buildings are protec-
ted by three-quarter (3/4) hour fireresistance rated doors or windows.
619.2 Guards and handrails: Guards and handrails shall be as specified
in Section 616.0.
619.3 Opening protectives: Openings below and within ten (10) feet
horizontally of the stairway shall be protected with approved three-
quarter (3/4) hour fireresistance rated automatic opening protectives.
Exception: Buildings two (2) stories or less in height.
619.4 Location
619.4.1 Access to street: All required exterior stairways shall be loca-
ted so as to lead directly to a street or open space with direct access to
a street; or when located on the rear of the building may lead through a
passageway at grade complying with Section 611.0.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
619.4.2 Projection: Exterior stairways shall not project beyond the
street lot line.
619.5 Construction: Exterior stairs, porches and balconies shall be
constructed of materials consistent with the types of materials permitted
in Table 214 for the type of construction of the building to which the
stairway is attached.
SECTION 620.0 MOVING EXITWAY STAIRWAYS
620.1 When acceptable: Moving stairways of the horizontal non-slip
tread type moving in the direction of egress may be accepted as an
approved exitway element in buildings of all use groups except assembly
(A) and institutional (I) uses, when constructed and approved in accord-
ance with the requirements of this article and the provisions of 524 CMR
15.00 through 33.00. When accepted as an element of a required means
of egress, they shall be enclosed with fireresistance rated partitions as
specified in Section 616.0.
620.2 Width: The width shall be not less than forty (40) inches between
guards and the moving tread shall be not less than thirty-six (36) inches
in width, and fifteen three-quarter (15 3/4) inches in depth.
620.3 Capacity: The occupancy capacity shall be computed as provided
in Section 608.0 for exitway stairways.
620.4 Landings and platforms: Landings and platforms shall be provided
at the top and bottom of each unit as required for interior exitway stair-
ways.
620.5 Railings: Guards shall be surmounted with moving handrails
traveling at the same speed as the stairway.
620.6 Egress: Means of egress to the street shall be provided as speci-
fied herein for interior stairways.
620.7 Construction
620.7.1 Noncombustible materials: Only noncombustible materials shall be
used in the construction of moving stairways accepted as a required
means of egress except for step wheels, handrails, electrical equipment,
and wood veneers not more than one twenty-eighth (1/28) inch thick
directly attached to metal or other noncombustible backing with a nonvola-
tile and nonflammable cement.
620.7.2 Fireresistance: The enclosure shall afford the fireresistance
rating required for approved interior exitway stairways as specified in
Section 616.9.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
620.7.3 Height of travel per unit: A single moving stairway unit shall
not have a vertical travel of more than (2) stories nor more than thirty-
five (35) feet.
SECTION 621.0 FIRE ESCAPES
621.1 Where permitted: Fire escapes shall not be permitted as an ele-
ment of a required means of egress except on existing buildings or struc-
tures when constructed in accordance with the approved rules and when
more adequate exitway facilities cannot be provided. Fire escapes shall
not provide more than fifty (50) per cent of the required exit capacity.
Fire escapes shall conform to NFiPA 101 and the specific requirements of
Section 621.0.
621.2 Location: When located on the front of the building and projecting
beyond the building line, the lowest landing shall be not less than seven
(7) or more than twelve (12) feet above grade, equipped with a counter-
balanced stairway to the street. In alleyways and thoroughfares less
than thirty (30) feet wide, the clearance under the lowest landing shall
be not less than twelve (12) feet.
621.3 Construction: The fire escape shall be designed to support a live
load of one hundred (100) pounds per square foot (psf), and shall be
constructed of steel or other approved noncombustible materials. Fire
escapes may be constructed of wood not less than two (2) inches thick on
buildings of Type 4 construction.
621.3.1 Dimensions: Stairs shall be at least twenty-two (22) inches wide
with risers not more and treads not less than eight (8) inches and land-
ings at foot of stairs not less than forty (40) inches wide by thirty-six
(36) inches long, located not more than eight (8) inches below the access
window or door.
621.3.2 Opening protectives: Doors and windows along the fire escape
shall be protected with three-quarter (3/4) hour fireresistance rated
opening protectives.
621.3.3 Connections: All structural connections to and through the face
of the building shall be designed to be corrosion and deterioration resis-
tant.
SECTION 622.0 SLIDESCAPES
622.1 Where permitted: Slidescapes and safety chutes shall be permitted
in buildings of the high hazard use group, and in existing school and
institutional buildings, when approved by the building official and con-
structed in accordance with the approved rules.
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780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
622.2 Location: The arrangement and location of slidescapes shall con-
form to this article for means of egress and shall be designated by exit
signs and lights as provided in Section 623.0.
622.3 Construction: All chutes shall be constructed of approved non-
combustible materials with a pitch in the line of travel of not less than
twenty-four (24) nor more than forty-two (42) degrees measured on the
developed circumference of spiral chutes. Straight chutes shall be not
less than twenty-four (24) inches and spiral chutes not less than twen-
ty-eight (28) inches wide in the clear; nor more than forty-four (44)
inches wide in any case. When erected on the interior of a building,
they shall be enclosed as required in Section 616.9 for interior stairways
with direct means of egress to the street or other public space.
622.4 Capacity: Slidescapes, where permitted as an element of a re-
quired exitway, shall be rated at one (1) unit of egress width per slide,
with rated capacity of sixty (60). Slidescapes, except as permitted for
high hazard manufacturing buildings or structures, shall not constitute
more than twenty-five (25) per cent of the required number of units of
egress width from any building or structure or any individual story.
SECTION 623.0 EXIT SIGNS AND LIGHTS
623.1 Location: In all buildings having an occupancy load of fifty (50)
or more, all required means of egress shall be indicated with approved
illuminated signs reading Exit visible from the exitway access and, when
necessary, supplemented by directional signs in the access corridors
indicating the direction and way of egress. All Exit signs shall be loca-
ted at exitway doors or exitway access areas, so as to be readily visible.
623.2 Size and color: Exit signs shall have red letters at least six (6)
inches high and the minimum width of each stroke shall be three-quarters
(3/4) inch on a white background or in other approved distinguishable
colors. If an arrow is provided as part of an Exit sign, the construction
shall be such that the arrow direction cannot be readily changed. The
letters "Exit" shall be clearly discernible when the illuminated sign is not
energized.
623.3 Illumination: Each sign shall be illuminated by a source providing
not less than three (3) foot candles at the illuminated surface.
623.4 Power source: All Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times when
the building is occupied and provided with an emergency power source as
described in Section 624.4.
SECTION 624.0 MEANS OF EGRESS LIGHTING
624.1 Artificial lighting: All means of egress in other than one- and
two-family dwellings shall be equipped with artificial lighting facilities to
6/1/81 (Supp 6/30/81) 239
780 CMR STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
provide the intensity of illumination herein prescribed continuously during
the time that conditions of occupancy of the building require that the
exitways be available. Lighting shall also be provided to illuminate the
exitway discharge.
624.2 Intensity of illumination: The intensity of floor lighting shall be
not less than one (1) foot candle.
624.3 Places of assembly: In places of assembly for the exhibition of
motion pictures or other projections by means of directed light, the
illumination of floors of exitway access areas may be reduced during such
period of projection to not less than one-half (1/2) foot candle.
624.4 Emergency lighting system: Means of egress lighting shall be
provided from an independent power source or other approved auxiliary
source of power to assure continued illumination in case of emergency or
primary power loss for a duration of one (1) hour in the following:
1. use group A (public assembly);
2. use group B (business);
3. use group I (institutional);
4. use group M (mercantile) when greater than three thousand (3,000)
square feet in area on any floor or when having one (1) or more
floors above or below grade floor;
5. use group R-l (hotels and detoxification facilities);
6. use group R-2 (multi-family dwellings) containing four (4) or more
dwelling units; and
7. in all windowless buildings or portions thereof regardless of use
group, except R-3 and R-4
SECTION 625.0 HAZARDS TO MEANS OF EGRESS
625.1 Floor openings: Manholes or floor access panels shall not be
located in the line of egress which reduce the clearance to less than
thirty-two (32) inches.
625.2 Protrusions: There shall not be low-hanging door closers that
remain within the opening of a doorway when the door is open or that
protrude hazardously into corridors or line of egress when the door is
closed. There shall not be low-hanging signs, ceiling lights or similar
fixtures which protrude into corridors or lines of egress.
625.3 Identification of hazardous exits: Doors leading to dangerous
areas such as fire escapes, loading platforms, switch rooms and mech-
anical rooms shall be equipped with knobs, handles or push bars that
have been knurled.
625.4 Floor surfaces: All floors of corridors and lines of egress shall
have a surface that is non-slip.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 7
STRUCTURAL AND FOUNDATION
LOADS AND STRESSES
SECTION 700.0 GENERAL
700.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control the structural
design of all structures, and their foundations, hereafter erected to
insure adequate strength of all parts thereof for the safe support of all
superimposed live and special loads in addition to their own dead load,
without exceeding the design capabilities. The loads specified herein are
the minimum suitable for use with stresses and load factors prescribed in
this code or in accepted engineering practice.
SECTION 701.0 DESIGN SAFE LOAD
701.1 Structural analysis: The safe load for any structural member or
system of construction shall be determined by accepted engineering analy-
sis except as provided in Sections 702.0 and 803.0 for tests of assemblies
not capable of analysis.
701.2 Check tests: When there is reasonable doubt as to the design
capacity of any structural unit or assembly, the building official may
require that tests be made of such unit or assembly under the supervi-
sion of a qualified registered professional engineer. Such tests shall be
made by an approved testing facility and personnel, and the procedures
and results of such tests shall be signed and stamped by the said desig-
nated qualified registered professional engineer.
SECTION 702.0 TEST SAFE LOAD
702.1 When required: When not capable of being accurately analyzed,
any system of construction or structural unit and its connections shall be
subjected to tests prescribed in Article 8 or in the test standards listed
in Appendices D and E, or to such other tests which may be certified by
a qualified registered professional engineer as being acceptable for pro-
viding the information required. Any tests performed shall be conducted
as required by the provisions of Section 701.2 for testing.
702.2 Test load: The test load shall be subject to the provisions of
Section 803.2 and, where applicable, deflections shall be limited as pro-
vided in Section 803.3.
SECTION 703.0 DESIGN LIVE LOAD
703.1 Required live load: The live loads to be assumed in the design of
buildings and structures shall be the greatest load produced by the
intended use and occupancy, but not less than the minimum uniformly
distributed unit loads required in Section 706.0 for specific uses.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
703.2 Loads not specified: The building official shall approve the live
load for any use not specifically provided for in Table 706.
SECTION 704.0 DESIGN DEAD LOAD
704.1 Construction materials: In estimating dead load for the purposes
of structural design, the weights of materials shall be used, but shall not
be less than the unit dead loads prescribed in Appendix J and the Stan-
dard for Minimum Design Loads in Buildings and Other Structures listed
in Appendix B.
704.2 Service equipment: In estimating dead loads for the purposes of
structural design, the weight of service equipment and their distribution
components for plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating, air condition-
ing, sprinkler and similar systems shall be included.
704.3 Partition load: In structures where subdividing partitions may be
subsequently erected, rearranged or relocated, provision shall be made to
support the weight of such partitions where they occur, or for an equiva-
lent uniform load, which shall be assumed not less than twenty (20)
pounds per square foot (psf) of floor area, in addition to the specified
uniformly distributed live load. Provision for partition weight shall be
made whether or not partitions are shown on the plans, unless the speci-
fied live load exceeds eighty (80) psf.
SECTION 705.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
705.1 General: In the reconstruction, repair, extension or alteration of
existing buildings, the allowable working stresses used in design shall be
as indicated in the following Sections 705.2 through 705.5 (see Article
22).
705.2 Building extended: When an existing building is altered by an
extension in height or area, all existing structural parts affected by the
addition shall be strengthened where necessary, and all new structural
parts shall be designed to meet the requirements for buildings hereafter
erected.
705.3 Building repaired: When repairs are made to the structural por-
tion of an existing building, and the uncovered structural portions are
found unsound, such parts shall be made to conform to the requirements
for buildings hereafter erected.
705.4 Existing live load: When an existing building heretofore approved
is altered or repaired within the limitations prescribed in Article 22, the
structure may be designed for the loads and stresses applicable at the
time of erection, provided the public safety is not endangered thereby.
705.5 Posted live load: Any existing building heretofore approved, in
which there is not a change in use to a new use group requiring greater
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
floor loads, may be posted for the originally approved live loads, provi-
ded the building is structurally safe in all its parts, adeguate for its
existing use, and the public safety is not endangered thereby.
SECTION 706.0 UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS
706.1 Uniform live load: The plans for all buildings and structures
intended for other than R-3 and R-4 use groups shall specify the live
and partition loads for which each floor or part thereof has been de-
signed. The minimum uniformly distributed live load in pounds per sguare
foot (psf) shall be as provided in Table 706, and for all concentrated
loads wherever they occur as provided in Section 707.0.
Table 706
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS
Occupancy or use Live load (psf)
Apartments (see Residential)
Armories and drill rooms 150
Assembly halls and other places of assembly:
Fixed seats 60
Movable seats 100
Platforms (assembly) 100
Balcony (exterior) 100
One- and two- family dwellings only 60
Bowling alleys, poolrooms, and similar
recreational areas 75
Cornices 75
Court rooms 100
Corridors:
First floor 100
Other floors, same as occupancy served
except as indicated
Dance halls and ballrooms 100
Dining rooms and restaurants 100
Dwellings (see Residential)
706.2 Partial loading: The full intensity of the appropriately reduced
live load applied only to a portion of the length of a structure or member
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243
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 706 (cont'd.)
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS
Occupancy or use
Live load (psf)
Elevator Machine Room
Fire escapes
On multi- or single f mi ly residential buildings only
Garages (passenger cars only)
For trucks and buses use AASTHO' lane loads
(see Table 707 for concentrated load reauirements)
(see Section 710.1 for roofs)
Grandstands (see Reviewing stands)
Gymnasiums, main floors and balconies
Hospitals
Operating rooms, laboratories
Private moms
Wards
Conidors. above first floor
Hotels (see Residential)
Libraries
Reading rooms
Stack rooms (books & shelving at 65 pcf)
but not less than
Corridors, above first floor
Manufacturing:
light
Heavy
Marquees
Office buildings:
Offices
Lobbies
Corridors, above first floor
File and computer rooms lequiie heavier
loads based upon anticipated occupancy
Open parking structures (passenger cars only)
Penal institutions:
Cell blocks
Corridors
Residential:
Multifamily houses
Private apartments
Public rooms
Corridors
Dwellings
First floor
Second floor and habitable attics
Uninhabitable attics2
Hotels
Guest rooms
Public rooms
Corridors serving public rooms
Corridors
Reviewing stands and bleachers3
Schools
Classrooms
Corridors
Flexible open plan areas
Sidewalks vehicular driveways, and yards, subject to trucking
Skating rinks
150
100
40
50
100
60
40
40
80
60
150
80
125
250
75
50
100
80
50
40
100
40
100
80
40
30
20
40
100
100
80
100
50
100
100
250
100
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 706 (cont'd.)
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS
Occupancy or use Live load (psf)
Stairs and exitways 100
Storage warehouse
Light 125
Heavy 250
Stores
Retail
First floor, rooms 100
Upper floors 75
Wholesale 125
Theaters
Aisles, corridors, and lobbies 100
Orchestra floors 60
Balconies 60
Stage floors 150
Yards and terraces, pedestrians 100
Note 1. American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.
Note 2. Live load need be applied to joists or to bottom chords of trusses or trussed rafters
only in those portions of attic space having a clear height of forty-two (42) inches or more between
joist and rafter in conventional rafter construction, and between bottom chord and any other mem-
ber in trusses or trussed rafter construction. However, joists or the bottom chords of trusses or
trussed rafters shall be designed to sustain the imposed dead load or ten (10) pounds per square
foot (psf) whichever be greater, uniformly distributed over the entire span.
A further ceiling dead load reduction to a minimum of five (5) pounds per square foot (psf) or the
actual dead load, whichever is greater, may be applied to joists in conventional rafter construction,
or to the bottom chords of trusses of trussed rafters under either or both of the following conditions.
1. If the clear height is not over thirty (30) inches between joist and rafter in conventional con-
struction and between the bottom chord and any other member for trusses or trussed rafter
construction.
2. If a clear height of greater than thirty (30) inches, as defined in ftem a directly above, does not
exist for a horizontal distance of more than twelve (12) inches along the member.
Note 3. For detailed recommendations, see the Standard for Tents, Grandstands, and Air-Supported
Structures Used for Places of Assembly, NFiPA 102, listed in Appendix B.
shall be considered if it produces a more unfavorable effect than the same
intensity applied over the full length of the structure or member.
706.3 Posting of live loads: In every building or structure or part
thereof used for mercantile, business, industrial or storage purposes, the
design and partition loads shall be marked on plates of approved design
which shall be supplied and securely affixed by the owner of the building
in a conspicuous place in each space to which they relate. Any plates
lost, removed or defaced shall be replaced by the owner.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 707.0 CONCENTRATED LOADS
707.1 General: Floors of buildings in the locations specified in Table 707
shall be design to support the uniformly distributed live loads prescribed
in Section 706.0 or the following concentrated loads, whichever produces
the greater stresses. The indicated concentration shall be so located to
produce the maximum stress conditions in the structural members.
Table 707 CONCENTRATED LOADS
Concentration
Area
Location
(pounds)
(Inches sq.)
Elevator machine room grating
300
2
Finish light floor plate construction
200
1
Garages
See
note 1
Greenhouse roof bars, purlins and rafters
100
1
Manufacturing and storage buildings
See note 2
Office floors
2000
30
Roofs
200
6
Scuttle, skylight and accessible ceiling ribs
200
1
Sidewalks
8000
15
Stair treads
300
2
Note 1. Garages or portions of buildings used for storage of motor vehicles (see Section 710.1 for
roofs):
1. for passenger cars accommodating not more than nine (9) passengers, two thousand (2,000)
pounds acting on an area of six (6) inches square;
2. for mechanical parking structures without slab or deck, passenger cars only, one thousand
five hundred (1,500) pounds per wheel; and
3. for trucks or buses, maximum axle load on an area produced by a tire pressure of forty (40)
pounds per square inch.
Note 2. For buildings in which mechanical material handling equipment, machines or apparatus will
be utilized, the actual concentrated loads.
SECTION 708.0 IMPACT LOADS
708.1 General: The live loads specified in Section 706.0 shall be as-
sumed to include adequate allowance for ordinary impact conditions.
Provision shall be made in the structural design for special uses and
9/1/80 246
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
loads which involve vibration and impact forces. Where dynamic effects
such as resonance and fatigue are likely to be important as a result of
vibration of equipment or machinery, a dynamic analysis shall be carried
out.
708.2 Elevators: All moving elevator loads shall be increased one hun-
dred (100) per cent for impact, and the structural supports shall be
designed within the limits of deflection as specified in the Department of
Public Safety Board of Elevator Regulations. (524 CMR 15.00 through
33.00)
708.3 Other vertical impact loads: The minimum design load due to
equipment, machinery or other objects or persons that may produce
impact, shall be the total of the weight of the equipment, machinery, or
other objects plus its maximum lifting capacity; or the appropriate live
load, multiplied by an appropriate factor listed below:
Impact due to Factor
1. operation of motor-driven cranes 1.25
2. operation of hand-driven cranes 1.10
3 . live loads on hanger supported floors and stairs 1 . 33
4. elevator machinery 2.0
5. supports for light machinery, shaft or motor driven 1.20
6. supports for reciprocating machinery or power driven units . 1.50
The factor for equipment and machinery shall be increased when so recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
708.4 Horizontal crane loads: The minimum horizontal design loads on
crane runway rails shall be:
1. the lateral force, which shall be
a. for power-operated crane trolleys, twenty (20) per cent, and
for hand-operated trolleys, ten (10) per cent, of the sum of
the weights of the lifted loads and of the crane trolley exclud-
ing other parts of the crane;
b. applied at the top of the rail, one-half (1/2) on each side of
the runway; and
c. considered as acting in either direction normal to the runway
rail; and
2. the longitudinal force, which shall be
a. ten (10) per cent of the maximum wheel loads of the crane; and
b. applied at the top of the rail.
9/1/80 247
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. Where there are positive and reliable means which limit the lateral
or longitudinal impact loads due to power-operated cranes, the
design lateral or longitudinal loads may be based upon the actual
crane equipment, provided that design impact loads are not less
than one-half (1/2) those specified in Section 708.4. Documentation
and computations for such reduced forces shall be submitted to the
building official.
4. For exterior craneways, the specified design impact loads need not
be included in the loading combination of dead plus live plus wind
load.
708.5 Assembly structures: Grandstands, stadiums and similar assembly
structures shall be designed to resist a horizontal swaying load applied
parallel to the rows of seats, in addition to any wind loads, of not less
than twenty-four (24) pounds per lineal foot of seats per row; and of not
less than ten (10) pounds per lineal foot of seats applied transversely.
708.6 Vehicular impact in driveway and parking areas
708.6.1 Railings, bumpers, or similar devices: Railings, bumpers or
similar devices used in driveways and parking areas subject to possible
impact of moving vehicles shall be designed to resist a uniformly distri-
buted lateral load of not less than five hundred (500) pounds per foot
and a concentrated lateral load of not less than four thousand (4,000)
pounds, applied at least twenty-one (21) inches above the roadway. The
distributed load and the concentrated load need not be assumed to act
concurrently .
708.6.2 Columns: Unless specially protected by independent permanent
protective devices, columns in driveway and parking areas subject to
possible impact of moving vehicles shall be designed to resist a concen-
trated lateral load due to impact of not less than four thousand (4,000)
pounds applied at least twenty-one (21) inches above the roadway. This
load shall be considered to act simultaneously with other design loads.
SECTION 709.0 SPECIAL LOADS
709.1 General: Provisions shall be made for all special loads herein
prescribed and all other special loads to which the building or structure
may be subjected.
709.2 Below grade: All retaining walls and other walls below grade shall
be designed to resist lateral soil pressures with due allowance for hydro-
static pressure and for all superimposed vertical loads.
709.3 Hydrostatic uplift: All foundation slabs and other footings sub-
jected to water pressure shall be designed to resist a uniformly distri-
buted uplift equal to the full hydrostatic pressure.
9/1/80 248
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
709.4 Railings: Railings around stairwalls, balconies and other floor
openings, both exterior and interior, shall be designed to resist a con-
centrated load of at least two hundred (200) pounds applied in any direc-
tion at any point of the top rail and also a vertical and a horizontal
thrust of fifty (50) pounds per lineal foot applied at the top railing. The
concentrated load and distributed loads need not be assumed to act con-
currently. Railings and guards of grandstands and similar assembly
structures shall be capable of resisting a lateral force of fifty (50)
pounds per lineal foot concurrently with a vertical load of one hundred
(100) pounds per lineal foot.
709.5 Construction loads and erection loads: Provision shall be made for
temporary construction loads and wind loads which may occur during the
erection of a building or structure; and all structural members and con-
nections shall be designed and erected so as to prevent overloading
during construction.
709.6 Temperature loads: Forces and movements resulting from changes
in temperature shall be considered in the design of all buildings and
structures.
SECTION 710.0 ROOF LOADS
710.1 General: Roofs shall be designed to resist their dead load com-
bined with the maximum effect of either snow load, wind load, earthquake
load, or live load where appropriate for occupied roofs, whichever is more
severe. Where roofs are used for parking, the appropriate live load shall
be added to the snow load. Roofs shall also be designed to resist the
applicable special loads required in Section 709.0.
710.2 Design roof loads: Maximum effects of the following roof loads are
given in the referenced sections of this code.
710.2.1 Snow load: As provided in Section 711.0.
710.2.2 Wind load: As provided in Sections 712.0, 713.0, 714.0, and
715.0.
710.2.3 Earthquake load: As provided in Section 716.0.
710.2.4 Other live load: As provided in Sections 706.0 and 707.0.
710.3 Overhanging eaves: In other than one- and two-family dwellings,
and except where framing of overhang is a continuation of the roof fram-
ing, overhanging eaves, cornices and other roof projections shall be
designed for a minimum uniformly distributed live load of sixty (60)
pounds per square foot.
710.4 Ponding: Roofs shall be designed for the maximum possible depth
of water that may be ponded thereon as determined by the relative levels
9/1/80 249
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
of roof deck and overflow weirs, scuppers, edges of serviceable drains in
combination with the deflected structural elements.
710.5 Special purpose roofs: When used for incidental promenade purpo-
ses, roofs shall be designed for a minimum live load of sixty (60) pounds
per square foot and one hundred (100) pounds per square foot when
designed for roof gardens or assembly uses; or for snow loads, as provi-
ded in Section 711.0; whichever is larger.
710.5.1 Landscaped roofs: Where roofs are to be landscaped, the design
live load shall be the sum of the appropriate uniform live load and the
landscaping load shall be considered as a dead load and shall be computed
on the basis of saturation of the soil.
SECTION 711.0 SNOW LOAD
711.1 General: The map snow loads shown in Figure 711.1 shall be used
as the basis for deriving design snow loads for all buildings and struc-
tures .
711.2 Roof snow loads: The minimum snow loads for the design of roofs
shall be determined from Figures 711.1, 711.2, 711.3, 711.4, 711.5,
711.6, 711.7, and 711.8 as applicable.
9/1/80 250
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.1
f i
!-r' Kv4".-VVv-'/\!
(0
u
H
Z
(0
->
f-
8
t
o
z
<
X
o
</>
<
(0
z
<n
:£
<
o
?
h-
to
z
bJ
H
u
SNOW LOAD ZONES
9/1/80
251
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.2
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION ONE
DESIGN 5NO^ LOAD
(ROUND*) fS.FK SQUARE FT.*)
P»ITC H
ZONE.
1
Z.
3
4-
o - i : ia
25
3©
2>5
40
7:J2 - 10:12
20
24
2©
32.
IOU2- 14 :I2
15
ie>
21
24
14: 12- 21 : 12
IO
12.
14
1(3
> 21: 12
o
O
O
O
PITCH »
RISE
RUN
9/1/80
252
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.3
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION TWO
ROOF SHAPES
je i 4=
DESIGN SNIOkNl LOAD
("POUNDS PBR. SQUARE FT-)
PITCH
Z.ON&
1
2
3
4-
o- 7: 12
25
53
35
40
7: IS - IO.I2
20
24
23
32
IO : 12- 14 : 12
15
IO
21
24
14: 12 -21: 12
IO
12
14
l<2>
> 21 : 12
o
o
O
O
FOR PITCH GREATER THAN 7 •" 12 USE
CASS I OR TT WHICHEVER RBSULTS
INTHB SREATBR STRESSES.
CA5E X
1 1 1 I 1 I 1
S\ + Az
A
- VALUE IN
TASUE ABOVE
CASE IE
LLU
Hi OR
(-
it
4e
L
1.25 h. VALUE IN
TABLE ABOVE
9/1/80
253
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.4
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION THREE
WOO!" -SHAPS^
DE.SIGN ^>r<OW LOAD
(POUNDS PER SQUARE FT.)
h/J2.
Z.OKJE
1
2
3
4
O - 0.2
25
30
35
40
0.2 -o-3
20
24
23
32
0.3 -O.G
15
is
21
24
> o.<s
IO
12
14
IS
FOR. h/,£ RATIO GREATER THAN 0.2
USE CASE X OFK H.NHICH EVER
RESULTS IN THE GREAs-TELR STRESSES.
CASE. X
11
^
VALUE IN
TABLB ABOVE
CASE JX
L 2 * VALUE IN
TABLE ABOVE
9/1/80
254
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.5
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION FOUR
ROOF* SHAPES
DRIFTED SMOkM
y
y
y
/
'
FACE. OF
HIGH *NALL
<~
hd
- — - — 15 FT. OF LESS
LOWEK LEVSL OF MULTI-LEVEL ROOFS
(lAJHEEN UFFE.R ROOF IS PART OF THE
SAME &UILDING OR AN ADJACENT
BUILDING NOT MORE THAN 15 FT AlAlAY) .
DESIGN SNOIA/ LOAD
(FOUNDS FER SQUARE FT)
HEIGHT hd
(FT)
ZONE.
1
2
3
4-
O- 2
25
30
35
40
3
45
45
45
45
4
SO
<so
eo
<zo
5
75
75
75
75
S
75
SO
so
SO
7
75
SO
105
105
>«>
75
so
105
ISO
VALUE FROM
TABLE ABOVE
FACE OF
HIGH IAJALL
>irrm
r
- l/ALUE FROM
CONDITION) I
2 hd < 30 FT
<=%
9/1/80
255
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.6
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION FIVE
ROOF SHAPES
SLIDING SnO/V
pace or
HIGH >\ALL
■f
FT. OR LESS
DESIGN UPPER ROOF FOR LOAD
AfPLICABLe TO SlNGiUE LEVEL ROOF .
DESIGN LOkNER ROOF FOR CONDITIONS-
PLUS SLIDING 5NON FROM UPPER, ROOF
WHEN PITCH OF UPPER. ROOr 15 GREATER
THAN :
S: 12 FOR. ROOFS OF SMOOTH MATERIALS
SUCH AS ME1TAL OR. SLATE; USl NIG
COEFFICIENT A =. I.G.
s:i2 for roops of other materials
USING COEPFICIENT A = I . O.
A*£/£s m VALUE
rROM uppbr poor
CONDITION I
- VALUE FROM
CONDITION I
VALUE FROM
CONDITION A
FACE OF
HIGH IA/ALL
2 hd < SO ft.
i's - 2hd EX CERT THAT
5PT. < b <SO FT.
9/1/80
256
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.7
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION SIX
ROOT* SHAPES
hd
ROOF AREAS ADJACENT TO SMALL
PARAPBTS, SCREENS FENCES,
rROJBCTIOMS ANO OBSTRUCTIONS
ONI ROOF'S.
DESIGN 5NOH LOAD
fPOUNDS RSR SQUARE FT)
HEIGHT hd
(FT.)*
ZONE
1
2
3
A
O - E
25
SO
S5
AO
3
SO
SO
35
AO
A.
-4©
4o
Ao
AO
5
50
50
50
SO
S
50
SO
SO
SO
7
50
SO
70
70
>&
50
(SO
70
SO
ii*USE hd-o
HHEN x(FT)
IS 1. FSSTHAN
5
S
7
©
VALUE FROM
TABLE ABOVE-
Uftfinnnd
VALUE FROM
CONDITION I
2hJ <SO FT.
9/1/80
257
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 711.8
DESIGN SNOW LOAD AND DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION SEVEN
I. 5 x VALUE FROM
CONDITION I
i v.
» + + +**»*!
*!
■m
¥
ILM !: 1
*
VALUE. PROM.
'COWOITIOM I
VALLEY AREAS OF TWO SPAN AND
MULTIPLE SBKIfiS SLOPED OR
curved roofs.
for <x greater. than iso9 usb
condition i .
for cx. less than l«5° use diagram
asove .
7E>
9/1/80
258
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
711.3 Unbalanced snow loading: Account shall be taken of unbalanced
snow loads relative to the stability and strength of structures by apply-
ing pattern loadings of one hundred (100) per cent of design snow load
alternating with fifty (50) per cent of design snow load located to maxi-
mize the various structural effects, except as otherwise provided in
Figures 711.2, 711.3, 711.4, 711.5, 711.6, 711.7, and 711.8.
711.4 Snow pockets or wells: Consideration of potentially excessive snow
accumulation shall be given to any roof areas which have pockets or wells
which could serve as snow collectors.
711.5 Snow storage and collection areas: Consideration of potentially
excessive snow accumulation shall be given to portions of structures
which may be designated or used as snow collection or storage areas
during and after snow removal operations.
SECTION 712.0 WIND LOAD
712.1 Wind load zones: The locations of wind load zones are shown in
the Figure 712.1 map. Zone 1 consists of the Counties of Berkshire,
Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden; Zone 2 consists of the County of
Worcester; and Zone 3 consists of the Counties of Essex, Middlesex,
Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket.
712.2 Exposures: Exposure is defined as a measure of terrain roughness
and is classified as follows:
Exposure A: centers of large cities and very rough, hilly terrain.
Exposure A applies for downtown areas only when the terrain for at
least one-half (1/2) mile upwind of the structure is heavily built up,
with at least fifty (50) per cent of the buildings being in excess of
four stories, and when Exposure B prevails beyond this boundary.
Exercise caution in using these reduced wind pressures for buildings
and structures on high ground in the midst of cities or rough terrain.
Exposure B: suburban areas, towns, city outskirts, wooded areas, and
rolling terrain. Exposure B applies only when the terrain for at least
one (1) mile upwind is a continuous urban development, forest, wooded
area, or rolling terrain.
Exposure C: open level terrain with only scattered buildings, struc-
tures, trees or miscellaneous obstructions, open water, or shorelines.
712.2.1 Special exposures: Consideration shall be given to the appli-
cation of a more severe exposure (e.g., Exposure C instead of Expo-
sures B or A) when the ground slope near the site of a structure
changes abruptly, to account for the resulting higher wind speeds near
ground level.
9/1/80 259
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
712.3 Reference wind velocities: The reference wind velocity for each
wind load zone is the "fastest-mile" wind velocity at thirty (30) feet
above the ground (V™ for Exposure C, as follows:
Zone V^n-MPH
1 JU70
2 80
3 90
712.4 Reference wind pressures: Reference wind pressures for the
various exposures and wind zones are given in the following Table 712.
The tabulated pressures are combined windward and leeward pressures
representing the overall effect of the wind on essentially rectangular
structures, and accounts for typical gust effects as found in ordinary
buildings. These pressures do not account for buffeting or channeling
caused by positions of nearby structures, vortex shedding, or wind
sensitive dynamic properties of a particular structure.
9/1/80 260
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 712
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9/1/80
261
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 712.1
e
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9/1/80
262
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 713.0 WIND LOAD ON STRUCTURES AS A WHOLE
AND ON VERTICAL SURFACES OF ENCLOSED
OR PARTIALLY ENCLOSED STRUCTURES
713.1 Structures as a whole: All buildings and enclosed or partially
enclosed structures shall be designed to withstand a total wind load
acting on the structure as a whole determined by applying the appropri-
ate reference wind pressures given in Table 712 to the vertical projected
area, normal to the wind direction of the vertical surfaces of the struc-
ture, plus the appropriate wind forces on the roof as specified in Section
714.0. Consideration shall be given to wind acting in all directions.
713.1.1 Simultaneous wind forces on orthogonal sides: For structures
which are essentially rectangular in plan, or whose plan shape is made up
of rectangular parts, only wind directions normal to the sides of the
structure need be considered, provided that zero point seven (0.7) times
the effects of the wind acting simultaneously normal to adjacent orthogonal
sides shall also be considered when it produces more severe effects in the
structural support system. Factors other than zero point seven (0.7)
may be used if substantiated by appropriate wind tunnel tests.
713.1.2 Wind force distribution: The total wind force on the vertical
surfaces of a structure prescribed in Section 713.1 shall be distributed
six-tenths (6/10) to the windward surfaces (as a positive pressure) and
four-tenths (4/10) to the leeward surfaces (as a suction). Other distri-
butions may be used if substantiated by appropriate wind tunnel tests.
713.2 Vertical parts of structures: Vertical parts of structures that are
subjected directly to the wind, and their local supporting elements, shall
be designed to resist the pressures listed in the following Table 713,
normal to the surface, inward or outward. The pressures listed in the
table represent the combined internal and external pressures. A local
supporting element of a vertical part subjected directly to the wind shall
be defined as a compound of a wall assembly, a stud, a mullion, a girt,
or a similar item which distributes the wind load from the vertical part to
the principal structural system of the structure.
9/1/80 263
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 713
WIND PRESSURES ON PARTS OF STRUCTURES AND LOCAL SUPPORTING ELEMENTS
Location of
applied wind
pressure
Within salient
corner area2
Beyond salient
corner area
Tributary wind load
area of part or local
supporting element
Required design pressures
Ref. pressure of
Sec. 712.4
times'
Any
Less than or equal to
200 sq. ft.
Beyond salient Greater than
corner area I 200 sq. ft.
1.7
1.2
0.8
But not
less than
20 psf
20 psf
15 psf
But need not
be greater than
70 psf
50 psf
50 psf
Note 1. For partially enclosed structures, where any side is more than • thirty-five (35) per cent open,
add a factor of zero point three (0.3) to the coeffiuenti of this column of he able.
.^M^^^^ (10' 'eet' ,r°m 3
prominent (salient) corner.
SECTION 714.0 WIND LOAD ON ROOFS
714.1 General: Roofs and their supporting structure shall be designed
to resist the combined effects of the external and internal wind pressures
specified in Sections 714.2 through 714.5. All pressures specified shall
be considered to act normal to the roof surface. When applying the
reference wind pressures of Section 712.4 to the provisions of Sections
714.2 through 714.5, the reference wind pressures shall be for a height
equal to the average height of the roof eave above grade.
714.2 External wind pressures on roofs of enclosed structures: Except
as specified otherwise in Section 714.5, external wind pressures shall be
as specified in the following Table 714, or in Section 714.2.1. Where
both positive pressure and suction are specified, the effects of each shall
be evaluated.
714.2.1 Roof shapes not specified: For roof shapes not specified herein,
external wind pressures shall be determined as specified in Section 715.2
but the minimum suction effect shall be equal to zero point six (0.6) times
the reference wind pressure of Section 712.4.
714.3 Internal wind pressures on roofs of enclosed structures: Except
as specified otherwise in Section 714.4, internal wind pressures shall be
zero point two (0.2) times the reference wind pressure given in Section
9/1/80
264
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
712.4. The internal pressure shall be applied as a positive pressure or a
suction, whichever gives the greater structural effect when added to the
external pressure, for the design of each structural component.
714.4 Wind pressures on roofs over nonenclosed or partially enclosed
structures: Except as specified otherwise in Section 714.5, wind pres-
sures for roofs of partially enclosed or nonenclosed structures shall be as
follows :
1. When a structure is partially enclosed, with each side not more than
thirty-five (35) per cent open, the wind pressures shall be the
same as for an enclosed structure.
2. When a structure is partially enclosed, with openings essentially all
on one (1) side, and when that side is more than thirty-five (35)
per cent open, external wind pressure shall be as specified in
Table 712 and internal wind pressures shall be as specified in
Section 714.3 except that the value of internal wind pressure shall
be equal to zero point five (0.5) times the reference wind pressure
given in Table 714.
3. For all other cases of partially enclosed structures, or for non-
enclosed structures, the combined effect of the wind pressures
above and below roofs shall be equal to one point twenty-five
(1.25) times the values specified in Table 714 for the corresponding
roof shapes and wind directions.
WIND PRESSURES ON ROOFS
External wind pressures— flat, gable, shed roofs (wind perpendicular to ridge)
Roof pitch
Multiples of ref. pressure of Sec. 712.4
Degrees
Rise/run
Windward slope
Leeward slope
Flat to 4/12
4/12 to 7/12
7/12 to 10/12
10/12 to 14/12
14/12 to Vertical
Positive
pressure
Suction
Suction
0-20
20-30
30-40
40-50
50-90
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.0
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
External wind pressures— arch shaped roofs (wind perpendicular to ridge)
Rise to
span ratio
Multiples of ref. pressure of Sec. 712.4
Windward quarter
Center
half
Leeward
quarter
Positive
pressure
Suction
Suction
Suction
Less than 2/10
2/10 to 3/10
3/10 to 6/10
0.2
0.3
0.6
0.7
0.7
0.8
1.0
0.4
0.4
0.4
External wind pressures — flat, gabled, shed or arch shaped roofs (wind parallel to ridge)
Suction of 0.6 times the reference pressure of Section 712.4
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714.5 Wind pressures for parts of roofs: Parts of roofs that are sub-
jected directly to the wind, and their local supporting elements, shall be
designed to resist the following pressures in an outward direction:
1. Where parts subjected directly to the wind are located within a
distance of one-tenth (1/10) the least width of a structure, but not
more than ten (10) feet, from a ridge, eave, or cornice, they shall
resist a pressure one point seven (1.7) times the reference wind
pressure given in Table 712 (representing the combined internal
and external pressures).
2. Where parts subjected directly to the wind are located outside the
zones specified in Item 1 above, they shall resist pressures as
specified in Sections 714.2 through 714.4 and Table 714.
A local supporting element of a part of a roof shall be defined as a roof
deck element, purlin, rafter, or similar item which distributes the wind
load from the roof part to the principal structural system of the struc-
ture.
SECTION 715.0 SPECIAL CONFIGURATIONS, SHAPES AND
CONSIDERATIONS FOR WIND FORCES
715.1 Wind load on signs, towers, exposed framing, tanks, stacks and
chimneys: Signs, towers, exposed framing, tanks, stacks, chimneys, and
similar structures, or parts thereof, shall be designed for wind forces
determined by applying coefficients given in Sections 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 of
ANSI A58.1 as listed in Appendix B for the applicable structure using
zero point seventy-five (0.75) times the applicable reference wind pres-
sures given in Table 712.
715.1.1 Shielding: Shielding effect of one element by another shall not
be considered when the distance between them exceeds four (4) times the
projected smallest dimension of the windward element.
715.1.2 Signs: For open or solid outdoor signs with ratios of dimensions
with the limits stated below, a wind load applied uniformly over the area
of the sign and determined by the lesser of one point two P (1.2P) on
the gross area within the outside dimensions of the sign, or one point six
P (1.6P) on the net projected area of the sign; whichever is less, may be
used in lieu of the loads given in reference standard ANSI A58.1, where
"P" is the reference wind pressure given in Table 712 for a height equal
to the average height of the sign above the ground.
1. Ground supported signs (whose bottom is .25 times the vertical
height from the ground to the top of the sign): height to width
ratio less than ten (10).
2. Above ground signs: largest to smallest dimension ratio less than
twenty (20).
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715.2 Special considerations for wind forces
715.2.1 Design wind forces and pressures using wind tunnel tests:
Design wind forces and pressures may be determined by appropriate wind
tunnel tests on specific structures as stipulated by the responsible design
engineer and approved by the building official. The wind tunnel test
program shall adequately represent the relevant properties of the struc-
ture and its surroundings and the oncoming wind flow. The wind tunnel
tests may be combined with a detailed statistical study of meteorological
records, including high level wind velocity and direction, from stations
near the proposed structure. The wind effects used for design of the
structure shall be not less than those corresponding to an event having
an annual probability of occurrence of one one-hundredth (.01). In lieu
of a detailed statistical study of meteorological records, the appropriate
reference wind velocity stipulated in Section 712.3 may be used.
The wind forces and pressures so determined, plus an appropriate
allowance for stack effects and internal pressures, may be used for the
design of the structure as a whole, and its individual parts. However,
these values of forces and pressures shall not be less than eight-tenths
(.8) of the values required by Sections 713.0, 714.0, and 715.0, as
applicable, for reference wind pressures for Exposure A and the appro-
priate wind zone specified in Table 712.
715.3 Uplift, overturning and sliding
715.3.1 Anchorage, roofs and walls: All parts of a structure subjected
directly to the wind shall be anchored to the supporting structure, to
resist specified wind loads inwardly or outwardly.
715.3.2 Anchorage, structural system: The design of the structural
system and its elements for uplift, overturning moment, or horizontal
shear, or their combination, shall not depend on more than sixty-seven
(67) per cent of the available resistance due to dead load effects. When,
at joints between parts of the structure or at the foundation bearing
level, the uplift, overturning moment, or horizontal shear, or their com-
bination, is in excess of sixty-seven (67) per cent of the available resis-
tance due to dead load effects, the additional required capacity shall be
provided by suitable connections and anchorage.
715.4 Eccentricity of wind forces: Consideration shall be given to the
effects of specified wind forces being applied eccentric to the center of
rigidity of a structure.
SECTION 716.0 EARTHQUAKE LOAD
716.1 General: Provisions of this section reflect informed judgments
regarding the probable intensities of future earthquake ground motions in
this region, and their associated probabilities of occurrence. The ob-
jective of these provisions is to protect life safety by limiting structural
failure.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1. Every structure and every portion thereof shall be designed and
constructed to resist stresses produced by lateral forces as provid-
ed in this section, except detached one- and two-family dwellings
and minor accessory buildings. Stresses shall be calculated as the
effect of a force applied horizontally at each floor or roof level or
to building parts above the foundation. The force shall be assumed
to come from any horizontal direction.
2. Every structure and every portion designed and constructed to
resist stresses produced by lateral forces as provided in this sec-
tion shall be constructed and inspected in accordance with the
applicable provisions of this code.
716.2 Definitions: (See Section 201.0)
716.3 Symbols and notations: The following symbols and notations apply
only to the provisions of Section 716.0:
Ac, Ach, Ag, Ash See Section 716. 5. 1. 3. c. 2.
C = Numerical coefficient for base shear as specified in Section
716.4.1, Item a.
Cp = Numerical coefficient as specified in Section 716.4.5 and as set
forth in Table 716.2.
D = The dimension of the building in feet in a direction parallel to
the applied forces.
D = Dead load or related internal moments and forces, when used in
Section 716.5.4.
Ds = The plan dimension of the vertical lateral force resisting system
in feet.
E = Load effects of earthquake, or related internal moments and
forces.
FiFn
Fx = Lateral force applied to level i, n, or x, respectively.
Fp = Lateral force on the part of the structure and in the direction
under consideration.
Ft = That portion of V considered concentrated at the top of the
structure at the level. The remaining portion of the total base
shear V shall be distributed over the height of the structure
including level according to Section 716.4.2.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
yh
hihm
l m
K
L
Level i
Level n
Level x
M
Mx
N
S
Sh
T
U
V
See Section 716. 5.1. 3. c. 2.
See Section 716. 5. 1. 3. c. 2.
Height in feet above the base to level i, n, or x, respectively.
Numerical coefficient as set forth in Table 716.1.
Live loads or related internal moments and forces (see Section
716.5.1.4).
= Level of the structure referred to by the subscript "i."
= That level which is uppermost in the main portion of the
structure
= That level which is under design consideration.
= Overturning moment at the base of the building or structure.
= The overturning moment at level "x."
= The total number of stories above the base to level "n."
= Numerical coefficient as specified in Section 716.5.1.
= See Section 716. 5.1. 3. c. 2.
= Fundamental period of vibration of the building or structure
in seconds in the direction under consideration.
= Required strength to resist factored loads or related internal
moments and forces (see Section 716.5.1.4).
= Total lateral load or shear at the base.
V = Ft + 2 Fi
i= 1
w
where i = 1 designates first level above the base.
= Total dead load including the partition loading where appli-
cable plus fifty (50) per cent of the snow load.
Exception: W shall be equal to the total dead load plus
twenty-five (25) per cent of the floor live load in storage
and warehouse occupancies.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
w. = That portion of W which is located or is assigned to level "i"
1 or
wx "x," respectively.
Wp = The weight of a part or portion of a structure.
Yt = Total unit weight.
716.4 Minimum earthquake forces for structures: The provisions of
Section 716.4 are applicable only to structures meeting the requirements
of Section 716.5. All other structures shall be designed in accordance
with Section 716.7.
716.4.1 Total lateral force: Every structure shall be designed and
constructed to withstand minimum total lateral seismic forces assumed to
act noncurrently in the direction of each of the main axes of the struc-
ture in accordance with the following formula:
V = 1/3 *KCSW
1. C factor: the value of C shall be determined in accordance
with the following formula:
_ 0.05
For all one- and two-story buildings or structures the value of
C shall be zero point one (0.1). The maximum value of C need
not exceed zero point one (0.1).
T is the fundamental period of vibration of the structure in
seconds in the direction under consideration. Properly substan-
tiated technical data for establishing the period T may be
submitted. In the absence of such data, the value for T for
buildings shall be determined by the following formula:
0.05h„
T =
VD
Exception: In all buildings in which the lateral force resisting
system consists of a moment-resisting space frame which resists
one hundred (100) per cent of the required lateral forces and
which frame is not enclosed by or adjoined by more rigid ele-
ments would tend to prevent the frame from resisting lateral
forces .
T = 0.10 N
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. K factor: The horizontal force factors K for structures meetina
the requirements of Section 716.5 are set forth in Table 716.1
3. S factor: For a Class A soil site, S = 1. For a Class B soil
? I' \ ?■ Intermediate values of S may be used as justi-
fied on the basis of Figure 716.1 or by the results of adequate
studies by a registered professional engineer. The value of CS
need not exceed zero point twelve (0.12). (See Section 720 5
for definition of Class A soil.)
Table 716.1
HORIZONTAL FORCE FACTOR "K" FOR STRUCTURES'
Type of arrangement of resisting elements
Value of K
Buildings with a box system as defined in Section 201.0
1.33
Buildings with a dual bracing system as defined in Section 201.0
0.80
Buildings with a moment-resisting space frame designed to resist the total
required lateral force
0.67
Other buildings
1.00
Elevated tanks plus full contents, on four (4) or more cross-braced legs
and not supported by a building2
3.003
Structures other than buildings and other than those set forth in Table 716.1
2.00
Note 1. Where wind load would produce higher stresses, this load shall be use in lieu of the
loads resulting from earthquake forces.
Note 2. The minimum value of KC shall be zero point twelve (012) and the maximum value of
KC need not exceed zero point twenty-five (0.25).
Note 3. The tower shall be designed for an accidental torsion of five (5) per cent as specified
in Section 716.4.3. Elevated tanks which are supported by buildings or do not conform to type or
arrangement of supporting elements as described above shall be designed in accordance with
Section 716.4.5 using Cp = 0.2.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 716.1
160
I kO
120
100
60
^0
20
Class A
Soi 1 S i te j
S
-1
Class B
Soil Site
S =
1.5
-/
-- / .
20 kO 60 80 100 120 )k0 160
Thickness of Class B Soil, ft.
716.4.2 Distribution of lateral force
1. With vertical distribution for structures having regular shapes
or framing systems, the total lateral force V shall be distributed
in the height of the structure in the following manner:
Us
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Ft need not exceed zero point fifteen (0.15) V and may be
considered as zero (0) values hn of three (3) or less, and
fx - (y - F J wa Ds
n W- h.
S l
i = 1
Exception: One- and two-story buildings shall have uniform
distribution .
At each level designated as "x," the force Fx shall be applied
over the building in accordance with the mass distribution on
that level.
Horizontal distribution: total shear in any horizontal plane
shall be distributed to the various elements of the lateral force
resisting system in proportion to their rigidities considering the
rigidity of the horizontal bracing system or diaphragm.
Setbacks: buildings having setbacks wherein the plan dimen-
sion of the tower in each direction is at least seventy-five (75)
per cent of the corresponding plan dimension of the lower part
may be considered as a uniform building without setbacks for
the purpose of determining seismic forces.
For other conditions of setbacks the tower shall be designed
as a separate building using the larger of the seismic coeffi-
cients at the base of the tower determined by considering the
tower as either a separate building for its own height or as
part of the overall structure. The resulting total shear from
the tower shall be applied at the top of the lower part of the
building which shall be otherwise considered separately for its
own height.
Exception: Nothing in Section 716.4.2, Item 3 shall be
deemed to prohibit the submission of properly substantiated
technical data for establishing the lateral design forces by a
dynamic analysis in accordance with Section 716.4.2, Item
4.
Distribution of lateral forces for structures having irregular
shapes or framing systems: the distribution of the lateral
forces in buildings or structures which have highly irregular
shapes, large Differences in lateral resistance or stiffness
between adjacent stories, or other unusual structural features
affecting seismic response shall be determined considering the
dynamic characteristics of the structure. The total base shear
shall not be less than reguired by Section 716.4.1. The analy-
sis should be based either upon the model analysis procedure
using the appropriate response spectrum in Figure 716.2 with
273
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
reduced ordinates or upon time histories of base motion with a
frequency content similar to that implied by the appropriate
response spectrum in Figure 716.2.
716.4.3 Horizontal torsional moments: Provisions shall be made for the
increase in shear resulting from the horizontal torsion due to an eccentri-
city between the center of mass and the center of rigidity. Negative
torsional shears shall be neglected. Where the vertical resisting elements
depend on diaphragm action for shear distribution at any level, the
shear-resisting elements shall be capable of resisting a torsional moment
assumed to be equivalent to the story shear acting with an eccentricity of
not less than five (5) per cent of the maximum building dimension at that
level.
716.4.4 Overturning: Every structure shall be designed to resist the
overturning effects caused by the wind forces and related requirements
specified in Section 715.3 or the earthquake forces specified in this
section, whichever governs.
At any level, the incremental changes of the design overturning
moment in the story under consideration shall be distributed to the vari-
ous resisting elements in the same proportions as the distribution of the
shears in the resisting system. Where other vertical members are provid-
ed which are capable of partially resisting the overturning moments, a
redistribution may be made to these members if framing members of suffi-
cient strength and stiffness to transmit the required loads are provided.
Where a vertical resisting element is discontinuous, the overturning
moment carried by the lowest story of that element shall be carried down
as loads to the foundation.
716.4.5 Lateral force on parts or portions of buildings or structures:
Parts or portions of structures and their anchorage shall be designed for
lateral forces in accordance with the following formula:
Fp = l/3CpWp
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Table 716.2
HORIZONTAL FORCE FACTOR "C„" FOR PARTS OF PORTIONS OR STRUCTURES
Part or portion of structures
Direction
of force
Value of
Cp
Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls,
interior bearing walls and partitions,
interior nonbearing walls and partitions
over ten (10) feet in height masonry
or concrete fences over six (6) feet in height
Normal to
flat
surface
0.20
Cantilever parapet and other cantilever
walls, except retaining walls
Normal to
flat
surface
1.00
Exterior and interior ornamentations
and appendages
Any
direction
1.00
When connected to, part of, or housed
within a building: towers, tanks towers and
tanks plus contents, storage racks over
six (6) feet in height plus contents,
chimneys, smokestacks, penthouses, equipment
and machinery
Any
direction
0.20'- 7
When resting on the ground, tank plus
effective mass of its contents
Any
direction
0.12"
Floors and roofs acting as diaphragms4
Any
direction
0.10
Connections for exterior panels or for
elements complying with Section 716.6.6
Any
direction
2.00
Connections for prefabricated structural
elements other than walls, with force
applied at center of gravity of assembly
Any
horizontal
direction
0.3&5
Note 1. When located in the upper portion of any building where the "h„/D" ratio is five-to-one
(5 1) or greater the value shall be increased by fifty (50) per cent.
Note 2. "W|." for storage racks shall be the weight of the racks plus contents. The value of
"Cp" for racks over two (2) storage support levels in height shall be zero point sixteen (0.16) for
the levels below the top two (2) levels.
Note 3. For purposes of determining the lateral force, a minimum ceiling weight of five (5) pounds
per square foot shall be used.
Note 4. Floors and roofs acting as diaphragms shall be designed for a minimum value of "C,. of ten
(10) per cent applied to loads tributory from that story unless a greater value of "Cp" is re-
quired by the basic seimsic formula V = Va KCSW.
Note 5. The "W,." shall be equal to the total load plus twenty-five (25) per cent of the floor live
load in storage and warehouse occupancies.
Note 6. When the soil factor S is less than or equal to one point two (1.2) "Cp may be taken
as zero point one (0.1) S.
The values of Cp are set forth in Table 716.2. The distribution of these
forces shall be according to the gravity loads pertaining thereto.
716.4.6 Lateral force on foundations: Provision shall be made for trans-
mission of the base shear, acting in any direction, between structure and
soil or rock, by means of one of the following:
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1. lateral soil pressure against foundation walls, footings, grade
beams and pipe caps;
2. lateral soil pressure against piles, piers, or caissons;
3. batter piles;
4. side or bottom friction on walls or footings; or
5. combinations of the foregoing.
Lateral pressure may not be more than one-third (1/3) the passive pres-
sure. Bottom friction may not be relied upon where a building overlies
Class B soil and is supported upon piles, piers or caissons. Even if not
relied upon to transmit the base shear, foundation walls shall comply with
the provisions of Section 716.6.10.
716.5 Design reguirements
716.5.1 Concrete: Design and construction of earthguake resisting
reinforced concrete structures shall conform to the provisions of Section
841.0 and of reference standard ACI 318 (except Appendix A) as listed in
Appendix B, and to the reguirements of this section.
1. Physical reguirements for reinforced concrete materials
Concrete shall have an ultimate compressive strength at twenty-
eight (28) days f'c, of not less than three thousand (3,000)
pounds per square inch. The maximum specified ultimate com-
pressive strength at twenty-eight (28) days, f'c, for lightweight
concrete shall be limited to four thousand (4,000) pounds per
square inch. Reinforcing steel shall comply with ASTM A615,
Grade 40 or 60, as listed in Appendix C.
2. Flexural members of moment-resisting space frames
a. Throughout the length of flexural members, both top and
bottom reinforcement shall consist of not less than two (2)
bars and ratio provided shall not be less than 200/fy.
b. Positive moment strength of flexural members at column
connections shall not be less than twenty-five (25) per cent
of the required negative moment strength.
c. All reinforcement shall be extended beyond the section at
which it is reguired and developed by bond, hook, or
mechanic device to develop the yield strength of the bar.
In confined regions, length of anchorage shall be not less
than sixty (60) per cent of the development length but not
less than twenty-four (24) inches.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
d. Web reinforcement perpendicular to the longitudinal rein-
forcement shall be required throughout the length of each
flexural member. The minimum area of such web reinforce-
ment shall be zero point fifteen (0.15) per cent of the
product of the width of the web and the spacing of the web
reinforcement aong the longitudinal axis of the member.
The maximum spacing shall be three-quarter (3/4) d unless
a smaller spacing is required by reference standard ACI
318.
Stirrup-ties shall be provided for a distance not less than
one and one half (1 1/2) d from the face of the support.
The first stirrup-tie shall be not more than (3) inches from
the face of the support and the remainder at a spacing not
greater than d/4. A stirrup-tie is a closed stirrup which
conforms to requirements set forth for hoops in tied columns
in a following paragraph.
Lapped splices located in a region of tension or reversing
stress shall be confined by at least two (2) stirrup-ties at
each splice.
3. Columns of moment-resisting space frames
a. Special transverse reinforcement shall be provided in those
portions of tied columns within a distance from the face of
the joint equal to the maximum column dimension, one-sixth
(1/6) of the clear height of the column, or eighteen (18)
inches, whichever is the greatest. The first hoop shall be
located two (2) inches from the face of the joint.
b. At exterior and corner columns, the open sides of the joint
shall be confined by special transverse reinforcement
throughout the height of the joint.
c. Where special transverse reinforcement is required, by the
provisions of this section, it shall mean spirals, single
hoops or overlapping hoops with supplementary cross ties,
where required, in accordance with the following require-
ments :
1. For spiral columns, ps , the ratio of the volume of
spiral reinforcement to the volume of the core, mea-
sured out-to-out of spiral, shall be not less than
A v f f
q i ] _" or 0.12
:yh fyh
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
For tied columns, transverse ties in the form of rectan-
gular hoops and supplementary cross ties shall be
provided in sets spaced vertically not more than four
(4) inches apart. The total cross-sectional area, Ash,
of hoop reinforcement, included supplementary cross-
ties, shall be not less than
A„ \ f'_ f'
hhc
0.30('g -f ) s,hc _I or 0..12 shh
where
vch fyh fyh
Ac = Area of circular core, measured out-to-out of
spiral, in square inches.
Ach = Area of rectangular core of column measured
out-to-out of hoops, in square inches.
Ag = Gross area of column, in square inches.
Ash = Total cross-sectional area of hoop reinforce-
ment, including supplementary cross ties having
a spacing of s, and crossing a section with a
core dimension of h , square inches.
F , = Specified yield strength of spiral or hoops psi.
h = Core dimension of tied column in inches,
c
s, = Vertical spacing of hoops.
A hoop shall be a one-piece closed tie, #3 or larger,
enclosing longitudinal bars, with a one hundred thirty-
five (135) degree bend plus ten (10) tie-diameter exten-
sion at its ends, the bends being hooked around a
single longitudinal bar.
Supplementary cross ties of the same size and
longitudinal spacing as hoops, using one hundred
eighty (180) degree standard hooks engaging the peri-
pheral hoop and secured to a longitudinal bar, may be
used. Supplementary cross-ties or legs of overlapping
hoops shall be spaced not more than fourteen (14)
inches on center transversely.
Earthquake resisting shear walls and braced frames: Shear
walls and braced frames shall be designed by the strength
design and Method except that the alternate design method of
reference standard ACI 318 may be used, provided that the
factor of safety in shear is equivalent to that achieved with the
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
strength design method. The formulas for required strength
U, as provided in reference standard ACI 318 shall be modified
to:
U = 1.4 (D + L) + 1.4 E
U = 0.9D + 1.4 E
except that 2E shall be used in the calculation of shear stresses
in shear walls of buildings without a moment-resisting space
frame capable of carrying all vertical loads and lateral forces.
Force B shall be determined from V in accordance with Section
716.4.1.
a. Shear walls
1. Special vertical boundary elements shall be provided at
the edges of concrete shear walls in buildings with a
dual bracing system as defined in Section 201.0. These
elements shall be composed of concrete encased struc-
tural steel elements of A36, A440, A441, A572 (except
Grades 60 and 65) or A588 steel, or shall be concrete
reinforced as required for columns with special trans-
verse reinforcement, as described above for the full
length of the element. The boundary vertical elements
and such other similar vertical elements as may be
required shall be designed to carry all the vertical
stresses resulting from the wall loads in addition to
tributary dead and live loads and from the design
lateral forces. Horizontal reinforcing in the walls shall
be fully anchored to the vertical elements.
2. Similar confinement of horizontal and vertical boundaries
at wall openings also shall be provided unless it can be
demonstrated that the unit compressive stresses at the
opening have a load factor two (2) times that given by
the formulae of Section 716.5, Item 4, for required
strength U.
3. Wall reinforcement required to resist wall shear shall be
terminated with not less than a ninety (90) degree bend
plus a twelve (12) bar diameter extension beyond the
boundary reinforcing at vertical and horizontal end
faces of wall sections. Wall reinforcement terminating in
boundary column shall be fully anchored into the bound-
ary of elements.
Braced frames
a. Reinforced concrete members of braced frames subject
primarily to axial stresses shall have special transverse
reinforcement as specified above, through the full length of
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
the member. Tension members shall additionally meet the
requirements for compressive members .
b. In buildings without a moment-resisting space frame capable
of carrying all vertical loads and the total required lateral
force, all members in braced frames shall be designed for
one point twenty-five (1.25) times the force determined in
accordance with Section 716.4.1. Connections for these
members are not permitted the thirty-three (33) per cent
stress increase for earthquake.
716.5.2 Steel: Design and construction of earthquake resisting struc-
tural steel framing members and their connections shall conform to the
requirements of Section 826.0 and of the Specification for the Design,
Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel for Buildings of the American
Institute of Steel Construction and to the requirements of this section.
1 . Moment-resisting space frames
a. General: design and construction of steel framing in moment-
resisting space frames shall conform to the provisions of
Section 826.0 and the requirements of this section.
b . Definitions
1. Joints: the joint is the entire assemblage at the inter-
sections of the members.
2. Connections: the connection consists of only those
elements that connect the member to the joint.
c. Connections:
Each beam or girder moment connection to a column shall be
capable of developing in the beam the full plastic capacity
of the beam or girder.
Exception: The connection need not develop the full plastic
capacity of the beam or girder if it can be shown that ade-
quately ductile joint displacement is provided with a lesser
connection .
d. Local buckling: members in which hinges will form during
inelastic displacement of the frames shall comply with the
requirement for plastic design sections.
e. Slenderness ratios: the effective length kl used in deter-
mining the slenderness ratio of an axially loaded compres-
sion member in the moment-resisting space frame depends
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on its own bending stiffness for the lateral stability of the
building, even if bracing or shear walls are provided.
f. Nondestructive welding testing: welded connections between
primary members of the moment-resisting space frame shall
be tested by nondestructive methods for compliance with the
code and job specifications. A program for this testing
shall be established by the person responsible for struc-
tural design. As a minimum, this program shall include the
following :
1. All complete penetration groove welds contained in joints
and splices shall be tested one hundred (100) per cent
either by ultrasonic testing or by radiography.
Exception: The nondestructive testing rate for an
individual welder may be reduced to twenty-five (25)
per cent subject to the concurrence of the design engi-
neer of record, provided the reject rate is demonstrated
to be five (5) per cent or less of the welds tested for
the welder. A sampling of at least forty (40) completed
welds shall be made for such reduction evaluation. Re-
ject rate is defined as the number of welds containing
rejectable defects divided by the number of welds com-
pleted. For evaluating the reject rate of continuous
welds over three (3) feet in length, each twelve (12)
inch increment shall be considered as one weld. For
evaluating the reject rate for continuous welds greater
than one (1) inch thick, each six (6) inches of length
shall be considered one (1) weld.
2. Partial penetration groove welds when used in column
splices shall be tested either by ultrasonic testing or
radiography as reguired by the design engineer of
record .
Braced frames
a. All members in braced frames of K = 1.0 and K = 1.33
buildings shall be designed for one point twenty-five (1.25)
times the force determined in accordance with Section 716.4
.1. Connections for these members are not permitted the
thirty-three (33) per cent stress increase for earthguake,
unless designed for the full capacity of the members.
716.5.3 Masonry
1. Walls: all bearing walls, shear walls, exterior walls, chimneys
and parapets, which are constructed of masonry shall be rein-
forced in two (2) directions so as to gualify as reinforced
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masonry according to the provisions of the BIA or NCMA Stan-
dards listed in Appendix B.
In masonry bearing or shear walls, principal reinforcement
shall be spaced a maximum of four (4) feet on center in either
the horizontal or vertical direction. In the other direction,
spacing or reinforcement may be increased to six (6) feet.
Nonstructural masonry walls which enclose stairwells or
elevator shafts, other than exterior walls, shall be designed as
partially reinforced masonry in accordance with the standards
listed in Appendix B. The spacing of reinforcement is not to
exceed six (6) feet.
2. Columns: the size and spacing of ties at the ends of tied col-
umns shall not be less than that required for concrete columns
(See Section 716.5.1, Item 3).
3. Anchorage: masonry walls shall be anchored to all floors and
roofs which provide lateral support for the wall. Such anchor-
age shall provide a positive direct connection capable of resist-
ing the horizontal design forces or a minimum force of two
hundred (200) pounds per lineal foot of wall, whichever is
greater. Required anchors in masonry walls of hollow units or
cavity walls shall be embedded in a reinforced grouted struc-
tural element of the wall.
716.5.4 Timber
General: design and construction of earthquake resisting
timber structures shall conform to the requirements of Section
852.0 and of the Timber Construction Manual of the American
Institute of Timber Construction listed in Appendix B, and to
the requirements of this section.
Diaphragms: lumber and plywood diaphragms may be used to
resist wind or horizontal earthquake forces. The design of
diaphragms shall conform to the accepted engineering practice
as presented in the Timber Construction Manual.
Connections: axial and shear forces produced in wood members
by wind or earthquake shall be transferred by positive connec-
tions and adequate anchorage. Uplift or horizontal displacement
of seated connections shall be prevented by positive anchors.
Toenailing or nails subject to withdrawal are not acceptable for
connections resisting such forces or displacements.
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4. Sheathing: sheathing materials may be used as tension ties
provided the tension force does not produce cross-grain bend-
ing or cross-grain tension in the peripheral members or other
framing members to which the sheathing connects.
716.5.5 Prefabricated construction: All structural elements within the
structure which are considered to resist seismic forces or movement
and/or are connected so as to participate with the structural system shall
be designed in accordance with the provisions of this code in accordance
with accepted engineering practice standards (ACI 318 for precast con-
crete) as listed in Appendix B. Connections shall accommodate all design
forces and movement without loss of load carrying capacity of the inter-
connected members and shall conform to Section 716.5.7.
716.5.6 Other materials or methods of construction: Materials other than
concrete, structural steel, clay masonry, concrete block masonry and
wood and structural systems other than structural steel, reinforced con-
crete, reinforced masonry, wood frame or heavy timber shall not be relied
on to resist lateral forces and deformations in building structures unless
it can be demonstrated to the building official that the structure can
safely withstand lateral distortion eight (8) times that computed for the
lateral forces specified in Section 716.4.1. The building official shall
require drawings and calculations submitted by a registered professional
engineer to verify the requirements of this provision.
716.5.7 Connections
1. Connections which transfer forces between members resisting
seismic forces in flexure shall be designed for the required
forces and also shall either:
a. develop the full plastic moment of the member; or
b. be capable of deforming to form a reversible plastic hinge.
2. Members which are part of the lateral force resisting system
and resist seismic motion by direct axial force shall have con-
nections designed to develop the axial capacities of the members.
3. Connections of structural members which are not part of the
lateral force resisting system to supporting members shall be
designed to resist the required seismic forces without reliance
on frictional forces.
4. Column splices, base plate anchors and other types of connec-
tions that act primarily in bearing shall be designed to resist
the required forces, and also shall be capable of resisting the
forces resulting from the full seismic loading combined with
two-thirds (2/3) of the dead load forces acting concurrently.
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5. Connections between diaphragms and resisting shear walls and
bracing shall be designed for twice the computed force.
716.6 Other design requirements
716.6.1 Lateral force resisting system: Rigid elements that are assumed
not to be part of the lateral force resisting system may be incorporated
into buildings provided that their effect on the action of the system is
considered and provided for in the design.
716.6.2 Moment resisting space frames: Moment resisting space frames
may be enclosed by or adjoined by more rigid elements which would tend
to prevent the space frame from resisting lateral forces where it can be
shown that the action or failure of the more rigid elements will not impair
the vertical and lateral load resisting. ability of the space frame.
716.6.3 Building separations: All portions of structures shall be de-
signed and constructed to act as an integral unit in resisting horizontal
forces unless separated structurally by a distance sufficient to avoid
contact under deflection from seismic action or wind forces.
716.6.4 Deleted
716.6.5 Combined vertical and horizontal forces: In computing the effect
of seismic force in combination with vertical loads, gravity load stresses
induced in members by dead load plus design live load, except roof live
load, shall be considered.
716.6.6 Exterior elements: Precast, nonbearing, nonshear wall panels,
parapets, or other elements which are attached to, or enclose the exterior
shall accommodate movements of the structure resulting from lateral forces
or temperature changes. The concrete panels or other elements shall be
supported by means of poured-in-place concrete or by mechanical fasten-
ers in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Connections and panel joints shall allow for a relative movement
between stories of not less than two (2) times story drift caused
by wind or seismic forces; or one quarter (1/4) inch, whichever
is greater.
2. Connections shall have sufficient ductility and rotation capacity
so as to preclude fracture of the concrete or brittle failures at
or near welds. Inserts in concrete shall be attached to, or
hooked around reinforcing steel, or otherwise terminated so as
to effectively transfer forces to the reinforcing steel.
3. Connections to permit movement in the plane of the panel for
story drift may be properly designed sliding connections using
slotted or oversize holes, or may be connections which permit
movement by bending of steel.
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716.6.7 Minor alterations: Minor structural alterations may be made in
existing buildings and structures, but the resistance to lateral forces
shall be not less than that before such alterations were made, unless the
building as altered meets the requirements of this section of the code.
716.6.8 Drift: Lateral deflections or drift of a story relative of its
adjacent stories shall be considered in accordance with accepted practice.
Lateral deflection of diaphragms shall be considered in addition to the
deflection of vertical bracing elements.
Rigid elements that are assumed not to be part of the lateral force
resisting system may be incorporated into buildings provided that the
effect of the action of the system is considered and provided for in the
design. In addition, the effects of the drift on such rigid elements
themselves and on their attachment to the building structure shall be
considered.
716.6.9 Interconnections of foundations: Pile, pier and caisson caps
shall be interconnected by ties when the caps overlie Class B soil. Each
tie shall carry by tension or compression a horizontal force equal to ten
(10) per cent of the larger pile, pier or caisson cap loading, unless it
can be demonstrated that equivalent restraint can be provided by other
means. At sites where footings are underlain at shallow depths by cohe-
sionless granular soils, the blow counts of which only slightly exceed the
criteria given in Figure 720.1, adequate consideration shall be given to
the lateral and vertical movements of footings that may occur during the
design earthquake specified in Section 716.7.
716.6.10 Retaining walls: Retaining walls shall be designed to resist at
least the superimposed effects of the total static lateral soil pressure,
excluding the pressure caused by any temporary surcharge, plus an
earthquake force of 0.045Y H (horizontal backfill surface). Surcharges
which are applied over extended periods of time shall be included in the
total static lateral soil pressure and their earthquake lateral force shall be
computed and added to the force of 0.045ytH . The earthquake force
from the backfill shall be distributed as an inverse triangle over the
height of the wall. The point of application of the earthquake force from
an extended duration surcharge shall be determined on an individual case
basis. If the backfill consists of loose saturated granular soil, considera-
tion shall be given to the potential liquefaction of the backfill during the
seismic loading.
716.7 Dynamic analysis: Any building or structure is deemed to have
complied with the provisions of Section 716.0 if a qualified registered
engineer determines that there is negligible risk to life safety if the
building or structure experiences an earthquake with a peak acceleration
of 0.12g and a frequency content similar to that implied by the appropri-
ate response spectrum in Figure 716.2. A copy of the studies upon
which the determination may be based upon shall be filed with the build-
ing official: Such a determination may be based upon:
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 716.2
\
H • CUMULATIVE DEPTH OF SOFT
SOIL BELOW FOUNDATION
LEVEL
J
\ *"'
H
^0
-s-
* 0 ,
.0
.5
.0 2
.5 3.0
FUNDAMENTAL PERIOD OF STRUCTURE - seconds
1. a dynamic analysis, based upon generally acceptable proced-
ures, together with evidence that the building or structure can
safely withstand the computed displacements and distortions;
2. a comparison of the building or structure with similar buildings
or structures having similar foundations and subsoil conditions,
that have withstood a similar actual earthquake; or
3. other accepted procedures.
SECTION 717.0 COMBINATION OF LOADS
717.1 General: All structures shall be investigated for the following
combinations of loads.
1. dead plus live plus snow; and
2. dead plus live plus snow plus (wind or earthquake or thermal).
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The most unfavorable effect may occur when one (1) or more of the
contributing loads are not acting.
717.2 Counteracting loads: When the stresses in any member or joint
due to a loading counteract those due to dead load, combinations omitting
that loading shall also be considered. In addition, the effect of a thirty-
three (33) per cent decrease in the computed dead load shall be consid-
ered.
717.3 Other loads: If the structure may be subjected to other loads not
included in Section 717.1, such loads shall be added to the combinations
given in that section.
SECTION 718.0 LIVE LOAD REDUCTION
718.1 General: In all buildings and structures, the design live loads
may be reduced on columns, piers, walls, trusses, girders, and founda-
tions as herein specified, except a reduction shall not be applied to the
roof live load.
718.2 Live loads of 100 pounds or less: For live loads of one hundred
(100) pounds or less per square foot, the design live load on any member
supporting one hundred fifty (150) square feet or more may be reduced
at the rate of eight-hundredths (0.08) per square foot of area supported
by the members in excess of one hundred fifty (150) square feet except
that a reduction shall not be made for areas to be occupied as places of
assembly. The reduction shall exceed neither R as determined by the
following formula, nor sixty (60) per cent:
R = 23 (1 + D/L)
where
R = reduction in per cent;
D = dead load per square foot of an area supported by the member; and
L = design live load per square foot of an area supported by the member.
718.3 Live loads of more than 100 pounds: For live loads exceeding one
hundred (100) pounds per square foot, a reduction shall not be made,
except that the design live loads on columns may be reduced twenty (20)
per cent.
SECTION 719.0 STRENGTH CRITERIA
719.1 Controlled materials: Strength criteria for structural systems with
controlled materials as defined in Section 201.0 shall conform to the speci-
fications and methods of design of accepted engineering practice as given
in reference standards contained in Appendix B, or to the approved
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
criteria in the absence of applicable standards. All structures shall be
constructed with controlled materials, except as provided in Section
719.2, or as approved by the building official (see Section 128.0).
719.2 Ordinary materials: Strength criteria for structural systems with
ordinary materials as defined in Section 201.0 shall be based on the work-
ing stress method of design with maximum stresses limited as provided in
Appendix K. For materials not covered in Appendix K, allowable stresses
shall be a maximum of three-fourths (3/4) times allowable stresses given
in applicable reference standards (listed in Appendix B). Only one- and
two-family residential structures and one-story structures up to thirty-
five thousand (35,000) cubic feet in size may be constructed with ordi-
nary materials.
719.3 New materials: Strength criteria for materials which are not
specifically covered by the reference standards listed in Appendix B or
by other provisions of this code shall be established by tests as provided
in Sections 702.0 and 803.0.
719.4 Light weight metals: Aluminum and other light weight metals and
their alloys may be used in the design and construction of structures
only after special approval of the building official, subject to the determi-
nation of the physical properties by tests as prescribed in Article 8 and
in accordance with the provisions of Section 833.0 and provided that
plans and calculations are submitted by a registered professional engineer
or architect.
SECTION 720.1 BEARING VALUE OF SOILS
720.1 General: All applications for permits for the construction of new
structures, and for the alteration of permanent structures which require
changes in foundation loads and distribution, shall be accompanied by a
statement describing soil in all bearing strata, including sufficient records
and data to establish character, nature and load bearing capacity. Such
records shall be certified by a qualified registered professional engineer
or architect, except as otherwise specified in this article.
720.2 Satisfactory foundation materials: Satisfactory bearing strata to
provide structural support shall be considered to include the following,
provided they are of a standard consistent with engineering specifica-
tions: natural strata of rock, gravel, sand, inorganic silt, inorganic
clay, or combination of these materials. Compacted fills, when designed
and placed under the supervision of a registered professional engineer
and certified by him as meeting the design requirements, may be accepted
by the building official. Other conditions of unsatisfactory bearing
materials which are altered under the supervision of a registered profes-
sional engineer and certified by him as meeting the design requirements
may be accepted by the building official. Sites involving medium and fine
sands, inorganic silt and compacted fills are subject to the additional
special requirements of Section 720.4.
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720.2.1 Loading interaction: Wherever bearing strata are subject to
interaction from other loadings or strata reactions, such conditions shall
be incorporated in the evaluation of the design bearing capacity of the
support strata.
720.2.2 Bearing capacity for light weight structures: Light weight
structures and accessory structures, such as garages and sheds may be
founded on normally unacceptable bearing strata, providing such material
is certified by a gualified registered professional engineer or architect as
being satisfactory for the intended use.
720.2.3 Protection of bearing strata: Bearing strata which may be
adversely affected by conditions within the structure, such as evaporation
and shrinkages due to excess heat, shall be adequately protected.
720.3 Bearing values: The maximum pressure on soils under foundations
shall not exceed values specified in Table 720 except when determined in
accordance with the provisions of Section 722.0 or when modified by
specific sections of this article.
TABLE 720 PRESUMPTIVE BEARING VALUE OF FOUNDATION MATERIALS
Class of material** Tons per square foot*
1. Massive crystalline bedrock including granite, diorite, gneiss,
trap rock, and dolomite (hard limestone) 60
2. Foliated rock including limestone, schist and slate in
sound condition 40
3. Sedimentary rock including hard shales, sandstones, and
thoroughly cemented conglomerates 20
4. Soft or broken bedrock (excluding shale) and soft limestone 20
5. Compacted, partially cemented gravels, and sand and
hardpan overlying rock 10
6. Gravel, well-graded sand and gravel mixtures 6
7. Loose gravel, compact coarse sand, loose sand 4
8. Loose coarse sand, loose sand-gravel mixtures, and
compact fine sand (confined) 2
9. Loose medium sand (confined) 1
10. Loose fine sand (+)
11. Hard clay 4
12. Medium stiff clay, stiff varved silt 2 (t)
13. Soft clay, soft broken shale 1 (t)
14. Soft inorganic silt, preloaded material, shattered shale, or
any natural deposit of unusual character not provided
for herein (+)
15. Disturbed varved silt 0
16. Compacted granular fill (2-5+)
+
* The allowable bearing pressure given in this section, or when determined in accordance with
the provisions of Section 722.0, will assure that the soils will be stressed within limits that lie
safely below their strength. However, such allowable bearing pressure for Classes 9 to 12, in-
clusive, do not assure that the settlements will be within the tolerable limits for a given structure.
t Alternatively, the allowable bearing pressure shall be computed from the unconfined compressive
stength of undisturbed samples, and shall be taken as one point five (1.5) times that strength for
round and square footings, and one point twenty-five (1.25) times that strength for footings with
length-width ratios of greater than four (4); for intermediate ratios, interpolation may be used.
+ Value to be fixed by the building official in accordance with Sections 722.0 and 723.0.
** The allowable bearing pressure may be increased by one-third (Vb) for combined live loadings such
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
720.3.1 Classification of bearing materials: The terms used in this
section shall be interpreted in accordance with generally accepted engi-
neering nomenclature. In addition, the following more specific definitions
are used for bearing materials in the area:
Rocks
Shale: A soft, fine-grained sedimentary rock.
Slate: A hard, fine-grained metamorphic rock of sedimentary origin.
Conglomerate: A hard, well-cemented metamorphic rock consisting of
fragments ranging from sand to gravel and cobbles set in a fine-grained
matrix (locally known as Puddingstone).
Granular materials
Gravel: A mixture of mineral grains at least seventy (70) per cent (by
weight) of which is retained on a No. 4 mesh sieve and not possessing
dry strength.
Sand: A mixture of mineral grains at least seventy (70) per cent (by
weight) of which passes a No. 4 mesh sieve which contains not more
than fifteen (15) per cent (by weight) passing a No. 200 mesh sieve.
Coarse sand: A sand at least fifty (50) per cent (by weight) of which
is retained on a No. 20 mesh sieve.
Medium sand: A sand at least fifty (50) per cent (by weight) of which
passes a No. 20 mesh sieve and at least fifty (50) per cent (by weight)
is retained on a No. 60 mesh sieve.
Fine sand: A sand at least fifty (50) per cent (by weight) of which
passes a No. 60 mesh sieve and not more than fifteen (15) per cent (by
weight) passing a No. 200 mesh sieve.
Well-graded sand-gravel mixtures: A mixture of mineral grains which
contains between twenty-five (25) per cent and seventy (70) per cent
(by weight) passing a No. 4 mesh sieve, between ten (10) and forty
(40) per cent (by weight) passing a No. 20 mesh sieve, and containing
not more than eight (8) per cent (by weight) passing a No. 200 mesh
sieve .
Cohesive materials
Glacial till: A very dense, heterogeneous mixture ranging from very
fine material to coarse gravel and boulders and generally lying over
bedrock. It can be identified from geological evidence and from the
very high penetration resistance encountered in soil boring and sampl-
ing operations.
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Clay (inorganic): A fine-grained, inorganic soil possessing sufficient
dry strength to form hard lumps which cannot readily be pulverized
by the fingers.
Hard clay (inorganic): An inorganic clay requiring picking for re-
moval, a fresh sample of which cannot be molded by pressure of the
fingers.
Medium clay (inorganic): An inorganic clay which can be removed by
spading, a fresh sample of which can be molded by a substantial
pressure of the fingers.
Soft clay (inorganic): An inorganic clay, a fresh sample of which can
be molded with slight pressure of the fingers.
Inorganic silt: A fine-grained inorganic soil consisting chiefly of
grains which will pass a No. 200 mesh sieve and possessing sufficient
dry strength to form lumps which can easily be pulverized with the
fingers .
Note: Dry strength is determined by drying a wet pat of soil and
breaking it with the fingers.
Compacted granular fill: A fill consisting of gravel, sand-gravel mix-
tures, coarse or medium sand, crushed stone, or slag containing not more
than eight (8) per cent by weight passing a No. 200 mesh sieve and not
having plasticity, shall be considered satisfactory bearing material when
compacted in nine (9) inch thick layers, measured before compaction, with
adjustment of water content as necessary to achieve required compaction
by applying to each layer a minimum of four (4) coverages of one (1) of
the following:
1. a vibratory roller with a steel drum with minimum weight of two (2)
tons with a speed not exceeding one and one-half (1 1/2) miles per
hour ;
2. a rubber-tired roller having four (4) wheel abreast and weighted to
a total load of not less than thirty-five (35) tons;
3. with the treads of a crawler type tractor with total load of not less
than thirty-five (35) tons; or
4. other types of materials, compaction equipment, and procedures as
may be approved by the building official on the basis of sufficient
evidence that they will achieve compacted fills having satisfactory
properties .
The building official will require a competent inspector, qualified by
experience and training and satisfactory to him, to be on the project
at all times while fill is being placed and compacted. The inspector
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shall make an accurate record of the type of material used, including
grain-size curves, thickness of lifts, densities, type of compacting
equipment and number of coverages, the use of water and other perti-
nent data.
Whenever the building official or the inspector questions the suitabi-
lity of a compacted granular fill (Section 722.0), bearing tests shall be
performed. A copy of all these records and test data shall be filed
with the building official.
Preloaded materials
1. The building official may allow the use of certain otherwise unsatis-
factory natural soils and uncompacted fills for the support of one
(1) story structures, after these materials have been pre-loaded to
effective stresses not less than one hundred and fifty (150) per
cent of the effective stresses which will be induced by the
structure.
2. The building official may require the loading and unloading of a
sufficiently large area, conducted under the direction of a regis-
tered professional engineer, approved by the building official, who
shall submit a report containing a program which will allow sufficient
time for adequate consolidation of the material, and an analysis of
the preloaded material and of the probable settlements of the
structure.
720.4 Liquefaction: The earthquake liquefaction potential of saturated
clean medium to fine sands shall be evaluated on the basis of Figure 720
for cases where lateral sliding cannot occur. If the standard penetration
resistances, N, in all strata of medium and fine sand lie above the appli-
cable curve in Figure 720, the sands at the site shall not be considered
subject to liquefaction. Liquefaction below a depth of sixty (60) feet
from final grade need not be considered for level ground. For pres-
sure-injected footings, the ten (10) foot thickness of soil immediately
below the bottom of the driven shaft shall not be considered subject to
liquefaction.
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Figure 720
Standard Penetration Resistance
blows/ft.
0)
o
03
<+-
i_
D
to
-o
c
■3
o
2
O
CO
Q-
Compacted granular fills shall not be considered subject to liquefaction
provided they are systematically compacted to at least ninety-three (93)
per cent of maximum dry density as determined in accordance with labora-
tory test designation ASTM D1557, or a relative density of at least sixty
(60) per cent in the case of granular soil having less than ten (10) per
cent of weight passing the No. 200 sieve.
For sites not meeting the above criteria, studies by a registered
professional engineer shall be made to determine that the structure loads
can be safely suported. Such studies might include the following:
1. Investigations to establish that the soils at the site are not subject
to liquefaction during the design earthquake as specified in Section
716.7.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. Design of foundations that will not fail either by loss of bearing
capacity or excessive settlements if liquefaction occurs.
3. Replacement or densification of liquefaction-susceptible soils such
that liquefaction will not occur.
For sites underlain by saturated sands where lateral sliding (slope
instability), may occur, studies by a registered professional engineer shall
be made to establish the safety against sliding during earthquakes (see
Section 716.0).
For sites underlain by saturated silty sands and inorganic nonplastic
silts, studies shall be made by a registered professional engineer to
determine the susceptibility to liquefaction of these soils.
720.5 Class A soils: For purposes of determining the S factor for earth-
quake design forces as specified in Sections 716.4 and 716.7, Class A soil
includes the following classes from Table 720: massive igneous rocks and
conglomerate; slate, shale in sound conditions, glacial till; gravel or
well-graded sand and gravel, if dense to very dense; coarse sand, if
dense to very dense; medium sand, if dense to very dense; fine sand, if
dense to very dense; clay having an undrained shear strength of at least
one thousand (1,000) psf; and compacted granular fill provided that fill
soils are compacted throughout as required in Section 720.4 under contin-
uous observations by a registered professional engineer or his authorized
representative. (See Figure 716.1)
720.6 Class B soils: All other soils shall be considered Class B.
SECTION 721.0 SUBSURFACE EXPLORATIONS
721.1 Where required: Boring, tests, drill holes, core borings or any
combination shall be required for all structures except the following,
unless specifically required by the building official:
1. one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory buildings;
2. structures less than 35,000 cubic feet in gross volume; and
3. structures used for agricultural purposes.
The borings or tests shall be adequate in number and depth and so
located to accurately define the nature of any subsurface material neces-
sary for the support of the structure. When it is proposed to support
the structure directly on bedrock, the building official shall require rock
cores or core borings to be made into the rock, or shall require other
satisfactory evidence to prove that the structure shall be adequately
founded on bedrock.
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721.2 Soil samples and boring reports: Samples of the strata penetrated
in test borings or test pits, representing the natural disposition and
conditions at the site, shall be available for examination by the building
official. Wash or bucket samples shall not be accepted. Duplicate copies
of the results obtained from all completed and uncompleted borings plotted
to a true relative elevation and to scale, and of all test results or other
pertinent soil data, shall be filed with the building official.
SECTION 722.0 BEARING TESTS, PILE LOAD TESTS
AND SETTLEMENT ANALYSIS
722.1 General: Whenever the allowable bearing pressure on bearing
materials, or the load bearing capacity of single piles or groups of piles
is in doubt, the building official may require load tests and/or settlement
analyses and the results analyzed. The work shall be performed under
the direction of a registered professional engineer.
722.2 Approval of test method: The apparatus and procedure used shall
be approved by the building official before they are used. A complete
record of the test results together with a soil profile shall be filed by the
registered professional engineer who shall have a representative on the
site during all test operations.
722.3 Loading equipment: The load shall be applied by direct weight or
by means of a recently-calibrated jack. Each load shall be maintained
constant for the required period with an accuracy of plus or minus three
(3) per cent.
722.3.1 Area: Except for pile load tests, the load area shall be not less
than one (1) square foot for bearing materials of Classes 1 to 5 inclusive
and not less than four (4) square feet for other classes.
722.4 Loading procedure: The application of the test load shall be in
steps equal to not more than one-half (1/2) the contemplated design load,
to at least twice the contemplated design load, except as provided in
Section 722.8 for pile load tests. The unloading shall be at least two (2)
steps, to the design load and then to zero (0) load. During the applica-
tion of the test load, the contemplated design load and twice the contem-
plated design load shall be maintained constant for at least twenty-four
(24) hours and until the movement does not exceed two hundredths (.02)
of an inch during a twenty-four hour period. The load for all other load
and unload steps including the zero (0) load at the end of the test shall
be maintained constant for a period of not less than four (4) hours.
Sufficient readings for each load step shall be made to define properly
the time-deflection curve.
722.5 Measurements: Observation of vertical movement shall be made so
that the data will accurately define the progress of vertical displacement
during the test.
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722.6 Additional requirements for soil bearing tests: Bearing tests shall
be applied at the elevations of the proposed bearing surfaces of the
structure; except that the load may be applied directly on the surface of
compacted granular material (Class 16). The excavation immediately
surrounding an area to be tested shall be made not deeper than one (1)
foot above the plane of application of the test. The test plate shall be
placed with uniform bearing. For the duration of the test, the material
surrounding the test area shall be protected effectively against evapora-
tion and frost action.
722.7 Determination of design load from soil bearing test: The proposed
design load shall be allowed provided that the requirements of Section
722.0 are fulfilled and the settlements under the design load and twice
the design load do not exceed three-eighths (3/8) of an inch and one (1)
inch, respectively.
722.8 Additional requirements for pile load tests: A single pile shall be
load-tested to not less than twice the design load. When two (2) or more
piles are to be tested as a group, the total load shall be not less than
one and one-half (1 1/2) times the design load for the group.
Provided that the load settlement curve does not show sign of failure
and provided that the permanent settlement of the top of tlie pile after
removal of all load at the completion of the test does not exceed one-half
(1/2) inch, the maximum design load shall be the load allowed in this part
for the type of pile or one-half (1/2) of the maximum applied load, which-
ever is less.
Whenever the soil conditions are such that substantial driving resis-
tance and/or significant support of the pile test load is derived from soil
strata overlying the intended bearing stratum this support shall be re-
moved or the results of the pile test shall be analyzed so as to evaluate
the actual support furnished by the bearing stratum.
722.9 Application of pile load test results: The results of the load test
can be applied to other piles within the area of substantially similar
subsoil conditions as that for the test pile; and providing the performance
of the test pile has been satisfactory and the remaining piles are of the
same type, shape and size as the test pile; and are installed using the
same methods and equipment and are driven into the same bearing strata
as the load-tested pile to an equal or greater penetration resistance.
722.10 Settlement analysis: Whenever a structure is to be supported by
medium or soft clay (materials of Classes 12 and 13) or other materials
which may be subject to settlement or consolidation, the settlements of the
structure and of neighboring structures due to consolidation shall be
given careful consideration, particularly if the subsurface material or the
loading is subject to extensive variation. The building official may re-
quire a settlement analysis to be made by a registered professional engi-
neer in case the live and dead loads of the structure, as specified in this
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article, minus the weight of the excavated material, induce a maximum
stress greater than three hundred (300) pounds per square foot at mid-
depth of the underlying soft clay layer.
722.11 Settlement analysis computations: Settlement analyses will be
based on a computation of the new increase in stress that will be induced
by the structure and realistically appraised live loads, after deducting
the weight of excavated material under which the soil was fully consoli-
dated. The effects of fill loads within the building area or fill and other
loads adjacent to :Jie building shall be included in the settlement analysis.
The appraisal of the live loads may be based on surveys of actual live
loads of existing buildings with similar occupancy. The soil compressibil-
ity shall be determined by a registered professional engineer and ap-
proved by the building official.
SECTION 723.0 ALLOWABLE FOUNDATION PRESSURE
723.1 General: The maximum allowable pressures on foundation materials
shall be in accordance with Section 720.0 and as modified herein.
723.2 Rock foundations: Where subsurface explorations at the project
site indicate variations or doubtful characteristics in the structure of the
rock upon which it is proposed to construct foundations, a sufficient
number of borings shall be made to a depth of not less than ten (10) feet
below the level of the footings to provide assurance of the soundness of
the foundation bed and its bearing capacity.
723.3 Bearing pressure on rock: The tabulated bearing pressures for
rocks of Classes 1 and 3, inclusive, shall apply where the loaded area is
on the surface of sound rock. Where the loaded area is below such
surface these values may be increased ten (10) per cent for each foot of
additional depth, but shall not exceed three (3) times the tabulated
values.
723.4 Bearing pressures for Classes 4 to 9, inclusive: The allowable
bearing pressures for materials of Classes 4 to 9, inclusive, may exceed
the tabulated values by five (5) per cent for each foot of depth of the
loaded area below the minimum required in Section 724.0, but shall not
exceed twice the tabulated values. For areas of foundations smaller than
three (3) feet in least lateral dimension, the allowable design bearing
pressures shall be one-third (1/3) of the allowable bearing pressures
multiplied by the least lateral dimension in feet.
723.5 Bearing pressures on clay: The tabulated bearing pressures for
Classes 10 to 12, inclusive, shall apply only to pressures directly under
individual footings, walls, and piers. If structures are founded on or
are underlain by deposits of these classes, the total load over the area of
any one bay or other major portion of the structure, minus the weight of
all materials removed, divided by the area, shall not exceed one-half
(1/2) the tabulated bearing pressures.
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723.6 Vertical pressures: The computed vertical pressure at any level
beneath a foundation shall not exceed the allowable bearing pressures for
the material at that level. Computation of the vertical pressure in the
bearing materials at any depth below a foundation shall be made on the
assumption that the load is spread uniformly at an angle of sixty (60)
degrees with the horizontal; but the area considered as supporting the
load shall not extend beyond the intersection of sixty (60) degree planes
of adjacent foundations.
723.7 Disturbance of bearing materials: Whenever the bearing materials
are disturbed from any cause, for example, by the inward or upward flow
of water and/or by construction activities, the extent of the disturbance
shall be evaluated by a registered professional engineer and appropriate
remedial measures taken satisfactory to the building official.
SECTION 724.0 DEPTH OF FOOTINGS
724.1 Frost protection: All permanent supports of buildings and struc-
tures shall extend a minimum of four (4) feet below finished grade except
when erected upon sound bedrock or when protected from frost, or when
the foundation grade is established by a registered professional engineer
and as approved by the building official. The engineer shall support the
design grade with data including the type and extent of free-draining
foundation material, ground water levels, and climatic records.
724.2 Depth of spread foundations: The bottom surface of any footing
resting on material of Classes 4 to 15, inclusive, shall be at least eight-
een (18) inches below the lowest ground surface or the surface of a floor
slab bearing directly on the soil immediately adjacent to the footing.
SECTION 725.0 FOOTING DESIGN
725.1 Design loads: The loads to be used in computing the pressure
upon bearing materials directly underlying foundations shall be the live
and dead loads of the structure, as specified in Section 718.0 including
the weight of the foundations and of any immediately overlying material,
but deducting from the resulting pressure per square foot the total
weight of a one (1) square foot column of soil, including the water in its
voids, which extends from the lowest immediately adjacent surface of the
soil to the bottom of the footing, pier or mat. Foundations shall be
constructed so as to resist the maximum probable hydrostatic pressures.
725.2 Pressure due to lateral loads: Where the pressure on the bearing
material due to wind or other lateral loads is less than one -third (l/3)„of
that due to dead and live loads, it may be neglected in the foundation
design. Where this ratio exceeds one-third (1/3), foundations shall be so
proportioned that the pressure due to combined dead, live, wind loads,
and other lateral loads shall not exceed the allowable bearing pressures
by more than one-third (1/3).
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725.3 Earthquake loads: Special provision shall be made in the founda-
tion design to comply with the provisions of Section 716.0.
725.4 Vibratory loads: Where machinery or other vibrations may be
transmitted through the foundations, consideration shall be given in the
design of the footings to prevent detrimental disturbances of the soil.
725.5 Eccentric loads: Eccentricity of loadings in foundations shall be
fully investigated, and the maximum pressure on the basis of straight-line
distribution shall not exceed the allowable bearing pressures.
725.6 Isolated footings: Footings on granular soil of Classes 5 to 10 and
Class 16 of Table 720 shall be so located that the line drawn between the
lower edges of adjoining footings shall not have a steeper slope than
thirty (30) degrees with the vertical, unless the material supporting the
higher footing is braced or retained or otherwise laterally supported in an
approved manner.
725.7 Light structures: One-story structures without masonry walls and
not exceeding eight hundred (800) square feet in area may be founded on
a layer of satisfactory bearing material not less than three (3) feet thick,
which is underlain by highly compressible material, provided that the
stresses induced in the unsatisfactory material by the live and dead loads
of the structure and the weight of any new fill, within or adjacent to the
building area, will not exceed two hundred and fifty (250) pounds per
square foot (psf).
SECTION 726.0 TIMBER FOOTINGS, WOOD FOUNDATIONS
726.1 Timber footings: Timber footings may be used for wood frame
structures and as otherwise approved by the building official. Such
footings shall be treated in accordance with the applicable standards in
Appendix C or shall be placed entirely below permanent water level,
except that untreated timbers may be used as capping of wood piles which
project above the water level over submerged or marsh lands. The
compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber footings
supported upon piles shall not exceed seventy (70) per cent of the allow-
able stresses for the species and grade of timber as specified in the
National Design Specification for Stress Grade Lumber listed in Appendix
B.
726.2 Pole buildings: Pole type buildings shall be designed and erected
in accordance with the applicable standards listed in Appendix B. The
poles shall be treated in accordance with the applicable standards in
Appendix C.
SECTION 727.0 STEEL GRILLAGES
727.1 General: Structural steel grillage foundations shall have at least
six (6) inches of concrete cover below the bottom of the steel and shall
have at least four (4) inches of concrete cover above the steel and be-
tween the sides of the steel and the adjacent soil.
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SECTION 728.0 CONCRETE FOOTINGS
728.1 Concrete strength: Concrete in footings shall have an ultimate
compressive strength of not less than twenty-five hundred (2500) pounds
per square inch (psi) at twenty-eight (28) days.
728.2 Design: Concrete footings shall comply with Sections 840.0 and
841.0 and the applicable reference standards therein listed for design.
728.3 Dimensions
728.3.1 Plain concrete: In plain concrete footings, the edge thickness
shall be not less than twelve (12) inches for footings on soil or rock;
except for wood frame buildings up to two (2) stories in height, these
thicknesses may be reduced to eight (8) inches.
728.3.2 Reinforced concrete: In reinforced concrete footings the thick-
ness at the edge above the bottom reinforcement shall be not less than
six (6) inches for footings on soil, nor less than twelve (12) inches for
footings on piles. The clear cover on reinforcement where the concrete is
cast against the earth shall not be less than three (3) inches. Where
concrete is exposed to soil after it has been cast, the clear cover shall be
not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) inches for reinforcement smaller
than No. 5 bars of five-eighths (5/8) inch diameter wire, nor two (2)
inches for larger reinforcement.
728.4 Footings on piles and pile caps: Footings on piles and pile caps
shall be of reinforced concrete. The minimum distance from the edge of
the cap to the nearest pile surface shall be six (6) inches and there shall
be at least two (2) inches of concrete between the top of the pile and the
steel reinforcement of the cap. The pile caps shall extend not less than
three (3) inches below the pile cutoff.
728.5 Deposition: Concrete for foundations shall not be poured through
water. When placed under or in the presence of water, the concrete
shall be deposited by approved and properly operated equipment which
insures minimum segregation of the mix and negligible turbulence of the
water .
728.6 Protection of concrete: Concrete footings shall be protected from
freezing during deposition and for a period of not less than five (5) days
thereafter and water shall not be allowed to flow through the deposited
concrete .
SECTION 729.0 MASONRY UNIT FOOTINGS
729.1 Dimensions: Masonry unit footings shall be laid in type M or S
mortar complying with Section 815.0 and the depth shall be not less than
twice the projection beyond the wall, pier or column; and the width shall
be not less than eight (8) inches wider than the wall supported thereon.
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729.2 Offsets: The maximum offset of each course in brick foundation
walls stepped up from the footings shall be one and one-half (1 1/2)
inches if laid in single courses, and three (3) inches if laid in double
courses.
SECTION 730.0 FLOATING FOUNDATIONS
730.1 General: The design of floating foundations shall include a settle-
ment analysis in accordance with the provisions of Section 722.10.
SECTION 731.0 FOUNDATION PIERS
731.1 General: A foundation pier is here defined as a structural member
which extends to a satisfactory bearing material, and which may be con-
structed in an excavation that afterwards is backfilled by an approved
method, or by filling the excavation with concrete, or which may be built
by sinking an open or pneumatic caisson.
731.2 Manner of construction: The manner of construction shall be by
non-displacement methods and shall permit inspection of the bearing
material in place.
731.3 Base enlargement: The bases of foundation piers may be enlarged
by spread footings, pedestals or belled bottoms.
731.3.1 Belled bases: Bell-shaped bases shall have a minimum edge
thickness of four (4) inches. The bell roof shall slope not less than
sixty (60) degrees with the horizontal unless the base is designed in
accordance with Sections 840.0 or 841.0.
731.4 Design of piers: Foundation piers may be designed as concrete
columns with continuous lateral support. The unit compressive stress in
the concrete at the least cross section shall not exceed twenty-five (25)
per cent of the twenty-eight (28) day strength of the concrete nor eleven
hundred (1100) pounds per square inch.
731.4.1 Reinforcement: When the center of the cross section of a foun-
dation pier at any level deviates from the resultant of all forces more
than one-sixtieth (1/60) of its height, or more than one-tenth (1/10) of
its diameter, it shall be reinforced as provided in Section 841.0. The
restraining effect of the surrounding soil may be taken into account.
731.5 Placement: With approval of the building official, concrete may be
placed through still water by means of a properly operated tremie or
pumped concrete.
731.6 Inspection: The owner shall engage a competent inspector, quali-
fied by experience and training and satisfactory to the building official,
to be present at all times while foundation piers are being installed, to
inspect and approve the bearing soil and the placing of the concrete.
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The inspector shall make a record of the type of bearing soil upon which
the pier rests, of the dimensions of the pier, and of the class strength of
concrete used in its construction. A copy of these records shall be filed
in the office of the building official.
SECTION 732.0 PILE FOUNDATIONS
732.1 Site investigation: In addition to the provisions for subsurface
explorations, Section 721.0, the building site shall be investigated for all
conditions which might promote deterioration of pile foundations, and
approved protective measures meeting the requirements of Section 733.0
shall be taken to prevent corrosion or other destructive action from
deleterious conditions .
When it is intended that a structure be supported on end-bearing piles,
a sufficient number of borings shall be cored into bedrock, or shall
extend into the bearing stratum to such depths that satisfactory evidence
is provided to demonstrate that there are not compressible soil deposits
below the bearing stratum which would adversely affect the structure.
732.2 Spacing: The minimum center- to- center spacing of piles shall be
not less than twice the average diameter of a round pile, nor less than
one and three-quarter (1 3/4) times the diagonal dimension of a rectangu-
lar pile. When driven to or penetrating into rock, the spacing shall be
not less than twenty-four (24) inches. When receiving principal support
from end-bearing on materials other than rock or through frictional resis-
tance, the spacing shall be not less than thirty (30) inches.
732.3 Walls: All piles in wall foundations shall be staggered about the
center line of the wall at a minimum distance of one-half (1/2) the top
diameter therefrom. A foundation wall restrained laterally so as to ensure
stability both during and after construction may be supported by a single
row of piles.
732.4 Isolated columns: An isolated column, when supported by piles,
shall rest upon not less than three (3) piles, at least one (1) of which is
offset; except that for other than precast concrete or wood-composite
piles, such columns may be supported by two (2) piles or one (1) pile,
provided the axis of the column is not more than one and one-half (1 1/2)
inches away from the centroid of the pile or piles, and that the top of
the pile group has adequate lateral support and the piles can withstand
all moments induced by the eccentricity. Lateral support shall be provi-
ded as necessary during construction.
732.5 Minimum dimensions: Piles of uniform cross section or tapered
piles shall have a minimum nominal diameter of eight (8) inches except as
provided in Section 735.0 for timber piles or Section 736.0 for precast
concrete piles. Tapered shoes or points of lesser dimensions may be
attached to the pile unit.
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732.6 Splices: Splices shall be avoided insofar as practicable. Where
used, splices shall be sufficiently strong to withstand stresses induced
during handling and driving without failure. Splices shall be so con-
structed as to provide and maintain true alignment and position of the
component parts of the pile during installation and subseguent thereto.
Splices shall be capable of transmitting all stresses at the location of the
splice under design load without exceeding the allowable stresses for
specific pile types in this code. Splices shall develop not less than fifty
(50) per cent of the value of the pile in bending.
732.7 Pre-excavation: Jetting, augering and other methods of pre-exca-
vation must be approved by the building official and carried out in a
manner which will not impair the carrying capacity of the piles already in
place or the safety of existing adjacent structures. Immediately after
completion of jetting or augering, the pile shall be advanced to the maxi-
mum depth of pre-excavation and driven below this depth to the reguired
load resistance.
732.8 Precautions: When piles have been damaged in driving, or driven
in locations and alignment other than those indicated on the plans, or
that have capacities less than reguired by the design, the affected pile
groups and pile caps shall be investigated and if necessary, the pile
groups or pile caps shall be redesigned or additional piles shall be driven
to replace the defective piles. Piles shall be driven to embedment in the
supporting stratum, as determined by borings.
732.9 Pile heave: Adequate provision shall be made to observe pile
heave. Accurate reference points shall be established on each pile im-
mediately after installation; for cast-in-place piles with corrugated shells,
the reference point shall be at the bottom of the pile. If, following the
installation of other piles in the vicinity, heaving of one-half (1/2) inch
or more occurs, corrective measures shall be taken to ensure that the pile
has adeguate capacity.
732.10 Records: The owner shall engage a registered professional engi-
neer who shall submit his qualifications in writing to the building official.
This engineer, or his representative who must be gualified by experience
and training shall be present at all times while piles are being driven and
to observe all work in connection with the piles. The engineer or his
representative shall make an accurate record of the material and the
principal dimensions of each pile, of the weight and fall of the ram, the
type, size and make of hammer, cushion blocks, the number of blows per
minute, the energy per blow, the number of blows per inch for the last
six (6) inches of driving, together with the grades at point and cutoff
and any other pertinent details. A copy of these records shall be signed
by the registered professional engineer, and filed in the office of the
building official.
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SECTION 733.0 CORROSION PROTECTION
733.1 General: Where boring records, previous experience, or site
investigations indicate any condition which might promote deterioration or
possible deleterious action on pile materials due to soil constituents,
changing water levels or other causes, such pile materials shall be ade-
quately protected as stated herein.
733.2 Preservative treatments: The preservative treatment of timber
piles shall comply with the provisions of Section 735.0 and the reference
standards as listed in Appendix C.
733.3 Steel and steel-concrete piles: At locations where steel and steel-
concrete piles will be in contact with any material which is corrosive to
the steel, one (1) of the following procedures shall be used for protec-
tion, or any other method which will satisfy the requirements of the
building official:
1. Remove all objectionable material.
2. Effectively protect the steel surface from pile cutoff grade to a
grade fifteen (15) feet below the bottom of the objectionable material
by means of:
a. cathodic protection as approved by the building official; or
b. an approved encasement of not less than three (3) inches of
dense concrete; or
c. an effective protective coating subject to the approval of the
building official; or
d. providing an excess thickness of one-eighth (1/8) inch beyond
design requirements on all exposed surfaces.
SECTION 734.0 ALLOWABLE PILE LOADS
734.1 General: The allowable load on piles shall be determined by the
applicable formulas complying with accepted engineering practice and as
stated herein. The maximum load capacity shall be limited by the sup-
porting capacity as obtained from bearing upon or embedment in bearing
materials as defined in Sections 720.0 and 723.0, but the load shall not
exceed the capacity of the pile designed in accordance with the provisions
of Section 734.1 and the requirements of Article 8 for the construction
materials involved.
734.2 Lateral support of axially-loaded piles: The length of a pile below
the ground surface shall be considered as a plain column with continuous
lateral support. The length above the ground surface shall be designed
as an unsupported column in accordance with the provisions of Section
743.0.
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734.3 Determination of allowable load: In the absence of pile load tests,
the load on a single pile, except for the pile types covered in Section
737.2 (pressure injected footings) and Section 739.0 (drilled-in caissons),
shall not exceed the higher of the two (2) values determined in accord-
ance with Section 734.3.1 (driving formula) or Section 734.3.2 (friction
formula in clay), nor the maximum loads in Section 734.3.3 (jacked piles).
Where the proposed design load for any pile exceeds fifty (50) tons
including pressure injected footings, or exceeds the value determined in
accordance with Section 734.3.2 (friction formula in clay), or where the
design load for any pile is in doubt, one or more pile load tests shall be
performed in accordance with Section 722.0, (Bearing Tests, Pile Load
Tests and Settlement Analysis), on representative piles. The stresses on
pile materials shall not exceed those limits established herein for various
pile types.
For design loads between fifty (50) and one hundred-twenty (120)
tons, pile load tests may be waived by the building official, where justi-
fied, upon submittal of substantiating data prepared by a registered pro-
fessional engineer which includes experience and/or performance records
for the proposed pile installation under similar soil and loading conditions.
Higher stresses than those permitted in this code for various pile
materials above may be approved by the State Building Code Commission
based upon the submission of substantiating data and analyses which
justify such higher stresses. The data shall be presented in a report,
prepared by a registered professional engineer and shall include, as
applicable: the results of soil investigations, dynamic analyses of pile
behavior, pile load tests, analyses of load transfer during testing and
prediction of pile performance during long term service.
734.3.1 Driving formula:
1. Where the design load capacity of the pile does not exceed fifty
(50) tons, the allowable load may be computed by means of the
following driving formula:
R = 2E/(S + C)
where
R = allowable pile load in pounds;
E = energy per blow in foot pounds;
S = penetration of last blow or average penetration of last few
blows experienced in inches; and
C = constant egual to 1.0 for drop hammer and 0.1 for steam or
air hammer.
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2. When the design load capacity of a pile exceeds fifty (50) tons the
required driving resistance shall be increased above that required
by the driving formula in Item 1 above based on load tests or past
experience under similar conditions.
3. The value of S must be determined with the hammer operating at
one hundred (100) per cent of the rated number of blows per
minute for which the hammer is designed.
4. Any driving resistance developed in strata overlying the bearing
material shall be discounted.
5. If the driving of the pile has been interrupted for more than one
(1) hour, the value of S shall not be determined until the pile is
driven at least an additional twelve (12) inches, except when it
encounters refusal on or in a material of Classes 1 to 5 inclusive.
6. When the constant tapered portion of a pile, including a timber
pile, is driven through a layer of gravel, sand or hard clay
(Classes 6 to 10 inclusive, and Class 14) exceeding five (5) feet in
thickness, and through an underlying soft stratum, the bearing
capacity shall not be determined in accordance with the driving
formula, unless jetting is used during the entire driving of the
tapered portion of the pile through the layer of gravel, sand, hard
clay or Class 14 material, or unless a hole is pre-excavated through
said layer for each pile.
734.3.2 Friction formula in clay: The allowable load on a pile stopped in
inorganic clay may be based on a friction value of five hundred (500)
pounds per square foot of embedded pile surface for a design load not to
exceed twenty-two (22) tons, or on a friction value determined from pile
load tests. The embedded length shall be the length of the pile below
the surface of the inorganic clay, or below the surface of immediately
overlying satisfactory bearing material. The area of embedded pile sur-
face shall be computed by multiplying the embedded length by the peri-
meter of the smallest circle or polygon that can be circumscribed around
the average section of the embedded length of the pile. The method of
determining the allowable load described in this paragraph shall not be
used for a pile in which the drive pipe is withdrawn or for piles which
are driven through the clay to or into firmer bearing materials.
In case these piles are in clusters, the allowable load shall be computed
for the smaller of the following two (2) areas: the sum of the embedded
pile surfaces of individual piles; or the area obtained by multiplying the
perimeter of the polygon circumscribing the cluster at the surface of the
satisfactory bearing material by the average embedded length of pile.
734.3.3 Jacked piles:
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1. Not less than ten (10) per cent of jacked piles shall be load-tested
to twice the design load (load test piles). All other jacked piles
shall be founded in the same bearing stratum as the load test pile
and shall be proof-loaded to one hundred and twenty-five (125) per
cent of design load (production piles).
2. For production piles, the one hundred and twenty-five (125) per
cent of design load shall be maintained for at least thirty (30)
minutes. Acceptability criteria: during final fifteen (15) minutes
of load, the rate is not progressive (plot is linear or decreasing
when settlement is plotted against logarithm of time); and the rate
of settlement is equal to or less than that observed for load test
piles during the corresponding time period under one hundred and
twenty-five (125) per cent of design load.
3. Settlement readings shall be plotted after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 15 min-
utes, and at 15 minute intervals thereafter. Load shall be main-
tained on production piles until acceptability criteria are met.
4. For load test piles, the load shall be applied directly to one hund-
red and twenty-five (125) per cent of design load and maintained
for not less than thirty (30) minutes, but until the settlement rate
is not progressive (as defined above). Load shall then be in-
creased to twice the design load and maintained constant for not
less than four (4) hours. Settlement during the four (4) hour
period shall not exceed point zero fifty (.050) inches.
In the event that settlement exceeds point zero fifty (.050)
inches in four (4) hours, the pile shall be deemed unacceptable for
one half (1/2) of the final load, the allowable load on the rejected
pile may be established by performing an additional load test at the
lesser design load. The design load shall not exceed one half (1/2)
the load maintained for a four (4) hour period during which time
settlement did not exceed point zero fifty (.050) inches.
734.4 Negative friction: Where a pile or a group of piles is placed in
subsiding fill or soil, the effect of the downward frictional forces shall be
given consideration in the design.
734.5 Limiting load: Where weaker materials underlie the bearing mate-
rial into which the piles are driven, time allowable pile load shall be
limited by the provision that the vertical pressures in such underlying
materials produced by the loads on all piles in a foundation shall not
exceed the allowable bearing pressures of such materials as established by
analysis, applying accepted principles of soil mechanics. Piles or pile
groups shall be assumed to transfer their loads to the underlying materials
by spreading the load uniformly at an angle of sixty (60) degrees with
the horizontal, starting at a polygon circumscribing the piles at the top
of the satisfactory bearing material in which they are embedded; but the
area considered as supporting the load shall not extend beyond the inter-
section of the sixty (60) degree planes of adjacent piles or pile groups.
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734.5.1 Pile load limitation: The allowable load on a pile shall not be
limited to the load obtained by multiplying its point area by the allowable
bearing pressure given in Section 720.0.
734.5.2 Liquefaction during earthquake: The requirements of Section
720.3 shall be considered in the design of pile foundations. If pile tips
lie above soil which does not meet the criteria in Figure 720, special
studies shall be made by a registered professional engineer to ensure
safety during the design earthquake specified in Section 716.7.
SECTION 735.0 TIMBER PILES
735.1 Species: Piles shall be of Type I species, Type II species or
other species approved for such use by the building official.
1. Type I species shall include southern yellor pine, oak, Douglas fir
and" other woods of similar strength and physical characteristics.
2. Type II species shall include Norway pine, spruce and other woods
of similar strength and physical characteristics.
735.2 Quality: Timber piles shall conform to the application provisions
of the Standard for Round Timber Piles, ASTM D25.
735.3 Minimum dimensions:
1. Piles shall be of adequate size to resist the applied loads without
having to endure compressive stress parallel with the grain in
excess of the following:
a. Eight hundred (800) pounds per square inch (psi) for Type I
species of wood or five hundred (500) pounds per square inch
for Type II species of wood on the pile cross section located at
the surface of the bearing stratum for piles driven into mater-
ials of Classes 6 through 10.
b. Five hundred (500) pounds per square inch (psi) for Type I
species of wood or three hundred (300) pounds per square inch
for Type II species of wood on the pile cross section at the tips
of piles driven to bearing on materials of Classes 1 through 5.
2. The piles shall measure at least six (6) inches in diameter at the
tip and at least ten (10) inches in diameter at the cutoff, with
these measurements being taken under the bark.
3. All piles shall be driven in one (1) piece except as provided in
Section 741.0 for composite piles.
735.4 Cutoff: The tops of all timber piles shall be cut off in a hori-
zontal plane; and if not treated by an approved preservative process, the
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cutoff shall be below mean low water level or lowest ground water level,
and shall be subject to the building official's approval. He may require
the owner to install and maintain in good condition at least one (1) ground
water observation well within the building, which shall be accessible to
the building official.
735.5 Treated piles: Timber piles pressure-treated with creosote or
creosote-coal-tar solution, and conforming to the requirements of this
section, may be cut off above permanent ground water level when used
for the support of buildings not exceeding two (2) stories in height.
735.5.1 Treatment: Preservative and final retention shall be in accord-
ance with AWPA Standard C-3. When exposed to salt water, the treat-
ment shall conform to the AWPB Standard MP-1, MP-2 or MP-4. Pile
cutoffs shall be treated in accordance with AWPI Standard M-4.
735.5.2 Certification: Before any treated piles are driven, the building
official shall be furnished with certification by a licensed testing labora-
tory, certifying that piles were free of decay, were properly peeled and
otherwise prepared before treatment; and that the method of treatment,
the chemical composition and the amount of retention of the preservative
conform to the requirements of this Section 735.0.
735.6 Maximum load on wood piles: Except as provided in the fourth
paragraph of Section 734.3, the load on a wood pile shall not exceed the
allowable load specified in Section 734.0, nor thirty-five (35) tons. For
timber piles driven into material of Classes 6 through 10, the area at the
surface of the bearing stratum shall be used to compute the allowable
load.
735.7 Precautions in driving: To avoid damage to the pile, the size of
the hammer shall be such that the driving energy in foot-pounds per blow
shall not exceed numerically the point diameter of the pile in inches mul-
tiplied by fifteen hundred (1500). The total driving energy in foot-
pounds for six (6) inches of penetration shall for all types of hammers be
numerically not greater than the point diameter in inches times thirty-two
thousand (32,000) for Type I species of wood or times twenty-two thou-
sand (22,000) for Type II species of wood. For the last inch of penetra-
tion, the energy in foot-pounds shall not exceed numerically the point
diameter in inches multiplied by six thousand (6,000). In any case,
driving shall be stopped immediately when abrupt high resistance to
penetration is encountered. Any sudden decrease in driving resistance
shall be investigated with regard to the possibility of breakage of the
pile; and if such sudden decrease in driving resistance cannot be corre-
lated to boring data, and if the pile cannot be removed for inspection, it
shall be considered adequate reason for rejection of the pile.
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SECTION 736.0 PRECAST CONCRETE PILES
736.1 Concrete strength: A precast concrete pile shall not be driven
before the concrete has attained a compressive strength of not less than
four thousand (4,000) pounds per square inch (psi) based on tests of
cylinders cast from the same batches and cured under the same conditions
as the pile concrete. These piles shall be so proportioned, cast, cured,
handled and driven as to resist without significant cracking stresses
induced by handling and driving as well as by loads.
736.2 Design: The piles shall be designed and reinforced in accordance
with the applicable reinforced concrete regulations cited in Section 841.0.
If for any reason the pile is injured, or the reinforcement is exposed, its
use shall be condemned. The lateral reinforcement at both ends of the
pile shall be spaced sufficiently close to resist impact stresses due to
driving and more than three (3) inches on center. When driven to or
into bearing materials of Classes 1 to 5 inclusive, or through materials
containing boulders, they shall have metal tips of approved design. The
minimum lateral dimension of a precast concrete pile shall be ten (10)
inches.
736.3 Limitation of load: Except as provided in the fourth paragraph of
Section 734.3, the load on precast concrete piles shall not exceed the
allowable load specified in Section 734.0, thirty-three (33) per cent of the
twenty-eight (28) day strength of the concrete, nor sixteen hundred
(1600) psi. For prestressed concrete piles, thirty-three (33) per cent of
the effective prestress load in the concrete after losses shall be deducted
from thirty-three (33) per cent of the twenty-eight (28) day strength of
the concrete or sixteen hundred (1600) psi, whichever is less, in compu-
ting the maximum allowable load.
736.4 Protection: A minimum covering of two (2) inches of concrete
shall be provided over all reinforcements, except that for piles to be
exposed to sea water and other severe environments, a three (3) inch
protective covering shall be furnished in the zone of such exposure.
736.5 Minimum spacing: The minimum spacing center-to-center of pre-
cast concrete piles shall be two and one-half (2 1/2) times the square root
of the cross-sectional area at the butt.
736.6 Splices: One splice shall be permitted in precast concrete piles.
SECTION 737.0 CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE PILES
737.1 General: In this section a distinction is made between poured-con-
crete piles and pressure injected footings (compacted concrete piles). A
poured-concrete pile is formed by pouring concrete into a driven casing
that is permanently installed in the ground. A pressure injected footing
is formed by placing concrete having a zero (0) slump in small batches,
and compacting each batch. All cast-in-place concrete piles shall be made
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and placed as to ensure the exclusion of all foreign matter and to secure
a well-formed unit of full cross-section. The minimum strength of con-
crete for cast-in-place piles shall be three thousand (3,000) pounds per
square inch (psi). While placing the concrete, the casing or drive-pipe
shall contain not more than three (3) inches of water.
The maximum size of coarse aggregate for all concrete shall be three-
quarter (3/4) inch and the concrete shall have a slump of four (4) to
seven (7) inches. If placed from the top of pile, all concrete shall be
poured in rapid, continuous operation through a funnel hopper centered
at the top of the pile and having a discharge diameter less than the
smallest diameter of the pile. After filling with concrete, the top ten
(10) feet shall be thoroughly rodded.
737.2 Poured concrete piles
737.2.1 Design: The shape of the pile may be cylindrical, or conical, or
a combination thereof, or it may be a succession of cylinders of equal
length, with the change in diameter of adjoining cylinders not exceeding
one (1) inch.
737.2.2 Loading: Except as provided in the fourth paragraph of Section
734.3, the load on poured concrete piles shall not exceed the allowable
load specified in Section 734.0, thirty-three (33) per cent of the twenty-
eight (28) day strength of the concrete, nor sixteen hundred (1600) psi,
when applied to the cross-sectional area computed on the following basis:
1. For metal-cased piles driven to and into materials of Classes 1 to 4
inclusive, using the diameter measured one (1) foot above the
point, except that when the rock is immediately overlain by a
bearing stratum consisting of one (1) or a combination of bearing
materials of Classes 5, 6 and 7, using the diameter at the surface
of the bearing stratum.
2. For metal-cased piles, driven through compressible materials includ-
ing Classes 11, 12, 13 and 15 and into a bearing stratum consisting
of one (1) or a combination of bearing materials of Classes 5 to 10
inclusive, using the diameter at the surface of the bearing stratum.
737.2.3 Installation: Immediately before filling with concrete, the inside
of the casing shall be thoroughly cleaned to the bottom and subjected to a
visual examination. The casing shall be subject to the following limita-
tions :
1. The diameter shall not vary more than twenty (20) per cent from
the specified value.
2. The point of the casing shall not deviate more than ten (10) per
cent of the length of the pile from the design alignment.
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3. The casing shall not deviate by more than four (4) per cent of the
length of the casing from the straight line connecting the midpoints
to the ends of the casing. Any other condition which may affect
the design performance shall be duly noted and evaluated subject to
the requirements of the building official. A casing or drive-pipe
shall not be filled with concrete until all casings or drive-pipes
shall be filled with concrete until all casings or drive-pipes within a
radius of seven (7) feet, or within the heave range, whichever is
greater, have been driven to the required resistance.
737.3 Pressure injected footings
737.3.1 Loading: Except as provided in the fourth paragraph of Section
734.3, the load on pressure-injected footings shall be limited by the
provisions of Sections 734.4 except that the circumscribing polygon shall
start at the junction of the shaft and the enlarged base, and the bearing
area shall be taken at planes six (6) feet or more below the junction.
737.3.2 Installation: The installation of pressure-injected footings shall
fulfill the following requirements:
1. The drive pipe used for installing the pipes shall not be less than
twenty (20) inches outside diameter for piles which have an allow-
able of one hundred (100) tons or greater, and not less than six-
teen (16) inches outside diameter for piles which have an allowable
load between fifty (50) and one hundred (100) tons. For loads less
than fifty (50) tons, smaller drive casing may be used subject to
the approval of the building official.
2. The enlarged base of the pressure-injected footings shall be formed
on or in bearing materials of Classes 1 to 9 inclusive. The Class 9
material (fine sand) shall have a maximum of fifteen (15) per cent
by weight finer than the No. 200 mesh sieve and shall be non-plas-
tic, unless satisfactory load test results or other substantiating
data are submitted to, and approved by, the building official.
3. The concrete in the base shall have a minimum compressive strength
at twenty-eight (28) days of four thousand (4,000) psi; shall be of
zero (0) slump, and shall be placed in batches not to exceed five
(5) cubic feet in volume.
4. The last batch of concrete shall be driven into the enlarged base
with not less than twenty-five (25) blows, each of not less than one
hundred and forty thousand (140,000) foot pounds. For lower
allowable loads, the required number of blows on the last batch
shall vary in proportion to the allowable load. On the basis of test
data, and subject to approval by the building official, the hammer
blow energy may be reduced, in which case the number of blows on
the last batch shall vary inversely with the energy delivered per
blow.
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5. During injection of the last five (5) cubic feet, the level of con-
crete in the drive casing shall not be more than six (6) inches
above the bottom of the casing.
6. As the drive pipe is being withdrawn, not less than two (2) blows
of at least twenty-five thousand (25,000) foot-pounds each shall be
applied to compact each batch of concrete in an uncased shaft.
7. An uncased shaft shall not be formed through inorganic clay or
inorganic silt unless a hole is made through such soil by a nondis-
placement method, at least egual to the inside diameter of the drive
pipe unless the individual piles are located more than nine (9) feet
part and outside the heave range. Pressure-injected footings shall
have cased shafts when spaced closer than nine (9) feet apart and
when installed through inorganic clay or inorganic silt.
8. An uncased shaft shall not be formed through peat or other organic
soils .
9. The permanent metal casing shall be fastened to the enlarged base
in such a manner that the two will not separate. The concrete may
be placed in the metal casing in the same manner as for poured-
concrete piles . A metal casing shall not be filled with concrete
until after all pressure injected footings within a radius of at least
nine (9) feet have been driven. In metal-cased shafts the stresses
in the concrete shall be thirty-three (33) per cent of the twenty-
eight (28) day strength, but not exceeding sixteen hundred (1600)
psi if non- corrugated steel casing is at least two-tenths (0.2) inch
thick, the stress in the steel shall be thirty-five (35) per cent of
the minimum specified yield strength, but not exceeding twelve
thousand six hundred (12,600) psi. When required by soil condi-
tions, allowance shall be made for corrosion as specified in Section
733.0.
737.4 Spacing: The center-to-center spacing of piles shall be not less
than three (3) times the shaft diameter and not less than three and
one-half (3 1/2) feet.
SECTION 738.0 CONCRETE-FILLED PIPE AND
TAPERED TUBULAR PILES
738.1 Installation: Immediately before filling with concrete, the inside of
the casing shall be thoroughly cleaned to the bottom and subjected to a
visual inspection. The casing shall be subject to the following limitations:
1. The diameter shall not vary more than twenty (20) per cent from
the specified value.
2. The point of the casing shall not deviate more than ten (10) per
cent of the length of the pile from the design alignment.
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3. The casing shall not deviate by more than six (6) per cent of the
length of the casing from the straight line connecting the mid-
points of the ends of the casing. Any other condition which may
affect the design performance shall be duly noted and evaluated
subject to the reguirements of the building official. Concrete shall
not be placed through water; except that the building official may
approve the use of a properly-operated tremie or pumped concrete
in still water, provided the pipe is proven to be free of other
material .
738.2 Steel pipe: All steel pipe shall conform to the applicable standards
listed in the reference standards in the appendices for welded and seam-
less steel pipe and tubes, and for hot-rolled carbon steel sheets. The
yield point used in the design of steel casings shall be that of the fabri-
cated element as determined by test.
738.3 Design: Except as provided in the fourth paragraph of Section
734.3, the load on concrete-filled pipe piles shall not exceed the allowable
load determined in accordance with Section 734.0, a load computed on the
basis of stress in concrete at twenty-five (25) per cent of the twenty-
eight (28) day strength, or eleven hundred (1100) pounds per sguare
inch (psi)and stress in the steel at nine thousand (9000) pounds per
sguare inch; nor shall the load carried by the steel on this basis exceed
one-half (1/2) the total load on the pile.
738.4 Minimum thickness: The minimum wall thickness of all load-bearing
pipe, tubes and shells shall be one-tenth (1/10) inches. When reguired
by soil conditions, allowance shall be made for corrosion as specified in
Section 733.0.
738.5 Splices: All splices of the steel section shall comply with Section
732.6.
SECTION 739.0 CONCRETE-FILLED PIPE WITH
STEEL CORE CAISSONS
739.1 Construction: These units shall consist of a shaft section of
concrete-filled pipe extended to and firmly seated in bedrock of Classes 1
or 2 with an uncased socket drilled into the bedrock which is filled with
cement grout. The steel core shall be centered in the shaft and shall
extend through the cement grout to the bottom of the socket.
739.2 Steel shell: The steel shell shall be seamless or welded steel pipe
with a minimum yield point of thirty-three thousand (33,000) pounds per
sguare inch (psi), fitted with an approved cutting shoe and structural
cap, or with other approved means of transmitting the super-structure
load. The minimum diameter for drilled caissons shall be twenty-four (24)
inches and minimum shell thickness five-sixteenths (5/16) inches. Steel
shall be protected under the conditions specified in Section 733.0. Splices
shall be welded to develop one hundred (100) per cent of the strength of
the pipe.
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739.3 Concrete fill: The concrete fill of caissons shall be controlled
concrete with a minimum compressive strength of four thousand (4,000)
psi at twenty-eight (28) days. It shall be so placed that it shall fill
completely the space between the steel core and the pipe. In case the
socket cannot be kept free from inflow of water, the pipe shall be filled
to its top with clean water before placing the cement grout. The details
of the design and installation, including the cleaning and inspection of
the socket, the placement of concrete under water or in the dry, the
method of centering the steel core, and all other phases of the work shall
be submitted to the building official for approval.
739.4 Rock socket: A socket, approximately the inside diameter of the
pipe shall be made in bedrock of Classes 1 or 2 to a depth that will
assure load transfer when computed for a bearing on the bottom surface
of the socket in accordance with Sections 722.0 and 725.0 acting together
with a bond stress on the perimeter surface of the socket of two hundred
(200) psi. The minimum socket depth shall be at least egual to the
diameter of the pipe. Before placement of concrete, the socket and pipe
shall be thoroughly cleaned and the rock inspected by a registered pro-
fessional engineer.
739.5 Steel core: The steel core shall consist of a structural steel
member. The mating ends of the sections shall be spliced so as to safely
withstand the stresses to which they may be subjected. The minimum
clearance between structural core and shell shall be two (2) inches. When
such cores are installed in more than one (1) length, they shall be as-
sembled to develop the full compressive strength of the section.
739.6 Driving precautions: Drilled caissons shall not be driven out of
plumb by more than two (2) per cent of the length of the caissons.
739.7 Spacing: The minimum center-to-center spacing shall be not less
than two and one-half (2 1/2) times the outside diameter of the steel
shell.
739.8 Allowable load: Except as provided in the fourth paragraph of
Section 734.3, the load on concrete-filled pipe piles with steel core shall
not exceed the allowable load determined in accordance with the provisions
of Section 739.4; nor that computed on the basis of stress in concrete at
thirty-three (33) per cent of the twenty-eight (28) day strength, but not
exceeding sixteen hundred (1600) psi; plus stress in the steel at thirty-
five (35) per cent of the minimum specified yield strength but not exceed-
ing twelve thousand six hundred (12,600) psi of the net area of the steel
pipe plus fifty (50) per cent of the minimum specified yield strength but
not exceeding eighteen thousand (18,000) psi of the area of the core
steel.
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SECTION 740.0 STRUCTURAL STEEL PILES
740.1 Steel: Steel sections may be of any type of steel permitted by the
provisions of the reference standards of this article.
1. Rolled structural steel piles shall be of H form, with flange projec-
tion not exceeding fourteen (14) times the minimum thickness of
metal in either flange or web and with total flange width at least
eighty-five (85) per cent of the depth of the section. A section
shall not have a nominal thickness of metal less than four-tenths
(4/10) inch, nor a nominal depth in the direction of the web of less
than eight (8) inches.
2. The use of built-up sections or sections of other than H form will
be permitted if the several components of the section are adequately
connected to develop the strength of the adjacent components and if
the ratio of width to thickness of the component parts does not
exceed the values for conventional H sections.
3. The tips of all steel H piles having a thickness of metal less than
five-tenths (5/10) inches which are driven to end bearing on rock
of Classes 1 through 3 by an impact hammer, shall be reinforced.
The installation of all steel H piles by impact hammer to end bearing
on rock of Classes 1 through 3 shall be conducted so as to termi-
nate driving directly when the pile reaches refusal on the rock
surface.
4. Structural caps shall be rigidly attached to the pile section and
shall be designed to transfer the full load into the piles; except
that when the pile extends into the footing sufficiently to develop
the full load by bond, or to permit the use of mechanical devices to
develop the full load by shear, structural caps shall not be
required.
740.2 Splices: If piles are spliced, the splice shall develop one hundred
(100) per cent of the strength of the section.
740.3 Protection: Structural steel piles shall be protected under the
conditions specified in Section 733.0 or due allowance shall be made for
corrosion as therein specified.
740.4 Allowable load: Except as provided in the fourth paragraph of
Section 734.3, the load on such piles shall not exceed the allowable load
determined in accordance with Section 734.0, nor shall a load based on
stress exceed thirty-five (35) per cent of the minimum specified yield
strength or twelve thousand six hundred (12,600) pounds per square inch
(psi) on the cross section.
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SECTION 741.0 COMPOSITE PILES
741.1 Design: A composite pile shall consist of a combination of not
more than two (2) of any of the different types of piles provided for in
this article. The pile shall fulfill the requirements for each type, and in
addition the provisions of Section 741.0. The requirements of Section
737.2.3 shall apply to the entire length of a pipe shell composite pile.
741.2 Limitation of load: The allowable load on composite piles shall be
that allowed for the weaker of the two sections. Except as provided in
the fourth paragraph of Section 734.3, the allowable load on wood compos-
ite piles shall not exceed eighty (80) per cent of that allowed for the
wood section alone. Wood shell composite piles, shall not be used for
support of buildings exceeding two (2) stories in height.
741.3 Splices: Splices between concrete sections and steel or wood
sections shall be designed to prevent separation of the sections both
before and after the concrete portion has set, and to insure the alignment
and transmission of the total pile load. Splices shall be designed to
resist uplift due to heave during driving of adjacent piles and shall
develop the full compressive strength and not less than fifty (50) per
cent of the strength in tension and bending of the weaker sections.
741.4 Spacings: The center-to-center spacing shall be governed by the
larger of the spacings required in this article for the types composing the
pile.
SECTION 742.0 SPECIAL PILES AND CAISSONS
742.1 General: Types of piles or caissons not specifically covered by
the provisions of this code may be permitted subject to the approval of
the building official, provided sufficient test data, design and construc-
tion information are filed by a registered professional engineer certifying
that the pile or caisson installation is adequate to fulfill the design re-
quirements .
SECTION 743.0 LATERAL SUPPORT
743.1 Surrounding materials: Any soil other than water or fluid soil
including strata of soil not meeting the criterion in Figure 720 shall be
deemed to afford sufficient lateral support to permit the design of any
type of pile as a short column. When piles are driven through soil which
will be removed subsequent at the completion of the foundation, the
resistance offered by such material shall not be considered to contribute
to the lateral supporting capacity.
743.2 Column action: The portion of a pile or pier that is not laterally
supported shall be designed as a column in accordance with Section 844.0
and taking into consideration the conditions of end fixity.
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SECTION 744.0 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR FLOODPLAINS
AND COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREAS
744.1 Designated areas and projects: Plans for all structures and gas
storage tanks, including new construction and substantial improvements to
existing structures, and the placement of manufactured buildings and
mobile homes, shall be subject to review by the building official to deter-
mine if the location is within any area of special flood hazards as desig-
nated by the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA), through issuance of
a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or through a scientific and engineering
report entitled "Flood Insurance Study" with accompanying Flood Insur-
ance Rate Maps and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps.
For the purposes of this section only, substantial improvements shall
be defined as any repairs, reconstruction, or improvements, the cost of
which exceeds fifty (50) per cent of the market value of the structure
before repairs or damages.
744.2 Structural requirements in floodplains: If a structure is to be
constructed, or substantially improved within the one hundred (100) year
floodplain (land subject to a one [1] per cent or greater chance of flood-
ing in any given year), as determined by the building official, it shall be
designed and constructed to minimize flood damage. Plans for such
building shall be submitted and certified by a registered professional
engineer or architect to insure that the following requirements are met:
1. The building is designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to
prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
2. The building is constructed with materials and utility equipment
resistant to flood damage.
3. Residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including base-
ment or cellar, elevated to or above the one hundred (100) year
elevation; or in the case of nonresidential structures, be flood -
proofed watertight to the one hundred (100) year level.
4. Where floodproofing is allowed for a particular building, it shall be
designed to be watertight below the one hundred (100) year flood
level and the floodproofing methods shall be adequate to withstand
the flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and
other factors associated with the one hundred (100) year flood.
5. All mobile homes be anchored to resist flotation collapse, or lateral
movement by providing over-the-top and frame ties to ground
anchors in the following manner:
a. over-the-top ties be provided at each of the four corners of the
mobile home; with two (2) additional ties per side at inter-
mediate locations for mobile homes greater or equal to fifty (50)
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
feet long, and one (1) additional tie per side for mobile homes
less than fifty (50) feet long;
b. frame ties be provided at each corner of the mobile home; with
five (5) additional ties per side at immediate points for mobile
homes greater or egual to fifty (50) feet long, and four (4)
additional ties per side for mobile homes less than fifty (50)
feet long;
c. all components of the anchoring system be capable of carrying a
force of four thousand eight hundred (4,800) pounds; and
d. any additions to the mobile home be similarly anchored.
744.3 Structural reguirements in coastal high hazard areas: If a struc-
ture is to be constructed or substantially improved within a coastal high
hazard area (land subject to high velocity waters, including hurricane
wave wash), as determined by the building official, plans for such build-
ing shall be submitted and certified by a registered professional engineer
or architect to insure that the following reguirements are met:
1. the structure is elevated on adeguately anchored pilings or col-
umns, and securely anchored to such piles or columns so that the
lowest portion of the structural members of the lowest floor (ex-
cluding the pilings or columns) is elevated to or above the one
hundred (100) year level;
2. the structure is securely anchored, as provided above, in order to
withstand velocity waters and hurricane wave wash;
3. fill is not used for structural support; and
4. the space below the lowest floor free is of obstructions or con-
structed with breakaway walls intended to collapse under stress,
such temporarily enclosed space not to be used for human habita-
tion.
744.4 Records: The building official shall obtain (or have the applicant
provide) and maintain for public inspection a record of:
1. the elevations, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor,
including basement or cellar, and whether or not the building has a
basement or cellar;
2. the elevation, in relation to mean sea level, to which a building has
been floodproof ed ; and
3. the date when such construction commenced.
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ARTICLE 8-Part A
MATERIALS AND TESTS
SECTION 800.0 GENERAL
800.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall govern the quality,
workmanship and requirements for all materials and methods and the
minimum specifications for enclosure walls and wall thickness hereafter
used in the construction of buildings and structures. All materials and
methods of construction shall conform to the approved rules and the
standards for materials and tests and the requirements of accepted engi-
neering practice as herein listed (see Section 110.0).
Appendix B Accepted Engineering Practice
Appendix C Material Standards
Appendix D Structural Unit Test Standards
Appendix E Structural Assembly Test Standards
Appendix F Durability Test Standards
Appendix G Fire Test Standards
Appendix H Standard Time-Temperature Test Controls
Appendix I Fire Protection Standards
800.2 Accepted engineering practice: The quality, use and installation
of all materials, equipment, devices, systems or methods of construction
shall be controlled by the standards of accepted engineering practice as
listed in Appendix B except where otherwise specifically provided in this
code.
800.3 Material standards: All building units used in wall, partition and
floor construction and for fireproofing or other insulation purposes shall
comply with the applicable standards listed in Appendix C.
800.4 Material not conforming to standards: All building materials,
equipment, devices systems or methods of construction not provided for
in this code (including Sections 800.3 and 110.0), and any material of
questioned suitability proposed for use in the construction of a building
or structure, shall be subjected to the tests prescribed in Sections 802.0
and 803.0 and in the approved rules to determine its character, quality,
and limitations of use.
800.5 New materials and methods of construction: The provisions of this
code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, system or
method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided
any such alternate has been approved (see "Definitions," Section 201.0).
The building official shall accept duly authenticated reports from the
Commission on all new materials and methods of construction proposed for
use which are not specifically provided for in this code.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
800.6 Used materials and equipment: Used materials, equipment and de-
vices which meet the minimum requirements of this code for new materials
materials, equipment and devices shall be permitted; the building official
may require satisfactory proof that such materials, equipment and devices
have been reconditioned, tested, and/or placed in good and proper work-
ing condition prior to approval.
800.7 Equivalent materials or systems: Materials or systems which are
subjected to tests determined by the Commission to be equivalent to those
tests required by this code shall be accepted as meeting the requirements
of this code.
SECTION 801.0 BASIC CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
801.1 General: All materials and methods used in the design and con-
struction of buildings and structures shall be classified as controlled
materials and ordinary materials as defined in Sections 201.0 and 719.0.
The design and construction shall be based on the assumptions, limita-
tions, and methods of stress determination of recognized design proce-
dures.
SECTION 802.0 TESTS
802.1 Test standards: All structural units and assemblies shall be
tested in accordance with the standards listed in Appendices D, E and F.
In the absence of test procedures governing any specific material or
method of construction, the building official shall accept authenticated
reports from recognized authoritative sources which meet the requirements
of this code.
802.2 Strength tests: To determine the safe uniformly distributed work-
ing load, when not capable of design by accepted engineering analysis, or
to check the adequacy of the structural design of an assembly when there
is reasonable doubt as to its strength or stability, every system of con-
struction, sub-assembly or assembled unit and its connections shall be
subjected to strength tests prescribed in this code, or to such other
tests acceptable to the building official that simulate the loads and condi-
tions of application that the completed structure will be subjected to in
normal use. Structural load determinations shall include transverse floor
and roof, wall compression and racking, concentrated load, plaster bond,
puncture penetration and soil tests.
802.2.1 Strength tests for glass: The working strength of glass for any
location in which it is required to withstand wind or impact loads shall be
determined according to the following design procedure and criteria:
1. Design for wind loads by Section 857.5.4.
2. Design for impact loads of fully tempered, laminated and wired glass
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
shall comply with the requirements of the standard listed in Appen-
dix B.
802 . 3 Deleted
802.4 Deleted
802.5 Performance test: Whenever there is sufficient evidence that the
stability or structural safety of a completed building or structure or part
thereof is inadequate for the intended use, the building official may
require a load test of the building unit or portion of the structure in
question. Such existing structure shall be subjected to a superimposed
load equal to two (2) times the design live load. The test load shall be
left in place for a period of twenty-four (24) hours. If during the test,
or upon removal of the test load, the structure shows evidence of failure,
the building official shall order such reinforcement or modifications deemed
necessary to insure adequacy of the structure for the rated capacity; or
in lieu thereof, he may specify a reduced working load to which the
structure shall be limited. The structure shall be considered to have
successfully met the test requirements if the total deflection does not
exceed the theoretical deflection computed by accepted engineering formu-
lae. When the total deflection is greater than such theoretical value, the
structure shall be considered safe for the design load, if it recovers
seventy-five (75) per cent of the maximum deflection within twenty-four
(24) hours after removal of the test load.
802.6 Tests of service equipment and devices: Tests of service equip-
ment and accessories shall include proscenium curtain and stage ventila-
tion, Section 417.7; structural load tests, Section 702.0; flues and chim-
neys, Section 1002.0; boilers, the mechanical code listed in Appendix B;
electric installations, Article 15; moving stairways, elevator interlocks and
safety devices, Article 16; refrigerating equipment, and other mechanical
and plumbing systems and devices as required by the mechanical code and
the plumbing code listed in Appendix B and all other service tests re-
quired by the approved rules.
802.7 Fire tests: In the determination of flash points, combustibility,
flameresistance and fireresistance rating of construction materials and
methods, all tests shall be conducted in conformity to Sections 902.0,
903.0 and 904.0 and the applicable standards listed in Appendices G and
I.
802.8 Prefabricated construction tests: Prefabricated assemblies or
sub-assemblies not capable of design by accepted engineering analysis,
shall meet all the requirements and tests for at-site construction. The
floor panels and other prefabricated units shall be assembled to form an
integrated test specimen constructed as in practice, of not less than three
(3) units in width with two (2) longitudinal joints; and when designed on
the assumption of a simple span, such units shall be tested with flat end
supports .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
802.9 Test specimens: The selection and construction of all test speci-
mens and the details of test procedure herein required shall conform to
the recognized test procedures listed in the appendices. All test speci-
mens and constructions shall be truly representative of the materials,
workmanship and details to be normally applied in practice.
Note: Test procedures. Test requirements constitute fundamental
performance standards and therefore come within the scope of this
code. The detail test specifications and procedures are formulated and
defined in the approved rules or by reference to accepted test standards
of authoritative test agencies and organizations. Details of test proce-
dures have been omitted from this code, except for essential basic
requirements when deemed necessary.
SECTION 803.0 CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE
803.1 General: In evaluating the physical properties of materials and
methods of construction when not subject to design by accepted engineer-
ing analysis, the structural requirements shall be based on the criteria
established by the provisions of the following Sections 803.2 through
803.7.
803.2 Test load factor
803.2.1 Loading: The test specimen shall sustain for a period of twenty-
four (24) hours, without visible damage other than hairline cracks, its
own weight, plus a superimposed test load equal to the dead load to be
added at the site plus one hundred fifty (150) per cent of the design live
load.
803.2.2 Allowed deflection: After completion of the test required by
Section 803.2.1 and removal of all superimposed loads, the recovery of
deflection within twenty-four (24) hours shall be at least seventy-five
(75) per cent of the deflection due to the superimposed loads.
803.2.3 Failure loading: The test specimen shall sustain without collapse
its own weight, plus a superimposed test load equal to fifty (50) per cent
of its weight plus one hundred fifty (150) per cent of the dead load to be
added at the site, plus two hundred fifty (250) per cent of the design
live load.
803.3 Working load deflection: Under the approved working load, the
deflection of floor and roof assemblies shall not be greater than one
three-hundred-sixtieth (1/360) of the span for plastered construction; one
two-hundred-fortieth (1/240) of the span for unplastered floor construc-
tion; and one one-hundred -eightieth (1/180) of the span for unplastered
roof construction.
803.4 Wall and partition assemblies: Bearing wall and partition assem-
blies shall sustain the load test both with and without window framing.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
803.5 Comparative tests: When not available from existing authoritative
test data, the building official may require comparative tests of assemblies
of standard traditional forms of construction used for similar purposes to
assist in determining the adequacy of the new construction.
803.6 Concentrated load tests: When not capable of design, all floor
constructions in the use classification groups specified in Table 707 shall
be subjected to the concentrated loads therein prescribed when such
loading exceeds in stress effect the uniformly distributed load specified
for such uses in Table 706.
803.7 Puncture penetration tests: All finish floor constructions in which
light gage metal or other thin materials are used as the structural floor
shall withstand the application of a two hundred (200) pound concentrated
load applied to the top surface on an area of one (1) square inch at any
point or points of the construction designated by the building official.
SECTION 804.0 APPROVALS
804.1 Written approval: Any material, equipment, device, system or
method of construction meeting the requirements of this code shall be
approved by the building official in writing within a reasonable time after
satisfactory completion of all required tests and submission of required
test reports.
804.2 Approved record: Whenever any material, equipment, device,
system or method of construction shall have been approved by the build-
ing official, a record of such approval, including all the conditions and
limitations of its permitted use, shall be kept on file in his office and
shall be open to public inspection during business hours.
804.3 Identification of product: When identification of a material is
necessary for structural safety, the approved material shall be identified
by the approved label and the grade mark, trademark or other manufac-
turer's identification for which official recognition is desired. A drawing
of the identification marks shall be filed with the building official and
kept in the official records.
804.4 Heretofore approved materials: The use of any material already
fabricated or of any construction already erected, which conformed to
requirements or approvals heretofore in effect, shall be permitted to
continue, if not detrimental to life, health or safety of the public.
SECTION 805.0 MASONRY CONSTRUCTION UNITS
805.1 Nominal dimensions: Dimensions and thicknesses specified in this
code are nominal dimensions; actual dimensions may vary from the pre-
scribed minimum in accordance with accepted tolerances in the building
industry.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
805.2 Second-hand units: Brick and other second-hand masonry units
may be reused subject to the approval of the building official as to qual-
ity, condition and compliance with the requirements for new masonry
units. The unit shall be of whole, sound material, free from cracks and
other defects that would interfere with its proper laying or use; and shall
be cleaned free from old mortar before reuse.
SECTION 806.0 BRICK UNITS
806.1 General: Brick of clay, shale and calcium silicate (sand-lime) shall
be of a quality equal to that required by ASTM Standards for brick
units; C216 for solid units of face brick; C62 for solid units of building
brick; C652 for hollow brick; and C73 for calcium silicate brick. Grade
requirements for clay and shale brick units in contact with the ground
and/or subject to water, frost and freezing action shall be governed by
the standards listed in Appendix C.
SECTION 807.0 STRUCTURAL CLAY TILE UNITS
807.1 General: Structural clay wall tile shall be of a quality equal to
that required by ASTM Standards for structural clay tile units: C34 for
loadbearing wall tile; C212 for structural clay facing tile; C56 for struc-
tural clay non-loadbearing wall tile. Grade requirements for units sub-
jected to the weather and/or contact with the ground shall be governedby
the standards listed in Appendix C.
807.2 Deleted
807.3 Deleted
SECTION 808.0 GLAZED CLAY MASONRY UNITS
808.1 General: Glazed masonry building units shall be of quality equal
to that required by ASTM Standard C216 for ceramic glazed structural
clay facing tile, face brick and solid masonry units.
SECTION 809.0 CONCRETE UNITS
809.1 Quality: Cast concrete units shall be of sound, compact struc-
ture, uniform in shape and free from cracks, warpage or other defects
that would impair their serviceability or strength when laid in the wall.
809.2 Hollow load-bearing units: Approved hollow load-bearing concrete
units for use below grade or unprotected against the weather by stucco,
brick or other approved facings or veneers shall have a minimum com-
pressive strength on the gross area of one thousand (1,000) psi; and for
protected exterior use and general interior construction not less than
seven hundred (700) psi.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
809.3 Hollow nonload-bearing units: Approved hollow nonload-bearing
concrete units shall have a minimum compressive strength on the average
gross area of three hundred and fifty (350) psi.
809.4 Solid load-bearing units: Approved solid load-bearing concrete
masonry units when unprotected against the weather or subject to frost
and water action shall have a minimum compressive strength of eighteen
hundred (1800) psi, and for protected exterior use or general interior
use not less than twelve hundred (1200) psi.
809.5 Concrete brick: Approved concrete brick for use when exposed to
freezing in the presence of moisture, shall have a minimum compressive
strength of twenty-five hundred (2500) psi; and when used as a back-up
in exterior walls or for general interior construction, a compressive
strength of not less than twelve hundred and fifty (1250) psi.
809.6 Concrete fireproof ing and furring units: Approved concrete block
or tile used in fireproofing or furring, when not exposed to the weather,
shall have a minimum compressive strength of three hundred (300) psi of
net area tested as laid in practice. When exposed to the weather, the
compressive strength shall be not less than seven hundred (700) psi of
gross area. All nonbearing units shall be clearly marked to distinguish
them from load-bearing units.
809.7 Concrete floor tile
809.7.1 Structural fillers: Structural concrete filler-block or tile when
included in strength calculations in ribbed floor construction shall have
webs and shells not less than one (1) inch thick and shall develop an
average compressive strength on the net area not less than that of the
rib concrete.
809.7.2 Other fillers: Removable tile and permanent fillers which are not
included in strength calculations shall be of adeguate strength to insure
integrity of the unit and safety in handling as approved by the building
official .
SECTION 810.0 GYPSUM UNITS
810.1 General: Gypsum tile or block shall not be used in bearing walls
or in any location exposed to freguent or continuous wetting or in exteri-
ior walls unless protected from the weather. Approved gypsum units
shall develop a compressive strength of not less than seventy-five (75)
psi on the gross area.
SECTION 811.0 STRUCTURAL GLASS BLOCK UNITS
811.1 General: Solid or hollow approved structural glass blocks shall
not be used in fire walls, party walls or fire separation walls, or for
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
load-bearing construction. All mortar-bearing surfaces of the block shall
be precoated or prepared to insure adhesion between mortar and glass.
SECTION 812.0 ARCHITECTURAL TERRA COTTA
812.1 General: All approved architectural terra cotta units shall be
formed with a strong, homogeneous body of hard-burned, weather-resis-
ting clay which gives off a sharp, metallic ring when struck and shall
meet the strength and durability reguirements of accepted engineering
practice. All units shall be formed to engage securely with and anchor to
the structural frame or masonry wall.
SECTION 813.0 NATURAL STONE
813.1 General: Natural stone for masonry shall be sound and free from
loose or friable inclusions; and shall meet the strength, fireresistance,
durability and impact resistance for the intended use in accordance with
accepted engineering practice.
SECTION 814.0 CAST STONE
814.1 All approved cast stone shall be fabricated of concrete or other
approved materials of required strength, durability and fireresistance for
the intended use and shall be reinforced where necessary to conform to
Section 841.0 and standards listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 815.0 MORTAR FOR MASONRY
815.1 Materials: All portland, natural and masonry cements, quick-lime
and hydrated lime for use in masonry mortar shall meet the minimum
strength and durability requirements of the standards listed in Appendi-
ces B and C.
815.2 Mortar types and proportions: Mortar for masonry construction
shall conform to one (1) of the following types shown in Table 815.2 and
shall be mixed to a consistent workability in the specified proportions
measured by volume with clean fresh water free from harmful amounts of
acids, alkalis, oils or organic materials; and with approved aggregates
composed of hard, strong, durable mineral particles well-graded from fine
to coarse, free from injurious amounts of acid, alkalis, oils, saline, organ-
ic and other deleterious substances in accordance with accepted engineer-
ing practice. Masonry mortars shall have a flow after suction of not less
than seventy (70) per cent.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 815.2
MORTAR PROPORTIONS (PARTS BY VOLUME)
Mortar
type
Portland
cement
Masonry
cement
Hydrated lime
or lime putty
Min. Max.
Damp
loose
aggregate
M
]
-
to
S
N
1
1
'.2
1
1
1
to
'.'2
>/2
lto
Not less than 2to and not more
than 3 times the sum of the vol-
umes of the cements and lime
used.
0
1
1
lto
2>/2
815.3 Types of mortar permitted: Unit masonry shall be laid in mortar
of the following types listed in Table 815.3.
Table 815.3
MASONRY AND MORTAR TYPES
Type of masonry
Types of mortar permitted
Masonry in contact with earth
M or S
Grouted and filled cell masonry
MorS
Masonry above grade or interior masonry
Piers of solid units
M, S, or N
Piers of hollow units
Mor S
Walls of solid units
M, S, N or 0
Walls of hollow units
M, Sor N
Cavity walls and masonry bonded hollow walls
Design wind pressure exceeds 20 psf
MorS
Design wind pressure 20 psf or less
M, S or N
Glass block masonry
S or N
Nonloadbearing partitions and fireproofing
M, S, N, 0 or Gypsum
Gypsum partition tile or block
Gypsum
Fire brick
Refractory air-setting mortar
Linings of existing masonry, above or below grade
Mor S
Masonry other than above
M, S or N
815.4 Alternate methods: Alternative methods of constructing masonry
walls may be used, providing that the structural reguirements of Article 7
are fully satisfied by the assembly.
815.5 Dry stacking and bonding: Masonry walls that are laid dry and
are bonded on each side with a formulation of portland cement and alka-
li-resistant glass fibers with or without sand and mixed with water shall
be permitted, providing the following allowable working stresses, based
on gross area, are not exceeded.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1 . Compression
Standard hollow block 45 psi
Ground hollow block 85 psi
Solid block
1800 + psi 110 psi
1200 - 1800 psi 80 psi
2. Shear 10 psi
3. Flexural tension-vertical span 18 psi
4. Flexural tension-horizontal span 30 psi
Bearing walls so constructed shall have a minimum wall thickness of six
(6) inches.
815.6 Deleted
815.7 Deleted
815.8 Deleted
SECTION 816.0 CONCRETE AGGREGATES
816.1 Aggregate quality: All concrete aggregates shall conform to the
requirements of ACI 318, ASTM C33 and ASTM C330 as listed in Appen-
dices B and C.
816.2 Deleted
816.3 Deleted
816.4 Deleted
SECTION 817.0 READY-MIX CONCRETE
817.1 Control: Ready-mixed concrete shall conform to the requirements
of ACI 318 and ASTM C94 as listed in Appendices B and C.
817.2 Deleted
817.3 Deleted
SECTION 818.0 STRUCTURAL WOOD GLUES
818.1 Quality of glue: Glues used in structural assemblies of built-up or
laminated lumber sections shall develop the full strength of the wood,
shall not produce decomposition or deleterious chemical reaction in the
wood structure and shall not be attractive to vermin.
818.2 Manufacturers' requirements: Approved structural glues shall be
handled, mixed and applied as prescribed by the manufacturer and the
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
gluing shall be done only in accordance with the timber construction
standards listed in Appendix B.
818.3 Deleted
SECTION 819.0 INTERIOR LATHING AND PLASTERING
819.1 General: All interior lathing and plastering shall conform to the
standards of accepted engineering practice for lathing, furring and acces-
sories and gypsum and portland cement plastering listed in Appendices B
and C; except as may be otherwise provided by statute or in this code
for specific materials.
819 . 2 Deleted
SECTION 820.0 EXTERIOR LATHING AND STUCCO
820.1 General: All exterior lathing, plastering and stucco work shall be
installed of portland cement or other approved mortar as provided in the
standards listed in Appendices B and C, in accordance with accepted
engineering practice or as provided in this code for specific materials.
820.2 Reinforcement: All stucco work shall be reinforced with approved
metal lath or wire fabric except when applied directly to a masonry or
concrete base, or when installed on a masonry base which is protected
with bituminous surfacing.
820.3 Minimum weight: Metal lath, expanded metal and wire reinforcing
fabric shall weigh not less than that indicated in the following Table 820.
Table 820
MINIMUM REINFORCEMENT WEIGHT
Type of reinforcement
Minimum
steel wire gage
Maximum
mesh (inches)
Minimum weight
(pounds per
square yard)
Metal lath .
18 (0.048 in.)
17 (0.054 in.)
16 (0.063 in.)
18 (0.048 in.)
17 (0.054 in.)
16 (0.063 in.)
1
1%
2
4 sq. in.
4 sq. in.
4 sq. in.
3.4
Expanded metal
Woven wire
1.8
1.74
Woven wire
1.41
Woven wire
1.47
Welded wire
0.67
Welded wire
0.82
Welded wire
1.10
820.4 Corrosion resistance: All metal lath and stucco reinforcing fabric
shall be protected with a zinc, or other approved rust-resistive coating
or rust-inhibitive paint, or shall be manufactured from approved corro-
sion-resistive alloys.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
820.5 Sheathing: Except in back-plastered construction, the studs shall
be covered with approved sheathing complying with Section 854.0; or not
less than No. 18 Steel Wire Gauge (0.048 inch) galvanized wire shall be
stretched horizontally at six (6) inch centers and shall be covered with
not less than fourteen (14) pound waterproof felt or paper before apply-
ing the reinforced stucco; or an approved paper-backed wire fabric may
be used of not less than No. 16 Steel Wire Gauge (0.063 inch) galvenized
wire with stiffening ribs not more than five (5) inches on centers to
which is attached a double layer of fibrous waterproof backing. The mesh
opening shall not exceed two by two (2x2) inches.
820.6 Back-plastered construction: In back-plastered construction, when
spacing of studs exceeds sixteen (16) inches, approved horizontal non-
combustible cross-furring at not more than sixteen (16) inch centers shall
be first applied; unless approved stiffened lath is used and the frame is
adequately stiffened as provided in Section 854.0.
820.7 Application on masonry base: When applied directly to masonry or
monolithic concrete, the surfaces shall be roughened, hacked or bush-
hammered to provide bond, or a preparatory dash coat of portland cement
grout shall be applied. The dash coat shall be kept damp for at least
two (2) days after application and before applying succeeding stucco
coats .
820 . 8 Protection
820.8.1 From freezing: At all times during application and for a period
of not less than forty-eight (48) hours after application of each coat,
provision shall be made to keep stucco work above fifty (50) degrees F.
820.8.2 From moisture: Stucco shall be kept a sufficient height above
ground surfaces as provided in Section 854.0 and all sills, coping and
projecting courses shall be flashed and provided with drips as therein
specified .
SECTION 821.0 PLASTERING MATERIALS
821.1 General: All sand, quick-lime, hydrated lime, hair binder, gyp-
sum, keene and portland cements, pozzuolanic cements and aggregates
and other materials used in plastering shall be stored, protected and
applied in accordance with the standards of accepted engineering practice
listed in Appendices B and C and the approved rules.
821.2 Special cements and plasters: Approved cements used in plaster-
ing may have admixtures of approved plasticity agents added in the
manufacturing process or when mixing the plaster at the site in the
approved proportions. All premixed special plasters, cements and aggre-
gates shall be packaged and identified with the approved label.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
821.3 Lime plaster: Lime and hydra ted lime plasters for use in base and
finish coats shall be applied in accordance with the approved rules and
the manufacturers' specifications.
821.4 Gypsum plaster: All gypsum plaster shall comply with the stan-
dard specifications listed in Appendix C.
821.5 Gypsum plasters with special aggregates: When gypsum is used
with manufactured aggregates in place of natural sand for plaster, the
mixture shall be proportioned and applied in accordance with the manufac-
turer's recommendations and the applicable standard in Appendix B.
SECTION 822.0 PLASTER BASES
822.1 Fiber boards: Approved fiber boards used as plaster bases shall
comply with Section 823.0. The surface of such boards shall be of a
rough, fibrous texture to insure mechanical and suction bond; and the
boards shall meet the bond and strength tests specified by the standards
listed in Appendix C and the approved rules.
822.2 Gypsum lath: Except when greater thickness is required for fire-
resistance rating under the provisions of Article 9, or as herein specified,
gypsum lath used for plastering shall be not less than three-eighths (3/8)
inch thick and shall comply with the standards listed in Appendix C.
822.3 Perforated gypsum lath: Where required to provide specified
time-temperature performance, perforated gypsum lath shall be not less
than three-eighths (3/8) inch thick. The openings shall be equivalent to
three-quarter (3/4) inch diameter holes for each sixteen (16) square
inches of lath surface; or the lath shall be perforated as determined by
full size tests for load, strength and fireresistance ratings.
822.4 Metal lath: The dimensions and sizes of expanded, ribbed and
sheet metal lath shall comply with accepted engineering practice and the
standards listed in Appendix B; and shall be fabricated from not less
than No. 30 Manufacturer's Standard Gauge (0.012 inch) steel sheets. It
shall be manufactured from copper-bearing steel, coated with rust-inhib-
itive paint after cutting, or cut from zinc-coated steel sheets.
822.5 Wire lath: All types of wire lath shall comply with accepted en-
gineering practice and the standards listed in Appendix B ; and shall be
fabricated from woven or welded wire of not less than No. 19 Steel Wire
Gauge (0.041 inch) with not more than two and one-half (2 1/2) meshes
to the inch. Woven or welded wire reinforcement shall be coated with
zinc or rust-inhibitive paint.
822.6 Paper-backed lath: Expanded metal or wire lath backed with
integral approved paper shall be fabricated from the minimum gages and
weights specified in Sections 822.4 and 822.5.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
822.7 Combustible lath: Wood lath shall be erected horizontally on walls
and partitions and ceiling lath shall run in one (1) direction only; but in
either case it shall not extend through cross-partitions from room to
room. Wood lath shall be not less than one (1) inch wide nor less than
five -sixteenth (5/16) inches thick and shall comply with all the require-
ments of accepted engineering practice. The lath joints shall be stag-
gered so that not more than seven (7) laths occur in any one (1) contin-
uous break.
SECTION 823.0 FIBER BOARDS
823.1 General: Insulating boards manufactured with wood or other
vegetable fibers used as building boards for sheathing, roof decks,
plaster bases, interior wall and ceiling finish, roof insulation or sound
deadening, shall be vermin proof, resistant to rot-producing fungi,
water-repellent and shall meet the strength and durability tests specified
in the standards listed in Appendix C. When required under the provi-
sions of Article 9, the boards shall be protected or treated to develop the
required fireresistance rating or flameresistance as determined by test.
823.2 Jointing: To insure tight-fitting assemblies, edges shall be manu-
factured square or shiplapped, beveled, tongue-and-grooved or U-jointed;
and shall be installed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
823.3 Plaster base: When used as a plaster base, fiber boards shall be
permitted in fireresistive construction complying with the test provisions
of Article 9, except where specifically prohibited in fireproof (Type 1)
and noncombustible (Type 2) construction.
823.4 Roof insulation: When used as roof insulation in all types of
construction, fiber boards shall be protected with an approved type of
roof covering.
823.5 Wall insulation: When installed and firestopped to comply with
Article 9, fiberboards may be used for wall insulation in all types of
construction. In fire wall and fire separation wall construction, unless
treated to be fireretardant as provided in Sec. 904.0 for Class I materi-
als, the boards shall be cemented directly to the masonry or other non-
combustible base and shall be protected with an approved noncombustible
veneer anchored to the base without intervening air spaces.
823.6 Dry wall construction: Where fireresistance ratings are required,
provision shall be made for interlocking, lapping or otherwise protecting
the joints between adjacent boards to insure smoke and flame tightness.
823.7 Insulating roof deck: When used as roof decking in open beam
construction fiber board insulating roof deck shall have a minimum nominal
thickness not less than one (1) inch.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 824.0 PLYWOOD
824.1 Quality: All plywood when used structurally shall meet the per-
formance standards and all other requirements of U.S. Product Standard
PS 1 listed in Appendix C for the type, grade and identification index or
species group of plywood involved and shall be so identified by an ap-
proved agency- Working stresses shall conform to the standards of
accepted engineering practice as listed in Appendices B and C.
824.2 Types: Plywood for interior use may be either of the moisture
resistant or exterior type; plywood for exterior use shall be of the exte-
rior waterproof type. Exterior plywood may be applied directly to the
framing as a siding, provided it has a nominal thickness of three-eighths
(3/8) inch. Joints shall occur over framing members, unless wood or
plywood sheathing is used or joints are lapped horizontally a minimum of
one and one-half (1 1/2) inches or otherwise made waterproof to the
satisfaction of the building official. If plywood is used as lapped siding
without sheathing, the wall framing to which it is attached shall be diago-
nally braced.
824.3 Spans: The maximum spans for plywood roof sheathing and sub-
flooring shall be limited by the allowable stresses and deflections for the
design live load but shall have not less than the following identification
index specified in Table 824.3.1, provided it is continuous over two (2)
or more spans and laid with face grain perpendicular to the supports.
824.3.1 Floor and roof sheathing: Allowable spans for floor and roof
sheathing shall be as specified in the following Table 824.3.2
Table 824.3.1
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR PLYWOOD FLOOR AND ROOF SHEATHING CONTINUOUS OVER
TWO OR MORE SPANS AND FACE GRAIN PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORTS' (SPAN IN INCHES)
Roof
Floor
Maximum Spar
Panel
(inches)
Index2
Load (psf)
Maximum
Roof span,
Thickness Edges
Edges
Total Live
span5
roof/floor span
(inches) blocked3
unblocked
Load Load
(inches)
12/0
5/i»
12
12
155
150
0
16/0
Vu, h
16
16
95
75
0
20/0
»/■»,%
19.2
19.2
75
65
0
24/0
%
24
20
65
50
0
24/0
'A
24
24
65
50
0
30/12
V,
30
26
70
50
127
32/16
% %
32
28
55
40
16s
36/16
y*
36
30
55
50
16a
42/20
y8) %, v,
42'
32
40"
354
208
48/24
%, V,
48
36
404
354
24
Note 1: These values apply for Structural I and II, C-D and C-C grades only. Spans shall be limited to
values shown because of possible effect of concentrated loads.
Note 2. Identification index appears on all panels in the construction grades listed in footnote (1).
Note 3. Edges may be blocked with lumber or other approved type of edge support.
Note 4. For roof live load of forty (40) psf or total load of fifty-five (55) psf, decrease spans by thirteen
(13) per cent or use panel with next greater identification index.
Note 5. Plywood edges shall have approved tongue-and-groove joints or shall be supported with blocking, un-
less one-fourth (Vi) inch minimum thickness underlayment is installed, or finish floor is twenty-five thirty-
seconds (-•&•>) inch wood strip. Allowable uniform load based on deflection of one three-sixtieth (Isso) of
space is one hundred sixty-five (165) psf.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Note 6. Plywood roof sheathing continuous over two or more spans may be placed with face grain parallel to
supports spaced not over twenty-four (24) inches on center if all panel edges are blocked or other approved
type edge support is provided, and if live loads do not exceed twenty-five (25) psf for one-half (V2) inch
Structure I (4-ply) and one-half (V2) inch 5-ply in other grades, or forty (40) psf for one-half (V2) inch
Structural I (5-ply) and five-eighths (Ve) inch 5-ply in other grades.
Note 7. May be sixteen (16) inches, if twenty-five thirty-seconds (2%n) inch wood strip flooring is installed
at right angles to joists.
Note 8 May be twenty-four (24) inches if twenty-five thirty-seconds (=%„) inch wood strip flooring is in-
stalled at right angles to joists.
m N1te 9'„o°Uoists sPaced twenty-four (24) inches on center plywood sheathing with Identification Index
Numbers 42 20 or greater can be used for subfloors when supporting one and one-half (IV2) inches of
lightweight concrete.
Table 824.3.1 .A
ALLOWABLE LOADS FOR PLYWOOD ROOF SHEATHING
CONTINUOUS OVER TWO OR MORE SPANS AND
FACE GRAIN PARALLEL TO SUPPORTS*
No. of
Total
Live
Thickness
plies
Span
load
load
Structural I
Vz
4
24
35
25
Vz
5
24
55
40
Other grades
Vz
5
24
30
25
covered in
%
4
24
40
30
PS 1
%
5
24
55
45
•Uniform load deflection limitations: 1/180 of span under live load plus dead load, 1/240 under live load
only. Edges shall be blocked with lumber or other approved type of edge supports.
Table 824.3.2.
824.3.2 Plywood combination subfloor underpayment : Allowable spans for
combination subfloor underpayment shall be as specified in the following
Table 824.3.2
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR PLYWOOD COMBINATION SUBFLOOR-UNDERLAYMENT,'
PLYWOOD CONTINUOUS OVER TWO (2) OR MORE SPANS AND FACE GRAIN PERPENDICULAR
TO SUPPORTS (THICKNESS IN INCHES)
Species groups
Maximum spacing of joists (inches)
16
20
24
1
2,3
4
Vz
%
%
5/8
%
3/4
1
Note 1. Applicable to underlayment grade, C-C (plugged) and all grades of sanded exterior type plywood.
Spans limited to values shown because of possible effect of concentrated loads. Allowable uniform load based
on deflection of one three hundred sixtieth (%eo) of span is one hundred twenty-five (125) Psf- Plywood edges
shall have approved tongue-and-groove joints or shall be supported with blocking, unless one-fourth (W men
minimum thickness underlayment is installed, or finish floor is twenty-five thirty-seconds (-%j) Inch i wood
strip If wood strips are perpendicular to supports, thicknesses shown for sixteen (16) inch and twenty (20)
inch spans may be used on twenty-four (24) inch span. Except for one-half (V2) inch, underlayment grade and
C-C (plugged) panels may be of nominal thickness one thirty-second (%;) inch less than the nominal tnicn-
n«wt chnuun when marked with the reduced thickness.
824.3.3 Vertical maximum stud spacing: Stud spacing for vertical
sheathing and for use in stress-skin panel or other prefabricated con-
structions shall be determined by accepted engineering analysis or by the
tests prescribed for prefabricated assemblies in Section 802.0.
SECTION 825.0 WALLBOARDS AND SHEATHING
825.1 Sheathing: Sheathing of particleboard , gypsum, processed fiber
or other approved materials shall conform to accepted engineering prac-
tice. All sheathing shall be identified as to compliance with appropriate
standards. When used in frame construction, they shall meet require-
ments of Sections 854.2 and 854.3. When required to meet fireresistance
ratings, the assembled construction shall comply with Table 214 for struc-
tural elements and Article 9 for trim and finishes.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
825.2 Wallboards: Wallboard of particleboard, gypsum, processed fiber
or other approved materials shall conform to accepted engineering prac-
tice. All wallboards shall be identified as to compliance with appropriate
standards. Wallboard shall conform to the standards of accepted engi-
neering practice for gypsum or processed fiber wallboard interior finishes,
listed in Appendices B and C. When required to meet fireresistance
ratings, the assembled construction shall comply with Table 214 for struc-
tural elements and Article 9 for trim and finishes.
825.2.1 Water resistant gypsum backer board: In all areas subjected to
repeated damp conditions and moisture accumulation such as bathtub and
shower compartments, water resistant gypsum backer board (ASTM C630)
shall be used as a substratum unless protected with a moisture proof and
vapor proof covering.
ARTICLE 8-Part B
STEEL, MASONRY, CONCRETE, GYPSUM
AND LUMBER CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 826.0 STRUCTURAL STEEL CONSTRUCTION
826.1 General: The quality, fabrication and erection of structural steel
for buildings shall conform to the requirements of the Specifications for
the Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel for Buildings of
American Institute for Steel Construction as listed in Appendix B.
826.2 Deleted
826.3 Deleted
826.4 Deleted
826.5 Deleted
826.6 Deleted
SECTION 827.0 FORMED STEEL CONSTRUCTION
827.1 Formed steel construction: The design, fabrication and erection of
cold-formed steel construction shall conform to the Specification for the
Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members of American Iron and
Steel Institute as listed in Appendix B. All individual structural members
and assembled panels of cold-formed steel construction, except where
fabricated of approved corrosion-resistive steel or of steel having corro-
sion-resistive metallic or other approved coating, shall be protected
against corrosion with an acceptable shop coat of paint, enamel, or other
approved protection.
9/1/80 336
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
827.2 Cold-formed stainless steel construction: The design, fabrication
and erection of cold-formed stainless steel construction shall conform to
the Specification for the Design of Cold- Formed Stainless Steel Structural
Members of American Iron Steel Institute as listed in Appendix B.
827.3 Deleted
827.4 Deleted
SECTION 828.0 STEEL JOIST CONSTRUCTION
828.1 General: The design, fabrication erection of open web steel joist
construction shall conform to the reguirements of the Standard Specifica-
tions for Open Web Steel Joists J- and H- Series of American Institute of
Steel Construction and Steel Joist Institute as listed in Appendix B.
828.2 Deleted
828.3 Deleted
828.4 Deleted
SECTION 829.0 REINFORCING STEEL
829.1 General: Metal reinforcement for reinforced concrete, reinforced
gypsum concrete, reinforced brickwork and reinforced hollow block con-
struction shall conform to the reguirements of Building Code Reguirements
for Reinforced Concrete, ACI 318; Building Code Reguirements for Engi-
neered Brick Masonry of the Brick Institute of America; Specification for
the Design and Construction of Load-Bearing Concrete Masonry, NCMA
70, as listed in Appendix B, and applicable ASTM Standards listed in
Appendix C.
829.2 Deleted
829.3 Deleted
829.4 Deleted
829 . 5 Deleted
SECTION 830.0 CAST STEEL CONSTRUCTION
830.1 Materials: Carbon steel casting for building construction shall be
cast from steel conforming to the reguirements of accepted engineering
practice listed in Appendix B and the applicable standards listed in
Appendix C. All castings shall be free from injurious blow holes or other
defects which would impair the structural strength.
9/1/80 337
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
830.2 Higher strength cast steel: Higher strength cast steel may be
used when approved under controlled material procedure.
830.3 Welding cast steel: Cast steel designed for use in welding shall be
of weldable grade complying with the approved rules.
SECTION 831.0 DELETED
SECTION 832.0 SPECIAL STEELS
832.1 General: Alloy, high carbon or other special high strength steels
not listed in Appendix C, may be used in the design and construction of
buildings and structures as controlled materials as prescribed in Section
721.0.
SECTION 833.0 LIGHT WEIGHT METAL ALLOYS
833.1 General: Aluminum and other approved light weight metals and
alloys shall be used for structural purposes in buildings and structures
in accordance with the applicable standards listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 834.0 MASONRY WALL CONSTRUCTION
834.1 Design: All masonry construction shall comply with the provisions
of this article governing quality of materials and manner of construction;
and shall be of adequate strength and proportions to support all superim-
posed loads within working stresses prescribed in this code and the
standards of accepted engineering practices listed in Appendix B.
834.2 Wetting of brick: Brick (clay or shale) at the time of laying shall
require wetting if the units' initial rate of water absorption exceeds thirty
(30) grams per thirty (30) square inches per minute or point zero thir-
ty-five (0.035) ounces per square inch, as determined by ASTM C67,
Standard Specifications for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural
Clay Tile as listed in Appendix B.
834.3 Cold weather construction: Masonry laid in temperatures of the
outside air below forty (40) degrees F shall be protected in accordance
with the provisions provided in Recommended Practices and Guide Specifi-
cations for Cold Weather Masonry of the International Masonry Industry
All-Weather Council as listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 835.0 BONDING OF WALLS
835.1 General: Walls of solid, composite and hollow masonry and cavity
and other hollow walls shall be bonded in accordance with accepted engi-
neering practice.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
835.2 Rubble stone walls: All stones in rubble masonry shall be laid on
their natural bed and the walls shall be bonded with not less than one
(1) through bond stone for each nine (9) superficial square feet of area.
835.3 Buttresses and piers: All buttresses shall be bonded into the wall
by a masonry bond. The piers and buttresses shall have sufficient
strength and stability with sufficient bonding or anchorage between the
walls and the supports to resist wind pressure and suction.
835.4 Intersecting walls and partitions: Masonry walls and partitions
shall be securely anchored or bonded at points where they intersect by
one (1) of the following methods:
1. Walls may be bonded by laying at least fifty (50) per cent of the
units at the intersection in true masonry bond with alternate units
having a bearing of not less than three (3) inches upon the unit
below, or they may be anchored with not less than three-sixteenths
(3/16) inch corrosion-resistant metal wire ties or joint reinforcement
at vertical intervals not to exceed two (2) feet, or by other equiva-
lent approved anchorage.
2. Where walls are carried up separately, the intersection shall be
toothed or blocked with eight (8) inch maximum offsets and shall be
provided with approved metal anchors at vertical intervals of not
more than four (4) feet or, when approved, blocking may be elimi-
nated and rigid steel anchors shall be provided, spaced not more
than two (2) feet apart vertically.
3. Interior non-loadbearing walls may be bonded or anchored as required
by- 1 or 2 above or they may be anchored at their intersection, at
vertical intervals of not more than two (2) feet, with at least No. 22
Galvanized Sheet Gauge (0.034 in.) corrosion-resistant corrugated
metal ties seven-eighths (7/8) inch in width, or other equivalent
approved method of anchorage.
835.5 Erecting precautions: Where hollow walls decrease in thickness, a
course of solid masonry or of concrete-filled units, or a continuous bear-
ing plate shall be interposed between the thicker and thinner sections. A
wall shall not be built up more than twenty-five (25) feet in advance of
other walls of the same building or structure unless supported independ-
ently at each floor; and all walls shall be temporarily braced during
erection .
SECTION 836.0 LATERAL BRACING OF WALLS
836.1 General: All masonry walls shall be laterally supported by hori-
zontal bracing of floor and roof framing or vertical bracing of columns,
buttresses or cross-walls at vertical or horizontal intervals as specified in
the accepted engineering practice standards for masonry listed in Appen-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
dix B; and provision shall be made in the structure to transfer wind
pressures and other lateral forces to the foundations.
SECTION 837.0 CHASES AND RECESSES IN BEARING WALLS
837.1 General: Chases and recesses shall conform to the accepted engi-
neering practice standards for masonry listed in Appendix B.
837.2 Deleted
837.3 Deleted
837.4 Deleted
837.5 Deleted
SECTION 838.0 CORBELED AND PROJECTED MASONRY
838.1 Limitations: The maximum total horizontal projection of corbels
from the plane of the wall shall be not more than one-half (1/2) the
thickness of the wall. The maximum projection of one (1) unit shall
neither exceed one-half (1/2) the height of the unit nor one-third (1/3)
of the bed depth.
838.2 Hollow masonry or cavity walls: Hollow masonry or masonry built
of hollow units shall be supported on solid masonry conforming to corbel-
ing limitations of Section 838.1.
838.3 Molded cornices: Unless structural support and anchorage is
provided to resist the overturning moment, the center of gravity of all
projecting masonry or molded cornices shall lie within the middle third of
the supporting wall. Terra cotta and metal cornices shall be provided
with a structural frame of approved noncombustible material anchored in
an approved manner.
SECTION 839.0 BEARING ON HOLLOW UNIT WALLS
839.1 Bearing area: Beam, girder and other concentrated loads shall be
provided with a bearing of solid masonry or filled cores of hollow unit
masonry in accordance with acceptable engineering practice.
839.2 Closure tiles: All open cells in tile or blocks at wall ends and at
openings shall be filled solidly with grout for a length of not less than
twelve (12) inches.
SECTION 840.0 PLAIN CONCRETE
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
840.1 General: Structural members of plain concrete shall be designed
and constructed to conform to the requirements of ACI 322 listed in
Appendix B.
840.2 Deleted
SECTION 841.0 REINFORCED CONCRETE
841.1 General: All structures of reinforced concrete, including pre-
stressed concrete, shall be designed and constructed to conform to the
requirements of ACI 318 listed in Appendix B.
841.2 Deleted
841.3 Deleted
841.4 Deleted
841 . 5 Deleted
SECTION 842.0 DELETED
SECTION 843.0 DELETED
SECTION 844.0 DELETED
SECTION 845.0 DELETED
SECTION 846.0 CONCRETE-FILLED PIPE COLUMNS
846.1 General: Concrete-filled pipe columns shall be manufactured from
standard, extra strong, or double extra strong steel pipe and tubing,
filled with concrete so placed and manipulated as to secure maximum
density and to insure complete filling of the pipe without voids.
846.2 Design: The safe supporting capacity of concrete-filled pipe
columns shall be computed in accordance with the approved rules or as
determined by test.
846.3 Connections: All caps, base-plates and connections shall be of
approved types and shall be positively attached to the shell and anchored
to the concrete core. Welding of brackets without mechanical anchorage
shall be prohibited. When the pipe is slotted to accommodate webs of
brackets or other connections, the integrity of the shell shall be restored
by welding to insure hooping action of the composite section.
846.4 Reinforcement: To increase the safe load supporting capacity of
concrete-filled pipe columns, the steel reinforcement shall be in the form
of rods, structural shapes or pipe embedded in the concrete core with
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
sufficient clearance to insure the composite action of the section, but not
nearer than one (1) inch to the exterior steel shell. All structural
shapes used as reinforcement shall be milled to insure bearing on cap and
base plates.
846.5 Fireresistance rating protection: Pipe columns shall be of such
size or so protected as to develop the required fireresistance ratings
specified in Table 214. When an outer steel shell is used to enclose the
fireproof covering, it shall not be included in the calculations for
strength of the column section. The minimum diameter of pipe columns
shall be four (4) inches except that in frame structures not exceeding
three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in height, three (3) inch columns may
be used in the basement and as secondary steel members.
846.6 Approvals: All details of column connections and their splices
shall be shop-fabricated by approved methods and shall be approved only
after tests in accordance with the approved rules. Shop-fabricated
concrete-filled pipe columns shall be inspected by the building official or
by an approved representative of the manufacturer at the plant.
SECTION 847.0 PNEUMATIC CONCRETE
847.1 General: Pneumatic applied concrete or mortar shall conform to
requirements of ACI 506 listed in Appendix B.
847 . 2 Deleted
847.3 Deleted
847.4 Deleted
847.5 Deleted
847.6 Deleted
SECTION 848.0 MINIMUM CONCRETE DIMENSIONS
848.1 General: The protection of reinforced concrete structural elements
in buildings and structures of fireproof (Type 1) construction shall be
adequate to meet the fire and strength tests of this code; but not less
than the minimum dimensions established by the standards of accepted
engineering practice. Any floor finish not placed monolithically with floor
slabs, shall not be included in the calculations for structural strength.
SECTION 849.0 REINFORCED GYPSUM CONCRETE
849.1 General: Reinforced gypsum concrete for use in buildings and
structures shall consist of a mixture of calcined gypsum and water, with
or without the addition of wood chips, shavings, fiber or other approved
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
aggregates. The wood aggregates and gypsum shall be pre-mixed at the
mill, reguiring only the addition of water at the job or site. The manu-
facture, design and construction shall comply with the reguirements of
the standards of accepted engineering practice listed in Appendix B.
849.2 Limitations of use: Gypsum concrete shall not be used where ex-
posed directly to the weather or where subject to freguent or continuous
wetting. To prevent saturation or freezing, protection from the weather
and from contact with moisture shall be furnished during shipment and
storage of prefabricated units, and after erection or pouring at the site.
SECTION 850.0 ENGINEERED UNREINFORCED MASONRY
850.1 General: The wall thicknesses and lateral support reguirements
for unreinforced masonry shall be determined by a structural analysis
based upon accepted engineering practices.
850.2 Brick masonry: Walls designed and constructed of brick masonry
using solid clay shale units shall conform to the provisions of Building
Code Reguirements for Engineered Brick Masonry of the Brick Institute of
America as listed in Appendix B.
850.3 Concrete block masonry: Walls designed and constructed of con-
crete block masonry units shall conform to the provisions of Specification
for the Design and Construction of Load Bearing Concrete Masonry of the
National Concrete Masonry Association as listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 851.0 REINFORCED MASONRY
851.1 General: All systems of reinforced masonry, except for engineered
reinforced masonry, shall conform to the provisions of Building Code
Reguirements for Reinforced Masonry ANSI A41.2 as listed in Appendix
B. Engineered reinforced brick masonry, reguiring a structural analysis,
shall conform to the Building Code Reguirements for Engineered Brick
Masonry of the Brick Institute of America as listed in Appendix B. Engi-
neered reinforced concrete block, reguiring a structural analysis, shall
conform to the provisions of Specification for the Design and Construction
of Load Bearing Concrete Masonry of the National Concrete Masonry
Association as listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 852.0 LUMBER AND TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
852.1 Design: Structural lumber and timber and its fastenings shall be
adeguately designed and assembled to safely sustain all imposed loads.
When stress-grade lumber is used and properly identified and controlled,
working stresses may be in accordance with the accepted engineering
practice standards listed in Appendix B. All lumber used for load sup-
porting purposes shall be identified by the grade mark of a lumber grad-
ing inspection agency approved by the building official. Grading practi-
9/1/80 343
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ces and identification shall be in accordance with rules published by an
agency recognized as being competent. In lieu of a grade mark on the
material, a certificate of inspection as to species and grade issued by a
lumber grading or inspection agency approved by the building official may
be accepted for precut, remanufactured, or rough sawn lumber; also for
sizes larger than three (3) inches nominal thickness.
852.1.1 Native lumber: Native lumber, as defined in this code, shall be
acceptable for use in one- and two- story dwellings, barns, sheds, agri-
cultural and accessory structures. Native lumber shall also be acceptable
for use in other structures of less than three (3) stories as columns when
the design loads are twenty-five (25) per cent greater than reguired
elsewhere by this code; as joists, principal beams, and girders in floor
constructions when the design loads are fifteen (15) per cent greater
than reguired elsewhere by this code; and as other elements when the
design loads are as reguired elsewhere by this code.
Each piece of native lumber produced shall be stamped with the name
and registration number of the producer in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the State Building Code Commission. In addition, all native
lumber shall bear an approved mark identifying the species of wood. In
lieu of the stamp bearing the name and registration number and species
identification, a certification bearing the same information may be pro-
vided by the producer for precut or remanufactured lumber in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Commission. When native lumber is
used, it shall be subject to the following reguirements :
1. Sizing criteria: For lumber, sized in accordance with the American
Softwood Lumber Standard PS-20-70, figures for maximum fiber
stress and modulus of elasticity for framing grade No. 2 will be used
in establishing span and spacing characteristics for all structural
members .
2. Stress increase: Lumber which is sized in excess of the dimensions
established by the American Softwood Lumber Standard PS-20-70 for
the given nominal size referenced shall be allowed to have a maximum
fiber stress increase above that provided in Item 1 above in propor-
tion to the increased bearing capacity of the cross section as provid-
ed in Table 2103-1 or as calculated.
852.2 Minimum dimensions
852.2.1 Sizes of structural members: All lumber sizes specified in this
code are nominal sizes. Nominal sizes may be shown on the plans. Com-
putations to determine the reguired size of members shall be based on the
net dimensions (actual sizes).
852.2.2 Structural posts: All isolated structural posts shall have a
minimum dimension of four (4) inches.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
852.3 Fabrication
852.3.1 Connections: All connections shall be fabricated with approved
timber connectors, bolts, lag screws, spikes, nails or gluing or other
approved connecting devices in accordance with accepted engineering
practice. Bolted connections shall be snugged up tightly without crush-
ing wood fibers under the washers. All nailed connections shall meet the
minimum requirements of Appendix M.
852.3.2 Cambering: Trusses and long span girders shall be designed
with sufficient camber or other provision shall be made to counteract any
possible deflection.
852.3.3 Cutting and notching: It shall be unlawful to notch, cut or
pierce wood beams, joists, rafters or studs in excess of the limitations
herein specified unless proven safe by structural analysis, or suitably
reinforced to transmit all calculated loads. Notches in the top or bottom
of joists shall not exceed one-sixth (1/6) the depth of the member and
shall not be located in the middle one-third (1/3) of the span. Notches
located closer to the supports than three (3) times the depth of the
member shall not exceed one-fifth (1/5) the depth. Holes bored or cut
into joists for piping or electrical cables shall not be closer than two (2)
inches to the top or bottom of the joist and the diameter of the hole shall
not exceed one-third (1/3) the depth of the joist. In studs of bearing
walls or partitions, notches or bored holes made to receive piping, elec-
trical conduit, air-conditioning or heating duct work or for other fabri-
cating purposes shall not be cut or bored more than one-third (1/3) the
depth of the stud. When the stud is cut or bored in excess of one-third
(1/3) its depth, it shall be reinforced to be equal in load carrying cap-
acity to a stud notched not more than one-third (1/3) its depth.
852.4 Trimmer and header beams: When determined necessary by stress
analysis, trimmer and header beams shall be hung in approved metal or
other approved noncombustible stirrups or hangers, unless supported on
a masonry wall or girder. All such beams shall be spiked together.
852.5 Bearing and anchorage on girders: All members framing into
girders shall be anchored or tied to secure continuity. The ends of all
wood beams or joists resting on girders shall bear not less than four (4)
inches or shall be supported in approved metal stirrups, hangers or on
wood clips or ribbon strips. Beams framing from opposite sides shall lap
at least six (6) inches and be bolted or spiked together; and when fram-
ing end to end, they shall be secured together by metal ties, straps or
dogs.
852.6 Maintenance: All connections in the joints of timber trusses and
structural frames shall be inspected periodically and bolts and other
connectors shall be maintained tight.
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SECTION 853.0 HEAVY TIMBER TYPE CONSTRUCTION
853.1 Wood: All structural wood members, sawn or glued laminated,
used in heavy timber type construction shall be stress-grade timbers
identified as to grade and strength by authoritative manufacturing, test-
ing or inspection agencies or bureaus. All structural timber members
shall have the minimum dimensions specified in Section 217.0 for Type 3A
construction .
853.2 Other structural materials: Structural steel or reinforced concrete
members may be substituted for timber in any part of the structural
frame, protected to develop the required fireresistance rating specified in
Table 214, but not less than one (1) hour fireresistance rating. Struc-
tural members supporting walls shall be protected to afford the same
fireresistance rating as the wall supported.
853.3 Columns: Columns shall be continuous or superimposed throughout
all stories by means of reinforced concrete or metal caps with brackets,
or shall be connected by properly designed steel or iron caps, with
pintles and base plates, or by timber splice plates affixed to the columns
by means of metal connectors housed within the contact faces, or by
other approved methods. Girders or trusses supporting columns shall
have at least one (1) hour fireresistance rating.
853.4 Floors: The planks shall be laid so that a continuous line of joints
will not occur except at points of support and so that they are not spiked
to supporting girders. Flooring shall not extend closer than one-half
(1/2) inch to walls to provide an expansion joint, but the joint shall be
covered at top or bottom to avoid flue action.
853.5 Beams and girders
853.5.1 Wall and girder supports: Wall plate boxes of self-releasing type
or approved hangers shall be provided where beams and girders enter
masonry. An air space of one-half (1/2) inch shall be provided at the
top, end and sides of the member unless approved durable or treated
wood is used. Where intermediate beams are used to support a floor,
they shall rest on top of the girders, or shall be supported by ledgers or
blocks securely fastened to the sides of the girders, or they may be
supported by approved metal hangers into which the ends of the beams
shall be closely fitted. Wood beams and girders supported by walls
required to have a fireresistance rating of two (2) hours or more shall
have not less than four (4) inches of solid masonry between their ends
and the outside face of the wall and between adjacent beams. Adequate
roof anchorage shall be provided.
853.5.2 Column connections: Where intermediate beams are used to
support a floor, they shall rest on top of the girders, or shall be sup-
ported by ledgers or blocks securely fastened to the sides of the girders,
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or they may be supported by approved metal hangers into which the ends
of the beams shall be closely fitted.
SECTION 854.0 WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION
854.1 General: The exterior walls, interior partitions, floors and roofs
of wood frame construction shall be designed and constructed to develop
adequate strength to resist all vertical and lateral forces due to both
dead and live loads. Standard balloon, braced, platform, and post and
beam types of construction shall be acceptable framing methods.
854.2 Wood stud frame
854.2.1 Bearing walls: Posts and studs in bearing walls and partitions
shall be designed as columns , with due allowance for lateral support
furnished by sheathing, intermediate bracing, horizontal bridging, wall
coverings and the floor and roof assemblies. The walls shall be fabri-
cated in such a manner as to provide adequate support for the material
used to enclose the building and to provide for transfer of all lateral
loads to the foundation, in accordance with Section 803.4.
854.2.2 Non-bearing walls: Studs in non-bearing walls and partitions
shall not be spaced more than forty-eight (48) inches on centers, and
may be erected with the long dimension parallel to the wall, unless other-
wise approved after test as an integrated assembly.
854.2.3 Bracing: In buildings more than one (1) story in height and
where necessary for strength in one (1) story buildings, the corner posts
shall be the equivalent of not less than three (3) pieces of two (2) by
four (4) inch studs, braced by not less than one (1) piece of one (1) by
four (4) inch continuous diagonal brace let into the studs. Bracing may
be omitted when diagonal wood sheathing or plywood panels are used, or
other sheathing specified in Section 854.3 is applied vertically in panels
of not less than four (4) feet by eight (8) feet in area with approved
nailing complying with Appendix M. Ledger or ribbon boards used to
support joists shall be not less than one (1) by four (4) inches in size,
cut into and securely nailed to each stud.
854.2.4 Mortise and tenon framing: Where mortise and tenon framing is
used, the vertical members of the frame shall be not less than four (4)
by six (6) inches in size and shall be designed as a column.
854.2.5 Multiple stories: When the frame is more than one (1) story in
height and studs and posts are not continuous from sill to roof, the
members shall be secured together with approved clips, splices or other
connections to insure a continuous, well-integrated structure. Sheet
metal clamps, ties or clips shall be formed of galvanized steel or other
approved corrosion-resistive materials equivalent to No. 20 Galvanized
Sheet Gauge (0.040 in.) steel sheets for two (2) inch framing members
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and not less than No. 18 Galvanized Sheet Gauge (0.052 in.) for three
(3) inch structural members. For four (4) inch and larger members,
column splices and beam and girder supports shall comply with Section
853.0.
854.2.6 Framing over openings: Headers, double joists, trusses or other
approved assemblies of adequate size to transfer all superimposed loads to
the vertical member shall be provided over all window and door openings
in bearing walls and partitions.
854.2.7 Framing around flues and chimneys: Combustible framing shall
be trimmed away from all flues and chimneys, and combustible material
shall not be placed within two (2) inches of any chimney, nor within six
(6) inches of any inlet opening to such chimney. Finished flooring shall
have not less than one-half (1/2) inch clearance from the chimney walls.
854.3 Wall sheathing: Except as provided in Section 854.4 for weather
boarding or when stucco construction complying with Section 820.6 is
used, all enclosed buildings shall be sheathed with one (1) of the materi-
als of the following nominal thickness or any other material of equal
strength and durability approved by the building official:
Reinforced cement mortar 1 inch
Wood sheathing 5/8 inch
Plywood 5/16 inch
Gypsum sheathing 1/2 inch
Fiber boards 1/2 inch
Particle boards 3/8 inch
854.3.1 Paper-backed lath sheathing: In one- and two-family dwellings
and one (1) story commercial buildings with brick or similar veneers, the
sheathing may consist of a layer of paper-backed lath complying with Sec-
tion 820.5 with a one (1) inch intermediate space which shall be mortar-
filled as each course of veneering is applied.
854.3.2 Insulation sheathing: Insulation boards are approved for sheath-
ing when recognized for this use by one (1) or more accredited authorita-
tive agencies listed in the Appendix O. Each board shall be clearly
marked with the authoritative agency's report number.
854.3.2.1 Bracing: Buildings, including one-story buildings, shall be
braced as specified in Section 854.2.3.
854.3.2.2 Fastening: Insulation sheathing boards are to be fastened at
each stud. When square-edged boards are used, vertical joints must be
over framing members. When tongue-and-groove-edged boards are used,
vertical joints may fall between studs when the boards above and below
the joint are continuous across that wall area.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
854.3.2.3 Fasteners: Fasteners may be seven-sixteenths (7/16) inch
head roofing nails or three-quarter (3/4) inch crown staples on eight (8)
inch centers, one (1) inch head nails or one (1) inch crown staples on
twelve (12) inch centers, or any other fastener approved by the building
official. All fasteners shall be long enough to penetrate the studs a
minimum of one-half (1/2) inch.
854.3.2.4 Underlying membrane: A membrane under the siding is not
required when insulation sheathing boards are used.
854.3.2.5 Exterior finish: Exterior finish siding fasteners must go
through the sheathing and into the studs a minimum of three-quarter
(3/4) inch. Exterior weather-boarding shall comply with Section 854.4.
Nails shall conform to Section 854.4.4.
854.4 Exterior weather-boarding, veneers and condensation: To secure
weather-tightness in framed walls and other unoccupied spaces, the
exterior walls shall be faced with an approved weather-resisting covering
properly attached to resist wind and rain. The cellular spaces shall be
so ventilated as not to vitiate the firestopping at floor, attic and roof
levels or shall be provided with interior noncorrodible vapor-type barriers
complying with the approved rules; or other means shall be used to avoid
condensation and leakage of moisture. The following materials shall be
acceptable as approved weather coverings of the nominal thickness
specified:
Brick masonry veneers 2 inches
Stone veneers 2 inches
Clay tile veneers 1/ 4 to 1 inch
Stucco or exterior plaster 3/4 inch
Precast stone facing 5/8 inch
Wood siding (without sheathing) 1/2 inch
Note: Wood siding of lesser thickness may be used providing such wall
covering is placed over sheathing which conforms to Section 854.3.
Protected fiberboard siding 1/2 inch
Wood shingles 3/8 inch
Exterior plywood (without sheathing) see Sec. 824.2
Exterior plywood (with sheathing) 5/16 inch
Asbestos shingles 5/32 inch
Asbestos cement boards 1/8 inch
Aluminum clapboard siding 0.024 inch
Formed steel siding 29 gauge (0.017 in.)
Hardboard siding 1/4 inch
Particleboard (with sheathing) 3/8 inch
Particleboard (without sheathing) 5/8 inch
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
854.4.1 Masonry veneers: Veneers of unit masonry shall be attached to
the wood frame with at least No. 22 Galvanized Sheet Gauge (0.034 in.)
corrosion-resistive, corrugated metal ties not less than seven-eighths
(7/8) inch in width at vertical intervals of not more than sixteen (16)
inches and horizontal intervals of not more than thirty-two (32) inches.
854.4.2 Metal veneers: Veneers of metal shall be fabricated from ap-
proved corrosion-resistive materials or shall be protected front and back
with porcelain enamel or shall be otherwise treated to render the metal
resistant to corrosion. Such veneers shall be not less than No. 29 (0.017
in.) Galvanized Sheet Gauge in thickness mounted on wood or metal
furring strips or approved sheathing on the frame construction.
854.4.3 Height of veneers: The average height of four (4) inch brick
veneer shall be not more than twenty-five (25) feet above its supports on
foudation wall or on corbels of masonry or steel; and not more than
eighteen (18) feet in height for two (2) inch veneers.
854.4.4 Nailing: AD weatherboarding and wall and roof coverings shall
be securely nailed with aluminum, copper, zinc, zinc-coated or other
approved corrosion-resistive nails in accordance with the recommended
nailing schedule or the approved manufacturer's standards. Shingles and
other weather coverings shall be attached with appropriate standard
shingle nails to furring strips securely nailed to studs, or with approved
mechanically-bonding nails, except when sheathing is wood not less than
one (1) inch nominal thickness or plywood not less than five-sixteenths
(5/16) inch thick. Wood shingles or shakes attached with approved
corrosion-resistive annular grooved nails may be applied over fiberboard
shingle backer and fiberboard sheathing when the installation is in ac-
cordance with the approved manufacturer's standards listed in Appendix
C. Wood shingles or shakes and asbestos shingles or siding may be
nailed directly to nail base fiberboard sheathing not less than one-half
(1/2) inch nominal thickness with approved corrosion-resistive annular
grooved nails when the installation is in accordance with the approved
manufacturer's standards listed in Appendix C.
854.5 Foundation anchorage: Wall sill plates, a minimum of a two-by-
four inch (2" x 4") member, shall be sized and anchored to foundation
walls or piers and at intermediate intervals as required to resist wind
uplift. Anchor bolts shall be a minimum of one-half (1/2) inch diameter.
The bolts shall be embedded in foundations to a depth of not less than
eight (8) inches poured in place concrete, and not less than fifteen (15)
inches in grouted unit masonry. There shall be a minimum of two (2)
anchor bolts per section of plate and anchor bolts shall be placed twelve
(12) inches from the end of each section of plate with intermediate bolts
spaced a maximum of eight (8) feet on center.
854.6 At-grade protection
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854.6.1 Wood framing: All exterior wood framework of buildings, wheth-
er structural or non-loadbearing, shall be supported on approved founda-
tion walls at least eight (8) inches above the finished grade, and higher
when necessitated by greater average snow fall. Where climatic conditions
or the geographical location require additional control measures to protect
buildings and structures against decay and termite attack, the provisions
of Section 874.0 shall be complied with.
854.6.2 Metal siding: Exposed metal siding or sheathing shall be protec-
ted from corrosion at the ground level by supporting the foundation
channel at sufficient height above grade on the concrete apron or other
approved water-resisting foundation.
854.7 Floors
854.7.1 Bridging: Except as hereinafter noted, in all floor, attic and
roof framing, there shall be not less than one (1) line of bridging for
each eight (8) feet of span. The bridging shall consist of not less than
one one-by-three (1x3) inch lumber, double-nailed at each end, or of
equivalent metal bracing of equal rigidity. A line of bridging shall also
be required at supports where adequate lateral support is not otherwise
provided. Mid-span bridging is not required for floor, attic or roof
framing in one- and two-family dwellings (use groups R-3 and R-4) and
multi-family dwellings (use group R-2) except when the joist depth ex-
ceeds twelve (12) inches nominal and/or when the minimum uniformly
distributed live load exceeds forty (40) psf.
854.7.2 Flooring: The flooring of wood frame construction shall be of
adequate strength and stiffness to support required loads and, where
necessary for strength and for lateral support of the building, subfloor-
ing shall be provided.
854.8 Roofs
854.8.1 Types of decking and sheathing: Roof deck sheathing shall
consist of not less than five-eighths (5/8) inch boards or plywood of the
thickness specified in Section 824.3, or other approved materials of equi-
valent strength and rigidity. When open-deck sheathing is used on
pitched roofs, it shall consist of not less than one-by-four (1x4) inch
roofers spaced not more than six (6) inches on centers or material of
equivalent strength and rigidity.
854.8.2 Wood shingles: Wood shingles and handsplit shakes complying
with the standards listed in Appendix C may be used for roof covering
where permitted in Section 926.0, and may be installed on tight decking
or on spaced roof boards.
854.8.3 Deleted
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854.9 Deleted
854.9.1 Deleted
854.10 Deleted
SECTION 855.0 STRESS SKIN PANELS
855.1 Integrated assemblies: Approved panels or other integrated as-
semblies fabricated of dimension lumber with wood stress-coverings glued
thereto, or consisting of structural units of metal-covered or molded
plywood or other approved plastics, formed and molded into prefabricated
load-bearing members shall be permitted for use in floors, roofs, walls,
partitions and ceilings when designed in accordance with accepted engi-
neering practice or meeting the test reguirements of Sections 802.0, 803.0
and 804.0.
855.2 Splices: Splices and connections between panels shall be weather-
tight and of sufficient strength to resist two and one-half (2 1/2) times
the design live load to which they will be subjected in normal use. The
fastenings of covering assemblies to structural studs, ribs or joists shall
provide rigidity eguivalent to approved gluing. Nailing shall not be
acceptable for that purpose.
855.3 Molded plywood units: Structural units of plywood or other ap-
proved plastics of similar combustible characteristics formed and molded
into prefabricated load-bearing members shall conform to the approved
rules and shall be identified by the approved label. The design shall be
based on accepted engineering analysis confirmed by the tests prescribed
in Sections 802.0 and 803.0.
SECTION 856.0 STRUCTURAL GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER AND
BUILT-UP WOOD CONSTRUCTION
856.1 General: Buildings and structures may be designed and erected of
glued laminated structural members or of composite members of plywood
and dimension lumber.
856.2 Structural glued laminated timber members: Stress rated fabri-
cated units of suitably selected and prepared wood laminations not exceed-
ing two (2) inches in net thickness, which may be comprised of pieces
joined end to end or of pieces placed or glued edge to edge, securely
bonded together with adhesives so that the grain of all laminations is
approximately parallel longitudinally shall be designed and manufactured
under controlled material procedure to meet the reguirements of timber
construction standards listed in Appendices B and C.
856.3 Glued laminated members and plywood components: Built-up beam
and column sections consisting of one (1) or more webs with glued lumber
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flanges and stiffeners shall be designed in accordance with accepted
engineering analysis. Plywood components consisting of plywood alone or
plywood in combination with sawn or glued laminated lumber and bonded
together with adhesives shall be designed, fabricated and identified in
accordance with the applicable standards listed in Appendices B and C.
856.3.1 Gluing surfaces: In glued lumber constructions, the surfaces to
be glued shall be worked to a smooth, flat surface without sanding and
free from wax grease or oil to insure a complete glue bond over the
entire contact. Factory sanded plywood shall not be prohibited.
ARTICLE 8-Part C
BUILDING ENCLOSURES, WALLS AND
WALL THICKNESS
SECTION 857.0 ENCLOSURE WALLS
857.1 General: All buildings, except as may be provided for miscellane-
ous structures designed for special uses, shall be enclosed on all sides
with independent or party walls of frame, masonry or other approved
construction. Such walls shall be constructed to afford the fireresistance
rating specified in Table 214 and as required in this code and the laws of
Massachusetts for location, use and type of construction.
857.2 Deleted
857.3 Exterior wall pockets: In exterior walls of all buildings and struc-
tures, wall pockets or crevices in which moisture may accumulate shall be
avoided or protected with adequate caps or drips, or other approved
means shall be provided to prevent water damage.
857.4 Exceptions: The provisions of this article shall not be deemed to
prohibit the omission of exterior walls for all or part of a story of a
building in accordance with the provisions of Section 906.2.
857.5 Glass in walls
857.5.1 Labeling: Each light of glass shall be labeled with a removable
paper label showing type, thickness and manufacturer. To qualify as
glass with special performance characteristics, each unit of laminated,
heat strengthened, fully tempered, and insulating glass shall be perma-
nently identified by the manufacturer. The identification shall be etched
or ceramic-fired on the glass and be visible with the unit is glazed. Heat
strengthened and tempered spandrel glasses are exempted from permanent
labeling. This type of glass shall be labeled with a removable paper label
by the manufacturer.
Safety glazing materials shall conform to the requirements of the Anno-
tated Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 143, Sections 3T, 3U, and 3V, as
amended .
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857.5.2 Glass supports: Where one (1) or more sides of any light of
glass is not firmly supported, or is subjected to unusual load conditions,
detailed shop drawings, specifications and analysis or test data assuring
safe performance for the specific installation shall be prepared by engi-
neers experienced in this work and approved by the building official.
Analysis shall be based on the wind loads specified in Section 713.2 for
secondary framing members. The elevation of the glazed opening shall be
-computed by adding the distances from grade to the head and sill, re-
spectively, and dividing the sum by two (2).
857.5.3 Glass dimensional tolerance: Glass thickness tolerance shall
comply with those established in Table 857. Where thickness is to be
controlled, nominal values are stated subject to the tolerances shown in
the following Table 857.
Table 857
MINIMUM GLASS THICKNESS
Plate glass
Sheet glass
Nominal
min. thickness
min. thickness
thickness
(inches)
(inches)
SS
0.085
DS
0.115
Vs
0.094
\t
0.156
0.182
%
0.172
Vn
0.205
V*
0.218
0.236
%
0.281
%
0.343
0.357
Vz
0.468
0.478
5/8
0.562
%
0.689
%
0.750
1
0.875
1%
1.125
857.5.4 Wind loads: Glass exposed to wind pressure shall be capable of
withstanding the design criteria of Section 713.2 for secondary framing
members but shall not be less than the thickness prescribed in Table
857.5.4.2. The wind load used to enter Table 857.5.4.2 shall be modified
by dividing the load prescribed in Section 713.2 by the value shown in
Table 857.5.4.1 for the type of glass involved.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 857.5.4.1
RELATIVE RESISTANCE TO WIND LOAD
(Assuming equal thickness!
Glass type
Approximate
relationship*
Laminated
Wired glass
Heat strengthened
Fully-tempered
Factory fabricated
double glazing**
Rough-rolled plate
Sandblasted
Regular plate or sheet
0.6
0.5
2.0
4.0
1.5
1.0
0.4
1.0
'Before using Table 857.5.4.2 divide the design wind load from Section 713.0 by the value shown here
for the glass type involved.
"Use thickness of the thinner of the two lights, not thickness of unit.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 857.5.4.2
REQUIRED NOMINAL THICKNESS OF REGULAR PLATE OR SHEET GLASS
(Based on minimum thicknesses allowed in Federal Specifications DD-G-451 b)
Design Factor = 2.5
200
10
15 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Design wind load from Section 713.0 (in lb. per sq. ft.)
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
857.5.5 Jalousies: In jalousie windows and doors regular plate, float
sheet or rolled glass thickness shall be not less than three- sixteenths
(3/16) inch; glass length shall be not more than forty-eight (48) inches;
glass edges shall be smooth. Other types of glass may be used if de-
tailed shop drawings, specifications and analysis by methods described in
Section 857.5.2 or test data assuring safe performance for the specific
installation are prepared by engineers experienced in this work and
approved by the building official.
857.5.6 Human impact loads: Individual glazed areas in hazardous loca-
tions such as those indicated in Section 857.5.6.1 shall comply with the
ANSI Z97.1 Standard listed in Appendix B, or by comparative test shall
be proven to produce at least eguivalent performance. Annealed glass
shall not be used.
857.5.6.1 Specific hazardous locations: The following shall be considered
specific hazardous locations for purposes of glazing:
1. glazing in ingress and egress doors except wired glass in required
fire doors and jalousies (see Section 857.5.5);
2. glazing in fixed and sliding panels of sliding type doors (patio and
mall type);
3. glazing in storm doors;
4. glazing in all unframed swinging doors;
5. glazing in ingress and egress doors except wired glass in required
fire doors and jalousies (see Section 857.5.5);
6. glazing, operable or nonoperable, whose nearest vertical edge is
within forty-eight (48) inches of a door in nonresidential occupancies
or within twelve (12) inches of a door in residential occupancies and
whose bottom edge is below the top of the door unless an interven-
ing interior permanent wall is between the door and the glazing; and
7. glazing in fixed panels having a glazed area in excess of nine (9)
square feet with the lowest edge less than eighteen (18) inches
above the finish floor level or walking surface and having a walking
surface on both sides, both of which are within thirty-six (36)
inches of such glazing and the horizontal planes of such surfaces are
within twelve (12) inches of each other. In lieu of safety glazing,
such glazed panels may be protected with a horizontal member not
less than one and one-half (1 1/2) inches in width when located
between twenty-four (24) and thirty-six (36) inches above the
walking surface.
SECTION 858.0 PROTECTION OF WALL OPENINGS
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858.1 Fire-protected openings: Openings in exterior walls when required
to be fire-protected shall comply with the provisions of Article 9.
858.2 Area of openings: All openings facing on a street, yard, court,
or public space are required for light and ventilation shall comply with
the provisions of Article 5.
858.3 Structural strength
858.3.1 Against wind forces: In all buildings required to resist wind
pressure under the provisions of Article 7, exterior window openings
shall be designed to resist the specified wind load when such protectives
are more than one hundred (100) square feet in area in the first story or
more than fifty (50) square feet in area in the upper stories.
858.3.2 Sash or frames: The glass, or other approved glazing material
shall be of adequate thickness or shall be provided with steel frames or
otherwise reinforced to resist the wind loads specified in Article 7 blowing
both inwardly and outwardly.
SECTION 859.0 FIRE ACCESS PANELS
859.1 Required: Completely enclosed buildings, without exterior open-
ings in the enclosure walls, or without ready access for the purpose of
fighting fire, shall be provided with access panels and shall be approved
by the local fire official (see Section 1200.1.1).
859.2 Multi-story buildings: In all exterior walls of buildings required
to have thirty (30) foot wide open space adjacent thereto (see
Sections 305.2 and 306.2), each floor below the thirteenth (13th) floor
shall be provided with access panels as follows:
1. if such access panels are not less than thirty-two (32) inches by
forty-eight (48) inches in size, they shall be spaced not more than
one hundred (100) feet apart in each story; or
2. if such access panels are not less than twenty-two (22) inches by
forty-two (42) inches in size, they shall be spaced not more than
thirty (30) feet apart in each story.
859.3 Single-story buildings: In one (1) story buildings, not more than
eighty-five (85) feet in height:
1. roof vents shall be provided, spaced not more than one hundred
twenty-five (125) feet apart; and
2. grade level doors, or fire access panels shall be provided spaced not
more than one hundred twenty-five (125) feet apart in all exterior
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walls of buildings required to have thirty (30) foot wide open space
adjacent thereto (see Sections 305.2 and 306.2).
859.4 Construction of access panels: Access panels shall have a sill
height of not more than thirty-six (36) inches; shall be readily identifi-
able from the outside; and shall be readily openable from the outside, or
shall be glazed with plain flat glass. When required to be fireresistance
rated, access panels shall be equipped with approved opening protectives,
complying with Article 9, which are readily openable from both the out-
side and inside. Access panels shall be not less than thirty-two (32)
inches by forty-eight (48) inches in size, except in buildings of moderate
fire hazard such as schools and offices, wherein the sizes may be reduced
to a minimum of twenty-two (22) inches by forty-two (42) inches.
SECTION 860.0 STRUCTURAL GLASS BLOCK WALLS
860.1 Exterior wall panels: The maximum dimensions of glass block wall
panels in exterior walls, when used singly or in multiples forming con-
tinuous bands of structural glass blocks between structural supports,
shall be twenty-five (25) feet in length and twenty (20) feet in height
between structural supports and expansion joints; and the area of each
individual panel shall be not more than two hundred and fifty (250)
square feet. Intermediate structural supports shall be provided to sup-
port the dead load of the wall and all other superimposed loads. When
individual panels are more than one hundred forty-four (144) square feet
in area, a supplementary stiff ener shall be provided behind the panels,
anchored thereto and to the structural supports.
860.2 Joint materials: Glass blocks shall be laid up in Type S or N
mortar with approved galvanized or other noncorrosive metal wall ties in
the horizontal mortar joints of exterior panels. The sills of glass block
panels shall be coated with approved asphaltic emulsion, or other elastic
waterproofing material, previous to laying the first mortar course, and
the perimeter of the panels shall be caulked to a depth of not less than
one-half (1/2) inch with non-hardening caulking compound on both faces;
or other approved expansion joints shall be provided. When laid up in
joint materials other than mortars herein defined, a single panel shall not
be more than one hundred (100) square feet in area nor more than ten
(10) feet in either length or height.
860.3 Wind and earthquake loads: Exterior wall panels shall be held in
place in the wall opening to resist both the internal and external pres-
sures due to wind and earthquake loads specified in Sections 712.0, 713.0
and 716.0.
860.4 Interior wall panels: Structural glass blocks shall not be used in
fire walls or party walls or for load-bearing construction. Such blocks
shall be erected with mortar in metal frames or reinforcement as provided
in this section for exterior walls or other approved joint materials, except
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that wood strip framing may be used in partitions not required to be
fireresistance rated.
860.5 Fireresistance rating: Nothing herein contained shall be construed
to prohibit the use of glass blocks in an opening protective assembly or
non-bearing partition or wall when required to afford a specific fireresis-
tance rating, provided approval of the building official is secured after
satisfactory time-temperature performance under the prescribed test
procedure of Article 9.
860.6 Access panels: Access panels shall be provided in exterior glass
block walls for fire department use to comply with Section 859.0
SECTION 861.0 WALL FACINGS AND VENEERS
861.1 Backing surfaces for veneers: Veneers for other than frame
buildings, shall be attached only to substantial, rigid, noncombustible
surfaces which are plumb, straight and of true plane; and wood backing
surfaces shall not be used, except in frame construction. The backing
shall provide sufficient rigidity, stability and weather resistance; and the
veneer shall be installed and anchored as required in this code for the
specific material.
861.2 Veneer thickness: Materials used for non-bearing veneers on
masonry walls shall not have less than the thickness indicated in Table
861.
Table 861
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF NONBEARING VENEERS ON MASONRY WALLS
Ceramic veneer (architectural terra cotta, anchored type) . . 1 inch
Brick 2 inches
Stone (natural) 2 inches
Stone (cast artificial) Wz inches
Clay tile (structural) 1% inches
Clay tile (flat slab) Va to 1 inch
Marble slabs 1 inch
Precast stone facing % inch
Structural glass % inch
Aluminum clapboard siding 024 inch
Metal (approved corrosion-resistive) No. 28 Galvanized Sheet Gage (0.019 in)
5861.2.1 Nonstructural: Masonry or other approved noncombustible
materials used as facing on bearing walls or partitions shall not be con-
sidered to have structural value and shall be excluded in the determina-
tion of required wall thickness.
SECTION 862.0 STRUCTURAL GLASS VENEERS
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862.1 Dimensions: The minimum thickness of glass veneer shall be
eleven thirty-seconds (11/32) inch and the area of individual panels shall
not exceed ten (10) square feet, with a maximum length of four (4) feet.
The edge of each unit shall be ground square with a slight arris; and all
exposed, external corners and angles shall be rounded to a radius of not
more than three-sixteenths (3/16) inch.
862 . 2 Construction
862.2.1 Backing surface: The glass veneer shall be set in mastic cement
on a float coat of one (1) inch thick cement mortar reinforced with wire
lath attached to noncombustible furring spaced not more than twelve (12)
inches on centers.
862.2.2 Support of veneer: The base course of glass units shall be
supported on a corrosion-resistive metal frame anchored to the backing
and caulked with a waterproof compound at grade.
862.3 Reinforcement: Metal reinforcing of cold formed corrosion-resistive
angles of not less than No. 16 Galvanized Sheet Gauge (0.064 in.), or
other approved reinforcement shall be provided in all horizontal joints
anchored into the masonry wall with expansion or toggle bolts.
862.4 Expansion joints: Expansion joints shall be provided at ends and
intermediate sections caulked with an approved waterproofing compound as
required by the approved rules. Where necessary for water-tightness,
exposed edges shall be protected with corrosion-resistive metal or other
approved noncombustible flashing.
862.5 Other loads: Signs, awning brackets or other loads shall not be
hung directly from glass veneers, but shall be supported on framing
anchored to or otherwise supported by the masonry wall, free from con-
tact with the glass.
SECTION 863.0 THIN STONE AND TILE VENEERS
863.1 Size of units: In localities subject to frost and freezing tempera-
tures, tile and terra cotta units shall be frost-proof and shall not be
more than two hundred eighty-eight (288) square inches in area; and
where not subject to frost action, the size of the tile may be increased
not more than fifty (50) per cent in area.
863.2 Construction: One (1) inch thick marble, granite, terra cotta,
and similar materials; or ceramic tile facing one-quarter (1/4) to one (1)
inch in thickness shall be set in accordance with the applicable standards
listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 864.0 METAL VENEERS
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864.1 Materials: Veneers of metal shall be fabricated from approved
corrosion-resistive alloys, or shall be covered front and back with ap-
proved porcelain enamel, or otherwise treated to render the metal resis-
tant to corrosion.
864.2 Construction: The metal veneer shall be securely attached to the
masonry or supported on approved metal framing protected by painting,
galvanizing or other approved protection, or on wood studs and furring
strips, treated with an approved preservative process.
864.3 Waterproofing: All joints and edges exposed to the weather shall
be caulked with approved durable waterproofing material or by other
approved means to prevent penetration of moisture.
864.4 Grounding metal veneers: Grounding of metal veneers on all
buildings shall comply with the requirements of Article 15 and the Massa-
chusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00).
Metal enclosures shall be placed around equipment carrying voltages in
excess of sixty (60) volts between conductors, unless in substations or
vaults under the sole control of the supply company. Where extensive
metal in or on buildings may become energized and is subject to personal
contact, adequate bonding and grounding shall be provided for additional
safety.
SECTION 865.0 PLASTIC VENEERS
865.1 General: Veneers of weather-resisting plastics shall comply with
the definition of approved plastics in Section 1900.2.1 and shall be erec-
ted and anchored on a foundation coat, waterproofed or otherwise protec-
ted from moisture absorption and sealed with a coat of mastic or other
approved waterproof coating in accordance with the approved rules.
865.2 Height limitation: Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any
exterior wall to a height greater than thirty-five (35) feet above grade.
Within the fire limits as provided in Section 301.0, exterior veneer shall
be limited to the first story .
865.3 Area limitation: Sections of plastic veneer shall not exceed two
hundred (200) square feet in area. Outside the fire limits, the area may
be increased by fifty (50) per cent.
865.4 Separation: Sections of plastic veneer shall be separated by a
minimum of four (4) feet vertically.
SECTION 866.0 THICKNESS OF SOLID MASONRY WALLS
866.1 General: All masonry walls shall be of the minimum thickness
specified in the Building Code Requirements for Masonry listed in Appen-
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dix B. The combined stress due to all loads shall not exceed the allow-
able working stresses specified in this code for the materials of construc-
tion.
SECTION 867.0 THICKNESS OF PANEL WALLS
867.1 Solid panel walls: Panel, apron or spandrel walls as defined in
this code supported at vertical intervals not exceeding thirteen (13) feet
in height, shall not be limited in thickness, provided they meet the
fireresistance rating requirements of Article 9 and Table 214, and are
constructed of approved noncombustible weather-resisting materials of
adequate strength to resist the wind loads specified in Sections 712.0 and
713.0.
867.2 Hollow panel walls: Unless constructed of the materials and thick-
ness specified by the accepted engineering standards for masonry, hollow
panel walls shall be tested and approved in the assembled unit as con-
structed in normal practice to develop the required fireresistance ratings
specified in Table 214 for exposure on both faces.
867.3 Weather resistance: When the construction is tested and approved
for a fireresistance rating does not possess the required weather resis-
tance, it shall be covered on the exterior with approved corrosion-resis-
tive metal facings or other approved noncombustible weather-resisting
veneers .
867.4 Anchorage: All panel walls shall be anchored to the structural
frame to insure adequate lateral support and resistance to wind and to
earthquake forces where subject to seismic disturbances.
SECTION 868.0 DELETED
SECTION 869.0 FOUNDATION WALLS
869.1 Design: Foundation walls shall be designed to resist frost action
and to support safely all vertical and lateral loads as provided in Article
7. The maximum stresses due to combined load shall be within the values
specified for the materials used in the construction. Unless properly
reinforced, tensile stresses shall not exceed those permitted in plain
masonry .
869.2 Minimum thickness: The minimum thickness of concrete or masonry
foundation walls, with up to seven (7) feet of unbalanced fill (height of
finish grade above basement floor or inside grade), shall be eight (8)
inches or shall be designed according to acceptable engineering practice
as listed in the standards in Appendix B and as required in Section
870.2. Where the unbalanced fill exceeds seven (7) feet, foundation wall
thickness shall be determined by structural analysis as required in Sec-
tion 807.2.
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869.2.1 Deleted
869.2.2 Deleted
869.2.3 Deleted
Table 869 Deleted
869.2.4 Rubble stone: Foundation walls of rough or random rubble stone
shall be not less than sixteen (16) inches thick.
869.2.5 Bonding: All foundation walls shall be bonded as reguired for
superstructure walls in Section 835.0.
869.3 Deleted
869.4 Corbels on eight inch walls: Where an eight (8) inch wall is
corbeled, the top corbel course shall be a full header course of headers
at least six (6) inches in length, extending not higher than the bottom of
the floor framing. The maximum projection of one (1) unit shall neither
exceed one-half (1/2) the depth of the unit nor one-third (1/3) its width
at right angles to the face which is offset.
869.5 Lateral stability: Foundation walls of buildings and structures
which serve as retaining walls shall conform to the applicable reguire-
ments of Section 870.0 or shall be strengthened with buttresses or addi-
tional wall thickness to resist lateral soil and hydrostatic pressure when
subjected thereto.
SECTION 870.0 RETAINING WALLS
870.1 General: Walls built to retain or support the lateral pressure of
earth or water or other superimposed loads shall be designed and con-
structed of approved masonry, reinforced concrete, steel sheet piling or
other approved materials within the allowable stresses of accepted engi-
neering practice (see Section 874.5).
870.2 Design: Retaining walls shall be designed to resist the pressure
of the retained material, including both dead and live load surcharges to
which they may be subjected, and to insure stability against overturning,
sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift.
870.3 Hydrostatic pressure: Unless drainage is provided, the hydro-
static head of water pressure shall be assumed egual to the height of the
wall.
870.4 Deleted
870.5 Guard rails: Retaining walls with a difference in grade level on
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each side of the wall in excess of four (4) feet shall be provided with a
forty-two (42) inch high guard rail or other approved protective measure.
SECTION 871.0 DELETED
SECTION 872.0 WATERPROOFING AND FLOODPROOFING
872.1 General: The exterior structural elements of all buildings herein
specified shall be waterproofed in accordance with the approved rules.
872.2 Steel frame: Exterior steel columns and girders, before embedment
in masonry of the required fireresistance rating specified in Table 214,
shall be protected from moisture by approved waterproofing material, a
parging coat of cement mortar or by a minimum of eight (8) inches of
weather-tight masonry.
872.3 Chases: The backs and sides of all chases in exterior walls with
less than eight (8) inches of approved masonry to the exterior surface
shall be insulated and waterproofed.
872.4 Foundations: Exterior walls below grade and the cellar floors of
all buildings for institutional and residential uses (use groups I and R)
enclosing habitable or occupiable rooms or spaces below grade shall be
made watertight, and when necessary shall be reinforced to withstand
water pressure as prescribed in Sections 709.0 and 870.0. The basement
walls of buildings in the residential use groups and the walls of all habit-
able and occupiable rooms and spaces below grade shall be protected with
not less than a one (1) coat application of approved waterproofing paint,
or a one-half (1/2) inch parging coat of portland cement mortar or other
approved dampproof covering.
872.4.1 Subsoil drains: Subsoil drains shall be provided around founda-
tions enclosing habitable or usable spaces located below grade and which
are subjected to ground water conditions. Drains shall be installed at or
below the area to be protected and shall discharge by gravity or by
mechanical means into an approved drainage system complying with the
plumbing code listed in Appendix P.
872.5 Types of waterproofing: The processes and methods used to
render buildings, structures or parts thereof watertight as herein re-
quired shall comply with accepted engineering practice covering types of
waterproofing .
872.6 Floodproof ing : Where a structure is located within a flood plain or
coastal high hazard area as determined by the building official or the
governmental body having jurisdiction, such a structure must be designed
to resist or overcome the anticipated flood conditions in accordance with
the provisions of Section 744.0.
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SECTION 873.0 DELETED
SECTION 874.0 PROTECTION AGAINST DECAY AND TERMITES
874.1 Approval: The term "approval" as used in the following state-
ments means approval in accordance with the procedure established by
this code.
874.2 Where conditions are favorable to decay
874.2.1 Wood in contact with the ground: All wood in contact with the
ground and supporting permanent structures shall be approved treated
wood.
874.2.2 Untreated wood: Untreated wood may be used where entirely
below ground water level or continuously submerged in fresh water; and
may be used in contact with the ground for detached accessory buildings
not intended for human occupancy, for temporary structures and for
fences .
874.3 Wood joists or the bottom of wood structural floors: When wood
joists or the bottom of wood structural floors without joists are closer
than eighteen (18) inches, or wood girders are closer than twelve (12)
inches, to exposed ground located within the periphery of the building
over crawl spaces or unexcavated areas, they shall be approved durable
or treated wood. Ventilation shall be provided as reguired in Section
507.0.
874.4 Sills: All sills which rest on concrete or masonry exterior walls
and are less than eight (8) inches from exposed earth shall be of ap-
proved durable or treated wood.
874.4.1 Sleepers and sills: Sleepers and sills on a concrete or masonry
slab which is in direct contact with earth shall be of approved durable or
treated wood.
874.4.2 Posts or columns: Posts or columns in cellars shall be supported
by piers projecting at least two (2) inches above the finish floor and
separated therefrom by an approved impervious barrier except when
approved durable or treated wood is used. Posts or columns used in
damp locations below grade shall be of approved durable or treated wood.
874.4.3 Wall pockets: Ends of wood girders entering masonry or con-
crete walls shall be provided with a one-half (1/2) inch air space on top,
sides and end, unless approved durable or treated wood is used.
874.4.4 Clearance between wood siding: Clearance between wood siding
and earth on the exterior of a building shall be not less than six (6)
inches .
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874.5 Wood used in a retaining wall: Wood used in a retaining wall shall
be approved durable or treated wood, except as follows:
1. when the wall is not more than two (2) feet in height and is located
on the property line; or
2. when the wall is not more than four (4) feet in height and is sep-
arated from the property line by a minimum distance egual to the
height of the wall.
A retaining wall of durable wood shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
A wood retaining wall shall be separated from any permanent building by
a minimum distance equal to the height of the wall.
874.6 Where approved durable or treated woods are required: Where
approved durable or treated woods are required in this code, the building
official may require identification by an approved mark or certificate of
inspection. All lumber and plywood required to be preservatively treated
shall bear an approved quality mark of an inspection agency that main-
tains continuing control, testing and inspection over the quality of the
product as described in the quality control standards listed in Appendix
C.
874.7 Pressure treatment: Where pressure treatment of wood members is
required by this code, preservatives and methods of treatment shall
conform to the standards for pressure treatment and preserving of lumber
listed in Appendix C.
874 . 7 . 1 Deleted
SECTION 875.0 DELETED
SECTION 876.0 THERMAL INSULATING MATERIALS
876.1 General: Insulating batts, blankets, fills or similar types of
materials, including vapor barriers and breather papers or other cover-
ings which are a part of the insulation, incorporated in construction
elements shall be installed and used in a manner that will not increase the
fire hazard characteristics of the building or any part thereof.
876.2 Installation in Type 1 and Type 2 construction: Such materials
when exposed as installed in buildings of fireproof or noncombustible
(Types 1 or 2) construction shall comply with the requirements of Section
904.2 for Class I materials.
876.3 Installation in Type 3 and Type 4 construction: Such materials
when exposed as installed in attic spaces in buildings of ordinary or
frame (Types 3 and 4) construction shall comply with the requirements of
Section 904.2 for Class III materials.
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876.4 Facings and coverings: Vapor barriers, breather papers or other
coverings of insulating materials, when installed adjacent to or not more
than one and one-half (1 1/2) inches from the unexposed surface of
ceiling or side wall interior finish, or when installed in completely en-
closed wall, ceiling joist or rafter spaces and firestopped as required in
Section 875.0, are not required to have a flameresistance rating.
876.5 Foam plastic insulation: The provisions of this section shall gov-
ern the requirements and uses of foam plastic insulation in buildings and
structures. For interior finish and trim, see Section 920.0.
Except where otherwise noted in this section, all foam plastics used in
building construction shall have a flame spread rating of not more than
seventy-five (75) and shall have a smoke developed rating of not more
than four hundred and fifty (450) when tested in the maximum thickness
intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 listed in Appendix G. The
interior of the building shall be separated from the foam plastic by an
approved thermal barrier having an index of fifteen (15). The thermal
barrier shall be installed in such a manner that it will remain in place for
the time of its index classification based upon approved diversified tests.
876.5.1 Other specific applications: Foam plastics may be installed in
accordance with Sections 876.5 and 876.5.2 or as listed in this section,
and as allowed by other provisions of this code.
1. Masonry or concrete construction: foam plastics may be used without
the thermal barrier described above, regardless of the type of
construction, when the foam plastic is covered by a minimum of one
(1) inch thickness of masonry or concrete in a wall, floor or roof
system .
2. Attics and crawl spaces: within an attic or crawl space where entry
is made only for service of utilities, foam plastics shall be protected
against ignition by one and one half (1 1/2) inch thick mineral fiber
insulation, one half (1/2) inch thick gypsum wallboard, No. 26 gauge
sheet metal, or other approved material installed in such a manner
that the foam plastic is not exposed.
3. Cold storage construction: foam plastic installed and meeting the
requirements of Section 876.5 above when tested in a thickness of
four (4) inches may be used in a thickness up to ten (10) inches in
cold storage buildings, ice plants, food processing rooms, and sim-
ilar areas. For rooms within a building, the foam plastic shall be
protected by a thermal barrier on both sides. Foam plastic insula-
tion may be used in free-standing coolers and freezers without the
thermal barrier when the foam plastic has a flame spread rating for
use, is covered by not less than point zero thirty-two (0.032) inches
of aluminum or No. 26 gauge corrosion-resistant steel and is protected
by an automatic sprinkler system. When such a room is within a
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building, both the room and that part of the building in which the
room is located shall be sprinklered.
Exception: Freestanding walk-in coolers and freezer units less
than four hundred (400) square feet in floor area need meet only
the flame spread and smoke requirements of Section 876.5 above.
4. Metal-clad building units: foam plastic insulation having a flame
spread of twenty-five (25) or less may be used without the thermal
barrier in or on walls in a thickness of not more than four (4)
inches when the foam plastic is covered by a thickness of not less
than point zero thirty-two (0.032) inch aluminum or No. 26 gauge
corrosion-resistant steel and the area is protected with automatic
sprinklers.
5. Roofing: foam plastics installed and meeting the requirements of
Section 876.5, above, may be used as insulation beneath a roof
covering when the roof covering has a Class A, B or C classifi-
cation .
a. All roof coverings as allowed in Section 913.0 may be applied
over foam plastic when the foam is separated from the interior
of the building by plywood sheathing not less than one-half
(1/2) inch in thickness bonded with exterior glue, with edges
supported by blocking, tongue-and-groove joints or other
approved type of edge support, or an equivalent material.
The thermal barrier requirement is waived.
b. Foam plastic which is a component of factory-made insulation
board or a factory-made assembly which also complies with
either Fire Test Standard for Insulated Roof Deck Construction
UL 1256 or Test Method for Fire Performance of Roof Deck
Construction Factory Mutual, FM 4450, as listed in Appendix
B. need not meet the requirements of Section 876.5.
c. The thermal barrier is waived in field-assembled roof coverings
incorporating a foam plastic having a flame spread of seventy-
five (75) or less and also meeting the requirements of either of
the above roof deck construction tests.
d. For all roof applications the smoke development rating shall not
be limited.
6. Doors: where doors are permitted without a fireresistive rating foam
plastic having a flame spread of seventy-five (75) or less may be
used as a core material when the door facing is wood or when the
facing is metal having a minimum thickness of point zero thirty-two
(0.032) inch aluminum or No. 26 gauge sheet steel. The thermal
barrier is waived.
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7. Siding backer board: foam plastic of not more than two thousand
(2,000) Btu's per square foot as determined by NFiPA 259-76, listed
in Appendix B, may be used as siding backer board with a maximum
thickness of one-half (1/2) inch, provided it is separated from the
interior of the building by an interior thermal barrier, or not less
than two (2) inches of mineral fiber insulation, or equivalent, in lieu
of the thermal barrier.
876.5.2 Specific approval: Plastic foam or assemblies using foam plastics
may be specifically approved based on approved diversified tests such as,
but not limited to, tunnel tests conducted in accordance with ASTM E84
listed in Appendix G, fire tests related to actual end use such as a
corner test and an ignition temperature test. The specific approval may
be based on the end use, quantity, location and similar considerations
where such tests would not be applicable or practical.
876.6 Cellulosic insulation: Cellulosic insulation shall be certified that it
complies with Federal Specification HH-I-515C.
876.7 Urea based, foamed in place insulation: Urea based foamed in
place thermal insulation shall be certified that it has been manufactured
and installed in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development Use of Materials Bulletin No. 74.
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ARTICLE 9
FIRERESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 900.0 GENERAL
900.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall govern the use and
design of all materials and methods of construction in respect to required
fireresistance rating and flameresistance as determined by the potential
fire hazard of the use and occupancy of the building or structure and the
location and function of all integral structural and other fire-protective
elements of the building; and the installation of safeguards against the
spread of fire to and from adjoining structures.
900.2 Performance standards: The requirements of this article shall
constitute the minimum functional performance standards for fire-protec-
tion purposes; and shall not be deemed to decrease or waive any strength
provisions or in any other manner decrease the requirements of this code
in respect to structural safety.
900.3 Use of combustibles: All materials and forms of construction that
develop the fireresistance rating required by this code shall be acceptable
for fireproofing and structural purposes; except that the use of combusti-
ble component materials in structural units or structural assemblies shall
be limited in types of construction specified in Sections 215.0 and 216.0
and in the following Section 900.3.1.
900.3.1 Combustible components: Combustible aggregates may be incor-
porated in concrete mixtures approved for fireresistance rated construc-
tion as provided in Sections 810.0 and 849.0 for gypsum concrete, and
any other approved component material or admixture may be used in
assemblies that meet the fireresistive test requirements of this code; and
wood nailing strips or any other material of similar combustible character-
istics may be embedded in concrete and masonry construction for securing
trim and finish.
SECTION 901.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
901.1 General: Plans for all buildings shall designate the type of con-
struction and the fireresistance rating of all structural elements as re-
quired by this code. The plans or specifications shall include documenta-
tion or supporting data substantiating all required fireresistance ratings.
SECTION 902.0 FIRE HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
902.1 General: The degree of fire hazard of buildings and structures
for each specific use group as defined by the fire grading in Table 902
shall determine the requirements for fire walls, fire separation walls and
the segregation of mixed uses as prescribed in Section 213.0 and all
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structural members supporting such elements unless otherwise provided
for in this code.
Table 902
FIRE GRADING OF USE GROUPS
Fire grading
Class Use group in hours
A-l Assembly, theatres 3
A-2 Assembly, night clubs 3
A-3 Assembly, recreation centers, lecture halls, terminals, restaurants .... 2
A-4 Assembly, churches, schools IVz
B Business 2
F Factory and industrial 3
H High hazard 4
1-1 Institutional, restrained occupants 3
1-2 Institutional, incapacitated occupants 2
M Mercantile 3
R-l Residential, hotels 2
R-2 Residential, multifamily dwellings IV2
R-3 Residential. 1 and 2 family dwellings 1
S-l Storage, moderate hazard 3
S-2 Storage, low hazard 2
902.2 Unclassified uses: The building official shall determine the fire
hazard classification of a building or structure design for a use not
specifically provided in Table 902 in accordance with the fire character-
istics and potential fire hazard of the use group which it most nearly
resembles .
SECTION 903.0 FIRERESISTANCE TESTS
903 . 1 Structural building assemblies : Built-up masonry units and com-
posite assemblies of structural materials including walls, partitions, col-
umns, girders, beams and slabs and assemblies of slabs and beams or
other combinations of structural units for use in floor and roof construc-
tion shall be regulated by the fireresistance ratings of Table 214. The
fireresistance rating of the floor and ceiling assemblies shall extend to
and be tight against the exterior wall.
903.2 Column, beam and girder protection
903 .2.1 Tests without load : To evaluate column , beam and girder pro-
tection for structural units when the fireproofing is not a structural part
of the element, in lieu of full size tests of loaded specimens, the struc-
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tural sections encased in the material proposed for use as insulation and
fire protection may be subjected to the standard test procedure without
load.
903.2.2 Alternate protection: When it can be shown to the building
official that the structural integrity of structural framing elements will not
be reduced below a safe level by a fire, within the building or in an
adjacent building, having a severity corresponding to the fireresistance
rating required for the elements, through the use of heat shields, separa-
tions or other approved means of protection, fire protective coverings or
insulating enclosing materials need not be provided for such elements.
903.3 Roof coverings
903.3.1 Test procedure and classification: Roof covering materials shall
be classified in accordance with the severity of exposure to exterior fire
and ability to resist the spread of fire from surrounding buildings and
structures when tested in accordance with the roof covering standards
(ASTM E108 or Modified Factory Mutual E108) listed in Appendix G.
903.3.2 Class A roofings: Are those which are effective against severe
fire exposure. In addition to roof coverings which have been classified,
asbestos cement, metal, portland cement concrete, slate, concrete masonry
and tile are acceptable where Class A roof coverings are required.
903.3.3 Class B roofings: Are those which are effective against moderate
fire exposure.
903.3.4 Class C roofings: Are those which are effective against light
fire exposure.
903.3.5 Non-classified roofings: Are those not tested.
903.4 Opening protectives
903.4.1 Fire assembly: Shall include the fire doors, fire window, or fire
damper and all required hardware, anchorage, frames and sills necessary
for the assembly.
903.4.2 Labeled fire doors: Opening protective assemblies including the
frames, hardware and operation which comply with the standards listed in
Appendix G and accepted practice, including shop inspection, of an
accredited authoritative testing or inspection agency shall be deemed to
meet the requirements of this code for their recommended and approved
locations and use as listed in Section 915.0.
903.4.3 Door openings more than 120 square feet: Labeled fire doors for
openings which are more than one hundred and twenty (120) square feet
in area may be approved as conforming to all the standard construction
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requirements of tested and approved fire door assemblies except as to
size.
903.4.4 Labeled fire windows and shutters: Fire window assemblies and
shutters which comply with Section 916.0, and the standards listed in
Appendix G and accepted practice of an accredited authoritative testing
or inspection agency shall be deemed to meet the requirements of their
recommended and required locations under this code.
903.4.5 Labeled fire dampers: Only fire dampers which have been tested
in accordance with the standards listed in Appendix G and listed by an
accredited authoritative testing or inspection agency shall be deemed to
meet the requirements of this code.
903.5 Combustibility tests: Where the behavior of materials under expo-
sure to fire is specified in this code, the characteristics of materials shall
be determined by the following tests and criteria.
903.5.1 Tests: The following tests shall serve as criteria for acceptance
of building materials (when tested in the form and thickness in which
they are used) as set forth in Sections 215.0, 216.0 and 217.0 governing
the combustibility of building materials for use in Types 1, 2 and 3
construction.
1. Materials which pass the test procedure for defining noncombusti-
bility of elementary materials set forth in ASTM E 136 listed in
Appendix G when exposed to a furnace temperature of thirteen
hundred eighty-two (1382) degrees F. for a period of five (5)
minutes, and do not cause a fifty-four (54) degrees F. rise above
the furnace air temperature at the beginning of the test and which
do not flame after an exposure of thirty (30) seconds.
2. Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material as
defined in paragraph 1 above, with a surfacing not more than
one-eighth (1/8) inch thick which has a flamespread rating not
greater than fifty (50) when tested in accordance with the method
of test for surface burning characteristics of building materials as
set forth in ASTM E 84 listed in Appendix G.
The term noncombustible does not apply to the flame spread characteris-
tics of interior finish or trim materials. A material shall not be classed
as noncombustible building construction material which is subject to in-
crease in combustible or flame spread rating beyond the limits herein
established through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric
conditions .
903.6 Fireretardant treated wood
903.6.1 Tests: Where permitted for use as a structural element, firere-
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tardant treated wood shall be tested in accordance with the standard
method of test for surface burning characteristics of building materials
(ASTM E84) listed in Appendix G and shall show a flame spread rating
not greater than twenty-five (25) when exposed for a period of not less
than thirty (30) minutes without evidence of significant progressive
combustion. The material shall bear the identification of an accredited
authoritative testing or inspection agency showing the performance rating
thereof.
903.6.2 Use limitations: Wood that has been pressure-treated with
fireretardant chemicals in accordance with the standards for pressure
treatment of lumber or plywood in buildings listed in Appendix G or
treated by other approved means during manufacture may be used in
Types 1 and 2 construction for partitions, structural elements and roof
framing and sheathing as indicated by Note h in Table 214, provided that
the assembly in which such material is used shall produce the required
fireresistance rating when tested in accordance with the standard method
of fire test for building construction and materials listed in Appendix G.
Where the material is to be subjected to sustained high humidity or ex-
posed to the weather, it shall be further identified to indicate that there
is not an increase in listed fire hazard classification after being subjected
to the Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) Standard Rain Test. Where used
as a structural element, such material shall meet the requirements of
Section 903.6.1. Where used as interior finish, such material shall meet
the requirements of Section 904.0.
SECTION 904.0 FLAMERESISTANCE TESTS
904.1 General: All materials which are required to restrict the spread of
fire or to be flame-resistant under the provisions of this code, including,
but not limited to, interior wall and ceiling finish materials (ASTM E84),
floor coverings (NFiPA 253), fire-retardant treated wood (ASTM E119 or
ASTM E84, depending on usage), tents and tarpaulins (NFiPA 102, NFiPA
701 and 527 CMR 19.00), and interior hangings and decorations (527 CMR
21.00, NFiPA 102, NFiPA 701, or ASTM E84 depending on material), shall
meet the requirements for their respective uses and classifications.
904.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials: All materials used for
interior wall and ceiling finish shall be classified within the classification
listed in Table 904 in accordance with the Method of Test for Surface
Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (ASTM E84).
Table 904
INTERIOR FINISH CLASSIFICATION
Class
of material
Surface burning characteristics
test (tunnel test)
1
II
III
0 to 25
26 to 75
76 to 200
Note: Refer to Table 920 for interior finish requirements by use group.
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904.3 Floor coverings: Finish materials for floors in corridors and
exitways shall be tested in accordance with Flooring Radiant Panel Test
(NFiPA 253).
904.3.1 Test application: Floor coverings shall be tested in assemblies
in the manner in which they are intended for use in accordance with
NFiPA 253. Where a separate underlayment is used, the floor covering
shall be tested as proposed for use over either the actual cushion pad to
be used in the installation or a standard cushion pad consisting of Type
11 rubber-coated jute and animal hair or fiber, not less than three-eighths
(3/8) inch thick and fifty (50) oz. per square yard, conforming to Federal
Specification DDD-C-001023 (GSA-FSS) and subsequent amendments.
904.4 Tents and tarpaulins: All material used for tents and tarpaulins
shall be classified in accordance with the test methods and requirements
of Tents, Grandstands and Air-Supported Structures Used for Places of
Assembly (NFiPA 102), Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films
(NFiPA 701) and Flame-Retardant Tentage and Flammable Tentage (527
CMR 19.00). (See Section 422.0.)
904.5 Interior hangings and decorations
904.5.1 Acceptance criteria: Where required to be flameresistant under
the provisions of this code, all materials specified or required for artistic
enhancement or use for decorations, draperies, curtains, scenery and
hangings shall comply with the requirements for Flammable Decorations in
527 CMR 21.00.
SECTION 905.0 SPECIAL FIRERESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS
905.1 General: In buildings or parts thereof of the uses and types of
construction herein specified, the general fireresistive requirements of
Table 214 and the height and area limitations of Table 305 shall be subject
to the exceptions and modifications described in Sections 905.2 through
905.5 and to the requirements for Garages, Service Stations and Gasoline
Stations and Gasoline in 527 CMR 5.00.
905.2 Public garages: All existing buildings and structures altered or
converted for use to a garage, motor vehicle repair shop or gasoline
service station, more than one (1) story in height, unless of fireproof
(Type 1) construction, or heavy timber (Type 3A) construction, shall
have the partitions, columns and girders and all floor and roof construc-
tion protected and insulated with noncombustible materials or assemblies of
component materials having a fireresistance rating of not less than one
(1) hour; except that existing roof trusses shall be exempt from all
fireproofing requirements.
905.3 Deleted
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
905.4 Packing and shipping rooms: Every packing or shipping room
located on or below a floor occupied for use group M (mercantile) use
shall be separated therefrom by fire separation walls or floor-ceiling
assemblies of not less than the fireresistance rating of the type of con-
struction as set forth in Table 214 but not less than one (1) hour fire-
resistance rating.
905.5 Truck loading and shipping areas: Truck loading and shipping
areas shall be permitted within any use group B (Business) building,
provided such areas are enclosed in construction of not less than the
fireresistance rating of the type of construction as set forth in Table 214
but not less than one (1) hour, and direct access is provided therefrom
to the street.
905.6 Use group R (residential) buildings
905.6.1 Protected ordinary construction: Multi-family dwellings (use
group R-2) of protected ordinary (Type 3B) construction may be in-
creased to six (6) stories or seventy-five (75) feet in height when the
first floor construction above the basement or cellar has a fireresistance
rating of not less than three (3) hours and the floor area is subdivided
by two (2) hour fire walls into fire areas of not more than three thousand
(3,000) square feet.
905.6.2 Protected noncombustible construction: When of protected non-
combustible (Type 2B) construction, multi-family dwellings (use group
R-2) may be increased to nine (9) stories or one hundred (100) feet in
height when separated by not less than fifty (50) feet from any other
building on the lot and from interior lot lines, the exitways are segre-
gated in a fire area enclosed in a fire wall of two (2) hour fireresistance
rating and the first floor construction has a fireresistance rating of not
less than one and one-half (1 1/2) hours.
905.6.3 Retail business use: The first floor of buildings of unprotected
noncombustible (Type 2C), masonry wall (Type 3C) or frame (Type 4B)
construction may be occupied for retail store use, provided the floor-ceil-
ing assembly and enclosure wall are protected to afford one (1) hour
fireresistance rating and the exitways from the residential floors are
separately enclosed in accordance with the requirements of Article 6.
905.7 Grade floor protection
905.7.1 Non-fireproof construction: In all buildings other than one- and
two-family dwellings (use groups R-3 and R-4) and other than fireproof
(Type 1) construction with habitable or occupiable stories or basements
below grade the floor-ceiling assemblies and supports below the grade
floor shall be protected by one (1) of the following methods:
1. fireresistance rating of not less than one (1) hour, or
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2. heavy mill (Type 3A) construction, or
3. automatic fire suppression system.
The fireresistance rating provided shall not be less than the rating re-
quired by Table 214 for type of construction.
905.7.2 Protected noncombustible construction: In all buildings of pro-
tected noncombustible (Type 2A) construction, more than four (4) stories
or fifty (50) feet in height, in other than residential (R) use groups, the
floor-ceiling assembly above the basement or cellar shall be constructed
with a fireresistance rating of not less than two (2) hours.
905.7.3 Basement assembly uses: Places of public assembly for amuse-
ment, entertainment, instruction, or service of food or refreshment shall
not be located in stories or rooms below grade unless the floor-ceiling
assembly above and below is of not less than one and one-half (1 1/2)
hour fireresistance rating.
905.8 Noncombustible construction exemptions: One (1) story buildings
of Type 2C construction which do not exceed three thousand (3,000)
square feet in area in all use groups except high hazard (H), assembly
(A) and institutional (I) shall be exempt from all protected exterior wall
requirements .
905.9 Interior partitions: In buildings and structures of other than
institutional (I) and residential (R) use groups of fireproof (Type 1) and
protected noncombustible (Types 2A and 2B) constructions, partitions of
a single thickness of wood or approved composite panels, and glass or
other approved materials of similar combustible characteristics, may be
used to subdivide rooms or spaces into offices, entries, or other similar
compartments, provided they do not establish a corridor serving an
occupant load of thirty (30) or more in areas occupied by a single tenant
and not exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet between fire separa-
tion assemblies or fire walls. An area not exceeding seventy-five hun-
dred (7500) square feet may be subdivided with fireretardant treated
wood when complying with Section 903.6.
905.10 Plenums: The use of uninhabited basements, cellars, crawl
spaces, cavity walls, areas above ceilings or attic spaces as supply, make
up, exhaust air or return air plenums or ducts is prohibited.
Exception: Air-ceiling plenums may be installed as supply or return air
plenums in all occupancies except one- and two-family dwellings, provid-
ed such air plenums meet the requirements of other applicable articles
of this code and of the mechanical code listed in Appendix B and pro-
vided fuel-fired equipment or exposed combustible materials are not
located therein. The use of air-ceiling plenums shall be confined to one
(1) fire area. The floor or roof assembly above an unlisted air-ceiling
plenum shall not depend upon the air ceiling for a portion of its fire-
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resistive rating. Insulated cold water, hot water, steam, fire protec-
tion and electric lines are allowed in air-ceiling plenums. The use of
air-ceiling plenums in evaporative cooling systems is prohibited. Pan-
ning of the joist or stud space for return air is permitted in one-and
two-family dwellings only. Crawl spaces not used as storage areas in
one- and two-family dwellings may be used for air distribution systems.
905.11 Fire dampers: Except when proper fire tests have shown that
fire dampers are not necessary to maintain the integrity of the fireresis-
tance rated assembly, fire dampers complying with the SMACNA Fire
Damper Guide, listed in Appendix B or UL 555 listed in Appendix G,
shall be installed in the following locations:
1. Ducts penetrating a fire wall. (When a fire wall is of three (3)
hour or greater fire endurance, a fire door is required.)
2. Ducts passing through a fire separation wall.
3. Ducts penetrating a fireresistance rated shaft wall. Sub-ducts
extending twenty-two (22) inches vertically upward may be used in
lieu of fire dampers for exhaust ducts.
4. Ducts penetrating the ceiling of a fireresistance rated floor /roof-
ceiling assembly.
5. Ducts penetrating fireresistance rated corridor walls, unless the
building is completely sprinklered or unless the ducts are part of
an engineered smoke removal system.
SECTION 906.0 EXTERIOR WALLS
906.1 General: All exterior walls shall comply with the structural provi-
sions of Articles 7 and 8 and with the fireresistance rating requirements
of Table 214.
906.2 Exceptions: The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to
prohibit the omission of exterior walls for all or part of a story when
required for special uses and occupancies; except that when so omitted,
the open areas shall be separated from the rest of the area and from the
upper and lower stories of the building by wall and floor construction of
the fireresistance rating required in Table 214; and except as otherwise
specifically permitted in this code, the piers, columns and other struc-
tural supports within the open portion shall be constructed with the
fireresistance rating required for exterior bearing walls in Table 214.
906.3 Vertical separation of windows
906.3.1 Where required: In all buildings and structures designed for
business (B), factory and industrial (F), high hazard (H), mercantile
(M) or storage (S) uses, exceeding three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in
height, openings located vertically above one another in exterior walls
which are required to have a fireresistance rating of more than one (1)
hour shall be separated by apron or spandrel walls not less than three
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(3) feet in height extending between the top of any opening and the
bottom of the opening next above .
906. 3. 2 Fireresistance rating: The apron or spandrel walls shall be
constructed with the same fireresistance rating required for the exterior
wall in which it is located as specified in Table 214; except when such
required rating exceeds one (1) hour, approved wire glass construction
in fixed noncombustible sash and frames not exceeding one-third (1/3) of
the area of such apron or spandrel may be located therein, and except
further that in exterior non-bearing enclosure walls which are not re-
quired to be of more than one (1) hour fireresistance rating the provi-
sions of this section in respect to apron or spandrel walls shall not ap-
ply.
SECTION 907.0 FIRE WALLS AND PARTY WALLS
907.1 General: Walls shall have sufficient structural stability under fire
conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse
of the wall and shall be constructed of any approved noncombustible
materials providing the required strength and fireresistance rating speci-
fied in Table 214 for the type of construction, but not less than the fire
grading of the use group specified in Table 902. The construction shall
comply with all the structural provisions for bearing or non-bearing walls
of this code.
907 . 2 Solid masonry : When constructed of solid masonry , the wall thick-
ness shall be not less than the requirements of Section 866.0.
907.3 Reinforced concrete: When constructed of reinforced concrete, the
wall thickness shall be not less than nine (9) inches for the uppermost
thirty-five (35) feet or portion thereof measured down from the top of the
wall.
907.4 Cutting walls: A wall, eight (8) inches or less in thickness, shall
not be cut for chases or socketed for insertion of structural members
subsequent to erection (see Section 837.0).
907.5 Hollow masonry and cavity walls: When combustible members frame
into hollow walls or walls of hollow units, all hollow spaces shall be solidly
filled for the full thickness of the wall and for a distance not less than
four (4) inches above, below and between the structural members, with
noncombustible materials approved for firestopping in Section 919.0. The
wall shall be not less than the minimum thickness specified in the Building
Code Requirements for Masonry listed in Appendix B.
907.6 Combustible insulation: The building official may permit the appli-
cation of cork, fiberboard or other combustible insulation if laid up with-
out intervening air spaces and attached directly to the face of the wall,
and protected on the exposed surface as provided in Sections 823.0 and
876.0.
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907.7 Continuity of walls: In all buildings and structures, walls shall be
continuous from foundation to two (2) feet eight (8) inches above the roof
surface, except for the following:
1. The wall may terminate at the underside of the roof deck where the
roof is of noncombustible construction and is properly firestopped
at the wall.
2. The wall may terminate at the underside of the roof deck in Types
3 and 4 construction if properly firestopped, and the roof sheathing
or deck is constructed of approved noncombustible materials for a
distance of four (4) feet on either side of the wall and combustible
material does not extend through or over the wall.
907.8 Offset fire walls: If fire walls are offset at intermediate floor
levels in fire-protected skeleton frame construction, the offset floor
construction and the intermediate wall supports shall be constructed of
noncombustible materials with a fireresistance rating not less than that
required for the fire wall.
SECTION 908.0 FIRE WALL OPENINGS
908.1 General: Openings in fire walls shall not exceed the limits in size
and area herein prescribed and the opening protectives shall conform to
the provisions of Sections 903.0 and 914.0.
908.2 Size of opening: Except in sprinklered buildings, an opening
through a fire wall shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet
in area, and aggregate width of all openings at any floor level shall not
exceed twenty-five (25) per cent of the length of the wall.
908.2.1 First story exception: When the entire areas on both sides of a
fire wall are protected with an approved automatic fire suppression system
complying with the requirements of Article 12, openings designed for the
passage of trucks may be constructed not more than two hundred forty
(240) square feet in area with a minimum distance of three (3) feet be-
tween adjoining openings. Such openings shall be protected with ap-
proved automatic opening protectives of three (3) hour fireresistance
rating and provided with an approved water curtain for such openings in
addition to all other requirements.
908.3 Opening protectives: Every opening in a fire wall shall be protec-
ted on both sides with an approved automatic protective assembly as
herein required, or the approved labeled equivalent, except horizontal
exit openings.
908.3.1 Hold-open devices: Heat-actuated hold-open devices used on an
automatic fire assembly providing three (3) hour fireresistance rating
shall be installed, one (1) on each side of the wall at ceiling height where
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the ceiling is more than three (3) feet above the opening. Fire assem-
blies protecting openings required to have one and one-half (1 1/2), one
(1) or three-fourths (3/4) hour fireresistance rating, and which are not
exitway doors, may be activated in a similar manner, or by a single
fusible link incorporated in the closing device. Doors opening in a means
of egress shall be closed by actuation of a smoke detector conforming to
the standards listed in Appendix I.
SECTION 909.0 FIRE SEPARATION WALLS
909 . 1 Uses
909.1.1 Mixed uses: When a building contains more than one (1) occu-
pancy, and each part of the building is separately classified as to use,
the mixed uses shall be completely separated with fire separation walls as
specified in Section 213.0.
909.1.2 One- and two-family dwellings: The requirements for the con-
struction of fire separation walls in buildings containing single-family
dwellings or two-family dwellings (use group R-3 or R-4) are as follows:
Two-family dwelling, superimposed dwelling units: When one (1)
dwelling unit of a two-family dwelling is located wholly or partly above
the other dwelling unit, the two (2) dwelling units shall be completely
separated by fire separation walls and floor-ceiling assemblies of not
less than one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction.
Two-family dwelling, side-by-side dwelling units: When adjacent
dwelling units of a two-family dwelling are attached by a common wall,
said wall shall be a fire separation wall, having a minimum one (1) hour
fireresistance rating that shall serve to completely separate the dwelling
units .
Multiple, single-family dwellings; side-by-side: When multiple, single-
family dwellings (use group R-3) are attached by a common wall, said
wall shall be a fire separation wall, having a minimum one (1) hour
fireresistance rating. Said wall shall extend from the foundation to the
underside of the roof sheathing, and to the inside of the exterior wall
sheathing .
Multiple, two-family dwellings; side-by-side: When multiple, two-family
dwellings (use group R-3) are attached by a common wall, said wall
shall be a fire separation wall, having a minimum one (1) hour fireresis-
tance rating. Said wall shall extend from the foundation to the under-
side of the roof sheathing and to the inside of the exterior wall
sheathing .
909.1.3 Exitways: Fire separation walls required for the enclosure of
exitways and areas of refuge shall be constructed of masonry, reinforced
concrete or any other approved noncombustible materials having the
minimum fireresistance rating prescribed by Table 214; except that such
walls may be constructed of combustible materials as regulated by Sections
616.9 and 909.3.
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909.1.4 Other uses: Fire separation walls used for subdividing purposes
other than exitways and areas of refuge shall be constructed of the types
of materials and have the minimum fireresistance rating as prescribed by
Table 214 for the type of construction.
909.2 Openings
909.2.1 Size: Exitway doors located in fire separation walls shall be
limited to a maximum aggregate width of twenty-five (25) per cent of the
length of the wall and the maximum area of any single opening shall not
exceed forty-eight (48) square feet.
909.2.2 Protectives: All opening protectives in fire separation walls
shall comply with the provisions of Section 903.0 and shall have the
minimum fireresistance rating as set forth in Section 915.0.
909.3 Combustible stair enclosures
909.3.1 Construction: Stair enclosures constructed of approved combus-
tible assemblies protected with component materials to afford the required
fireresistance ratings shall be continuous through combustible floor con-
struction and shall provide an unbroken fire barrier in combination with
protected floors, ceilings and fire doors, separating the exitways from the
unprotected areas of the building. Such enclosures shall be firestopped
to comply with Sections 875.9 and 919.0.
909.3.2 Openings for lighting: Openings for the purpose of providing
light in such enclosures may be protected with wired glass with single
panes not more than three hundred sixty (360) square inches in area and
a total area in one (1) story of not more than seven hundred twenty
(720) square inches. Such light panels shall comply with the provisions
of Section 917.0, and shall be contained in stationary sash and frames of
steel or other approved noncombustible materials.
909.4 Continuity: All fire separation walls shall extend from the top of
the fireresistance rated floor below to the ceiling above, unless otherwise
provided for in this code, and shall be securely attached thereto. Where
these walls enclose required exitways, areas of refuge and shafts, or
where these walls separate mixed uses, they must be continuous through
all concealed spaces such as the space above a suspended ceiling, and
they must be constructed tight to the underside of the floor slab or roof
deck above. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the
required fireresistance rating of the wall supported. All hollow vertical
spaces shall be firestopped at every floor level as required in Sections
875.0 and 919.0.
SECTION 910.0 VERTICAL SHAFTS
910.1 General: The provisions of this section shall apply to all vertical
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shaft enclosures, except as provided for stairway enclosures in Sections
616.9 and 909.0, refuse chutes in Section 1107.0, and elevator and dumb-
waiter hoistways in Article 16.
910.2 Open shaft enclosures: The enclosing wall of shafts that are open
to the outer air at the top shall be constructed of materials specified in
Article 8 for exterior walls of buildings and structures of the required
fireresistance rating specified in Table 214.
910.3 Covered shaft enclosures: The enclosing walls and the top of in-
terior covered shafts shall be constructed of approved masonry, rein-
forced concrete or other approved construction with a fireresistance
rating of not less than two (2) hours, except as provided in Section
910.4.
910.4 Shafts in residential buildings: In one- and two-family dwellings of
other than fireproof or noncombustible construction, shafts may be sup-
ported on and constructed of combustible materials or assemblies having a
fireresistance rating of not less than one (1) hour and shall extend not
less than three (3) feet above the roof with a ventilating skylight of non-
combustible construction as specified in Section 925.0.
910.5 Duct and pipe shafts: In all buildings other than one- and two-
family dwellings, vertical pipes arranged in groups of two (2) or more
which penetrate two (2) or more floors and occupy an area of more than
one (1) square foot, and vertical ducts which penetrate two (2) or more
floors, shall be enclosed by construction of not less than one (1) hour
fireresistance rating to comply with this section. All combustible pipes
and ducts connecting two (2) or more stories shall be enclosed as indi-
cated herein.
910.6 Top enclosure
910.6.1 Not extending to roof: A shaft that does not extend into the
top story of the building shall be enclosed with top construction of the
same strength and fireresistance rating as the floors of the building or
structure in which it occurs, but not less than that of the fireresistance
rating of the shaft enclosure. Such shafts shall be provided with non-
combustible vents for the relief of smoke and gases in the event of fire,
with an area not less than ten (10) per cent of the shaft area.
910.6.2 Extending to roof: All shafts that extend to the roofs of build-
ings shall be covered at the top with a thermostatically controlled skylight
of not less than ten (10) per cent of the area of the shaftway, construct-
ed in accordance with the requirements of Section 925.0. The automatic
operation of the skylight may be controlled by fusible links designed to
operate at a fixed temperature of not more than one hundred sixty (160)
degrees F. or by electric or pneumatic operation under a rapid rise in
temperature at a rate of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) degrees F. per min-
ute or by other approved methods.
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910.6.3 Alternate shaft ventilation: The skylight herein required may be
replaced by a window of equivalent area in the side of the shaft, provi-
ded the sill of such window is not less than two (2) feet above the ad-
joining roof, is equipped with an automatic vent opening, does not face
on an interior lot line or within ten (10) feet thereof, and is not located
within twenty (20) feet of an opening in adjacent walls.
910.7 Bottom enclosure: All shafts that do not extend to the bottom of
building or structure shall be enclosed at the lowest level with construc-
tion of the same strength and fireresistance rating as the lowest floor
through which they pass, but not with a fireresistance rating less than
that of the shaft enclosure.
910.8 Existing shaftways: In all existing shaftways of buildings of
assembly (use group A) and institutional classifications (use group I),
which are not already enclosed as herein required, the building official
shall direct such construction as he may deem necessary to insure the
safety of the occupants, subject to review as provided in Section 126.0.
910.9 Shaft openings: Openings other than necessary for the purpose of
the shaftway shall not be constructed in shaft enclosures; and all open-
ings shall be protected with approved fire doors, fire windows or fire
shutters complying with the provisions of Sections 914.0, 915.0 and
916.0.
SECTION 911.0 FIRERESISTANCE OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
911.1 Requirements: The fireresistance rating of construction assemblies
and structural members shall comply with the requirements of Table 214
and Section 903.0.
911.2 Protection of structural members: Columns, girders, trusses,
beams, lintels, or other structural members that are required to have a
fireresistance rating and that support more than two (2) floors or one (1)
floor and roof, or support a bearing wall, or a non-bearing wall more
than two (2) stories high, shall be individually protected on all sides for
their length or height with materials having the required fireresistance
rating. All other structural members required to have a fireresistance
rating may be protected by individual encasement, by a membrane or
ceiling protection as specified in Section 912.0, or by a combination of
both.
911.3 Embedments and enclosures: Pipes, wires, conduits, ducts or
other service facilities shall not be embedded in the required fire protec-
tive covering of a structural member that is required to be individually
encased.
911.4 Impact protection: Where the fire protective covering of a struc-
tural member is subject to impact damage from moving vehicles, the han-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
dling of merchandise, or other activity, the fire protective covering shall
be protected by corner guards or by a substantial jacket of metal or
other noncombustible material, to a height adequate to provide full protec-
tion, but not less than five (5) feet from the finished floor.
911.5 Deleted
911.6 Wall beams: Beams and girders which support walls required to
have a fireresistance rating shall be protected to afford not less than the
fireresistance rating of the wall supported, but the fireresistance rating
shall not be less than one (1) hour for members supporting masonry
walls .
911.7 Wall lintels: Unless supported or suspended from structural wall
girders protected with insulating materials of the required fireresistance
rating or when the opening is spanned by a masonry arch of the required
strength, all lintels over openings in masonry walls more than eight (8)
feet in length shall be protected as required for structural members
supporting walls for the type of construction.
911.7.1 Stone lintels: The use of stone lintels on spans exceeding four
(4) feet shall not be permitted unless supplemented by fireresistance
rated structural members or masonry arches of the required strength to
support the superimposed loads.
911.8 First story columns: In buildings of exterior masonry wall (Type
3) construction, required fire protection may be omitted from first story
columns supporting enclosure walls located on the street lot line (see
Section 217.0).
SECTION 912.0 FIRERESISTANCE RATED FLOOR/ROOF-CEILING
ASSEMBLIES
912.1 Installation of ceiling fixtures: Fireresistive ceilings which consti-
tute an integral part of a floor or roof assembly to meet a required fire-
resistance rating may have openings to accommodate noncombustible pip-
ing, ducts or electric outlets. The aggregate area of such openings in
the ceiling shall be not greater than one hundred (100) square inches in
any one hundred (100) square feet of ceiling area. The fixtures and
attachments shall be installed so as not to decrease the fireresistance
rating of the assembly. All duct openings shall be protected with ap-
proved noncombustible fire dampers.
912.2 Ceiling panels: Where the weight of lay-in ceiling panels, used as
a part of fireresistive floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies, is not
adequate to resist an upward force of one (1) pound per square foot
(psf), wire or other approved devices shall be installed above the panels
to prevent vertical displacement under such upward force.
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912.3 Deleted
912.4 Deleted
912.5 Deleted
912.6 Unusable space: In an assembly required to be of one (1) hour
fireresistance rating, the ceiling membrane may be omitted over unusable
space or the floor may be omitted where unusable space occurs above.
912.7 Openings in fireresistance rated floors: The required fire resis-
tance rating of floor or floor/ceiling assemblies shall be maintained where
a penetration is made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communica-
tion conduits, pipes and systems.
SECTION 913.0 ROOF CONSTRUCTION
913.1 General: Roof construction shall be protected with noncombustible
material or assemblies of noncombustible materials to afford the fireresis-
tance rating required by Table 214 as herein modified.
913.2 Roofs 20 feet or higher: When every part of the structural frame-
work of roofs in Type 1 or Type 2 buildings is twenty (20) feet or more
above the floor immediately below, all fire protection of the structural
members may be omitted, including the protection of trusses, roof framing
and decking. Heavy timber members, in accordance with Section 217.1,
may be used for such unprotected members in one (1) story buildings.
Exception: Buildings of H (High Hazard), S-l (Moderate Hazard Stor-
age) or M (Mercantile) occupancies when of Types 1 or 2A construction
shall not have less than one (1) hour fireresistance rated roof construc-
tion.
913.3 Roof slabs, arches and decking: Where the omission of fire pro-
tection from roof trusses, roof framing and decking is permitted, the
horizontal or sloping roofs in Type 1 and Type 2 buildings, immediately
above such members, shall be constructed of noncombustible materials of
the required strength without a specified fireresistance rating, or of mill
type construction in buildings not over five (5) stories or sixty-five (65)
feet in height.
913.4 Firestopping: Firestopping of ceiling and attic spaces shall be
provided as required by Sections 875.0, 912.0 and 919.0.
SECTION 914.0 EXTERIOR OPENING PROTECTIVES
914.1 Where required: Where specified herein, the exterior openings of
all buildings and structures other than churches (use group A-4), resi-
dential buildings (use groups R-2, R-3 and R-4), buildings of unprotect-
ed noncombustible (Type 2C) construction, and buildings of frame (Type
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4) construction shall have approved opening protectives meeting the
requirements of this code and the provisions of Article 4 for special uses
and occupancies.
914.2 Horizontal exposure: Approved protectives shall be provided in
every opening where the perpendicular fire separation is less than fifteen
(15) feet.
914.3 Vertical exposure: Approved protectives shall be provided in
every opening which is less than fifty (50) feet vertically above the roof
of an adjoining or adjacent structure that is within a horizontal distance
of thirty (30) feet perpendicular to the wall in which the opening is
located, unless such roof construction affords a fireresistance rating of
not less than one and one-half ( 1 1/2) hours.
914.4 First story openings: The required fireresistance rated opening
protectives may be omitted in first story openings facing on a street or
other public space not less than thirty (30) feet wide, when not extend-
ing more than twenty-five (25) feet above grade.
914.5 Protected openings: Required protective assemblies in exterior
openings shall be fixed, or they may be self-closing, or provided with
approved automatic self-closing devices.
914.6 Unprotected openings: Where a fireresistance rating is not re-
quired by this section for openings in exterior walls, window assemblies
and doors may be of unprotected wood. Glazing shall conform to the
requirements of Article 8 and Article 19.
SECTION 915.0 FIRE DOORS
915.1 Fire door assemblies: Approved fire door assemblies as defined in
this code shall be constructed of any material or an assembly of compo-
nent materials which meets the test requirements of Section 903.0 and the
fireresistance ratings herein required, unless otherwise specifically pro-
vided for in this code.
Table 915
FIRE DOOR FIRERESISTANCE RATINGS
— Fireresistance
rating in hours
Location
Fire walls and fire separation walls of three (3) or more hour construction ...... 3
Fire walls fire separation walls and exitway enclosures of two (2) hour construction V
Shaft enclosures and elevator hoistways of two (2) hour construction /z
Shaft enclosures of one il) hour construction . . ,
Fire separation walls of one (1) hour construction /4 "w"
Note a: One and three-quarter ,13/,) inch solid wood core or pressed wood part,cle board flush
doors are acceptable (see Section 610.4.1).
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
915.2 Labeled protective assemblies: Labeled protective assemblies meet-
ing the requirements of Sections 903.4.2 and 903.4.4 and the applicable
fire protective standards listed in Appendix I, including shop inspection,
shall be approved for use as provided for in this code.
915.3 Multiple doors
915.3.1 Fire walls: Two (2) doors, each with a fireresistance rating of
one and one-half Oh) hours, installed on opposite sides of the same open-
ing, shall be deemed equivalent in fireresistance rating to one (1) three
(3) hour fire door.
9153.2 Fire separation walls: Two (2) doors of three-quarter (3/4) hour
fireresistance rating each, installed on opposite sides of the same opening
shall be deemed equivalent in fireresistance rating to a one and one-half
Oh) hour fire door; except when used in a required exitway.
915.4 Glass panels: wired glass panels shall be permitted in fire doors
within the limitations of Section 917.0 and as herein specifically pre-
scribed .
915.5 Closing devices: Except as may be otherwise provided for open-
ings in fire walls and fire separation walls, all fire doors shall be self-
closing and shall be closed during occupancy of the building or part
thereof. The building official may accept the use of rate of rise heat ac-
tuated devices meeting the requirements of the approved rules on doors
that are normally required to be open for ventilation or other specified
purposes when the safety of the occupants is not endangered thereby.
SECTION 916.0 FIRE WINDOWS AND SHUTTERS
916.1 Fireresistance rating: Approved assemblies of fire windows and fire
shutters shall meet the test requirements of Section 903.0, or shall be
approved labeled assemblies meeting the requirements of Section 903.4.4.
916.1.1 Exception: Steel window frame assemblies of one-eighth (1/8)
inch minimum solid section or of not less ' than No. 18 Manufacturer's
Standard Gauge (0.048 in.) formed sheet steel members fabricated by
pressing, mitering, riveting, interlocking or welding and having provision
for glazing with one-quarter (1/4) inch wired glass as required in Section
917.0 when securely installed in the building construction and glazed with
one-quarter (1/4) inch labeled wired glass, shall be deemed to meet the
requirements for a three-quarter (3/4) hour fire window assembly.
916.2 Window mullions: All metal mullions which exceed a nominal height
of twelve (12) feet shall be protected with insulating materials to afford
the same fireresistance rating as required for the wall construction in
which the protective is located.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
916.3 Swinging fire shutters: When fire shutters of the swinging type
are used in exterior openings, not less than one (1) row in every three
(3) vertical rows shall be arranged to be readily opened from the outside
and shall be identified by distinguishing marks or letters not less than
six (6) inches high.
916.4 Rolling fire shutters: When fire shutters of the rolling type are
used, they shall be of approved counterbalance construction that can be
readily opened from the outside.
SECTION 917.0 WIRED GLASS
917.1 Maximum size: One-quarter (1/4) inch wired glass, which has
been listed and labeled for use in approved labeled opening protectives,
may be used with the size limitations described in Table 917.
Table 917
LIMITING SIZE OF WIRED GLASS PANELS
Rating, opening
Max. area
sq. in.
Max. height
inches
Max. width
inches
3 hour, Class A door
1 & IV2 hour, Class B doors
% hour, Class C door
1 V2 hour, Class D door
% hour, Class E door
Fire windows
0
100
1296
0
1296
1296
0
33
54
0
54
54
0
10
54
0
54
54
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
917.1.1 Fire walls: Wired glass in fire doors located in fire walls shall
be prohibited, except when serving as horizontal exits. In such instanc-
es, the self-closing swinging door may be provided with a vision panel of
not more than one hundred (100) square inches without a dimension
exceeding twelve (12) inches.
917.1.2 Fire separation walls: Wired glass vision panels may be used in
fire doors of one and one-half (1 1/2) hour fireresistance rating intended
for use in fire separation walls; but the glass panels shall not be more
than one hundred (100) square inches.
917.2 Exitway protectives: Unless specifically required in Article 4 to
be solid in such locations where unusually hazardous conditions prevail,
fire doors in elevator and stairway shaft enclosures may be equipped with
approved wired glass vision panels which shall be so located as to furnish
clear vision of the passageway or approach to the elevator or stairway.
Such vision panels shall not exceed the size limitations specified for Class
B doors.
917.3 Fire separation walls: One-quarter (1/4) inch wired glass panels
may be used in fire separation walls used for subdividing purposes as set
forth in Section 909.1.3, provided the required fireresistance rating of
the wall does not exceed one (1) hour. The maximum size of such panels
shall not exceed the limitations for a three-quarter (3/4) hour Class C
door.
SECTION 918.0 FIRERESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTER
918.1 Thickness of plaster: The required thickness of fireresistance
rated plaster protection shall be determined by the prescribed fire tests
for specified use and type of construction and in accordance with the
provisions of Section 819.0 for interior plastering and Section 820.0 for
exterior plaster (stucco). The thickness in all cases shall be measured
from the face of the lath when applied to fiber board, wood, or gypsum
lath and from the back of metal lath.
918.2 Plaster equivalents: For fireresistive purposes, one-half (1/2)
inch of unsanded gypsum plaster shall be deemed equivalent to three-
quarter (3/4) inches of one (1) to three (3) sanded gypsum or one (1)
inch portland cement sand plaster.
918.3 Noncombustible furring: In fireproof (Type 1) and noncombustible
(Type 2) construction, plaster shall be applied directly on masonry or on
approved noncombustible plastering base and furring.
918.4 Double reinforcement: Except in solid plaster partitions, or when
otherwise determined by the prescribed fire tests, plaster protections
more than one (1) inch in thickness shall be reinforced with an additional
layer of approved lath imbedded at least three-quarter (3/4) inch from
the outer surface and fixed securely in place.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
918.5 Plaster alternate for concrete: In reinforced concrete construc-
tion, gypsum or portland cement plaster may be substituted for one-half
(1/2) inch of the required concrete protection, except that a minimum
thickness of three-eighths (3/8) inch of concrete shall be provided
around the reinforcement in all reinforced concrete floors and one (1)
inch in reinforced concrete columns in addition to the plaster finish, and
the concrete base shall be prepared in accordance with Section 820.7.
SECTION 919.0 FIRESTOPPING AND DRAFTSTOPPING
919.1 General: To prevent the free passage of flame and products of
combustion through concealed spaces or openings in the event of fire,
provisions shall be made to provide effective firestops or draftstops as
herein specified.
919.2 Firestopping materials: All firestopping shall consist of approved
noncombustible materials securely fastened in place. Firestops of two (2)
thicknesses of one (1) inch lumber with broken lap joint or one thickness
of three-quarter (3/4) inch plywood with joints backed by three-quarter
(3/4) inch plywood or of two (2) inch lumber installed with tight joints
shall be permitted in open spaces of wood framing.
919.3 Draftstopping materials: Draftstopping materials shall be not less
than one-half (1/2) inch gypsum board, three-eighths (3/8) inch plywood
or other approved materials adequately supported.
919.4 Integrity: The integrity of all firestopping and draftstopping shall
be continuously maintained.
919.5 Required inspection: Firestopping and draftstopping shall not be
concealed from view until inspected and approved by the building official.
919.6 Firestopping required: Firestopping shall be provided in the
following locations:
1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred
or studded-off spaces of masonry or concrete walls, at the ceiling
and floor or roof levels.
2. At all interconnections between vertical and horizontal spaces such
as occur at soffits over cabinets, drop ceilings, cove ceilings, etc.
3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom
of the run.
4. At openings around vents, pipes, ducts, chimneys and fireplaces at
ceiling and floor levels, with noncombustible materials.
5. In exterior cornices and other exterior architectural elements where
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
permitted of combustible construction in 924.0, or when erected
with combustible frames, at maximum intervals of twenty (20) feet.
If non-continuous, they shall have closed ends, with at least four
(4) inches separation between sections.
6. In the space behind combustible trim and finish where permitted
under this code and all other hollow spaces where permitted in
fireresistance rated construction at ten (10) foot intervals or the
space shall be solidly filled with noncombustible materials.
7. In concealed spaces formed by floor sleepers in areas of not more
than one hundred (100) square feet, or the space shall be solidly
filled with noncombustible materials.
919.7 Draftstopping required: Draftstopping shall be provided in Types
3B, 3C and 4 construction in the following locations:
1. Where ceilings are suspended below solid wood joists or suspended
or attached directly to the bottom of open web wood floor trusses,
the space between the ceiling and the floor above shall be divided
by providing draftstopping as follows:
a. In use groups R-l and R-2 draftstopping shall be in line with
the tenant separation walls when the walls do not extend to the
floor sheathing above.
b. In use groups R-3 and R-4 the space shall be divided into
approximately equal areas with no area greater than five hund-
red (500) square feet. The draftstopping shall be provided
parallel to the main framing members.
c. In all other use groups draftstopping shall be provided so that
horizontal areas do not exceed one thousand (1,000) square
feet.
Exception: Where the space above a ceiling is of combustible
construction and the building is sprinklered with sprinklers
above and below the ceiling, the draftstopping may be omitted.
2. Attics and concealed spaces:
a. Use groups R-l and R-2: In the attic, mansard, overhang or
other concealed roof space, above and in line with the tenant
separation when the separation walls do not extend to the roof
sheathing above.
Exceptions :
1. Where corridor walls provide a tenant separation, draft-
stopping shall only be required above one of the corri-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
dor walls.
2. Where flat roofs with solid joist construction are used,
draftstopping over tenant separation walls is not re-
quired .
3. Where the space above a ceiling is of combustible con-
struction and the building is sprinklered with sprin-
klers above and below the ceiling, the draftstopping
may be omitted.
b. Use groups R-3 and R-4: Draftstopping is not required in the
attic space.
c. In all other use groups: In attics and concealed roof spaces so
that no horizontal area exceeds three thousand (3,000) square
feet.
Exceptions :
1. Where flat roofs with solid joist construction are used,
draftstopping over tenant separation walls is not re-
quired .
2. Where the space above a ceiling is of combustible con-
struction and the building is sprinklered with sprin-
klers above and below the ceiling, the draftstopping
may be omitted.
919.8 Ventilation: Ventilation of concealed roof spaces shall be main-
tained in accordance with Section 507.0.
919.9 Access to attics: In use groups R-l, R-2, R-3 and R-4, a readily
accessible attic access opening not less than twenty-two (22) inches by
thirty (30) inches shall be provided from every living unit to any attic
area having a clear height of over thirty (30) inches. When doors or
other openings are provided in the draftstopping, they shall be of ap-
proved materials specified in this section, and the construction shall be
tightly fitted around all pipes, ducts or other assemblies piercing the
draftstopping .
SECTION 920.0 INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH, FLOOR
COVERINGS AND TRIM
920.1 General: Interior finish and interior trim of buildings shall con-
form to the requirements of this section. Interior finish shall include all
wainscoting and paneling or other finish applied structurally or for acous-
tical treatment, insulation, decoration or similar purposes. The use of a
surface finish of paper or of material of not greater fire hazard than
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
paper shall not be prohibited provided such finish does not exceed one
twenty-eighth (1/28) of an inch in thickness, and is applied directly to a
noncombustible base or substrate meeting the requirements of Section
903.6.2. Show windows in the first story of buildings may be of wood or
of unprotected metal framing.
920.2 Exposed construction: These requirements shall not be considered
as requiring the installation of interior finish, but where construction or
fire protection materials are exposed in rooms or spaces used for the
occupancies specified, the hazard from rate of flame spread of such
exposed materials shall be not greater than that of the interior finish
permitted for such occupancy or use. Exposed portions of structural
members complying with the requirements for heavy timber type construc-
tion in Sections 217.0 and 853.0 shall not be subject to interior finish
regulations .
920.3 Smoke or gases: Interior finish materials shall not be permitted
that have a smoke developed factor greater than four hundred fifty (450)
when tested in accordance with the Method of Test For Surface Burning
Characteristics of Building Materials (ASTM E84) listed in Appendix G.
When restrictions are not otherwise established in this code, interior
finish is not controlled, except that pyroxlin or similar finishes shall not
be applied which, as dry films, produce excessive smoke or toxic fumes
when exposed to fire.
920.4 Materials: Material may be used for interior finish and trim only
as specifically provided in this code for the occupancy or use of the
space in which it is installed. Use of any material for floor finish, inte-
rior finish, and trim in a building of Type 1 or Type 2 construction
within the scope permitted in this section or Section 922.0 shall not
declassify the building with respect to its type of construction.
920.4.1 Foam plastics: Foam plastics shall not be used as interior fin-
ish.
920.5 Interior finish: Interior finish of walls and ceilings shall have a
flame spread rating not greater than that designated by the class pre-
scribed for the various occupancy groups listed in Table 920 when tested
in accordance with the requirements of Section 904.0.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 920
INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS'"
Required
Corridors
vertical
providing
Rooms or
exitways and
exitway
enclosed
Use groups
passageways (d)
access
spaces (a)
A-l Assembly.-theatres
1
1Kb)
A-2 Assembly, night clubs
1
II (b)
A-3 Assembly, halls, terminals,
1
II (b)
restaurants
A-4 Assembly, churches, schools
1
III
B Business
II
III
F Factory and industrial
II
III
H High hazard
II
III
1-1 Institutional, restrained
1
1(c)
1-2 Institutional, incapacitated
II
1(c)
M Mercantile walls,
II
III
ceilings
II
11(e)
R-l Residential, hotels (g)
II
III
R-2 Residential, multi-family
II
III
dwellings
R-3 Residential, 1 and 2 family
III
III
III
dwellings
S-l Storage, moderate hazard
II
III
S-2 Storage, low hazard
II
III
Note a. Requirements for rooms or enclosed spaces are based upon spaces enclosed in partitions of the
building or structure, and where fireresistance rating is required for the structural elements the enclosing par-
titions shall extend from the floor to the ceiling. Partitions which do not comply with this shall be considered
as enclosing spaces and the rooms or spaces on both sides thereof shall be counted as one. In determining
the applicable requirements for rooms or enclosed spaces, the specific use or occupancy thereof shall be the
governing factor, regardless of the occupancy group classification of the building or structure. When an ap-
proved automatic fire suppression system is provided, the interior finish of Class II or III materials may be
used in place of Class I or II materials respectively, where required in the table.
Note b. Class III interior finish materials may be used in place of assembly with a capacity of three
hundred (300) persons or less.
Note e. Class III interior finish materials may be used in administrative areas. Class II interior finish mate-
rials may be used in individual rooms of not over four (4) persons capacity. Provisions in Note a allowing a
change in interior finish classes when fire suppression protection is provided shall not apply.
Note d. Class III interior finish materials may be used for wainscoting or paneling for not more than one
thousand (1,000) square feet of applied surface area in the grade lobby when applied directly to a non-com-
bustible base or over furring strips applied to a noncombustible base and fire-stopped as required by Section
921.0.
Note e. Class III interior finish materials may be used in mercantile occupancies of three thousand (3,000)
square feet or less gross area. Used for sales purposes on the street floor only. (Balcony permitted).
Note f. Carpeting and similar materials having napped, looped or similar surface may be used as
interior finish* on walls and rpilinps only when they are Class I.
Note g. interior finish in detoxification facilities shall comply with Table
/1-5QJ i ,
920.5.1 Basements: In buildings other than 1- and 2-family residences,
Class I or II interior finish shall be used in all basements or other un-
derground spaces from which there is not direct exit to the outside of the
building if subject to occupancy for any purpose other than storage or
service facilities.
920.5.2 Maximum flame spread: Interior finish materials with flame
spread classifications in excess of two hundred (200) shall not be used in
any room or space subject to human occupancy, except to such extent as
may be specifically permitted by the building official on the basis of a
finding that such use does not significantly increase the life hazard.
920.6 Interior trim: Baseboards, chair-rails, mouldings, trim around
openings and other interior trim, not in excess of ten (10) per cent of
the aggregate wall and ceiling areas of any room or space, may be of
Class I, II or III materials, except that trim around fire windows and fire
doors shall comply with the reguirements of Section 915.0 and Section
916.0.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
920.7 Floor covering
920.7.1 Acceptance without tests: All wood, ceramic, concrete flooring
and one-quarter (1/4) inch maximum thickness of resilient composition
flooring shall be exempt from the requirements of this section unless the
building official determines the floor surface is hazardous.
920.7.2 Test acceptance criteria: Carpet type floor coverings, used in
corridors and exitways in use groups A-l, A-2, 1-1 and 1-2 shall with-
stand a test exposure of zero point forty-five (0.45) watts per square
centimeter when tested in accordance with Section 904.3. Carpet type
floor coverings, used in corridors and exitways in all other than the
above use groups, and excepting R-3 and R-4 use groups, shall satisfac-
torily withstand a test exposure of zero point twenty-two (0.22) watts per
square centimeter when tested in accordance with Section 904.3. Where a
complete standard system of automatic sprinklers is installed, carpet type
floor coverings used in corridors and exitways of use groups A-l, A-2,
1-1 and 1-2 shall satisfactorily withstand a test exposure of zero point
twenty-two (0.22) watts per square centimeter.
Exception: Carpeting in R-l detoxification facilities shall comply with
Table
Whenever the building official determines that the use of a particular
floor finish in a particular use group constitutes a fire hazard, the build-
ing official shall request other fire test data which is applicable to floor
coverings .
SECTION 921.0 APPLICATION OF INTERIOR FINISH
921.1 Attachment: Where interior finish is regulated by the require-
ments of this code, interior finish materials shall be applied or otherwise
fastened in such a manner that they will not readily become detached
when subjected to room temperatures of two hundred (200) degrees F. or
less for thirty (30) minutes, or otherwise become loose through changes
in the setting medium from the effects of time or conditions of occupancy.
921.2 Application to structural elements: Interior finish materials applied
to walls, ceilings, or structural elements of a building or structure which
are required to be fireresistance rated or to be constructed of noncom-
bustible component materials, shall be applied directly against the exposed
surface of such structural elements, or to furring strips attached to such
surfaces with all concealed spaces created thereby firestopped where in
excess of ten (10) square feet in area or eight (8) feet in any dimension.
921.3 Furred construction: Where walls, ceilings or other structural
elements are required to be fireresistance rated or to be constructed of
noncombustible component materials and interior finish is set out or
dropped distances greater than one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inches from
the surface of such elements, only material of which both faces qualify as
Class I shall be used, unless the finish material is protected on both
sides by an automatic fire suppression system (see Note a to Table 920)
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
or is attached to a noncombustible backing complying with Section 921.6
or to furring strips applied directly to such backing as provided in
Section 921.2.
921.4 Heavy timber construction: Interior finish materials may be ap-
plied directly to the wood members and decking of heavy timber (Type
3A) construction, where permitted, or to furring strips applied to such
members or wood decking as provided in Section 921.2.
921.5 Class II and III material: Interior finish materials, other than
Class I material, which are less than one-fourth (1/4) inch in thickness
shall be applied directly against a noncombustible backing or a backing
complying with the requirements of Section 903.6.2 unless the tests under
which such material has been classed were made with the materials sus-
pended from the noncombustible backing.
921.6 Backing material: Backing for interior finish materials shall be a
continuous surface with permanently tight joints, equal in area to the
area of the finish, and extending completely behind such finish in all
directions; and may be of any materials meeting the requirements of this
code for noncombustible classification of material under Section 903.5.1 or
of fire-retardant treated wood. When the backing does not constitute an
integral part of the structural elements or system, it shall be attached
directly to the structural elements or to furring strips as required for
the application of finish according to Section 921.2, or may be suspended
from the structural members at any distance provided concealed spaces
created thereby shall be firestopped in accordance with the applicable
requirements of this code.
SECTION 922.0 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS PERMITTED IN FLOOR
CONSTRUCTION OF TYPE 1 AND 2 BUILDINGS
922.1 General: Except as provided in Section 616.0 for stairs and
Section 417.0 for theatres and similar places of public assembly (use
groups A-l and A-2), the use of combustible materials in or on floors of
Types 1 and 2 buildings shall be herein specified.
922.2 Sleepers, bucks, and grounds: Floor sleepers, bucks, nailing
blocks and grounds may be constructed of combustible materials, provided
the space between the fireresistance rated floor construction and the
flooring is either solidly filled with noncombustible materials or fire-
stopped in areas of not more than one hundred (100) square feet, provi-
ded such open spaces shall not extend under or through permanent
partitions or walls.
922.3 Flooring: Wood finish floorings may be attached directly to the
embedded or firestopped wood sleepers and wood finish flooring shall be
permitted when cemented directly to the top surface of approved fireresis-
tance rated construction or cemented directly to a wood subfloor attached
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
to sleepers as provided in Section 922.2. Combustible insulating boards
not more than one-half (1/2) inch thick and covered with approved fin-
ished flooring may be used for sound deadening or heat insulating when
attached directly to a noncombustible floor assembly or to wood subfloor-
ing attached to sleepers as provided in Section 922.2.
SECTION 923.0 DECORATIVE MATERIAL RESTRICTIONS
923.1 General: In places of public assembly, all draperies, hangings,
and other decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall be
noncombustible or flameresistant meeting the reguirements of Section 904.0
as herein specified. Compliance to 527 CMR 21.00 is also reguired for
use groups therein specified (A, I, M, and R-l use groups).
923.2 Noncombustible: The permissible amount of noncombustible decora-
tive hangings shall not be limited.
923.3 Flameresistant: The permissible amount of flameresistant decora-
tive hangings shall not exceed ten (10) per cent of the total wall and
ceiling area.
SECTION 924.0 EXTERIOR TRIM RESTRICTIONS
924.1 Gutters: All gutters hereafter placed on buildings and structures
other than frame (Type 4) buildings, one- and two-family dwellings and
private garages and similar accessory buildings shall be constructed of
noncombustible materials .
924.2 Architectural trim
924.2.1 Construction requirements: All architectural trim, such as
cornices and other exterior architectural elements attached to the exterior
walls of buildings of Types 1 and 2 construction shall be constructed of
approved noncombustible materials and shall be secured to the wall with
metal or other approved noncombustible brackets; except that outside the
fire limits, such trim may be of combustible material when the building
does not exceed three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in height. Combusti-
ble trim may be used on all buildings of Types 3 and 4 construction.
924.2.2 Location: When combustible architectural trim is located along
the top of exterior walls it must be completely backed up by the exterior
wall and shall not extend over or above the top of exterior walls.
924.2.3 Firestopping : Continuous exterior architectural trim constructed
of combustible materials shall be firestopped as reguired in Section 919.0.
924.3 Combustible half -timbering: In buildings of masonry (Type 3)
construction that do not exceed three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in
height, exterior half -timbering and similar architectural decorations may
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
be constructed of wood or other equivalent combustible materials , pro-
vided such trim is backed up solidly with approved noncombustible
materials .
924.4 Balconies: All balconies attached to or supported by buildings of
Types 1 and 2 construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materi-
als. Balconies attached to or supported by buildings of Types 3 and 4
construction may be of unprotected noncombustible materials or frame
construction. Balconies of frame construction shall afford the fireresis-
tance rating required by Table 214 for floor construction and the aggre-
gate length shall not exceed fifty (50) per cent of the building perimeter
on each floor.
924.5 Bay and oriel windows: All bay and oriel windows attached to or
supported by walls other than frame construction shall be of noncombusti-
ble construction, framed with brackets of steel, concrete or other ap-
proved noncombustible materials, unless specifically exempted by Section
302.0.
924.6 Existing combustible construction: Any existing cornice or other
exterior architectural element constructed of wood or similar combustible
materials may be repaired with the same material to the extent of fifty
(50) per cent of its area in any one (1) year if the public safety is not
thereby endangered.
924.7 Wood veneers: Inside the fire limits, wood veneers are permitted
in accordance with Section 302.0.
SECTION 925.0 ROOF STRUCTURES
925.1 General: All construction, other than aerial supports, clothes
dryers and similar structures less than twelve (12) feet high, water tanks
and cooling towers as hereinafter provided and flag poles, erected above
the roof of any part of any building or structure located within the fire
limits or of any building or structure more than forty (40) feet in height
outside the fire limits shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
925.2 Scuttles: Trap doors and scuttles as required by Section 617.0
shall be not less than two (2) feet by three (3) feet in size and shall be
of fireresistance rated construction in fireproof (Types 1A and IB), and
noncombustible (Type 2) buildings and of approved noncombustible ma-
terials, or of wood covered on top and edges with sheet metal in exterior
masonry (Type 3) and protected frame (Type 4A) buildings.
925.3 Skylight
925.3.1 Sash and frames: Sashes and frames of all skylights on build-
ings of Types 1 and 2 construction shall be constructed of steel or other
approved noncombustible materials. In foundries or buildings where acid
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
fumes deleterious to metal are incidental to the use of the building,
treated wood or other approved noncorrosive materials shall be permitted.
925.3.2 Structural requirements: When part of the roof system, sky-
lights shall be designed to meet all structural requirements for roofs,
specified in Article 7. Design of glazing shall be in accordance with
glazing industry design methods.
925.3.3 Mounting: All skylights having their glazing set at an angle of
less than forty-five (45) degrees measured from the horizontal, shall be
mounted at least four (4) inches above the plane of the roof on a curb
constructed as required for the frame.
925.3.4 Glazing materials: Skylights may be glazed with any of the fol-
lowing glazed materials, subject to the noted limitations: laminated glass,
wired glass, annealed glass, heat strengthened glass, tempered glass,
glass block and light transmitting plastic. Annealed, heat strengthened
and tempered glass shall be protected by screens as specified in Section
925.3.5. Light transmitting plastic skylights shall meet the requirements
of Section 1905.0. Glass construction shall conform to the requirements
of Sections 811.0 and 860.0.
925.3.5 Screens: Annealed glass skylights shall be protected from
falling objects by screens above the skylight. Annealed, heat strength-
ened and tempered glass skylights shall be equipped with screens below
the skylight to protect building occupants from falling glazing should
breakage occur. Screens shall be of noncombustible materials and shall
have a mesh not larger than one-by-one (lxl) inches. They shall be
constructed of not lighter than 12B and S Gage (0.0808 inches). Where
utilized in a corrosive atmosphere, structurally equivalent noncorrosive
materials shall be used. Screens above the skylight shall be at least four
(4) inches above the skylight and shall project on all sides for a distance
of not less than the height of the screen above the glass. When multiple
layer glazing systems are used, a protective screen is not required when
laminated glass is glazed on the interior surface.
925.3.6 Venting skylights: Where required over shafts and stairs by
Sections 515.2 and 910.6.2, venting skylights shall be glazed with a
readily breakable glazing material.
925.4 Penthouses: Penthouses shall be considered a part of the next
lower story and the enclosure shall conform to the requirements for
exterior walls of the building type as regulated by Table 214 and Article
8 except as modified herein.
925.4.1 Recessed walls: When the exterior wall of a penthouse is re-
cessed five (5) feet or more from the exterior wall of the next lower
story and the exterior wall of the next lower story is required to have a
fireresistance rating of greater than one and one-half (1 1/2) hours, the
penthouse exterior wall may be constructed with a fireresistance rating of
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) hours, covered on the outside with
noncombustible , weatherproof material and supported on protected steel or
reinforced concrete construction.
925.4.2 Doors, frames, and sash: Doors, frames, and window sash,
except where otherwise specifically required to be fireproof or fireresis-
tance rated under this code, shall be constructed the same as other
similar elements in the building or structure.
925.5 Other enclosed roof structures: Enclosed roof structures, other
than the penthouses as defined in Article 2, shall be considered a story
of the building and the enclosure shall conform to the requirements for
exterior walls of the building type as regulated by Table 214 and Article
8 and the provisions described in the following Sections 925.5.1 and
925.5.2.
925.5.1 Noncombustible materials: Unless constructed of masonry or
reinforced concrete in accordance with Article 8, roof structures erected
on buildings and structures of fireproof or noncombustible (Types 1 or 2)
constructions shall be enclosed in walls of noncombustible materials having
a fireresistance rating of not less than one (1) hour, protected with
weather-resistive roof coverings complying with Section 926.0.
925.5.2 Combustible materials: Roof structures erected on the roof of
exterior masonry buildings (Type 3) and protected frame buildings (Type
4A) may be constructed of combustible materials protected to afford a one
(1) hour fireresistance rating covered on the outside with approved
roofing materials.
925.6 Mansard roofs and other sloping roofs
925.6.1 High slope roofs: Every mansard roof or other sloping roof
having a pitch of more than sixty (60) degrees to the horizontal hereafter
erected on any building or structure of other than Type 4 frame con-
struction more than three (3) stories or forty (40) feet in height shall be
constructed of noncombustible materials with a fireresistance rating of not
less than one (1) hour; except that when the building is more than seven
(7) stories or eighty-five (85) feet in height, such roofs shall afford the
same fireresistance rating required for the exterior walls of the building
but need not exceed one and one-half ( 1 1/2) hour fireresistance rating.
925.6.2 Low slope roofs: When the pitch is less than sixty (60) degrees
to the horizontal, the mansard roof or other sloping roof located on any
building may be constructed of the same materials as required for the
roof of the building.
925.7 Dormers: The sides and roofs of dormers shall be of the same
type of construction as the main roof construction; except that where a
side of the dormer is merely a vertical extension of an exterior wall it
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
shall be subject to the same fireresistance rating requirements as apply to
the wall of the building. The roofs of dormers shall be protected with
approved roof coverings complying with Section 926.0. The side of
dormers shall be protected with approved roof coverings or with material
which would be permitted for covering the exterior walls of the building.
925.8 Water tanks
925.8.1 Supports: Water tanks having a capacity of more than five
hundred (500) gallons placed in or on a building shall be supported on
masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or other approved noncombustible
framing or on timber conforming to heavy timber mill construction (Type
3A); provided that, when such supports are located in the building above
the lowest floor, they shall be fireresistance rated as required for fire-
proof (Type 1A) construction.
925.8.2 Emergency discharge: A pipe or outlet shall be located in the
bottom or in the side close to the bottom, or the tank shall be fitted with
a quick-opening valve to enable the contents to be discharged in an
emergency to a suitable drain complying with the plumbing code listed in
Appendix P.
925.8.3 Location: A tank shall not be located over or near a stairway or
elevator shaft unless a solid roof or floor deck is constructed underneath
the tank.
825.8.4 Tank cover: All unenclosed roof tanks exposed to the weather
shall have approved covers sloping towards the outer edges.
925.8.5 Hoop and strap protection: When metal hoops are used in the
construction of wood tanks, they shall be protected with acceptable corro-
sion-resistive coatings or shall be manufactured from approved corro-
sion-resistive alloys.
925.9 Cooling towers
925.9.1 Located in fire limits: Within the fire limits, cooling towers
erected on the roofs of buildings shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials, except that drip bars may be of wood. Cooling towers may be
constructed entirely of fire-retardant treated wood, including drip bars.
925.9.2 Located outside fire limits: Outside the fire limits, cooling
towers may be constructed of wood or other approved materials of similar
combustible characteristics; except that when the base of the tower is
more than fifty-five (55) feet above grade and the tower is located on a
building, the drip bars only may be fabricated of combustible materials as
herein provided.
925.10 Miscellaneous roof structures: Except as herein specifically
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
provided, all towers, spires, dormers or cupolas shall be erected of the
type of construction and fireresistance rating required for the building to
which they are accessory as regulated by Tables 214 and 305; except that
when the height of such appurtenant structures exceeds eighty-five (85)
feet above grade or when the area at any horizontal section of the tower,
spire, dormer or cupola exceeds two hundred (200) square feet or when
it is used for any purpose other than as a belfry or architectural embel-
lishment, the structure and its supports shall be of fireproof (Type 1)
construction, noncombustible (Type 2) construction or fire-retardant
treated wood complying with Sections 903.6.1 and 903.6.2. Radio and
television towers and antennae shall be constructed to comply with Sec-
tions 426.0 and 427.0.
SECTION 926.0 ROOF COVERINGS
926.1 Classification: All approved roof coverings shall meet the test
requirements and be classified in accordance with Section 903.3 of this
code.
926.2 Existing roofs: The repair of existing roofs shall comply with
provisions of Section 106.0 but more than twenty-five (25) per cent of
the roof covering of any building shall not be replaced in a period of
twelve (12) months unless the entire roof covering is made to conform to
the requirements for new roofing.
926.3 Classification of use
926.3.1 Class A roof coverings: Class A roof coverings shall be permit-
ted for use in buildings and structures of all types of construction.
926.3.2 Class B roof coverings: Class B roof coverings shall be permit-
ted as the minimum for use in buildings and structures of Type 1 con-
struction.
926.3.3 Class C roof coverings: Class C roof coverings shall be permit-
ted as the minimum for use in buildings and structures of Types 2, 3 and
4A construction.
926.3.4 Non-classified roof coverings: Non-classified roof coverings
shall be permitted on the buildings and structures listed below:
1. Buildings and structures of unprotected frame (Type 4B) construc-
tion when the distance from any other building is not less than
twelve (12) feet.
2. Private garages, airplane hangars and similar accessory structures,
not exceeding one (1) story or twenty (20) feet in height and
twenty-five hundred (2500) square feet in area, when outside the
fire limits, located in the same lot with a dwelling and with a fire
separation of not less than twelve (12) feet.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. Moderate and low hazard storage buildings (use groups S-l and
S-2) not exceeding one (1) story or twenty (20) feet in height and
six thousand (6,000) sguare feet in area with a fire separation of
not less than twelve (12) feet.
Fire walls may be used to obtain the required fire separation.
926.4 Roof insulation: The use of cork, fiber board and other combusti-
ble roof insulation shall be permitted provided it is covered with approved
roof coverings directly applied thereto.
926.5 Grounding of metal roofs: Whenever, because of hazard resulting
from electrical equipment or apparatus located thereon, or because of
proximity to power lines, or for any other reason, it is deemed necessary
by the building official, metal roofs shall be grounded by bonding to-
gether each course or strip and the bonding conductor or conductors
shall be extended to and attached in an approved manner to the ground-
ing electrode used to ground the electrical system within the building on
which such metal roofing is applied. The conductors used to bond cour-
ses or strips of metal roofing together, or any conductor extended for
grounding to the grounding electrode, shall not have greater resistance
than the conductor used to ground the electrical system within the build-
ing.
926.5.1 Alternate methods of grounding metal roofing: Alternate methods
of grounding metal roofing may be used, provided they are at least equal
in performance to the methods described herein, and further provided
that such desired method is first submitted to and approved by the
building official.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 10
CHIMNEYS, FLUES AND VENT PIPES
SECTION 1000.0 GENERAL
1000.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control the design,
installation, maintenance, repair and approval of all chimneys, vents and
connectors hereafter erected or altered in all buildings and structures.
1000.2 Other standards: Unless otherwise specifically provided herein,
conformity to the applicable requirements for chimney construction and
vents contained in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B shall be
deemed to meet the requirements of this code.
1000.2.1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements: Gas vents re-
quired for appliances or equipment using fuel gases of any kind, such as
natural gas, manufactured gas, undiluted liquified petroleum gases,
liquified petroleum gas-air mixtures, or mixtures of any of these gases
shall comply with the requirements of the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code,
248 CMR 3.00 - 8.00, listed in Appendix B.
1000.3 Minor repairs: Minor repairs for the purpose of maintenance and
upkeep which do not increase the capacity of the heating apparatus or
appliances, or which do not involve structural changes in the permanent
chimney and vents of a building, may be made without a permit.
1000.3.1 Multiple flue connections: A solid fuel burning heating appli-
ance may be vented into a common flue of a masonry chimney with a
liquid fuel burning device provided that:
1. The flue does not also vent a working fireplace.
2. The solid fuel burning appliance's connector, if separate, shall
enter at a minimum of six (6) inches below the liquid fueled
appliance's connector pipe.
3. All appliances shall be approved by the appropriate state agencies.
4. The flue shall be of sufficient size to serve all the units connected
to it if operated simultaneously (see Table 1000).
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 1000
CAPACITY OF A MASONRY CHIMNEY SERVING TWO APPLIANCES
Votal Vent Height
(feet) of Not Less
Than
Combined Appliance Input Rating of Not Greater Than
(Thousands of Btu's per Hour)
8
81
118
162
277
405
10
89
129
175
300
450
15
105
150
210
360
540
A 20
120
170
240
415
640
■ 30
135
195
275
490
740
f 50
-
-
325
600
910
Liner Dimensions with Equivalents
nominal liner
size (in.)
(sq. /rect.^)
4x8
4x8
8x8
8x12
12x16
inside dimension
of liner (in.)
2*5x6*5
2*5x6%
6 3/4 x
6 3/4
6*5x10%
9%xl 3%
inside diameter
(in.) (circular)
6
7
8
10
12
equivalent area
(square in.)
28.3
38.5
50.3
78.5
113.0
I
10004.4 Cleanouts: A cleanout or other approved device shall be provi-
ded at the base of every flue.
SECTION 1001.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
1001 1 General: The structural plans and specifications shall describe in
sufficient detail the location, size and construction of all chimneys, vents
and ducts and their connections to boilers , furnaces , appliances and
fireplaces. The thickness and character of all insulation materials clear-
ances from walls, partitions and ceilings and proximity of heating devices
and equipment to wall openings and exitways shall be clearly shown and
described.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1001.2 Appliances: All appliances required to be vented shall be connec-
ted to a vent or chimney, except as provided in Section 1006.3 and as
provided in the standards listed in Appendix B for special venting ar-
rangements.
SECTION 1002.0 PERFORMANCE TEST AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
1002.1 Tests: The building official may require a test or tests of any
chimney or vent to insure fire safety and the removal of smoke and
products of combustion.
1002.2 Acceptance criteria: The system shall be accepted if the follow-
ing conditions are fulfilled.
1. There shall not be spillage at the draft hood when any one (1) or
combination of appliances connected to the system is in operation.
2. Temperature on adjacent combustible surfaces shall not be raised
more than limits acceptable to nationally recognized testing or in-
spection agencies.
3. Condensation shall not be developed in a way that would cause
deterioration of the vent or chimney drip from joints or bottom end
of the vent or chimney.
4. The draft reading taken at the place recommended in the installation
instructions shall be within the range specified by the appliance
manufacturer .
1002.2.1 Approved installations: Factory-built chimneys and gas vents
which have been tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing or
inspection agency shall be accepted as complying with the requirements of
Item 2 of Section 1002.2 when installed in accordance with the clearances
specified in their listing.
SECTION 1003.0 CHIMNEYS
1003.1 Classification: Chimneys as used in this article shall be classified
as:
1. factory-built chimneys,
2. masonry chimneys, and
3. metal chimneys (smokestacks).
SECTION 1004.0 APPLIANCES REQUIRING CHIMNEYS
1004.1 General: All heating appliances, except those appliances
specifically exempted by the provisions of Section 1006.3 shall be
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
connected to chimneys as specified in the chimney selection chart con-
tained in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
SECTION 1005.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
1005.1 Raising existing chimneys: Whenever a building is hereafter
erected, enlarged or increased in height so that a wall along an interior
lot line, or within three (3) feet thereof, extends above the top of an
existing chimney or vent of an adjoining existing building, the owner of
the building so erected, enlarged or increased in height shall carry up at
his own expense, with the consent of the adjoining property owner,
either independently, or in his own building, all chimneys connected to
fuel burning appliances. Vents within six (6) feet of any portion of the
wall of such adjoining building shall be extended two (2) feet above the
roof or parapet of the adjoining building.
1005.2 Size of extended chimneys: The construction of an extended
chimney shall conform to the requirements of this article for new chim-
neys, but the internal area of such extension shall not be less than that
of the existing chimney.
1005.3 Notice to adjoining owner: It shall be the duty of the owner of
the building which is erected, enlarged or increased in height to notify in
writing, and to secure the consent of the owner of existing chimneys
affected, at least ten (10) days before starting such work.
1005.4 Existing chimneys: An existing chimney, except one which does
not endanger the fire safety of a building or structure and is acceptable
to the building official, shall not be continued in use unless it conforms
to all requirements of this article for new chimneys.
1005.5 Cleanouts and maintenance: Whenever a new chimney is completed
or an existing chimney is altered, it shall be cleaned and left smooth on
the inside. If the chimney is constructed of masonry or tile, the interior
mortar joints must be left smooth and flush. Cleanouts or other approved
devices shall be provided at the base of all flues to enable the passage-
ways to be maintained and cleaned.
SECTION 1006.0 VENT SYSTEMS
1006.1 Listed appliances: For the purpose of determining vent require-
ments, gas-fired and oil-fired appliances shall be classified as "listed" or
"unlisted." A listed appliance is one that is shown in a list published by
an accredited authoritative testing agency, qualified and equipped for
testing of such appliances, and maintaining an adequate periodic inspec-
tion of current production of listed models and whose listing states either
that the appliance or accessory complies with nationally recognized safety
requirements or has been tested and found
9/1/80 409
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
safe for use in a specific manner. Compliance may be determined by the
presence on the appliance or accessory of a label of the testing agency
stating that the appliance or accessory complies with nationally recognized
safety requirements. An unlisted appliance or accessory is one that is
not shown on such a list or does not bear such a label. In cases where
an applicable standard has not been developed for a given class of appli-
ance or accessory, approval of the authority having jurisdiction should be
obtained before the appliance or accessory is installed.
1006.2 Appliances required to be vented: Appliances shall be connected
to a listed venting system or provided with other means for exhausting
the flue gases to the outside atmosphere in accordance with the venting
system selection chart contained in the mechanical code listed in Appendix
B.
1006.3 Exemption: Connections to vent systems shall not be required for
appliances of such size or character that the absence of such connection
does not constitute a hazard to the fire safety of the building or its
occupants. The following appliances are not required to be vented unless
so required by their listing:
1. listed gas ranges;
2. built-in domestic cooking units listed and marked as unvented units;
3. listed hot plates and listed laundry stoves;
4. listed domestic clothes dryers;
5. listed gas refrigerators;
6. counter appliances;
7. space (room) heaters listed for unvented use, only upon prior
approval by the building official;
8. specialized equipment of limited input such as laboratory burners or
gas lights; and
9. electric appliances.
When any or all of the appliances listed in Items 5, 6 and 7 above are
installed so that the aggregate input rating exceeds thirty (30) British
thermal units (Btu's) per hour per cubic foot of room or space in which
they are installed, one (1) or more of them shall be vent connected or
provided with approved means for exhausting the vent gases to the
outside atmosphere so that the aggregate input rating of the remaining
unvented appliances does not exceed thirty (30) Btu's per hour per cubic
foot of room or space in which they are installed. Where the room or
space in which they are installed is directly connected to another room or
space by a doorway, arch, or other opening of comparable size, which
cannot be closed, the volume of such adjacent room or space may be
included in the calculations.
SECTION 1007.0 FIREPLACES
1007.1 General: Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers and fireplace
chimneys shall be of solid masonry or reinforced concrete or other ap-
proved materials, and shall conform to requirements of this section.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1007.2 Construction: Structural walls of fireplaces shall be at least
eight (8) inches thick. Where a lining of low duty refractory brick
(ASTM C64) or the eguivalent, at least two (2) inches thick laid in fire
clay mortar (ASTM C105, medium duty), or the equivalent, or other
approved lining is provided, the total thickness of back and sides, in-
cluding the lining, shall be not less than eight (8) inches. Where such
lining is not provided, the thickness of back and sides shall be not less
than twelve (12) inches. The firebox shall be twenty (20) inches in
depth and will be permitted to be open on all sides, provided all fireplace
openings are located entirely within one (1) room.
1007.3 Lining: The lining shall extend from the throat of the fireplace
to a point at least four (4) inches above the top of the enclosing masonry
walls .
1007.4 Clearance
1007.4.1 Distance: The distance between fireplace and combustibles shall
be at least four (4) inches; and such combustibles shall not be placed
within six (6) inches of the fireplace opening. Wood facings or trim
normally placed around the fireplace opening may be permitted when
conforming to the requirements of this section; however, such facing or
trim shall be furred out from the fireplace wall at least four (4) inches
and attached to noncombustible furring strips. The edges of such fac-
ings or trim shall be covered with a noncombustible material. Where the
walls of the fireplace are twelve (12) inches thick, the facings or trim
may be directly attached to the fireplace.
1007.4.2 Metal hoods: Metal hoods used as part of a fireplace or barbe-
cue shall be at least eighteen (18) inches from combustible material unless
approved for reduced clearances.
1007.5 Metal: Metal hoods used as a part of a fireplace or barbecue
shall be at least No. 18 B&S (0.0403 inch) Gauge sheet copper, No. 18
Galvanized Steel Gauge (0.052 in.) galvanized steel or other equivalent
corrosion-resistant ferrous metal with all seams and connections of smoke-
proof unsoldered construction. The hoods shall be sloped at an angle of
forty-five (45) degrees or less from the vertical and shall extend hori-
zontally at least six (6) inches beyond the limits of the firebox.
1007 . 6 Metal heat circulators : Approved metal heat circulators may be
installed in fireplaces, provided the thickness of the fireplace walls is not
reduced.
1007.7 Smoke chamber: All walls, includin back walls, shall be at least
eight (8) inches in thickness.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1007.8 Areas of flues, throats and dampers: The net cross-sectional
area of the flue and of the throat between the firebox and the smoke
chamber of a fireplace shall be at least that required in the mechanical
code listed in Appendix B. When dampers are used, damper openings
shall be at least, when fully opened, equal to the required flue area and
shall be of No. 12 Galvanized Steel Gauge (0.018 in.) metal.
1007.9 Lintel: Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be supported by
a noncombustible lintel.
1007.10 Hearth: Every fireplace shall be constructed with a hearth of
brick, stone, tile or other noncombustible material. For fireplaces with
an opening of less than six (6) square feet, the hearth shall extend not
less than sixteen (16) inches in front and not less than eight (8) inches
on each side of the fireplace opening. For fireplaces with an opening of
six (6) square feet or more, the hearth shall extend not less than twenty
(20) inches in front and not less than twelve (12) inches on each side of
the fireplace opening. Such hearths shall be supported on trimmer arch-
es of brick, stone, tile or concrete not less than four (4) inches thick or
other equally strong and fireresistance rated materials. All combustible
forms or centering shall be removed after completion of the supporting
construction.
1007.11 Firestopping: Firestopping between chimneys and wooden con-
struction shall meet the requirements specified in Section 919.0 and the
mechanical code listed in Appendix B .
1007.12 Support: Fireplaces shall be supported on foundations designed
in conformity with Section 725.0.
1007.13 Screens: Screens or other acceptable protection devices shall be
provided for all fireplace openings.
1007.14 Other type fireplaces: Other fireplaces not conforming to the
requirements of this section shall be subject to approval by the building
official prior to installation. Imitation fireplaces shall not be used for the
burning of gas, solid or liquid fuel. Approved factory-built fireplaces
may be installed and shall conform to the applicable portions of this code.
Factory-built fireplaces shall bear the seal of a nationally recognized
testing or inspection agency.
1007.15 Solid wastes; Solid waste shall not be burned in a fireplace.
SECTION 1008.0 INCINERATORS
1008.1 Mechanical code: Incinerators of all types shall be installed in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the mechanical code listed in
Appendix B.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 1009.0 CONSTRUCTION OF METAL DUCTS AND VENTS
1009.1 Mechanical code: All metal vents, ducts and duct systems re-
quired under the provisions of this article for heating systems and equip-
ment, and under the provisions of Article 5 for ventilating and air-condi-
tioning systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the
requirements of the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
1009.2 Construction of ducts: Ducts and plenums may be constructed of
approved material constructed in accordance with the requirements of the
mechanical code listed in Appendix B. Non-metallic ducts shall be con-
structed and installed in accordance with their approval and the applica-
ble standards listed in Appendix B. Aluminum ducts shall not be used in
equipment rooms with fuel-fired equipment, encased in or under concrete
slabs on grade, for kitchen or fume exhausts or in systems where air
entering the duct is over two hundred fifty (250) degrees F.
1009.3 Ducts for solid or solid/liquid fueled central hearing appliances.
1009.3.1 Supply ducts: Supply ducts conveying heated conditioned air
shall be fabricated of noncombustible material.
1009.3.2 Hot air ducts: Hot air ducts shall have a clearance of not
less than twelve (12) inches from combustibles for the first ten (10) feet
of distance from the applicance plenum/bonnet.
1009.3.3 Ducts: All ducts shall be otherwise constructed, installed,
supported and insulated as required by this code.
SECTION 1010.0 SPARK ARRESTORS
1010.1 Mechanical code: All chimneys, stacks and flues, including
incinerator stacks, which emit sparks shall be provided with a spark
arrestor conforming to the requirements of the mechanical code listed in
Appendix B.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 11
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
SECTION 1100.0 GENERAL
1100.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control the construc-
tion, inspection and maintenance of all mechanical equipment and systems
in respect to structural strength, fire safety and operation. For the
purposes of this article, mechanical equipment shall include solid fuel
burning heating appliances.
1100.2 Mechanical code: All mechanical equipment and systems shall be
constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with this code and the
mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
1100.3 Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements: All installations of
gas appliances shall comply with the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code, 248
CMR 3.00-8.00, as listed in Appendix B. The construction, installation
and operation of oil burning equipment is subject to the provisions of 527
CMR 4.00. The construction, installation, testing and inspection of
boilers, unfired pressure vessels, air tanks, ammonia compressor valves
and refrigeration and air-conditioning systems of twenty (20) tons or
more capacity are subject to the provisions of 522 CMR 2.00-12.00, and
chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, as amended.
SECTION 1101.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
1101.1 General: Plans and specifications for the installation, repair,
extension or removal of any mechanical equipment or system shall be
submitted in accordance with the mechanical code listed in Appendix B
and a permit shall be secured prior to the commencement of any work.
1101.2 Matter covered: The plans and specifications shall show in suffi-
cient detail all pertinent features and clearances of the appliances and
systems, including: size and type of apparatus; construction of flue,
stack or chimney; stack connections; type of fuel; method of operation;
and the method of compliance with all regulations for the class and type
of equipment installed.
1101.3 Details: An application for permit shall be accompanied by speci-
fications and diagrammatic mechanical drawings in sufficient detail, com-
plying with the provisions of the mechanical code listed in Appendix B,
before a permit shall be issued for the mechanical equipment and system.
The plans shall be drawn to a scale of not less than one-eighth (1/8)
inch to the foot and shall show the location and arrangement of all equip-
ment and distribution elements including safties and pressure controlling
devices .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 1102.0 INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
1102.1 Inspection: All mechanical equipment and systems requiring a
permit shall be inspected in accordance with the mechanical code listed in
Appendix B and shall not be placed in operation until they have been
tested and approved. All solid fuel burning heating appliances shall be
tested and approved according to the applicable test standards listed in
Appendix B and contained in the applicable Rules and Regulations listed
in Appendix Q.
Exception: Used solid fuel burning room heaters which are not labeled
must be inspected and approved prior to installation by the local build-
ing official or fire official and installed in accordance to the provisions
of this code.
1102.2 Concealment: It shall be unlawful for owners, contractors or
workmen to lath over or in any way to conceal, any piping outlet boxes
or other parts of the mechanical equipment or system requiring a permit
until an inspection has been made thereof and due notice given that the
work has been approved.
1102.3 Defects and repairs: Upon inspection or reinspection of a me-
chanical system, any defects or deficiencies which require repair to
insure safe operation shall be rectified before the system is placed in
use.
1102.4 Power of condemnation: When a system or any part thereof is
found unsafe to life or property, it shall be condemned and such system
shall not be restored to use until it has been made safe and approved.
SECTION 1103.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
1103.1 Unsafe orders: All existing mechanical equipment and systems
shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the requirements of
this code and the mechanical code listed in Appendix B. Any such equip-
ment which does not comply with the requirements, and the operation of
which is deemed unsafe to the building occupants, shall be altered as
ordered by the building official to secure adequate safety.
SECTION 1104.0 FEES
1104.1 General: A permit to begin work for new construction or altera-
tion shall not be issued until the application fee and permit fee prescribed
have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit necessitating an
additional fee because of the additional work involved be issued until the
additional fee shall have been paid.
9/1/80 415
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 1105.0 BOILER ROOMS
1105.1 Boiler room: Every boiler or combination boiler and cooling unit
shall be installed in a space which allows a minimum clearance of twenty-
four (24) inches on all service sides. Such room shall be constructed of
at least one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction, and the door shall
be a Class C fire door or a one and three-quarter (1 3/4) inch solid wood
core door. Such door shall be equipped with an automatic self -closer.
Combustion air shall be provided to such room in conformance with the
mechanical code listed in Appendix B. Storage or living quarters shall
not be permitted in any boiler or similar heating equipment room.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings, except for combustion air
requirements as set forth in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
1105.2 Boiler room location: Boiler rooms shall not be located immediate-
ly below exitways; nor shall any space heater, floor furnace or other
similar equipment be located in any aisle or passageway used as an ele-
ment of a required means of egress from the building or structure.
SECTION 1106.0 DRYING ROOMS
1106.1 General: A drying room or dry kiln installed within a building
shall be constructed entirely of approved noncombustible materials or
assemblies or such materials with the required fireresistance rating based
on the fire hazard of the contents and the process as regulated by the
approved rules or as required in Article 4 for special uses.
1106.2 Piping clearance: All overhead heating pipes shall have a clear-
ance of not less than two (2) inches from combustible contents of the
dryer.
1106.3 Insulation: When the operating temperature of the dryer is one
hundred seventy-five (175) degrees F. or more, metal enclosures shall be
insulated from adjacent combustible materials by not less than twelve (12)
inches of air space, or the metal walls shall be lined with one-quarter
(1/4) inch asbestos mill board or other approved equal insulation.
1106.4 Fire protection: Drying rooms designed for high hazard materials
and processes, including dry cleaning and other special uses provided for
in Article 4, shall be protected by approved automatic sprinkler or fog
systems, manually controlled steam smothering systems, or other approved
fire-extinguishing equipment conforming to the provisions of Article 12
and the mechanical code listed in Appendix B .
SECTION 1107.0 REFUSE CHUTES
1107.1 Chute discharge: A refuse chute shall not feed directly to the
combustion chamber of an incinerator, but shall discharge into an enclosed
9/1/80 416
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
room or bin separated from the incinerator room by ceiling and walls of
not less than two (2) hour fireresistance rating, unless otherwise ap-
proved by the building official.
1107.2 Chute enclosures: Refuse chutes shall be enclosed with walls of
masonry of not less than two (2) hour fireresistance rating for interior
chutes and of noncombustible (Type 2) construction for exterior chutes.
All chutes shall be supported on substantial foundations complying with
Article 7.
1107.3 Chute height: An interior refuse chute shall extend not less
than four (4) feet above the roof and shall be covered with an approved
ventilating skylight complying with Section 925.0.
1107.4 Service compartments: Service openings for chutes shall be
located in separate rooms or compartments enclosed in walls, partitions,
floors and ceilings which have a fireresistance rating of not less than one
(1) hour and in which the openings are equipped with fire doors or other
approved protectives of not less than three-quarter (3/4) hour fireresis-
tance rating or their approved labeled equivalent.
1107.5 Opening protectives: All openings between refuse rooms, chutes
and incinerator rooms shall be protected with one and one-half (1 1/2)
hour fire doors or their approved labeled equivalent complying with
Article 9.
SECTION 1108.0 REFUSE VAULTS
1108.1 Refuse vault enclosures: A vault for receiving combustible refuse
from an exhaust system shall be constructed of not less than three (3)
hour fireresistance rated assemblies.
1108.2 Openings to boiler rooms: The opening between a vault and a
boiler room shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area and shall be
located at least eight (8) feet from the firing door of the boiler, and the
bottom of the opening shall be not less than six (6) inches above the
boiler room floor. All openings shall be equipped with approved automatic
fire doors of not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) hour fireresistance
rating or the approved labeled equivalent complying with Article 9.
1108.3 Location: When located within a building, a refuse vaults shall
extend above the roof or shall be directly vented to the outer air with
ducts complying with Section 1009.0.
1108.4 Fire protection: A vault for combustible refuse which exceeds
three hundred sixty (360) cubic feet in volume shall be protected by an
automatic fire suppression system conforming to Article 12 and the mech-
anical code listed in Appendix B.
9/1/80 417
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 1109.0 DUST, STOCK AND REFUSE CONVEYOR SYSTEMS
1109.1 Power transmission: Power for fans located in rooms from which
flammable dust is being removed shall be transmitted by means of a shaft
passing through a bushed hole, or by a belt, chain or similar driving
mechanism which is encased in a metal or other noncombustible dust-tight
enclosure, both within and without the room.
1109.2 Collectors and separators: Cyclone collectors and separators and
their supports shall be constructed of noncombustible materials and shall
be located whenever possible on the exterior of the building or structure.
A collector or separator shall not be located nearer than ten (10) feet to
combustible construction or to an unprotected wall or floor opening, un-
less the collector is provided with a metal vent pipe which extends above
the highest part of any roof within a distance of thirty (30) feet.
1109.3 Discharge pipes: Discharge pipes shall conform to all the re-
quirements for ducts, including clearances required for high heat appli-
ances, as contained in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B. A
delivery pipe from a cyclone collector shall not convey refuse directly into
the firebox of a boiler, furnace, dutch oven, refuse burner, incinerator
or other appliance.
1109.4 Vents for exhaust conveyor systems: An exhaust system shall
be vented to the outside of the building either directly by flue, or in-
directly through the separator, bin, or vault into which it discharges.
1109.5 Spark protection: The outlet of an open air vent shall be pro-
tected with an approved metal or other noncombustible screen or by other
equally efficient means to prevent the entry of sparks.
1109.6 Explosion relief vents: A safety or explosion relief vent shall be
provided on all systems which convey combustible refuse or stock of an
explosive nature, in accordance with the requirements of Article 4.
1109.6.1 Screens: When a screen is used in a safety relief vent, it shall
be so attached as to permit ready release under emergency pressure.
1109.6.2 Hoods: The relief vent shall be provided with an approved non-
combustible cowl or hood, or with a counterbalanced relief valve or cover
arranged to prevent the escape of hazardous materials, gases or liquids.
1110.0 SOLID FUEL BURNING HEATING APPLIANCES
1110.1 Installation: The installation of solid fuel burning heating appli-
ances in new or existing buildings shall conform to the provisions of the
code or the manufacturers' recommended installation procedures.
1110.1.1 Installation clearances: Clearance shall be provided from com-
9/1/80 418
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
bustible construction in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations
following testing under the applicable standards listed in Appendix B and
contained in the applicable Rules and Regulations listed in Appendix Q,
or in accordance with Table 1110.1.1 (for solid fuel burring room heaters
only).
INSTALLATION CLEARANCES, SOLID FUEL BURNING HEATING APPLIANCES
Type of unit
Above
top of
casing
or
appliance
(inches)
From
front
(inches)
From
back
(inches)
From
sides
(inches)
Chimney
connector
(inches)
Circulating type, vented or unvented
36
24
12
12
18
Radiant or other type, vented or unvented
36
36
36
36
18
Note 1. The floor shall be of masonry or other noncombustible construction with not less than a
one (1) hour fire resistance rating and shall extend twelve (12) inches beyond the appliance on all
sides and at least eighteen (18) inches on the fuel and ash access side. Solid fuel heaters may be
installed on a combustible floor if the appliance is listed for such installation or if the floor is
protected in an approved manner.
1110.1.2 Reduced clearances: Installation clearances may be decreased
according to Table 1110.1.2 when exposed construction is protected with
noncombustible materials .
1110.2 Solid fuel burning room heaters installed in fireplaces: When a
solid fuel burning room heater is set in front of a fireplace to use the
existing chimney, the stove pipe must be connected either into the open
damper through a snug fitting, noncombustible seal or through a noncom-
bustible fireplace opening closure which seals off the fireplace. Both
methods of installation must have access for cleanout.
1110.3 Solid fuel burning room heater labeling: Every solid fuel burn-
ing room heater shall bear a permanent and legible factory-applied label
supplied to the manufacturer and controlled by an approved testing lab-
oratory containing the following:
1. Manufacturer's name or trademark
2. Model and/or identification number of the appliance
3. Type of fuel(s) approved
4. Testing laboratory's name or trademark and location
5. Data tested
6. Clearance to combustibles
9/1/80
419
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
a. Side
b. Rear
7. Test standard
8. Label serial number
9/1/80 420
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 1110.1.2
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9/1/80
421
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1110.4 Central heating applicance installation: Solid or solid/liquid
feuled heating (central heating) appliances istalled into an existing
liquid or gas-fueled central heating system shall be positioned down-
stream of the existing appliance. Clearances to combustible materials
shall be provided in accordance with the requirements apecified on the
label affixed to the central heating applicance (see Section 2108.3.2.7).
1110.5 Central heating appliance labeling: Every solid or solid/liquid
fueled boiler or warm air furnace shall bear a permanent and legible
factory applied label, supplied to the manufacturer and controlled by
an approved testing laboratory, containing the following information:
1. Manufacturer's name or trademark.
2. Model/identification name or number of the appliance.
3. Types of fuel(s) approved.
4. Testing laboratory's name or trademark and location.
5. Date tested.
6. Clearance to combustibles:
a. side
b . rear
c. top
d . front
7. Test standard(s).
8. Label serial number.
9. Type of appliance (boiler or warm air furnace).
10. Every boiler, pressure vessel, or pressure relief device must be
stamped in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code. ASME stamping shall also be required
for boilers, pressure vessels and pressure relief devices produced
outside the United States of America. Where required by the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME stamping may be
affixed directly to the appliance in lieu of on the data plate.
Note: Additional information as required by the applicable test
standard(s) may be affixed separately.
1110.5.1 Exceptions: Prior to January 1, 1981, the following exceptions
shall apply:
1. ASME stamping shall not be required.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. Solid or solid/liquid fueled central heating appliances shall be con-
sidered acceptable only if they have been tested and labeled by a
laboratory accredited by the Commission to test other comfort heating
applicances; or any nationally recognized laboratory.
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ARTICLE 12
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
SECTION 1200.0 GENERAL
1200.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall control when and
where fire protection systems are required in all buildings and structures
or parts thereof. All electrical equipment and the details of wiring for
fire protection systems installations shall comply with the provisions of
the Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) and the applicable
standards listed in the appendices.
1200.1.1 Authority: Plans submitted under Section 113.5 and Article 4 of
this code relative to this article shall be reviewed by the local fire official
for approval of the following items:
1. source and capacity of water supply, including size of water main;
2. location of hydrants and Siamese connections;
3. access for fire fighting apparatus and rescue vehicles;
4. provisions for a fire pump, if necessary, including electrical super-
visory control;
5. design and location of standpipes and/or sprinkler systems and re-
lated equipment;
6. design and locations of required fire alarm systems, including de-
tection, supervision, and all related equipment;
7. smoke control;
8. firefighter elevator key location and associated equipment;
9. solid fuel-burning heating appliances; and
10. fire access panels (see Section 859.0)
1200.2 Installation requirements: The installation methods, repair,
operation or maintenance of fire protection systems shall be in accordance
with this code and the mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
1200.3 Maintenance: The owner, tenant or lessee of every building or
structure shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of all fire
protection systems, including equipment and devices, to insure the safety
and welfare of the occupants. Fire protection systems shall not be dis-
connected or otherwise rendered unserviceable without first notifying the
fire department. When installations of required fire protection systems
are interrupted for repairs or other necessary reasons, the owner, tenant
or lessee shall immediately advise the fire department and shall diligently
prosecute the restoration of the protection.
1200.4 Threads: All threads provided for fire department connections
to sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, yard hydrants or any other fire
hose connections shall be uniform to those used by the local fire depart-
ment.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1200.5 Signs: If fire suppression control valves are located in a separ-
ate room, or building, a sign shall be provided on the entrance door.
The lettering for such sign shall be of a conspicuous color and shall be
at least four (4) inches in height and shall read Sprinkler control valves
and/or Standpipe control valves or indicate other types of systems (see
Section 1213.8 for additional signs).
1200.6 Material and equipment: All materials and equipment used in a
fire protection system shall be approved, consistent with the requirements
of this code (see Section 110.0) and the standards as listed in Appendices
B, C or I.
1200.7 Acceptance tests: Before final approval and acceptance by the
building official and fire official of all fire extinguishing equipment in any
building or structure, the installation shall be subjected to the tests
prescribed herein or in the approved rules. It shall be unlawful to cover
up or permanently conceal piping, wiring and accessory devices in any
portion of a newly-constructed system until it has been tested and
approved .
1200.7.1 Standpipe tests: Upon completion of a standpipe installation,
every standpipe fire line shall be tested for static pressure and flow, in-
cluding the top and bottom outlets in the presence of the fire official
authorized to witness such test.
1200.7.2 Pressure test: The test shall demonstrate that the system will
sustain a hydrostatic pressure of not less than one hundred (100) pounds
per square inch (psi) at the topmost hose outlet, and not less than three
hundred (300) psi at the fire department connection to the risers. In
buildings not exceeding three (3) stories nor more than forty (40) feet in
height, the test pressures may be reduced to not more than twenty-five
(25) per cent in excess of the normal operating pressure.
1200.7.3 Temporary construction standpipes: The feed mains, risers, in-
terconnections and branch lines of temporary standpipes in structures
under erection shall be maintained watertight when work is not being
done on the system.
1200.7.4 Sprinkler tests
1200.7.4.1 Wet pipe systems: Automatic wet pipe systems shall be sub-
jected to a hydrostatic pressure test for two (2) hours duration of not
less than two hundred (200) psi in every part of the installation exclusive
of water supply tanks; except that in buildings of not more than three
(3) stories or not more than forty (40) feet in height, the test pressure
need not be more than fifty (50) pounds per square inch in excess of the
normal pressure carried in the system or in excess of the pressure neces-
sary to operate the highest sprinklers in nonautomatic systems.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1200.7.4.2 Pressure tanks: Pressure tanks shall be tested to a pressure
of one and one-half (1^) times the working pressure.
1200.8 Periodic inspections and tests
1200.8.1 Inspections: Inspections and field tests of fire extinguishing
equipment shall be made by the owner, his authorized representative, or
insurance organization and may be witnessed by the fire official of the
municipality as the fire official may direct, as herein required to enforce
the maintenance of all service equipment in operating conditions and to
familiarize the fire fighting force with existing condition and to familiarize
the fire fighting force with existing conditions in all buildings and
structures .
1200.8.2 Maintenance and test records: All fire fighting and fire extin-
guishing service equipment and appliances, including valves, hose, tools,
accessories and fire alarm systems shall be maintained readily available
and in good working order at all times for immediate use of the occupants
of the building and the fire department. Records of required inspections
and tests shall be available for examination by or filed with the fire
official as he may direct.
1200.8.3 Test expense: All tests shall be conducted at the owner's risk
and expense and not less than forty-eight (48) hours' notice shall be
given to the building and fire official having jurisdiction before any test
is made.
SECTION 1201.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
1201.1 Required: Before any standpipe or sprinkler equipment is in-
stalled, or existing equipment which involves ten (10) or more sprinkler
heads in any one (1) fire area or on any one (1) floor is remodeled, or
before the installation or extension of any interior fire alarm signal sys-
tem, a preliminary set of plans, drawn to suitable scale, shall be sub-
mitted by a qualified registered professional engineer to the building
official and the local fire official with specifications in sufficient detail
showing essential features of the construction, heights or stories, loca-
tion, size and arrangement of all required piping and accessories for each
proposed standpipe fire line and sprinkler installation, and layout and
wiring of the fire alarm system. Plans and specifications for fire sup-
pression systems as required in this article for high-rise structures with
a height of seventy (70) feet or more above mean grade must be submit-
ted by a registered professional engineer qualified by experience to de-
sign and specify the appropriate elements of the fire suppression system.
1201.2 Approval by other agencies: Approval by other agencies having
jurisdiction is required for any change in fire protection and fire extin-
guishing equipment.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1201.3 Standpipe fire lines: Plans for the standpipe installation shall
show the size and location of Siamese connections, tanks, pumps, hose
stations, length of hose, stairways, stair sections and all subdividing
partitions and walls.
1201.4 Sprinkler systems: Plans for the sprinkler installation shall
show the location, capacity of water supply, connecting piping, feed lines
and risers, all gate, check, alarm and dry pipe valves, location and num-
ber of all heads, locations and number of all actuating devices, and
standpipe fire lines, if any.
1201.5 Interior fire alarms: Plans for the interior fire alarm signal sys-
tem shall show location and number of all sending stations and signals
with specifications of the type, construction, and operation of the system.
1201.6 Approved plans: After acceptance of the preliminary plans,
three (3) final sets of plans shall be filed for final approval of every in-
stallation of standpipe fire line, sprinkler and fire alarm signal system.
SECTION 1202.0 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
1202.1 Where reguired: Fire suppression systems shall be installed and
maintained in full operating condition, as specified in this code, in the
following locations, except one- and two-family dwellings, indicated in
Sections 1202.2 through 1202.18.
Exception: Requirements for R-l detoxification facilities are contained in
Section 439.0.
1202.2 Assembly (A-l) use: In all buildings or portions thereof of A-l
(assembly, theatres) use group.
Exception: Auditoriums, foyers, lobbies and toilet rooms.
1202.3 Assembly (A-2) use: In all buildings or structures or portions
thereof of use group A-2 (assembly, night clubs):
1. when more than five thousand (5,000) square feet in area; or
2. when more than one (1) story in height.
1202.4 Assembly (A-3) use: In all buildings or structures or portions
thereof of use group A-3 (assembly) when more than twelve thousand
(12,000) sguare feet in area.
1202.5 Stages in assembly (A) use: Stages of any size, in assembly
occupancies (A) in the following locations:
1. over the stage;
2. stage gridirons when side wall sprinklers with one hundred thirty-
five (135) degrees F. rated heads with heat-baffle plates are installed
around the entire perimeter of the stage at points not more than thirty
(30) inches below the gridiron, nor more than six (6) inches below the
baffle plate;
3. under all fly galleries;
6/1/81 (Supp. 6/30/81) 427
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4. over the proscenium opening on the stage side;
5. under the stage;
6. in all basements, cellars, work rooms, dressing rooms, store rooms,
and property rooms; and
7. in toilet, lounge and smoking rooms.
1202.6 High hazard (H) use: In all buildings or structures or portions
thereof of use group H (high hazard).
1202.7 Institutional (I) use: In all buildings or structures or portions
thereof of use group I (institutional).
Exceptions :
1. One-story hospitals with patient rooms having direct egress to
grade level at the exterior of the building.
2. In hospitals of Type I construction, the automatic fire suppression
system may be omitted from operating rooms, X-ray rooms, delivery
rooms, cardiac and intensive care rooms and patient sleeping rooms
not exceeding six hundred (600) square feet in area when such room
is protected by an automatic fire alarm system connected to a central
annunciator panel.
3. One-story day nurseries housing one hundred (100) children or less
with each room having an exit directly to the outside.
4. 1-1 (institutional-restrained) occupancies having an occupancy load
of less than six (6).
5. In 1-1 (institutional-restrained) occupancies the fire suppression
system shall be a sprinkler system which may be manual or automatic
in operation.
1202.8 Mercantile (M), moderate hazard storage (S-l), or factory and
industrial (F) uses: In all buildings or structures of use groups M, S-l,
and F (mercantile, moderate hazard storage or factory and industrial):
1. when more than twelve thousand (12,000) square feet in area; or
2. when more than twenty-four thousand (24,000) square feet in total
area on all floors; or
3. when more than three (3) stories in height).
1202.9 Public garages: In all public garages:
1. when more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area; or
2. when more than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet in
area and more than one (1) story in height; or
3. when more than five thousand (5,000) square feet in area, and more
than two (2) stories in height; or
4. when more than three (3) stories in height; or
5. when located in buildings where the upper stories are designed for
other uses; or
6. When located in any story that is more than fifty (50) per cent
below grade.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: Open parking structures (see 527 CMR 5.00 in Appendix
B).
1202.10 Bus garages: In all bus garages:
1. when required by Section 1202.9; or
2. when used as passenger terminals for four (4) or more buses; or
3. when used for storage or loading of four (4) or more buses.
1202.11 Unlimited area buildings: In "unlimited area buildings" as re-
quired by Section 307.0.
Exception: Special industrial uses as indicated in Section 205.3.
1202.11.1 High-rise buildings: In all high-rise buildings exceeding sev-
enty (70) feet in height as required by Chapter 148, Section 26A of the
Massachusetts General Laws, as amended.
1202.12 Storage and workshop areas: In all portions of use groups A
(assembly), B (business), I (institutional) or R-l and R-2 (residential,
hotels and multi-family) occupied for storage, workshop or similar pur-
poses.
Exception: Individual storage or workshop areas located entirely within
a dwelling unit.
1202.13 Story, cellar or basement: In every story, cellar or basement of
all buildings where there is not provided at least twenty (20) square feet
of opening entirely above the adjoining grade level in each fifty (50)
lineal feet of exterior wall in the story, cellar or basement, on at least
two (2) sides of the building. Openings shall have a minimum dimension
of not less than twenty-two (22) inches. Such openings shall be un-
obstructed to allow fire-fighting and rescue operations from the exterior.
Exception: If the area of a cellar exceeds two thousand five hundred
(2,500) square feet, an automatic fire suppression system is required.
For purposes of this section, an opening in an exterior wall qualifies as
follows :
1. doors or access panels may be included in the determination of
openings;
2. windows may be included in the determination of openings if they
provide a breakable glazed area of not less than twenty-two inches
in its least clear dimension.
1202.14 Painting rooms: In spray painting rooms or shops where paint-
ing, brushing, dipping or mixing is regularly conducted using flammable
materials .
1202.15 Trash rooms and chutes: In rooms or areas used for incinera-
tion, trash, laundry collection, or similar uses. At alternate floor levels
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
and at the top of all chutes used in conjunction with these rooms or
areas .
1202.16 Furnace rooms: In furnace rooms, boiler rooms and rooms for
similar uses.
Exception: Such room located entirely within and serving a single
dwelling unit.
1202.17 Unenclosed vertical openings: In unenclosed vertical openings
between floors as reguired by Sections 520.0 and 616.8.
1202.18 Range hoods: In range hoods, in accordance with the require-
ments listed below.
1. Where natural or liquefied petroleum gas is used as a fuel, a manual
reset safety valve shall be installed on the gas service line to pre-
vent fuel from flowing into the burner or pilot in the event of acti-
vation of any suppression (extinguishing) system.
2. Hood and duct suppression (extinguishing) systems shall provide for
both automatic and manual actuation of the system.
3. A manual station for activation of the suppression (extinguishing)
system shall be located at or near one (1) of the means of egress
from the area, but not nearer than ten (10) feet to the range hood,
unless otherwise specifically approved.
4. The manual station shall be securely mounted not less than four and
one-half (4^) feet nor more than five (5) feet above the floor.
5. The system shall be maintained at full operating capacity by the
owner or tenant and shall be serviced every six (6) months. A
metallic sign with contrasting letters and background shall indicate
the manual station of the system and the proper operating (actua-
tion) procedure.
6. All nozzles shall be accessible for cleaning and replacement.
7. C02 (carbon dioxide) suppression (extinguishing) systems shall be
installed in accordance with the above and Section 1208.6.
8. Dry chemical (approved dry chemical extinguishing media) suppres-
sion systems shall be installed in accordance with the above and Sec-
tion 1210.6.
1202.19 Alternate protection: In special use areas of buildings or struc-
tures, an automatic fire alarm system may be installed in lieu of a fire
suppression system when approved by the building official and fire de-
partment and when such fire suppression system installation would be
detrimental or dangerous to the specific use or occupancy.
1202.19.1 Telephone central office equipment buildings: Within telephone
central office equipment buildings, automatic fire sprinklers may be omit-
ted in the following rooms or areas when such rooms or areas are pro-
tected with an approved automatic fire alarm system:
1. Generator and transformer rooms.
2. Communication equipment areas when such areas are separated from
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
the remainder of the building by one (1) hour fireresistance rated
wall and two (2) hour fireresistance rated floor-ceiling assemblies,
and are used exclusively for such equipment.
SECTION 1203.0 SUPPRESSION SYSTEM SELECTION
1203.1 General: To guide the administrative authority with the selec-
tion of the proper type of fixed fire suppression system, and the extin-
guishing agent for each type of hazard, fire may be classified as follows:
Class A Fires involving ordinary combustible materials (such as wood,
cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics) requiring the heat-absorbing
(cooling) effects of water, water solutions, or the coating effects of
certain dry chemicals which retard combustion.
Class B Fires involving flammable or combustible liquids, flammable
gases, greases and similar materials where extinguishment is most
readily secured by excluding air (oxygen), inhibiting the release of
combustible vapors, or interrupting the combustion chain reaction.
Class C Fires involving energized electrical equipment where safety to
the operator requires the use of electrically nonconductive extinguishing
agents .
Note: Electrical fires should not be fought with portable Class
A or B extinguishers, or with hand-held solid stream nozzle.
However, fixed water spray systems may be used to fight fires
in energized electrical systems.
1203.2 Special hazards: In rooms or buildings containing combustibles,
such as aluminum powder, calcium carbide, calcium phosphide, metallic
sodium and potassium, quick- lime, magnesium powder or sodium peroxide,
which are incompatible with the use of water as an extinguishing agent,
other extinguishing agents shall be used.
1203.3 Types: Where a fire suppression system is required in this
code, Table 1203 may be used by the administrative authority to deter-
mine the type of suppression system suitable for the hazard involved, if
not otherwise specified in this code.
1203.4 Installation: Fixed fire suppression systems shall be of an
approved type designed and installed in accordance with the requirements
of this code.
1203.5 Tests: All tests required by this code and the standards listed
in Appendix B shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or his
representative .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T&ble 1203
GUIDE FOR SUPPRESSION SYSTEM SELECTION
Hazard
Water
sprinklers
or spray
1204.0
to
1206.0
Foam
1207.0
Carbon
dioxide or
halogenated
1208.0
to
1209.0
Dry
chemical
1210.0
diss A fire potential
Cidss B fire potential
Class C fire potential
SPECIAL FIRE HAZARD AREAS*
Aircraft hangars
Alcohol storage
Ammunition loading
Ammunition magazines
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Asphalt impregnating
Battery rooms
Carburetor overhaul shops
Cleaning plant equipment
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Computer rooms
Dowtherm
Drying ovens
Engine test cells
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Escalator, stair wells
Explosives: manufacturing, storage
Flammable liquids storage
Flammable solids storage
X
X
X
X
X
X
Fuel oil storage
Hangar decks
Hydraulic oil, lubricating oil
Hydro-turbine generators
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Jet engine test cells
Library stacks
Lignite storage and handling
Liquefied petroleum gas storage
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Oil quenching bath
Paints: manufacturing, storage
Paint spray booths
Petrochemical storage
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Petroleum testing laboratories
Printing presses
Range hoods
Reactor and fractionating towers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Record vaults
Rubber mixing and heat treating
Service stations (inside buildings)
Shipboard storage
X
X
X
X
X
X
Solvent cleaning tanks
Solvent thinned coatings
Switchgear rooms
Transformers, circuit breakers (outdoors)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Transformers, circuit breakers (indoors)
Turbine lubricating oil
Vegetable oil, solvent extraction
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
"Within buildings or areas, so classified, as to require a suppression system.
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 1204.0 WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
1204.1 General: Water sprinkler extinguishing systems shall be of an
approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and the standards listed in Appendices B or I.
1204.2 Occupancy sprinkler system: Within a building of mixed occu-
pancies and where an occupancy is required by this code to be sprin-
klered with more than twenty (20) sprinklers, the area shall be enclosed
by construction assemblies as required by this code and equipped with a
complete sprinkler system.
1204.3 Design: The details on the system supplied with the plans and
specifications shall include information and the calculations on the sprin-
kler spacing and arrangement with water supply and discharge require-
ments, size and equivalent lengths of pipe and fittings and water supply
source. Sufficient information shall be included to identify the apparatus
and devices used.
1204.4 Actuation: Water sprinkler extinguishing systems shall be auto-
matically actuated unless otherwise specifically provided in this code.
1204.5 Sprinkler alarms: Approved audible or visual alarm devices shall
be connected to every water sprinkler system and such alarm device shall
be located in an approved location.
Exception: Alarms and alarm attachments shall not be required for
limited area sprinkler systems (see Section 1205.5).
1204.5.1 Additional alarms: At least one (1) additional audible or visual
alarm device shall be installed within the building.
1204.6 Water control valve tags: Identification tags shall be provided
in accordance with the standards listed in Appendix I.
1204.7 Sprinkler riser: The sprinkler system riser(s) may also serve
as the wet standpipe riser(s) in buildings required to have both systems
or in buildings having both systems (see Section 1211.4.3).
1204.8 Tests: A completed system shall be tested hydrostatically for
two (2) hours without visible leakage at not less than two hundred (200)
pounds per square inch (psi), or at fifty (50) psi in excess of the maxi-
mum static pressure when the maximum static pressure is in excess of one
hundred fifty (150) psi.
SECTION 1205.0 LIMITED AREA SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
1205.1 General: A limited area sprinkler system shall be of an ap-
proved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
and the standards listed in Appendices B or I.
1205.2 Installation: Where the provisions of this code require a limited
number of sprinklers, a limited area sprinkler system may be installed to
comply with these requirements.
1205.3 Design: The detail on the system supplied with the plans and
specifications shall include information and the calculations on the sprin-
kler spacing and arrangement with water supply and discharge require-
ments, size and equivalent lengths of pipe and fittings and water supply
source. Sufficient information shall be included to identify the apparatus
and devices used.
1205.4 Actuation: A limited area sprinkler extinguishing system shall
be automatically activated.
1205.5 Sprinkler alarms: Alarms and alarm attachments shall not be re-
quired .
1205.6 Water supply: Limited area sprinklers may be supplied from the
domestic water system provided the domestic water system is designed to
adequately support the design flow of the largest number of sprinklers in
any one (1) of the enclosed areas. When supplied by the domestic water
system, the maximum number of sprinklers in any one (1) enclosed room
or area shall not exceed twenty (20) sprinklers which must totally protect
the room or area.
Exception: See Section 439.16 for requirements for limited area sprinkler
systems in R-l detoxification facilities use group.
1205.6.1 Fire department connections: A fire department connection is
not required for limited area sprinkler systems supplied from the domestic
water system.
1205.6.2 Standpipe connection: the water supply for the limited area
sprinkler system shall be from the building standpipe system when avail-
able (see Section 1211.4.3).
1205.6.3 Cross connection: A limited area sprinkler system may be sup-
plied individually from the domestic water system or from the standpipe
system. There shall not be a cross-connection between the domestic and
standpipe system.
1205.7 Use: Limited area sprinklers shall be used only in rooms or
areas enclosed with construction assemblies as required by this code.
SECTION 1206.0 WATER SPRAY FIXED SYSTEMS
1206.1 General: Water spray extinguishing systems shall be of an ap-
proved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and NFiPA 15 listed in Appendix I.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1206.2 Design: The detail on the system supplied with the plans and
specificiations shall include information and the calculations on the sprin-
kler spacing and arrangement with water supply and discharge require-
ments, size and equivalent lengths of pipe and fittings and water supply
source. Sufficient information shall be included to identify the apparatus
and devices used.
1206.3 Actuation: Waterspray extinguishing systems shall be the auto-
matically actuated type with supplementary auxiliary manual tripping
capability .
1206.4 Tests: All new system piping shall be hydrostatically tested in
accordance with the provisions of the standard referenced above.
SECTION 1207.0 FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
1207.1 General: Foam extinguishing systems shall be of an approved
type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and
NFiPA 11, 11A and 16 listed in Appendix I.
1207.2 Design: The detail on the system supplied with the plans and
specifications shall include complete computations showing pressure drop
in all system piping, friction loss calculations on liquid lines and a de-
tailed layout of the entire hazard to be protected. Hydraulic character-
istics of foam proportioners and foam makers as determined by tests shall
be supplied by the manufacturer to the building official (including the
range of operating conditions required for the proposed installation), to
permit determination of the adequacy of the hydraulics of the proposed
protection .
1207.3 Actuation: A foam extinguishing system shall be automatically
actuated with supplementary auxiliary manual tripping capability.
1207.4 Tests: All piping except that piping which handles expanded
foam shall be subjected to a two (2) hour hydrostatic pressure test at two
hundred (200) psi or fifty (50) pounds in excess of the maximum pres-
sure anticipated, whichever is greater without leakage. The system shall
be subjected to a flow test to insure that the hazard is fully protected in
conformance with the design specification, and to determine the flow
pressures, actual discharge capacity, foam quality, consumption rate of
foam-producing materials, manpower requirements and other operating
characteristics .
SECTION 1208.0 CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
1208.1 General: Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be of an
approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and NFiPA 12 listed in Appendix I.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1208.2 Design: The detail on the system supplied with the plans and
specifications shall include information and calculations on the amount of
carbon dioxide; the location and flow rate of each nozzle including equiva-
lent orifice area; the location, size and the carbon dioxide storage facility.
Information shall be submitted pertaining to the location and function of
the detection devices, operating devices, auxiliary equipment, and elec-
trical circuitry, if used. Sufficient information shall be indicated to iden-
tify properly the apparatus and devices used. Any special features
should be adequately explained.
1208.3 Actuation: Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems shall be auto-
matically actuated with supplementary auxiliary manual tripping capability.
1208.4 Safety requirements: In any proposed use of carbon dioxide
where there is a possibility that persons may be trapped in, or enter into
atmospheres made hazardous by a carbon dioxide discharge, warning
signs, discharge alarms and breathing apparatus shall be provided to
insure prompt evacuation of and to prevent entry into such atmospheres
and also to provide means for prompt rescue of any trapped persons.
1208.5 Tests: A completed system shall be tested for tightness up to
the selector valve, and for continuity of piping with free unobstructed
flow beyond the selector valve. The labeling of devices with proper
designations and instructions shall be checked. Operational tests should
be conducted on all devices except cylinder valves in multi-cylinder high
pressure systems. Where conditions prevail that make it difficult to deter-
mine adequately the system requirements or design, a suitable discharge
and analysis test should be made. All tests are to be conducted as
indicated in the above standard.
1208.6 Range hoods: In addition to the above requirements and the re-
quirements of Section 1202.18, range hood C02 systems shall conform to
the requirements listed below:
1. Where multiple hoods are served, each hood shall be provided with a
separate manual station (actuator) and a separate C02 supply.
2. Total C02 requirements shall be calculated on the following accumu-
lative basis:
a. open area of hood (sq. ft.) @ 0.6 = lbs of C02;
b. volume of hood (cu. ft.) (minimum depth of 2 ft.) @ 8.0 = lbs of
C02;
c. hoods located over liquid surface operations; liquid surface area
(sq. ft.) @ 0.4 = lbs. C02 (10 lbs. minimum);
d. volume of plenum (cu. ft.) @ 8.0 = lbs. of C02;
e. volume of duct of fire damper (cu. ft.) @ 8.0 = lbs. of C02;
f. duct above fire damper, minimum 10 lbs. C02; and
g. in addition to the calculations, an additional 10 lbs. of C02 shall
be provided as a safety factor.
3. Upon activation of the C02 system, the fan(s) shall cease to operate
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
and the supply valve shall shut the pilot and burner(s) off.
4. Duct systems from range hoods shall not be equipped with fire
dampers unless specifically approved for such use, or are required
as part of an approved extinguishing system, or an approved fan
bypass system.
5. C02 bottles shall be located at least fifteen (15) feet from the range
or range hood. The temperature in the storage area shall not ex-
ceed one hundred twenty (120) degrees F. or be less than thirty-
two (32) degrees F.
6. An electric warning light of ten (10) watts or more shall be provided
on the C02 bottle or system which will automatically illuminate when
the bottle or system is depleted. The light shall be of a distinctive
red color and shall be located in a conspicuous location.
SECTION 1209.0 HALOGENATED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
1209.1 General: Halogenated fire extinguishing systems shall be of an
approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and NFiPA 12 and 12B listed in Appendix I.
1209.2 Design: The detail on the system supplied with the plan and
specifications shall include information and calculations of the amount of
extinguishing agent; container storage pressure; the location and flow
rate of each nozzle including equivalent orifice area; the location, size
and equivalent lengths of pipe, fittings and hose; and the location and
size of the storage facility. Information shall be submitted pertaining to
the location and size of the storage facility. Information shall be sub-
mitted pertaining to the location and function of the detection devices,
auxiliary equipment, and electrical circuitry, if used. Sufficient infor-
mation shall be indicated to identify properly the apparatus and devices
used. Any special features should be adequately explained.
1209.3 Actuation: Halogenated fire extinguishing systems shall be
automatically actuated with supplementary auxiliary manual tripping capa-
bility.
1209.4 Safety requirements: In any proposed use of a halogenated fire
extinguishing system where there is a possibility that persons may be
trapped in or enter into atmospheres made hazardous by a discharge,
warning signs, discharge alarms and breathing apparatus shall be pro-
vided to insure prompt evacuation of and to prevent entry into such
atmospheres and also to provide means for prompt rescue of any trapped
persons.
1209.5 Tests: A completed system shall be tested for tightness up to
the selector valve, and for continuity of piping with free unobstructed
flow beyond the selector valve. The labeling of devices with proper
designations and instructions shall be checked. Operational tests should
be conducted on all devices except cylinder valves in multi- cylinder sys-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
terns. Where conditions prevail that make it difficult to determine ade-
quately the system requirements or design, a suitable discharge test or
concentration analysis should be made. All tests are to be conducted as
indicated in the above standard.
SECTION 1210.0 DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
1210.1 General: Dry chemical extinguishing systems shall be of an
approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and NFiPA 17 listed in Appendix I.
1210.2 Design: The details on the system supplied with the plans and
specifications shall include sufficient information and calculations on the
amount of dry chemical; the size, length, and arrangement of connected
piping, or piping and hose; description and location of nozzles so that
the adequacy of the system can be determined. Information shall be
submitted pertaining to the location and function of detection devices,
operating devices, auxiliary equipment and electrical circuitry, if used.
Sufficient information shall be indicated to identify properly the apparatus
and devices used. Any special features should be adequately explained.
1210.3 Actuation: A dry chemical extinguishing system shall be auto-
matically actuated with supplementary auxiliary manual tripping capability.
1210.4 Safety requirements: Where there is a possibility that persons
may be exposed to a dry chemical discharge, warning signs, discharge
alarms and breathing apparatus shall be provided to ensure prompt evac-
uation of such locations, and also to provide means for prompt rescue of
any trapped persons.
1210.5 Tests: A completed system shall be tested by a discharge of
expellant gas through the piping and nozzles. Observations for serious
gas leakage and for continuity of piping with free unobstructed flow shall
be made. Observations shall be made of the flow of expellant gas through
all nozzles. The labeling of devices with proper designations and instruc-
tions should be checked. After testing, all piping and nozzles are to be
blown clean, using compressed air or nitrogen and the system properly
charged and placed in the normal "set" condition. All tests are to be
conducted as indicated in the above standard.
1210.6 Range hoods: In addition to the above requirements and the re-
quirements of Section 1202.18, range hood dry chemical systems shall con-
form to the requirements listed below:
1. Dry chemical systems shall bear the label of a nationally recognized
testing or inspection agency and shall be installed in accordance with
their recommendations and shall be approved by the building official
and fire official.
2. The size of hood and duct covered by a single system shall not ex-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ceed the agency's recommendations.
3. Dry chemical agent used shall be non-toxic.
4. Multiple hoods may be protected by a common system if in confor-
mance with a report of a nationally recognized testing or inspection
agency.
5. Each duct system shall constitute an individual sytsem serving only
exhaust hoods on one (1) floor.
6. Dry chemical bottles shall be located at least fifteen (15) feet from
the range or range hood, or as approved by the building official and
fire official.
7. An approved portable fire extinguisher having at least a twenty (20)
B.C. rating shall be provided and located not more than fifteen (15)
feet and not less than ten (10) feet from the hazard.
SECTION 1211.0 STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
1211.1 General: All buildings and structures shall be equipped with
two and one-half (2^) inch or larger standpipes, and shall be made to
comply with the requirements of this section.
1211.2 Where required: Standpipes shall be installed and maintained in
full operating condition, as specified in this article and the standards
listed in Appendix I, in the locations described in Sections 1211.2.1
through 1211.2.3. Such standpipe systems must be protected against
freezing.
1211.2.1 Assembly (A-l, A-2 or A-3): In buildings two (2) or more
stories in height of use groups A-l, A-2, or A-3 (assembly) with an
occupancy load of more than three hundred (300).
1211.2.2 Three stories: In buildings three (3) stories in height when:
1. of use groups B (business), F (factory and industrial), M (mercan-
tile) or S-l (moderate hazard storage) more than three thousand
(3,000) square feet in area per floor; or
2. of use groups A (assembly), I (institutional), or R-l (residential,
hotels); or
3. of any use group more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in
area per floor.
1211.2.3 Four stories: In buildings four (4) stories or more in height re-
gardless of the area per floor.
1211.2.4 Public garages: In all public garages:
1. when more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area; or
2. when more than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet in
area and more than one (1) story in height; or
3. when more than five thousand (5,000) square feet in area, and more
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
than two (2) stories in height; or
4. when more than three (3) stories in height; or
5. when located in buildings where the upper stories are designed for
other uses; or
6. when located in any story that is more than fifty (50) per cent be-
low grade.
1211.3 Sizes: Standpipes shall extend from the lowest portion of the
building to a height five (5) feet above the finished floor of the topmost
story and shall have a minimum diameter as described in the following
Table 1211.
Table 1211
BUILDING HEIGHT AND STANDPIPE SIZE
Maximum building height
Minimum standpipe size**
3 stories or 40 feet
2V2 inches
4 stories or 50 feet
2Vz inches
5 stories or 65 feet
4 inches
6 stories or 75 feet
4 inches
7* stories or 85 feet
6 inches
8* stories or 95 feet
6 inches
95* feet to 250 feet
6 inches
over 250* feet
8 inches
*At least one (1) standpipe shall extend through the roof and terminate in a two-way, two and one-half (2V2)
inch hose connection.
•In sprinklered buildings, the minimum standpipe diameter may be based on hydraulic calculations.
1211.4 Number of risers
1211.4.1 Based on floor area: The number of standpipe risers shall be
such that all parts of every floor area can be reached by a thirty (30)
foot hose stream from a nozzle attached to not more than one hundred
(100) feet of hose connected to a riser outlet. In those buildings
equipped with an interior smokeproof enclosure vestibule, at least one (1)
standpipe hose connection shall be located in the vestibule.
1211.4.2 Based on street fronts: There shall be at least one (1) riser
for each front on which the building or structure faces; except that a
corner building need not be considered as facing on more than one (1)
street.
1211.4.3 Buildings seventy (70) feet in height or over: All buildings
seventy (70) feet in height or over must have each floor supplied by a
minimum of two (2) combination risers.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1211.4.4 Combination: The standpipe system riser(s) may also serve as
the water sprinkler system riser(s) in buildings required to have both
systems or in buildings having both systems. A control valve shall be
installed in each sprinkler system or standpipe to allow the system to
remain operational.
1211 . 5 Outlets
1211.5.1 Hose connections: At each floor level, and not more than five
(5) feet above the floor, there shall be connected to each standpipe a two
and one-half (2\) inch hose connection and a one and one-half (1^) inch
hose connection with valves and threads conforming to the local fire de-
partment's standard. Each one and one-half (1H) inch hose connection
shall not be equipped with an approved hose unless required by the local
fire department.
1211.5.2 Roof hydrant: Where standpipes extend through the roof, an
approved hydrant or manifold shall be provided. The main control valve
on a roof hydrant or manifold shall be located in an area not subject to
freezing, as close to the roof access as practical and plainly marked (see
Section 1213.0).
1211.6 Material: All standpipes shall be constructed of approved mate-
rials. All pipe, fittings and valves shall be of extra heavy pattern when
the working pressure will exceed one hundred seventy-five (175) psi.
1211.7 Capacity: Where only one (1) standpipe is required, its supply
piping shall be sized for a minimum flow of five hundred (500) gallons per
minute. Where more than one (1) standpipe is required, all common
supply piping shall be sized for a minimum flow of five hundred (500)
gallons per minute for the first standpipe plus two hundred fifty (250)
gallons per minute for each additional standpipe, the total not to exceed
twenty-five hundred (2,500) gallons per minute. The supply shall be
sufficient to maintain a residual pressure of sixty-five (65) pounds per
square inch at the topmost outlet of each standpipe with five hundred
(500) gallons per minute flowing.
SECTION 1212.0 STANDPIPES FOR BUILDINGS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
1212.1 General: Standpipes required by this section may be temporary
or permanent in nature, with or without a water supply, provided, how-
ever, that such standpipes shall remain in service until completion of the
work.
1212.2 Number required: Every building or structure under construc-
tion five (5) or more stories in height above grade, shall be equipped
with one (1) or more standpipes at least four (4) inches in diameter. A
sufficient number of standpipes with hose shall be provided so that every
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
portion of the building can be reached with one hundred (100) feet of
hose and a thirty (30) foot hose stream.
1212.3 Construction: All standpipes shall be constructed of approved
materials. All pipe, fittings and valves shall be extra heavy pattern
when the working pressure exceeds one hundred seventy-five (175)
pounds per square inch (psi).
1212.4 Height: The standpipe systems shall be carried up with each
floor and shall be installed and ready for use as each floor progresses.
Standpipes shall not be more than one (1) floor below the highest forms
or staging. Each standpipe system shall be in operating condition at all
times and protected from freezing.
1212.5 Fire department connections: At the street level there shall be
provided for each temporary or permanent standpipe installation one (1)
or more two-way fire department inlet connections. Fire department inlet
connections shall be prominently marked and readily and easily accessible
at all times (see Section 1213.8).
1212.6 Outlets: At each floor level and on each standpipe, there shall
be provided one (1) two and one-half (2^) inch hose outlet and one (1)
two and one-half (2h) inch hose valve with cap and chain. At each floor
level and on each standpipe, there shall be provided a one and one-half
(lh) inch hose outlet with one hundred (100) feet of approved hose.
Outlets shall be located not more than five (5) feet above floor level.
Exception: In sprinklered buildings, the one and one-half (1^) inch
outlet is not required; however, the one and one-half (1%) hose line
shall be provided with a one and one-half Oh) to two and one-half (2H)
reducer (see Section 1211.5.1).
1212.7 Buildings under demolition: Where a building is being demol-
ished and a standpipe is existing within such a building, such standpipe
shall be maintained in an operable condition so as to be available for use
by the fire department. Such standpipe shall be demolished with the
building, but the standpipe shall not be more than one (1) floor below
the floor above being demolished.
SECTION 1213.0 FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS
(See Section 1212.5 for temporary standpipes)
1213.1 Required: All water sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be
provided with at least one (1) two-way fire department connection. Each
inlet of the fire department connection shall be at least two and one-half
(2^) inches in diameter. The pipe from the standpipe system to the fire
department connection shall not be smaller than four (4) inches. The
pipe from the water sprinkler system to the fire department connection
shall not be smaller than four (4) inches. Single fire department connec-
tions may be installed when approved by the building official and the fire
official.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: A fire department connection shall not be required for
limited area sprinkler systems (see Section 1205.6.1).
1213.2 Connections: Fire department connections shall be arranged in
such a manner that the use of any one (1) water sprinkler connection will
serve all the sprinklers, and the use of any one (1) standpipe connection
will serve all the standpipes within the building.
1213.3 Location: Fire department connections shall be located and be
visible on a street front or in a location approved by the building official
and the fire official. Such connections shall be located so that immediate
access can be made by the fire department. Obstructions such as fences,
bushes, trees, walls or any other similar object shall not be permitted for
new or existing installations.
1213.4 Height: Fire department connections shall not be less than one
(1) foot six (6) inches and not more than three (3) feet six (6) inches in
elevation, measured from the ground level to the center line of the inlets.
1213.5 Projection: Where the fire department connection would project
beyond the property line or into the pubic way, a flush-type fire depart-
ment connection shall be provided.
1213.6 Hose threads: Hose threads in the fire department connection
shall be uniform with that used by the local fire department.
1213.7 Fittings: Fire department inlet connections shall be fitted with
check valves, ball-drip valves, and caps and chains.
1213.8 Signs: A metal sign with raised letters at least one (1) inch in
height shall be mounted on all fire department connections serving sprin-
klers and/or standpipes. Such signs shall read "Automatic Sprinklers
and/or Standpipe."
SECTION 1214.0 WATER SUPPLY
AND OTHER EXTINGUISHING SUPPLY MEDIA
1214.1 Required: Automatic sprinkler systems shall have at least one
(1) approved automatic source of water supply meeting the requirements
of this section.
1214.2 Public water sprinkler supply: Direct connections to public
water supplies shall be capable of supplying water at not less than fifteen
(15) pounds per square inch (psi) pressure for the maximum number of
sprinkler heads in the designated fire area. When supplied by a street
main, the accessible flow shall not be less than five hundred (500) gallons
per minute from a hydrant within two hundred (200) feet of the building
under the minimum pressure herein specified.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1214.2.1 Sprinkler gravity tank: Gravity tanks shall be capable of sup-
plying twenty-five (25) per cent of the number of sprinkler heads in the
maximum protected fire area for a period of twenty (20) minutes but
capacity of any one (1) tank shall not be less than five thousand (5,000)
gallons.
1214.2.2 Sprinkler pressure tank: Pressure tanks shall be capable of
supplying twelve and one-half (12^) per cent of the number of sprinkler
heads in the maximum protected fire area; but the capacity shall not be
less than three thousand (3,000) gallons of water for a wet pipe system,
nor less than five thousand (5,000) gallons for a dry pipe system; nor
shall any single tank have a capacity of more than six thousand (6,000)
gallons. The tank shall be maintained two-thirds (2/3) full of water under
a pressure of seventy-five (75) psi at all times.
1214.3 Sprinkler fire pump: Automatic fire pumps shall be of an ap-
proved type with a supply capacity of at least five hundred (500) gallons
per minute. The pumps shall be adeguate to supply fifty (50) per cent
of the sprinkler heads in the maximum protected fire area and shall be lo-
cated in a room enclosed with not less than two (2) hours fireresistive
construction, and shall be protected against freezing. Such sprinkler
fire pump room shall have either direct access to the room from grade or
access by a two (2) hour fire-rated passageway and shall be properly
secured from unauthorized entry.
1214.4 Combined water supply: When the sprinklers and standpipes
are supplied from one (1) tank, the standpipe supply shall be drawn
from the top portion of the tank and be so located that the bottom of the
tank shall be not less than twenty-five (25) feet above the topmost outlet.
The tank shall have a capacity greater than five thousand (5000) gallons
and be so arranged as to provide a reserve supply of not less than five
thousand (5000) gallons at all times for the standpipe fire line.
1214.5 Standpipes
1214.5.1 Water service: Standpipes shall be connected to a street water
main with a fire water service at least egual to the size of the largest
standpipe within the building, or shall be hydraulically calculated to
satisfy total demand. The size of the water service at the base of the
standpipe risers shall be at least the size of the largest standpipe.
1214.5.2 Interconnection: The reguired water supply shall be con-
nected to the base of each standpipe. Where more than one (1) stand-
pipe is reguired, all standpipes shall be interconnected at their base and
an approved indicating valve shall be installed at the base of each stand-
pipe so as to permit individual risers to be taken out of service if
damaged or broken without interrupting the water supply to other risers.
1214.6 Main control valve: Every sprinkler system shall be provided
with a readily accessible outside screw and yoke valve or an indicator
gate valve to control all sources of water supply except that from the
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
fire department connection. Such valves shall be kept in a locked open
position or shall be provided with an anti-tampering device which shall
sound a local alarm and may transmit a signal to the local fire depart-
ment if such an installation is provided.
1214.7 Water curtains for wall openings: In all buildings and struc-
tures designed for high hazard (use group H), storage (use group S),
mercantile (use group M), and industrial (use group F) uses involving
the storage, sale or processing of flammable materials or products, the
exterior wall openings located on or within six (6) feet of interior lot
lines shall be protected with an approved water curtain (see Section
914.0).
1214.8 Manual fire extinguishing eguipment: All hand-operated aux-
iliary fire extinguishing equipment shall be of an approved type suitable
to the occupational use of the building and shall be installed in corri-
dors and other locations, visible and readily accessible to the occupants
of the building in accordance with the requirements of the fire official
and as herein specified.
1214.8.1 Cabinets: When auxiliary emergency equipment is enclosed
in cabinets, they shall be of an approved type of noncombustible con-
struction equipped with readily openable keyless doors or with readily
broken glass access panels.
1214.9 Drainage of discharge: Provisions shall be made for discharge
of the overflow of water on every floor of sprinklered buildings desig-
nated for industrial and storage uses to comply with the Massachusetts
State Plumbing Code (248 CMR 2.00).
SECTION 1215.0 YARD HYDRANTS
1215.1 Fire hydrants: Fire hydrants installed on private property shall
be located and installed as directed by the fire department. Hydrants
shall conform to the standards of the administrative authority of this
jurisdiction and the fire department. Hydrants shall not be installed on a
water main of less than six (6) inches in diameter.
SECTION 1216.0 AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
1216.1 Plans and specifications: Where required by this code, the
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 1216
RESIDENTIAL FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Use
group
Number
of
units
Unit
occupant
protection
Other
occupant
protection
Standby
power
Manual
stations
Zoned
Provision
for
fire dept.
notification
R-3
1-2
Yes
1216.3.2.2
—
R-l,
R-2
6 or
less
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.1
—
R-l,
R-2
7-12
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.3
—
—
—
R-l,
R-2
13-24
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.3
Yes
1216.3.2.4
Yes
1216.3.2.5
—
R-l,
R-2
25 or
more
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.1
Yes
1216.3.2.3
Yes
1216.3.2.4
Yes
1216.3.2.5
Yes
1216.3.2.6
Manual pull stations required for R-l an R-2 use groups three (3) stories or more in height.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
plans and specifications for the automatic fire alarm system shall show
location and number of all sending station and signals with specifications
of the type, construction, and operation of the system including all
automatic detection devices. Installation of all equipment shall conform to
the requirements of this code and the applicable standards listed in
Appendix I.
1216.2 Approval: The automatic fire alarm system shall be approved for
the particular application.
1216.3 Where required: An automatic fire alarm system shall be in-
stalled and maintained in full operating condition in the locations de-
scribed in the following Sections 1216.3.1 through 1216.3.4.
1216.3.1 Institutional (I) use: In all buildings of use group I (institu-
tional) in accordance with NFiPA Standard No. 101 as listed in Appendix
B.
1216.3.2 Automatic fire warning systems in residential use groups R-l,
R-2, R-3 and R-4: Every building, structure or portion thereof for
which a permit was issued on or after January 1, 1975, and not exceeding
seventy (70) feet in height above mean grade, in use groups R-l, R-2,
R-3 or R-4 shall be subject to the provisions of this section. Such
buildings in use groups R-l or R-2 which exceed seventy (70) feet in
height shall be subject to the provisions of Section 1216.3.2.1, Item 6
(see also Section 431.4). Buildings or structures which are altered or
repaired shall be subject to the provisions of Section 106.0. A summary
of the requirements is given in Table 1216.
1216.3.2.1 R-l and R-2 use groups: All buildings or portions thereof of
R-l and R-2 use groups shall incorporate automatic fire detectors located
as required in the following items 1 through 9 (see Section 1216.3.2.3 for
type of system):
1. All buildings of R-l and R-2 use groups which contain six (6) or
less separate residential units shall use a Type III or Type II system
with multiple station smoke detectors on each level of the common
space as defined in Section 1216.3.2.1, item 7a [see Item 4 if three
(3) or more stories].
2. All buildings of R-l and R-2 use groups which contain seven (7) to
twelve (12) separate residential units shall be provided with a Type
II system (see Item 4 if three (3) or more stories.)
3. All buildings of R-l and R-2 use groups which contain thirteen (13)
or more separate residential units shall be provided with a Type I
system and zoned in conformance with Section 1216.3.2.5.
4. All buildings of R-l and R-2 use groups which contain thirteen (13)
ore more separate residential units, or are three (3) or more stories
in height, shall incorporate manual pull stations located in confor-
mance with Section 1216.3.2.4.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
5. All buildings of R-l and R-2 use groups which contain twenty-five
(25) or more separate residential units shall incorporate provisions
for automatic fire department notification in conformance with Section
1216.3.2.6.
6. Approved single or multiple station smoke detectors shall be located
within each residential unit to comply with the following minimum re-
quirements :
a. Minimum number of detectors
i. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located outside of
each separate sleeping area, in accordance with the defini-
tion for "separate sleeping area" as defined in Section 1216
.3.2.2, item 2.b.i and NFiPA 74 as listed in Appendix I.
ii. In residential units twelve hundred (1200) square feet or
more in area, at least one (1) permanently wired multiple
station smoke detector shall be provided for each twelve
hundred (1,200) square feet of area or part thereof.
b. Location of detectors
i. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located outside of
each separate sleeping area, as defined in Section 1216
.3.2.2, item 2.b.i, and NFiPA 74 as listed in Appendix I.
ii. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located on the
ceiling near the base of, but not within, each stairway,
iii. A smoke detector shall not be required to be located in or
within six (6) feet of a kitchen or cooking area. (This pro-
vision does not preclude installation in these areas.)
7. Approved fire detectors also shall be located within the structure to
comply with the following minimum requirements:
a. Corridors, lobbies and exitway discharge: all lobbies, common
corridors, hallways and exitway access and discharge routes
shall be provided with approved smoke detectors with not more
than a thirty (30) foot spacing between detectors.
b. Inside residential unit entrance doorways: all residential unit
doorways to corridors or hallways shall be provided with an ap-
proved heat detector located not more than six (6) feet inside
the doorway and in conformance with the requirements of NFiPA
72E as listed in Appendix I.
c. Other rooms: all rooms one hundred (100) square feet in area
or more, not in residential units, shall be equipped with ap-
proved heat detectors or smoke detectors located in accordance
with the requirements of their listing and in conformance with
NFiPA 72E as listed in Appendix I.
8. All detectors in Section 1216.3.2.1, Item 7, shall be arranged to ac-
tivate the building fire alarm in accordance with Section 1216.3.2.3.
9. Any building of R-l and R-2 use groups that is completely protected
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by an approved automatic sprinkler system may omit the detectors
required in Section 1216.3.2.1, Item 7, provided that waterflow will
sound the building fire alarms in accordance with Section 1216.3.2.3.
When a building in use group R-l and R-2 is completely sprinklered,
sprinklers may be omitted in closets and similar spaces with are
located within an individual dwelling unit when the least dimension of
such spaces is not greater than thirty (30) inches and the floor area
within such spaces does not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet.
Exceptions:
1. See Section 439.16 for types of systems required in R-l detoxification
facilities.
2. Required smoke detectors shall not be deleted when an approved auto-
matic sprinkler system is installed.
1216.3.2.2 R-3 and R-4 use groups, including manufactured homes
1. All buildings which are defined by this code as one or two-family
dwellings shall contain a Type III system in conformance with Section
1216.3.2.3 with smoke detectors located as required in Section 1216
.3.2.2, Item 2, of this section and in accordance with NFiPA 72E as
listed in Appendix I.
2. Smoke detectors shall be located to comply with the following mini-
mum requirements:
a. Minimum number of detectors
i. Not less than one (1) approved smoke detector shall be pro-
vided on the highest habitable level and on each floor, story
or level below, including basements or cellars.
ii. For any floor, level or story exceeding twelve hundred
(1200) square feet in area, one (1) approved smoke detector
shall be provided for each twelve hundred (1,200) square
feet or part thereof.
b. Location of detectors
i. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located outside of
each separate sleeping area. By sleeping area is meant the
area or areas of the familiy living unit in which the bed-
rooms (or sleeping rooms) are located. Bedrooms (or
sleeping rooms) separated by other use areas, such as
kitchens or living rooms (but not bathrooms), shall be
considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of
this regulation.
ii. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located on the
ceiling near the base of, but not within, each stairway.
iii. A smoke detector shall not be required to be located in or
within six (6) feet of a kitchen, cooking area or garage.
(This provision does not preclude installation in these
areas).
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
c. Combined coverage: smoke detectors required by Section 1216
.3.2.2, Item 2. a, may be used to fulfill the requirements of Sec-
tion 1216.3.2.2, Item 2.b.
1216.3.2.3 Type of systems: Systems shall be one (1) of the following
types as required by this section:
1. Type I: A Type I system shall be installed in conformance with the
Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) and NFiPA 72A as
listed in Appendix I. A Type I system shall include an approved
secondary source of power and incorporate an annunciator at the
grade level located as directed by the local fire department.
2. Type II: A Type II system shall be installed in conformance with
the Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) and NFiPA 72A as
listed in Appendix I and include an approved secondary source of
power .
3. Type III: A Type III system shall be installed in accordance with
NFiPA 74 as listed in Appendix I. Power shall be supplied from a
permanently-wired connection directly to an A.C. primary source of
power or monitored batteries. All power for A.C. powered detectors
shall be taken from a single branch circuit which also provides other
detectors shall be on the supply side, ahead of any switches. All
required smoke detectors shall be provided with a visible power-on
indication. All required smoke detectors shall be interconnected so
that when one actuates all will sound to meet the requirements of
NFiPA 74, Section 2-2.4, as listed in Appendix I. All required smoke
detectors shall conform with Section 1216.3.2.7, Items 1, 2 and 5.
1216.3.2.4 Manual pull stations: Where required, manual pull stations
shall be located on the corridor side of, and within six (6) feet of each
entrance to an exitway. Manual pull stations shall be connected to the
building fire alarm system in conformance with NFiPA 72A as listed in
Appendix I.
1216.3.2.5 Zones: Where required, each floor, level or story shall be
separately zoned. The length of any zone on any floor, level or story
shall not exceed two hundred (200) feet in any direction.
1216.3.2.6 Automatic fire department notification: Where required to
provide automatic fire department notification, the system shall be con-
nected to the fire department alarm headquarters if so directed by the
head of the local fire department, in conformance with NFiPA 72B, NFiPA
72C, or NFiPA 71 as listed in Appendix I.
1216.3.2.7 Approved devices
1. Single station and multiple station smoke detection devices: smoke
detectors of single station and multiple station types shall meet the
requirements of U.L. 217 as listed in Appendix I and be listed or
approved by a nationally recognized fire testing laboratory.
2. Smoke detectors, other than single station and multiple station de-
vices, shall meet the room fire test provisions of U.L. 167 in addi-
tion to carrying a listing or approval as meeting U.L. 167 or U.L.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
168.
3. All heat detectors shall be listed or approved for a spacing not less
than thirty (30) feet.
4. All other alarm equipment used in this section shall be listed or
approved by a nationally recognized fire testing laboratory.
5. The State Building Code Commission shall withdraw the approval from
any device or equipment which repeatedly fails to perform under this
section .
1216.3.2.8 Maintenance and testing
1. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to properly maintain the
system.
2. All Type I and Type II systems shall be tested at least annually in
conformance with the NFiPA 72A as listed in Appendix I with the
performance of each initiating device and indicating device recorded
with the head of the fire department.
3. In addition to the above, all Type I systems connected to the fire
department shall be tested with advance notice as required by the
head of the fire department.
1216.3.3 Assembly (A-4) use: In all buildings of use group A-4 (church-
es, schools, colleges, universities).
1216.3.4 Low density recreation: In all buildings used for low density
recreation such as swimming, tennis and skating where there are accom-
modations for less than one hundred (100) spectators.
1216.4 Alarms for fully- sprinklered buildings: Buildings which are
comcompletely equipped with an automatic fire suppression system are not
required to be equipped with an automatic fire alarm system but are
required to be equipped with a manual fire alarm system conforming to
Section 1217.0.
Exceptions :
1. R-l and R-2 use groups: In use groups R-l and R-2, single or
multiple station smoke detectors shall be provided in each dwell-
ing unit in conformance with Section 1216.3.2.1, Item 6.
2. Partially sprinklered buildings: When portions of buildings are
completely protected by an approved automatic fire suppression
system and are separated by two (2) hour fire rated construc-
tion from unprotected portions, the protected portions need not
be equipped with automatic fire alarm systems, but shall be
equipped with a manual fire alarm system conforming to Section
1217.0.
1216.5 Manual pull stations: A manual fire alarm system conforming to
the requirements of Section 1217.0 shall be installed in conjunction with
an automatic fire alarm system.
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Exception: Automatic fire alarm system for use groups R-2, R-3 and
R-4 as required by Section 1216.3.2.
1216.6 Distances: Approved fire detecting devices shall be installed not
to exceed the lineal or square footage allowances specified, based on the
generally accepted test standards under which they were tested and ap-
proved.
1216.7 Not mandatory: In special use buildings and structures or parts
thereof, an automatic fire alarm system may be installed in lieu of an
automatic fire suppression system when approved by the building official
and the fire official when such installation would be detrimental or danger-
ous to the specific use and occupancy (see Section 1202.19).
1216.8 Power supply: The power for the automatic fire alarm system
shall be provided from an emergency electrical system.
Exception: Automatic fire alarm systems for use groups R-2, R-3 and
R-4 as required by Section 1216.3.2
1216.9 Requirements: All automatic fire alarm systems shall be of the
closed circuit type and shall be electrically or mechanically supervised.
In addition, such systems shall comply with the following Section 1216.9.1
through 1216.9.3:
1216.9.1 Wiring: All wiring shall conform to the requirements of NFiPA
72 as listed in Appendix I and Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR
12.00).
1216.9.2 Audible alarms: Audible alarms, of approved type, shall be
provided. The operation of any detection device shall cause all audible
or visual alarms to operate. Visual and audible alarms shall be provided
in occupancies housing the hard-of-hearing. Alarm-sounding devices
shall be of an approved type, shall provide a distinctive tone and shall
not be used for any other purpose than that of a fire alarm. They shall
be located so as to be effectively heard above all other sounds, by all the
occupants, in every occupied space within the building.
1216.9.3 Zones: Each floor shall be zoned separately. If the floor area
exceeds twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, additional zoning shall be
provided. The length of any zone shall not exceed two hundred (200)
feet in any direction. Zoning indicator panels and controls shall be lo-
cated as approved by the building official and the fire official. Annunci-
ators shall lock in until the system is reset.
1216.10 Fire alarm acceptance tests: Upon completion of a fire alarm
system, the installation shall be subjected to a performance test to demon-
strate its efficiency of operation. Also, all connections and wiring, with
signal devices disconnected shall develop an insulation resistance of not
less than one (1) megohm.
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SECTION 1217.0 MANUAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS (PULL STATIONS)
1217.1 Plans and specifications: Where required by this code, the
plans and specifications for the manual fire alarm system shall show the
location and number of all sending stations and signals with specifications
of the type, construction and operation of the system. Installation of all
equipment shall conform to the requirements of this code and the appli-
cable standards listed in Appendix I.
1217.2 Approval: The manual fire alarm system shall be approved for
the particular application and shall be used for fire protection signaling
purposes only. Alarm boxes shall be painted a distinctive red color.
1217.3 Where required: A manual fire alarm system shall be installed
and maintained in full operating condition in the locations described in the
following Sections 1217.3.1 through 1217.3.5:
1217.3.1 Automatic alarm system: In all buildings required to be equipped
with an automatic fire alarm system (see Section 1216.5).
Exception: Automatic fire alarm system as required by Section 1216.3.2
for dwelling units in use groups R- 2, R-3 and R-4.
1217.3.2 Mercantile (M) use: In all buildings of use group M (mercantile)
which have one (1) or more levels above the grade level to which the
public is admitted.
1217.3.3 Assembly (A-4) use: In all new and existing buildings of use
group A-4 (assembly, educational).
Exception: Sanctuary and nave areas of churches and similar religious
buildings .
1217.3.4 Business (B) use: In all buildings of use group B (business)
when three (3) or more stories in height.
Exception: Buildings equipped with an automatic fire suppression sys-
tem and less than seventy feet in height.
1217.3.5 Factory and industrial (F) use: In all buildings of use group F
(factory) and twenty-five (25) or more individuals are employed above the
first or ground floor.
1217.4 Location: Manual pull stations shall be located in each common
corridor of each story including basements or cellars, so that from each
common corridor door, not more than two hundred (200) feet will be
traversed in order to reach a manual station. Stations shall be located as
near as possible and not more than five (5) feet from each exitway.
Where corridors are not provided, manual stations shall be located so that
any point in the building is not more than two hundred (200) feet from a
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station. Where a stage is provided, a manual pull station shall be located
adjacent to the lighting control panel.
1217.5 Coding: Coded stations shall be coded in conformance with the
standards as listed in Appendix I.
1217.6 Power supply: The power for the fire alarm system shall be
provided from an emergency electrical system.
1217.7 Requirements: Fire alarm systems shall be of the closed circuit
type and shall be electrically or mechanically supervised. In addition,
such systems shall comply with the following Sections 1217.7.1 through
1217.7.5:
1217.7.1 Wiring: All wiring shall conform to the requirements of NFiPA
72 as listed in Appendix I.
1217.7.2 Alarms: Audible alarms, of the approved type, shall be pro-
vided. In institutional occupancies, audible and visual alarms shall be
provided. The operation of any fire alarm device shall cause all audible or
visual alarms to operate. Visual and audible alarms shall be provided in
occupancies housing the hard-of-hearing. Alarm- sounding devices shall
be of approved type, shall provide a distinctive tone and shall not be
used for any other purpose than that of an alarm of fire. They shall be
of such character and so located as to be effectively heard above all
other sounds (or seen), by all the occupants, in every occupied space
within the building.
1217.7.3 Pre-signal system: A pre-signal system may be installed in in-
stitutional occupancies. Pre-signal systems shall not be installed in other
occupancies, unless approved by the building official, and by the fire
official. Where a pre-signal system is installed, twenty-four (24) hour
personnel supervision shall be provided at a location approved by the
building official and fire official, in order that the alarm signal can be
actuated in the event of fire or other emergency.
1217.7.4 Box height: The height of the manual pull station boxes shall
be not more than four (4) feet, measured vertically from the floor level.
1217.7.5 Zones: Each floor shall be zoned separately. If the floor area
exceeds twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, additional zoning shall be
provided. The length of any zone shall not exceed two hundred (200)
feet in any direction. Zoning indicator panels and controls shall be lo-
cated as approved by the department. Annunciators shall lock in until
the system is reset.
1217.8 Acceptance tests: Upon completion of a fire alarm system, the
installation shall be subjected to a performance test to demonstrate its
efficiency of operation. Also, all connections and wiring, with signal
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devices disconnected shall develop an insulation resistance of not less
than one (1) megohm.
SECTION 1218.0 SUPERVISION
1218.1 Fire suppression systems: Valves controlling reguired fire sup-
pression systems shall be supervised open by one (1) of the following
methods :
1. approved central station system, proprietary system or remote sta-
tion system of the jurisdiction;
2. local alarm service which will cause the sounding of an audible signal
at a constantly attended location;
3. locking valves open; or
4. sealing of valves and approved weekly recorded inspection when
valves are located within fenced enclosures under the control of the
Exceptions
1. Underground gate valves with roadway boxes.
2. Halogenated extinguishing systems.
3. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems.
4. Dry chemical extinguishing systems.
1218.2 Fire protection systems: All reguired fire protection systems
shall be connected to an approved central station system, proprietary
system, or remote station system of the jurisdiction, when approved by
the fire department.
Exceptions
1. Fire suppression systems shall conform to Section 1218.1.
2. Standpipe systems.
3. Fire alarm systems in residential occupancies (use group R), except
for detoxification facilities, when less than five (5) stories high.
4. Automatic fire alarm devices protecting individual dwelling units as
reguired by Section 1216.3.2.
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ARTICLE 13
PRECAUTIONS DURING BUILDING OPERATIONS
SECTION 1300.0 GENERAL
1300.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall apply to all con-
struction operations in connection with the erection, alteration, repair,
removal or demolition of buildings and structures. The execution of the
detail requirements shall be regulated by the approved rules and the
safety codes for building construction listed in Appendix B.
1300.2 Other laws: Nothing herein contained shall be construed to
nullify any rules, regulations or statutes of state agencies governing the
protection of the public or workmen from health or other hazards involved
in manufacturing, mining and other processes and operations which gen-
erate toxic gases, dust or other elements dangerous to the respiratory
system, eyesight or health.
1300.2.1 Other regulations: In addition, the following regulations also
shall apply when not covered by this code: Rules and Regulations for
the Prevention of Accidents in Construction Operations (441 CMR 10.00);
and Keeping, Storage, Use, Manufacture, Sale, Handling, Transportation
or other Disposition of Explosives (527 CMR 13.00).
1300.3 Combustible and explosive hazards: The provisions of this code
which apply to the storage, use or transportation of explosives, highly
flammable and combustible substances, gases and chemicals shall be con-
strued as supplemental to the requirements of the federal laws, the regu-
lations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the rules and
regulations of the jurisdiction.
SECTION 1301.0 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL PERMITS
1301.1 Temporary construction: Before any construction operation is
started, plans and specifications shall be filed with the building official
showing the design and construction of all sidewalk sheds, truck run-
ways, trestles, foot bridges, guard fences and other similar devices
required in the operation; and the approval of the building official shall
be secured before the commencement of any work.
1301.2 Special permits: All special licenses and permits for the stor-
age of materials on sidewalks and highways, for the use of water or other
public facilities and for the storage and handling of explosives shall be
secured from the administrative authorities having jurisdiction.
1301.3 Temporary encroachments: Subject to the approval of the
building official, sidewalk sheds, underpinning and other temporary pro-
tective guards and devices may project beyond the interior and street lot
lines as may be required to insure the safety of the adjoining property
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and the public. When necessary, the consent of the adjoining property
owner shall be obtained.
SECTION 1302.0 TESTS
1302.1 Loading: It shall be unlawful to load any structure, temporary
support, scaffolding, sidewalk bridge or sidewalk shed or any other de-
vice or construction equipment during the construction or demolition of
any building or structure in excess of its safe working capacity as pro-
vided in Article 7 for allowable loads and working stresses.
1302.2 Unsafe equipment: Whenever any doubt arises as to the struc-
tural quality or strength of scaffolding plank or other construction equip-
ment, such material shall be replaced; provided, however, the building
official may accept a strength test to four (4) times the superimposed live
load to which the material or structural member is to be subjected. The
member shall sustain the test load without failure.
SECTION 1303.0 INSPECTION
1303.1 Unsafe conditions: When inspection of any construction opera-
tion reveals that any unsafe or illegal conditions exist, the building offi-
cial shall notify the owner and direct him to take the necessary remedial
measures to remove the hazard or violation.
1303.2 Failure to comply with orders: Unless the owner so notified
proceeds to comply with the orders of the building official within twenty-
four (24) hours, the building official shall have full power to correct the
unsafe conditions as provided in Sections 124.0 and 125.0. All expenses
incurred in the correction of such unsafe conditions shall become a lien
on the property.
1303.3 Unsafe construction equipment: When the strength and ade-
quacy of any scaffold or other device or construction equipment is in
doubt, or when any complaint is made, the building official may inspect
such equipment and shall prohibit its use until tested as required in Sec-
tion 1302.2 or until all danger is removed.
SECTION 1304.0 MAINTENANCE
1304.1 General: All construction equipment and safeguards shall be
constructed, installed and maintained in a substantial manner and shall be
so operated as to insure protection to the workmen engaged thereon and
to the general public. It shall be unlawful to remove or render inoper-
ative any structural, fire protective or sanitary safeguard or device
herein required except when necessary for the actual installation and
prosecution of the work.
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SECTION 1305.0 EXISTING BUILDNGS
1305.1 Protection: All existing and adjoining public and private prop-
erty shall be protected from damage incidental to construction operations.
1305.2 Chimney, soil and vent stacks: Whenever a new building or
structure is erected to greater or lesser heights than an adjoining build-
ing, the construction and extension of new or existing chimneys shall
conform to the provisions of Section 1005.0 and to soil and vent stacks,
and the location of window openings shall conform to the provisions of
Article 17 and Sections 1305.2.1 through 1305.2.3.
1305.2.1 Extension above new building: When a new building is erected
higher than an existing building, windows or other wall openings shall
not be located nearer than six (6) feet to an existing soil or vent stack
on the lower building unless the owner of the new building makes the
necessary provision to extend such soil or vent stacks to a height of not
less than three (3) feet above the topmost opening at his own expense
and with the approval of the adjoining owner.
1305.2.2 Extension above existing building: When the existing adjoining
building is of greater height than the new building, the owner of the
structure of greater height may, with the consent of the new oener of the
new structure, extend all new soil, waste or vent stacks which are lo-
cated within twenty (20) feet of the common lot line to a level above the
higher existing roof.
1305.2.3 Exemption: Approved fixed window assemblies of the required
fireresistance rated construction which comply with the provisions of Arti-
cle 9, when permitted in lot line walls, shall not be deemed wall openings
within the meaning of this section.
1305.3 Adjoining walls: The owner of the new or altered structure
shall preserve all adjoining independent and party walls from damage as
provided herein. He shall underpin where necessary and support the
adjoining building or structure by proper foundations to comply with
Section 1307.0.
1305.3.1 Maintenance: In case an existing party wall is intended to be
used by the person who causes an excavation to be made, and such party
wall is in good condition and sufficient for the use of both the existing
and proposed building, such person shall preserve the party wall from
injury and support it by proper foundations at his own expense, so that
it shall remain as safe and useful as it was before the excavation was
commenced. During the demolition, the party wall shall be maintained
weather-proof and structurally safe by adequate bracing until such time
as the permanent structural supports shall have been provided.
1305.3.2 Beam holes: When a structure involving a party wall is being
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demolished, the owner of the demolished structure shall, at his own ex-
pense, bend over all wall anchors at the beam ends of the standing wall
and shall brick-up all open beam holes and otherwise maintain the safety
and usefulness of the wall.
1305.3.3 Party wall exitways: A party wall balcony or horizontal exit
shall not be destroyed unless and until a substitute means of egress has
been provided and approved by the building official.
1305.4 Adjoining roofs: When a new building or demolition of an
existing building is being prosecuted at a greater height, the roof, roof
outlets and roof structures of adjoining buildings shall be protected
against damage with adequate safeguards by the person doing the work.
SECTION 1306.0 PROTECTION OF PUBLIC AND WORKMEN
1306.1 General: Whenever a building or structure is erected, altered,
repaired, removed or demolished, the operation shall be conducted in a
safe manner and suitable protection for the general public and workmen
employed thereon shall be provided.
1306.2 Fences: An adequate fence or other barrier shall be erected
when required by the building official during construction operations.
1306.3 Sidewalk bridge: Whenever the ground is excavated under the
sidewalk, a sidewalk bridge shall be constructed at least four (4) feet
wide, or a protected walkway of equal width shall be erected in the
street, provided the required permit for such walkway is obtained from
the administrative authority.
1306.4 Sidewalk shed
1306.4.1 Within ten feet of street lot line: When any building or part
thereof which is located within ten (10) feet of the street lot line is to be
erected or raised to exceed forty (40) feet in height, or whenever a
building more than forty (40) feet in height within ten (10) feet of the
street lot line is to be demolished, a sidewalk shed shall be erected and
maintained for the full length of the building on all street fronts for the
entire time that work is performed on the exterior of the building.
1306.4.2 Within 20 feet of street lot line: When the building being de-
molished or erected is located within twenty (20) feet of the street lot
line and is more than forty (40) feet in height, exterior flare fans or
catch platforms shall be erected at vertical intervals of not more than two
(2) stories.
1306.4.3 Buildings higher than six stories: When the building being
demolished or erected is more than six (6) stories or seventy-five (75)
feet in height, unless set back from the street lot line a distance more
than one-half (%) its height, a sidewalk shed shall be provided.
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1306.4.4 Walkway: An adequately lighted walkway at least four (4) feet
wide and eight (8) feet high in the clear shall be maintained under all
sidewalk sheds for pedestrians. Where ramps are required, they shall
conform to the provisions of this article and Section 615.0.
1306.5 Thrust-out platforms: The building official may approve thrust-
out platforms or other substitute protections in lieu of sidewalk sheds
when deemed adequate to insure the public safety. Thrust-out platforms
shall not be used for the storage of materials.
1306.6 Watchman: Wnenever a building is being demolished, erected or
altered, a watchman shall be employed to warn the general public when
intermittent hazardous operations are conducted across the sidewalk or
walkway .
SECTION 1307.0 EXCAVATIONS
1307.1 Temporary support: Until permanent support has been provid-
ed, all excavations shall be safeguarded and protected by the person
causing the excavations to be made, to avoid all danger to life or limb.
Where necessary, such excavations shall be retained by temporary retain-
ing walls, sheet-piling and bracing or other approved method to support
the adjoining earth. (See 441 CMR 10.00).
1307.1.1 Examination of adjoining property: Before any excavation or
demolition is undertaken, license to enter upon adjoining property for the
purpose of physical examination shall be afforded by the owner and ten-
ants of such adjoining property to the person undertaking such excava-
tion or demolition, prior to the commencement and at reasonable periods
during the progress of the work.
1307.1.2 Notice to the building official: If the person who causes an
excavation to be made or an existing structure to be demolished has
reason to believe that an adjoining structure is unsafe, he shall forthwith
report in writing to the building official. The building official shall
inspect such premises, and if the structure is found unsafe, he shall
order it repaired as provided in Section 123.0.
1307.1.3 Responsibility of adjoining owner: The person making or caus-
ing an excavation to be made shall, before starting the work, give at
least one (1) week's notice in writing to the owner of each neighboring
building or structure, the safety of which may be affected. Having
received consent to enter a building, structure or premises, he shall
make the necessary provisions to protect it structurally and to insure it
against damge by the elements which may ensue from such excavation. If
license to enter is not afforded, then the adjoining owner shall have the
entire responsibility of providing both temporary and permanent support
of his premises at his own expense; and for that purpose, he shall be
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afforded the license when necessary to enter the property where the
excavation is to be made.
1307.1.4 Excavations for other than construction purposes: Excavations
made for the purpose of removing soil, earth, sand, gravel, rock or
other materials shall be performed in such a manner as will prevent injury
to neighboring properties or to the street which adjoins the lot where
such materials are excavated, and to safeguard the general public health
and welfare.
1307.2 Permanent Support
1307.2.1 Excavations: Whenever an excavation is made below the estab-
lished grade, the person who causes such excavation to be made, if
afforded the necessary license to enter the adjoining premises, shall pre-
serve and protect from injury at all times and at his own expense such
adjoining structure or premises which may be affected by the excavation.
If the necessary license is not afforded, it shall then be the duty of the
owner of the adjoining premises to make his building or structure safe by
installing proper underpinning or foundations or otherwise; and such
owner, if it be necessary for the prosecution of his work, shall be gran-
ted the necessary license to enter the premises where the excavation or
demolition is contemplated (see Section 1307.1.3).
1307.2.2 Deleted
SECTION 1308.0 REGULATION OF LOTS
1308.1 Grading of lot: When a building or structure has been demol-
ished or removed and a building operation has not been projected or ap-
proved, the vacant lot shall be filled with non-organic fill, graded and
maintained in conformity with adjacent grades. The lot shall be main-
tained free from the accumulation of rubbish and all other unsafe or
hazardous conditions which endanger the life or health of the public; and
provisions shall be made to prevent the accumulation of water or damage
to any foundations on the premises or the adjoining property.
1308.2 Utility connections: All service utility connections shall be
discontinued and capped in accordance with Section 116.1.
SECTION 1309.0 RETAINING WALLS AND PARTITION FENCES
1309.1 General: When the adjoining grade is not higher than the legal
level, the person causing an excavation to be made shall erect, when nec-
essary, a retaining wall at his own expense and on his own land. Such
wall shall be built to a height sufficient to retain the adjoining earth,
shall be properly coped as required in Section 870.0 and shall be provid-
ed with a guard rail or fence not less than forty- two (42) inches in
height.
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SECTION 1310.0 STORAGE OF MATERIALS
1310.1 General: All materials and equipment required in construction
operations shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public,
the workmen or adjoining property.
1310.2 Design capacity: Materials or equipment stored within the
building, or on sidewalks, sheds or scaffolds shall be placed so as not to
overload any part of the construction beyond its design capacity, nor
interfere with the safe prosecution of the work.
1310.3 Special loading: Unless the construction is designed for special
loading, materials stored on sidewalk sheds and scaffolds shall not exceed
one (1) day's supply. All materials shall be piled in an orderly manner
and height, to permit removal of individual pieces without endangering
the stability of the pile.
1310.4 Pedestrian walkways: Materials or equipment shall not be
stored on the street without a permit issued by the administrative official
having jurisdiction. When so stored they shall not unduly interfere with
vehicular traffic, or the orderly travel of pedestrians on the highways
and streets. The piles shall be arranged to maintain a safe walkway not
less than four (4) feet wide, unobstructed for its full length, and ade-
quately lighted at night and at all necessary times for the use of the
public .
1310.5 Obstructions: Material and equipment shall not be placed or
stored so as to obstruct access to fire hydrants, standpipes, fire or
police alarm boxes, utility boxes, catch basins, or manholes, nor shall
they be located within twenty (20) feet of a street intersection, or so
placed as to obstruct normal observations of traffic signals or to hinder
the use of street car loading platforms.
SECTION 1311.0 REMOVAL OF WASTE MATERIAL
1311.1 Removal of waste material: Material shall not be dropped by
gravity or thrown outside the exterior walls of a building during demo-
lition or erection. Enclosed chutes shall be provided for this purpose
and any material which in its removal will cause an excessive amount of
dust shall be wetted down to prevent the creation of a nuisance.
SECTION 1312.0 PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY
1312.1 General: Adjoining property shall be completely protected from
any damage incidental to the building operation when the owner of the
property permits free access to the building at all reasonable times to
provide the necessary safeguards in accordance with Section 1307.0.
SECTION 1313.0 PROTECTION OF FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS
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1313.1 Noncombustible floor construction: The arches, slabs or struc-
tural floor fillings of buildings or fireproof construction (Type I) and
noncombustible construction (Type 2) shall be installed as the building
progresses .
1313.2 Combustible floor construction: In wood joist floor construction
(Types 3 and 4) when double flooring is used, the underfloor shall be
laid on each story as the building progresses; and when double floors are
not used, the floors shall be planked over two (2) stories below the level
where work is being performed.
1313.3 Steel structural frames: In steel construction, the entire tier
of iron or steel beams upon which the structural work is in progress shall
be planked over within two (2) floors but not more than twenty-five (25)
feet, with the exception of necessary hoistways and permanent openings;
and the steel work shall not advance more than four (4) floors or forty-
eight (48) feet ahead of unfinished bolting or welding above the founda-
tion or highest permanently secured floor, nor more than six (6) floors
ahead of the permanent floor construction.
1313.4 Guardrails: All floor and wall openings shall be protected with
substantial guard rails and toe boards in accordance with accepted engi-
neering practice.
SECTION 1314.0 SCAFFOLDS
1314.1 Load capacity: Scaffolds and their components shall be capable
of supporting without failure at least four (4) times the maximum intended
load. All platforms and supporting elements of scaffolds shall be de-
signed and constructed to support uniform minimum live loads in pounds
per sguare foot (psf) of the platform area in accordance with the classifi-
cations described in the following Table 1314.
1314.2 Erection: Built-up, swinging, and suspended scaffolds shall be
erected by competent workmen only.
1314.3 Fire-retardant construction
1314.3.1 All buildings: All scaffolding exceeding sixty (60) feet or
seven (7) stories in height used in construction operations involving the
erection, alteration or maintenance of buildings, shall be constructed of
noncombustible or fire-retardant materials except for the platform plank-
ing which may be of wood, complying with the provisions of Section
903.0.
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Table 1314
SCAFFOLD LOAD CAPACITY
Load
(pounds per
Classification
Service type
square foot)
Light duty
Carpenters
25
Stone setters
25
(No stone on scaffold)
Miscellaneous
25
(No material on scaffold)
Medium duty
Bricklayers
50
Stucco
50
Lathers & plasterers
50
Heavy duty
Stone masons
75
1314.3.2 Institutional buildings: All scaffolding used in construction op-
erations involving the repair or partial demolition of institutional buildings
(use groups 1-1 and 1-2), during occupancy of the building shall be con-
structed of noncombustible or fire-retardant materials complying with the
the provisions of Section 903.0.
SECTION 1315.0 HOISTS
1315.1 Eguipment for handling and hoisting materials: Equipment for
handling and hoisting materials shall be in accordance with Article 17 of
the Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of Accidents in Construction
Operations (441 CMR 10.00).
1315.2
1315.3
1315.4
Deleted
Deleted
Deleted
SECTION 1316.0 STAIRWAYS AND LADDERS
1316.1 Temporary stairways: When a building has been constructed to
a greater height than fifty (50) feet or four (4) stories, or when an
existing building which exceeds fifty (50) feet in height is altered, at
least one (1) temporary lighted stairways are shall be provided unless one
(1) or more of the permanent stairways is erected as the construction
progresses.
1316.2 Ladders: Temporary ladders, when permitted for access to
floors before stairways are installed, or which are designed for other
working purposes, shall extend at least forty-two (42) inches above the
floor level which they serve.
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SECTION 1317.0 LIGHTING
1317.1 General: All stairways and parts of buildings under demolition,
erection or repair shall be adequately lighted while persons are engaged
at work, to comply with the provisions of Section 624.0 and Article 15.
SECTION 1318.0 FIRE HAZARDS
1318.1 General: The provisions of this code and of the fire prevention
regulations shall be strictly observed to safeguard against all fire hazards
attendant upon construction operations.
1318.2 Temporary heating: Whenever salamanders or other heating
devices are used for temporary heating, all regulations as to maximum
temperature, distance from combustible materials, spark arrestors, remov-
al of noxious gases, and other requirements prescribed by the building
official shall be fully observed. When the source of temporary heat
consists of salamanders or other open-flame devices, temporary canvas
enclosures shall comply with Section 904.0.
1318.3 Steam boilers: All temporary or permanent high pressure steam
boilers shall be operated, or be in charge of engineers or firemen li-
censed in accordance with the provisions of Inspection of Boilers, Air
Tanks, etc.; Licenses of Hoisting Machinery, Chapter 146 of the Massa-
chusetts General Laws Annotated, as amended, and as listed under Boiler
Regulations in Appendix B . When such boilers are located within a
building or within ten (10) feet thereof, all such boilers shall be enclosed
with approved noncombustible construction.
1318.4 Storage of flammables: Storage of gasoline for hoists, oils,
paints and other highly flammable materials shall be permitted only as
specified in Article 4 and when stored in approved safety containers.
The storage of larger quantities may be approved by the administrative
official when stored in separate compartments or enclosures of approved
noncombustible construction .
1318.5 Flame cutting and welding: The use of oxyacetylene torches
for cutting or welding shall be permitted only in accordance with the
applicable standards for air and gas welding in building construction.
1318.6 Concrete forms: Combustible materials shall not be stored on
any floor of a building under construction until all combustible concrete
forms are removed from the tier immediately above.
1318.7 Fire- extinguishing equipment: Required fire extinguishers,
water buckets, auxiliary fire-fighting tools or other portable extinguish-
ing equipment shall be installed and maintained on all floors of a con-
struction operation in accessible locations as required in Article 12 and
the fire prevention regulation.
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1318.8 Standpipes and fire lines: Where standpipes are provided as a
permanent part of the building, they shall be installed and made ready
for instant use of the fire department as the structure progresses in
accordance with the provisions of Section 1212.0. Free access from the
street to such standpipes shall be maintained at all times; and materials
shall not be stored within five (5) feet of any fire hydrant or in the
roadway between such hydrant and the center line of the street.
1318.9 Housekeeping: Rubbish and trash shall not be allowed to
accumulate on the site and shall be removed as fast as conditions war-
rant; combustible rubbish shall be removed daily, and shall not be dis-
posed of by burning on the premises or in the immediate vicinity, and the
entire premises and area adjoining and around the operation shall be kept
in a safe and sanitary condition and free of accumulations of trash,
rubbish, nuts, bolts, small tools and other equipment.
SECTION 1319.0 HEALTH HAZARDS
1319.1 General: Every construction or maintenance operation which
results in the diffusion of dust, stone and other small particles, toxic
gases or other harmful substances in quantities hazardous to health shall
be safeguarded by means of local ventilation or other protective devices
to insure the safety of the public as required by the regulations of the
administrative official.
1319.2 Removal of dust: Dust, sand blasts or other harmful agents,
when employed or occurring in construction operations, shall be disposed
of at or near the point of origin to prevent their diffusion over adjoining
premises or streets.
1319.3 Protective equipment: Facilities shall be provided for housing
the necessary vision, respiratory and protective equipment required in
welding operations in approved closed containers and in accordance with
the regulations of the administrative official (see Section 1319.1).
SECTION 1320.0 WELDING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1320.1 Welding enclosures: All welding and flame-cutting operations
shall be performed in protected areas with full consideration to safety and
fire hazards. Such closed spaces shall be properly ventilated while weld-
ing or cutting is being done. Suitable protection against the rays of the
electric arc shall be maintained by the contractor where arc-welding oper-
ations might be viewed within harmful range by persons other than the
welding operators and inspectors.
1320.2 Flammable materials: Proper precautions shall be taken to avoid
all risk of fire or explosion, and flammable or explosive materials shall not
be stored in the vicinity of welding or cutting operations.
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SECTION 1321.0 DELETED
SECTION 1322.0 DISPUTES
1322.1 General: The building official, when requested by any person,
aggrieved or otherwise, shall serve a written notice on any owner, tenant
and their agents who fail to conform to the requirements of this article
directing him to take the necessary remedial action. If the person whose
duty it is to protect his own or adjoining property under those provisions
fails to proceed to fully comply with such notice within three (3) days of
the receipt thereof, or within a reasonable time thereafter as determined
by the building official, he may cause the necessary work to be done
when the health, safety and general welfare of the public are involved.
The cost of such work shall become a lien against the property of the
offending owner and the legal authority of the jurisdiction shall institute
appropriate action for its recovery.
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ARTICLE 14
SIGNS
SECTION 1400.0 GENERAL
1400.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall govern the con-
struction, alteration, repair and maintenance of all signs, together with
their appurtenant and auxiliary devices in respect to structural and fire
safety .
1400.2 Zoning law: Where more restrictive in respect to location, use,
size or height of signs, the limitations of the zoning laws affecting re-
quired light and ventilation requirements and use of land shall take
precedence over the regulations of this code.
1400.3 Approved rules: In the absence of approved rules governing
details of construction, the provisions of the applicable standards listed
in Appendix B shall be deemed to confirm to the requirements of this
code unless otherwise specified in this article.
1400.3.1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts regulations: Outdoor advertis-
ing subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Outdoor Advertising
Board, Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, as amended, and as listed
in Appendix B and 311 CMR 1.00-3.00, requires the approval of the said
Board prior to permit issuance.
SECTION 1401.0 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND PERMITS
1401.1 Owner's consent: Before any permit is granted for the erection
of a sign, plans and specifications shall be filed with the building official
showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction,
including loads, stresses and anchorage. The applications shall be ac-
companied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises
upon which the sign is to be erected.
1401.2 New signs: A new sign shall not hereafter be erected, con-
structed, altered or maintained except as herein provided and until after
a permit has been issued by the building official and the bond, if re-
quired, shall have been filed in accordance with Section 1406.0.
1401.3 Deleted
1401.4 Alterations: A sign shall not be enlarged or relocated except
in conformity to the provisions of this article for new signs, nor until a
proper permit has been secured. The changing of movable parts of an
approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or
reposting of display matter, shall not be deemed an alteration; provided
the conditions of the original approval and the requirements of this article
are not violated.
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1401.5 Plans and specifications: Any sign twelve (12) feet or over in
height above average adjoining grade, or any free-standing sign with an
area of over sixty (60) sguare feet, or any roof sign, projecting sign, or
marquee sign, shall have structural drawings and specifications, including
foundations, submitted by a registered professional engineer.
SECTION 1402.0 EXEMPTIONS
1402.1 General: A permit shall not be required for the signs covered
by the provisions of this section. Such exceptions, however, shall not
be construed to relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its
erection and maintenance in a safe manner.
1402.2 Wall signs: A sign painted on the surface of a fence or ap-
proved building wall; or any non-illuminated wall sign on a building or
structure which is not more than ten (10) square feet in area.
1402.3 Ground signs: The ground signs listed in the following Sec-
tions 1402.3.1 through 1402.3.3 shall not require a permit.
1402.3.1 Sale or rent: Signs erected to announce the sale or rent of the
property so designated, provided such signs are not more than twenty-
five (25) square feet in area.
1402.3.2 Transit directions: The erection or maintenance of a sign des-
ignating the location of a transit line, a railroad station or other public
carrier when not more than three (3) square feet in area.
1402.3.3 Street signs: A sign erected by a jurisdiction for street direc-
tion.
1402.4 Projecting signs: A projecting sign not exceeding two and
one-half (2^) square feet of display surface.
1402.4.1 Government building signs: Signs erected on a municipal, state
or federal building which announce the name, nature of the occupancy
and information as to use of, or admission to, the premises.
SECTION 1403.0 UNSAFE AND UNLAWFUL SIGNS
1403.1 Notice of unsafe signs: When any sign becomes insecure, in
danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe, or if any sign shall be unlawfully
installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of
this code, the owner thereof or the person or firm maintaining same, shall
upon written notice of the building official, forthwith in the case of im-
mediate danger and in any case within not more than ten (10) days, make
such sign conform to the provisions of this article or shall remove it. If
within ten (10) days the order is not compiled with, the building official
may remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof as
provided in Section 124.0.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1403.2 Unlawful signs: The location or positioning of signs listed in
the following Sections 1403.2.1 through 1403.2.4 shall be considered un-
lawful .
1403.2.1 Egress obstructions: A sign shall not be erected, constructed,
or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exitway, window
or door opening used as an element of a means of egress or to prevent
free passage from one part of a roof to another part thereof or access
thereto as required by the provisions of Article 6 or for the fire-fighting
forces having jurisdiction.
1403.2.2 Obstruction to ventilation: A sign shall not be attached in any
form, shape or manner which will interfere with any opening required for
ventilation by Article 5, except than such signs may be erected in front
of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the provisions
of this code.
1403.2.3 Projecting signs: A projecting sign erected at other than right
angles to the wall of the building or structure outside of the building line
which extends above the roof cornice or parapet wall, or above the roof
level when there is not a cornice or parapet wall and which obstructs
access to the roof is hereby deemed unlawful. Such signs shall be re-
constructed or removed as herein required.
1403.2.4 Alley signs: Signs shall not be permitted to project beyond
alley lot lines.
SECTION 1404.0 EXISTING SIGNS
1404.1 Removing or reconstructing signs: A sign heretofore approved
and erected shall not be repaired, altered or moved, nor shall any sign,
or any substantial part thereof, which is blown down, destroyed or re-
moved be re-erected, reconstructed, rebuilt or relocated unless it is made
to comply with all applicable requirements of this article.
1404.2 Repair of unsafe signs: This section shall not be construed to
prevent the repair or restoration to a safe condition as directed by the
building official of any part of an existing sign when damaged by storm
or other accidental emergency.
1404.3 Relocating signs: Any sign that is moved to another location
either on the same or to other premises shall be considered a new sign
and a permit shall be secured for any work performed in connection
therewith when required by this article.
1404.4 Projecting signs: See Section 1403.2.3.
SECTION 1405.0 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
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1405.1 Removal: The building official may order the removal of any
sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this
article .
1405.2 Maintenance: All signs for which a permit is required, together
with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in
repair in accordance with the provisions of this article and Article I; and
when not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion-resistive, non-
combustible materials shall be painted when necessary to prevent cor-
rosion.
1405.3 Housekeeping: It shall be the duty and responsibility of the
owner or lessee of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied
by the sign in a clean, sanitary and healthful condition.
1405.4 Inspection: Every sign shall be subject to the inspection and
approval of the building official.
SECTION 1406.0 BONDS AND LIABILITY INSURANCE
1406.1 Filing: A person shall not erect, install, remove, rehang or
maintain over public property any sign for which a permit is required
under the provisions of this code until approved bond or liability insur-
ance shall have been filed in accordance with the requirements of the
municipality, if any.
1406.2 Conditions: Such bond or insurance policy may provide that
the municipality shall be protected and held harmless from any and all
claims or demands for damages by reason of any negligence of the sign
hanger, contractor or his agents, or by any reason of defects in the
construction or damages resulting from the collapse, failure or combustion
of the sign or parts thereof.
1406.3 Notice of cancellation: Any such obligation shall remain in
force and effect during the lifetime of every such sign and shall not be
cancelled by the principal or surety until after thirty (30) days' notice to
the building official.
SECTION 1407.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS
1407.1 Construction: All signs shall be designed and constructed in
conformity to the provisions for materials, loads and stresses of Articles 7
and 8 and the requirements of this article.
1407.2 Design loads: Loads listed in the following Sections 1407.2.1
through 1407.2.2 shall be as the minimum for the design of signs.
1407.2.1 Wind: All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand
wind pressure as provided in Section 715.0.
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1407.2.2 Earthquake: Signs adequately designed to withstand wind
pressures shall generally be considered capable of withstanding earth-
quake shocks, except as provided in Section 716.0 and for combined
loading in Section 717.0.
1407.3 Illumination: A sign shall not be illuminated by other than
electrical means and electrical devices, and wiring shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts State Electrical
Code (527 CMR 12.00) listed in Appendix B. Any open spark or flame
shall not be used for display purposes unless specifically approved by the
building official.
1407.4 Use of combustibles: The following Sections 1407.4.1 through
1407.4.2 shall apply to combustible material for signs.
1407.4.1 Ornamental features: In all signs required to be constructed of
noncombustible materials under the provisions of this code, wood or other
materials of combustible characteristics similar to wood may be used for
moldings, cappings, trim, nailing blocks, letters, latticing, and other
purely ornamental features.
1407.4.2 Sign facings: Sign facings may be made of approved combust-
ible plastic providing the total area of such facing is not more than one
hundred twenty (120) square feet, or provided that sections of facings be
separated from each other by a distance not less than six (6) feet, and
the wiring for electric lighting is entirely enclosed in the sign cabinet
with a clearance of not less than two (2) inches from the facing material.
Such facings, in the plane of the wall, shall not be permitted above
seventy-five (75) feet.
1407.5 Servicing devices: Ladders, platforms, hooks, rings and all
other devices for the use of servicing personnel shall have safety devices
and design loading in accordance with the safety requirements in Appen-
dix B.
1407.6 Animated devices: Signs which contain moving sections or
ornaments shall have fail-safe provisions to prevent the section or orna-
ment from releasing and falling or shifting its center of gravity more than
fifteen (15) inches. The fail-safe device shall be in addition to the
mechanism and its housing which operate the movable section or ornament.
The fail-safe device shall be capable of supporting the full dead weight of
the section or ornament when the moving mechanism releases.
SECTION 1408.0 GROUND SIGNS
1408.1 Bottom clearance: The bottom capping of all ground signs shall
be at least thirty (30) inches above the ground but the intervening space
may be filled with open lattice work or platform decorative trim.
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1408.1.1 Deleted
1408.1.2 Deleted
1408.2 Maximum size: In all locations, when constructed entirely of
noncombustible material, ground signs may be erected to a height of one
hundred (100) feet above the ground; and to greater heights when ap-
proved by the building official and located so as not to create hazard or
danger to the public.
SECTION 1409.0 ROOF SIGNS
1409.1 Materials: All roof signs shall be constructed entirely of metal
or other approved noncombustible materials except as provided in Section
1407.4. Provisions shall be made for electric ground of all metallic parts;
and where combustible materials are permitted in letters or other orna-
mental features, all wiring and tubing shall be kept free and insulated
therefrom.
1409.2 Bottom clearance: There shall be a clear space of not less than
six (6) feet between the lowest part of the sign and the roof level,
except for necessary structural supports.
1409.3 Closed signs: A closed roof sign shall not be erected to a
height greater than fifty (50) feet above the roof of Types 1 and 2 con-
structed buildings nor more than thirty-five (35) feet above the roof of
Types 3 and 4 constructed buildings.
1409.4 Open signs: An open roof sign shall not exceed a height of
one hundred (100) feet above the roof of buildings of Types 1 and 2 con-
struction; and not more than sixty (60) feet above the roof of buildings
of Types 3 and 4 construction.
1409.5 Combustible supports: A roof sign which exceeds forty (40)
feet in height shall not be supported on or braced to wooden beams or
other combustible construction of a building or structure unless otherwise
approved by the building official.
SECTION 1410.0 WALL SIGNS
1410.1 Materials: Wall signs which have an area exceeding forty (40)
sguare feet shall be constructed of metal or other approved noncombustible
materials, except for nailing rails and as provided in Section 1407.4.
1410.2 Extension: Wall signs shall not be erected to extend above the
top of the wall, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall to which they are
attached, unless meeting all the requirements for roof signs, projecting
signs or ground signs as the case may be.
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SECTION 1411.0 PROJECTING SIGNS
1411.1 Materials: Projecting signs shall be constructed entirely of
metal or other approved noncombustible materials except as provided in
Section 1407.4.
1411.2 Maximum projection: A projecting sign shall not extend beyond
a "vertical plane two (2) feet inside the curb line.
1411.3 Clearances: A clear space of not less than ten (10) feet shall
be provided below all parts of such signs.
1411.4 Additional loads: Projecting sign structures which could be
used to support an individual on a ladder or other servicing device
whether or not specifically designed for the servicing device shall be
capable of supporting the anticipated additional load but in no case less
than one hundred (100) pounds concentrated horizontal load and three
hundred (300) pounds vertical concentrated load applied at the point of
assumed loading or point of most eccentric loading. The building com-
ponent to which the projecting sign is attached shall also be designated to
support the additional loads.
SECTION 1412.0 MARQUEE SIGNS
1412.1 Materials: Marquee signs shall be constructed entirely of metal
or other approved noncombustible materials except as provided in Section
1407.4.
1412.2 Marquee: Marquee signs shall be attached to approved mar-
quees constructed in accordance with Section 310.10.
1412.3 Dimensions: Marquee signs may extend the full length, but
they shall not project beyond the perimeter of the marquee.
SECTION 1413.0 MISCELLANEOUS AND TEMPORARY SIGNS
1413.1 Banner and cloth signs: Temporary signs and banners attached
to or suspended from a building, constructed of cloth or other combus-
tible material shall be strongly constructed and shall be securely attached
to their supports. They shall be removed as soon as torn or damaged,
and not later than sixty (60) days after erection; except that permits for
temporary signs suspended from or attached to a canopy or marquee shall
be limited to a period of ten (10) days.
1413.2 Maximum size: Temporary signs of combustible construction
shall be not more than ten (10) feet in one (1) dimension nor more than
five hundred (500) square feet in area.
1413.3 Supports: When more than one hundred (100) square feet in
area, temporary signs and banners shall be constructed and fastened to
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
supports capable of withstanding the design loads listed in Section 715.0.
1413.4 Special permits: Temporary signs used for holiday, public
demonstrations or promotion of civic welfare or charitable purposes which
extend across streets or other public spaces, shall be subject to special
approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
SECTION 1414.0 ILLUMINATED SIGNS
1414.1 Certificates: All electrically-illuminated signs shall conform to
the reguirements of the Massachusetts State Electrical Code (527 CMR
12.00). Permits shall be issued for the erection of illuminated signs with-
in the limitations set forth in this article for the location, size and type
of sign or outdoor display.
1414.2 Additional approval: Approval shall be obtained for the erec-
tion or maintenance of illuminated signs in accordance with the Massachu-
setts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00).
1414.3 Relettering signs: The reguirements of this section shall not
apply to the relettering of illuminated signs, except where such reletter-
ing reguires a change of wiring or piping of the sign.
SECTION 1415.0 PORTABLE SIGNS
1415.1 Conformance: Portable signs shall conform to all reguirements
for ground, roof, projecting, flat and temporary signs when they are
used in a similar capacity. The stipulations in this section shall not be
construed as to reguire portable signs to have connections to surfaces,
tie-down or foundations when provisions are made by temporary means or
configuration of the structure to provide stability for the expected dur-
ation of the installation.
1415.2 Electrical: Portable signs which reguire electrical service shall
conform to the Massachusetts State Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00).
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ARTICLE 15
ELECTRICAL WIRING AND EQUIPMENT
Chapter 143, Section 3L of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, as
amended, provides that all installation, repair and maintenance of elec-
trical wiring and electrical fixtures used for light, heat and power pur-
poses in buildings and structures shall be in conformance with the Massa-
chusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) promulgated by the Board of
Fire Prevention Regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Department of Public Safety.
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ARTICLE 16
ELEVATOR, DUMBWAITER AND CONVEYOR
EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Chapter 143, Section 69 of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, as
amended, provides that elevators, dumbwaiters, moving stairways (es-
calators), and moving walks shall be installed, relocated, or materially
changed in conformance with Elevator and Escalator Regulations (524 CMR
3.00), and Elevator, Dumbwaiter, Escalator, and Moving Walk Regulations
(524 CMR 15.00 through 33.00) promulgated by the Board of Elevator
Regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public
Safety.
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ARTICLE 17
PLUMBING AND GASFITTING
Chapter 142, Section 13 of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, as
amended, provides that all construction, alteration, repair and inspection
of plumbing and gasfitting shall be in conformance with the Massachusetts
State Plumbing Code (248 CMR 2.00) and the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code
(248 CMR 3.00 through 8.00) promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
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ARTICLE 18
MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING
COMPONENTS AND MOBILE HOMES
SECTION 1800.0 GENERAL
1800.1 Installation in the State: The provisions of this article shall
govern the materials, design, manufacture, handling, storage, transpor-
tation, assembly, construction and/or installation of manufactured build-
ings and building components intended for installation in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts. Manufactured buildings or building components
shall not be installed in any jurisdiction of this State unless such manu-
factured buildings or building components have been approved and certi-
fied, in accordance with the applicable codes as provided in this article,
applicable provisions of the code, and the Rules and Regulations for
Manufactured Buildings, Building Components and Mobile Homes of the
State Building Code Commission, listed in Appendix Q, and hereinafter
referred to in this article as the "rules and regulations."
Exception: All manufactured buildings and building components manu-
factured prior to January 1, 1975, with the approval of the building
official and which met all the requirements of state laws, rules and reg-
ulations, or local by-laws or ordinances in force at that time shall be
deemed approved in accordance with the provisions of Section 114.4 of
this code; provided that such manufactured buildings or building com-
ponents are used for the purpose and within the limitations for which
they were approved and provided such uses are not detrimental to the
health and safety of the occupants and the public.
1800.2 Manufactured in the State: The provisions of this article shall
also govern manufactured buildings and building components manufactured
in the State for shipment to any other State or government jurisdiction
where such manufactured buildings and building components and the label
thereon are accepted.
1800.3 Mobile homes: The article shall also govern the installation
within the State of all mobile homes. The evaluation and approval of all
mobile homes for installation in the State shall be in accordance with the
Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards of the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (hereinafter referred to as "HUD") as
listed in Appendix B.
Exception: All mobile homes manufactured between January 1, 1975 and
July 17, 1976 and sold, delivered to or installed on building sites in
any jurisdiction of this State shall comply with the provisions of ANSI
A119.1 (1974 edition) as amended by the State Building Code Commis-
sion and with this article and the rules and regulations pursuant
thereto .
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SECTION 1801.0 APPROVAL
1801.1 General: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of
Public Safety, Division of Inspection (hereinafter referred to as the
"Division of Inspection" in this article) shall evaluate manufactured build-
ings and building components and recommend approval to the State Build-
ing Code Commission of those which it determines to be in compliance with
applicable sections of this article, other applicable sections of this code,
and the rules and regulations.
However, all approvals of plumbing, electrical or gas systems shall be
made by the appropriate state agencies having jurisdiction, as specified in
the rules and regulations.
1801.2 Approved tests: The Division of Inspection may utilize the
results of approved tests to determine whether a manufactured building or
building component meets the requirements of this article and the rules
and regulations, if that determination cannot be made from evaluation of
plans, specifications and documentation alone.
1801.3 Approval of compliance assurance programs: The Division of
Inspection shall evaluate manufacturers' compliance assurance programs
and make recommendations for approval to the Commission of those which
it determines to be in compliance with this article and the rules and
regulations .
1801.4 Authorization to vary: A manufactured building, building com-
ponent or a compliance assurance program which has approval shall not be
varied in any way without prior authorization by the Division of Inspec-
tion in accordance with the rules and regulations.
SECTION 1802.0 CERTIFICATION
1802.1 Labeling: Any manufactured building or building component
which has approval, in accordance with Section 1801.0, shall have an
approved device or seal affixed as certification of such approval.
SECTION 1803.0 RECIPROCITY
1803.1 General: If the Commission finds that the standards for manu-
facture and inspection of manufactured buildings or building components
prescribed by the statutes or rules and regulations of another state or
other governmental agency meet the objectives of this article and the
rules and regulations, and such standards are enforced satisfactorily by
such other state or governmental agency or by its agents, the Commission
shall grant approval and the Division of Inspection shall accept all manu-
factured buildings or building components which have been approved by
such other state or governmental agency and shall insure that the prod-
uct is properly labeled.
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1803.1.1 Condition of reciprocity: The standards of another state shall
not be deemed to be satisfactorily enforced unless such other state pro-
vides for notification to the Division of Inspection of suspensions or re-
vocations of approvals issued by that other state, in a manner satisfac-
tory to the Commission.
1803.2 Suspension of reciprocal approval: The Division of Inspection
shall suspend or cause to be suspended reciprocal approval for the follow-
ing reasons:
1. if it determines that the standards for the manufacture and inspec-
tion of such manufactured buildings or building components of an-
other state or other governmental agency do not meet the objectives
of this article and the rules and regulations or that the standards
are not being enforced to the satisfaction of the Division of Inspec-
tion; and
2. if another state or governmental agency, or its agent, suspends or
revokes its approval, the approval granted under this section shall
be suspended or revoked accordingly.
SECTION 1804.0 ASSURANCE INSPECTION
1804.1 General: Any person or firm manufacturing buildings or build-
ing components desiring certification shall agree in writing that the Divi-
sion of Inspection has the right to conduct unannounced inspections at
any reasonable time.
1804.2 Responsibilities of Division of Inspection: The Division of In-
spection shall carry out the following responsibilities:
1. Periodically make, or cause to be made, inspections of the entire
process of manufacture of buildings or building components in order
to verify the reliability of the compliance assurance program and of
the approved inspection agency.
2. In addition to other on-site inspection provided for in this section,
the Division of Inspection shall inspect, or cause to be inspected,
certified manufactured buildings or building components which it
determines to have been sufficiently damaged after certification to
warrant such action with regard to such buildings or building com-
ponents as is authorized hereof, or as is otherwise necessary to
eliminate dangerous conditions.
Note: An inspection entailing disassembly, damage to or destruc-
tion of certified manufactured buildings or building components
shall not be conducted except to implement the provisions of this
article .
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SECTION 1805.0 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
1805.1 Issuance of building permits: Upon application and in conformity
with the provisions of this code, the building official shall issue building
permits for installation of certified manufactured buildings or building
components or mobile homes.
1805.2 Inspection: The local enforcement agency shall make the following
inspections :
1. The site preparation work, including foundations, installation of any
certified manufactured buildings or building components or approved
homes; and for all utility service connections, including plumbing,
electrical, gas, water and sewer; for compliance with the applicable
codes .
2. Inspect all certified manufactured buildings or building components
or approved mobile homes upon, or promptly after, installation at
the building sites to determine whether all applicable instructions or
conditions have been followed. This may include tests for tightness
of plumbing and mechanical systems, for malfunctions in the elec-
trical system, and a visual inspection for obvious violations of the
rules and regulations. Destructive disassembly of certified build-
ings or building components or approved mobile homes shall not be
performed in order to conduct such inspections. Nondestructive
disassembly may be performed only in accordance with the rules and
regulations .
1805.3 Issuance of certificates of occupancy: The building official shall
issue a certificate of occupancy for all certified manufactured buildings or
approved mobile homes that have been installed and inspected and that
meet the requirements of this code.
SECTION 1806.0 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
OF CERTIFICATION
1806.1 General: The Commission shall suspend or revoke the approval of
any manufactured building or building component which does not comply
with the provisions of this code or with the rules and regulations.
1806.2 Labels of certification: The Division of Inspection shall remove or
cause to be removed the label of certification from any such manufactured
building or building component not in compliance until such time as it is
brought into compliance with this article and the rules and regulations.
1806.3 Notice of suspension or revocation: Notice shall be submitted in
writing to the affected parties stating the reason for the suspension or
revocation.
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1806.4 Appeals Procedure: All appeals from suspension or revocation
shall be heard by the State Building Code Appeals Board as specified in
the pertinent provisions of Section 126.0 of this code.
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ARTICLE 19
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 1900.0 GENERAL
1900.1 Scope: The provisions of this article shall govern the quality
and methods of application of plastics for use as light-transmitting materi-
als in buildings and structures. When used as interior finish, plastic
materials shall meet the requirements of Section 920.0.
1900.2 Approved materials: The use of plastics which meet the
strength, durability, sanitary and fireresistive requirements of this code,
ASTM D635 Standard Method of Test for Flammability of Self- Supporting
Plastic, ASTM D374 Method of Test for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insu-
lation, ASTM D1929 Method of Test for the Ignition Properties of Plastics,
and ASTM D2843 Method of Test for Measuring the Density of Smoke from
the Burning or Decomposition of Plastics as listed in Appendix C, and
ASTM E84 Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials as listed in Appendix G, shall be permitted subject to the limi-
tations of this article.
1900.2.1 Definitions
Approved plastic: An approved plastic shall be any thermoplastic, ther-
mosetting, or reinforced thermosetting plastic material which has a
self-ignition temperature of six hundred fifty (650) degrees F. or
greater when tested in accordance with ASTM D1929 Method of Test for
Ignition Properties of Plastics listed in Appendix C, a smoke density
rating not greater than four hundred fifty (450) when tested in the
way intended for use by ASTM E84 listed in Appendix G or a smoke
density rating not greater than seventy-five (75) when tested in the
thickness intended for use according to ASTM D2843 Standard Method of
Test for Measuring the Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decompo-
sition of Plastics listed in Appendix C, and which meet one (1) of the
following combustibility classifications:
Class C-l: Plastic materials which have a burning extent of one (1)
inch or less when tested in nominal point zero sixty (.060) inch
thickness, or in the thickness intended for use, by ASTM D635 listed
in Appendix C.
Class C-2: Plastic materials which have a burning rate of two and
one-half (2^) inches per minute or less when tested in nominal point
zero sixty (.060) inch thickness, or in the thickness intended for
use, by ASTM D635.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Light-diffusing system: A suspended construction consisting in whole or
in part of lenses, panels, grids, or baffles suspended below indepen-
dently mounted electrical lighting sources.
Plastic glazing: Plastic materials which are glazed or set in frame or sash
and not held by mechanical fasteners which pass through the glazing
material .
Plastic roof panels: Plastic materials which are fastened to structural
members or to structural panels or sheathing and which are used as
light- transmitting media in roofs.
Plastic wall panels: Plastic materials which are fastened to structural
members or to structural panels or sheathing and which are used as
light-transmitting media in exterior walls.
Glass fiber reinforced plastic: Plastic reinforced with glass fiber having
not less than twenty (20) per cent of glass fibers by weight.
Thermosetting materials: A plastic material which is capable of being
changed into a substantially non-reformable product when cured.
Thermoplastic material: A plastic material which is capable of being re-
peatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease
of temperature.
1900.2.2 Application for approval: Applicants for approval of a plastic
material shall furnish, in accordance with Section 804.0, all technical data
in accordance with the applicable reference standards of this code. The
data may include the chemical composition; pertinent physical, mechanical
and thermal properties such as fireresistance, f lammability , and flame-
spread; weather-resistance, electrical properties; products of combustion
and coefficients of expansion.
1900.3 Identification: All plastic materials approved for use under this
code shall be identified by the trade formula number or name or other
acceptable identification. Each unit or package shall bear the approval
number or other identification mark of the approving authority.
SECTION 1901.0 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
1901.1 Structural requirements: All plastic materials and their assem-
blies shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the loads
and forces specified in Article 7 for their approved use.
1901.2 Connections and supports: All fastenings, connections and
supports shall be proportioned to safely transmit two and one-half (2^)
times the design live load. Adequate allowance shall be made in the
fastenings and supports for differential expansion and contraction of the
connected materials.
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SECTION 1902.0 GLAZING OF UNPROTECTED OPENINGS
1902.1 Use in Type 4B construction: Doors, sash and framed openings
which are not required to be fireresistance rated may be glazed with ap-
proved plastic materials in buildings of Type 4B (unprotected, frame)
construction .
1902.2 Use group F: In all types of construction of use group F (fac-
tory and industrial), doors, sash and framed openings which are not re-
quired to be fireresistance rated may be glazed with approved plastic
materials .
1902.3 Other classes of construction and use group: In other classes
of construction and use, such openings not required to be fireresistance
rated by Section 914.0 may be glazed or equipped with approved plastic
materials subject to the requirements listed below:
1. The area of such glazing shall not exceed twenty-five (25) per cent
of the wall face of the story in which it is installed (see Section
1902.4).
2. The area of a unit or pane of glazing installed above the first story
shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet and the vertical dimension
of a unit or pane shall not exceed four (4) feet. There shall be a
minimum three (3) feet vertical spandrel wall between stories.
3. Approved plastics shall not be installed more than seventy-five (75)
feet above grade level.
4. Approved thermoplastic materials may be installed in areas up to
fifty (50) per cent of the wall area of each story in structures less
than one hundred fifty (150) feet in height which are provided on
each floor above the first floor with continuous architectural pro-
jections constituting an effective fire canopy extending at least
three (3) feet from the surface of the wall in which the glazing is
installed. The size and the dimensions of individual units shall not
be limited in such installations except as required to meet structural
loading requirements.
1902.4 Automatic fire suppression: When a complete approved auto-
matic fire suppression system is provided in the building, the permissible
area of glazing permitted by Section 1902.3, Item 1, may be increased one
hundred (100) per cent.
SECTION 1903.0 EXTERIOR PANEL WALLS
1903.1 General: Approved plastic materials may be used as wall pan-
els, in exterior walls not required to have a fireresistance rating (except
in use goups A-l, A-2, H and I) subject to the requirement listed in the
following Sections 1903.1.1 through 1903.3.
1903.1.1 Installation: Exterior wall panels installed as provided herein
shall not alter the type-of-construction classification of the building.
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1903.1.2 Height limitation: Approved plastics shall not be installed more
than seventy-five (75) feet above grade level, except as allowed by Sec-
tion 1903.2.
1903.1.3 Area limitation and separation: Area limitation and separation
requirements of exterior waD panels shall be as provided in Table 1903.
Table 1903
AREA LIMITATION AND SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTIC WALL PANELS'
Fire separation
(ft.)
Class of
plastic
Max. % area
of ext. wall
in plastic
panels
Max. sq. ft.
single area
Minimum separation
of panels
(ft.)
Vertical Horizontal
6 ft. or less
—
NP3
NP
—
—
6 ft. or more
but less than 11 ft.
CI
C2
10
NP
50
NP
8
4
11 ft. or more
but less than 30 ft.
CI
C2
25
15
90
70
6
8
4
4
Over 30
CI
C2
50
50
Not limited
100
32
62
0
3
Note 1. See Section 1903.3 tor combination of glazing and wall panel areas permitted.
Note 2. See Section 1903.1.5.
1903.1.4 Spandrel separation:
stories shall be as follows:
Vertical spandrel wall separation between
1. three (3) feet for Class C-l plastic wall panels, and
2. four (4) feet for Class C-2 plastic wall panels.
1903.1.5 Fire canopies: In structures which are provided, on any floor
above the first, with continuous architectural projections constituting an
effective fire canopy extending at least thirty-six (36) inches from the
surface of the wall in which plastic wall panels are installed, there need
not be vertical separation at that floor except that provided by the ver-
tical thickness of the projection.
1903.2 Automatic fire suppression: When a complete approved auto-
matic fire suppression system is provided in the building, the maximum
per cent area of exterior wall in plastic panels and the maximum square
feet of single area given in Table 1903 may be increased one hundred
(100) per cent but the area of plastic wall panels shall not exceed fifty
(50) per cent of the wall area.
1903.3 Combinations of glazing and wall panels: Combinations of
plastic glazing and plastic wall panels shall be subject to the area, height
and percentage limitations, and separation requirements applicable to
the class of plastics as prescribed for wall panel installations and shall be
subject to the provisions of Articles 3 and 9 controlling exterior wall open-
ings.
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SECTION 1904.0 ROOF PANELS
1904.1 General: Approved plastic roof panels may be installed (except
in use groups A-l, A-2, A-3, H and I) as follows:
1. in roofs of buildings protected by a complete approved automatic
fire suppression system;
2. where the roof is not required to have a fireresistance rating by
Table 214; or
3. where the roof panels meet the requirements for roof coverings of
the particular occupancy group.
1904.2 Separations: Individual roof panels shall be separated from
each other by a distance of not less than four (4) feet measured in a
horizontal plane.
1904.3 Location: Where exterior wall openings are required to be
fireresistance rated by Section 914.0, a roof panel or unit shall not be
installed within six (6) feet of such exterior wall.
1904.4 Area limitations: Roof panels or units shall be limited in area,
and the aggregate area of panels shall be limited by a percentage of the
floor area of the room or space sheltered in accordance with Table 1904.
Table 1904
AREA LIMITATIONS FOR ROOF PANELS
Class of plastic
Maximum area
individual
unit of panel
(sq. ft.)
Maximum aggregate
area
(% of floor area)
CI
C2
300
100
30
25
1904.5 Exceptions: The uses listed below shall be exempt from the
requirements of Section 1904.4.
1. One (1) story buildings not more than sixteen (16) feet in height
and not exceeding twelve hundred (1200) square feet in area and
not closer than eleven (11) feet to another building are exempt from
the limitations of Section 1904.4.
2. Low hazard use buildings such as swimming pool shelters, green-
houses , etc . , are exempt from the area limitations of Section 1904 . 4
provided the buildings do not exceed five thousand (5,000) square
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feet in area and are not closer than eleven (11) feet to the proper-
ty line or adjacent buildings.
3. Roof coverings over terraces and patios of one- and two-family
dwellings shall be permitted with approved plastics.
SECTION 1905.0 SKYLIGHT ASSEMBLIES
1905.1 Skylight assemblies: Skylight assemblies may be glazed with
approved plastic materials (except in use group H) in accordance with the
following provisions.
1905.1.1 Mounting: The plastic shall be mounted above the plane of the
roof on a curb constructed consistent with the requirements for the type
of construction classification, but at least four (4) inches above the plane
of the roof. Edges of plastic skylights or domes shall be protected by
metal or noncombustible material.
1905.1.1.1 Dome-shape: Dome-shape skylights shall rise above the mount-
ing flange a minimum distance equal to ten (10) per cent of the maximum
span of the dome, but not less than five (5) inches.
1905.1.2 Maximum area of skylight units: Each skylight unit shall have
a maximum area within the curb of one hundred (100) square feet.
1905.1.3 Aggregate area of skylights: The aggregate area of skylights
shall not exceed thirty-three (33) per cent when Class C-l materials are
used, and twenty-five (25) per cent when Class C-2 materials are used,
of the floor area of the room or space sheltered by the roof in which they
are installed.
1905.1.4 Separation: Skylights shall be separated from each other by a
distance of not less than four (4) feet measured in a horizontal plane.
1905.1.5 Location: Where exterior wall openings are required to be
fireresistance rated by Section 914.0, a skylight shall not be installed
within six (6) feet of such exterior wall.
1905.1.6 Exception: The provisions of 1905.0 need not be applied if:
a) the building on which the skylights are located is not more than one
(1) story in height, the building has an exterior separation from other
buildings of at least thirty (30) feet, and the room or space sheltered by
the roof is not classified as a high hazard or institutional use group or as
a means of egress; or b) the plastic material meets the fireresistive re-
quirements of the roof.
1905.1.7 Combinations of roof panels and skylights: Combinations of
plastic roof panels and skylights shall be subject to the area and per-
centage limitations and separation requirements applicable to roof panel
installations .
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SECTION 1906.0 LIGHT-DIFFUSING SYSTEMS
1906.1 General: Light-diffusing systems shall not be installed in use
groups H and I, nor in exitways, unless protected with a fire suppres-
sion system. Plastic diff users shall be supported directly or indirectly
from ceiling or roof construction by use of noncombustible hangers.
Hangers shall be at least No. 12 Steel Wire Gauge (0.106 inch) galvanized
wire or eguivalent.
1906.2 Installation: Approved plastic diff users shall comply with Sec-
tion 920.0 (interior finish) unless the plastic panels will fall from their
mountings before igniting and at an ambient temperature of at least two
hundred (200) degrees F. below their ignition temperature. The panels
must, however, remain in place at an ambient room temperature of one
hundred seventy -five (175) degrees F. for a period of not less than fif-
teen (15) minutes.
1906.3 Size limitations: Individual panels or units shall not exceed
ten (10) feet in length nor thirty (30) square feet in area.
1906.4 Fire suppression system: In buildings having a complete ap-
proved automatic fire suppression system, the sprinklers shall be installed
below the plastic Light- diffusing systems. Areas of light-diffusing sys-
tems shall not be limited if properly protected by an approved fire sup-
pression system.
1906.5 Electrical lighting fixtures: Plastic light- transmitting panels
and light- diff user panels installed in approved electrical lighting fixtures
shall comply with Section 920.0 unless the plastic panels meet the re-
quirements of Section 1906.2. The area of approved plastic materials
when used in required fire exits or corridors shall not exceed thirty (30)
per cent of the aggregate area of the ceiling in which they are installed,
unless the occupancy is protected by an approved fire suppression
system.
SECTION 1907.0 PARTITIONS
1907.1 General: Approved light-transmitting plastics may be used in
or as partitions provided the requirements of the occupancy class as
given in Section 920.0 are met. Such partitions may be installed as pro-
vided in Section 909.3.
SECTION 1908.0 BATHROOM ACCESSORIES
1908.1 Use of plastics: Approved plastics shall be permitted as glaz-
ing in shower stalls, shower doors, bathtub enclosures, and similar
accessory units (see Section 857.5.6).
SECTION 1909.0 AWNINGS AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES
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1909.1 General: Approved light-transmitting plastics may be used on
awnings and similar structures in conformity with general performance
provisions of other sections of this code.
SECTION 1910.0 GREENHOUSES
1910.1 General: Approved light-transmitting plastics may be used in
lieu of plain glass in greenhouses.
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ARTICLE 20
ENERGY CONSERVATION
SECTION 2000.0 GENERAL
2000.1 Scope: This article sets forth requirements for the effective use
of energy in structures.
SECTION 2001.0 ADMINISTRATIVE
2001.1 Compliance: Buildings shall be in compliance with this article
when they are built according to the provisions of the following:
1. component design (Section 2008.0); or
2. building design by systems analysis (Section 2013.0); or
3. buildings utilizing nondepletable energy sources (Section 2014.0).
2001.2 Other regulations: This article is not intended to abridge any
safety or health provisions required under any other applicable codes or
ordinances .
2001.3 Existing buildings: Nothing in this article shall require the
removal, alteration, or abandonment, or prevent the continuance of the
use and occupancy of, a lawfully existing building, unless provided
otherwise specifically by this article.
2001.4 Exempt buildings: The following buildings are exempt from the
provisions of this article, with the exception of Section 2015.0 dealing
with lighting requirements:
1. Buildings and structures or portions thereof whose peak design rate
of energy usage is less than one (1) watt per square foot or three
and four tenths (3.4) Btu/h per square foot of floor area for all
purposes .
2. Buildings which are neither heated nor cooled.
3. Greenhouses that are free-standing, or attached to a building and
separated by a wall having the same thermal value as an exterior
wall, and provided with a separate temperature control system.
4. Buildings with less than one hundred (100) square feet of gross
floor area.
SECTION 2002.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS
2002.1 Additions to existing buildings: Additions to existing buildings
or structures shall be made without making the entire building or struc-
ture comply. The new construction shall conform to the provisions of
this article as they relate to the addition only.
2002.2 Alterations to existing buildings: See Article 22.
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SECTION 2003.0 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
2003.1 General: Plans, specifications and necessary computations shall
be submitted to indicate conformance with this section and other appli-
cable sections of the code.
2003.2 Details: The data submitted shall show all pertinent information
and features to be incorporated into the building, including but not limit-
ed to: the exterior envelope component materials; the R values of the
respective elements; the U values of the overall assembly; calculations of
the OTTV and overall U of the walls, roof /ceiling , and floors; the size
and type of apparatus and equipment; Controls; and other pertinent data
to indicate conformance to this article.
2003.3 Calculation procedures: Calculation procedures shall be in ac-
cordance with data in the latest ASHRAE publications.
SECTION 2004.0 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
2004.1 Identification: Where practicable, all materials and equipment
referenced in Section 2003.2 shall be marked in order to show compliance
with the approved plans and specifications.
2004.2 Maintenance information: Service systems which require preven-
tive maintenance to maintain efficient operation shall be furnished with
complete necessary maintenance information. Required routine mainte-
nance actions, as specified by the manufacturer, shall be stated clearly
and incorporated on a readily accessible label on the equipment. Such
label may be limited to identifying, by title or publication number, the
operation and maintenance manual for that particular model and type of
product.
SECTION 2005.0 DESIGN CONDITIONS
2005.1 General: The criteria of this section establish the minimum re-
quirements for the thermal design of the exterior envelope of buildings
and for HVAC systems and their parts.
2005.2 Thermal performance: A building that is designed to be both
heated and cooled shall meet the more stringent of the heating or cooling
requirements as provided in this article when requirements differ.
2005.3 Design parameters: The design parameters listed in Table 2005
shall be used for calculations required under this article.
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Table 2005
DESIGN TEMPERATURES
Outside ambient
Cooling Cooling
Heating
Location
Heating
degrees F. degrees F.
degree
degrees F.
dry bulb wet bulb
days
(winter)
(summer)
Boston
9
88
74
5634
Clinton
2
87
73
6517
Fall River
9
84
73
5774
Framingham
6
86
73
6144
Gloucester
5
86
74
—
Greenfield
-2
85
73
—
Lawrence
0
87
74
6195
Lowell
1
88
74
6056
New Bedford
9
82
73
5395
Pittsfield
-3
84
72
7578
Springfield
0
87
73
5844
Taunton
9
86
74
6184
Worcester
4
84
72
6969
2005.3.1 Indoor design temperature: Indoor design temperature shall be
seventy-two (72) degrees F for heating and seventy-eight (78) degrees F
for cooling.
2005.3.2 Design humidity: Indoor design relative humidity for heating
shall not exceed thirty (30) per cent. For cooling, the actual design
relative humidity within the comfort envelope as defined in ASHRAE Stan-
dard 55-74 listed in Appendix B shall be selected for minimum total HVAC
system energy use in accordance with accepted practice.
2005.4 Ventilation: Ventilation air shall conform to the requirements
specified in mechanical code listed in Appendix B.
2005.5 Swimming pools: All pool enclosures shall be designed in accord-
ance with ASHRAE 1978 Applications Handbook Chapter 4.7/4.8.
Such pool enclosures shall have a maximum overall (roof/gables/sidewalls)
U value of .25.
SECTION 2006.0 BUILDING INSULATION
2006.1 General: Insulating materials must conform to the Federal Specifi-
cations (F.S.) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Test Standards as listed in Table 2006.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2006
INSULATION MATERIALS STANDARDS
Material
Federal
Specification
ASTM
test
Mineral fiber
Blanket/batt
Loose-fill
HH-I-521E
HH-I-1030A
C665-70
C-764-73
Mineral cellular
Perlite
Vermiculite
HH-I-574A
HH-I-585B
C549-73
C516-67
Organic fiber
Cellulose
HH-I-515C
E84-77
C739-77
Organic cellular
Polystyrene board
Urethane board
Flexible unicellular
HH-I-524B
HH-I-530A
HH-I-573B
C578-69
C591-69
C534-70
2006.2 Moisture control: The design of buildings for energy conser-
vation shall not create conditions of accelerated deterioration from mois-
ture condensation. See Article 5 for attic and underfloor-space venti-
lation .
2006.3 Installation
2006.3.1 Recessed light fixtures: Insulation shall be installed with a
clearance of three (3) inches around each side of the fixture to preclude
excessive heat buildup. Insulation shall not be installed over a recessed
light fixture.
2006.3.2 High heat sources: A clearance of three (3) inches from any
high heat source, including but not limited to chimneys, flues and vents,
shall be maintained for combustible insulating materials.
2006.3.3 Urea formaldahyde foams: Urea formaldahyde foams shall be
installed according to minimum standards set forth in HUD Use of Ma-
terials Bulletin No. 74.
2006.3.4 Walls: Batt/blanket insulation with a vapor barrier attached
shall be stapled to the sides or faces of wall studs at intervals of eight
(8) inches on center vertically.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2006.3.5 Cavities: Small cavities between rough framing and door and
window heads, jambs, and sills shall be filled with insulation and covered
with a vapor barrier.
2006.3.6 Perimeter insulation: Perimeter insulation for slab on grade
construction shall be installed so that the concrete to concrete contact
between the foundation wall and the floor slab is broken and extends
downward the thickness of the slab and then extends an additional two
(2) feet below exterior grade vertically or two (2) feet horizontally beneath
the floor slab; or it shall be installed in a manner to thermally isolate the
floor from the exterior.
2006.4 Fire safety: See Section 876.0.
2006.5 Labeling
2006.5.1 Batt and blanket and rigid board: Insulation of this type shall
be labeled according to type, manufacturer or distributor, R value of the
insulation at the labeled thickness and material specification as listed in
Table 2006.
2006.5.2 Blown, poured, or sprayed on types: Insulation of these types
shall be labeled according to type, manufacturer, recommended insulation
density, R value, fire safety reguirements and material specifications as
listed in Table 2006.
2006.5.3 Urea formaldahyde foams: Urea formaldahyde foams shall meet
labeling standards set forth in HUD Use of Materials Bulletin No. 74.
SECTION 2007.0 VAPOR BARRIERS
2007.1 Vapor barriers: A vapor barrier of one point zero (1.0) perm
or less shall be installed on the winter warm side of walls, ceilings and
floors enclosing a conditioned space.
Exception: Vapor barriers may be eliminated with adeguate ventilation
as defined in Article 5.
2007.2 Taping: All tears in the vapor barrier shall be taped or sealed.
SECTION 2008.0 COMPONENT DESIGN
2008.1 Scope: All buildings that are heated or mechanically cooled shall
be constructed so as to provide the reguired thermal performance of the
various components listed in Sections 2008.0 through 2012.0.
2008.2 Gross wall area: For the purposes of this article, the gross area
of exterior walls consists of all opague wall areas, including foundation
walls, areas between floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, window
areas including sash, and door areas, where such surfaces enclose a
heated or mechanically cooled space including interstitial areas between
two (2) such spaces.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2008.3 Roof assembly: For the purpose of this article, a roof assembly
shall be considered as all components of the roof/ceiling envelope through
which heat flows, thereby creating a building transmission heat loss or
gain, where such assembly is exposed to outdoor air and encloses a
heated or mechanically cooled space.
2008.3.1 Gross roof area: The gross area of a roof assembly consists of
the total interior surface of such assembly, including skylights, exposed
to the heated or mechanically cooled space.
2008.3.2 Ceiling plenums: Where air ceiling plenums are employed, the
roof /ceiling assembly shall:
1. for thermal transmittance purposes not include the ceiling proper
nor the plenum space as part of the assembly; and
2. for gross area purposes be based upon the interior face of the
upper plenum surface.
SECTION 2009.0 EXTERIOR ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS
2009.1 Criteria for residential buildings: The following requirements
shall apply to all buildings and structures or portions thereof in use
groups R-l, R-2, R-3 and R-4 (hotels, multi-family, and one- and two-
family) that are heated or mechanically cooled when not more than three
(3) stories or forty (40) feet in height.
1. All buildings in these use groups shall conform to the thermal
transmittance values in Table 2009.1.
2. An overall U value of zero point twenty (0.20) for the combination
of walls, doors and windows containing heated space may be used in
lieu of the separate U values listed for "walls," "foundation walls,"
and "doors and windows". The overall U of zero point twenty
(0.20) shall be used when the doors or windows exceed twenty (20)
per cent of the gross exterior wall area. See Section 2009.3 for
the calculations of the overall U . The U of zero point twenty
(0.20) applies only to gross walls enclosing a space provided with a
positive heat supply and not the entire envelope.
3. Framing members shall not be included in the calculations of R and
U values.
2009.2 Criteria for all buildings other than those covered by Section
2009.1: R-l, R-2, R-3 and R-4 residential buildings over three (3)
stories or over forty (40) feet high, and all nonresidential buildings shall
have an overall thermal transmittance value (U ) not exceeding the values
shown in Table 2009.2. See Section 2009.3 lor the calculations of the
overall U_.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2009.1
MAXIMUM U VALUES OF WALLS, ROOF/CEILING. AND FLOQRS
FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS OF SECTION 2009.1
Element
Description
U value
Total
R value
Notes
Walls
All wall construction containing
heated or mechanically cooled space
0.08
12.5
1
Foundation walls
including band
joist
Containing heated or mechanically
cooled space
0.08
12.5
Containing unheated space
0.17
5.9
5
Roof/ceiling
assembly
Plank and beam construction containing
heated or mechanically cooled space
0.08
12.5
2
Roof/ceiling
assembly
Construction other than plank and
beam containing heated or mechanically
cooled space
0.05
20.0
Doors and windows
All construction enclosing heated or
mechanically cooled space
0.65
1.54
3
Floors
Floor sections over areas exposed to
outside air or unheated areas
0.08
12.5
4
Unheated slab on grade
—
5.50
6
Heated slab on grade
—
7.75
6
Note 1. This value may be used when the doors and windows do not exceed twenty (20) per cent
of the gross exterior wall 8rea. When doors and windows exceed twenty (20) per cent of the gross
wall area, see Section 2009.1. item 2.
Note 2. Plank and beam assemblies are construction in which the finished interior surface is the
underside of the roof deck.
Note 3. Double glazing or storm windows will satisfy the required U value of zero point sixty-five
(0.65).
Note 4. Insulation may be omitted from floors over unheated areas when foundation walls are pro-
vided with a U value of zero point seventeen (0.17).
Note 5. The U value requirement of zero point seventeen (0.17) for foundation walls may be omitted
when floors over unheated spaces are provided with a U value of point zero eight (0.08).
Note 6. R value for perimeter insulation (see Section 2006.3.6).
Table 2009.2
MAXIMUM OVERALL U0 VALUES OF WALLS, ROOF AND FLOORS
FOR BUILDINGS OF SECTION 2009.2
Element
Description
Overall U0 value
Walls
3 stories and under
0.25 Note 1
Over 3 stories
0.30 Note 1
Roof/ceiling assembly
All construction
0.07
Floors
Over unheated spaces
0.08
Unheated slab on grade
5.50 Note 2
Heated slab on grade
7.75 Note 2
Q n /OO No,e '' For coolin8 see Section 2009.2.1.
y/l/oU Note 2. R value for perimeter insulation.
496
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2009.2.1 OTTV for air conditioned buildings: Air conditioned buildings
covered by Section 2009.2 shall have an overall thermal transfer value
(OTTV) not greater than thirty-four point two (34.2) Btu/hr/sq. ft. of
gross area of exterior walls for the portion of the building being cooled.
The required OTTV shall be provided in addition to the overall U for
walls provided in Table 2009.2. The following formula shall be used to
calculate OTTV:
(UwAwTIV + (AfSFSC) + (UfAf A T)
OTTV =
Where
OTTV = overall thermal transfer value for exterior walls.
A = gross exterior wall area.
U = U value of opaque wall (all elements).
AT, = opaque wall area,
w
Ur = U value of fenestration area.
Ar = fenestration area.
TDEO = temPerature difference value (from Table 2009.2.1).
SC = shading coefficient of the fenestration (see definition,
Section 201.0).
T = temperature difference between exterior and interior design
conditions, degrees Farenheit.
SF = solar factor value (130 Btu/h/sq. ft.)
Note: Where more than one (1) type of wall and/or fenestra-
tion is used, the respective terms for those elements shall be
expanded into sub-elements.
497
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2009.2.1
EQUIVALENT TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCES FOR WALLS
Weight of wall construction
0-25
2640
41-70
71 and above
TDeq factor
44
37
30
23
2009.3 Calculation of U : Separate overall thermal transmittance values
shall be calculated for wail, roof /ceiling assemblies and floors. Equation
1 is provided as an example of the U calculation for walls.
Overall wall U = U A + U A +U,A,
o ww g g d d
A
(equation 1)
Where
Uo
=
A
=
U
=
w
A
=
UW
=
Ay
=
Ad
Ad
=
the average or combined transmittance of the gross exterior
wall.
the gross exterior wall area.
the thermal transmittance of the components of the opaque
wall.
opaque wall area.
the thermal transmittance of the windows.
window area.
the thermal transmittance of the door or similar opening.
the door area.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Where more than one (1) type of wall, window, and door is
the U and A terms for those Items shall be expanded into
Note:
used,
sub-elements as U
wl
\l
and U.
w2' rtw2'
etc.
2009.4 Alternates: The stated U (or U) value of any one (1) assem
bly, such as roof /ceiling , wall or fmor, may be increased and the U (or
U) value for other components decreased provided that the overall heat
gain or loss for the entire building envelope does not exceed the total
resulting from conformance to the stated U (or U) values.
2009.5 Air leakage for all buildings
1. The requirements of this section shall apply to all buildings and
structures and apply to those locations separating outdoor ambient
conditions from interior spaces that are heated or mechanically
cooled and are not applicable to the separation of interior condi-
tioned spaces from each other.
Exterior joints around windows and door frames; openings between
walls and foundations, between walls and roof and between wall
panels; openings at penetrations of utility services through walls,
floors, and roofs; and all other such openings in the building
envelope shall be caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped, or otherwise
sealed.
All exterior doors and windows shall be designed to limit air leakage
into or from the building envelope, and shall have air infiltration
rates not greater than those shown in Table 2009.5.
Table 2009.5
ALLOWABLE AIR INFILTRATION RATES
2.
Windows
Residential doors
Commercial doors
(Cfm per linear
foot of operable
sash crack)
(Cfm per square
foot of door area)
(Cfm per linear
foot of crack)
Sliding
glass
Entrance
Swinging, sliding,
revolving
0.5
0.5
1.25
11.0
Note 1. When tested at a pressure differential of one point five sis seven (1.567) Ib./sq. ft. which
is equivalent to the impact pressure of a twenty-five (25) mph wind.
Note 2. Compliance with the criteria for air leakage of all types of windows and doors shall be
determined by ASTM E283, ANSI A134.1 and A134.2 as referenced in Appendix B.
Note 3. Fixed glazing is exempt from infiltration testing requirements.
Note 4. Storm windows and doors installed over exterior windows and doors shall be accepted when
windows and doors have not been tested for infiltration according to Table 2009.4.
SECTION 2010.0 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
2010.1 Scope: This section covers the determination of heating and
cooling loads, equipment and component performance, and control require-
ments. Criteria are established for insulating HVAC systems and for duct
construction.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: Special applications, including but not limited to hospitals,
museums, laboratories, rooms containing thermally sensitive equipment
such as computers, open refrigerated display cases, may be exempted
from the requirements of this section, when calculations and require-
ments are submitted establishing the unique environmental criteria that
exists.
2010.2 Calculation of heating and cooling loads
2010.2.1 Calculation procedures: For the purpose of sizing HVAC sys-
tems, heating and cooling design loads shall be determined in accordance
with techniques recommended in the appropriate ASHRAE publications.
The design parameters specified in Section 2005.0 shall apply for all com-
putations .
2010.3 System heating/cooling capacity: The rated output capacity of
the heating/cooling system at design conditions shall not be greater than
one hundred twenty-five (125) per cent of the design load calculated in
accordance with this article. Equipment designed for standby purposes is
not included in the capacity limitation requirement. The cooling cycles of
heat pumps are exempt from this requirement.
2010.4 Simultaneous heating and cooling: Simultaneous heating and
cooling by reheating or recooling supply air or by concurrent operation of
independent heating and cooling systems serving a common zone shall be
restricted as delineated below:
1. Recovered energy: Recovered energy, provided the new energy
expended in the recovery process is less than the amount recov-
ered, may be used for control of temperature and humidity. (New
energy is defined as energy, other than recovered, utilized for the
purpose of heating or cooling).
2. New energy for humidity contol: New energy may be used, when
necessary, to prevent relative humidity from rising above sixty (60)
per cent for comfort control or to prevent condensation on terminal
units or outlets.
3. New energy for temperature control: New energy may be used for
control of temperature if minimized as delineated in paragraphs 4
through 8 following.
4. Reheat systems: Systems employing reheat and serving more than
one (1) zone, other than those employing variable air volume for
temperature control, shall be provided with controls that will auto-
matically reset the cold air supply. The temperature shall be
controlled to sequence reheat and cooling.
5. Dual duct and multi zone systems: These systems shall be provided
with controls that will automatically reset the cold deck air supply
to the highest temperature that will satisfy the zone requiring the
coolest air, and the hot deck air supply to the lowest temperature
that will satisfy the zone requiring the warmest air.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
6. Recooling systems: Systems in which heated air is recooled, di-
rectly or indirectly, to maintain space temperature shall be provided
with controls that will automatically reset the temperature to which
the supply air is heated. The temperature shall be the lowest level
that will satisfy the zone requiring the warmest air.
7. Multiple zones: For systems with multiple zones, one (1) or more
zones may be chosen to represent a number of zones with similar
heating/cooling characteristics. A multiple zone HVAC system that
employs reheating or recooling for control of not more than five
thousand (5,000) cubic feet per minute (cfm) or twenty (20) per
cent of the total supply air of the system, whichever is less, shall
be exempt from the supply air temperature reset requirement of
paragraphs 4 through 6.
8. Concurrent operation: Concurrent operation of independent heating
and cooling systems serving common spaces and requiring the use
of new energy for heating or cooling shall be minimized by one (1)
or both of the following:
a. by providing sequential temperature control of both heating and
cooling capacity in each zone; and/or
b. by limiting the heating energy input through automatic reset
control of the temperature of the heating medium to only that
necessary to offset heat loss due to transmission and infiltration
and, where applicable, to heat the ventilation air supply to the
space.
2010.5 Mechanical ventilation: Each mechanical ventilation system (supply
and/or exhaust) shall be equipped with a readily accessible means for
either shut-off or volume reduction, and shut-off when ventilation is not
required.
2010.6 HVAC equipment performance requirements: The requirements of
this section apply to equipment and component performance for heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Where equipment efficiency
levels are specified, data furnished by the equipment supplier, or certi-
fied under a nationally-recognized certification program or rating pro-
cedure, shall be used to satisfy these requirements.
2010.6.1 HVAC system combustion heating equipment: All gas and oil
fired comfort heating equipment shall show a minimum combustion effici-
ency of seventy-five (75) per cent at maximum rated output. Combustion
efficiency is defined as one hundred (100) percent minus stack losses in
per cent of heat input. Stack losses are:
1. loss due to sensible heat in dry flue gas;
2. loss due to incomplete combustion; and
3. loss due to sensible and latent heat in moisture formed by combus-
tion of hydrogen in the flue.
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2010.6.2 HVAC system heating equipment, heat pumps heating mode:
Heat pumps whose energy input is entirely electric shall show a coeffi-
cient of performance (COP heating, as defined herein) not less than the
values shown in Table 2010.6.2a.
1. These requirements apply to, but are not limited to, unitary heat
pumps (air source and water source) in the heating mode, and to
heat pumps in the packaged terminal air conditioner and room air
conditioner forms in the heating mode. Field assembled unitary
heat pumps, consisting of one (1) or more components, shall show
compliance with this section.
2. Coefficient of performance heating: the ratio of the rate of net
heat output to the rate of total energy input, expressed in consis-
tent units and under designated rating conditions.
The rate of net heat output shall be defined as the change in
the total heat content of the air between entering and leaving the
equipment (not including supplementary heat).
Total energy input shall be determined by combining the energy
inputs to all elements of the heat pump except supplementary heat-
ers. This includes, but is not limited to, compressor(s), pump(s),
supply-air fan(s), return-air fan(s), outdoor air fan(s), cooling
tower fan(s), and the HVAC system equipment control circuit.
3. Supplementary heater: The heat pump shall be installed with a
control to prevent supplementary heater operation when the heating
load can be met by the heat pump alone.
Supplementary heater operation is permitted during transient
periods, such as start-ups, following room thermostat set-point ad-
vance and during defrost.
A two (2) stage thermostat, which controls the supplementary
heat on its second stage, shall be accepted as meeting this require-
ment. The cut-on temperature for the compression heating shall be
higher than the cut-on temperature for the supplementary heat, and
the cut-off temperature for the compression heating shall be higher
than the cut-off temperature for the supplementary heat. Supple-
mentary heat may be derived from any source of electric resistance
heating or combustion heating.
Table 2010.6.2a
MINIMUM COP FOR HEAT PUMPS, HEATING MODE1
Source and outdoor temperature (F)
Minimum COP
Air source-47 dB/43WB
2.2
Air source-17 dB/15WB
1.2
Water source-60 entering
2.2
Note 1. When tested at the standard rating specified in Table 2010.6.2(b).
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2010.6.2b
HVAC SYSTEM HEATING EQUIPMENT (HEAT PUMPS)
STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS
Type:
Air source
Water source
Conditions
Air entering equipment
Outdoor unit ambient
°F
°F
70 db 70 db
47db/43wb 17 db/15 wb
70 db
Entering water temperature
Water flow rate
°F
— —
60
as used in
cooling mode
2010.6.3 HVAC system equipment, electrically operated cooling mode:
HVAC system equipment as listed below whose energy input in the cooling
mode is entirely electric shall show a coefficient of performance (COP)
cooling as defined herein not less than the values shown in Table
2010.6.3a:
1. These requirements apply to, but are not limited to, unitary cooling
equipment (air-cooled, water-cooled and evaporatively-cooled) ; the
cooling mode of unitary heat pumps (air source and water source);
packaged terminal airconditioners ; and room airconditioners .
2. Coefficient of performance cooling: the ratio of the rate of net heat
removal to the rate of total energy input, expressed in consistent
units and under designated rating conditions.
The rate of new heat removal shall be defined as the change in
the total heat content of the air between entering and leaving the
equipment (without reheat).
Total energy input shall be determined by combining the energy
inputs to all elements of the equipment, including, but not limited
to, compressor (s), pump(s), supply air fan(s), return air fan(s),
condenser air fan(s), cooling tower fan(s), and pump(s), and the
HVAC system equipment control circuit.
2010.6.4 Applied HVAC system components, electrically operated, cooling
mode: HVAC system components as listed in Table 2010.6.4a whose
energy input is entirely electric shall show a coefficient of performance
(COP) cooling, as defined herein, not less than the values shown in
Table 2010.6.4a.
Coefficient of performance (COP) cooling is the ratio of the rate of
net heat removal to the rate of total energy input, expressed in consis-
tent units and under designated rating conditions. The rate of net heat
removal is defined as the difference in total heat content of the water or
refrigerant entering and leaving the component.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Total energy input shall be determined by combining the energy
inputs to all elements and accessories of the component, including but not
limited to compressor(s), internal circulating pumps(s), purge, and the
HVAC system component control circuit.
Table 2010.6.3a
MINIMUM EER AND COP
FOR ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT'
Standard rating capacity
EER
COP
Under 65,000 Btu/h
6.1
1.8
65,000 Btu/h and over
6.8
2.0
Note 1. When tested at the standard rating conditions specified in Table 2010.6.3(b).
Table 2010.6.3b
HVAC SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS, COOLING'
Conditions
Temperatures
°F
DB
WB
Inlet
Outlet
Air entering equipment
80
67
—
—
Condenser ambient (air cooled)
°F
95
75
—
—
Condenser water (water cooled)
°F
—
—
85
95
Note 1. Standard ratings are at sea level.
Table 2010.6.4a
MINIMUM EER AND COP
FOR ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPONENTS'
Component
Condensing
means
Air
Water
Evaporator
EER
cop'
EER
COP
EER
COP
Self-contained
water chillers
Centrifugal
7.5
2.2
12.9
3.8
Self-contained
water chillers
Positive
displacement
7.2
2.1
10.9
3.2
Condenserless
water chillers
Positive
displacement
8.9
2.6
10.9
3.2
Compressor and
condenser units
65,000 Btu/h and
over2
Positive
displacement
7.8
2.3
11.3
3.3
11.3
11.3
Note 1. When tested at the standard rating conditions specified in Table 2010.6.4(b).
Note- 2. Ratings in accordance with ARI Standard 524-74 (Appendix B) as applicable. COP based on
condensing unit standard rating capacity and energy input to the unit, all at sea level.
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Table 2010.6.4b
APPLIED HVAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS
STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS, COOLING1
Centrifugal or
self-contained
Condenserless
reciprocating
reciprocating
Item
water-chiller
water-chiller
Leaving chilled water temp.
°F
44
44
Entering chilled water temp.
°F
54
54
Leaving condenser water temp.
°F
95
—
Entering water temp.
°F
85
—
non-ferrous tubes
0.0005
0.0005
Fouling factor, water
*
steel tubes
*
0.0010
0.0010
Fouling factor, refrigerant
*
0.0000
0.0000
Condenser ambient (air or evap.
cook
d)
°F
95db/75wb
—
Compressor
Water
coole
d(or
saturated
eva
3. cooled)
°F
—
105
Discharge temp.
Air cooled
°F
120
'h fta F/Btu
Note 1. Standard ratings are at sea level.
2010.6.5 HVAC system equipment, heat operated cooling mode: Heat
operated cooling equipment shall show a coefficient performance (COP)
cooling not less than the values shown in Table 2010.6.5. These require-
ments apply to, but are not limited to, absorption equipment, engine
driven equipment, and turbine drive equipment.
Where the refrigeration components are supplied by different manu-
facturers, it shall be the responsibility of the system designer to deter-
mine compliance with these requirements, using data provided by the
suppliers of the elements.
Table 2010.6.5
MINIMUM COP FOR HEAT OPERATED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
Heat source
Minimum COP
Direct fired (gas, oil)
Indirect fired (steam, hot water)
0.40
0.65
2010.7 Energy for air delivery, air transport factor: The air trans-
port factor for each all-air HVAC system shall not be less than four point
zero (4.0). The factor shall be based on design system air flow for con-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
stant volume systems. The factor for variable air volume systems may be
based on average conditions of operation. Energy for transfer of air
through heat recovery devices shall not be included in the evalution of
the effectiveness of the heat recovery system.
Air transport factor = SPace sensible heat removal*
(Supply + return fan[s] power input)*
2010.8 Controls:
2010.8.1 Temperature control: Each HVAC system shall be provided with
at least one (1) thermostat for the regulation of temperature. Each
thermostat shall be capable of being set as follows:
1. where used to control heating only, 55-75 degrees F;
2. where used to control cooling only, 70-85 degrees F; and
3. where used to control both heating and cooling it shall be capable
of being set from 55-85 degrees F, and shall be capable of operat-
ing the system heating and cooling in sequence. It shall be adjust-
able to provide a temperature range of up to ten (10) degrees F
between full heating and full cooling, except as allowed in Section
2010.4, item 8.
2010.8.2 Humidity control: If an HVAC system is equipped with a means
for adding moisture to maintain specific selected relative humidities in
spaces or zones, a humidistat shall be provided. This device shall be
capable of being set to prevent new energy from being used to produce
space relative humidity above thirty (30) per cent relative humidity.
Where a humidistat is used in an HVAC system for controlling moisture
removal to maintain specific selected relative humidities in spaces or
zones, it shall be capable of being set to prevent new energy from being
used to produce a space relative humidity.
2010.8.3 Zoning for temperature control
1. One- and two-family dwellings: At least one (1) thermostat for
regulation of space temperature shall be provided for each separate
HVAC system. In addition, a readily accessible manual or automatic
means shall be provided to partially restrict or shut off the heating
and/or cooling input to each zone or floor.
2. Multi-family dwellings: For multi-family dwellings, each individual
dwelling unit shall be considered separately and shall meet the
above requirements. Spaces other than living units shall meet the
requirements of item 3 following.
3. In all other types of buildings or occupancies, at least one (1)
thermostat for regulation of space temperature shall be provided
for:
* Expressed in BTU/hr.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
a. each separate HVAC system; and
b. each separate zone as defined in Section 201.0. As a minimum,
each floor of a building shall be considered as a separate zone.
In a multi-story building where the perimeter system offsets
only the transmission losses of the exterior wall, an entire side
of uniform exposure may be zoned separately. A readily acces-
sible manual or automatic means shall be provided to partially
restrict or shut off the heating and/or cooling input (for the
exposure) to each floor.
2010.8.4 Control setback and shut-off: Lowering thermostat set points
to reduce energy consumption of heating systems shall not cause energy
to be expended to reach the reduced setting.
1. Residential occupancy (use groups R-2, R-3 and R-4): The thermo-
stat required in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Section 2010.8.3, or an
alternate means such as a switch or clock, shall provide a readily
accessible, manual or automatic means for reducing the energy re-
quired for heating and cooling during periods of nonuse or reduced
need, such as, but not limited to, unoccupied periods and sleeping
hours .
2. Other buildings and occupancies: Each HVAC system shall be
equipped with a readily accessible means of shutting off or reducing
the energy used for HVAC during periods of nonuse or alternate
uses of the building spaces or zones served by the system. The
following are examples that meet this requirement:
a. manually adjustable automatic timing devices;
b. manual devices for use by operating personnel; and
c. automatic control systems.
3. Swimming pools
a. Heated swimming pools shall be equipped with controls to limit
heating water temperatures to not more than eighty (80) de-
grees F.
Exception: Pools used for therapeutic purposes are exempt
from this requirement when approved by the building official.
b. Uncovered (unenclosed) heating pools shall be controlled so
that the electric or fossil fuel pool water heating systems are
inoperative whenever the outdoor air temperature is below sixty
(60) degrees F.
2010.9 Duct construction: All duct work shall be constructed and
erected in accordance with this code and the mechanical code listed in
Appendix B.
1. High pressure and medium pressure ducts shall be leak tested in
accordance with applicable Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Con-
tractors National Association Duct Construction Standards listed in
Appendix B.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. When low pressure supply air ducts are located outside of the con-
ditioned space (except return air plenums), all transverse joints
shall be sealed using mastic or mastic plus tape. For fibrous glass
duct work, pressure sensitive tape may be used.
3. Automatic or manual dampers installed for the purpose of shutting
off outside air intakes for ventilation air shall be designed with
tight shut-off characteristics to minimize air leakage.
2010.10. Air handling duct system insulation: All ducts, plenums and
enclosures installed in or on buildings shall be thermally insulated as
follows :
1. All duct systems, or portions thereof, shall be insulated to provide
a thermal resistance, excluding film resistance, of
15 (hr) (F) (ft2)/Btu
where @t = the design temperature differential between the air in
the duct and the surrounding air in degrees F.
Exception: Duct insulation is not required in any of the follow-
ing cases:
a. Where @t is twenty-five (25) degrees F or less.
b. Supply or return air ducts installed in unventilated crawl
spaces with insulated walls, and basements or cellars with
insulated walls in one- and two-family dwellings.
c. When the heat gain or loss of the ducts, without insulation, will
not increase the energy requirements of the building.
d. Within HVAC equipment.
e. Exhaust air ducts.
2. Vapor barriers shall be provided, where required, to prevent con-
densation .
2010.11 Cooling with outdoor air (economizer cycle): Each fan system
shall be designed to use up to and including one hundred (100) per cent
of the fan system capacity for cooling with outdoor air automatically
whenever its use will result in lower usage of new energy. Activation of
economizer cycle shall be controlled by sensing outdoor air enthalpy and
dry bulb temperature jointly or outdoor air dry bulb temperature alone to
accomplish the above.
Exception: Cooling with outdoor air is not required under any one (1)
or more of the following conditions.
1. Fan system capacity less than five thousand (5,000) cubic feet per
minute (cfm) or one hundred thirty-four thousand (134,000) Btu/h
total cooling capacity.
2. The quality of the outdoor air is so poor as to require extensive
treatment of the air.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. The need for humidification or dehumidification requires the use of
more energy than is conserved by the outdoor air cooling.
4. The use of outdoor air cooling may affect the operation of other
systems so as to increase the overall energy consumption of the
building .
5. Internal/external zone heat recovery or other energy recovery is
used.
6. When all space cooling is accomplished by a circulating liquid which
transfers space heat directly or indirectly to a heat rejection device
such as a cooling tower without the use of a refrigeration system.
2010.12 Balancing: The HVAC system design shall provide means for
balancing the air and water systems such as but not limited to dampers,
temperature and pressure test connections, flow measuring stations or
meters, and balancing valves. The HVAC systems shall be field balanced
to achieve conditions stated in the plans and specifications.
2010.13 Piping insulation: All piping installed to serve buildings and
within buildings shall be thermally insulated in accordance with Table
2010.13.
Exception: Piping insulation is not required in any of the following
cases :
1. Piping installed with HVAC equipment.
2. Piping for fluids at temperatures between fifty-five (55) degrees F
and one hundred twenty (120) degrees F.
3. When the heat loss and/or heat gain of the piping, without insula-
tion, does not increase the heating and/or cooling energy require-
ments of the building.
4. Piping, installed in un ventilated crawl spaces with insulated walls,
and basements or cellars with insulated walls in one- and two-family
dwellings .
2010.13.1 Other insulation thickness: Insulation thickness in Table 2010.13
are based on insulation having thermal resistance in the range of four
point zero (4.0) to four point six (4.6) per inch of thickness on a flat
surface at a mean temperature of seventy-five (75) degrees F. 2SPS.
Minimum insulation thickness shall be increased for materials having R
values less than four point zero (4.0), or may be reduced for materials
having R values greater than four point six (4.6).
1. For materials with thermal resistance greater than R = four point
six (4.6), the minimum insulation thickness may be reduced as
follows :
4.6 x Table 2010.13 thickness _ .- „ „^,^„„_ .l^u^,,
jr— r — j-^p = New minimum tnicicness
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. For materials with thermal resistance less than R = four point zero
(4.0), the minimum insulation thickness shall be increased as fol-
lows:
4.0 x Table 2010 13 thickness = . { mckness
Actual R
2010.13.2 Vapor barriers: Vapor barriers shall be provided to prevent
condensation where required.
Table 2010.13
MINIMUM PIPE INSULATION
Insulation thickness in
Fluid
temper-
inches for pipe sizes
Runouts
1"
l'/4"
21/2"
5"
8"
ature
up to
and
to
to
to
and
Piping system types
range, F.
2'"
less
2"
4"
6"
Larger
Heating systems
Steam and
hot water
High pressure/
temp.
306-450
1*4
Wz
2
2*2
3*4
3Vz
Med. pressure/
temp.
251-305
1*4
1*4
2
2*4
3
3
Low pressure/
temp.
201-250
1
1
1*4
1*4
2
2
Low temperature
120-200
Vz
%
1
1
1
1*4
Steam
condensate
(for feed
water)
Any
1
1
1
1*4
IV2
2
Cooling systems
Chilled water
40-55
Vz
Vz
%
1
1
1
Refrigerant or
brine
Below 40
1
1
1*4 1%
1*4
1*4
Note 1. Runouts not exceeding twelve (12) inches in length to individual terminal units.
SECTION 2011.0 ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION
2011.1 Scope: Electrical distribution systems shall be designed for the
efficient distribution of electrical energy from the service entrance to the
points of use.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2011.1.1 Exempt buildings: Buildings in use groups R-3 and R-4 (one-
and two-family dwellings) shall be exempt from the requirements of this
section .
2011.2 Power factor: Utilization equipment greater than one thousand
(1,000) watts and lighting equipment greater than fifteen (15) watts with
an inductive reactance load component shall have a power factor of not
less than eighty-five (85) per cent under rated load conditions. Power
factor of less than eighty-five (85) per cent shall be corrected to at least
ninety (90) per cent under rated load conditions. Power factor corrective
devices, installed to comply with this code, shall be switched with the
utilization equipment, except where this results in an unsafe condition or
interferes with the intended operation of the equipment.
2011.3 Service voltage: Where a choice of service voltage is available, a
computation shall be made to determine which service voltage would produce
the least energy loss, and that voltage shall be selected.
2011.4 Lighting switching
1. Each area enclosed by ceiling height partitions shall have indepen-
dent control of the lighting within that area.
2. All switching devices used to control lighting within an area shall
be readily accessible to personnel occupying that area.
3. The maximum area to be switch controlled shall be one thousand
(1,000) square feet. For all areas larger than five hundred (500)
square feet, the connected lighting load shall be so controlled that
the overall illumination may be reduced by at least one-half (S).
4. In all interior areas where effective use may be made of natural
light, lighting circuiting shall be arranged so that units, in por-
tions of the area where natural light is available, are switched in-
dependently of the remainder of the area.
5. In all exterior areas, lighting fixtures shall be switched automati-
cally for nonoperation when natural light is available.
2011.5 Electric energy determination: In all multi-family dwellings,
each dwelling unit shall be separately metered.
Exceptions :
1. Publicly financed housing for the elderly with fuel fired heating
systems, with centrally operated airconditioning systems, or without
airconditioning systems are exempt from this requirement.
2. Publicly financed housing for the elderly with electric resistance or
storage heating systems are exempt from this requirement provided
there is informational metering of the individual dwelling units.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2012.0 LIGHTING POWER LIMITS
2012.1 Scope: This section establishes the maximum power limits for
interior and exterior illumination systems for new building design and for
alterations to and additions to existing buildings.
2012.2 Exempt buildings: The following buildings are exempt from the
provisions of this section:
1. buildings in use groups R-3 and R-4 (one- and two-family dwell-
ings);
2. the dwelling unit portions of use group R-2 (multi-family); and
3. the manufacturing portion of industrial plants.
2012.3 Lighting power limit: A lighting power limit is the upper limit of
the power to be available to provide the lighting needs of a building.
Separate lighting power limits shall be calculated for the building interior
and for the building exterior.
2012.4 Calculation procedure: To establish a lighting power limit, the
following procedure set forth in Sections 2012.4.1 through 2012.4.3 shall
be used:
2012.4.1 Interiors
1. Determine the use categories for the various parts of the building
from Table 2012.
2. Multiply the maximum power limit for each category by the gross
floor area included in that category.
3. Add the total number of watts for each area to arrive at the total
lighting power limit for the building.
4. In open concept office spaces in excess of two thousand (2,000)
square feet, without defined egress or circulation pattern, twenty-
five (25) per cent of the area shall be designated as Category B.
5. In rooms with ceiling height in excess of twenty (20) feet, a power
allowance, in watts per square foot, of an additional two (2) per
cent per foot of height is permitted, up to a maximum of twice the
limit in Table 2012.
6. In retail stores and in museums, an allowance of fifty thousand
(50,000) watts may be added to the calculated lighting power limit
for the building interior. However, the data which must be provid-
ed according to the provisions of Section 2012.7 shall indicate that
the average watts per square foot of merchandising areas of Cate-
gory A shall not exceed six and one-half (6.5).
7. In all cases of alterations or additions to existing buildings, the
lighting power limit shall be calculated by combining the square
footage of each category represented in such alterations or addi-
tions with the total square footage of the respective categories of
the building within which such alterations or additions are planned.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2012.4.2 Exteriors:
1. Facade lighting: Multiply the limit given in Table 2012 by the
number of linear feet in the building perimeter.
2. Parking: Multiply the value in Category F in Table 2012 by the
area to be illuminated.
Table 2012
LIGHTING LIMIT (CONNECTED LOAD) FOR LISTED OCCUPANCIES
Type of Use Max. watts/sq. ft.
Interior
Category A: classrooms, office areas, mechanical areas,
museums, conference rooms, drafting rooms, clerical areas, laboratories,
merchandising areas, kitchens, examining rooms, book stacks, athletic faci-
lities, boiler rooms, outside sales areas, combined kitchen and dining facili-
ties, day care centers, libraries, banks, valance and display case lighting.
2.50
Category B: auditoriums, waiting areas, spectator
areas, restrooms, dining areas, transportation terminals, working corridors
in prisons and hospitals, book storage areas, active inventory storage, hos-
pital bedrooms, enclosed shopping mall concourse areas, stairways, locker
rooms, churches, assembly areas, filing areas of offices, shipping and re-
ceiving areas, laundry areas, hotel and motel guest rooms.
Category C: corridors, lobbies,
storage areas and foyers.
Category D:
Exterior
Category E:
canopy .
indoor parking,
building perimeter:
elevators, inactive
wall-wash, facade,
Category F: outdoor parking
1.00
1.00
0.25
5.00
(per linear foot)
0.10
2012.4.3 Exceptions:
1. Task lighting shall not be included in lighting power limit calcu-
lation .
2. Lighting for, but not limited to, clean rooms, sanctuaries in reli-
gious buildings, theatrical, television, spectator sports and like
performances shall not be included in the total building limit. There
shall be limited access to the controls for such lighting.
3. Heat lamps in bathrooms of hotel and motel guest rooms shall not be
included in the total building limit. Such lamps shall be equipped
with an automatic timer.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4. Lighting for the examination of patients by health care professionals
shall not be included in the total building limit.
5. Sleeping areas of dormitories and patient rooms in nursing homes
shall not be included in the total building limit.
2012.5 Alternatives: The installed lighting power for any interior area
may be increased or decreased from the values of Table 2012 provided
that the total interior lighting power limit calculated in Table 2012 is not
exceeded.
2012.6 Special reguirements: Bathrooms in hotels and motels shall have
a switchable, permanently installed night light with a maximum wattage of
five (5) watts.
2012.7 Documentation: Lighting power loads shall be included with the
plans and specifications submitted to the building official. This data shall
provide, for each category of Table 2012, the total area, the total con-
nected lighting power load in watts, and the average watts per square
foot. This data shall be provided on forms available from the State Build-
ing Code Commission.
SECTION 2013.0 BUILDING DESIGN BY SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
2013.1 Scope: This section establishes design criteria in terms of total
energy use by a building including all of its systems.
2013.2 Compliance: Compliance with this section is optional and will
require an analysis of the annual energy consumption. Section 2008.0
through 2012.0 establishes criteria for different energy consuming and
enclosure elements of the building which, if followed, will eliminate the
requirement for an annual energy analysis while meeting the intent of this
article .
A building designed in accordance with this section will be deemed as
complying with this article if the annual energy consumption is not great-
er than if the building were designed with enclosure elements and energy
consuming systems in compliance with Sections 2008.0 through 2012.0.
2013.3 Standard design: The standard design, conforming to the criteria
of Section 2008.0, and the proposed alternative design, shall be designed
on a common basis as specified herein. The comparison shall be expressed
as Btu input per sguare foot of gross floor area per year.
Identical energy sources must serve the same purpose in both the stan-
dard and the proposed alternative design. If the proposed alternative
design results in an increase in consumption of one (1) energy source
and a decrease in another energy source, each energy source shall be
converted to equivalent Btu units for purposes of comparing the total
energy used.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2013.4 Analysis procedure: The analysis of the annual energy usage of
the standard and the proposed alternative building and system design
shall meet the following criteria:
1. The building heating/cooling load calculation procedure used for
annual energy consumption analysis shall be of sufficient detail to
permit the evaluation of the effect of the factors specified in Sec-
tion 2013.4.1
2. The calculation procedure used to simulate the operation of the
building and its service systems through a full year operating
period shall be of sufficient detail to permit the evaluation of the
effect of system design, climatic factors, operational characteristics,
and mechanical equipment on annual energy usage. Manufacturer's
data or comparable field test data shall be used when available in
the simulation of all systems and equipment. The calculation pro-
cedure shall be based upon eighty-seven hundred and sixty (8760)
hours of operation of the building and its service systems and shall
utilize techniques recommended in the appropriate ASHRAE publi-
cations .
2013.4.1 Calculation procedure: The calculation procedure shall cover
the following items.
1. Environmental requirements as indicated in Section 2005.0.
2. Climatic data: coincident hourly data for temperatures, solar radia-
tion, wind and humidity of typical days in the year representing
seasonal variation.
3. Building data: orientation, size, shape, transfer characteristics of
mass, air, moisture and heat.
4. Operational characteristics: temperature, humidity, ventilation,
illumination, control sequence for occupied and unoccupied hours.
5. Mechanical equipment: design capacity, part load profile.
6. Internal heat generation from lighting, equipment, number of people
during occupied and unoccupied periods.
7. Electrical equipment: lighting, power consumption.
2013.4.2 Documentation: Proposed alternative designs, submitted as
requests for exception to the standard design criteria, shall be accom-
panied by an energy analysis comparison report prepared by a profes-
sional registered engineer or registered architect. The report shall pro-
vide sufficient technical detail on the two (2) buildings and systems de-
signs, and on the data used in and resulting from the comparative analy-
sis, to verify that both the analysis and the designs meet the criteria of
this article. The documentation shall demonstrate that the analysis used
is consistent with ASHRAE calculation procedures and accepted engineer-
ing practice.
Exception: Proposed alternative designs for buildings having an area
of five thousand (5,000) square feet or less and having the indoor
temperature controlled from a single point are exempted from the full
9/1/80 515
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
year energy analysis as described above. A comparison of energy
consumption between the alternative design and the standard design
shall be provided in a report prepared by a registered professional
engineer or architect. Such analysis shall follow the bin or degree
day methods or other simplified analysis procedures consistent with
accepted engineering practice.
SECTION 2014.0 BUILDINGS UTILIZING SOLAR, GEOTHERMAL,
WIND, OR OTHER NONDEPLETABLE ENERGY SOURCES AS
ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS
2014.1 General: When a proposed alternative building, submitted in
accordance with Section 2013.0, utilizes solar, geothermal, wind, wood or
other nondepletable energy, that portion supplied to the building shall be
excluded from the total energy chargeable to the proposed alternative
design .
2014.2 Passive solar energy: The solar energy passing through windows
shall be considered if there is a net Btu/year saving over fossil fuel or
electric energy systems.
2014.2.1 Nocturnal cooling: This provision shall also apply to nocturnal
cooling processes in lieu of energy consuming processes.
2014.2.2 Other criteria: All other criteria covered in Section 2013.0
shall apply to the proposed alternative designs utilizing nondepletable
sources of energy.
2014.3 Documentation: Proposed alternative designs, submitted as re-
quests for exception to the standard design criteria shall be accompanied
by an energy analysis, as specified in Section 2013.0. The report shall
provide sufficient technical detail on the alternative building and system
designs and on the data employed in and resulting from the comparative
analysis to verify that both the analysis and the designs meet the criteria
of this article. The documentation shall demonstrate that the analysis
used is consistent with ASHRAE calculation procedures.
Exception: Proposed alternative designs that derive over fifty (50)
per cent of their annual thermal requirements (heating, cooling, ser-
vice water heating) or over thirty (30) per cent of their annual total
energy requirements from nondepletable sources shall be exempted from
the necessity of comparing the proposed design to a standard design.
Documentation, verifying the percentage of annual energy use derived
from such nondepletable sources shall be required as provided in
Section 2014.3 and shall be prepared by a registered professional
engineer or architect.
2014.3.1 Performance data: The energy derived from nondepletable
sources and the reduction in conventional energy requirements derived
shall be separately identified from the overall building energy use. Sup-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
porting documentation, on the basis of the performance estimates for the
aforementioned nondepletable energy sources or nocturnal cooling means,
must be submitted.
SECTION 2015.0 LIGHTING POWER LIMITS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
2015.1 Scope: This section establishes the maximum power limits for
interior and exterior illumination systems for existing buildings.
2015.2 Regulated buildings: The provisions in Section 2015.0 shall apply
to all existing buildings and structures with a gross floor area in excess
of ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
2015.3 Existing buildings: For the purpose of Section 2015.0, existing
buildings shall be defined as all buildings and structures in existence on
July 1, 1978, and buildings and structures for which a building permit
has been issued prior to July 1, 1978.
2015.4 Exempt buildings: The following buildings are exempt from the
provisions of this section:
1. buildings in use groups R-3 and R-4 (one- and two-family);
2. the dwelling unit portion of use group R-2 (multi- family); and
3. the manufacturing portion of industrial plants.
2015.5 Lighting power limit: The lighting power limit is the upper
limit of the power to be available to provide the lighting needs of a build-
ing. Separate lighting power limits shall be calculated for the building
interior and for the building exterior. The building owner shall maintain
the building lighting within the lighting power limit.
2015.6 Lighting switching: In all areas exterior to the building, light-
ing fixtures shall be capable of being switched automatically for nonoper-
ation when natural light is available.
2015.7 Calculation procedure: To establish the lighting power limit,
the following procedure set forth in Sections 2015.7.1 through 2015.7.3
shall be used:
2015.7.1 Interiors:
1. Determine the use categories for the various parts of the building
from Table 2015.
2. Multiply the maximum power limit for each category by the area in-
cluded in that category.
3. Add the total number of watts for each area to arrive at the total
lighting power limit for the buildings.
4. In open concept office spaces in excess of two thousand (2,000)
square feet, without defined egress or circulation pattern, twenty-
five (25) per cent of the area shall be designated as Category B.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
5. In rooms with ceiling height in excess of twenty (20) feet, a power
allowance, in watts per square foot, of an additional two (2) per
cent per foot of height is permitted, up to a maximum of twice the
limit in Table 2015.
6. In retail stores and in museums, an allowance of fifty thousand
(50,000) watts may be added to the calculated lighting power limit
for the building interior. However, the data which must be pro-
vided according to the provisions of Section 2015.9 shall indicate
that the average watts per square foot of merchandising areas of
Category A shall not exceed six and one-half (6.5).
2015.7.2 Exteriors
1. Facade lightings: Multiply the limit given in Table 2015 by the
number of linear feet in the building perimeter.
2. Parking: Multiply the value in Category F in Table 2015 by the
area to be illuminated.
2015.7.3 Exceptions:
1. Task lighting shall not be included in the lighting power limit
calculation.
2. Lighting for, but not limited to, clean rooms, sanctuaries in re-
ligious buildings, and theatrical, television, spectator sports and
like performances shall not be included in the total building limit.
There shall be limited access to the controls for such lighting.
3. Heat lamps in bathrooms of hotel and motel guest rooms shall not be
included in the total building limit. Such lamps shall be equipped
with an automatic timer.
4. Lighting for the examination of patients by health care professionals
shall not be included in the total building limit.
5. Sleeping areas of dormitories and patient rooms in nursing homes
shall not be included in the total building limit.
Table 2015
LIGHTING LIMIT (CONNECTED LOAD)
FOR LISTED OCCUPANCIES: EXISTING BUILDINGS
see opposite page
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
♦"
Type of Use Max. watts/sq. ft.
nterior
Category A: classrooms, office areas, mechanical areas,
museums, conference rooms, drafting rooms, clerical
areas, laboratories, merchandising areas, kitchens,
examining rooms, book stacks, athletic facilities,
boiler rooms, outside sales areas, combined kitchen
•and dining facilities, day care centers, libraries,
banks, valance and display case lighting, hotel and
motel guest rooms. 3.00
Category B: auditoriums, waiting areas, spectator
areas, restrooms, dining areas, transportation term-
inals, working corridors in prisons and hospitals,
book storage areas, active inventory storage, hospi-
tal bedrooms, enclosed shopping mall concourse areas,
!■ stairways, locker rooms, churches, assembly areas,
PF filing areas of offices, shipping and receiving areas,
laundry areas. 1.00
Category C: corridors, lobbies, elevators, inactive
storage areas and foyers. 0.50
Category D: indoor parking. U,4J
■cterior
Category E: building perimeter: wall-wash, facade,
canopy. 5.00
(per linear foot)
Category F: outdoor parking. 0.10
2015.8 Alternatives: The lighting power for any interior area may be
increased or decreased from the values of Table 2015 provided that the
total interior lighting power limit calculated in Table 2015 is not exceeded.
2015.9 Documentation
2015.9.1 Lighting power audit form: Prior to November 1, 1978 a report
of the lighting power load for every building subject to the provisions of
Section 2015.0 shall have been submitted to the local building offical and
to the State Building Code Commission by the building owner. The
report shall indicate for each building area corresponding to one (1) of
^he categories of Table 2015 the existing connected lighting power load in
watts, the total area, and the average watts per square foot. The report
"hall be made on lighting power audit forms available at local building
departments or at the office of the State Building Code Commission.
2015.9.2 Compliance plan: When lighting power loads exceed the limits
of Section 2015.0, the building owner shall include with his lighting power
audit an implementation plan indicating how and when the building will be
^brought into compliance with Section 2015.0. Implementation shall have
«>een completed by February 1, 1979.
2015.9.3 Lighting power load certification: Certification of the building
lighting power load by a registered engineer or architect may be required
by the building official.
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SECTION 2016.0 BUILDING TEMPERATURE RESTRICTIONS
I
2016.1 Scope: This section establishes requirements governing the
maximum and minimum operating temperatures for heating and cooling re-
spectively and limits the supply temperature for domestic hot water inj
buildings . f
2016.2 Regulated buildings: The requirements of this section shall apply
to all buildings except as exempted in Section 2016.3.
2016.3 Exempt buildings: The following buildings are exempt from the
provisions of this Section:
1. Residential buildings in use groups R-3, R-4. I
2. The dwelling units of use group R-2.
3. Health care facilities in use group 1-2.
4. Lodging areas of hotels, motels, boarding houses, lodging houses
and dormitories In use groups R-l, R-2.
5. Elementary schools, nursery schools and day care centers.
2016.4 Compliance: Buildings shall be in compliance with this section
when they meet one (1) of the following requirements:
1. Building Temperatures Restrictions (Section 2016.5); or
2. Alternative Compliance (Section 2016.6).
2016.5 Building temperature restrictions: Buildings shall be operated at
temperatures consistent with regulations published in the Federal Register
44 FR 39354 of July 5, 1979 and as amended from time to time in the
Federal Register, as outlined in Appendix V.
2016.6 Alternative compliance: Operation of a building at temperatures
other than those required in this section may be permitted by utttizng one
of the following methods of alternative compliance.
1. Percentage reduction: I
a. Submission and implementation of a plan to reduce the annual
energy consumption in a building by ten (10) per cent through
means of a permanent alteration to the building envelope or
energy utilizing system; or
b. Submission of documentation of a permanent alteration to the
building envelope or energy utilizing system, completed since
July 1, 1977, which resulted in a ten (10) per cent reduction in .
annual energy consumption. (
c. Documentation shall be expressed in Btu/sf/yr of gross floor
area.
2. Comparative analysis: An analysis comparing the building's annual
energy consumption utilizing the current or proposed operating
temperature with the building's annual energy consumption utilizing
the required operating temperatures, as published in the Federal
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Register 44 FR 39354 of July 5, 1979 and as amended from time to
time in the Federal Register shall be submitted and shall meet the
following criteria:
a. For the purpose of this analysis, the base year for computing
the building's annual energy consumption at the required tem-
perature setting shall be any one (1) of the five (5) years
immediately preceding July 1, 1977.
b. When an analysis shows that the operation of the building at
the required temperature settings results in a reduced level of
energy consumption, an accompanying plan of permanent altera-
tion to the exterior envelope or to an energy utilizing system,
which achieves this reduced level of consumption, shall be sub-
mitted and implemented.
c. The building heating/cooling load calculations used for annual
energy consumption analysis shall be of sufficient detail to
permit the evaluation of the effect of the following:
1. Environmental requirements as indicated in Section 2005.0.
2. Climatic data: coincident hourly data for temperatures,
solar radiation, wind and humidity of typical days in the year
representing seasonal variation.
3. Building data: orientation, size, shape, transfer charac-
teristics of mass," air, moisture and heat.
4. Operational characteristics: temperature, humidity, ven-
tilation, illumination, control sequence for occupied and un-
occupied hours.
5. Mechanical equipment: design capacity; part load profile.
6. Internal heat generation from lighting, equipment, number
of people during occupied and unoccupied periods.
7. Electrical equipment: lighting, power consumption.
d. The comparison shall be expressed in Btu/sf/yr of gross floor
area.
Exception: Comparative analysis for buildings having an area
of fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet or less is exempt from
the full year analysis. Analysis for buildings which qualify for
this exemption shall follow the bin or degree day methods or
other simplified analysis procedures, consistent with accepted
engineering practice.
Design Analysis:
a. An analysis of the building's energy consumption shall be per-
formed comparing the building, as designed or built, with the
standard design building as defined in Section 2013.0.
b. The analysis shall be performed in accordance with Section
2013.0 utilizing the required operating temperatures, as pub-
lished in the Federal Register 44 FR 39354 of July 5, 1979 and
as amended from time to time in the Federal Register for the
standard design building.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
I
c. A building, as designed or built, shall be deemed in compliance
with this section if the annual energy consumption is less than
the standard design building.
2016.6.1 Exception: Process energy is exempt from the provisions of^
alternative compliance. J
2016.7 Documentation: Certification of a building's operation at the
required temperature settings shall be in accordance with Part 490.43 of
the Federal Register 44 FR 39354 of July 5, 1979, or an alternative com-
pliance plan and, when necessary, an accompanying plan of permanent
alteration showing compliance with Section 2016.0 shall be submitted by
the building Wner to the building official and to the State Building Code f
Commission. Alternative compliance plans shall be prepared by a regis-™
tered professional engineer.
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ARTICLE 21
BUILDING CODE PROVISIONS FOR ONE AND
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS
SECTION 2100.0 GENERAL
2100.1 Scope: Contained within Article 21 of the State Build-
ing Code are provisions which shall regulate one- and two-family
dwellings. These provisions are supplied to provide a single
comprehensive reference for one and two-family dwellings.
These provisions shall be considered as being applicable as
stated .
2100.1.1 Basic code provisions: The requirements for one and
two-family dwellings are stated in other articles of the basic
code on a performance-oriented basis and may be used at the
option of the designer. In addition, any requirements for
which provisions are not made within this article shall be sub-
ject to the provisions of the other articles of the basic code.
2100.1.2 Reference standards: * Standards referenced in the
text of Article 21 represent recognized practices and speci-
fications to be applied specifically using Article 21. If your
copy of Article 21 has been printed separately, these refer-
ence standards are located immediately after the text of
Article 21. Where Article 21 has been included as a portion
of the Basic Code, these specific reference standards are
included in Appendix W. Other reference standards contained
in the Basic Code may be used at the option of the designer,
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2100.1.1.
2100.2 Energy conservation
2100.2.1 Building design: Building design shall be based on
compliance with the energy conservation performance standards
of the basic code. If systems analysis or non-depletable energy
sources are used, refer to Article 20.
2100.2.2 Exempt buildings: The following buildings are exempt
from the energy conservation provisions of this article:
1. Buildings and structures or portions thereof whose peak
design rate of energy usage is less than one (1) watt per
square foot or three and four tenths (3.4) Btu/h per
square foot of floor area for all purposes.
2. Buildings which are neither heated nor cooled.
2100.2.3 Additions to existing buildings: Additions to existing
buildings or structures may be made without making the entire
* Editorial addition
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
building or structure comply with the requirements of this
code. The new construction shall conform to the requirements
of this article as they relate to the addition only.
2100.2.4 Alterations to existing buildings: Alterations to exist-
ing buildings shall comply with this article on a component
basis. When there are alterations to or replacement of the
building enclosure elements (walls, roof or floors) or mechanical
systems, those components only shall comply.
2100.3 Definitions
2100.3.1 Meaning: Unless otherwise expressly stated, the
following terms shall, for the purpose of this code, have the
meaning indicated in this section.
2100.3.2 Tense, gender and number: Words used in the pres-
ent tense include the future; words used in the masculine
gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number
includes the plural and the plural the singular.
2100.3.3 Terms not defined: Where terms are not defined, they
shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings or such as the
context may imply. Any terms relating to plumbing and elec-
trical wiring shall have their terms as defined by the Regula-
tions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pertaining to plumb-
ing and electrical wiring.
Accepted engineering practice: That which conforms to ac-
cepted principles, tests or standards of nationally recognized
technical or scientific authorities.
Accessory structure: A building or structure, the use of
which is incidental to that of the main building or structure
and which is located on the same lot.
Accessory use: A use incidental to the principal use of a build-
ing as defined or limited by the provisions of the local
zoning laws.
Addition: An extension or increase in floor area or height of a
building or structure.
Air-conditioning: The treatment of air so as to control simul-
taneously its temperature, humidity, cleanness and distribu-
tion to meet the requirements of a conditioned space.
Air duct: A tube or conduit used for conveying air.
Alteration: A change or modification of a building or struc-
ture, or the service equipment thereof, that affects safety
or health and that is not classified as ordinary repairs.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Alternate inspector: A person appointed to act in the absence
of the inspector of buildings in case of illness, disability, or
conflict of interest.
Approved: Approved by the commission, the building official
or accepted engineering practice. (See Section 110.0.)
Approved material, eguipment and methods: Approved by the
Commission or by an agency approved by the Commission.
Approved rules: Those rules approved by the State Building
Code Commission unless otherwise specified.
Area (building): The area included within surrounding exte-
rior walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent
shafts and courts. Areas of the building not provided with
surrounding walls shall be included in the building area if
included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor
above .
Areaway (form of construction): An uncovered subsurface space
adjacent to a building.
Attic: The space between the ceiling beams of the top habi-
table story and the roof rafters.
Attic (habitable): A habitable attic is an attic which has a
stairway as a means of access and egress and in which the
ceiling area at a height of seven and one-third (7-1/3) feet
above the attic floor is not less than one-third (1/3) the
area of the floor next below.
Automatic detecting device: A device which automatically de-
tects heat, smoke or other products of combustion.
Automatic fire alarm system: A system which automatically
detects a fire condition and actuates a fire alarm signal
device.
Basement: That portion of a building which is partly below
and partly above grade, and having at least one-half (1/2)
its height above grade (see "Grade", "Story" and "Cellar").
Basic code: The State Building Code of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, also referred to as "this Code".
Bay (part of a structure): The space between two (2) adja-
cent piers or mullions or between two (2) adjacent lines of
columns .
Bay window: A window projecting beyond the wall line of a
building .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Boiler: A closed heating appliance intended to supply hot
water or steam for space heating, processing or power pur-
poses.
Boiler capacity: The amount of heat output in Btu/h at the
design temperature rise and rated input.
Brick (clay or shale): A solid masonry unit of clay or shale,
usually formed into a rectangular prism while plastic and
burned or fired in a kiln.
Calcium-silicate brick (sand lime brick): A building unit made
of sand and lime.
Concrete brick: A solid masonry unit having a shape approxi-
mately a rectangular prism and composed of inert aggregate
particles embedded in a hardened cementitious matrix.
Hollow brick: A masonry unit of clay or shale whose net cross-
sectional area in any plane parallel to the bearing surface is
not less than sixty (60) per cent or more than seventy-five
(75) per cent of its gross cross-sectional area measured in
the same plane.
Building: Any structure used or intended for supporting or
sheltering any use or occupancy.
Building commissioner: The administrative chief of the building
department in a municipality who is charged with the admin-
istration and enforcement of this code. See also Inspector of
Buildings and Section 107.1.
Building component: Any subsystem, subassembly or other sys-
tem designed for use in or as part of a structure.
Building department: The person, body, agency, department
or office of any municipality charged with the administration
and enforcement of this code.
Building envelope: The elements of a building which enclose
conditioned spaces through which thermal energy may be
transferred to or from the exterior.
Building, existing: Any structure erected or one for which a
legal building permit has been issued prior to the adoption
of this code (and its amendments).
Building line: The line established by law, beyond which a
building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by
law.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Building official: The officer or other designated authority
charged with the administration and enforcement of this
code. Building official as used herein includes the building
commissioner or the inspector of buildings and the local
inspector .
Building service equipment: The mechanical, electrical and ele-
vator equipment, including piping, wiring, fixtures and
other accessories, which provide sanitation, lighting, heat-
ing, ventilation, fire-fighting and transportation facilities
essential for the habitable occupancy of the building or
structure for its designated use and occupancy.
Building site: The area occupied by a building or structure,
including the yards and courts required for light and venti-
lation, and such areas that are prescribed for access to the
street.
Buttress: A projecting part of a masonry wall built integrally
therewith to furnish lateral stability which is supported on
proper foundations.
Cellar: That portion of a building which is partly or com-
pletely below grade and having at least one-half (1/2) its
height below grade (see "Grade", "Story" and "Basement").
Certificate of use and occupancy: The certificate issued by
the building official which permits the use of a building in
accordance with the approved plans and specifications and
which certifies compliance with the provisions of law for the
use and occupancy of the building in its several parts to-
gether with any special stipulations or conditions of the
building permit.
Change of use: An alteration by change of use in a building
heretofore existing to a new use group or sub-use group
which imposes other special provisions of law governing
building construction, equipment or means of egress.
Chimney: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one (1) or
more passageways.
Factory-built chimney: A chimney that is factory-made, listed
by a nationally recognized testing or inspection agency, for
venting gas appliances, gas incinerators and solid or liquid
fuel burning appliances.
Masonry chimney: A field constructed chimney of solid ma-
sonry units, bricks, stones, listed hollow masonry units or
reinforced concrete built in accordance with nationally recog-
nized standards.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Metal chimney (smokestack): A field constructed chimney made
of metal and built in accordance with nationally recognized
standards .
Chimney connector: A pipe which connects a fuel burning ap-
pliance to a chimney.
Clay masonry unit: A building unit larger in size than a
brick, composed of burned clay, shale, fireclay or mixtures
thereof.
Combination of municipalities: Any two or more cities and/or
towns who have agreed to combine in order to share costs
necessary for the administration and enforcement of this code
in the said cities and/or towns.
Combustible (material): A combustible (material) is a material
which cannot be classified as noncombustible in accordance
with that definition.
Commenced: Any physical action begun on the job site for the
purposes of construction for which a building permit is
required .
Commission: See State Building Code Commission.
Component: An integral part of a building or its mechanical
systems; an element of a building envelope.
Concrete: A mixture of cement, aggregates and water, of such
proportions and manipulation as to meet specific require-
ments .
Concrete masonry unit: A building unit or block larger in size
than twelve (12) by four (4) by four (4) inches made of ce-
ment and suitable aggregates.
Conditioned floor area: All portions of interior gross floor area
which are contained within exterior walls and which are con-
ditioned directly or indirectly by an energy-using system.
(See gross floor area).
Conflagration hazard: The fire risk involved in the spread of
fire by exterior exposure to and from adjoining buildings
and structures.
Construction operation: The erection, alteration, repair, reno-
vation, demolition or removal of any building or structure;
and the excavation, filling, grading and regulation of lots in
connection therewith.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Construction supervisor: Any individual directly supervising
persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alterations
or repairs involving the structural elements of buildings and
structures .
Controlled construction: The construction of a building or struc-
ture or a specific part thereof which has been designated
and erected under the supervision of a licensed professional
engineer or architect using controlled materials as herein
defined in compliance with accepted engineering practice
under the procedure of Section 127.0.
Corridor: A hallway, passageway or other compartmented
space providing the occupants with access to the required
exitways of the building or floor area.
Court: An open, uncovered, and unoccupied space on the
same lot with a building.
Inner court: Any court other than an outer court.
Outer court: A court extending to and opening upon a street,
public alley, or other approved open space, not less than
fifteen (15) feet wide, or upon a required yard.
Degree day, heating: A unit, based upon temperature differ-
ence and time, used in estimating fuel consumption and
specifying nominal heating load of a building in winter. For
any one day, when the mean temperature is less than 65° F
there exist as many degree days as there are Fahrenheit
degrees difference in temperature between the mean tempera-
ture for the day and 65° F.
Department/DPS : The Department of Public Safety, Division of
Inspections .
Draft: The pressure difference existing between the equipment
or any component part of the atmosphere which causes a
continuous flow of air and products of combustion through
the gas passages of the appliance to the atmosphere.
Forced draft: The pressure difference created by the action
of a fan, blower or ejector which supplies the primary com-
bustion air above atmospheric pressure.
Induced draft: The pressure difference created by the action
of a fan, blower or ejector which is located between the ap-
pliance and the chimney or vent termination.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Natural draft: The pressure difference created by a vent or
chimney due to its height and the temperature difference
between the flue gases and the atmosphere.
Draft regulator: A device which functions to maintain a de-
sired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the
draft to the desired value.
Duct: A tube or conduit used for conveying or encasing pur-
poses as specifically defined below:
Air duct: A tube or conduit used for conveying air. The
air passages of self-contained systems are not to be con-
strued as air ducts.
Pipe duct: A tube or conduit used for encasing pipe.
Wire duct: A tube or conduit used for encasing either
moving or stationary wire, pipe, etc.
Dwellings :
One-family dwelling: A building containing one (1) dwelling
unit with not more than three (3) lodgers or boarders.
Two-family dwelling: A building containing two (2) dwelling
units with not more than three (3) lodgers or boarders per
family but not more than twenty (20) individuals.
Dwelling unit: A single unit providing complete, independent
living facilities for one (1) or more persons including perma-
nent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and
sanitation .
Energy: The capacity for doing work. Energy takes a number
of forms which may be transformed from one into another,
such as thermal (heat), mechanical (motion), electrical, and
chemical. In customary units, energy is measured in kilo-
watt-hours (kwh) or British thermal units (Btu).
Energy efficiency ratio (EER): The ratio of net cooling capac-
ity in Btu/h to total rate of electric input in watts under
designated operating conditions.
Existing building: See "Building, existing".
Existing equipment: Any equipment covered by this article
which was installed prior to the effective date of this code
or for which an application for permit to install was filed
with the building official prior thereto.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exitway: That portion of a means of egress which is separated
from all other spaces of a building or structure by construc-
tion or equipment as required in this code to provide a pro-
tected way of travel to the exitway discharge.
Exterior envelope: The elements of a building which enclose
conditioned spaces through which thermal energy may be
transferred to or from the exterior.
Fenestration: Any light-transmitting device in the building en-
velope admitting natural light.
Fire door: A door and its assembly, so constructed and assem-
bled in place as to give protection against the passage of
fire.
Fire door assembly: The assembly of a fire door and its acces-
sories, including all hardware and closing devices and their
anchors; and the door frame, when required, and its an-
chors .
Fireresistance : That property of materials or their assemblies
which prevents or retards the passage of excessive heat, hot
gases or flames under conditions of use.
Fireresistance rating: The time in hours or fractions thereof
that materials or their assemblies will resist fire exposure as
determined by fire tests conducted in compliance with recog-
nized standards.
Fire separation wall: A fireresistance rated assembly of mate-
rials not having unprotected openings, designed to restrict
the spread of fire.
Fire wall: A fireresistance rated wall, having protected open-
ings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends contin-
uously from the foundation to or through the roof.
Fire window: A window constructed and glazed to give protec-
tion against the passage of fire.
Flameresistance : The property of materials or combinations of
component materials which restricts the spread of flame as
determined by the flameresistance tests specified in this
code.
Flame spread: The propagation of flame over a surface.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Flame spread rating: The measurement of flame spread on the
surface of materials or their assemblies and determined by
tests conducted in compliance with recognized standards.
Flammable: Subject to easy ignition and rapid flaming combus-
tion.
Floor area, gross: Gross floor area shall be the floor area
within the perimeter of the outside walls of the building
under consideration, without deduction for hallways, stairs,
closets, thickness of walls, columns, or other features.
Floor area, net: For the purpose of determining the number of
persons for whom exitways are to be provided, net floor
area shall be the actual occupied area, not including acces-
sory unoccupied areas or thickness of walls.
Foundation: A base constructed to support any building or
structure including but not limited to footings, floating
foundation, piles, caissons.
Foundation wall: A wall below the floor nearest grade serving
as a support for a wall, pier, column or other structural
part of a building.
Fuel: A solid, liguid, or gaseous substance with a high energy
content that can be burned to release the energy.
Fuel oil: A liquid mixture or compound derived from petroleum
which does not emit flammable vapor below a temperature of
one hundred and twenty-five (125) degrees F. in a Tag
closed-cup tester (ASTM D56).
Furnace
Floor furnace: A self-contained, connected or vented fur-
nace designed to be suspended from the floor of the space
being heated taking air for combustion outside this heated
space and with means for observing the flame and lighting
the appliance from the space being heated.
Forced warm air furnace: A furnace equipped with a blower
to provide the primary means for circulating air.
Warm air furnace: A solid, liquid or gas-fired appliance for
heating air to be distributed with or without duct systems to
the space to be heated.
Garage, private: A garage for four (4) or less passenger
motor vehicles without provision for repairing or servicing
such vehicles for profit.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Grade: A reference plane representing the average of finished
ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.
Grade hallway, grade lobby, grade passageway: An enclosed hall-
way or corridor that is an element of an exitway, terminating
at a street or an open space or court communicating with a
street.
Heat: The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a
temperature difference .
Habitable space: Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eat-
ing, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets,
halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas are not
considered habitable space.
Heated slab: Containing heating pipes or ducts that constitute
a radiant slab or portion thereof for complete or partial heat-
ing of the house.
Heating appliance: Any device designed or constructed for the
generation of heat from solid, liquid or gaseous fuel or elec-
tricity.
Recessed heater: A completely self-contained heating unit
usually recessed in a wall and located entirely above the
floor of the space it is intended to heat.
Unit heater: A factory-assembled device designed to heat and
circulate air. Essential components are a heat transfer ele-
ment, housing and fan with driving motor. Normally de-
signed for free delivery of recirculated air.
Heated space: A space within a building which is provided
with a positive heat supply to maintain air temperature of
fifty (50) degrees F. or higher.
Height, building: The vertical distance from the grade to the
top of the highest roof beams of a flat roof, or to the mean
level of the highest gable or slope of a hip roof. When a
building faces on more than one (1) street, the height shall
be measured from the average of the grades at the center of
each street front.
Height, court: The vertical distance from the lowest level of
the court to the mean height of the top of the enclosing
walls .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Height, story: The vertical distance from top to top of two (2)
successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces; and, for
the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top
of the ceiling joists, or, where there is not a ceiling, to the
top of the roof rafters.
Height, wall: The vertical distance from the foundation wall or
other immediate support of such wall to the top of the wall.
Hereafter: After the time that this code becomes effective.
Heretofore: Before the time that this code becomes effective.
Hollow masonry unit: A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional
area in any plane parallel to the bearing surface is less than
seventy-five (75) per cent of its gross cross-sectional area
measured in the same plane.
Humidistat: An instrument which measures changes in humidity
and controls a device(s) for maintaining a desired humidity.
HVAC: Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
HVAC system: A system that provides either collectively or in-
dividually the processes of comfort heating, ventilating, and/
or air-conditioning within or associated with a building.
Infiltration: The uncontrolled inward air leakage through
cracks and interstices in any building element and around
windows and doors of a building, caused by the pressure
effects of wind and/or the effect of differences in the indoor
and the outdoor air density.
Inspector of buildings: The administrative chief of the building
department in a municipality who is charged with the admin-
istration and enforcement of this code. See also building
commissioner. (See Section 107.1).
Interior lot line: Any lot line other than one adjoining a street
or public space.
Lintel: A beam placed over an opening or recess in a wall
which supports the wall construction above.
Local enforcement agency: A department or agency in a munici-
pality charged with the enforcement of this code and appro-
priate specialized codes which include, but are not limited
to, the Massachusetts Plumbing Code, Massachusetts Fuel
Gas Code, and the Massachusetts Electrical Code.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Local inspector: A person in a municipality who assists the build-
ing commissioner or inspector of buildings in the performance
of his duties and is charged with the enforcement of this
code. (See Section 107.11).
Lot: A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
Corner lot: A lot with two (2) adjacent sides abutting upon
streets or other public spaces.
Interior lot: A lot which faces on one (1) street or with op-
posite sides on two (2) streets.
Lot line: A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street
or any public place.
Maintenance: Restoring or replacing deteriorated elements.
Manual: Capable of being operated by personal intervention.
(See automatic).
Masonry: A built-up construction or combination of building
units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum,
stone or other approved units bonded together with mortar
or monolithic concrete. Reinforced concrete is not classed as
masonry .
Means of egress: A continuous and unobstructed path of travel
from any point in a building or structure to a public way.
Mechanical ventilation: The mechanical process of supplying air
to, or removing air from, any space.
Mortar: A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials,
fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other
structural units.
Municipality: Any city or town in the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts. The word "municipality" shall be construed,
where the context requires, as though followed by the words
"or combination of municipalities".
Native lumber: Native lumber is wood processed in the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts by a mill registered in accor-
dance with the regulations of the State Building Code Com-
mission. Such wood is ungraded but is stamped or certified
in accordance with the requirements of Section 852.1.1 of the
code. For the purpose of this definition, native lumber shall
be restricted to use in one and two-story dwellings, barns,
sheds, agricultural and accessory buildings and structures,
and other uses when permitted by section 852.1.1.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Nominal dimension:
Lumber: A dimension that may vary from actual dimensions
as provided in American Lumber Standard listed in Appendix
C.
Masonry: A dimension that may vary from actual masonry
dimensions by the thickness of a mortar joint but not to ex-
ceed one-half (1/2) inch.
Non-depletable energy sources: Sources of energy (excluding
minerals) derived from incoming solar radiation including
photosynthetic processes; from phenomena resulting there-
from including wind, waves and tides, lake or pond thermal
differences; and energy derived from the internal heat of
the earth, including nocturnal thermal exchanges.
Noncombustible : This is a general, relative term. Its precise
meaning is defined in this code for specific applications.
Occupancy: The purpose for which a building, or part there-
of, is used or intended to be used.
Occupancy load: The number of individuals normally occupying
the building, or part thereof, or for which the exitway facil-
ities have been designed.
Occupied: As applied to a building, shall be construed as
though followed by the words "or intended, arranged or de-
signed to be occupied".
Opaque areas: All exposed areas of a building envelope which
enclose conditioned space, except opening for windows,
skylights, doors, and building service systems.
Ordinary materials: Materials which do not conform to the re-
quirements of this code for controlled materials.
Outside air: Air taken from the outdoors and, therefore, not
previously circulated through the system.
Overall thermal transfer value, (ottv): Overall heat gain
through
the building wall.
Owner: Every person who alone or jointly or severally with
others (a) has legal title to any building or structure; or
(b) has care, charge, control of any building or structure
in any capacity including but not limited to agent, executor,
executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian
of the estate of the holder of legal title; or (c) lessee
under a written letting agreement; or (d) mortgagee in
possession; or (e) agent, trustee or other person appointed
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
by the courts. Each such person is bound to comply with
the provisions of the Basic Code.
Packaged terminal air- conditioner: A factory-selected combina-
tion of heating and cooling components, assemblies, or sec-
tions, intended to serve a room or zone.
Panel (Part of a structure): The section of a floor or wall
comprised between the supporting frame of two (2) adjacent
rows of columns and girders or column bands of floor con-
struction .
Party wall: A fire wall on an interior lot line used or adapted
for joint service between two (2) buildings.
Penthouse: An enclosed structure above the roof of a building,
other than a roof structure or bulkhead, occupying not more
than thirty-three and one-third (33-1/3) per cent of the roof
area.
Permit: An official document or certificate issued by the autho-
rity having jurisdiction authorizing performance of a speci-
fied activity.
Person: Every individual, partnership, corporation, firm, asso-
ciation, trustee or group, including a city, town, county,
authority or other governmental unit, owning property or
conducting any activity regulated by this Basic Code.
Plenum: An air compartment or chamber to which one (1) or
more ducts are connected, and which forms part of an air
distribution system.
Positive heat supply: Heat supplied to a space by design.
Power: In connection with machines, power is the time rate of
doing work. In connection with the transmission of energy
of all types, power refers to the rate at which energy is
transmitted; in customary units, it is measured in watts (W)
or British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
Prefabricated: Construction materials or assembled units fabri-
cated prior to erection or installation in a building or struc-
ture.
Prefabricated building: The completely assembled and erected
building or structure, including the service equipment, of
which the structural parts consist of prefabricated individual
units or subassemblies using ordinary or controlled mater-
ials; and in which the service equipment may be either
prefabricated or at-site construction.
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Prefabricated subassembly: A built-up combination of several
structural elements designed and fabricated as an assembled
section of wall, ceiling, floor or roof to be incorporated into
the structure by field erection of two (2) or more such sub-
assemblies.
Prefabricated unit: A built-up section forming an individual
structural element of the building, such as a beam, girder,
plank, strut, column or truss, the integrated parts of which
are prefabricated prior to incorporation into the structure,
including the necessary means for erection and connection at
the site to complete the structural frame.
Prefabricated unit service eguipment: A prefabricated assembly
of mechanical units, fixtures and accessories comprising a
complete service unit of mechanical equipment, including
bathroom and kitchen plumbing assemblies, unit heating and
air-conditioning systems and loopwiring assemblies of electric
circuits .
Preservative treatment (treated material): Unless otherwise noted,
is impregnation under pressure with a wood preservative.
Wood preservative is any suitable substance that is toxic to
fungi, insects, borers, and other living wood-destroying
organisms .
Primary member: Any member of the structural frame of a
building or structure used as a column; grillage beam; or to
support masonry walls and partitions; including trusses, iso-
lated lintels spanning an opening of eight (8) feet or more;
and any other member required to brace a column or a
truss.
Professional engineer or architect: An individual technically
and legally qualified to practice the profession of engineering
or architecture.
Public way: Any street, alley or other parcel of land open to
the outside air leading to a public street, deeded, dedicated,
or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for pub-
lic use and having a clear width of not less than ten (10)
feet.
Reinforced concrete: Concrete in which reinforcement, other
than that provided for shrinkage or temperature changes, is
combined in such manner that the two (2) materials act
together in resisting forces.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Repair: Any maintenance which affects structure, egress, fire
protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation provi-
sions (Article 20), or utilities. A building permit is re-
quired.
Repairs, ordinary: Any maintenance which does not affect
structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings,
energy conservation provisions (Article 20), plumbing,
sanitary, gas, electrical or other utilities. A building permit
is not required for ordinary repairs.
Reset: Adjustment of the set point of a control instrument to a
higher or a lower value, either automatically or manually in
order to conserve energy.
Residential unit: In R-3 use group, a room or group of rooms
occupied as a single unit.
Resistance, thermal R: A measure of the ability to retard the
flow of heat. The R value is the reciprocal of a heat trans-
fer coefficient as expressed by U. R = 1/U.
Required: Shall be construed to be mandatory by provisions of
this code.
Roof: The roof slab or deck with its supporting members, not
including vertical supports.
Roof covering: The covering applied to the roof for weather
resistance, fireresistance or appearance.
Roof structure: An enclosed structure on or above the roof of
any part of a building.
Room air conditioner: An encased assembly designed as a unit
for mounting in a window or through a wall, or as a console.
It is designed primarily to provide free delivery of condi-
tioned air to an enclosed space, room or zone. It includes a
prime source of refrigeration for cooling and dehumidification
and means for circulating and cleaning air, and may also
include means for ventilating and heating.
Rubble masonry: Masonry composed of roughly shaped stones.
Secondary member: Any member of the structural framework
other than a primary member, including filling-in beams of
floor systems.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Sensible heat: Heat added or removed which can be measured
by a change in temperature of the substance.
Separate sleeping area: Area or areas of the family living unit
in which the bedrooms (or sleeping rooms) are located.
Bedrooms (or sleeping rooms) separated by other use areas,
such as kitchens or living rooms (but not bathrooms), shall
be considered as separate sleeping areas.
Service systems: All energy-using systems in a building that
are operated to provide services for the occupants or pro-
cesses housed therein, including HVAC, service water heat-
ing, illumination, transportation, cooking or food prepara-
tion, laundering or similar functions.
Service water heating: Supply of hot water for domestic or
commercial purposes other than comfort heating.
Service water heating demand: The maximum design rate of
heated water withdrawal from a service water heating system
in a designated period of time (usually an hour or a day).
Shall: The term, when used in this code, shall be construed
as mandatory.
Smoke detector: An approved, listed detector sensing visible
or invisible particles of combustion.
Solar energy source: Source of thermal, chemical or electrical
energy derived directly from conversion of incident solar
radiation .
Solid masonry: Masonry consisting of solid masonry units laid
contiguously with the joints between the units filled with
mortar, or consisting of plain concrete.
Stairway: One (1) or more flights of stairs, and the necessary
landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous
and uninterrupted passage from one floor to another. A
flight of stairs, for the purposes of this article, must have
at least three (3) risers.
State building code: The State Building Code and amendments
and rules and regulations thereto as promulgated by the
State Building Code Commission under Sections sixteen (16),
seventeen (17), and eighteen (18) of Chapter twenty-three
(23 )B of the Massachusetts General Laws Annotated as
amended .
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
State building code commission (SBCC): The Massachusetts
State Building Code Commission established by Section sixteen
(16) of Chapter twenty-three (23)B of the Massachusetts
General Laws Annotated as amended.
State inspector: An employee of the Division of Inspection,
State Department of Public Safety, who is charged with ad-
ministering and enforcing the Basic Code relative to any
structure or building or parts thereof that are owned by the
Commonwealth or any departments, commissions, agencies or
authorities of the Commonwealth. The state inspector is also
charged with supervising the enforcement of the Basic Code
relative to all buildings and structures other than those
owned by the Commonwealth. (See Section 108.9).
Story: That portion of a building included between the upper
surface of a floor and upper surface of the floor or roof
next above.
Story (first): The lower-most story entirely above the grade
plane .
Street: A public thoroughfare (street, avenue, boulevard)
which has been dedicated for public use.
Street lot line: The lot line dividing a lot from a street or
other public space.
Structural clay tile: A hollow masonry unit composed of burned
clay, shale, fireclay or mixtures thereof, and having parallel
cells .
Structural steel member: Any primary or secondary member of
a building or structure consisting of a rolled steel structural
shape, cold-formed steel, light gage steel or steel joist mem-
bers.
Structure: A combination of materials assembled at a fixed lo-
cation to give support or shelter, such as a building, frame-
work, retaining wall, tent, reviewing stand, platform, bin,
fence, sign, flagpole, recreational tramway, mast for radio
antenna or the like. The word "structure" shall be con-
strued, where the context requires, as though followed by
the words, "or part or parts thereof".
System: A combination of equipment and/or controls, accesso-
ries, interconnecting means, and terminal elements by which
energy is transformed and delivered to desired areas so as
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
to perform a special function, such as HVAC, service water
heating, or illumination.
Thermal resistance R: A measure of the ability to retard the
flow of heat. The R value is the reciprocal of the heat
transfer coefficient. R = 1/U.
Thermal transmittance , U: Coefficient of heat transmission (air
to air) expressed in units of Btu per hour per square foot
per degree F. It is the time rate of heat flow. The U
value applies to combinations of different materials used in
series along the heat flow path, single materials used in
series along the heat flow path, single materials that com-
prise a building section, cavity air spaces, and surface air
films on both sides of a building element.
Thermal transmittance overall, U or overall U : Overall (aver-
age) heat transmission of a gross area of the exterior build-
ing envelope, expressed in units of Btu per hour per square
foot per degree F. The Uo value applies to the combined ef-
fect of the time rate of heat flows through the various paral-
lel paths, such as windows, doors, and opaque construction
areas, comprising the gross area of one or more exterior
building components, such as walls, floors, or roof /ceiling .
Thermostat: An instrument which measures changes in temper-
ature, and controls device(s) for maintaining a desired tem-
perature .
Tile: A ceramic surface unit, usually relatively thin in relation
to facial area, made from clay or a mixture of clay and other
ceramic materials, called the body of the tile, having either
"glazed" or "unglazed" face and fired above red heat in the
course of manufacture to a temperature sufficiently high to
produce specific physical properties and characteristics.
Unitary cooling and heating equipment: One or more factory-
made assemblies which normally include an evaporator or
cooling coil, a compressor and condenser combination, and
may include a heating function as well. Where such equip-
ment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate
assemblies shall be designed to be used together.
Unitary heat pump: One or more factory-made assemblies which
normally include an indoor conditioning coil, compressor(s)
and outdoor coil or refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger,
including means to provide both heating and cooling
functions. It is designed to provide the functions of air-
circulation, air cleaning, cooling, and heating with controlled
temperature, and dehumidifying , and may optionally include
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
the function of humidifying. When such equipment is pro-
vided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies
shall be designed to be used together.
Vent: A conduit or passageway, vertical or nearly so, for con-
veying products of combustion to the outside atmosphere.
Type B and B-W: A gas venting system consisting of vent
piping and fittings listed for use with a listed gas appliance.
Type L: A low temperature venting system, consisting of
listing vent piping and fittings for use with oil-burning
appliances listed for use with Type L vents, or with listed
gas appliances.
Vent connector: The pipe used to connect an approved fuel-
fired appliance to a chimney or vent.
Vent system: A continuous open passageway from the flue col-
lar or draft hood of a fuel burning appliance to the outside
atmosphere for the purpose of removing products of combus-
tion.
Ventilation: The process of supplying air to, or removing air
from, any space. Such air may or may not have been con-
ditioned .
Ventilation air: That portion of supply air which comes from
outdoors, plus any recirculated air that has been treated to
maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space.
Vertical opening: An opening through a floor or roof.
Wall:
Bearing wall: A wall supporting any vertical load in addi-
tion to its own weight.
Cavity wall: A wall built of masonry units or of plain con-
crete, or a combination of these materials, arranged to pro-
vide an air space within the wall, and in which the inner
and outer parts of the wall are tied together with metal ties.
Composite wall: A wall built of a combination of two (2) or
more masonry units of different materials bonded together,
one (1) forming the back-up and the other the facing ele-
ments .
Non-bearing wall: A wall which does not support vertical
load other than its own weight.
Parapet wall: That part of a wall entirely above the roof
line.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Retaining wall: A wall designed to resist the lateral dis-
placement of soil or other material.
Veneered wall: A wall having a facing of masonry or other
weather-resisting noncombustible materials securely attached
to the backing, but not so bonded as to exert common action
under load.
Winder: A step in a winding stairway.
Writing: The term shall be construed to include handwriting,
typewriting, printing, photo-offset or any other form of re-
production in legible symbols or characters.
Written notice: A notification in writing delivered in person to
the individual or parties intended, or delivered at, or sent
by certified or registered mail to the last residential or
business address of legal record.
Yard: An unoccupied open space.
Zone: A space or group of spaces within a building with heat-
ing and/or cooling requirements sufficiently similar so that
comfort conditions can be maintained throughout by a single
controlling device.
Zoning: The reservation of certain specified areas within a
community or city for buildings and structures, or use of
land, for certain purposes with other limitations such as
height, lot coverage and other stipulated requirements.
SECTION 2101.0 BUILDING PLANNING
2101.1 General: Conformity with the applicable material, test,
construction and design standards specified in the reference
standards of this article shall be acceptable as providing com-
pliance with the requirements of this article.
2101.1.1 Material and equipment identification: Where practica-
ble, all materials and equipment requiring conformance to this
code shall be marked in order to show compliance with the
approved plans and specifications.
2101.1.2 Alternate materials, methods of construction, design or
insulating systems: The provisions of this article are not
intended to prevent the use of any material, method of con-
struction, design or insulating system not specifically pre-
scribed herein, provided that such construction, design or
insulating system has been approved as specified in Section
110.0.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2101.2 Design criteria
2101.2.1 General: One and two-family dwelling structures shall
be designed based upon the wind, snow, and live load criteria
of Article 7 of the basic code. (30 psf -bedrooms , 40 psf-living
areas and 30 psf-roof).
2101.3 Design conditions for energy conservation: The crite-
ria of this section establish the minimum requirements for the
thermal design of the exterior envelope of buildings and for
HVAC systems and their parts.
2101.3.1 Thermal performance: A building that is designed to
be both heated and cooled shall meet the more stringent of the
heating or cooling requirements as provided in this article.
2101.3.2 Design parameters: The following design parameters
shall be used for calculations required. (See Table 2101-1).
Table 2101-1
DESIGN TEMPERATURES AND DEGREE DAYS
Heating
Cooling
Cooling
Degree
Heating
Degrees F.
Degrees F.
Days
Degrees F.
Dry Bulb
Wet Bulb
Boston
5634
+10
88
74
Clinton
6517
+ 2
85
74
Fall River
5774
+ 9
86
74
Framingham
6144
+ 3
89
74
Lawrence
6195
+ 1
88
74
Lowell
6056
+ 3
89
74
New Bedford
5395
+13
84
73
Pittsfield
7578
+ 1
84
74
Springfield
5844
+ 1
88
74
Taunton
6184
+ 5
86
75
Worcester
6969
+ 1
87
73
2101.4 Location on lot: Exterior walls of dwellings located
less than three (3) feet from property lines shall have not less
than one (1) hour fireresistive rating.
2101.4.1 Opening protectives: Openings shall not be permitted
in exterior walls of dwellings located less than three (3) feet
from the property line.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2101.5 Light and ventilation: All habitable rooms shall be
provided with aggregate glazing area of not less than eight (8)
per cent of the floor area of such rooms. One-half (1/2) of the
required area of glazing shall be openable.
Exception: A combination of natural and mechanical ventila-
tion shall be allowed when evidence is submitted that the
combination meets the minimum requirements established in
this article.
2101.5.1 Alcove rooms: When alcove rooms open without ob-
struction into adjoining rooms, the required window openings to
the outer air shall be based on the combined floor area of room
and alcove. An alcove space shall be not more than sixty (60)
square feet in area and the opening to the adjoining room shall
not be less than fifty (50) per cent of the superficial area of
the dividing wall, unless provided with separate means of light
and ventilation.
2101.5.2 Mechanical ventilation: Ventilation air shall conform to
Std. RS-21-12. The minimum value for each type of room use
is given in Table 2101-2. The ventilation quantities specified
are for one hundred (100) per cent outdoor air ventilating
systems. A reduction to thrity-three (33) per cent of the
specified outdoor values for recirculating HVAC systems is
permitted. In no case shall the outdoor air quantity be less
than five (5) cfm per person.
Exception: If outdoor air quantities other than those spe-
cified are used or required because of special occupancy re-
quirements or other standards, the required outdoor air
quantities shall be used as the basis for calculating the heat-
ing and cooling design loads.
Table 2101-2
VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE- AND
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS
Required ventilation air
Type of Room in cubic feet per minute
per human occupant
General living areas, bedrooms 5
Kitchens 20
Baths, toilet rooms 20
Basements, utility rooms 5
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Note: If design occupancy is not known, ventilation
is to be based upon an estimate of five (5) persons
per one thousand (1,000) square feet of floor area.
2101.5.2.1 Natural ventilation: In a bathroom, if a window is
available which is unrestricted and opens directly to the outer
air, no mechanical ventilation shall be necessary.
2101.6 Room dimensions
2101.6.1 Ceiling heights: Habitable (space) rooms, other than
kitchens, storage rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling
height of not less than seven (7) feet three (3) inches. Hall-
ways, corridors, bathrooms, water closet rooms, and kitchens
shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven (7) feet mea-
sured to the lowest projection from the ceiling.
If any room in a building has a sloping ceiling, the pre-
scribed ceiling height for the room is required in only one-half
(1/2) the area thereof. No portion of the room measuring less
than five (5) feet from the finished floor to the finished ceiling
shall be included in any computation of the minimum area there-
of.
If any room has a furred ceiling, the prescribed ceiling
height is required in two- thirds (2/3) of the area thereof, but
in no case shall the height of the furred ceiling be less than
seven (7) feet.
2101.6.2 Floor area: Habitable rooms except kitchens shall have
an area of not less than seventy (70) square feet between
enclosing walls or partitions, exclusive of closet and storage
spaces .
2101.6.3 Width: No habitable room other than a kitchen shall
be less than seven (7) feet in any dimension.
Exception: Beams and girders spaced not less than six (6)
feet on center may project not more than seven (7) inches
below the required average ceiling height.
2101 . 7 Glazing
2101.7.1 Human impact loads: Individual glazed areas in haz-
ardous locations such as those indicated in Section 2101.7.2
shall comply with the requirements of the ANSI Z97.1 standard
listed in RS-21-2, or by comparative test shall be proven to
produce at least equivalent performance. Annealed glass shall
not be used.
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2101.7.2 Specific hazardous locations: The following shall be
considered specific hazardous locations for purposes of glazing:
1. glazing in ingress and egress doors;
2. glazing in fixed and sliding panels of sliding type doors
(patio and mall type);
3. glazing in storm doors;
4. glazing in all unframed swinging doors;
5. glazing in shower doors and tub enclosures;
6. glazing in fixed panels within sixty (60) inches horizon-
tally of the nearest vertical edge of the ingress and
egress door;
7. glazing in fixed panels with a bulkhead less than thirty-
six (36) inches above the finish floor level which because
of their size or design may be mistaken as a means of
ingress or egress; and
8. glazing closer to the floor than eighteen (18) inches and
exceeding six (6) square feet in area.
2101.8 Sanitation: Every dwelling unit shall meet the re-
quirements of the Department of Public Health and the Massa-
chusetts State Plumbing Code (248 CMR 2.00) relative to sani-
tation .
2101.9 Private garages
2101.9.1 Openings: There shall be no openings from a private
garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes. Other
openings between the garage and residence shall be equipped
with doors providing a fire rating equivalent to twenty (20)
minutes .
2101.9.2 Fire protection: The garage shall have five-eighths
(5/8) inch gypsum board on the garage side of wall or floor
adjacent to the house, and wherever the attic area is continu-
ous between the garage and the house a firestop of one-half
(1/2) inch gypsum board shall be used to form a barrier to
separate the garage and house.
2101.9.3 Flooring: Garage and carport floor surfaces shall be
approved nonabsorbent, noncombustible material.
2101.9.4 Floor level: The floor level of all door openings
between the garage and the dwelling shall have either a mini-
mum four (4) inch raised sill or the floor shall have a ramp or
floor pitched a minimum of five (5) per cent in the direction of
the overhead garage doors.
2101.10 Egress
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2101.10.1 Means of egress: In one- and two-family dwellings,
each dwelling unit shall have two (2) independent means of
egress, remote as possible from each other and leading to
grade; in addition, every floor within a dwelling unit shall have
at least one (1) means of egress which shall provide a continu-
ous and unobstructed path leading to grade.
2101.10.2 Egress doors: Access to grade at termination of the
reguired means of egress may be provided by the use of both
side-hinged swinging doors or sliding glass doors. Swinging
doors provided to meet this reguirement may swing inward.
2101.10.3 Emergency egress: Sleeping rooms shall have at least
one (1) openable window or exterior door to permit emergency
egress or rescue. A reguired window must be openable from
the inside without the use of separate tools, and shall conform
to the following:
1. the sill height shall be not more than forty-four (44)
inches above the finish floor;
2. shall provide a minimum net clear opening area of 3.3
square feet with a rectangle having minimum net clear
opening dimensions of twenty (20) inches by twenty-four
(24) inches, in either direction. If a double hung unit is
used, then such dimensions shall apply to the bottom
half.
2101.10.4 Doorways and hallways
2101.10.4.1 Interior doorways: The minimum nominal width of
any interior doorway, except in closets, storage areas and
bathrooms, shall be two (2) feet six (6) inches. There shall be
no minimum requirement for doorway width in closets, storage
areas and bathrooms.
2101.10.4.2 Exitway doorways: The minimum nominal width of
every required exitway doorway to or from a stairway shall be
thirty-six (36) inches.
Exception: Second means of egress doorways may be thirty-
two (32) inches.
2101.10.4.3 Nominal height: The minimum nominal height of re-
quired egress doorways shall be six (6) feet six (6) inches.
2101.10.4.4 Exitway access: The minimum clear width of a
hallway or exitway access shall be three (3) feet.
2101.10.4.5 Door hardware: Double cylinder dead bolts re-
quiring a key operation on both sides are prohibited on re-
quired means of egress doors serving more than one dwelling
unit.
9/1/80 549
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2101.10.5 Landings: A landing shall be provided on each side
of an egress door. The interior floor or landing shall not be
more than two (2) inches lower than the threshold of the door-
way. Where doors open over landings, the landings shall have
a minimum width and depth of three (3) feet.
Exception: A landing is not required where the exit door
does not swing over the stair.
2101.10.6 Door swing: A door may open at the top of a flight
of stairs provided the door does not swing over the top step
and the top step is not more than seven and one-half (7-1/2)
inches below the threshold level.
2101.10.7 Accessory doors: Storm, screen or other doors ac-
cessory to exit doors which swing over stairs shall require a
landing where they swing in the direction of the stairs. The
landing shall be not more than seven and one-half (7-1/2)
inches below the threshold level.
2101.10.8 Stairways: Required egress stairways shall be not
less than three (3) feet in clear width. Headroom, rise and
run shall conform to Figure 2101-1. Minimum headroom for
basement cellar and service stairs shall be six (6) feet six (6)
inches. Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a
distance of three and one-half (3-1/2) inches into the required
width .
2101.10.8.1 Loading: Stairways and landings shall provide for
safe ascent and descent under normal and emergency conditions
and for the transport of furniture and equipment.
2101.10.8.2 Spiral stairways: Spiral stairways may be used as
an element of a means of egress within a single dwelling unit.
The minimum width of tread shall be twenty-six (26) inches
with each tread having a seven and one-half (7-1/2) inch
minimum tread width at twelve (12) inches from the narrow
edge. All treads shall be identical and the rise shall be not
more than nine and one-half (9-1/2) inches. A minimum head-
room of six and one-half (6-1/2) feet shall be provided.
2101.10.8.3 Winders: Winders may be used as an element of a
means of egress, provided the width of the tread, at a point
not more than eighteen (18) inches from the side where the
treads are narrower, is not less than nine (9) inches.
9/1/80 550
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 2101-1
,///////',
3* MINIMUM QUH
r not STOPPING ]
J IN WALL
OTAIQWAV 6HAU 9B NOT
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Indicate Firestopping as the dotted lines parallel to the stair
stringers
Nosing not to exceed one and one-quarter (li) inches
2101.11 Handrails and guardrails: Handrails having minimum
and maximum height of thirty (30) inches and thirty-four (34)
inches, respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the
treads shall be provided on at least one (1) side of stairways of
three (3) or more risers. Open sides of all stairs shall be
similarly protected by guards. However, handrails shall not be
required on stairways with three (3) or more risers where the
raised platform to which they lead is thirty (30) inches or less
above the floor or grade.
9/1/80
551
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2101.11.1 Other guardrails: Porches, balconies or raised floor
surfaces located more than thirty (30) inches above the floor or
grade below shall have guardrails not less than thirty-six (36)
inches in height.
2101.11.2 Details: Guards shall be constructed so that the area
in the plane of the guard, from the top of the tread to the top
of the guard, is subdivided or filled in one (1) of the following
methods :
1. a sufficient number of intermediate longitudinal rails
constructed so that the clear distance between rails (mea-
sured at right angles to the rail) does not exceed nine
(9) inches. The bottom rail shall not be more than nine
(9) inches (measured vertically) from the tread nosing;
or
2. balusters spaced not more than nine (9) inches apart; or
3. panels of wire mesh, or expanded metal, or ornamental
grills which provide protection equivalent to that provided
by the intermediate rails or balusters specified in the two
(2) preceding paragraphs; or
4. walls; or
5. any combination of the foregoing.
2101.12 Gutters and downspouts: When a city or town re-
quires by ordinance or by-law, run-off control, then the pro-
visions of Sections 2101.12.1 and 2101.12.2 shall apply.
2101.12.1 Minimum size of gutters: Gutters shall have the same
area as downspouts for spacings up to forty (40) feet between
downspouts. The width of the gutter shall be increased by one
(1) inch for each additional twenty (20) feet of gutter.
2101.12.2 Downspouts: Downspouts shall be sized on the basis
of approximately one hundred (100) square feet of roof surface
to one (1) square inch leader.
2101.13 Flame spread for walls and ceilings
2101.13.1 Flame spread: All room, wall and ceiling finishes
shall have a flamespread classification of not greater than two
hundred 200 as tested in accordance with ASTM E84.
Exception: Flamespread requirements are not applicable to
bathrooms .
2101.14 Fire protection
2101.14.1 Smoke detectors: All buildings which are defined by
this code as one or two-family dwellings, including manufac-
tured homes, shall contain a Type III system in conformance
9/1/80 552
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
with 2101.14.1.1 of this section with smoke detectors located as
herein required and installed in conformance with NFiPA 74.
2101.14.1.1 Type III system: A Type III system shall be in-
stalled in accordance with NFiPA 74. Power shall be supplied
from a permanently wired connection directly to an A.C.
primary source of power or monitored batteries. All power for
A.C. powered detectors shall be taken from a single branch
circuit which also provides other electrical service to a habi-
table area; and the power source for the detectors shall be on
the supply side, ahead of any switches. All required smoke
detectors shall be provided with a visible power-on indication.
All required smoke detectors shall be inter-cqnnected so that
when one actuates, all will sound to meet the requirements of
NFiPA 74, Section 2-2.4. All required smoke detectors shall
conform to Section 2101.14.3.
2101.14.2 Location: Smoke detectors shall be located to comply
with the following minimum requirements:
1. Minimum number of detectors:
a. No less than one (1) approved smoke detector shall be
provided on the highest habitable level and on each
floor, story or level below, including basements or
cellars .
b. For any floor, level or story exceeding twelve hundred
(1200) square feet in area, one (1) approved smoke
detector shall be provided for each twelve hundred
(1200) square feet or part thereof.
2. Location of detectors:
a. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located
outside of each separate sleeping area, in accordance
with the definition of "Separate Sleeping Area".
b. One (1) approved smoke detector shall be located on
the ceiling near the base of, but not within, each
stairway .
3. Combined coverage: Smoke detectors required by item
2-a of this section may be used to fulfill the requirements
of item 2-b of this section.
2101.14.3 Approved devices: Single station and multiple station
smoke detection devices: Smoke detectors of single station and
multiple station types shall meet the requirements of U.L. 217
and be listed or approved by a nationally-recognized fire testing
laboratory .
2101.14.4 Maintenance and testing:
1. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to properly
maintain the system.
9/1/80 553
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2101.15 Building in a flood plain: Where a structure is located
in a flood plain or coastal high hazard area as determined by
the building official or the governmental body having jurisdic-
tion, such a structure must be designed to resist or overcome
the anticipated flood conditions in accordance wth the provisions
of Section 744.0.
2101.16 Fire separation: The requirements for the construction
of fire separation walls in buildings containing single-family
dwellings or two-family dwellings (use group R-3 or R-4) are as
follows :
1. Two-family dwelling, superimposed dwelling units: When
one(l) dwelling unit of a two-family dwelling is located
wholly or partly above the other dwelling unit, the two
(2) dwelling units shall be completely separated by fire
separation walls and floor-ceiling assemblies of not less
than one (1) hour fireresistance rated construction.
2. Two-family dwelling, side-by-side dwelling units: When
adjacent dwelling units of a two-family dwelling are
attached by a common wall, said wall shall be a fire
separation wall, having a minimum one (1) hour fire-
resistance rating that shall serve to completely separate
the dwelling units.
3. Multiple single-family dwellings, side-by-side: When
multiple single-family dwellings (use group R-3) are
attached by a common wall, said wall shall be a fire
separation wall, having a minimum one (1) hour fire-
resistance rating. Said wall shall extend from the
foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, and to
the inside of the exterior wall sheathing.
4. Multiple two-family dwellings; side-by-side: When a
multiple two-family dwellings (use group R-3) are
attached by a common wall, said wall shall be a fire
separation wall, having a minimum one (1) hour fire-
resistance rating. Said wall shall extend from the
foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing and to
the inside of the exterior wall sheathing.
SECTION 2102.0 FOUNDATIONS
2102.1 General: Foundations, footings and basement walls
shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of this
section .
2102.2 Materials: Conformity with the applicable standards
specified in the reference standards of this Article shall be
acceptable as providing compliance with the requirements of this
Article.
9/1/80 554
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2102.2.1 Compressive strength: The ultimate compressive strength
of concrete foundations at twenty-eight (28) days shall be not
less than two thousand (2,000) pounds per square inch except
where weather exposure requires a greater strength or cement
content.
2102.3 Footings: All exterior walls, bearing walls, columns
and piers shall be supported on solid masonry, or concrete foot-
ings, or other approved structural systems which shall be of
sufficient design to support safely the loads imposed as deter-
mined from the character of the soil.
2102.3.1 Grade clearance: Foundation walls shall extend at
least eight (8) inches above the finished grade adjacent to the
foundation at all points, except where otherwise approved by
the building official.
2102.3.2 Foundations on sloping grade: Foundations for all build-
ings where the surface of the ground slopes more than one (1)
foot in ten (10) feet shall be level or shall be stepped so that
both top and bottom of such foundations are level.
2102.3.3 Unformed foundation walls: Unformed foundation walls
may be used when soil conditions warrant, subject to the ap-
proval of the building official.
2102.3.4 General: Footings of adequate size shall be provided
when necessary to properly distribute the load within the allow-
able bearing pressure of the soil. All permanent supports of
buildings and structures shall extend a minimum of four (4)
feet below finished grade except when erected upon sound bed-
rock or when protected from frost, or when the foundation
grade is established by a registered professional engineer and
is approved by the building official. The engineer shall sup-
port the design grade with data including the type and extent
of free -draining foundation material, ground water levels, and
climatic records.
2102.4 Basement walls: Basement walls shall be constructed
in accordance with the provisions of this section and in accor-
dance with accepted practice.
2102.4.1 Masonry and concrete walls: Where unstable soil or
ground water conditions do not exist, walls may be constructed
of unreinforced masonry or concrete with the thickness shown
in Table 2102-1.
2102.4.1.1 Reinforced masonry or concrete: Where unstable soil
conditions exist or in seismic zones specified by the State Build-
ing Code Commission, basement walls may be constructed of re-
inforced masonry or concrete as set forth in Table 2102-1
9/1/80 555
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
provided the walls are not subjected to equivalent fluid pres-
sures of more than thirty (30) pounds per square foot.
Exception: Basement walls retaining less than four (4) feet
of unbalanced fill need not be reinforced.
2102.4.2 Design and installation:
1. Basement walls subjected to more than thirty (30) pounds
per square foot equivalent fluid pressure shall be de-
signed in accordance with accepted engineering practices.
2. Backfill adjacent to the wall shall not be placed until the
wall has sufficient strength or has been sufficiently
braced to prevent damage by the backfill.
3. Basement walls shall be drained and dampproofed in
accordance with Section 2102.5 and Section 2102.6 re-
spectively.
2102.5 Waterproofing: Drains shall be provided around con-
crete and masonry foundations enclosing habitable or usable
spaces located below grade and which are subjected to ground
water conditions. Drains shall be installed at or below the area
to be protected and shall discharge by gravity or by mechanical
means into an approved drainage system.
2102.5.1 Drainage tile protections: The top joints and perfora-
tions of drain tiles shall be protected with strips of building
paper and the tiles shall be placed on two (2) inches of crushed
rock and covered with not less than six (6) inches of the same
material .
2102.6 Dampproof ing : Exterior foundation walls of masonry
construction enclosing basements shall be dampproofed by apply-
ing not less than three-eighths (3/8) inch of portland cement
parging to the wall from footing to finish grade. The parging
shall be covered with a coat of approved bituminous material
applied at the recommended rate. Exterior foundation walls of
concrete construction enclosing basements shall be dampproofed
by applying a coat of approved bituminous material to the wall
from the footing to the finish grade at the recommended rate.
2102.6.1 Concrete and masonry: Foundation walls of habitable
rooms located below grade shall be waterproofed with membranes
extending from the edge of the footing to the finish grade line.
The membrane shall consist of either two (2) ply hot-mopped
felts, six (6) mil polyvinyl chloride, fifty-five (55) pound roll
roofing or equivalent material. The laps in the waterproofing
membrane shall be sealed and firmly affixed to the wall.
2012.6.2 Other methods: Basement walls may be dampproofed
or waterproofed using materials or methods of construction
9/1/80 556
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
other than covered in the section when approved by the build-
ing official.
2102.7 Foundation kneewalls: Studs shall have a minimum
length of fourteen (14) inches and shall be not less in size and
spacing than the studding required for exterior walls, and
when exceeding four (4) feet in height shall be of the size
required for an additional story.
2102.7.1 Kneewall bracing: Foundation kneewall studs of exte-
rior walls and bearing partitions shall be thoroughly and effec-
tively cross-braced (see Table 2103.3).
2102.8 Protection against decay and termites
2102.8.1 Wood in contact with the ground: All wood in contact
with the ground and supporting permanent structures shall be
approved treated wood. All wood below two (2) inches above
surrounding grade, or in locations subject to ponding of water
and/or dampers shall be of approved wood type or treated
(pressure).
2102.8.2 Untreated wood: Untreated wood may be used where
entirely below ground water level or continuously submerged in
fresh water; and may be used in contact with the ground for
detached accessory buildings not intended for human occu-
pancy, for temporary structures, and for fences.
2102.8.3 Wood joists or the bottom of wood structural floors:
When wood joists or the bottom of wood structural floors without
joists are closer than eighteen (18) inches, or wood girders are
closer than twelve (12) inches, to exposed ground located
within the periphery of the building over crawl spaces or
unexcavated areas, they shall be approved durable or treated
wood. Ventilation shall be provided as required in Section
2102.9.
2102.8.4 Sills: All sills which rest on concrete or masonry ex-
terior walls and are less than eight (8) inches from exposed
earth shall be approved durable or treated wood.
2102.8.5 Wood posts or columns: Posts or columns in cellars
shall be supported by piers projecting at least two (2) inches
above the finish floor and separated therefrom by an approved
impervious barrier except when approved durable or treated
wood is used. Posts or columns used in damp locations below
grade shall be of approved durable or treated wood.
2102.8.6 Wall pockets: Ends of wood girders entering masonry
or concrete walls shall be provided with a one-half (1/2) inch
9/1/80 557
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
TABLE 2102-1
MINIMUM THICKNESS AND ALLOWABLE DEPTH OF
UNBALANCED FILL FOR UNREINFORCED MASONRY
AND CONCRETE WALLS WHERE UNSTABLE
SOIL OR GROUND WATER CONDITIONS DO NOT EXIST
Foundation Wall
Construction
Nominal
Thickness
(inches)
Maximum depth of unbalanced
fill in feet
Type of Super-Struc ture
Wood
Frame
Masonry
Veneer
Masonry
Masonry of Hollow
Units
8
10
12
4 (6)
5 (7)
7
4.5 (6)
5.5 (7)
7
5 (7)
6 (7)
7
Masonry of Solid
Units
6
3
4
4
8
10
12
5 (7)
6 (7)
7
5.5 (7)
6 (7)
7
6 (7)
6.5 (7)
-t
i
Plain Concrete
62
8
10
12
4
7
7
7
4
7
7
7
4
7
7
7
Rubble Stone
Foundation walls of rubble stone shall
be at least sixteen (16) inches thick.
Rough or random rubble shall not be
used as foundations for walls exceeding
35 feet in height.
Note 1: The depth of unbalanced fill may be increased up to
the values shown in parentheses where it is warranted by soil
conditions. Unbalanced fill is the height of outside finish
grade above the basement floor or inside grade.
Note 2: Six (6) inch plain concrete walls shall be formed
both sides.
9/1/80
558
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
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9/1/80
559
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
air space on top, sides and end, unless approved durable or
treated wood is used.
2102.8.7 Clearance between wood siding: Clearance between wood
siding and earth on the exterior of a building shall be not less
than six (6) inches.
2102.8.8 Wood used in a retaining wall: Wood used in a retain-
ing wall shall be approved durable or treated wood, except as
follows :
1. when the wall is not more than two (2) feet in height and
is located on the property line; or
2. when the wall is not more than four (4) feet in height
and is separated from the property line by a minimum dis-
tance equal to the height of the wall.
2102.8.9 Where approved durable or treated woods are required:
Where approved durable or treated woods are required in this
code, the building official shall require identification by an
approved mark or certificate of inspection. All lumber and
plywood required to be preservatively treated shall bear an
approved quality mark of an inspection agency that maintains
continuing control, testing and inspection over the quality of
the product.
2102.8.10 Pressure treatment: Where pressure treatment of
wood members is required by this code, preservations and
methods of treatment shall conform to the standards for pres-
sure treatment and preserving of lumber listed in Reference
Standard RS-21-4.
2102.9 Underfloor space ventilation
2102.9.1 General: The space between the bottom of the floor
joists and the earth under any building (except such space as
is occupied by a basement or cellar) shall be provided with a
sufficient number of ventilating openings through foundation
walls or exterior walls to insure ample ventilation, and such
openings shall be covered with a corrosion-resistant wire mesh
not greater than one-half (1/2) inch nor less than one-quarter
(1/4) inch in any dimension. The minimum total area of venti-
lating openings shall be proportioned according to Section
2121.2. Vents shall be located to provide cross-ventilation.
Exception: Ventilation openings may be omitted when crawl
space is used as a plenum.
2102.9.2 Access: An access crawl hole eighteen (18) inches by
twenty-four (24) inches shall be provided to the underfloor
space.
9/1/80 560
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2102.9.3 Vegetation and organics: The underfloor grade shall
be cleaned of all vegetation and organic material.
2102.9.4 Thermal performance: Floor sections over areas ex-
posed to outside air shall meet the criteria for thermal transmit-
tance specified in Table 2123-1.
SECTION 2103.0 WALL CONSTRUCTION
2103.1 General: Wall and partition construction shall conform
to the requirements of this section.
2103.1.1 Specifications: Conformity with the applicable grading,
material, test, construction and design standards specified in
the reference standards of this article shall be acceptable as
providing compliance with the requirements of this section.
2103.1.2 Energy conservation requirements: Exterior walls shall
meet the thermal transmittance requirements as specified in
Table 2123-1.
2103.2 Wood
2103.2.1 Identification: All load-bearing lumber, plywood and
particleboard shall conform to applicable standards or grading
rules and shall be so identified by the grade mark, or certifi-
cate of inspection issued by an approved grading or inspection
bureau or agency.
2103.2.2 Grade: All headers and studs shall be at least of
No. 2, Standard or Stud Grade Lumber or equivalent.
Exceptions :
1. Bearing studs not supporting floors may be No. 3 or
Utility Grade or equivalent provided the studs are spaced
not more than sixteen (16) inches on center.
2. Nonbearing studs may be of No. 3 or Utility Grade or
equivalent lumber.
2103.2.3 Construction: Exterior walls of wood frame residential
buildings shall be constructed in accordance with Figures 2103-1
and 2103-2, and Tables 2103-2 and 2103-3.
2103.2.4 Engineering design: Exterior walls subject to wind
pressure greater than thirty (30) pounds per square foot, as
established in this code shall be designed in accordance with
accepted engineering practice.
9/1/80 561
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2103.2.5 Cutting and notching: It shall be unlawful to notch,
cut or pierce wood beams, joists, rafters or studs in excess of
the limitations herein specified unless proven safe by structural
analysis, or suitably reinforced to transmit all calculated loads.
Notches in the top or bottom of joists shall not exceed one-sixth
(1/6) the depth of the member and shall not be located in the
middle of one-third (1/3) of the span. Notches located closer
to the supports than three (3) times the depth of the member
shall not exceed one-fifth (1/5) the depth. Holes bored or cut
into joists for piping or electrical cables shall not be closer
than two (2) inches to the top or bottom of the joist and the
diameter of the hole shall not exceed one-third (1/3) the depth
of the joist. In studs of bearing walls or partitions, notches or
bored holes made to receive piping, electrical conduit, air-
conditioning or heating duct work or for other fabricating
purposes shall not be cut or bored more than one-third (1/3)
the depth of the stud. When the stud is cut or bored in
excess of one-third (1/3) its depth, it shall be reinforced to be
equal in load- carrying capacity to a stud notched not more than
one-third (1/3) its depth.
2103.2.6 Headers: The allowable span for headers in bearing
walls shall not exceed the values set forth in Table 2103-4.
2103.2.7 Firestopping: Firestopping shall be provided to cut
off all concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal)
and form an effective fire barrier between stories, and between
a top story and the roof space. It shall also be used in:
1. stud walls at ceilings and floor levels; and
2. in walls parallel to stair stringers; and
3. any other locations not specifically mentioned above, such
as holes for pipes, shafting, behind furring strips, and
similar places which could afford a passage for flames.
2103.2.7.1 Dimensions: Firestopping shall consist of approved
noncombustible materials or of wood two (2) inches nominal
thickness or three-quarter 3/4" plywood. If width of opening
is such that more than one (1) piece of lumber is necessary,
there shall be two (2) thicknesses of one (1) inch nominal
material with staggered joints.
2103.3 Native lumber: Native lumber, as defined in this code,
shall be acceptable for use in one and two-story dwellings,
barns, sheds, agricultural and accessory structures. Native
lumber shall also be acceptable for use in other structures of
less than three (3) stories as columns when the design loads
are twenty-five (25) per cent greater than required elsewhere
by this code; as joists, principal beams, and girders in floor
constructions when the design loads are fifteen (15) per cent
greater than required elsewhere by this code; and as other
9/1/80 562
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
elements when the design loads are as required elsewhere by
this code.
Each piece of native lumber produced shall be stamped with
the name and registration number of the producer in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the State Building Code Com-
mission. In addition, all native lumber shall bear an approved
mark identifying the species of wood. In lieu of the stamp
bearing the name and registration number and species identifi-
cation, a certification bearing the same information may be
provided by the producer for pre- cut or remanufactured lumber
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
When native lumber is used, it shall be subject to the following
requirements :
1. Sizing criteria: For lumber sized in accordance with the
American Softwood Lumber Standard PS-20-70, figures for
maximum fiber stress and modulus of elasticity for framing
grade No. 2 will be used in establishing span and spacing
characteristics for all structural members.
2. Stress increases: Lumber which is sized in excess of the
dimensions established by the American Softwood Lumber
Standard PS-20-70 for the given nominal size referenced
shall be allowed to have a maximum fiber stress increase
above that provided in Item 1 above in proportion to the
increased bearing capacity of the cross-section as pro-
vided in Table 2103-1 or as calculated.
2103.4 Metal: Steel structural elements in walls and partitions
may be either hot rolled structural steel shapes or bar sections
or members cold formed to shape from steel sheet, strap or
plate, or a fabricated combination thereof. Members shall be
straight and free of any defects which would significantly affect
their structural performance. The allowable span for steel
headers in bearing walls shall not exceed the values set forth
in Table 2103-4.
2103.4.1 Aluminum materials: Aluminum structural elements in
walls and partitions shall be constructed of materials and de-
signed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
2103.5 Masonry construction: For additional information on
masonry construction, see Article 8 of the basic code.
2103.5.1 Corbelling: Corbels may be built only into solid ma-
sonry walls twelve (12) inches or more in thickness. The pro-
jection for each course in such corbel shall not exceed one-third
(1/3) of total thickness of the wall when used to support struc-
tural members, and not more than six (6) inches when used to
9/1/80 563
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
support a chimney built into the wall. The top course of all
corbels shall be a header course.
2103.5.2 Combined units: In walls or other structural members
composed of different kinds or grades of units, materials, or
mortars, the maximum stress shall not exceed the allowable
stress for the weakest of the combination units, materials, and
mortars of which the member is composed. The net thickness
of any facing unit which is used to resist stress shall be not
less than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches.
2103.5.3 Stack bond: In unreinforced masonry where masonry
units are laid in stack bond, longitudinal reinforcements consist-
ing of not less than two (2) continuous wires each with a
minimum aggregate cross- sectional area of .017 square inch shall
be provided in horizontal bed joints spaced not more than
sixteen (16) inches on center vertically.
2103.5.4 Unsupported height: The unsupported height of
masonry walls shall not exceed the values set forth in Table
2103-6. The unsupported height shall be measured between
points of anchorage. Footings may be considered as points of
lateral support.
Where wall stability is provided by intersecting walls or ver-
tical stiffening elements such as pilasters, the unsupported
length may be measured between these elements providing the
stiffening elements are anchored to the roof and floor with
connectors capable of transmitting all tributary wind and seismic
forces .
2103.5.5 Lintels: Masonry walls shall be reinforced over open-
ings in accordance with Table 2103-7. Exceptions are allowed
when an engineering analysis using standard accepted practice
is provided to justify variations from the table below.
2103.5.5.1 Reinforcement: The reinforcement shall be located
in spaces fully grouted to a depth of not less than eight (8)
inches and shall extend not less than twelve (12) inches beyond
the sides of the opening.
2103.5.6 Beam supports: Beams, girders or other concentrated
loads supported by a wall or column shall have bearing of at
least three (3) inches in depth measured parallel to the beam
and three (3) inches in length upon solid masonry or upon a
metal bearing plate of adequate design and dimensions to dis-
tribute the load safely, or upon a continuous reinforced mason-
ry member projecting not less than four (4) inches from the
face of the wall.
9/1/80 564
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2103.5.6.1 Joists shall be supported in accordance with accepted
engineering practice.
2103.6 Hollow unit masonry
2103.6.1 General: Hollow unit masonry shall be laid with full
face shell mortar beds and head and end joints shall be solidly
filled with mortar for a distance in from the face of the wall or
unit not less than the thickness of the longitudinal face shells.
For details, see Article 8 of the basic code.
2103.7 Solid masonry
2103.7.1 General: In each wythe of plain solid masonry, not
less than seventy-five (75) percent of the units in any vertical
plane perpendicular to the wall plane shall lap the ends of the
units above and below a distance not less than one and one-half
(1-1/2) inches or one-half (1/2) the height of the units, which-
ever is greater, or the masonry shall be reinforced longitudinal-
ly. For details, see the applicable reference standards and Ar-
ticle 8 of the basic code.
2103.8 Cavity wall masonry
2103.8.1 General: Cavity wall masonry is that type of construc-
tion made with brick, structural clay tile or concrete masonry
units or any combination of such units in which facing and
backing are completely separated except for the metal ties which
serve as bonding. For details, see the applicable reference
standards and Article 8 of the basic code.
2103.8.2 Reinforcing: The facing and backing of cavity walls
shall be bonded with three-sixteenths (3/16) inch diameter steel
rods or metal ties of equivalent strength and stiffness embedded
in the horizontal joints. There shall be one (1) metal tie for
not more than each four and one-half (4-1/2) square feet of
wall area for cavity widths up to three and one-half (3-1/2)
inches net in width. Where the cavity exceeds three and
one-half (3-1/2) inches net in width, there shall be one (1)
metal tie for not more than three (3) square feet of wall area.
Ties in alternate courses shall be staggered and the maximum
vertical distance between ties shall not exceed twenty-four (24)
inches and the maximum horizontal distance shall not exceed
thirty-six (36) inches. Rods bent to rectangular shape shall be
used with hollow masonry units laid with the cells vertical; in
other walls the ends of ties shall be bent to ninety (90) degree
angles to provide hooks not less than two (2) inches long.
Additional bonding ties shall be provided at all openings,
spaced not more than three (3) feet apart around the perimeter
and within twelve (12) inches of the opening. Ties shall be of
9/1/80 565
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
corrosion-resistant metal, or shall be coated with a corrosion-
resistant metal or other approved protective coating.
2103.9 Grouted masonry
2103.9.1 General: At the time of laying, all masonry units shall
be free of excessive dust and dirt. Only Type M and Type S
mortar consisting of a mixture of portland cement, hydrated
lime and aggregate shall be used. For details, refer to the
applicable reference standards and Article 8 of the basic code.
9/1/80 566
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
FIGURE 2103-1
PLATFORM PRAME CONSTRUCTION
(SEE REFERENCE STANOAHOS FQR
9/1/80
567
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
FIGURE 2103-2
COLLAB BEAM
REQUIRED OVER 3/12 PITCH
1" X 4" AT 48" CENTERS IN
UPPER 1/3 OF HEIGHT
BEARING - SAME AS EXT£R,OR WA|
NON-BEARING - SPACING BASED O
LIMITING SPAN OF COVERING
9/1/80
568
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
FIGURE 2103-3
PLACE FULL LENGTH
BRACE AS CLOSE AS
POSSIBLE TO COHNEF
NO OPENINGS AT COBNEF
M i
k
OPENINGS AT CORNER
CORNER BRACiNG REQUIRED
NOT REQUIRED - WITH 4' '< 8
PLYWOOD OR COMPOS. TION
SHEATHING APPLIED HORIZ-
ONTALLY OR VERTICALLY
SINGLE BOTTOM PLATE
SAME WIDTH AS STUO
CORNER STUDS
9/1/80
569
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2103-1
NATIVE LUMBER ALLOWABLE STRESS
Actual Lumber
Size. Closest
Size which
does not
exceed the
Dimension
Shown
Multiplier
Factor
Lumber
Based
on Width
Factor to be Added
to Column 3 Factor
for Lumber Oversized
in Thickness
Nominal
Size
Actual Size
Thickness Width
Thick-
ness In-
crease
of 1/4"
to 1/2"
Thick-
ness In-
crease of
over 1/2"
to 1"
3x8
2-1/2 x 7-1/2
x 7-3/4
x 8
1.0 x Fs
1.07
1.14
+ 0.10
+0.20
3 x 10
2-1/2 x 9-1/2
x 9-3/4
x 10
1.0
1.05
1.11
3 x 12
2-1/2 x 11-1/2
x 11-3/4
x 12
1.0
1.04
1.09
3 x 14
2-1/2 x 13-1/2
x 13-3/4
x 14
1.0
1.04
1.07
4 x 10
3-1/2 x 9-1/2
x 9-3/4
x 10
1.0
1.05
1.11
+ 0.07
+0.14
4 x 12
3-1/2 x 11-1/2
x 11-3/4
x 12
1.0
1.04
1.09
4 x 14
3-1/2 x 13-1/2
x 13-3/4
x 14
1.0
1.JD4
1.08
9/1/80
570
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes to Table 2103-1
Note 1. Notation: Fs is the allowable maximum fiber
stress for the assumed grade as established by this
code in Sections 2105.2.2 and 2106.2.1. F's ("operating"
stress) is the modified allowable maximum fiber stress
which may be used in the span tables and for calculating
required lumber sizes. F's is found by multipying Fs
by the factors given in the table.
Note 2. Table Columns:
Column 1: is the nominal commonly used lumber
size.
Column 2: is a list of actual sizes of the
supplied lumber. Column 2 lists
the sizes on the basis of a constant
thickness and a width increasing by
one-quarter (1/4) inch and one-half
(1/2) inch.
Column 3: gives the multiplier for increasing
the assumed allowable stress (Fs)
based on the increase in width as
listed in Column 2.
Column 4: gives the mutiplier for increasing
the assumed allowable stress (Fs)
based on increases in thickness.
Note 3. Example: Fiber stress for assumed grade =
one thousand (1,000) psi - Actual size 3-1/8 x 9-3/4
Nominal size 1. Multiplier factor for Width = 1.05
3 x 10
3-1/8 = increase 2. Multiplier factor for Thick +
of 1/8" total ness = .20
Sum 1.25
3. Operating stress F's = 1.25 x Fs
F's = 1.25 x 1,000 = 1,250
Therefore, F's = 1,250 psi is used
for calculations and in the span
tables.
9/1/80 571
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 21 03~ 2. fastener schedule for structural members 5
DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING MATERIALS
NUMBER & TYPE1
OF
FASTENER^ ' 3 ' 5
SPACING
OF
FASTENERS
Joist to sill or girder, toe nail
3-8d
1" x 6" subfloor to each joist,
face nail
2-8d
■staples, 1 3/4'
Wider than 1" x 6" subfloor to
each joist, face nail
3-8d
-staples, 1 3/4'
subfloor to joist or girder,
blind and face nail 2-16d
Sole plate to joist or blocking,
face nail 16 d
Top or sole plate to stud, end nail 2-16d
Stud to sole plate, toe nail 4-8d or 3-16d
Doubled studs, face nail 16d
Doubled top plates, face nail 16d
Top plates, taps and intersections,
face nail 2-16d
16" o.c.
24" o.c.
16" o.c.
Continued header, two pieces
16d
16" o.c.
along each edge
Ceiling joists to plate, toe nail
Continuous header to stud, toe nail
Ceiling joist, taps over partitions,
face nail
Ceiling joist to parallel rafters,
face nail
Rafter to plate, toe nail
2-16d
4-8d
3-16d
3-16d
3-8d
1" brace to each stud and plate, 2-8d
face nail 2-staples, 1 3/4'
1" x 6" sheathing to each bearing, 2-8d
face nail 2-staples, 1 3/4"
1" x 8" sheathing to each bearing, 2-8d
face nail 3-staples, 1 3/4*
Wider than 1" x 8" sheathing to each 3-8d
bearing, face nail . 4-staples, 1 3/4'
Built-up corner studs
16d
30'
Built-up girder and beams
32" o.c. at top
i. bottom &
staggered 2-20d
at ends & at ea
splice.
2-inch planks
2-16d
at each bearing
Roof rafters to ridge, valley
or hip rafters,
toe nail
face nail
2-16d
3-16d
Collar ties to rafters, face nail
9/1/80
572
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table
2103"2 (continued)
DESCRIPTION OF
BUILDING MATERIALS
1 SPACING OF
DESCRIPTION^ FASTENERS
0F 5 ■> c .inter.
FASTENERS '' edges. inte sup. 4
Plywood subfloor,
roof and wall sheathing to frame
1/2 inch - 5/16 inch
6d
staple 16 ga.
6"
4"
10"
7"
5/8 inch - 3/4 inch
8d smooth or 6d deformed
6"
10"
7/8 inch
8d
6"
io-
1 inch - 1 1/8 inch lOd smooth or 8d deformed
6"
6"
Other wall sheathing '"
1/2" Fiberboard sheathing
l-l/2"gavlanized roofing
nail 6d common nail
staple 16 ga. 1-1/8" long
3"
6"
25/32" Fiberboard
Sheathing
1-3/4" galvanized roofing
nail 8d common* nail
staple 16 ga. 1-1/2" long
3"
6"
1/2" Gypsum Sheathing
1-1/2 galvanized roofing
nail 6d common nail
staple 16 ga. 1-1/2" long
4"
8"
Particleboard wall Sheathing
(Exterior-Type 2-B-l)
3/8" - 1/2" 6d common nail
6"
12"
5/8" - 3/4"
8d common nail
staple 16 ga. 1-1/2" long
6"
12*
Comcir.ation subf loor-underlayment to framing
3/4 inch and less
6d deformed
6"
10" 1
7/8 inch - 1 inch
8d deformed
6"
10"
1-1/8 inches - 1-1/4 inches
lOd smooth or 8d
deformed
6"
6"
Note 1. All nails are smooth-common, box or deformed
shanks except where otherwise stated.
Note 2. Nail is a general description and may be
T-head, modified round head or round head.
Note 3. Staples are sixteen (16) gauge wire and
have a minimum seven-sixteenths (7/16) inch O.D. crown
width.
Note 4. Nails shall be spaced at not more than
six (6) inches o.c. at all supports where spans are
forty-eight (48) inches or greater. Nails shall be
spaced at not more than ten (10) inches o.c. at inter-
mediate supports for floors.
Note 5. The number of fasteners required for
connections not included in this table shall be based
on the values set forth in Reference Standard RS-21-6.
Note 6. 4' x 8' or 4' x 9' panels shall be applied
vertically.
9/1/80
573
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2103-3
FRAMING SIZES
Stud
Size
2,lx6"
Wall
Bearing
yes f
Maxim
Spacing
24"
Min. # 6
Plate Size
single 2"x6"
Min.
Sole
2"x6"
Max. Stud
Height
20'b,c,e
Comments S
Notes
2 post corner
2"x6"
no
48"
a, d
single 2"x6"
2"x6"
note i
see Fiyure
2103-3
3"x4"
yes f
24"
a, d
single 2"xV
2"x4"
14' b
2"xV
yes f
16"
double 2"x4"
2"x4"
IV b,e,h
2"x3"
no
48"
9
single 2"x3"
2"x3"
10' e,f,i
Exterior wall
2Mx4"
ro
2V'
double 2"x4"
9
2"xV
14' b,e
& Interior
pat it ion
junction -
Notes t
.o Table 210
3-3
see Figure
2103-3
Note a. Allowed if plate spliced directly over studs.
Note b. Maximum eight (8) foot height for utility
studs .
Note c. Allowed in up to three (3) story buildings
only.
Note d. Allowed if 1/8" x 1 1/2" x 6" inches metal tie
plates used and if ceiling joists and/or roof trusses
directly over studs
Note e. Maximum allowable height unless braced laterally.
Note f. Allowed if supporting not more than a ceiling
and roof load when using utility studs.
Note g. If all elements line up, then twenty-four (24)
inch spacing allowed with single plate.
Note h. Allowed only up to two (2) stories in height
unless first floor is framed with 2" x 6" studs, then
three (3) stories.
Note i. Ten (10) foot maximum for utility studs.
Note j. One (1(1) inch sole plate attached to studs by
end nailing is acceptable.
Note k. Exceptions are allowed when an engineering
analysis using standard accepted practice is provided
to justify variations from the above Table 2103-3.
9/1/80
574
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2103-4
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR HEADERS
SUPPORTING WOOD FRAME WALLS
Size of
Wood
Header ■*
1 2
Allowable Span of Headers in Feet for Bearing Walls '
Size of Steel
Header
Sptg.
Roof
One
Story
Above
Two
Stories
Above
Allowable Span
of Headers in
Garages or in
Walls not Sup-
porting Floors
or Roofs
2-Jrx2-ixlM
3-ix3-ixl/it
6x1-7/8 jr
4x2-5/8
7x2-1/8 jr
2-2"xV
2-2"x6"
2-2"x8"
2-2"xl0"
2-2"xl2"
V
V to 6'
6' to 8'
8' to 10'
10' to 12'
V
V to 6'
6' to 8'
8' to 10'
V to 6'
6' to 8'
6'
6' to 8'
8' to 10'
10' to 12'
12' to 16'
Notes to Table 2103-4
Note 1. Based on header providing support for wall
height equal to width of opening.
Note 2. Nominal four (4) inch wide single headers
may be substituted for the double members.
Note 3. Spans are based on number two (2) or
Standard Grade lumber. Number three (3) Grade lumber
may be used with appropriate design.
Table 2103"5
PLYWOOD WALL SHEATHING
Face Grain Parallel or
Perpendicular to Studs
Stud Spacing (inches)
Minimum
Panel
Siding
Sheathing
Siding Nailed
Thickness
Identification
Nailed
Parallel
to Sheathing
Index
to Studs
to Studs
Sheathing
Perpendicular
to Studs
5/16
12/0, 16/0
20/0
16
—
16
3/8
16/0, 20/0
24/0
24
16
24
1/2
24/0, 32/16
24
24
24
9/1/80
575
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2103-6
ALLOWABLE SPAN FOR MASONRY WALLS
BETWEEN LATERAL SUPPORTS
TYPE OF MASONRY
WALL
ALLOWABLE*
HorL
(between supports)1
Stone
Cavity and* Hollow Units
Solid and Grouted (plain)
Reinforced Grouted
14
18
20
25
X t«
X t»
X t*
X t*
Notes to Table 2103-6
Note 1. Support may be provided by roofs, floors,
foundations, beams, etc., in vertical direction or by
pilasters, columns, piers, cross walls, etc., in
horizontal direction, either but not both are required.
Note 2. "t" is taken as the nominal thickness of the
wall in inches.
Note 3. "t" for cavity walls, is the sum of the nominal
thickness of the wythes without the cavity.
Note 4. An additional unsupported height of six (6)
feet is permitted for gable end walls.
Table 2103"7
ALLOWABLE SPAN FOR MASONRY AND STEEL
LINTELS SUPPORTING MASONRY WALLS
Number of 1/2"1
Diameter, or
Equivalent Arte,
Reinforcing Bars
Allowable Span in2 Feet and Inches
Structural3 Steel
No Floor
Above
One Floor
Above
Two Floor*
Above
1
4' - 6"
3'-0"
2* - 6"
£. 2-1/2x2-1/2x5/16
Z 3x 3x 1/4
2
6'0"
4'-0"
3' - 6"
Z 3-1/2x3-1/2x5/16
ST 51
3
8' -6"
5'0"
4' - 0"
ST5
ST 61
4
10* -0"
6'-0"
5* - 0"
ST 6
ST8B
9/1/80
576
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes to Table 2103-7
Note 1. Depth of reinforced lintels shall be not less
than eight (8) inches and all cells of hollow masonry
lintels shall be grouted solid. Reinforcing bars shall
extend not less than eight (8) inches into the support.
Note 2. Based on ten (10) foot tributary floor and roof
loads; in other words, headers located in exterior
walls and supporting twenty (20) foot span joists or
headers located in interior bearing walls and supporting
joists spanning ten (10) foot wide rooms on each side.
Note 3. Extend steel lintels six (6) inches into the
support.
TABLE 2103-7A
ALLOWAELE SPANS FOR LINTELS
SUPPORTING MASONRY VENEER
Size of
Steel Angle*
No Story
Above
One Story
Above
Two
Stories
Above
No. of
1/2" or
Equivalent
Reinforcing
Bars2
/ 3 X 3 X 1/4
6' - 0"
3f - 6"
3' - 0"
1
L 4 X 3 X 1/4
8' - 0"
5« - 0"
3« . 0"
1
/.6X3 1/2X 1/4
141 - 0"
8' - 0"
3' - 6"
2
Ll - 6 X 3 1/2 X 1/4
20' - 0"
U t . o*»
5« _ 0"
4
Notes to Table 2103-7A
Note 1. Long leg of the angle shall be placed in a
vertical position.
Note 2. Depth of reinforced lintels shall be not less
than eight (8) inches and all cells of hollow masonry
lintels shall be grouted solid. Reinforcing bars shall
extend not less than eight (8) inches into the support.
9/1/80
577
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
These
than 24 inch
Table 2108-A
CESIGN VALUES FOR JOISTS AND RAFTERS-VISUAL GFADING
•-lues are for use where repetitive members are spaced not more
Jer spacing the "Ft" values should be reduced 13 per
inches. For w^Jer spacing the F values should be reaucea u perc
Values for surfaced dry or surfaced green lumber apply at 19 percent
imum moisture content in use.
Design Value
in "bending "F*
Modulus of
Species and Grade Size
Normal Snow
7 Day
Elasticity
Duration Loading
Loading
■E-
ASPEN (Surfaced dry or surfaced qreen)
Select Structural
2x5
and
wider
1300
1500
1620
1,100.000
No. 1 & Appearance
1100
1260
1380
1,100,000
No. 2
900
1040
1120
! .000.000
No. 3
525
600
660
900.000
Stud
■
525
600
660
900.000
BALSAM FIR (Surfaced dry or surfaced g
een)
Select Structural
2x5
1350
1550
1690
1,200.000
No. 1 & Appearance
1150
1320
1440
1,200,000
No. 2
and
950
1090
1190
1,100,000
No. 3
wider
550
630
690
900,000
Stud
550
630
690
900,000
BLACK COTTONWOOD (Surfaced dry or
surfaced green)
Select Structural
1000
1150
1250
1,200.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
875
'010
1090
1,200,000
No. 2
and
700
800
880
1,100,000
No. 3
wider
425
490
530
900.000
Stud
425
490
530
900,000
CALIFORNIA REDWOOD (Surfaced dry
or surfaced green)
Select Structural
2000
2300
2500
1,400.000
Select Structural, Open grain
1600
1840
2000
1,100,000
No. 1
2x5
and
1700
1960
2120
1.400,000
No. 1. Open grain
1350
1550
1690
1.100.000
No. 2
wider
1400
1610
1750
1,250,000
No. 2. Open grain
1100
1260
1380
1,000,000
No. 3
800
920
1000
1,100.000
No. 3. Open grain
650
750
810
900.000
Stud
650
750
810
900.000
COAST SITKA SPRUCE (Surfaced dry or
surfaced green)
Select Structural
2x5
and
wider
1500
1720
1880
1.700.000
No. 1 & Appearance
1250
1440
1560
1,700.000
No. 2
1050
1210
1310
1.500.000
No. 3
600 690
750
1,300.000
Stud
600 ') 690
750
1.300,000
COAST SPECIES (Surfaced dry 0' surfac
'd green)
Select Structural
2x5
and
1500
1720
1890
1 500.000
No. 1 & Appearance
No 2
No. 3
Stud
1250
1440
1560
i!5oo!ooo
wider
1050
1210
1310
1.400.000
600
690
750
1.200,000
600
690
750
1.200.000
DOUGLAS FIR-LARCH (Surfaced dry <
>r surfaced greenl
Dense Select Structural
2400
2760
3000
1.900.000
Select Structural
2050
2360
2560
1.800.000
Dense No. 1
2050
2360
2560
1.900.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
and
1750
2010
2190
1.800.000
Dense No. 2
wider
1700
1960
2120
1,700.000
No. 2
1450
1670
1810
1.700.000
No. 3
850
980
1060
1.500.000
Stud
850
980
1060
1,500.000
DOUGLAS FIR SOUTH (Surfaced dry or
surfaced greenl
Select Structural
1950
2240
2440
1,400,000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1650
1900
2060
1. 400.000
No 2
and
1350
1550
1690
1,300.000
No 3
wider
800
920
1000
1,100.000
Stud
800
920
1000
1,100,000
9/1/80
578
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2103-88
DESIGN VALUE! FOR JOISTS AND RAFTERS-VISUAL GRADING
soacinl^ »Pb" ""!"" V '?! !!" "*"" repe,,,lve members are spaced not more than 24 inches For wider
spacing, the Ffa values should be reduced 13 percent
Values for surfaced dry or surfaced green lumber' apply at 19 percent maximum moisture content in use.
Species aim G:*lr
Design Value
in Bending 'F "
Normal . Snow 7 Day
I Duration | Loading ! Loading
Modulus of
Plasticity
"E"
EASTERN HEMLOCK TAMARACK (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
No. 1 & Appearance
No. 2
No. 3
Stud
2x5
and
wider
1750
1500
1200
725
725
2010
1720
1380
830
830
EASTERN SPRUCE (Surfaced dry or surfaced green)
Select Structural
No. 1 & Appearance
No. 2
No. 3
Stud
2x5
and
wider
1500
1250
1000
600
600
1720
1440
1150
690
690
EASTERN WHITE PINE (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
No. 1 & Appearance
No. 2
No. 3
Stud
2x5
and
wider
1350
1150
950
550
550
EASTERN WOODS (Surfaced dry or
Select Structural
No. 1 & Appearance
No. 2
No. 3
Stud
2x5
and
wider
1300
1100
900
525
525
1550
1320
1090
630
630
2190
1880
1500
910
910
1500
1260
1040
600
600
1880
1560
1250
750
750
1690
1440
1190
690
690
1.300.000
1.300.000
1.100.000
1.000.000
1.000,000
1620
1380
1120
660
660
1,400,000
1.400.000
1.200.000
1.100,000
1,100.000
1.200,000
1.200,000
1.100,000
1,000,000
1.000.000
1.100,000
1,100,000
1,000,000
900,000
900,000
ENGELMANN SPRUCE-ALPINE FIR (ENGELMANN SPRUCE-LODGEPOLE PINE)
Select Structural
No 1 & Appearance
No. 2
No. 3
Stud
1350
2x5
1150
and
950
wider
550
550
HEM — FIR (Surfaced dry or surfaced green
Seievt Structural
No. 1 & Appearance
No. 2
No. 3
Stud
2x5
and
wider
1650
1400
1150
675
675
1550
1320
1090
630
630
1900
1610
1320
780
780
-IDAHO WHITE PINE (Surfaced dry or surfaced green)
Select Structural 1300 1500
No. 1 & Appearance 2x5 1100 1260
No. 2 and 925 1060
No. 3 wider 550 630
Stud 550 630
LODGEPOLE PINE (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
1500
No 1 & Appearance
2x5
1300
No 2
and
1050
No. 3
wider
625
Stud
625
1720
1500
1210
720
720
1690
1440
1190
690
690
1,300,000
1,300,000
1,100,000
1,000,000
1.000.000
2060
1750
1440
840
840
1620
1380
1160
690
690
1.500,000
1,500.000
1.400.000
1.200.000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,400.000
1,300,000
1,200,000
1.200.000
1880
1620
1310
780
780
1.300.000
1,300,000
1.200.000
1.000.000
1.000.00L' j
9/1/80
579
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2100-C
DESIGN VALUES TOR JOISTS AND RAFTERS-VISUAL CFADING
These "Fb" vtlues are for use where repetitive members are spaced not more
than 24 inches. For wider spacing the "F" values should be reduced 13 percent.
Values for surfaced dry or surfaced green lumber apply at 19 percent max-
imum moisture content in use.
Desi gn Value
Species and Grade Size lh n"naVn9 "V
Modulus of
Normal Snow
7 Dag
Elasticity
Duration Loading
Loading
"E"
MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
1700
1960
2120
1.300,000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1450
1670
1810
1.300.000
No. 2
and
1200
1380
1500
1.100.000
No. 3
wider
700
800
880
1,000 000
Stud
700
800
880
1.000.000
MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK - HEM-FIR (Surfaced dry or surfaced
qreenl
Select Structural
1650
1900
2060
1.300.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1400
1610
1750
1.300.000
No. 2
and
1150
1320
1440
1.100,000
No. 3
wider
675
780
840
1.000.000
Stud
675
780
840
1.000.000
NORTHERN PINE (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
1600
1840
2000
1.400,000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1400
1610
1750
1.400,000
No. 2
and
1100
1260
1380
1.300.000
No. 3
wider
650
750
810
1.100.000
Stud
650
750
810
1,100.000
NORTHERN SPECIES ISurtacea dry or surfaced <t«x>»
Select Structural
1300
1500
1620
1.100.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1150
1320
1440
1.100.000
No. 2
and
925
1060
1160
1.000.000
No. 3
wider
550
630
690
900.000
Stud
550
630
690
900.000
NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
2x5
1150
1320
1440
800.000
No. 1 & Appearance
1000
1150
1250
800,000
No. 2
wider
825
950
1030
700,000
No. 3
475
550
590
600.000
Stud
475
550
590
600.000
PONOEROSA PINE (Surfaced drv or surfaced areenl
1610
1750
Select Structural
1400
1.200.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1200
1380
1500
1,200.000
No 2
and
975
1120
1220
1.100.000
No 3
wiaer
575
CCC
720
i.ono.oon
Stud
575
660
720
1.000.000
PONOEROSA PINE -SUGAR PINE (PONDEROSA PINE-LOD
GEPOLE P
NEI
(Surfaced drv or surfaced c
reenl
Select Structural
1400
1610
1750
1,200.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1200
1380
1500
1.200,000
No. 2
and
975
1120
1220
1.100.000
No 3
wider
575
660
720
1.000,000
Stud
575
660
720
1.000.000
RED PINE ISurlaced drv or surfacH oreenl
Select Structural
2x5
1350
1550
ibao
1.300,000
No. 1 & Appearance
1150
1320
1440
1.300.000
No 2
and
950
1090
1190
1.200.000
No 3
wider
550
630
690
1 000.000
Stud
9/1/80
580
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2108-D
rESICN VALUES FOR JOISTS AND RAFTERS-VISUAL CFADINC
These "Fb" values are tor use where repetitive members are spaced not more
than 24 inches. For wider spacing the "F " values should be reduced 13 percent.
Values for surfaced dm or surfaced green lumber apply at 19 percent max-
imum moisture content in use.
Des
qn Value
Species and Grade Size
Th tending "F "
Modulus of
Normal
Snow
'7 Dag
Elasticity
Duration
Loading
Loading
•E"
SITKA SPRUCE (Surfaced dry or surfaced greenl
Select Structural
2x5
1550
1780
1940
1.500.000
No. 1 & Appearance
and
1300
1500
1620
1.500,000
No. 2
wider
1050
1210
1310
1.300.000
No. 3
600
690
750
1.200.000
Stud
600
690
750
1.200,000
SOUTHERN PINE (Surfaced dryl
Select Structural
2000
2300
2500
1.700.000
Dense Select Structural
2350
2700
2940
1.800,000
No. 1
1700
1960
2120
1.700,000
No. 1 Dense
2x5
and
2000
2300
2500
1.800.000
No. 2
1400
1610
1750
1,600.000
No. 2 Dense
wider
1650
1900
2060
1,600.000
No. 3
800
920
1000
1.400.000
No. 3 Dense
925
1060
1160
1.500.000
Stud
850
980
1060
1.400.000
SOUI Ht UN IMNl (Suifn.nl .it Ij i»-i..-
It Hlnisluie,
iimtenl KC
I
Select Structural
2150
2470
2690
1,800.000
Dense Select Structural
2 500
2880
3120
1 ,900,000
No. 1
1850
2130
2310
1 ,800,000
No. 1 Dense
2x5
and
w i rier
2150 .
2470
2690
1,900,000
No. 2
1500
1720
1880
1,600,000
No. 2 Dense
!750
20)0
2190
1 ,700,000
No. 3
375
1010
1090
1,500,000
No. 3 Oense
1000
1150
1250
1 ,500,000
Stud
900
1040
1120
1 ,500,000
SPRUCE -PINE -FIR (Surfaced dry or sur
laced green
Select Structural
2x5
1450
1670
1810
1.500.000
No. 1 & Appearance
and
widei
1200
1380
1500
1,500.000
No. 2
1000
1150
1250
1.300.000
No. 3
575
660
720
1.200.000
Stud
575
aced qreen
660
720
1.200,000
WESTERN CEDARS (Surfaced c
ry or sur
Select Structural
1500
1720
1880
1,100.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1300
1500
1620
1.100.000
No. 2
and
1050
1210
1310
1.000,000
No. 3
wider
625
720
780
900.000
Stud
625
720
780
900.000
WESTERN CEDARS (NORTHI (Surfaced
dry or surf
aced greenl
Select Structural
1450
1670
1810
1.100.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1250
1440
1560
1.100.000
No. 2
and
1000
1150
1250
1.000.000
No. 3
wider
600
690
750
900.000
Stud
600
690
750
900,000
9/1/80
581
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2108-E
CESIGN VALUES FOR JOISTS AND RAFTERS-VISUAL GFADING
These "FL" values are for use where repetitive members are spaced not more
than 24 inches. For wider spacing the "F " values should be reduced 13 percent.
Values for surfaced dry or surfaced green lumber apply at 19 percent max-
imum moisture content in use.
Design Value
, - in fierir
TriO "F "
Modulus of
Species and Grade Size
J b
Normal
Snow
7 Day
Elasticity
Duration
Loading
leading
-£••
ry or surfaced gre-;n
SPRUCE -PINE -FIR (Surfaced c
Select Structural
2x5
and
wider
1450
1670
1810
1.500.000
No. 1 & Appearance
1200
1380
1500
1,500.000
No. 2
1000
1150
1250
1,300.000
No. 3
575
660
720
1.200.000
Stud
575
660
720
1,200.000
WESTERN CEDARS (Surfaced dry or surfaced green
Select Structural
1500
1720
1880
1,100.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1300
1500
1620
1.100,000
No. 2
and
1050
1210
1310
1,000.000
No. 3
wider
625
720
780
900.000
Stud
625
720
780
900.000
WESTERN CEDARS (NORTH) (Surfaced dry or »urf
aced green)
Select Structural
1450
1670
1810
1.100.000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1250
1440
1560
1.100.000
No. 2
and
1000
1150
1250
1.000,000
No. 3
wtder
600
690
750
900.000
Stud
600
690
750
900,000
EASTERN HEMLOCK (Surfaced dry or surfaced gre
en)
Select Structural
1750
2010
2190
1,200,000
No. 1 & Appearance
2x5
1500
1720
1880
1,200.000
No. 2
and
1250
1440
1560
1,100.000
No. 3
wider
725
830
910
1,000,000
Stud
725
830
910
1,000,000
9/1/80
582
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2103-9
DESIGN VALUES FOR JOISTS AND RAFTERS-
MACHINE STRESS RATED LUMBER
These "Fjj" values are for use where repetitive members are spaced not more than 24 inches. For wider spacing,
the "F^" values should be educed 13 percent.
Values apply at 19 percent maximum moisture content in use.
Grading
Design Value
Grade Designation
Rules
Agency
(see footnotes
Size
Classification
in
Normal
Bending "F^"
ijnow
7-Day
Modulus of
Elasticity
"E"
1.2.3,4)
Duration
Leading
Loading
900M.0E
3
1050
1210
1310
1,000,000
1200M.2E
1.2.3,4
1400
1610
1750
1,200,000
1350M.3E
2.4
1550
1780
1940
1 ,300.000
1450M.3E
1.3,4
1650
1900
2060
1,300,000
1500M.4E
1,2.3,4
1750
2010
2190
1,400.000
1650M.5E
1.2,3,4
1900
2180
2380
1.500.000
1800M.6E
1.2.3,4
Machine
2050
2360
2560
1.600.000
1950M.7E
1.2.4
rated
2250
2590
2810
1.700.000
2100M.8E
1,2.3,4
lumber,
2x4
and
2400
2760
3000
1.800,000
2250M.9E
1,2,4
2600
2990
3250
1.900,000
2400f-2.0E
1.2,3,4
wider
2750
3160
3440
2.000,000
2550f-2.1f
1.2,4
2950
3390
3690
2.100.000
2700f-2.2E
1.2.3,4
3100
3570
3880
2.200,000
2850f-2.3E
2,4
3300
3800
4130
2,300,000
3000f-2.4E
1.2.4
3450
3970
4310
2.400,000
3150f-2.5E
2.4
3600
4140
4500
2.500,000
3300f-2.6E
2,4
3800
4370
4750
2.600,000
900f-1.0E
1,2.3,4
1050
1210
1310
1 ,000,000
900M.2E
1.2.3,4
1050
1210
1310
1,200,000
1200f-1.5E
1,2,3.4
See
footnotes
1400
1610
1750
1.500,000
1350M.8E
1.2.4
1550
1780
1940
1,800.000
1500M.8E
3
1750
2010
2190
1.800.000
1800f-2.1E
1.2.3.4
2050
2360
2560
2.100.000
1. National Lumber Grades Authority (see Footnote 2, Table W-1) Machine Rated Lumber. 2x4 and wider.
2. Southern Pine Inspection Bureau; Machine Rated Lumber. 2x4 ;ind wider.
3. West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau. Machine Rated Lumber, 2x4 and wider; Machine Rated Joists,
2x6 and wider.
4. Western Wood Products Association; Machine Rated Lumber, 2x4 and wider.
9/1/80
583
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2104.0 WALL COVERING
2104.1 General: Interior and exterior wall covering shall con-
form to the requirements of this section.
2104.1.1 Compliance: Conformity with the applicable material,
test, construction and design standards specified in the refer-
ence standards of this article shall be acceptable as providing
compliance with the requirements of this article.
2104.2 Interior coverings
2104.2.1 General: Interior coverings shall be installed in
accordance with this section and Table 2104-6.
2104.2.2 Vertical assemblies: Vertical support for lath or gyp-
sum wallboard shall be not less than two (2) inches nominal in
least dimension. Wood stripping for furring shall be not less
than two (2) inches nominal thickness in the least dimension ex-
cept that furring strips not less than one (1) inch by two (2)
inch dimension may be used over solid backing.
2104.2.3 Moisture protection: Where wood frame walls and par-
titions are covered on the interior with plaster or tile or similar
material and subject to water splash, the framing shall be pro-
tected with an approved moisture barrier.
2104.2.3.1 Lath application: Gypsum lath shall be applied with
the long dimension perpendicular to supports, and with end
joints staggered in successive courses. End joints may occur
on one support where lath is applied the full length of the
joint.
2104.2.3.2 Attachment: The type and weight of metal lath,
the gauge and spacing of nails and staples, the spacing of
supports, and the methods of attachment to wood supports shall
be as set forth in the reference standards, except that gypsum
veneer plaster may be applied in one (1) coat.
2104.2.4 Interior plaster: Plastering with gypsum plaster or
Portland cement plaster shall be not less than three (3) coats
when applied over metal lath or wire lath and shall be not less
than two (2) coats when applied over other bases permitted by
this section except that veneer plaster may be applied in one
(1) coat, not to exceed three -sixteenths (3/16) inch thickness.
2104.2.5 Gypsum wallboard: All gypsum wallboard shall be in-
stalled in accordance with the provisions of this section.
2104.2.5.1 Installation protection: Gypsum wallboard shall not
be installed until weather protection is provided.
9/1/80 584
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2104.2.5.2 Supports: Supports shall be spaced not to exceed
the spacing as set forth In Table 2104-6 for single-ply applica-
tion.
2104.2.5.3 Spacing: All edges and ends of gypsum wallboard
shall occur on the framing members, except those edges and
ends which are perpendicular to the framing members.
2104.2.5.4 Fastening: The size and spacing of fasteners shall
comply with Table 2104-6.
2104.2.6 Shower and bath compartments: Shower and bath
stalls and compartments shall be finished in accordance with the
requirements of 105 CMR 410.000 (Article II State Sanitary
Code, Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation).
2104.2.7 Other interior finishes: All approved interior finishes
shall conform to the applicable reference standards of this
article .
2104.3 Exterior coverings
2104.3.1 General: Exterior coverings shall be installed in
accordance with this section, Table 2104-7 and manufacturer's
recommendations .
2104.3.2 Exterior lath: All lath and lath attachments shall be
of corrosion-resistant materials.
2104.3.2.1 Backing: Backing for vertical surfaces shall con-
sist of sheathing or of not less than No. 18 U.S. gauge steel
wire stretched taut horizontally and spaced not more than six
(6) inches apart vertically.
2104.3.2.2 Backing support: Where lath on vertical surfaces
extends between rafters, or other similar projecting members,
solid backing shall be installed to provide support for lath and
attachments .
2104.3.2.3 Gypsum lath: Gypsum lath shall not be used, ex-
cept that on horizontal supports of ceilings or roof soffits, it
may be used as backing for metal lath or wire lath and portland
cement plaster.
2104.3.2.4 Required backing: Backing is not required under
metal lath or paperbacked wire lath.
2104.3.3 Exterior plaster: Plastering with portland cement plas-
ter shall be not less than three (3) coats when applied over
metal lath or wire lath and shall be not less than two (2) coats
9/1/80 585
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
when applied over masonry, concrete, or gypsum backing. If
plaster surface is completely covered by veneer or other facing
material, or is completely concealed, plaster application need
only be two (2) coats provided the total thickness is as set
forth by manufacturer's recommendations.
2104.3.4 Masonry veneer
2104.3.4.1 General: All masonry veneer shall be installed in
accordance with this section and manufacturer's recommenda-
tions .
2104.3.4.2 Veneer support: Masonry veneer shall not support
any vertical load other than the dead load of the veneer above.
Veneer above openings shall be supported upon lintels of non-
combustible material and the allowable span shall not exceed the
values set forth in Table 2103-7. The lintels shall have a bear-
ing of not less than four (4) inches.
2104.3.4.3 Metal ties: Masonry veneer shall be attached to the
supporting wall with corrosion-resistant metal ties. Veneer
ties, if strand wire, shall be not less in thickness than No. 6
U.S. gauge wire and shall have a hook embedded in the mortar
joint, or if sheet metal, not less than No. 22 U.S. gauge corru-
gated. Each tie shall be spaced not more than twenty-four (24)
inches on center horizontally and shall support not more than
three and one-quarter (3-1/4) square feet of wall area.
Exception: In wind areas of more than thirty (30) pounds
per square foot, each tie shall support not more than two
(2) square feet of wall area.
2104.3.4.4 Other method: In lieu of such wire ties, an ap-
proved method of grouting the veneer to a paperbacked rein-
forcement attached directly to the studs may be used.
2104.3.5 Weather protection
2104.3.5.1 Wall protection: Exterior walls shall be covered
with a weather-resistant siding and/or membrane.
2104.3.5.2 Weather-resistant membrane: Asphalt-saturated felt
free from holes and breaks and weighing not less than fourteen
(14) pounds per one hundred (100) square feet or other ap-
proved weather-resistant membrane shall be applied over studs
or sheathing of all exterior walls as required by Table 2104-7.
Such felt or membrane shall be applied weatherboard fashion,
lapped not less than two (2) inches at horizontal joints and not
less than six (6) inches at vertical joints.
9/1/80 586
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: Such felt or membrane may be omitted in the fol-
lowing cases:
1. Under weather-resistant siding as per Table 2104-7.
2. In accessory buildings.
3. Under approved paperbacked metal or wire fabric lath.
4. Under metal lath, wire lath or wire fabric lath on non-
combustible construction .
5. Under insulated sheathing boards.
2104.3.5.3 Flashing: Approved corrosion-resistive flashing shall
be provided at top and sides of all exterior window and door
openings in such manner as to be leakproof. Similar flashings
shall be installed at the intersection of chimneys or other ma-
sonry construction with frame or stucco walls, with projecting
lips on both sides under stucco copings; under and at the ends
of masonry, wood or metal copings and sills; continuously above
all projecting wood trim; at wall and roof intersections; under
built-in gutters; at junction of chimneys and roofs; in all roof
valleys and around all roof openings.
2104.3.6 Sheathing
2104.3.6.1 Plywood application: Exterior plywood joints shall
occur over framing members, unless wood or plywood sheathing
is used underneath, or joints are lapped horizontally a minimum
of one and one-half (1-1/2) inches, or battens are applied, or
tongue and groove or ship lap sheets are used, or otherwise
made waterproof to the satisfaction of the building official.
2104.3.6.2 Sheathing insulation board: Insulation boards are
approved for sheathing when recognized for this use by an
accredited authoritative agency listed in Appendix A of the
basic code.
1. Each board shall be clearly marked with a model code ap-
proval, recognized testing laboratory label, or as ap-
proved by the Massachusetts State Building Code Commis-
sion.
2. Insulation-sheathing boards are to be fastened at each
stud. When square edged boards are used, vertical
joints must be over framing members. When tongue and
groove edged boards are used, vertical joints may fall
between studs when the boards above and below the joint
are continuous across that wall area.
Fasteners may be seven-sixteenths (7/16) inch head
roofing nails or three-quarters (3/4) inch crown staples
on eight (8) inch centers, one (1) inch head nails or one
(1) inch crown staples on twelve (12) inch centers, or
any other fastener approved by the building official.
All fasteners shall be long enough to penetrate the
studs a minimum of one-half (1/2) inch.
9/1/80 587
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exterior finish-siding fasteners must go through the
sheathing and into the studs a minimum of three-quarters
(3/4) inch.
A membrane under the siding is not required when insula-
tion-sheathing boards are used.
Table 2104-6
APPLICATION OF GYPSUM WALLBOARD
THICKNESS
OF
GYPSUM
WALLB0ARO
(Inch)
PLANE OF
FRAMING
SURFACE
LONG DIMENSION OF
GYPSUM WALLBOARD
SHEETS IN RELATION
TO DIRECTION OF
FRAMING MEMBERS
MAXIMUM
SPACING OF
FRAMING
MEMBERS
(center-to-
center)
(In Inch n)
MAXIMUM SPACING
OF FASTENERS
(center-to-emter)
(In Inches)
NAILS' -T0W00O
NAILS"
SCREWS5
1/2
Horizontal
Either Direction
16
12
No. 13 gauge. 1-3/8" long. 19/64" head
No. .098 gauge. 11/4" long. Annular
ringed Sd, cooler nail
Horizontal
Perpendicular
24
7
12
Vertical
24
8
12
5/8
Horizontal
Either Direction
16
7
12
No. 13 gauge. 15/8" long. 19/64" head
No. .098 gauge. 1-3/8" long. Annular
ringed 6d. cooler neil
Horizontal
Perpendicular
24
7
12
Vertical
Either Direction
24
12
Fattening Required with Adhetive Application
1/2 1 .. ■
Either Direction
16
16
16
As required for 1/2" and 5/8" gypsum
wall board, lee above
or
5/8
Perpendicular
24
12
16
Vertical
Either Direction
24
24
24
2-3/8
(3/4 total)
Horizontal
Perpendicular
24
16
16
Bate ply nailed at required for 1/2"
gypsum wallboard and face ply
placed with adhesive
Vertical
Either Direction
24
24
24
Notes to Table 2104-6
Note 1. Where the metal framing has a clinching design
formed to receive the nails by two (2) edges of metal,
the nails shall be not less than five-eighths (5/8)
inch longer than the wallboard thickness, and shall
have ringed shanks . Where the metal framing has a
nailing groove formed to receive the nails, the nails
shall have barbed shanks or be 5d, No. 13 1/2 gauge,
one and five-eighths (1 5/8) inches long, fifteen-sixty-
fourths (15/64) inch head for one-half (1/2) inch
gypsum wallboard; 6d, No. 13 gauge, one and seven-eighths
(1 7/8) inches long, fifteen-sixty-fourths (15/64) inch
head for five-eighths (5/8) inch gypsum wallboard.
Note 2. Two (2) nails spaced not less than two (2)
inches apart, nor more than two and one-half (2 1/2)
inches apart and pairs of nails spaced not more than
twelve (12) inches center-to-center may be used.
Note 3. Screws shall be No. 6 with tapered head and
long enough to penetrate into wood framing not less
than five-eighths (5/8) inch and metal framing not less
than one-quarter (1/4) inch.
9/1/80
588
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2104-7
WEATHER-RESISTANT SIDING ATTACHMENT
Siding
Noninal1
Thick-
ness
(Inches)
Joint
Treatment
Heather
Resistance
Mauiiiane
Required
TYPE OF SUPPORTS TOR THE SIDING MATERIAL AND FASTENERS
Malni laj
Plywood
Sheathing
Flberhoard
Sheathing
into Stud
Gypsun
Sheathing
Into Stud
Direct
to Studs
Hunter of
Spacing of
Fasteners
Horiz.
Without
Insula-
tion
.01910
Lap
HO
.120-Nail-l"i"
.120-Nail-2"
.120-NaU-2"
Not
Allowed
Same as
Stud Spacing
.024
Lap
No
.120-Nail
m-long
.120-Nail
2" long
.120-Nail
2" long
Not.
Allowed
With
Insul.
.019
Lap
No
.120-Nail-lV
.120-Nail-2»i"
.120-Nail-2l|"
.120-Nail-m"
Hul Lion Lai
Asbestos Oe-
5/32
1/8
(2)
Lap
(2)
Yea
.113-Nail-m*
.113-Nail-2"
.113-Nail-
1 3/4"
.113-Nail-
1 3/8"
2 Nails
per Shingle
msnt Boards
Shingles7
Brick Vanasr
Clay TUe
Veneer Con-
crete Veneer
2
1/4 to 1
2
Sec.
2103.3
Yes
-See Sec. 2103.3 and Figure 2103-1
Horizontal
rUwXDoxd?
1/2
Sec.
2103.3
No
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 1 3/4"
.113-Nail-
2 3/4"
Staple 2H"
.113-Nail-
2«j"
Staple 2%"
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 1 3/4"
Sasa as
Stud
Spacing
Rardboard3
Board and
Batten
Vertical
V4
(2)
(2)
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 1>T
.099-Nail-2K"
Staple 2"
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 1 3/4
.099-Nail-
1 3/4"
Staple Vim
6 "Panel Edges
8"lnter. Sup.
Hardboard3
Lap Siding
Horizontal
7/16
(2)
(2)
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 1 7/8"
.099-Nail-2>i"
Staple 2V
.099-Nail-2<i"
Staple 2>»"
.099-Nail-2".
Staple 1 7/B"
Same as Stud
Spacing
2 per Bearing
Vertical Panel
Siding
7/16
(2)
(2)
.099-Nail-2"
Staple IV
.099-Nail-2%"
Staple 2%*
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 2"
.080-Nail-
1 3/4"
Staple IV
6 "Panel Edges
12 "In tar. Sup.
Steal3
29 ga.
Lap
No
.113-Nail-
1 3/4'
Staple 1 3/4"
.113-Nail-
2 3/4"
Staple 2>i"
.113-Nail-2«T
Staple 2%"
Not
Allowed
Sane as
Stud
Spacing
Stone Veneer
2
Sec.
2103.3
Yes
-See Sec. 2103.3 and Figure 2103-3-
Particle-
board Panels
3/8
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
.113-NG
1-2"
Staple 1 3/8"
.113-*lail-2"
Staple 1 7/8"
.113-Nail-2tj"
Staple 2%"
.113-Nail-2ij"
Staple 2H"
.113-Nail
1-2" .
Staple 2"
.113-Nail-2S"
Staple 2%"
Not
Allowed
.113-Nail-2"
Staple 1 5/8"
6" on Bdgea
8" Inter. Sup.
6*on Edges
8'Inter. Sup.
Panel?! (Ex-
terior Grade)
3/8
(2)
(2)
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 13/8"
.113-«ail-2ij*
Staple 2%"
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 2*
.099-Nail-2"
Staple 1 3/8"
6"on Edges
12' Inter Sup.
Mood
Rustic, Drop
Ship lap
Bevel
Butt
Tipp
3/8
19/32 Av.
7A6
3/16
Lap
No
NO
No
Fastener Penetration Into Stud — 1"
.113-Nail 2V
Staple 2*
race
Mailing
up to 6"
Widths, 1
Nail par bear-
ing. 8"Widths
and over, 2
Nails per
Bearing
Shakes7
3/8
Lap
Yes
.0915-Nail-2" Staple 2"
Shingles7
3/B
-
Yes
16" and 18" Shingles
.076-Nail-l"i"
2 Fasteners
Staple - 1%*
.080-Nail-l>T
or
Shake
Staple - IV
9/1/80
589
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes to Table 2104-7
Note 1. Based on stud spacing of sixteen (16) inches
o.c. Where studs are spaced twenty-four (24) inches
siding may be applied to sheathing approved for that
spacing.
Note 2. If boards are applied over sheathing or weather-
resistant membrane joints need not be treated. Otherwise,
vertical joints must occur at studs and covered with
batts .
Note 3. Shall be of approved type.
Note 4. Nail is a general description and may be T-head,
modified round head, or round head with smooth or
deformed shanks.
Note 5. Staples shall have a minimum crown width of
seven-sixteenths (7/16) inch o.d. and be manufactured
of minimum sixteen (16) gauge wire.
Note 6. All attachments shall be coated with a corrosion-
resistive coating.
Note 7. Shingles and shakes applied over regular density
fiberboard or gypsum sheathing shall be fastened to
horizontal wood nailers or fiberboard shingle backer.
Note 8. Aluminum nails shall be used to attach aluminum
siding.
Note 9. Nails or staples must be aluminum, galvanized,
or rust-preventative coated and shall be driven into
the studs for fiberboard or gypsum backing.
Note 10. Aluminum (0.19-inch) may be unbacked only when
the flat areas are five (5) inches or less in the
narrow dimension.
Note 11. Three-eighths (3/8) inch plywood may be applied
direct to studs spaced sixteen (16) inches on center.
One-half (1/2) inch plywood may be applied direct to
studs spaced twenty-four (24) inches on center.
9/1/80
590
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 2104-7
MASONRY VENEERED WALL
MINIMUM 3A CT.eAOAHC»
eiTWKM Mvaouay amo moo©
APPTIOiHO TIES f28O0
sjuiloinq p*perj en —
6HEATHINQ MCK or VB.NEBQ
aso ovira stuo*.
ma<onov /ewEfO wall -iuPcerjrEO
«N fOITIUO Oa FOUNDATION WALL,
9/1/80
591
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2105.0 FLOORS
2105.1 General: Design of floors shall be based on a first
floor live load of forty (40) pounds per square foot and a
second floor live load of thirty (30) pounds per square foot,
with twenty (20) pounds per square foot for nonusable attics.
Floors shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements
of this article and Figures 2103-1 and 2103-2, Tables 2105-1
through 2105-6, and nailed in accordance with Table 2103-2, or
shall comply with the reference standards of this article.
2105.1.1 Compliance: Conformity with the applicable material,
test, construction and design standards specified in the refer-
ence standards of this article shall be accepted as providing
compliance with the requirements of this article.
2105.2 Wood
2105.2.1 Identification: All load-bearing lumber, plywood and
particle-board shall conform to applicable standards or grading
rules and shall be so identified by a grade mark, or certificate
of inspection issued by an approved lumber grading or inspec-
tion bureau or agency.
2105.2.2 Grade: All joists and beams shall be of at least No. 3
or Standard Grade lumber or equivalent. Blocking and sheath-
ing may be of Utility or No. 4 Grade lumber or equivalent.
Exception: Native lumber - Items 2105.2.1 Identification and
2105.2.2 Grade of this section shall be subject to the provi-
sions of Section 2103.3 for native lumber.
2105.2.3 Allowable spans: The unsupported spans or floor
joists shall not exceed the values set forth in Tables 2105-1 and
2105-2. The modulus of elasticity, "E", and the actual stress
in bending, "Fi" , shown in the Tables shall not exceed the
values given.
2105.2.3.1 Girder spans: The allowable spans of girders shall
be designed in accordance with Table 2105-6 and accepted engi-
neering practice.
2105.2.3.2 Floor sheathing span: The allowable spans and min-
imum grades for plywood floor sheathing shall conform to the re-
quirements set forth in Tables 2105-3 and 2105-4. The allowable
spans for floor sheathing shall conform to the requirements set
forth in Table 2105-5.
2105.2.4 Bearing: The ends of each joist shall have not less
than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches of bearing on wood or
9/1/80 592
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
metal and not less than three (3) inches on masonry except
where supported on a one (1) inch by four (4) inch ribbon
strip and nailed to the adjacent stud.
2105.2.5 Lateral support: Joists shall be supported laterally at
the ends.
2105.3 Concrete floors (on ground)
2105.3.1 General: Concrete slab-on-ground floors shall be con-
structed according to accepted engineering practice. The con-
crete shall conform to the requirements of Section 2102.2 and
only approved air-entraining agents shall be used where re-
quired. When part of heated space, perimeter insulation is re-
quired according to Section 2120.5.
2105.3.1.1 Contraction joints: Slabs shall be constructed with
contraction joints, having a depth of at least one-fourth (1/4)
the slab thickness, and joints shall be spaced at intervals not
more than thirty (30) feet in each direction and slabs not rec-
tangular in shape shall have contraction joints across the slab
at points of offset, if offset exceeds ten (10) feet.
Exception: Contraction joints are not required where 6 x 6—
6/6 welded wire fabric or equivalent is placed at mid -depth of
the slab.
2105.3.2 Site preparation: The area within the foundation walls
shall have all vegetation, top soil and foreign material removed
and the fill material shall be free of vegetation and foreign ma-
terial.
2105.3.2.1 Soil compaction: The fill shall be compacted to as-
sure uniform support of the slab and except where otherwise
approved the fill depths shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches
for clean sand or gravel and eight (8) inches for earth.
2105.3.2.2 Base course: A four (4) inch thick base course
shall be placed on the prepared subgrade, consisting of clean
graded sand, gravel, crushed stone or crushed blast-furnace
slag passing a two (2) inch sieve and retained on a one-quarter
(1/4) inch sieve. An approved vapor barrier with joints lapped
six (6) inches shall be placed between the base course and the
concrete floor slab.
Exception: The vapor barrier may be omitted where approved
by the building official, based upon local site condition.
2105.4 Metal: Steel structural elements in floors may be
either hot-rolled structural steel shapes or members cold formed
9/1/80 593
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
to shape from steel sheet strip or plate, or a fabricated combi-
nation thereof. Members shall be straight and free of any
defects which would significantly affect their structural perfor-
mance.
2105.4.1 Span: The allowable span for steel girders or beams
and the tributary area for steel columns in floors shall not ex-
ceed the values set forth in Tables 2105-6.
2105.4.2 Structural elements: Aluminum structural elements in
floors shall be constructed of materials and designed in accor-
dance with Reference Standard RS-21-5.
2105.5 Particleboard : Particleboard floor underlayment shall
conform to Type 1-B-l of the standards set forth in Standard
RS-21-5. Underlayment shall be not less than one-quarter
(1/4) inch in thickness and shall be identified by the grade
mark of an approved inspection agency. Underlayment shall be
installed in accordance with this code and as recommended by
the manufacturer.
9/1/80 594
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/1/80 595
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2105-1
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR FLOOR JOISTS
JOIST
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Modului of Elasticity, "E
", in 1.000.000 psi
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
12.0
76
440
8-0
510
8-6
570
8-11
640
9-4
700
9-9
750
10-1
810
105
860
109
910
11-0
960
13.7
7-1
460
78
630
82
600
87
670
8-11
730
9-4
790
98
840
10-0
900
103
950
106
1010
2x6 16.0
69
4eo
7-3
560
7-9
630
8-2
700
8-6
770
810
830
9-2
890
9-6
950
99
1000
1O0
1060
192
6-4
510
6 10
600
73
670
78
740
8-0
810
8-4
880
8-8
940
8-11
1010
9-2
1070
9-5
1130
240
6-11
560
64
640
6-9
720
7-1
800
7-6
880
7-9
950
8-0
1020
8-3
1080
86
1150
8-9
1210
320
69
960
70
1040
7-3
1110
7-6
1190
7-9
1270
7-11
1330
12.0
9-10
440
10-7
610
113
570
11-10
640
12-4
700
12-10
750
13-4
810
13 9
860
14-2
910
14-6
960
137
94
460
10-1
530
10-9
600
11-4
670
11-10
730
12-3
790
12-9
840
13-2
900
13-6
950
13-11
1010
2x8 16.0
8 11
480
9 7
560
10-2
630
1&9
700
113
770
118
830
12-1
890
12 6
950
12-10
1000
13-2
1060
19.2
86
610
9-0
600
97
670
101
740
10-7
810
11-0
880
11-4
940
11-9
1010
12-1
1070
12 5
1130
240
79
550
U-b
640
8-11
720
9-4
800
9-10
880
10-2
950
10-7
1020
1011
1080
11-3
1150
11-6
1210
32 0
8-11
970
9-3
1040
97
1120
9-11
1200
102
1260
106
1340
12.0
12-6
440
13-6
510
14-4
570
15-1
640
15-9
700
16-5
750
17-0
810
17 6
860
18-0
910
18-6
960
13.7
11-11
460
12-11
530
13-8
600
145
670
15-1
730
15-8
790
16 3
840
16-9
900
17 3
950
17 9
1010
2x10 160
11-4
480
12 3
560
13 0
630
13 8 '
700
14-4
770
14-11
830
15-5
890
15-11
950
16-5
1000
16-10
1060
19.2
10-8
510
11-6
600
12 3
670
12 11
740
13-6
810
14-0
880
146
940
15-0
1010
15-5
1070
15-10
1130
24.0
9 11
550
10-8
640
11-4
720
11-11
800
12-6
880
13-0
950
13-6
1020
13-11
1080
144
1150
14 8
1210
32.0
11-4
960
11-10
1050
12 3
1120
12 8
1200
13-0
1260
13-4
1330
120
15-2
440
16-5
510
17 5
670
184
640
19-2
700
19-11
750
2&8
810
21-4
860
21-11
910
226
960
13.7
147
460
15-8
530
168
600
17-6
670
18-4
730
19-1
790
19-9
840
205
900
21-0
950
21-7
1010
2x12 16.0
13 10
480
14-11
560
15^10
630
168
700
17 5
770
18-1
830
18-9
890
19-4
950
19-11
1000
20-6
1060
19.2
13 0
510
140
600
14-11
670
15 8
740
16-6
810
17-0
880
17-8
940
18-3
1010
18-9
1070
19-3
1130
24.0
12 1
550
130
640
1310
720
14-7
800
15-2
880
15-10
950
16-5
1020
16-11
1080
17-6
1150
17-11
1210
32.0
13-10
070
14-4
1040
14-11
1130
15-4
1190
15-10
1270
163
1340
Note: The extreme fiber stress in bending, "Fb", in
pounds per square inch is shown below each span.
(All rooms used for sleeping areas and attic floors)
Strength - Live load of 30 lbs. per sa . ft. plus dead load of 10 lbs. Per so
ft. determines the fiber stress value shown
DESIGN CRITERIA: Deflection - ^or 30 lbs. per sq . ft. live load. Limited
to snan in inches divided bv 360.
9/1/80
596
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2105"! (cont.)
JOIST
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Modulus of Elasticity. "E", in 1.000.000 pd
1.4
1.S
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.2
2.4
12.0
11-3
1010
11-7
1060
11-10
1100
t2-0
1150
12 3
1200
12-6
1240
12 9
1280
13-1
1370
13 6
1450
13.7
10-10
1060
11-1
1110
11-3
1160
11-6
1200
11-9
1250
11-11
1300
12-2
1340
12-7
1430
12-11
1510
2x6 16.0
10-3
1110
10-6
1160
109
1220
10-11
1270
11-2
1320
11-4
1360
11-7
1410
11-11
1500
12-3
1590
19.2
9-8
1180
910
1240
10-1
1290
10-4
1350
10-6
1400
10-8
1450
10-10
1500
11-3
1600
11-7
1690
24.0
8 11
1270
9-2
1330
94
1390
97
1450
9-9
1510
9 11
1560
10-1
1620
10-5
1720
10 9
1820
32.0
82
1410
84
1470
8-6
1530
88
1590
8 10
1650
9-0
1740
92
1780
9-6
1910
99
2010
12.0
14-11
1010
15-3
1060
15 7
1100
15 10
1150
16-2
1200
16-6
1240
16 9
1280
17-4
1370
17-10
1450
13.7
14-3
1060
1*7
1110
14-11
1160
15-2
1200
15-6
1250
15-9
1300
16-0
1340
16-7
1430
170
1510
2x8 16.0
13 6
1110
13-10
1160
14-2
1220
14-5
1270
148
1320
15 0
1360
15-3
1410
15 9
1500
162
1590
19.2
12-9
1180
13-0
1240
13-4
1290
13 7
1350
13-10
1400
14-1
1450
14-4
1500
14-9
1600
15 3
1690
24.0
11-10
1270
12-1
1330
12 4
1390
12-7
1450
1210
1510
13 1
1560
13 4
1620
13 9
1720
142
1820
32.0
10-9
1410
11-0
1470
11-3
1540
11-6
1590
118
1660
11-11
1730
12-1
1780
12 6
1900
12-10
2010
12.0
19-0
1010
19-5
1060
19 10
1100
20-3
1150
20-8
1200
2V0
1240
21-5
1280
22-1
1370
229
1450
13.7
18 2
1060
18-7
1110
19-0
1160
19-4
1200
19-9
1250
20-1
1300
205
1340
21-1
1430
21-9
1510
2x10 16.0
17-3
1110
17 8
1160
18-0
1220
18-5
1270
18-9
1320
191
1360
19 5
1410
20-1
1500
208
1590
19.2
16-3
1180
16-7
1240
17 0
1290
17-4
1350
17-8
1400
18-0
1450
18-3
1500
18-10
1600
19-5
1690
24.0
16-1
1270
15-5
1330
15-9
1390
16-1
1450
16-5
1510
16-8
1560
17-0
1620
17 6
1720
18 0
1820
32.0
13 8
1400
14-0
1470
14-4
1540
14-7
1590
14-11
1660
15-2
1720
15-5
1780
15-11
1890
165
2020
12.0
23-1
1010
237
1060
24-2
1100
24-8
1150
25-1
1200
25-7
1240
26-0
1280
26-10
1370
27 8
1450
13.7
22-1
1060
227
1110
23-1
1160
23-7
1200
24-0
1250
24-5
1300
'24-10
1340
25-8
1430
26-5
1510
2x12 16.0
21-0
1110
21-6
1160
21-11
1220
225
1270
22-10
1320
23-3
1360
23-7
1410
24-5
1500
25-1
1590
19.2
19-9
1180
20-2
1240
20-8
1290
21-1
1350
21-6
1400
21-10
1450
223
1500
22 11
1600
23-7
1690
24.0
18-4
1270
18-9
1330
19-2
1390
19-7
1450
19-11
1510
20-3
1560
208
1620
21-4
1720
21-11
1820
32.0
16-8
1400
17-0
1460
175
1530
17-9
1590
Ifrl
1650
18-5
1720
18 9
1780
19-4
1890
19 11
2010
HOW TO USE TABLES: Enter Table with span of joists (upper figure in each
square) . Determine size and spacing (first column) based on stress grade
(lower figure in each square) and modulus of elasticity (top row) of lumber
to be used.
9/1/80
597
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2105-2
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR FLOOR JOISTS
40 Lbs. Per Sq. Ft. Live Load
JOIST
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Modulus of Elasticity, "E", in 1,000,000 psi
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
12.0
69
450
7-3
520
7-9
590
82
660
8-6
720
8-10
780
9^2
830
9-6
890
9-9
940
10-0
990
13.7
66
470
7-0
550
7-5
620
79
690
8-2
750
86
810
8-9
870
9 1
930
9-4
980
9 7
1040
2x6 16.0
62
500
6-7
580
7-0
650
75
720
7-9
790
8-0
860
8-4
920
87
980
8-10
1040
9 1
1090
19.2
5-9
530
63
610
6-7
690
70
770
7-3
840
7-7
910
7-10
970
8 1
1040
84
1100
8-7
1160
24.0
5-4
570
5-9
660
62
750
66
830
6-9
900
7-0
980
7-3
1050
76
1120
79
1190
7-1 1
1250
32.0
6-2
1010
65
1090
6-7
1150
6-10
1230
7-0
1300
7-3
1390
12.0
8 11
450
97
520
10-2
590
10 9
660
11-3
720
11-8
780
12-1
830
12 6
890
12 10
940
13 2
990
13.7
86
470
92
550
99
620
10-3
690
10-9
750
11-2
810
11-7
870
11-11
930
12-3
980
127
1040
2x8 16.0
8 1
500
89
580
93
650
99
720
10-2
790
1&7
850
11-0
920
114
980
118
1040.
12 0
1090
19.2
77
530
82
610
89
690
92
770
9-7
840
10-0
910
10-4
970
108
1040
110
1100
11-3
1160
240
7-1
570
77
660
8 1
750
8-6
830
8 11
900
9^3
980
97
1050
9-11
1120
10-2
1190
10-6
1250
32.0
8 1
990
85
1080
8-9
1170
90
1230
93
1300
96
1370
120
114
450
123
520
13 0
590
138
660
14-4
720
14 11
780
155
830
15-11
890
165
940
16-10
990
13.7
10-10
470
118
550
12 5
620
13 1
690
13 8
750
14 3
810
14-9
870
15-3
930
15 8
980
16 1
1040
2x10 16.0
10-4
500
11-1
580
11 10
650
125
720
13-0
790
13 6
850
140
920
146
980
14 11
1040
153
1090
19.2
99
530
106
610
11-1
690
118
770
12 3
840
12 9
910
13-2
970
137
1040
14 0
1100
14 5
1160
24.0
90
570
99
660
10 4
750
10-10
830
11-4
900
11-10
980
12 3
1050
128
1120
13-0
1190
13 4
1250
32.0
ia4
1000
ia9
1080
11-1
1150
116
1240
11-10
1310
12 2
1380
12.0
13 10
450
14-11
520
15 10
590
168
660
175
720
18 1
780
189
830
19-4
890
19 11
940
20-6
990
13.7
133
470
14-3
550
15-2
620
15 11
690
168
750
17-4
810
17-11
870
186
930
19 1
980
19-7
1040
2x12 160
12-7
500
13-6
580
14 4
650
152
720
15-10
790
16-5
860
17-0
920
177
980
18-1
1040
18 7
1090
19.2
11-10
530
129
610
136
690
143
770
14-11
840
15 6
910
160
970
167
1040
170
1100
176
1160
24 0
110
570
1110
660
127
750
133
830
13-10
900
14 4
980
14-11
1050
154
1120
15-10
1190
163
1250
32.0
12 7
1000
13 1
1080
136
1150
13-11
1220
14 4
1300
14 9
1380
The extreme fiber stress in bending, "Fb", in pounds per square
inch is shown below each span.
(All rooms except those used for sleeping areas and attic floors)
Strength - Live load of 40 lbs. per sq . ft. plus dead load of 10 lbs. per
sq. ft. determines the fiber stress value shown.
DESIGN CRITERIA: Deflection - ^or 40 lbs. per sq . ft. live load. Limited
to span in inches divided by 360.
9/1/80
598
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2105-2 (cent
JOIST
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Modulus of Elasticity, "E". in 1.000,000 pii
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.2
2.4
12 0
10 3
1040
10 6
1090
10 9
1140
10-11
1190
11 2
1230
11-4
1280
11-7
1320
11-11
1410
12-3
1490
9-10
137 fl 1090
10 0
1140
10 3
1190
106
1240
10 8
1290
10 10
1340
11-1
1380
11-5
1470
119
1560
2x6 16.0
94
1150
96
1200
9-9
1250
9 11
1310
10-2
1360
10-4
1410
10-6
1460
10-10
1550
112
1640
19.2
8-9
1220
90
1280
92
1330
94
1390
96
1440
98
1500
910
1550
ia2
1650
10 6
1750
24.0
8-2
1310
84
1380
8-6
1440
88
1500
8-10
1550
90
1610
9-2
1670
9-6
1780
99
1880
32.0
7-5
1450
77
1520
7-9
1590
7-1 1
1660
8-0
1690
82
1760
84
1840
8-7
1950
8-10
2060
12.0
13-6
1040
13-10
1090
142
1140
145
1190
148
1230
150
1280
153
1320
159
1410
16-2
1400
13.7
12-11
1090
13-3
1140
13 6
1190
13-10
1240
14 1
1290
144
1340
147
1380
150
1470
15 6
1560
2x8 16.0
12 3
1150
127
1200
12 10
1250
13-1
1310
13-4
1360
137
1410
13 10
1460
143
1550
148
1640
19.2
11-7
1220
11 10
1280
12 1
1330
124
1390
127
1440
12-10
1500
130
1550
13 5
1650
13 10
1750
24.0
109
1310
11-0
1380
113
1440
115
1500
11-8
1550
H11
1610
12 1
1670
126
1780
12 10
1880
320
9-9
1450
10 0
1520
10-2
1570
105
1650
10^7
1700
10 10
1790
11-0
1840
114
1950
118
2070
12.0
173
1040
178
1090
180
1140
185
1190
18 9
1230
19-1
1280
195
1320
2a 1
1410
20 8
1490
13.7
16 6
1090
16 11
1140
17 3
1190
17-7
1240
17 11
1290
183
1340
187
1380
192
1470
199
1560
2x10 16.0
158
1150
160
1200
165
1250
169.
1-310
170
1360
174
1410
178
1460
18 3
1550
18 9
1640
19.2
149
1220
15 1
1280
15 5
1330
159
1390
160
1440
16 4
1500
167
1550
172
1650
178
1750
24.0
13 8
1310
140
1380
144
1440
14-7
1500
14 11
1550
152
1610
15 5
1670
15 11
1780
165
1880
320
125
1440
129
1520
13 0
1580
133
1640
13 6
1700
13 9
1770
140
1830
146
1970
14 11
2080
12.0
210
1040
216
1090
21-11
1140
225
1190
22 10
1230
233
1280
237
1320
245
1410
25-1
1490
13.7
20 1
1090
206
1140
21 0
1190
21 5
1240
21-10
1290
223
1340
22-7
1380
234
1470
240
1560
2x12 16.0
19-1
1150
196
1200
19-11
1250
204
1310
209
1360
21 1
1410
21 6
1460
222
1550
22-10
1640
19.2
,17-11
1220
18-4
1280
189
1330
192
1390
196
1440
19 10
1500
202
1550
20 10
1650
21 6
1750
24.0
16 8
1310
17 0
1380
175
1440
179
1500
181
1550
185
1610
189
1670
19 4
1780
19-11
1880
320
15-2
1450
156
1520
15 10
1580
162
1650
165
1700
169
17/0
17 0
1830
17-7
1950
18 1
2070
HOW TO USE TABLES: Enter Table with span of joists (unper figure in each
sauare) . Determine size and spacing (first column) based on stress grade
(lower figure in each sauare) and modulus of elasticity (top row) of lumber
to be used.
9/1/80
599
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2)05-3
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR PLYWOOD FLOOR AND ROOF SHEATHING
CONTINUOUS OVER TWO OR MORE SPANS AND FACE GRAIN
PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORTS "> (SPAN IN INCHES)
Panel
Ident i f icat ion
Index'2'
Roof Span,
Roof
Floor
Maximum Span
Thickness
(i nches)
Load
(psf)
Maximum
Span(5)
Edges
Blocked13'
Edges
Total
Li ve
Roof/Floor Span
( i nches)
Unblocked
Load
Load
( 1 nches)
; 2/0
5/16
12
12
155
150
0
16/0
5/16,3/8
16
16
95
75
0
20/0
5/16,3/8
20
20
75
65
0
24/0
3/8
24
20
65
50
0
24/0
1/2
24
24
65
50
,5(6)
,6 7
16 7
20(7)
30/12
5/8
30
26
70
50
32/16
1/2,5/8
32
28
55
40
36/16
3/4
36
30
55,,N
>>
42/20
5/8,3/4,
42
32
1,0(4)
48/24
7/8
3/4,7/8
48
36
40^
j5<4>
24
Notes to Table 2105-3
Note 1. These values apply for C-D and C-C, Structural
I and II grades only. Spans shall be limited to values
shown because of possible effect of concentrated loads.
Note 2. Identification Index appears on all panels in
the construction grades listed in footnote (1). Allowable
uniform roof load deflection limitation: 1/I80th of
the span under live load plus dead load, l/240th under
live load only.
Note 3. Edges may be blocked with lumber or other
approved type of edge support.
Note 4. For roof live load of forty (40) psf or total
load of fifty-five (55) psf, decrease spans by thirteen
(13) percent or use panel with next greater Identification
Index.
Note 5. Plywood edges shall have approved tongue-and-
groove joints or shall be supported with blocking,
unless one-fourth (1/4) inch minimum thickness underlay-
ment is installed, or finish floor is 25/32 inch wood
strip. Allowable uniform load based on deflection of
1/360 of span is one hundred sixty-five (165) psf.
Note 6. May be sixteen (16) inches, if 25/32 inch wood
strip flooring is installed at right angles to joists.
Note 7. May be twenty-four (24) inches if 25/32 inch
wood strip flooring is installed at right angles to
joists .
9/1/80
600
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2105-4
PLYWOOD COMBINATION SUBFLOOR-UNDERLAYMENT
ALLOWABLE SPAN FOR PLYWOOD COMBINATION
SUBFLOOR-UNDERLAYMENT (l)
PLYWOOD CONTINUOUS OVER TWO (2) OR MORE
SPANS AND FACE GRAIN PERPENDICULAR
TO SUPPORTS (THICKNESS IN INCHES)
Maximum
Spaci ng
of
Joists
Spe<
:ies G
roups
( Inches)
16
20
24
1
1/2
5/8
3/4
2,3
5/8
3/4
7/8
k
3/4
7/8
1
Notes to Table 2105-4
Note 1. Applicable to Underlayment Grade, C-C (Plugged)
and all grades of sanded exterior type plywood. Spans
limited to values shown because of possible effect of
concentrated loads. Allowable uniform load based on
deflection of 1/360 of span is one hundred twenty-five
(125) psf. Plywood edges shall have approved tongue-and-
groove joint* or shall be supported with blocking,
unless one-fourth (1/4) inch minimum thickness underlay-
ment is installed, or finish floor is 25/32 inch wood
strip. If wood strips are perpendicular to supports,
thicknesses showin for sixteen (16) inch and twenty
(20) inch spans may be used on twenty-four (24) inch
span. Except for one-half (1/2) inch, underlayment
grade and C-C (Plugged) panels may be of nominal thick-
ness 1/32 inch less than the nominal thicknesses shown
when marked with the reduced thickness.
Table 2105-5
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF FLOOR SHEATHING
Joist Spacing
(Inches)
Minimum Net Thickness (Inches)
Perpendicular to Joist
Diagonal to Joist
24
11/16
3/4
16
5/8
5/8
9/1/80
601
<
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
TRBLE 2105-6
COLUMN SPACINGS UNDER GIRDERS
COLUMN SIZES - 4 X 4 or 31/2" 0 STL.
FOOTING SIZE - 2'-6" X 2' - 6" X 10" d
Tcu«3A>v
4 W-
^/Vst
40
CASE I
psf
30 psf
40
psf
30
bsf
•
1
40 psf
CASE II
CASE III
1
CASE IV
GIRDER
SIZE
s
- 13
S -
Ik
CASE I
s
■ 15
S
■ lfi
f h -
1000
1200
lkOO
1600
1000
1200
lkOO
1600
1000
1200
lkOO
1600
1000
1200
lkOO
1600
li 10,
3-2 I a
6-k
7-0
7-6
8-0
6-1
6-8
7-3
7-8
5-10
6-5
7-0
7-5
5-8
6-3
6-9
7-3
tl 12.
3-2 x 10
8-1
8-9
9-6
10-3
7-9
8-6
9-3
9-10
7-6
8-3
8-10
9-6
7-3
8-0
8-8
9-3
6x12,
3-2 x 12
?-?
10-9
11-7
12-5
9-6
lO-li
11 -k
12-0
?-l
10-0
10-9
11-7
8-9
9-8
10-6
11-3
CASE II
4 x 10,
3-2x8
5-6
6-0
6-6
7-0
5-i
5-9
6-k
6-8 | 5-1
5-7
6-1
6-6
5-0
5-6
5-10
6-k
4x 12,
3-8 x 10
7-0
7-9
8-5
9-0
6-9
7-6
8-1
8-8 1 6-7
7-3
7-9
8-3
6-k
7-0
7-6
8-1
6x}2L
3^2 t 12
8-8
9-5
10-3
10-10
8-I4
9-1
9-9
10-6 1 8-0
8-9
9-6
10-1
7-9
8-6
9-2
9-9
CASE III
4x 10,
j4-2 x 8
k-a
5-1
5-7
6-0
U-6
5-0
5-3
5-8
k-3
k-9
5-2
5-6
k-3
k-8
5-0
5-3
4*12,
3-2 x 10
6-0
6-7
7-1
7-7
5-9
6-1.
6-9
7-k
5-7
6-1
6-8
7-1
5-5
5-10
6-5
6-9
6x12,
3-2 x 12
7-k
8-0
8-8
9-3
7-0
7-8
8-k
8-10
6-9
7-6
8-0
8-8
6-7
7-3
7-9
8-k
CASE rv
ti 10,
3-2x8
k-k
U-9
5-1
5-6
lt-2
k-T
5-0
5-k
k-0
k-k
k-9
5-1
3-10
k-k .
k-8
5-0
4x12,
3-2 X 10
5-6
6-1
6-8
7-0
'5-3
5-10
6-k
6-9
5-2
5-8
6-1
6-6
5-0
5-6
5-10
6-k
4
6x12,
3-2 x 12
6-9
7-5
8-0
8-7
6-6
7-1
7-8
8-3
6-k
6-10
7-6
8-0
6-1
6-8
7-3
7-9
1
STEEL GIRDER SPAM
BETWEEN SUPPORTS (A- 36 STL.)
»'-<r
6V8.S
6W8.5
6W8.5
6W8.5
10 '-0"
MO
8W10
BW10
8W15
U'-O"
WIS
8W15
10W15
10W15
14 '-0"
10W 15
10W15
10W17
10W17
J
i
9/1/80
602
i
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2106.0 ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
2106.1 General: Roofs shall be constructed in accordance
with Tables 2106-1 through 2106-6, the energy reguirements in
Table 2123-1, and nailed in accordance with Table 2103-2.
2106.1.1 Specifications: Conformity with the applicable mate-
rial, test, construction and design standards specified in the
reference standards of this article shall be acceptable as pro-
viding compliance with the reguirements of this article.
2106.2 Wood
2106.2.1 Identification: All load-bearing lumber, plywood and
particleboard shall conform to applicable standards or grading
rules and be identified by a grade mark, or certificate or in-
spection issued by an approved lumber grading or inspection
bureau or agency.
Exception: Native lumber - Items 2106.2.1 Identification and
2106.2.2 Grade of this section shall be subject to the provi-
sions of Section 2103.3 for native lumber.
2106.2.2 Grade: All rafters and ceiling joists shall be of No. 3
or Standard Grade lumber or eguivalent. Blocking and sheath-
ing may be of No. 4 or Utility Grade lumber or eguivalent.
2106.2.3 Allowable spans: The unsupported spans of rafters
and ceiling joists shall not exceed the values set forth in Tables
2106-1, 2106-2, 2106-3, 2106-4, 2106-5 and 2106-6. The modulus
of elasticity, "E" , and the actual stress in bearing, "F, ", shall
not exceed the values given in the tables.
2106.2.3.1 Other criteria: The allowable spans and minimum
grades for plywood roof sheathing shall not exceed the values
set forth in Table 2105-5. The allowable span for board type
roof sheathing shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches and
shall be five-eighths (5/8) inch minimum net thickness for solid
sheathing and three-guarter (3/4) inch minimum net thickness
for spaced sheathing.
2106.2.4 Framing: Rafters shall be framed directly opposite
each other at the ridge or there shall be a ridge board at least
one (1) inch nominal thickness at all ridges and not less in
depth than the size of the rafter. At all valleys and hips there
shall be a single valley or hip rafter not less than two (2)
inches nominal thickness and not less in depth than the size of
the rafter.
2106.3 Metal: Steel structural elements in roof-ceiling con-
struction may be either hot-rolled structural steel shapes or
9/1/80 603
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
members cold formed to shape from steel strip or plate or a fab-
ricated combination thereof. Members shall be straight and free
of any defects which would significantly affect their structural
performance. Steel girders, trusses or beams in roof-ceiling
construction shall be designed in accordance with the applicable
standards in this article.
2106.3.1 Aluminum elements: Aluminum structural elements in
roof-ceiling systems shall be constructed of materials and de-
signed in accordance with the applicable reference standards of
this article.
2106.4 Ceiling finishes: Ceilings shall be installed in accor-
dance with recommended engineering practice and applicable
reference standards.
2106.5 Attic access: An accessible attic opening not less than
twenty-two (22) inches by thirty (30) inches shall be provided
to any attic area with clear headroom of three (3) feet or more.
9/1/80 604
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/1/80 605
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2106-1
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR CEILING JOISTS
20 lbs. per sq. ft. Live Load
(Limited attic storage where development of future rooms is not possible)
(Drywall Ceiling)
DESIGN CRITERIA:
Deflection - for 20 lbs. per sq. ft.
live load. Limited to span in
inches divided by 240.
Strength - Live load of 20 lbs. per
sq. ft. plus dead load of 10 lbs.
per sq. ft. determines required
fiber stress value.
HOW TO USE TABLES: Enter Table with
span of joists (upper figure in each
square). Determine size and spacing
(first column) based on stress grade
(lower figure in each square) and
modulus of elasticity (top row) of
lumber to be used.
JOIST
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (INI
Modului of Elasticity, "E", in 1,000.000 pu
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
u
1.4
1.S
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.2
1
12.0
i 7-10
900
81
970
85
1040
8-8
1110
8-11
1170
9-2
1240
9-5
1300
98
,360
9-10
1420
10-0
1480
10-3
1540
10-5
1600
10-7
1650
10-11
1760
13.7
7-6
| 940
7-9
10,0
8-1
1090
84
1160
8-7
1230
8-9
1300
90
1360
9-3
,420
9-5
1490
9-7
1550
9-9
1610
10-0
1670
10-2
1730
,06
1840
2x4 16.0
7-1
990
75
,070
7-8
1140
711
1220
8-1
1290
8-4
1360
8-7
1430
8-9
,500
8-11
1570
9-1
1630
9-4
1690
9-6
1760
9-8
1820
9-11
1940
19.2
6-8
1050
6-11
1,30
7-2
1220
7-5
13CC
7-8
1370
7- 10
1450
8-1
1520
8-3
,590
85
1660
8-7
1730
8-9
,800
811
1870
9-1
1930
9-4
2060
240
6-2
I 1130
6-5
1220
6-8
13,0
6-11
1400
7-1
1480
7-3
1560
7-6
1640
7-8
,720
7 10
1790
8-0
1870
8-1
1940
8-3
2010
8-5
2080
88
2220
12.0
I ,2-3
1 soo
129
970
13-3
1040
138
1110
14-1
1170
14 5
1240
14 9
1300
,5-2
,360
15-6
1420
15-9
1480
161
1540
164
1600
46-8
1650
17-2
1760
13.7
: i,-9
940
123
10,0
12-8
,090
13-1
1160
13-5
1220
13-10
1300
142
1360
14-6
1420
14-9
1490
15-1
1650
15 5
1610
153
1670
15-11
1730
165
1840
2x6 160
| 11-2
1 920
11-7
1C70
,20
1,40
12-5
1220
129
1290
,3-1
1350
13 5
1430
13-9
1500
14-1
' 1570
14-4
1630
14-7
1690
14-11
"1760
152
1820
15-7
1940
19.2
,0-6
1050
10-11
1,30
,,4
,220
11-8
1300
120
1270
12-4
1450
128
1520
1211
1590
133
1660
136
1730
139
1800
14-0
1870
,4-3
,930
14-8
2060
240
9-9
1,30
,0-2
1220
106
1310
10-10
1400
112
1480
11-5
1560
11-9
1640
12 0
1720
123
1790
12-6
1870
12-9
1940
13-0
-.2010
133
2080
138
2220
120
162
9C0
16,0
970
17-5
1040
18-0
1110
18-6
1170
19-0
1240
196
1300
19 11
1360
20-5
t420
20-10
1480
21-2
1540
21-7
1600
21-11
1650
228
17C0
13.7
156
940
16-1
10,0
15-8
1090
172 1 179
1160 1 1230
182
1300
188
1360
19- 1
1420
196
1490
19-11
1550
20-3
1610
208
1670
21 0
1730
21 8
134C
2x8 16.0
9CC
15-3 I 15-10
107C I 1140
16-4 | ,6-10
1220 | 1290
17-3
1360
17-9
1430
18-2
1500
186
1570
18-11
1630
19-3
1690
19-7
1760
19-11
1820
20-7
1940
192
13-10
1050
,4 5 1 ,4-11
1130 | 1220
15-5
1300
1510 1 16-3
1370 | 1450
168
1520
17-1
1590
17-5
1660
17-9
1730
18-2
1800
18-5
1870
18 9
1930
19-5
2C60
24.0
12-iO
.1130
13-4
1220
1310
1310
14-3
1400
14-8
1480
15-1
1560
156
1640
15-10
1720
16-2
1790
166
1870
16-10
1940
17 2
2010
17-5
2080
18 0
2220
12.0
20-8
900
21-6
970
223
1040
22-11
1110
238
1170
24-3
1240
24-10
1300
25-5
1360
26-0
1420
266
1480
27-1
,540
27-6
1600
28-0
1650
28-11
1760
|
13.7
19-9
940
20-6
1010
21 3
1090
2,-,,
1160
227
1230
23-3
1300
23 -9
1360
24-4
1420
24-10
1490
25-5
1550
25 10
1610
26-4
1670
26-10
1730
278
1840
1
2x10 160
,89
990
19-6
1070
20-2
1140
20-10
1220
21 6
1290
22 1
1360
22-7
1430
23-2
1500
23 8
1570
24-1
1630
24-7
1690
250
.760
255
1820
26 3
1940
19.2
,78
,050
18-4
1130
19-0
1220
,97
1200
20-2
1370
209
1450
21-3
,520
21-9
1590
223
1660
228
1730
23-2
1800
237
■370
23 T 1
1930
249
2060
540
16-5
1130 |
,70
,220
178
1310
18-3
1400
18-9
14S0
19-3
1560
,99
,640 |
20-2
1720
208
1790 |
211
1870
1940
21-10
2010
223
2030
22-11
222C
Note: The required extreme fiber stress in bending, "F
square inch is shown below each span.
in pounds per
9/1/80
606
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2106-2
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR CEILING JOISTS
10 lbs. per sq. ft. Live Load
(No attic storage and roof slope not steeper than 3 in 12)
(Drywall Ceiling)
DESIGN CRITERIA:
Deflection - for 10 lbs. per sq.
ft. live load. Limited to span
In inches divided by 2^0.
Strength - Live load of 10 lbs.
per sq. ft. plus dead load of
5 lbs. per sq. ft. determines
required fiber stress value.
H0V/ TO USE TABLES: Enter Table
with span of joists (upper figure
in each square). Determine size
and spacing (first column) based
on stress grade (lower figure in
each square) and modulus of
elasticity (top row) of lumber
to be used.
JOIST
SIZE SPACING
(INI (INI
Modului of Elasticity. "E", in 1,000.000 psi
O.S
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.2
12.0
9-10
710
10-3
770
10-7
830
10-11
880
11-3
930
11-7
980
11-10
1030
12-2
1030
175
1130
12-8
1180
12 11
1220
132
1270
13-4
1310
13 9
1400
13.7
9 5
740
9-9
800
10-2
860
106
920
10-9
970
11-1
1030
11-4
1080
1 1-7
1130
1110
1180
12 1
1230
12-4
1280
12-7
1320
12-9
1370
132
1460
2x4 16.0
8-11
780
9-4
850
9-8
910
9-11
970
10-3
1030
10-6
1080
10-9
1140
110
1190
113
1240
116
1290
1 19
1340
11-11
1390
12 2
1440
126
1540
19.2
8-S
830
89
900
9-1
970
9-4
1030
9-8
1090
9-11
1150
10-2
1210
10-4
1270
10-7
1320
10- 10
1380
110
1430
1 1-3
1480
11-5
1530
119
1630
24.0
7-10
900
81
970
85.
1040
8-8
1110
811
1170
92
1240
9-5
1300
98
1260
9 10
1420
10-0
1480
103
1540
105
1600
10 7
1650
10-11
1760
12.0
15-6
710
10-1
770
16-8
830
172
880
17-8
930
18-2
980
188
1030
19-1
ioso
196
1130
19-11
1180
20-3
1220
208
1270
210
1310
218
1400
13.7
14-9
740
155
BOO
15-11
860
16-5
920
16-11
970
175
1030
17-10
1080
183
1130
188
1180
190
1230
19-5
1280
199
1320
20-1
1370
70-9
1460
2x6 160
14-1
780
14-7
850
15-2
910
15-7
970
16-1
1030
16-6
1080
16-11
1140
17-4
1190
178
1240
18-1
1290
185
1340
18-9
1390
19-1
1440
198
1540
19.2
13-3
830
13-9
SCO
14-3
970
148
1030
15-2
1090
15-7
1150
15-11
1210
16-4
1270
16-8
1320
170
1380
17-4
1430
178
1430
17-11
1530
18-6
1630
24.0
12-3
900
129
970
133
1040
138
1110
14-1
1170
145
1240
149
1300
15-2
1360
15-6
1420
159
1480
16-1
1540
164
1600
168
1650
17-2
1760
120
20-5
710
21-2
770
21-11
830
228
880
234
930
24-0
980
24-7
1030
25-2
1060
258
1130
26-2
1180
26-9
1220
272
1270
278
1310
28-7
1400
137
196
740
20-3
800
21 0
850
218
920
22-4
970
22-11
1030
23-6
10S0
24 0
1130
24-7
1180
25 1
1230
257
1280
260
1320
26 6
1370
27-4
1460
2x8 16 0
186
780
19 3
850
13-11
910
20-7
970
21-2
1030
219
1080
22-4
1140
22-10
1190
23 4
1240
23 10
1290
24-3
1340
24-8
1390
252
1440
25-11
1540
19.2
17.5
830
16 2
900
18-9
970
195
1033
19 11
1090
20 6
1150
210
1210
216
1270
21-11
1320
22-5
1380
2210
1430
233
1480
23 8
1520
24-5
1630
24.0
16-2
900
16-10
970
17 -5
1040
160
1110
186
1170
ISO
1240
19 6
1300
19-11
1360
205
1420
20-10
1480
21-2
1540
21-7
1600
21-11
1650
22 8
1760
12.0
26-0
710
27-1
770
220
830
28 11
880
29-9
930
30-7
980
31^1
1030
321
1080
329
1130
33 5
1180
34-1
1220 *
34-8
1270
354
1310
36b
1400
13.7
24-10
740
35 10
800
25 10
E60
27 8
920
28-6
970
293
1030
"30-0
1060
308
1130
31 4
1180
320
1230
32-7
1280
33-2
1320
33 9
1370
34 10
1460
2x10 1C0
23 8
7C0
'2-4-7
S50
25-5
910
263
970
27-1
i030
27-9
1C50
28 6
1140
292
1190
299
1240
30-5
1290
31 0
1340
31 6
1390
32-1
1440
33-1
1540
19 2
22 3 1 23-2 j 23-11
830 1 COO 1 970
24-9
1030
255
1090
2G-2
1150
26-10
1210
275
1270
:ao
1320
23-7
1380
29-2
1430
298
1480
30-2
1530
31-2
1630
24 0
208 1 21.6
900 i 9/0
223
1040
22-11
1110
23 8
1170
24-3
1240
24-10
1300
255
1360
25-0
1420
26 6
1430
27 1
1540
27-G
1G00
280
1650
28-11
1760
Note: The required extreme fiber stress in bending "F
square inch is shown below each span.
in pounds per
9/1/80
607
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
DESIGN CRITERIA:
Strength - 15 lbs. per sq. ft. dead load
plus 30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load
determines required fiber stress.
Deflection - For 30 lbs. per sq. ft. live
load. Limited to span in inches divided
by 2A0.
RAFTER
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress in Bending, "F^" Ipsi).
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
12.0
7-6
0.27
8-2
0.36
8-10
0.45
9-6
0.55
10-0
0.66
10-7
0.77
11-1
0.89
11-7
1.01
12-1
1.14
13.7
70
0.25
7-8
0.33
8-3
0.42
8-10
0.52
9-5
0.61
9-11
0.72
10-5
0.83
10-10
0.95
11-3
1.07
2x6 16.0
6-6
0.24
7-1
0.31
7-8
0.39
8-2
0.48
8-8
0.57
9-2
0.67
9-7
0.77
10-0
0.88
10-5
0.99
19.2
5-11
0.22
6-6
0.28
7-0
0.36
7-6
0.44
7-11
0.52
8-4
0.61
8-9
0.70
9-2
0.80
9-6
0.90
24.0
5-4
0.19
5-10
0.25
6-3
0.32
6-8
0.39
7-1
0.46
7-6
0.54
7-10
0.63
8-2
0.72
8-6
0.81
12.0
9-10
0.27
10-10
0.36
11-8
0.45
12-6
0.55
13-3
0.66
13-11
0.77
14-8
0.89
15-3
1.01
15-11
1.14
13.7
9-3
0.25
10-1
0.33
10-11
0.42
11-8
0.52
12-5
0.61
13-1
0.72
13-8
0.83
14-4
0.95
14-11
1.07
2x8 16.0
8-7
0.24
9-4
0.31
10-1
0.39
10-10
0.48
11-6
0.57
12 1
0.67
12-8
0.77
13-3
0.88
13-9
0.99
19.2
7-10
0.22
8-7
0.28
9-3
0.35
9-10
0.44
10-6
0.52
11-0
0.61
11-7
0.70
12-1
0.80
12-7
0.90
24.0
7-0
0.19
7-8
0.25
8-3
0.32
8-10
0.39
9-4
0.45
9-10
0.54
10-4
0.63
10-10
0.72
11-3
0.81
12.0
12-7
0.27
13-9
0.36
14-11
0.45
15-11
0.55
16-11
0.66
17-10
0.77
18-8
0.89
19-6
1.01
20-4
1.14
f 11-9
13.7 0.25
12-11
0.33
13-11
0.42
14-11
0.52
15-10
0.61
16-8
0.72
17-6
0.83
18-3
0.95
19-0
1.07
I 10-11
2x10 16.0 1 024
11-11
0.31
12-11
0.39
13-9
0.48
14-8
0.57
15-5
0.67
16-2
0.77
16-11
0.88
17-7
0.99
it 9"11
19.2 1 0.22
10-11
0.28
11-9
0.36
12-7
0.44
13-4
0.52
14-1
0.61
14-9
0.70
15-5
0.80
16-1
0.90
24.0
I 8-11
0.19
9-9
0.25,,
10-6
, 0.32
11-3
0.39
11-11
0.46
12-7
0.54
13-2
0.63
13-9
0.72
14-4
0.81
15-4
12.0 j 0.27
16-9
0.36
18-1
0.45
19-4
0.55
20-6
0.66
21-8
0.77
22-8
0.89
23-9
1.01
24-8
1.14
13.7
14-4
0.25
15-8
0.33
16-11
042
18-1
0.52
19-3
0.61
20-3
0.72
21-3
0.83
22-2
0.95
23-1
1.07
2x12 16.0
133
0.24
14-6
0.31
15-8
0.39
16-9
0.48
17-9
0.57
189
0.67
19-8
0.77
20-6
0.88
21-5
0.99
19.2
12-1
0.22
13-3
0.28
14-4
0.35
15-4
Q.44
16-3
0.52
17-1
0.61
17-11
0.70
18-9
0.80
19-6
0.90
24.0
10-10
| 0-19
11-10
0.25
12-10
0.32
13-8
0.39
14-6
0.46
15-4
0.54
16-1
i 0£3
16-9
0.72
17-5
0.81
Note:
The required modulus of %l*stlcJty, **E% in 1,000,000
pounds per square inch i* V**«t below trach span.
9/1/80
608
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
RAFTERS: Spans are
measured along the
horizontal projection
and loads are con-
idered as applied on
the horizontal pro-
jection.
HOW TO USE TABLES:
Enter table with span
of rafters (upper
figure in each square).
Determine size and
spacing (first column)
based on stress grade
(top row) and modulus
of elasticity (lower
figure in each square)
of lumber to be used.
RAFTER
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
... 1
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress in Bending, "Fu" (psi)
1400 1500
1600
1700 .
1800
1900
12.0
12-6
1.28
13-0
1.41
13-5
1.56
13-10
1.71
14-2
1.86
14-7
2.02
13.7.
119
1.19
12-2
1.32
12-6
1.46
12-11
1.60
13-3
1.74
13-8
1.89
2x6 16.0
10-10
1.10
11-3
1.22
11-7
1.35
11-11
1.43
12-4
1.61
12-8
1.75
19.2
9-11
1.01
10-3
1.12
107
1.23
10-11
1.35
11-3
1.47
11-6
1.59
24.0
8-10
0.90
9-2
1.00
9-6
1.10
9-9
1.21
10-0
1.31
10-4
1.43
12.0
16-6
1.28
17-1
1.41
17-8
1.56
18-2
1.71
18-9
1.86
19-3
2.02
13.7
15-5
1.19
160
1.32
16-6
1.46
170
1.60
17-6
1.74
18-0
1.89
2x8 16.0
14-4
1.10
14-10
1.22
15-3
1.35
15-9
1.48
16-3
1.61
16-8
1.75
19.2
13-1
1.01
13-6
1.12
13-11
1.23
14-5
1.35
14-10
1.47
15-2
1.59
24.0
11-8
0.90
12-1
1.00
12-6
1.10
12-10
1.21
13-3
1.31
13-7
1.43
12.0
21-1
1.28
21-10
1.41
22-6
1.56
23-3
1.71
23-11
1.86
24-6
2.02
13.7
19-8
1.19
205
1.32
21-1
1.46
21-9
1.60
22-4
1.74
22-11
1.89
2x10 16.0
18-3
1.10
18-11
1.22
19-6
1.35
20-1
1.48
20-8
1.61
21-3
1.75
19.2
16-8
1.01
17-3
1.12
17-10
1.23
18-4
1.35
18-11
1.47
19-5
1.59
24.0
14-11
0.90
15-5
1.00
15-11
1.10
16-5
1.21
15-11
1.31
17-4
1.43
12.0
2,5-7
1.28
26-6
1.41
27-5
1.55
28-3
1.71
29-1
1.86
29-10
2.02
13.7
24-0
1.19
24-10
1.32
25-7
1.46
26-5
1.60
27-2
1.74
27-11
1.89
2x12 16.0
22-2
1.10
23-0
1.22
23-9
1.35
24-5
1.48
25-2
1.61
25-10
1.75
19.2
20-3
1.01
21-0
1.12
21-8
1.23
22-4
1.35
23-0
1.47
23-7
1.59
24.0
18-1
0.90
18-9
1.00
19-4
1.10
20-0
1.21
20-6
1.31
21-1
1.43
9/1/80
609
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2106-4
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR "CATHEDRAL" ROOF RAFTERS
No Attic Space
DESIGN CRITERIA:
Strength - 10 lbs. per sq. ft- dead load plus
30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load determines
required fiber stress.
Deflection - For 30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load.
Limited to span in inches divided by 2^0.
r
RAFTER
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress In Bending, "Fl" (psi).
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
12.0
7-11
0.32
8-8
0.43
9-5
0.54
10-0
0.66
10-8
0.78
11-3
0.92
11-9
1.06
12-4
1.21
12-10
1.36
13.7
7-5
0.30
8-2
0.40
8-9
0.50
9-5
0.61
10-0
0.73
10-6
0.86
11-0
0.99
11-6
1.13
12-0
1.27
2x6 16.0
6-11
0.28
7-6
0.37
8-2
0.47
8-8
0.57
9-3
0.68
9-9
0.80
10-2
0.92
10-8
1.05
11-1
1.18
19.2
6-3
0.26
6-11
0.34
7-5
0.43
7-11
0.52
8-5
0.62
8-11
0.73
9-4
0.84
9-9
0.95
10-1
1.03
24.0
5-7
0.23
6-2
0.30
6-8
0.38
7-1
0.46
7-6
0.55
7-11
0.65
8-4
0.75
8-8
0.85
9-1
0.96
12.0
10-6
0.32
11-6
0.43
12-5
O.BA
13-3
0.66
14-0
0.78
14-10
0.92
15-6
1.06
16-3
1.21
16-10
1.36
13.7
9-9
0.30
10-9
0.40
11-7
0.50
12-5
0.61
13-2
0.73
13-10
0.86
14-6
0.99
15-2
1.13
15-9
1.27
2x3 16.0
9-1
0.28
9-11
0.37
10-9
0.47
11-6
0.57
12-2
0.68
12-10
0.80
13-5
0.92
14-0
1.05
14-7
1 J8
19.2
8-3
0.26
9-1
0.34
9-9
0.43
10-6
0.52
11-1
0.62
11-8
0.73
12-3
0.84
12-10
0.95
13-4
1.08
24.0
7-5
0.23
8-1
0.30
8-9
0.38
9-4
0.46
9-11
0.55
10-6
0.65
11-0
0.75
11-6
0.85
11-11
0.96
12.C
13-4
0.32
14-8
0.43
15-10
0.54
16-11
0.66
17-11
0.78
18-11
0.92
19-10
1.06
20-8
1.21
21-6
1.36
13.7
12-6
0.30
13-8
0.40
14-9
0.50
15-10
0.61
16-9
0.73
17-8
0.86
18-6
0.99
19-4
1.13
20-2
1.27
2x10 16.0
11-7
0.28
12 8
0.37
13-8
0.47
14-8
0.57
15-6
0.68
16-4
0.80
17-2
0.92
17-11
1.05
18-8
1.18
19.2
10-7
0.26
11-7
0.34
12-6
0.43
13-4
0.52
14-2
0.62
14-11
0.73
15-8
0.84
16-4
0.95
17-0
1.08
24.0
9-5
0.23
10-4
030
11-2
0.38
11-11
0.46
12-8
0.55
13-4
0.65
14-0
0.75
14-8
0.85
15-3
0.96
12.0
16-3
0.32
17-9
0.43
19-3
0.54
20-6
0.66
21-9
0.78
23-0
0.92
24-1
1.06
25-2
1.21
26-2
1.36
13.7
15-2
0.30
16-8
0.40
18-0
0.50
19-3
0.61
205
0.73
21-6
0.86
22-6
0.99
23-6
1.13
24-6
1.27
2x12 16.0
14-1
0.28
15-5
0.37
16-8
0.47
17-9
0.57
18 10
0.68
19-11
0.80
20-10
0.92
21-9
1.05
22-8
1.18
19.2
12-10
0.26
14-1
0.34
15 2
0.43
16-3
0.52
17-3
0.62
18 2
0.73
190
0.84
19-11
0.95
208
1.08
24.0
11-6
0.23
127
0.30
137
0.38
14 6
0.46
15-5
055
16-3
0.65
17-0
0.75
17-9
0.85
18-6
0.96
Note: The required modulus of elasticity, "E", in 1,000,000
pounds per square inch is shown below each span.
9/1/80
610
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
30 lbs. Per Sq. Ft. Live Load
(No Finished Ceiling)
RAFTERS: Spans are
measured along the hori-
zontal projection and loads
are considered as applied
on the horizontal pro-
jection.
HOW TO USE TABLES: Enter
table with span of rafters
(upper figure in each
square). Determine size
and spacing (first column)
based on stress grade (top
row) and modulus of elasti-
city (lower figure in each
square) of lumber to be
used.
RAFTER
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress in
3ending, '
Tb" (psi)
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
12.0
13-3
1.52
13-9
1 69
14-2
1.86
14-8
2.04
15-1
2.22
15-6
2.41
13.7
12-5
1.42
12-10
1.58
13-3
1.74
13-8
1.90
14-1
2.08
14-6
2.25
2x6 16.0
11-6
1.32
11-11
1.46
12-4
1.61
12-8
1.76
13-1
1.92
13-5
2.08
19.2
10-6
1.20
10-10
1.33
11-3
1.47
11-7
1.61
11-11
1.75
12-3
1.90
24.0
9-5
1.08
9-9
1.19
10-0
1.31
10-4
1.44
10-8
1.57
10-11
1.70
12.0
17-6
1.52
18-2
1.69
18-9
1.86
19-4
2.04
19-10
2.22
20-5
2.41
13.7
16-5
1.42
16-11
1.58
17-6
1.74
18-1
1.90
18-7
2.08
19-1
2.25
2x8 16.0
15-2
1.32
15-8
1.46
16-3
1.61
16-9
1.76
17-2
1.92
17-8
2.08
19.2
13-10
1.20
14-4
1.33
14-10
1.47
15-3
1.61
15-8
1.75
16-2
1.90
24.0
12-5
1.08
12-10
1.19
13-3
1.31
13-8
1.44
14-0
1.57
14-5
1.70
12.0
22-4
1.52
23-2
1.69
23-11
1.86
24-7
2.04
25-4
2.22
26-0
2.41
13.7
20-11
1.42
21-8
1.58
22-4
1.74
23-0
1.90
23-8
2.08
24-4
2.25
2x10 16.0
19-4
1.32
20-0
1.46
20-8
1.61
21-4
1.76
21-11
1.92
22-6
2.08
19.2
17-8
1.20
18-3
1.33
1fr11
1.47
19-6
1.61
20-0
1.75
20-7
1.90
24.0
15-10
1.08
16-4
1.19
16-11
1.31
17-5
1.44
17-11
1.57
18-5
1.70
12.0
27-2
1.52
28-2
1.69
29-1
1.86
29-11
2.04
30-10
2.22
31-8
2.41
13.7
25-5
.1.42
26-4
1.58
27-2
1.74
28-0
1.90
28-10
2.08
29-7
2.25
2x12 16.0
23-6
1.32
244
1.46
25-2
1.61
25-11
1.76
26-8
1.92
27-5
2.08
19.2
21-6
1.20
22-3
1.33
23-0
1.47
23-8
1.61
24-4
1.75
250
1.90
24.0
19-3
1.08
19-11
1.19
20-6
1.31
21-2
1.44
21-9
1.57
22-5
1.70
9/1/80
611
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2106-5
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR ROOF RAFTERS
Over Attic Space
30 lbs. Per Sq. Ft. Live Load
(Tile, Slate, Cone. Roof Covering)
DESIGN CRITERIA:
Strength - 15 lbs. per sq. ft. dead load plus
30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load determines
required fiber stress.
Deflection - For 30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load.
Limited to span in inches divided by 180.
RAFTER
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress in Bending, "Fb~ (p*i>.
SIZE SPACING
(IN) UN)
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1
12.0
4-9
0.20
5-3
0.27
5-8
0.34
6-0
0.41
6-5
0.49
6-9
0.58
7-1
0.67
7-5
0.76
7-8
0.86
13.7
4-5
0.19
4-11
0.25
5-3
0.32
5-8
0.39
6-0 "
0.46
6-4
0.54
6-7
0.62
6-11
0.71
7-2
0.80
2x4 16.0
4-1
0.18
4-6
0.23
4-11
0.29
5-3
0.36
5-6
0.43
5-10
0.50
6-1
0.58
6-5
0.66
6-8
0.74
19.2
3-9
0.16
4-1
0.21
4-5
0.27
4-9
0.33
5-1
0.39
5-4
0.46
5-7
0.53
5-10
0.60
6-1
0.68
24.0
3-4
0.14
3-8
0.19
4-0
0.24
4-3
0.29
4-6
0.35
4-9
0.41
5-0
0.47
5-3
0.54
5-5
0.61
12.0
7-6
0.20
8-2
0.27
8-10
0.34
9-6
0.41
10-0
0.49
10-7
0.58
11-1
0.67
11-7
0.76
12-1
0.86
13.7
7-0
0.19
7-8
0.25
8-3
0.32
8-10
0.39
9-5
0.46
9-11
0.54
10-5
0.62
10-10
0.71
11-3
0.80
2x6 16.0
6-6
0.18
7-1
0.23
7-8
0.29
8-2
0.36
8-8
0.43
9-2
0.50
9-7
0.58
10-0
0.66
10-5
0.74
19.2
5-11
0.16
6-6
0.21
7-0
0.27
7-6
0.33
7-11
0.39
8-4
0.46
8-9
0.53
9-2
0.60
9-6
0.68
24.0
5-4
0.14
5-10
0.19
6-3
0.24
6-8
0.29
7-1
0.35
7-6
0.41
7-10
0.47
8-2
0.54
8-6
0.61
9-10
12.0 0.20 |
10-10
0.27
11-8
0.34
12-6
0.41
13-3
0.49
13-11
0.58
14-8
0.67
15-3
0.76
15-11
0.86
13.7
9-3
0.19
10-1
0.25
10-11
0.32
11-8
039
12-5
0.46
13-1
0.54
13-8
0.62
14-4
0.71
14-11
0.80
l 8-7
2x8 16.0 \ 0.18
9-4
0.23
10-1
0.29
1O10
0.36
11-6
0.43
12-1
0.50
12-8
0.58
13-3
0.66
13 9
0.74
19.2
7-10
0.16
8-7
0.21
9-3
0.27
9-10
0.33
10-6
0.39
11-0
0.46
11-7
0.53
12-1
0.60
12-7
0.68
24.0
7-0
0.14-
7-8
,\ °i19
8-3
0.24
8-10
0.29
94
0.35
9-10
0.41
10-4
0.47
10-10
0.54
11-3
0.61
12.0
12-7
0.20
13-9
0.27
14-11
0.34
15-11
0.41
16-1 i
0.49
17-10
0.58
18-8
0.67
19-6
0.76
20-4
0.86
13.7
11-9
0.19
12-11
0.25
13-11
0.32
14 11
0.39
15-10
0.46
16-8
0.54
17-6
0.62
18-3
0.71
190
0.80
2x10 16.0
10-11
018
11-11
0.23
12-11
029
13 9
0.36
148
0.43
15-5
0.50
16 2
0.58
16-11
0.66
17-7
0.74
19.2
9-1 1
0.16
10-11
0.21
11-9
0.27
12-7
0.33
13-4
0.39
14-1
0.46
14-9
0.53
15-5
0.60
16-1
0.68
24.0
8-11
0.14
9-9
0.19
10-6
0.24
11-3
0.29
11-11
0.35
12-7
0.41
13-2
0.47
13-9
0.54
14-4
0.61
Note:
9/1/80
The required modulus of elasticity, "E", in 1,000,000
pounds per square inch is shown below each span.
612
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
RAFTERS: Spans are
measured along the
horizontal projec-
tion and loads are
considered as ap-
plied on the horizon-
tal projection.
HOW TO USE TABLES:
Enter table wi th
span of rafters
(upper figure in
each square) . De-
termine size and
spacing (first
column) based on
stress grade (top
row) and modulus of
elasticity (lower
figure in each
square) of lumber
to be used
RAFTER
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress in Bending. "fb" (psi).
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
12.0
8-0
0.96
8-3
1.06
8-6
1.17
6-9
1.28
9-0
1.39
93
1.51
13.7
7-5
0.89
7-9
0.99
8-0
1.09
8-3
1.20
8-5
1.30
8-8
1.41
2x4 16.0
6-11
0.83
7-2
0.92
7-5
1.01
7-7
1.11
7-10
1.21
80
1.31
19.2
6-4
0.76
6-6
0.84
6-9
0.92
6-11
1.01
7-2
1.10
7-4
1.20
24.0
5-8
0.68
5-10
0.75
6-0
0.83
6-3
0.90
6-5
0.99
6-7
1.07
12.0
12-6
0.96
13-0
1.06
13-5
1.17
13-10
1.28
14-2
1.39
14-7
1.51
13.7
11-9
0.89
12-2
0.99
12-6
1.09
12-11
1.20
13-3
1.30
13-8
1.41
2x6 16.0
10-10
0.83
11-3
0.92
11-7
1.01
11-11
1.11
12-4
1.21
12-8
1.31
19.2
9-11
0.76
10-3
0.84
10-7
0.92
10-11
1.01
11-3
1.10
11-6
1.20
24.0
8-10
0.68
9-2
0.75
9-6
0.83
9-9
0.90
10-0
0.99
10-4
1.07
12.0
16-6
0.96
17-1
1.06
17-8
1.17
18-2
1.28
18-9
1.39
19-3
1.51
13.7
15 5
0.89
16-0
0.99
16-6
1.09
17-0
1.20
17-6
1.30
18-0
1.41
2x8 16.0
14-4
0.83
14-10
0.92
15-3
1.01
15-9
1.11
16-3
1.21
16-8
1.31
19.2
13-1
0.76
13-6
0.84
13-11
0.92
14-5
1.01
14-10
1.10
15-2
1.20
24.0
11-8
0.68
12-1
0.75
12-6
0.83
12-10
0.90
13-3
0.99
13-7
1.07
I
12.0
21-1
0.96
21-10
1.06
22-6
1.17
23-3
1.28
23-11
1.39
24-6 i
1.51 |
13.7
19-8
0.89
20-5
0.99
21-1
1.09
21-9
1.20
22-4
1.30
22-11
1.41
2x10 16.0
18-3
0.83
18-11
0.92
19-6
1.01
20-1
1.11
20-8
1.21
21-3
1.31
19.2
24.0
16-8
0.76
17-3
0.84
17-10
0.92
18-4
1.01
18-11
1.10
19-5
1.20
14-11
| 0.68
15-5
0.75
15-11
0.83
16-5
0.90
16-11
0.99
17-4
j 1.07
1
9/1/80
613
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2106-6
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR ROOF RAFTERS
Over Attic Space
30 lbs. Per Sq. Ft. Live Load
(Light Roof Coverings)
(Wood, Asphalt, etc..)
DESIGN CRITERIA:
Strength - 7 lbs per sq. ft. dead load plus
30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load determines
required fiber stress.
Deflection - For 30 lbs per sq. ft. live load,
Limited to span in inches divided by 180.
Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress in Bending, "Fu" (p»i).
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
12.0
53
0.27
5-9
0.36
6-3
0.45
6-8
0.55
7-1
0.66
7-5
0.77
7-9
0.89
8-2
1.02
8-6
1.15
13.7
4-11
0.26
5-5
0.34
5-10
0.42
6-3
0.52
6-7
0.62
6-11
0.72
7-3
0.84
7-7
0.95
7-11
1.07
2x4 16.0
4-7
0.24
5-0
0.31
5-5
0.39
5-9
0.48
6-1
0.57
6-5
0.67
6-9
0.77
7-1
0.88
7-4
0.99
19.2
4-2
0.22
4-7
0.28
4 11
0.36
5-3
0.44
5-7
0.52
5-10
0.61
62
0.71
6-5
0.80
68
0.91
24.0
3-9
0.19
4-1
0.25
45
0.32
4-8
0.39
5-0
0.47
5-3
0.55
5-6
0.63
5-9
0.72
6-0
081
12.0
83
0.27
9-1
0.36
9-9
0.45
10-5
0.55
11-1
066
11-8
0.77
12-3
0.89
12-9
1.02
13-4
1.15
13.7
7-9
0.26
8-5
0.34
9-2
0.42
9-9
0.52
10-4
0.62
10-11
0 72
11-5
0.84
120
0.95
12-5
1.07
2x6 16.0
7-2
0.24
7-10
0.31
8-5
0.39
9-1
0.48
9-7
0.57
10-1
0.67
10-7
0.77
11-1
0.88
11-6
0.99
19.2
6-6
0.22
7-2
0.28
7-9
0.36
8-3
0.44
89
0.52
93
0.61
9-8
0.71
101
0.80
10-6
0.91
24.0
5-10
0.19
6-5
0.25
6-11
0.32
7-5
0.39
7-10
0.47
8-3
0.55
8-8
0.63
9-1
0.72
9-5
0.81
12.0
10-11
027
11-11
0.36
12-10
045
13-9
0.55
147
0.66
15-5
0.77
16-2
0.89
16-10
1.02
17-7
1.15
1X7
10-2
0.26
11-2
0.34
12-1
0.42
12-10
0.52
13-8
0.62
14-5
0.72
15-1
0.84
15-9
0.95
165
1.07
2x8 16.0
95
024
10-4
0.31
11-2
0.39
11-11'
G.4S
128
0.57
13-4
0.67
140
0.77
14-7
0.88
15-2
0.99
19.2
87
0.22
9-5
0.28
10 2
0.36
10-11
0.44
11-6
0.52
12-2
0.61
12-9
0.71
13-4
0.80
13-10
0.91
24 0
78
0.19
8-5
0.25
9-1
032
9-9
0.39
10-4
0.47
10-11
0.55
11-5
0 53
11-11
0.72
12-5
0.81
12 0
13 11
0.27
152
0 36
165
045
17-7
055
18-7
0.66
19-8
0 77
207
0.89
21-6
1.02
22-5
1.15
1i7
130
026
143
0.34
15-4
0.42
165
0.52
17 5
0.62
16-4
0.72
19-3
0.84
20 1
0.95
20-11
1.07
2x10 160
12 0
0.26
132
0.34
143
043
IS 2
0.53
16-2
0.63
170
0.74
17-10
0.85
187
0.97
195
1.09
19.2
110
0.22
12-0
0.28
130
0 36
13 11
0.44
149
0.52
156
061
163
0.71
17-0
0.80
17-8
0.91
T 9 10
24 0 J °1S
109
0.25
1 1-7
0 32
12b
0.39
132
047
13 11
0.55
14-7
0.63
152
0.72
15 10
0.81
Note:
The required modulus of elasticity, "E", in 1,000,000
pounds per square inch is shown below each span.
9/1/80
614
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
HOW TO USE TABLES:
Enter table with span
of rafters (upper
figure in each square)
Determine size and
spacing (first column)
based on stress grade
(top row) and modulus
of elasticity (lower
figure in each square)
of lumber to be used.
RAFTERS: Spans are
measured along the
horizontal projection
and loads are con-
sidered as applied on
the horizontal pro-
jection.
RAFTER
SIZE SPACING
(IN) (IN)
Allowable Extreme Fiber Sues.
>n Bending, "Fb" (pti).
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
12.0
8-9
1.28
9-1
1.42
9-5
1.57
98
1.72
10-0
1.87
10-3
2.03
13.7
8-3
1.20
8-6
1.33
8-9
1.47
9 1
1.61
9-4
1.75
9-7
1.90
2x4 16.0
7.7
1.11
7-11
1.23
8-2
1.36
85
1.49
8-8
1.62
8-10
1.76
19.2
6-11
1.01
7-2
1.12
7-5
1.24
7-8
1.36
7-11
1.48
8-1
1.60
24.0
6 3
0.91
6-5
1.01
68
1.11
6-10
1.21
7-1
1.32
7-3
1.43
12.0
13-10
1.28
14-4
1.42
14-9
1.57
15-3
1.72
15-8
1.87
16-1
2.03
13.7
12-11
1.20
13-4
1.33
13-10
1.47
14-3
1.61
14-8
1.75
15-1
1.90
2x6 16.0
12-0
1.11
125
1.23
129
1.36
13-2
1.49
137
1.62
13-11
1.76
19.2
10-11
1.01
11-4
1.12
11-8
1.24
12-0
1.36
12 5
1.48
129
1.60
24.0
9 9
091
10-1
1.01
10-5
1.11
109
1.21
11-1
1.32
11-5
1.43
12.0
182
1.28
18-10
1.42
19-6
1.57
20-1
1.72
208
1.87
21-3
2.03
13.7
17-0
1.20
17-8
1.33
182
1.47
189
1.61
19 4
1.75
19-10
1.90
2x8 16.0
15-9
1.11
16-4
1.23
16-10
1.36
17-4
1.49
17-11
1.62
18-4
1.76
19.2
145
1.01
14-11
1.12
15-5
1.24
15-10
1.36
164
1.48
16-9
1.60
240
.12-10
0.91
13-4
1.01
13-9
1.11
14-2
1.21
147
1.32
15 0
1.43
120
23-3
1.28
24-1
1.42
24- 10
1.57
25-7
1.72
26-4
1.87
27 1
2.03
13.7
21-9
1.20
22-5
1.33
23-3
1.47
23-11
1.61
248
1.75
25-4
1.90
2x10 16 0
20-1
1.22
20-10
1.35
21 6
1.49
222
1.63
22 10
1.78
235
1.93
19.2
13-4
1.01
190
1 12
198
1.24
20-3
1.36
20-10
1.48
21 5
1.60
240
16 5
0.91
170
1.01
17-7
1.11
18 1
1.21
137
1.32
192
1.43
9/1/80
615
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2107.0 ROOF COVERINGS
2107.1 General: Conformity with applicable material, test,
construction and design standards specified in the reference
standards of this article shall be acceptable as providing com-
pliance with the requirements of this article.
2107.1.1 Coverings: Roofs shall be covered with Class A, B,
or C roof covering.
Exception: The roof coverings set forth in Sections 2107.3,
2107.8, 2107.9 and 2107.10 may be used provided the build-
ing is located in areas designated by law as permitting their
use and not less than ten (10) feet are provided between
buildings .
2107.1.2 Class A materials: The roofing materials set forth in
Sections 2107.4, 2107.5, 2107.6 and 2107.7 and concrete slabs
may be accepted as Class A roof covering.
2107.1.3 Other roof systems: Material used as part of an
integral roof solar collector system shall be acceptable so long
as it is properly flashed and caulked with silicone or similar
sealant to be waterproofed and provided it is used in combina-
tion with a metal absorber plate beneath the surface. (See
2107.11.)
2107.2 Base sheet application: Base sheets shall be applied
only to solid surface roofs and shall be cemented to a suitable
deck using not less than twenty-five (25) pounds of hot asphalt
or not less than two (2) gallons of cold bituminous compound in
accordance with the manufacturer's published specifications or
thirty (30) pounds of hot coal tar pitch per roofing square, or
nailed to a roof sheathing using not less than one (1) nail to
each one and one-third (1-1/3) square feet, or may be spot-
cemented to a non-nailable deck using not less than ten (10)
pounds of hot asphalt per roofing square.
2107.2.1 Cementing: Successive layers shall be cemented to the
base sheets using no less cementing material than that specified
for solidly cemented base sheets.
2107.3 Composition asphalt organic felt shingles
2107.3.1 General: Composition shingles shall be applied only to
solidly sheathed roofs.
2107.3.2 Slope criteria: Composition shingles shall not be
installed on a roof having a slope of less than four (4) in
twelve (12) unless approved by the building official.
9/1/80 616
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2107.3.3 Other requirements: Composition shingles shall be
fastened according to manufacturer's printed instructions.
2107.3.4 Flashing: Roof valley flashing shall be provided of
not less than No. 28 galvanized sheet gauge corrosion-resistant
metal and shall extend at least eight (8) inches from the center
line each way, and shall have a splash diverter rib not less
than three-quarter (3/4) inch high at the flow line formed as
part of the flashing. Sections of flashing shall have an end lap
of not less than four (4) inches.
2107.3.5 Other material: Roof valley flashing may be of laced
composition shingles, applied in an approved manner, with an
underlay of not less than thirty (30) pound felt extending ten
(10) inches from the center line each way, or shall be of two
(2) layers of ninety (90) pound mineral surfaced cap sheet
cemented together with the bottom layer not less than twelve
(12) inches wide laid face down, and the top layer not less
than twenty-four (24) inches wide laid face up.
2107.4 Slate shingles
2107.4.1 General: Slate shingles shall be applied in an ap-
proved manner and securely fastened with corrosion-resistant
nails or corrosion-resistant nails and wire.
2107.4.2 Underlay: Slate shingle roofs shall have an underlay
of not less than two (2) layers of fifteen (15) pound felt or one
(1) layer of thirty (30) pound felt, applied as required for a
base sheet.
2107.4.3 Installation: Roof valley flashing shall be provided of
not less than No. 28 gauge galvanized sheet corrosion-resistant
metal and shall extend at least eleven (11) inches from the
center line each way and shall have a splash diverter rib not
less than one (1) inch high at the flow line formed as part of
the flashing. Sections of flashing shall have an end lap of not
less than four (4) inches.
2107.5 Asbestos cement shingles
2107.5.1 General: Asbestos-cement roofing shall be applied in
an approved manner. Asbestos-cement roofing shall have an
underlay of not less than fifteen (15) pound felt, applied as
required for a base sheet. The underlay may be omitted where
the asbestos-cement shingles or sheets are applied over an
existing roof covering.
2107.5.2 Slope criteria: Asbestos-cement roofing shall not be
installed on a roof having a slope of less than three (3) in
twelve (12) unless approved by the building official.
9/1/80 617
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2107.5.3 Thickness: Corrugated asbestos -cement roofing not
less than five-sixteenths (5/16) inch thick may be used wher-
ever No. 24 galvanized sheet gauge corrugated steel is permitted.
2107.5.4 Installation: Roof valley flashing shall be the same as
reguired for slate shingles. See Section 2107.3.3.
2107.6 Metal
2107.6.1 General: Flat sheets or shingles shall be applied only
to solidly sheathed roofs.
2107.6.2 Metal roofing shall be applied in an approved manner,
consistent with manufacturer's recommendations.
2107.6.3 Sloping criteria: Metal shingles shall not be installed
on a roof having a slope of less than three (3) in twelve (12)
unless approved by the building official.
2107.6.4 Installation: Metal shingles shall be applied over an
underlay of not less than thirty (30) pound felt, applied as
required for a base sheet.
2107.7 Tile, clay or concrete shingles
2107.7.1 General: All roof tile shall be securely fastened with
corrosion-resistant nails or nails and wire, or other approved
means .
2107.7.2 Slope criteria: Tile shall be installed on a roof having
a slope of less than three (3) in twelve (12) unless approved
by the building official.
2107.7.3 Anchor lugs: Tile with projection anchor lugs at the
bottom of the tile shall be held in position by means of one (1)
inch by two (2) inch wood stripping, treated to resist moisture
deterioration, nailed to the roof sheathing over the underlay,
or other approved means.
2107.7.4 Underlay: Tile roofs shall have an underlay of not
less than two (2) layers of fifteen (15) pound felt or one (1)
layer of thirty (30) pound felt, applied as required for a base
sheet.
2107.7.5 Valley flashing: Valley flashing shall be the same as
required for slate shingles.
2107.8 Built-up roofing
2107.8.1 General: Mineral aggregate surfaced built-up roofing
shall consist of three (3) layers of fifteen (15) pound fiber felt
installed in accordance with this section on roofs having slopes
not greater than three (3) in twelve (12).
9/1/80 618
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2107.8.2 Roof surface: Built-up roofing shall be applied only
to solid surface roofs.
2107.8.3 Base sheets: Base sheets shall be cemented to a suit-
able deck using not less than twenty-five (25) pounds of hot
asphalt or not less than two (2) gallons of cold bituminous com-
pound in accordance with manufacturer's published specifica-
tions or thirty (30) pounds of hot coal tar pitch per roofing
square, or nailed to roof sheathing using not less than one (1)
nail to each one and one-third (1-1/3) square feet, or may be
spot-cemented to a non-nailable deck using not less than ten
(10) pounds of hot asphalt per roofing square.
2107 .8.4 Successive layering : Successive layers shall be cemented
to the base sheets using no less cementing material than that
specified for solidly cemented base sheets.
2107.8.5 Aggregate surfaced roofs: Mineral aggregate surfaced
roofs shall be surfaced with not less than fifty (50) pounds of
hot asphalt or other cementing material in which is embedded
not less than three hundred (300) pounds of gravel or other
approved surfacing materials or two hundred fifty (250) pounds
of crushed slag per roofing square.
2107.8.6 Cap sheets: Cap sheets shall be cemented to the base
sheets using no less cementing material than that specified for
solidly cemented base sheets.
2107.8.7 Application temperatures: Hot asphalt shall be applied
at a temperature of not less than 375° F. nor more than 450° F.
for high melt types. Low melt types shall not be applied at a
temperature of less than 350° F. nor more than 400° F. Coal
tar pitch shall not be heated to a temperature above 375° F.
2107.9 Wood shingles
2107.9.1 General: Wood shingles may be applied to roofs with
solid or spaced sheathing. The spaced sheathing shall be
spaced not to exceed four (4) inches clear nor more than the
width of the sheathing board. Spaced sheathing shall be not
less than one (1) inch by three (3) inches nominal dimensions.
2107.9.2 Application: Shingles shall be laid with a side lap of
not less than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches between joints in
adjacent courses, and one-half (1/2) inch in alternate courses.
Spaces between shingles shall be not less than one-quarter
(1/4) inch nor more than three-eighths (3/8) inch. Each wood
shingle shall be fastened to the sheathing with two (2) nails
only.
9/1/80 619
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2107.9.3 Slope criteria: Shingles shall not be installed on a
roof having a slope less than four (4) in twelve (12) unless
they are installed over an underlay of not less than fifteen (15)
pound felt, applied as required for a base sheet.
2107.9.4 Valley flashing: Roof valley flashing shall be provided
of not less than No. 28 gauge galvanized sheet corrosion-resistant
metal and shall extend eight (8) inches from the center line
each way. Sections of flashing shall have an end lap of not
less than four (4) inches.
2107.9.5 Weathering: Weather exposures shall not exceed those
set forth in Reference Standard RS-21-9. Hip and ridge
weather exposures shall not exceed those permitted for the field
of the roof.
2107.10 Wood shakes
2107.10.1 General: Wood shakes may be applied to roofs with
solid or spaced sheathing. The spaced sheathing shall be
spaced not to exceed four (4) inches clear nor more than the
width of the sheathing board. Spaced sheathing shall be not
less than one (1) inch by four (4) inches nominal size. In
snow areas, sheathing shall be solid and the shakes shall be
applied over an underlay of not less than fifteen (15) pound
felt, applied as required for a base sheet.
2107.10.2 Spacing: Shakes may be laid in straight or stag-
gered courses with a side lap of not less than one and one-half
(1-1/2) inches between joints in adjacent courses. Spacing
between shakes shall be not more than one-half (1/2) inch.
2107.10.3 Fastening: Each wood shake shall be fastened to
the sheathing with two (2) nails. The starter course at the
eaves shall be doubled and the bottom layer shall be either
fifteen (15) or eighteen (18) inch wood shakes or wood shingles.
Fifteen (15) inch or eighteen (18) inch shakes may be used for
the final course at the ridge.
2107.10.4 Underlay: Shakes shall be laid with not less than
eighteen (18) inch wide strips of not less than fifteen (15)
pound felt shingled between each course in such manner that no
felt is exposed to the weather below the shake butts.
2107.10.5 Slope criteria: Shakes shall not be installed on a
roof having a slope less than four (4) in twelve (12) unless
they are installed over an underlay of not less than thirty (30)
pound felt, applied as required for a base sheet.
9/1/80 620
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2107.10.6 Valley flashing: Roof valley flashing shall be pro-
vided of not less than No. 28 gauge galvanized sheet corrosion-
resistant metal and shall extend at least eleven (11) inches from
the center line each way and shall have a splash diverter rib
not less than one (1) inch high at the flow line formed as part
of the flashing. Sections of flashing shall have an end lap of
not less than four (4) inches.
2107.10.7 Weathering: Weather exposures shall not exceed
those set forth in Reference Standard RS-21-9. Hip and ridge
weather exposures shall not exceed those permitted for the field
of the roof.
2107.11 Solar collectors: All solar collectors attached to but
mounted above a finished roof shall be firmly anchored to the
roof structure or solid blocking connecting structural elements
and all the roof penetrations sealed to prevent water leakage.
All solar collectors integral with the roof shall be designed for
roof loads specified in Section 710.0, sealed to prevent water
leakage and have an approved cover plate. Refer to allowable
spans for roof rafters supporting solar collectors as contained
in table 2107-11.
9/1/80 621
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2107-11
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR ROOF RAFTERS SUPPORTING SOLAR COLLECTORS
HOW TO USE TABLES
1. Check to determine that none of the maximum conditions listed below are exceeded.
a. maximum pitch of collector — 20:12 (60°) (See Notes)
b. maximum collector weight — 7 lbs. per sq. ft.
c. maximum length of collector — 9 ft.
2. Determine whether Condition A or Condition B applies.
3. Inspect roof rafters and determine their size, spacing and type of wood. (Most
are hemfir or better.)
4. Determine whether light roof construction (LRC-asphalt, wood shingles, etc.) or
heavy roof construction (HRC — slate, tile shingles, etc.) applies.
5. Read allowable span from tables. Rafter spans are measured. along the horizon-
tal projection and loads are considered as- applied on the horizontal projection.
CONDITION A
col^ctir^l 1 ^«..than
CONDITION B
MSKBER
800psl( spruce
or better)
LRC HRC
max. span
1200psl(hemflr
or better)
LRC HRC
max. span
800psl( spruce or
better)
LRC HRC
max. span
1200psl(hemflr
or better)
LRC HRC
max. span
2x6
12-o.c.
l6"o.c.
24"o.c.
9- 1
7-11
6- 4
8- 8
7- 5
6- 0
11- 3
9- 9
7-n
10- 8
9- 3
7- 5
7- 0
6- 0
4-10
6- 9
5-10
4- 9
8-10
7- 6
6- 0
8- 6
7- 3
5-10
2x8
12-o.c.
l6"o.c.
24"o.c.
12- 2
10- 6
8- 6
11- 7
10- 0
8- 1
15- l
13- 0
10- 6
14- If
12- 4
10- 0
9- 7
8- 2
6- 5
9- 3
7-U
6- 3
12- 0
io- 3
8- 2
11- 7
9-H
7-11
2 x 10
12-o.c.
16"0.C.
24"o.c.
15- 9
13- 6
10-11
12-10
10- 5
19- 6,
16- 9
13- 6
18- 5
15- 10
12-10
12- 7
10- 9
8- 6
12- 1
10- 4
8- 3
15- 9
13- 5
10- 8
15- 2
12-11
10- 4
2 x 12
12-o.c.
l6"o.c
24"o.c.
19- fc
16- 8
13- 5
18- 4
15- 9
12- 9
23-H
20- 6
16- 7
22- 7
19- 5
15- S>
15- 8
13- 4
10- 8
15- 0
12-10
10- 3
19- 7
16- 9
13- 4
18-10
16- 1
12-10
NOTES: Provide solid blocking between each panel connection to roof,
through bolt panel connection to rafters or blocking.
Lag bolt or
For situations exceeding any maximum condition listed above or not shown in
Condition A or B, the structure shall be approved by a licensed professional
engineer or registered architect.
DESIGN CRITERIA Strength: 10 lbs. per sq. ft. (light roof conscruction-LRC) or
15 lbs. per sq. ft. (heavy roof construction-HRC) as noted* plus 30 lbs. per sq. ft.
live load plus load of drifting snow plus loads of solar collectors determine fiber
stress. Deflection: For 30 lbs. per sq. ft. live load, limited to span in inches
divided by 180.
9/1/80
622
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2108.0 CHIMNEYS, FIREPLACES
AND CONNECTOR PIPES
2108.1 Types of chimneys
2108.1.1 Factory-built chimneys: Factory-built chimneys are
factory-made chimneys tested to U.L. 103 and shall be installed
in strict accordance with the terms of their approval and listing
and the manufacturer's instructions.
2108.1.2 Masonry chimneys: Masonry chimneys shall be field
constructed to meet the requirements of Sections 2108.2 and
2108.3.
2108.2 Masonry chimneys, general requirements
2108.2.1 Foundations: Masonry chimneys shall be supported on
properly designed foundations of masonry or reinforced concrete
or on noncombustible material having a fireresistance rating of
not less than three (3) hours, provided such supports are in-
dependent of the building construction, and the load is trans-
ferred to the ground.
2108.2.2 Structural design: Chimneys shall be designed, an-
chored, supported and reinforced as required in this article.
Chimneys shall not support any structural load other than their
own weight unless designed to act as supporting members.
Chimneys in wood-frame buildings shall be anchored laterally at
the ceiling lines and at each floor line which is more than six
(6) feet above grade, except when entirely within the framework
of the building.
2108.2.3 Area: Chimney passageways shall not be smaller in
area than the vent connection on the appliance attached thereto,
nor less than as set forth in Table 2108-2 unless alternate
approved engineering methods have been used to design the
system.
9/1/80 623
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2108-2
MINIMUM PASSAGE AREAS FOR MASONRY CHIMNEYS
Type of
Masonry
Chimney
Minimum cross-sectional area
Round
Square or
rectangle
Residential
appliances
50 sq. in.
50 sq. in.
Fireplace
1/12 of
opening
Minimum
50 sq. in.
1/10 of
opening
Minimum
64 sq. in.
Solid fuel burn-
ing appliances
50 sq. in.
57 sq. in.
Note 1. Areas for chimneys shall be determined using
accepted engineering methods and as approved by the depart-
ment.
Note 2. Where fireplaces open on more than one side,
the fireplace opening shall be measured along the greatest
dimension.
2108.2.4 Corbeling: Masonry chimneys shall not be corbeled
from a wall more than six (6) inches nor shall a masonry chimney
be corbeled from a wall which is less than twelve (12) inches in
thickness, unless it projects equally on each side of the wall.
In the second story of a two-story building corbeling of masonry
chimneys on the exterior of the enclosing walls may equal the
exterior wall thickness. In any case, the corbeling shall not
exceed one (1) inch projection for each course of brick.
2108.2.5 Change in size or shape: Changes in the size or
shape of a masonry chimney, where the chimney passes through
the roof, shall not be permitted within a distance of six (6)
inches above or below the roof joists or rafters.
2108.2.6 Inlets: Every connector inlet to any masonry chimney
shall enter the side thereof and shall be of metal not less than
No. 24 Manufacturer's Standard Gauge (0.024 inch) or five-
eighths (5/8) inch thick refractory material (see Section 2108.6
9/1/80
624
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
for chimney connectors).
2108.2.7 Cleanouts: Every chimney flue shall be provided with
an approved cleanout having a tight-fitting cover. Such clean-
outs shall be installed at least twelve (12) inches below the
lowest chimney inlet opening.
2108.2.8 Firestopping : All spaces between chimneys and floors
and ceilings through which chimneys may pass shall be fire-
stopped with noncombustible material. The firestopping of
spaces between chimneys and wood joists, beams or headers
shall be to a depth of one (1) inch only placed on strips of
metal or metal lath laid across the spaces between combustible
material and the chimney.
2108.2.9 Smoke test: Masonry chimneys shall be proved tight
by a smoke test after erection and before being put into use.
2108.3 Masonry chimneys
2108.3.1 Construction: Masonry chimneys shall be constructed
of solid masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less
than four (4) inches thick or rubble stone masonry not less
than twelve (12) inches thick. Masonry shall be constructed
with full bed and head mortar joints (see Figure 2108.3).
2108.3.2 Lining: Masonry chimneys shall be lined with fire-clay
flue lining (ASTM C315), or the equivalent, not less than
five-eighths (5/8) of an inch thick, or with liner of other
approved material that will resist corrosion, softening or crack-
ing from flue gases at temperatures up to seventeen hundred
(1700) degrees F.
2108.3.2.1 Liner installation: Fire-clay flue liner shall be in-
stalled ahead of the construction of the chimney as it is carried
up and carefully bedded one on the other in refractory mortar
(ASTM C105, medium duty), or the equivalent, with close fit-
ting joints left smooth on the inside.
2108.3.2.2 Clearances: Liners shall be separate from the
chimney wall by one inch clearance and the space between the
liner and masonry shall not be filled; only enough mortar shall
be used to make a good joint and hold the liners in position.
2108.3.2.3 Starting point: Flue liners shall start from a point
not less than eight (8) inches below the lowest vent connector
entrance. The lining shall extend, as nearly vertical as possi-
ble, for the entire height of the chimney.
9/1/80 625
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2108.3.2.4 Adjoining flues: Where two (2) adjoining flues in
the same chimney are separated only by flue liners, the joints
of the adjacent flue liners shall be staggered at least seven (7)
inches.
2108.3.2.5 Flue partitions: Where more than two (2) flues are
located in the same chimney, masonry wythes (partitions) at
least four (4) inches wide and bonded into the masonry walls of
the chimney shall be built at such points between adjacent flue
linings that there are not more than two (2) flues in any group
of adjoining flues without such wythe separation.
2108.3.2.6 Termination (height): Masonry chimneys shall ex-
tend at least three (3) feet above the highest point where they
pass through the roof of a building and at least two (2) feet
higher than any portion of a building within ten (10) feet.
2108.3.2.7 Multiple flue connections: A solid fuel burning
heating appliance may be vented into a common flue of a
masonry chimney with a liquid fuel burning device provided
that:
1. the flue does not also vent a working fireplace;
2. the solid fuel burning appliance's connector, if separate,
shall enter at a minimum of six (6) inches below the
liquid fueled appliance's connector pipe;
3. all appliances shall be approved by the appropriate state
agencies; and
4. the flue shall be of sufficient size to serve all the units
connected to it if operated simultaneously (see Table
2108.3.2.7).
2108.3.3 Clearance from combustible material
2108.3.3.1 General: All wood beams, joists and studs shall be
trimmed away from chimneys. Headers, beams, joists and studs
shall not be less than two (2) inches from the outside face of a
chimney or from masonry enclosing a flue. Ends of wood girders
may be supported on a corbeled shelf of a masonry chimney,
provided there is not less than eight (8) inches of solid masonry
between the ends and the flue liner.
2108.3.3.2 Other material: Combustible lathing, furring or
plaster grounds shall not be placed against a chimney at any
point more than one and one-half (1-1/2) inches from the corner
of the chimney, but this shall not prevent plastering directly
on the masonry or on metal lath and metal furring, nor shall it
9/1/80 626
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
prevent placing chimneys for low-heat appliances entirely on the
exterior of a building against the sheathing.
Table 2108.3.2.7
CAPACITY OF A MASONRY CHIMNEY SERVING TWO APPLIANCES
Toxal Vent Height
(feet) of Not Less
Than
Combined Appliance Input Rating of Not Greater Than
(Thousands- of ' Btu's per Hour)
8
81
118
162
277
405
10
89
129
175
300
450
15
105
150
210
360
540
2Q
120
170
240
415
640
30
135
195
275
490
740
50
-
-
325
600
910
Liner Dimensions with Equivalents
nominal liner
size (in.)
(so. /rect. )
4x8
4x8
8x8
8x12
12x16
inside dimension
of liner (in.)
215x6%
2^6%
6 3/4 x
6 3/4
6%xl0J5
9%xl3!j
inside diameter
(in.) (circular)
6
7
8
10
12
equivalent area
(square in.)
28.3
3-8.5
50. .3
78.5
113.0
9/1/80
627
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 2108-3
FIREPLACE CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
^^yflffiI3«Z30IWT> AOE TUQAU-tUTO
*>t TAIL.-- ~
^UFHTHUJ T"T» TIOtMtt
KiTnaAi__UMO)Sr-iOS£C GT33UMO
t?.l»vr^TTDP PP-HtAgTH
N0T5V
O^HEQ£_FWTES_>Kt CUT AHOtOr? "O. CHI"*EY »Y ?*S XT*5TKL VTT3APS WX6P 0-iTO e»iMMEy
DO JTTaCMED TO PLATED BY Q^b"x i" LAG ^craEWS^ ■2'^"KXT& CX3 G.-l<od M*IL5."
T.^MEr^- »mpejj awe u9£t? Twer ■shall »*ST ©t les-^ ~n*A* uo-r2 G*. metal auo w»w >uuy
CPEN_:nt JOaUPSQ OP?WIM<5 5WU. &E NOT LSS*> THAW 90'/o OF T*S 2ECX11QZP ?LUE A17EA
"NOTE- TrT -prsEPLACi a^ptt A>at7 cea^out e»*c**j is cpti^al.
9/1/80
628
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2108.4 Factory-built chimneys, general requirements
2108.4.1 Prohibited installation
2108.4.1.1 Single wall: Single wall metal chimneys shall not be
used in one- and two-family dwellings; connector pipe may be
single wall (refer to 2108.5).
2108.4.2 Clearances: Factory-built exterior and interior chim-
neys shall have a clearance of not less than two (2") inches
from combustible construction, or shall be installed to manu-
facturers' recommended clearances, whichever are more
stringent. Factory-built chimneys shall be tested to U.L. Std.
103.
2108.4.3 Support: Metal chimneys shall be supported on prop-
erly designed supports of noncombustible material.
2108.4.4 Cleanouts: Cleanout openings shall be provided at the
base of every metal chimney.
2108.5 Termination (height)
2108.5.1 General: All chimneys shall extend at least three (3)
feet above the highest point where they pass through the roof
of a building and at least two (2) feet higher than any portion
of a building within ten (10) feet.
2108.5.2 Outlet: The outlet of a metal chimney equipped with
an exhauster may terminate at a location not less than three (3)
feet from an adjacent building or building opening and at least
ten (10) feet above grade or walkways. In any case, the outlet
shall be so arranged that the flue gases are not directed so as
to jeopardize people, overheat combustible structures or enter
building openings in the vicinity of the outlet.
2108.5.3 Ventilation thimble: Where a non-insulated metal
chimney connector passes through a roof constructed of com-
bustible material, it shall be guarded by a ventilating thimble of
galvanized iron or approved corrosion-resistant metal, extending
not less than nine (9) inches below and nine (9) inches above
the roof construction, and of a size to provide not less than six
(6) inches clearance on all sides of the chimney, or the com-
bustible material in the roof construction shall be cut away so
as to provide not less than eighteen (18) inches clearance on all
sides of the chimney with the opening closed up with non-
combustible material.
9/1/80 629
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2108.6 Chimney connector pipe
2108.6.1 Materials: Single wall chimney connector pipe shall be
constructed of not less than the following gauge galvanized
metal specified in Table 2108-6.
Table 2108-6
MINIMUM CHIMNEY CONNECTOR GAUGES
Diameter of connector
Inch thickness
Birmingham or
Stubs Gauge
Less than 6"
0.022 in.
24
6" to less than 10"
0.028 in.
22
10" to 12"
0.034 in.
20
13" to 16"
0.040 in.
18
greater than 16"
0.064 in.
16
Note: The corrosive resistance shall be equivalent to or
better than galvanized metal.
2108.6.2 Single wall metal pipe:
1. shall be used only for runs directly from the space in
which the appliance is located through the roof or exte-
rior wall to the outer air. A pipe passing through a roof
shall extend without interruption through roof flashing,
roof jack or roof thimble.
2. shall not originate in any unoccupied attic or concealed
space, and shall not pass through any attic, inside wall,
concealed space, or through any floor.
2108.6.3 Size: The size of the chimney connector shall be not
less than the size of the smoke outlet from the appliance.
2108.6.4 Fastening: Connector sections shall be securely fas-
tened together and into the chimney but in a way that they can
be readily dissassembled for cleaning.
2108.6.5 Clearances: Single wall chimney connectors shall be
installed with the clearances to combustible materials specified
in Table 2108.6.2. Reduced clearances shall be used with
double wall or insulated connector pipe.
2108.6.6 Slope: Horizontal runs of chimney connectors shall
have a continuous rise toward the chimney of not less than one
quarter (1/4) inch per foot.
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2108.6.7 Offsets:
two (2) offsets.
Chimney connectors shall have not more than
2108.6.8 Combustible walls: Chimney connectors may pass
through combustible walls and partitions when protected by
approved thimbles or by providing the required clearances.
2108.7 Fireplaces
2108.7.1 General: Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers and
fireplace chimneys shall be of solid masonry or reinforced con-
crete or other approved materials, and shall conform to require-
ments of this section.
2108.7.2 Construction: Structural walls of fireplaces shall be at
least eight (8) inches thick. Where a lining of low duty refrac-
tory brick (ASTM C64) or the equivalent, at least two (2) inches
thick laid in fire clay mortar (ASTM C105, medium duty), or
the equivalent, or other approved lining is provided, the total
thickness of back and sides, including the lining, shall be not
less than eight (8) inches. Where such lining is not provided,
the thickness of back and sides shall be not less than twelve
(12) inches. The firebox shall be twenty (20) inches in depth
and will be permitted to be open on all sides, provided all
fireplace openings are located entirely within one (1) room.
Table 2108.6.2
CHIMNEY CONNECTOR PIPE CLEARANCES
DIAMETER
Inches
CLEARANCE
Inches
REDUCED
Clearance
0-12
18
9
12-36
20
10
36+
36
18
2108.7.3 Lining: The lining shall extend from the throat of the
fireplace to a point at least four (4) inches above the top of
the enclosing masonry walls.
9/1/80
631
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2108.7.4 Clearance
2108.7.4.1 Distance: The distance between fireplace and com-
bustibles shall be at least four (4) inches, and such combus-
tibles shall not be placed within six (6) inches of the fireplace
opening. Wood facings or trim normally placed around the fire-
place opening may be permitted when conforming to the require-
ments of this section; however, such facing or trim shall be
furred out from the fireplace wall at least four (4) inches and
attached to noncombustible furring strips. The edges of such
facings or trim shall be covered with a noncombustible material.
Where the walls of the fireplace are twelve (12) inches thick,
the facings or trim may be directly attached to the fireplace.
2108.7.4.2 Metal hoods: Metal hoods used as part of a fire-
place or barbecue shall be at least eighteen (18) inches from
combustible material unless approved for reduced clearances.
2108.7.4.3 Metal: Metal hoods used as a part of a fireplace or
barbecue shall be at least No. 18 B&S (0.0403 inch) Gauge
sheet copper. No. 18 Galvanized Steel Gauge (0.052 in.) gal-
vanized steel or other equivalent corrosion-resistant ferrous
metal with all seams and connections of smokeproof unsoldered
construction. The hoods shall be sloped at an angle of forty-
five (45) degrees or less from the vertical and shall extend
horizontally at least six (6) inches beyond the limits of the
firebox.
2108.7.4.4 Metal heat circulators: Approved metal heat circu-
lators may be installed in fireplaces, provided the thickness of
the fireplace walls is not reduced.
2108.7.4.5 Smoke chamber: All walls, including back walls,
shall be at least eight (8) inches in thickness.
2108.7.5 Areas of flues, throats and dampers: The net cross-
sectional area of the flue and of the throat between the firebox
and the smoke chamber of a fireplace shall be at least that re-
quired in Table 2108.2. When dampers are used, damper open-
ings shall be at least, when fully opened, equal to the required
flue area and shall be of No. 12 Galvanized Steel Gauge
(0.018 in.) metal.
2108.7.6 Lintel: Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be
supported by a noncombustible lintel.
2108.7.7 Hearth: Every fireplace shall be constructed with a
hearth of brick, stone, tile or other noncombustible material.
For fireplaces with an opening of less than six (6) square feet,
the hearth shall extend not less than sixteen (16) inches in
9/1/80 632
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
front and not less than eight (8) inches on each side of the
fireplace opening. For fireplaces with an opening of six (6)
square feet or more, the hearth shall extend not less than
twenty (20) inches in front and not less than twelve (12)
inches on each side of the fireplace opening. Such hearths
shall be properly supported or reinforced to carry their own
weight and all imposed loads. Combustible forms and centers
used during the construction of hearth and hearth extension
shall be removed after the construction is complete.
2108.7.8 Firestopping: Firestopping between chimneys and
wooden construction shall meet the requirements specified in
Section 2108.2.8.
2108.7.9 Support: Fireplaces shall be supported on foundations
designed in conformity with Section 2108.2.1.
2108.7.10 Screens: Screens or other acceptable protection
devices shall be provided for all fireplace openings.
2108.7.11 Imitation fireplaces: Imitation fireplaces shall not
be used for the burning of gas, solid or liquid fuel.
2108.7.12 Factory-built fireplaces: A product which is defined
as a fire chamber, its chimney, and related parts consisting en-
tirely of factory-made parts designed for unit assembly without
requiring field construction and enclosed in a wall, shall be
tested by an approved testing agency to Underwriters Labora-
tories (U.L.) Standard U.L. 127 and installed in accordance
with manufacturer's recommendations not in conflict with the
basic code.
2108.7.12.1 Hearth extensions: Hearth extensions shall comply
with the dimensions of Section 2108.7.7 but may be placed on
combustible subflooring or finish flooring and shall be readily
distinguished from the surrounding floor.
2108.7.12.2 Air duct construction: An air duct system portion
of a circulating warm air type fireplace, is intended for installa-
tion in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association
Standard (NFiPA No. 90B).
2108.7.12.3 Fixed blowers: Fixed blowers and other electrical
accessories for factory-built fireplaces shall conform to the Mas-
sachusetts State Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12.00.
2108.7.13 Steel fireplace liners: Steel fireplace units incor-
porating a firebox liner of not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch
steel in thickness and an air chamber may be installed with
masonry to provide a total thickness at the back and sides of
9/1/80 633
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
not less than eight (8) inches, of which not less than four (4)
inches shall be of solid masonry. Warm air ducts employed with
steel fireplace units of the circulating air type shall be con-
structed of metal or masonry. A noncombustible , fire chamber
bottom, should be provided if not included with the liner.
SECTION 2109.0 SOLID FUEL BURNING HEATING APPLIANCES
2109.1 General: Solid fuel burning heating appliances shall
be tested and labeled in accordance with this code, the appli-
cable standards listed in RS-21-14 and the applicable Rules and
Regulations listed in Appendix Q. These units are for attach-
ment to a residential type chimney (see Section 2108.0).
2109 . 2 Definitions :
1. Central heating appliance: A solid or solid/liquid fueled
boiler or warm air furnace tested to the applicable stand-
ards listed in Appendix B and contained in the applicable
Rules and Regulations listed in Appendix Q.
2. Circulating: A solid fuel burning heating appliance in
which the fire chamber is surrounded by a jacket so that
air flows past the fire chamber by convection or by
forced circulation, or a radiant stove with a heat shield.
3. Fireplace insert: A piece of heating equipment inserted
entirely and sealed into a completed masonry fire place
fire chamber to adapt the fireplace for circulating warm
air use and designed solely for that purpose.
Notes :
a. Door assemblies, grills, duct work or mechanical
blowers need not be entirely confined to the fire
chamber so long as they do not serve as direct
sources of radiant heat.
b. There are no test standards or labeling requirements
for this type of fireplace insert.
c. A building permit is required for the installation of
this type of fireplace insert.
4. Radiant: A solid fuel burning heating appliance in which
the exterior wall of the fire chamber directly radiates the
heat to the room.
5. Room heater: A freestanding fire chamber assembly of
the circulating or direct radiation type tested to UL 1482
and/or ANSI/UL 737 as applicable. A room heater shall
not be connected to duct work or other heat distribution
equipment which would make it function as a central
heating appliance.
9/1/80
634
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2109.3 Hearth: For a solid fuel low heat appliance the floor
shall be of masonry or other noncombustible construction with
not less than one (1) hour fireresistance and shall extend
twelve (12) inches beyond the appliance on all sides and at
least eighteen (18) inches on the fuel and ash access side.
2109.4 Appliance clearance: Clearance shall be provided from
combustible construction adjacent to heating appliances and
equipment not less than thirty-six (36) inches at the top,
twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) inches at the sides and rear, and
twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) inches at the front (clear-
ance dependent on whether appliance is circulating or radiant
type). The clearance from material may be decreased when
exposed construction is protected with noncombustible materials
to afford the fire protection resistance (see Tables 2109-4 and
2110-2) or may be reduced to manufacturer's tested clearances.
2109.5 Combustion air source: Combustion air may be obtained
from interior spaces when volume in cubic feet is equal to
one-twentieth (1/20) of the output Btu rating of all solid fuel
burning heating appliances in the space.
2109.6 Solid fuel burning room heater installed in fireplaces:
If a solid fuel burning room heater is set in front of a fireplace
to use the existing chimney, the stove pipe must be connected
either into the open damper through a snug fitting noncombus-
tible seal or through a noncombustible fireplace opening closure
which seals off the fireplace. Both methods of installation must
have access for cleanout.
2109.7 Used solid fuel burning room heaters: Used solid fuel
burning room heaters which are not labeled after July 1, 1979
must be inspected and approved prior to installation by the
local building official or fire official and installed in accordance
with the provisions of this code.
2109.8 Solid fuelburning room heater labeling: Every solid
fuelburning room heater shall bear a permanent and legible
factory-applied label supplied to the manufacturer and con-
trolled by an approved testing laboratory containing the follow-
ing:
1. Manufacturer's name and trademark
2. Model and/or identification number of the appliance
3. Type of fuel(s) approved
4. Testing laboratory's name or trademark and location
5. Date tested
6. Clearance to combustibles
a. Side
b . Rear
7. Test standard
8. Label serial number
9/1/80 635
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Figure 2109-4
CLEARANCES FOR SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES
STOVE INSTALLATION CLEARANCES
Stove Component J
Combustible
Material
a" Asbestos Millboard
Spaced Out 1" 3-
Concrete/Masonry
Foundation Vail
4"Brick Veneer
Radiant Steve 1.
— Front
36"
—
—
Circuiting Stove 1.
— Front
Ik"
—
—
—
A. Radiant Stove *.
— Side/Back
36"
18"
6"
18"
A. Circulating Stove
—Side /Back
12"
6"
6"
6"
B. Single V»rt 2.
Connector Mpe
18"
12"
6"
8"
B.
insulated
Connector Pipe
2"
2"
2"
2"
C. Oilmey Height
(Ketal or Masonry)
Three (3) feet above adjacent roof and
•two (2) feet above any roof rtdqe within 10 feet
0. Oemper
If a d*«<p«r It not Included In the J tove constructl
It Must be Installed In the connector pipe.
on ,
1. Front: Fuel or ash access side.
2. Thlxble required for passage through combustible construction.
3. Hon-co"*ust Iblc spacers required.
*. Clearances on each side of a radiant stove with a heat shield shall be measured as If a circulating type.
9/1/80
636
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2109.9 Central heating appliance installation: Solid or solid/
liquid fueled heating (central heating) appliances installed into
an existing liquid or gas-fueled central heating system shall be
positioned downstream of the existing appliance. Clearances to
combustible materials shall be provided in accordance with the
requirements specified on the label affixed to the central heating
appliance (see Section 2109.3.2.7).
2109.10 Ducts for solid or solid/liquid fueled central heating
appliances.
2109.10.1 Supply ducts: Supply ducts conveying heated
conditioned air shall be fabricated of noncumbustible material.
2109.10.2 Hot air ducts: Hot air ducts shall have a clearance
of not less than twelve (12) inches from combustibles for the
first ten (10) feet of distance from the appliance plenum/bonnet.
21.09.10.3 Ducts: All ducts shall be otherwise constructed,
installed, supported and insulated as required by this code.
2109.11 Central heating appliance labeling: Every solid or
solid/liquid fueled boiler or warm air furnace shall bear a
permanent and legible factory applied label, supplied to the
manufacturer and controlled by an approved testing laboratory,
containing the following information:
1. Manufacturer's name or trademark
2. Model/identification name or number of the appliance
3. Types of fuel(s) approved
4. Testing laboratory's name or trademark and location
5. Date tested
6. Clearance to combustibles:
a. side
b. rear
c. top
d. front
7. Test standard(s)
8. Label serial number
9. Type of appliance (boiler or warm air furnace)
9/1/80
637
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
10. Every boiler, pressure vessel, or pressure relief device
must be stamped in accordance with the requirements of
the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. ASME
stamping shall also be required for boilers, pressure
vessels and pressure relief devices produced outside the
United States of America. Where required by the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME stamping may be
affixed directly to the appliance in lieu of on the data
plate .
Note: Additional information as required by the applicable
test standard(s) may be affixed separately.
2109.11.1 Exceptions: Prior to January 1, 1981, the following
exceptions shall apply:
1. ASME stamping shall not be required.
2. Solid or solid/liquid fueled central heating appliances shall
be considered acceptable only if they have been tested
and labeled by a laboratory accredited by the Commission
to test other comfort heating appliances; or any nationally
recognized laboratory.
9/1/80 638
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2110.0 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT GENERAL
2110.1 General: Conformity with the applicable material, test,
construction and design standards specified in the reference
standards of this article shall be acceptable as providing com-
pliance with the requirements of this article.
2110.2 Commonwealth of Massachusetts regulations: All instal-
lation of gas appliances must comply with 248 CMR 3.00 - 8.00
(Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code). The construction, installation
and operation of oil burning equipment is subject to the provi-
sions of 527 CMR 4.00 established in accordance with Chapter
148, Section 10 of the MGLA, as amended. The construction,
installation, testing and inspection of boilers, air tanks, ammonia
compressor valves, and refrigeration and air-conditioning sys-
tems of twenty (20) tons or more capacity are subject to the
Rules and Regulations issued by the Board of Boiler Rules
under authority of Chapter 146 of the MGLA, as amended.
2110.3 Cooperating agencies: Nothing herein contained shall
be deemed to nullify the provisions of other legal statutes or
regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts governing the
operation and maintenance of boilers and other heating appli-
ances and equipment.
2110.4 Labeled heating and cooking appliances: Approved
oil-fired warm air furnaces, floor furnaces, unit heaters, domes-
tic incinerators, cooking and heating stoves and ranges and
other heating equipment, inspected and approved by approved
agencies shall be accepted by the building official when installed
with the clearances provided in Table 2110-1 and in accordance
with their listings.
2110.5 Type of fuel: Each comfort heating appliance shall be
designed for use with the type of fuel to which it will be con-
nected. Appliances shall not be converted from the fuel speci-
fied on the rating plate for use with a different fuel without
securing reapproval from the building official and as recom-
mended by the manufacturer of either the original equipment or
the conversion equipment.
2110.6 Shutoff valve: A readily accessible approved shutoff
valve shall be installed ahead of the union or other connection
in the fuel piping outside and within three (3) feet of the
appliance.
Exception: Shutoff valves may be accessibly located inside
or under an appliance provided the appliance can be removed
without removal of the shutoff valve.
9/1/80 639
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2110.7 Appliance installation: Except as otherwise provided
in this article or the basic code, the installation of comfort
heating appliances shall conform to the conditions of their
listing. The manufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions shall remain attached to the appliance.
2110.8 Appliance access: Comfort heating appliances shall be
accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement with-
out removing permanent construction. Not less than thirty (30)
inches working space and platform shall be provided in front of
the appliance firebox opening of fuel burning appliances except
unit and room heaters which must have a minimum of eighteen
(18) inches.
2110.9 Control devices: Automatic gas-burning comfort heat-
ing appliances shall be equipped with listed devices which will
shut off the gas to the main burner or burners in the event of
pilot failure.
Exception: The listed shutoff devices shall not be required
on range or cooking tops, log lighters, or other open burner
manually operated appliances, or listed appliances not requir-
ing such devices.
2110.9.1 Safety controls: Liquid fuelburning appliances shall
be equipped with primary safety controls which will shut off
flow of fuel to the burners in the event of ignition failure.
2110.9.2 Remote controls: Comfort heating fuelburning appli-
ances whose manual fuel controls are not readily accessible from
the main portion of the building being heated shall be equipped
with remote controls.
2110.9.3 Temperature limit control: Forced-air and gravity-type
warm-air furnaces shall be equipped with a listed air outlet tem-
perature limit control which cannot be set for temperatures
higher than 250° F. The controls shall be located in the bon-
net or plenum, within two (2) feet of the discharge side of the
heating element of gravity furnaces or in accordance with the
conditions of listing.
2110.10 Ranges — vertical clearance above cooking top: Domestic
freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance
above the cooking top of not less than thirty (30) inches to
unprotected combustible material. When the underside of such
combustible material is protected with asbestos millboard at least
one-quarter (1/4) inch thick covered with sheet metal of not
less than No. 28 U.S. gauge or a metal ventilating hood, the
distance shall be not less than twenty-four (24) inches.
9/1/80 640
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2110.11 Ranges- -horizontal clearance to built-in top cooking
units: The minimum horizontal distance from the center of the
burner head(s) of a top (or surface) cooking unit to surround-
ing top or surface shall be not less than that distance specified
by the permanent marking on the unit.
2110.12 Open top broiler units: Listed open top broiler units
and hoods shall be installed in accordance with their listing and
the manufacturer's instructions.
2110.13 Domestic clothes dryers
2110.13.1 General: Where a clothes dryer is connected to a
moisture exhaust duct, it shall be installed in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
1. A clothes dryer moisture exhaust duct shall not be con-
nected into any vent connector, gas vent or chimney.
2. Ducts for exhausting moisture from clothes dryers shall
not be constructed with sheet metal screws or other fas-
tening means which extend into the duct.
3. In no case shall the moisture exhaust terminate beneath
the building or in the attic.
4. Domestic clothes dryers shall be moisture exhausted to
the outside when located in a habitable room or room con-
taining other fuelburning appliances.
2110.14 Fuel-burning appliance labeling: Every fuelburning
comfort heating appliance shall bear a permanent and legible
factory applied nameplate on which shall appear:
1. the manufacturer's name or trademark;
2. the model and serial number;
3. instructions for the lighting, operation and shut-down of
the appliance;
4. the type of fuel approved for use with the appliance; and
5. a seal indicating approval of the appliance by an approved
testing agency, if acceptance is based on such approval.
2110.15 Electrical appliance labeling: Every electric appliance
listed in Table 2110-1 shall bear a permanent and legible factory
applied nameplate on which shall appear:
1. name or trademark of the manufacturer;
2. the catalog (model) number or equivalent;
3. the electrical rating in volts, amperes and phase;
4. individual marking for each electrical component in am-
peres or watts, volts and phase shall appear on the
nameplate of that component.
2110.16 Appliance protection: Boilers, furnaces, hot water
heaters or any other appliances having an open flame or ex-
posed heated surfaces shall not be located in a private garage
unless precautions are taken to protect such equipment from
9/1/80 641
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
impact by automobiles. This equipment shall have the combus-
tion chamber, ash pit, etc., raised a minimum of eighteen (18)
inches above the floor to eliminate a possible source of ignition.
Exception: Sealed combustion system appliances may be in-
stalled at floor level.
9/1/80 642
♦
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2110-1
STANDARD INSTALLATION CLEARANCES FOR HEAT-PRODUCING APPLIANCES
These clearances apply unless otherwise shown on listed appliances.
Appliances shall not be installed in alcoves or closets unless so listed,
For installation on combustible floors see footnote 2.
r
APPLIANCE
CHIMNEY
CONNECTOR
llnchat)
VENT
CON
NECT0R'
(IrcmaJ
p
RESIDENTIAL TYPE APPUANCES ]
For ImaUttion m Roomi m<h An Larot-'
1
i
Aaova
Topol
Catinior
Aaplwnct
llncfcat)
From
Top <nd
Sidttol
Wirm-Air
Bonnat or
Planum
(Ire***)
From
Front4
llndiat)
From 1
lack
(Inchail
From
Smat
(Inch*}
BOILERS ANO WATER HEATERS' FUEL
fA Staam Boilart-15 pj.i
■ Watar Bc-lan-JSOO F
Automatic Oil or
Combination Gat
and Oil
6
1
1
34
6
6
18
-
V Wnir H«M«i-20IF F 1
All Watar Wallad or Jackatad
Automatic Gat
•
-
16
6
6
-
«
Solid
•
46
6
6
18
-
FURNACES-CENTRAL
Gravity, Upflow. Downttow,
Automatic Oil or
Combination Gat
and Oil
• '
6'
34
6
6
IS
-
Warm Aw-2SO° F. maximum
Limit Control
Automatic Gat
e'
6'
16
6
6
-
9
Solid
u*
!••
46
16
16
18
-
Elacrric
• :
6'
16
6
6
-
-
FURNACES-FLOOR
For Mounting in Combufticaa
Fleon
Floor*
Automatic Oil or
Combination Gat
and Oil
36
-
13
12
12
IS
-
Automatic Gat
16
-
17
17
13
-
8
HEAT EXCHANGER. SUPPLIED FROM A REMOTE SOURCE
!iwn-15pjj. nwnimum
Hot •atar-2SOB F. maximum
1 •
I
1
1
1
1
-
ROOM HEATERS ANO ROOM HEATING STOVES BURNING SOLID FUEL
1
Grailaong Typa Vantad or
Unwind
Oil or Solid
36
-
34
13
12
IS
-
Cm
36
-
34
13
13
-
S
^ Radiant or Othor Typa
1 1 Vantad or Unvantad
Oil Of SOW
36
-
36
36
38
IS
-
Gat
36
36
16
18
-
•
Gat with Doubia
Matal or Ctramtc
Back
36
36
12
"
-
9
RADIATORS. SELF-CONTAINED* ,
SM or Hot WM 1 G« I » 1 - • • | « 1 1 '
■ ' ■ ' (-om St»nr
RANGES-COOKING STOVES • S«M &dt
1 -
Oil
30
-
-
•
74
18
IS
-
Gat
30
-
-
6
6
6
-
6
Solid-Clay linad
Firapot
3D
-
-
34
34
18
IS
-
Solid unlinad
Firapot
30
-
-
36
36
18
IS
-
Elactnc
30
-
6
8
-
~
CLOTHES DRYERS . .... ,. ..
1 Gat »
- **
6
8
-
1
LntadTypaa
4
Elacrric 8
— 34
0
0«Hk
-
I
/80
643
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes to Table 2110-1
Note 1. Standard clearances may be reduced in existing con-
struction only by affording protection to combustible material
in accordance with Table 2110-2.
Note 2. An appliance may be mounted on a combustible floor if
the appliance is listed for such installation or if the floor is
protected in an approved manner.
Note 3. Rooms which are large in comparison to the size of
the appliance are those having a volume equal to at least twelve
(12) times the total volume of a furnace and at least sixteen
(16) times the total volume of a boiler. If the actual ceiling
height of a room is greater than eight (8) feet, the volume of a
room shall be figured on the basis of a ceiling height of eight
(8) feet.
Note 4. The minimum dimension shall be that necessary for
servicing the appliance including access for cleaning and normal
care, tube removal, etc.
Note 5. The minimum dimension shall be eighteen (18) inches
for gas appliances not equipped with draft hoods, except clothes
dryers. The dimension may be six (6) inches for listed gas
appliances equipped with draft hoods and for boilers and furnaces
equipped with listed conversion burners and with draft hoods. A
vent connector of listed Type B or L venting material may be
used with listed gas appliances with draft hoods and may be
installed at clearances marked on the material.
Note 6. Steampipes and hot-water heating pipes shall be
installed with a clearance of at least one (1) inch to all
combustible construction or material, except that at the points
where pipes carrying steam or hot water at not over fifteen (15)
pounds gauge pressure emerge from a floor, wall, or ceiling, the
clearance at the opening through the finish floor boards or wall
ceiling boards may be reduced to not less than one-half (1/2)
inch. Each such opening shall be covered with a plate of noncom-
bustible material.
Such pipes passing through stock shelving shall be covered
with not less than one (1) inch of approved insulation.
Wood boxes or casings enclosing uninsulated steam or hot
water heating pipes, or wooden covers to recesses in walls in
which such uninsulated pipes are placed, shall be lined with
metal or asbestos millboard.
Where the temperature of the boiler piping does not exceed
one hundred sixty (160°) degrees F., the provisions of this
table shall not apply.
9/1/80 644
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Coverings or insulation used on steam or hot water pipes
shall be of noncombustible material.
Note 7. For a listed oil, combination gas-oil, gas or electric
furnace, this dimension may be two (2) inches if the furnace
limit control cannot be set higher than two hundred fifty (250°)
degrees F., or this dimension may be one (1) inch if the limit
control cannot be set higher than two hundred (200°) degrees F.
Note 8. The dimension may be six (6) inches for an automati-
cally stoker-fired forced warm-air furnace equipped with two
hundred fifty (250°) degrees F. limit control operated by draft
intensity of .13-inch water gauge.
Note 9. To combustible material or metal cabinets. If the
underside of such combustible material or metal cabinet is pro-
tected with asbestos millboard at least one-quarter (1/4) inch
thick covered with sheet metal of not less than No. 28 gauge,
the distance may be not less than twenty-four (24) inches.
9/1/80 g45
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
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9/1/80
646
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2111.0 COMBUSTION AIR
2111.1 General: All fuelburning equipment shall have a suffi-
cient supply of air for fuel combustion, ventilation draft hood
dilution .
2111.2 Volume required: Additional combustion air shall be
provided for fuelburning appliances if the volume of an appli-
ance room in cubic feet is less than one-twentieth (1/20) of the
maximum input Btu rating of all appliances therein.
Exception: Sealed combustion system appliances, cooking
appliances, refrigerators and clothes dryers.
2111.3 Air supply: Rooms containing fuel-burning appliances
and not having the volume required in Section 2111.2 shall be
provided with two (2) square inches of combustion air opening
for each input of one thousand (1000) Btu rating with a total of
not less than two hundred (200) square inches.
Exception: One (1) square inch for each input rating of one
thousand (1000) Btu's may be permitted provided the compart-
ment floor area is more than twice the floor area of the appli-
ance and the total area is not less than one hundred (100)
square inches.
2111.3.1 Air supply ratio: One-half (1/2) of the required com-
bustion air opening shall extend within the upper twelve (12)
inches of the room and the other one-half (1/2) shall extend
within the lower twelve (12) inches.
Exception: In any room containing gas or liquid burning
appliances which has more than twice the floor area of all
such appliances, the required combustion air supply may be
reduced fifty (50) per cent, but not less than one hundred
(100) square inches and in all rooms larger than fifty (50)
square feet the required combustion air opening may be lo-
cated within the upper twelve (12) inches of the room.
2111.4 Outside combustion air: If required, outside combus-
tion air shall be supplied through openings or ducts of the re-
quired cross-sectional area extending to the appliance room.
The same duct shall not serve both the upper and lower com-
bustion air supply openings. The duct serving the upper air
opening must be level or extended upward from appliance room.
2111.5 Attic combustion air: Combustion air supply may be
obtained from an attic area provided:
1. The attic ventilation is sufficient to provide the required
volume of combustion air.
9/1/80 647
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. Circulating air supplies for blower-type furnaces shall not
be obtained from the area.
2111.6 Under floor combustion air: The lower combustion air
supply required by Section 2111.3 may be obtained from under
floor areas having unobstructed openings to the outside equiva-
lent to not less than twice the required combustion air opening
between the under floor space and the appliance room.
2111.7 Opening requirements: Outside combustion air open-
ings shall be covered with corrosion-resistant screen of one-
quarter (1/4) inch mesh.
2111.8 Combustion air ducts: Combustion air supply ducts
shall be of corrosion-resistant material having a cross-sectional
dimension of not less than three (3) inches and terminating in a
space not less than six (6) inches in depth in front of, or open
to, the front or firebox side of the appliance. The space shall
extend from the floor to the ceiling of the appliance room.
2111.9 Gravity-type warm-air furnaces: Gravity-type warm-air
furnaces shall be provided with combustion air supply specified
in section 2111.0.
2111.10 Exhaust and ventilation systems: Air requirements for
the operation of exhaust fans, kitchen ventilation systems,
clothes dryers and fireplaces shall be considered in determining
the adequacy of a space to provide combustion air requirements.
2111.11 Cold climate: Appliance rooms of unusually tight con-
struction located in areas where temperatures prevail at lower
than 20° F . , may be provided with combustion air as set forth
in Table 2111-1. Openings shall conform to Section 2111.3.
Exception: Sealed combustion systems.
9/1/80 648
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2111-1
APPLIANCE ROOM COMBUSTION AIR REQUIREMENTS
IN COLD CLIMATES (TIGHT CONSTRUCTION)
Type
of
Open-
ings
Minimum total free area
of ducts or openings ,
where volume of compart-
ment is less than 16
times of the appliance
therein
Minimum total free area
of ducts or openings ,
where volume of compart-
ment is more than 16
times of the appliance
therein
Direct
Opening or
Vertical
Ducts to
Outside
1 square inch
for each
4000 Btu's
1 square inch
for each
5000 Btu's
Horizontal
Ducts to
Outside
1 square inch
for each
2000 Btu's
1 square inch
for each
2500 Btu's
To Inside*
of
Building
1 square inch
for each
1000 Btu's
1 square inch
for each
2000 Btu's
*Corabustion air shall be taken from other interior areas
complying with Section 2110.2.
SECTION 2112.0 WARM- AIR FURNACE
2112.1 Installation: A direct-fired furnace shall not be located
downstream from a refrigerant evaporator or other air cooling
coil unless the heating equipment is listed for such use.
2112.1.1 A refrigerant evaporator or cooling coil shall not be
located in the air discharge of a warm-air furnace except where
the furnace is listed for operation at not less than 0.5-inch
water column static pressure or for use with a cooling coil.
2112.1.2 Furnace conversion: Conversion of existing furnaces
for use with cooling coils shall be permitted only if approved by
the building official.
9/1/80
649
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2112.2 Combustion air: Fuelburning warm-air furnaces shall
be supplied with adequate combustion air as required by Section
2111.0 of this article.
2112.2.1 Separation: The combustion chamber opening shall be
separated from the fan plenum of a forced air furnace by an
airtight separation.
2112.3 Working space: A working space not less than thirty
(30) inches deep and thirty (30) inches high shall be provided
to the front or firebox side of all furnaces.
2112.3.1 Access space: A space not less than twenty-four (24)
inches wide and thirty (30) inches high shall be provided to
the access panel to the temperature limit control, air filter and
where applicable, fuel control valve. A space not less than
twenty-four (24) inches wide and eighteen (18) inches high
shall be provided to the vent collar of fuelburning furnaces.
2112.4 Prohibited location: Warm-air furnaces shall not be lo-
cated in a bedroom, bathroom, closet or confined space with ac-
cess only to such room or space.
Exceptions :
1. Access to attic or underfloor furnaces may be through a
closet.
2. Sealed combustion systems.
3. Enclosed furnaces.
4. Electric furnaces.
2112.5 Room access: Any room containing a warm-air furnace
shall have access thereto by a door and passageway of not less
than two (2) feet by six (6) inches and large enough to permit
removal of equipment.
Exception: Underfloor and attic installations.
2112.6 Clearance of warm-air furnaces: Clearances shall be
provided for warm-air furnaces in accordance with the require-
ments of Table 2110-1 or their listing. The clearance of the
combustion chamber opening side shall be not less than six (6)
inches for fuelburning appliances.
2112.7 Attic furnaces: A warm-air furnace installed in an
attic less than five (5) feet in height shall be listed for that
location .
2112.7.1 Equipment access: A passageway thirty (30) inches
by thirty (30) inches minimum shall be provided from the attic
opening to the furnace and its controls. The opening and
9/1/80 650
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING. CODE COMMISSION
passageway shall be large enough to allow replacement of any
part and the attic opening shall not be located more than twenty
(20) feet from the furnace measured along the center line of the
passageway. The passageway shall be unobstructed and have
solid flooring not less than twenty-four (24) inches wide.
2112.8 Underfloor furnaces: Warm-air furnaces installed in
the underfloor area shall comply with the following require-
ments :
1. An access opening and passageway shall be provided of
sufficient height and width to permit removal of the fur-
nace but not less than thirty (30) inches by thirty (30)
inches and which extends to the working space in front
of the furnace. The distance from the passageway open-
ing to the heating equipment shall not exceed twenty (20)
feet.
2. Furnaces supported on the ground shall rest on concrete
or masonry bases extending not less than three (3)
inches above the adjoining ground level.
3. Furnaces suspended from the building shall have a clear-
ance of at least six (6) inches from the ground. Furnace
excavations shall extend to a depth of not less than six
(6) inches below and twelve (12) inches beyond the sides
of the furnace, except that the control side shall have a
clearance of not less than thirty (30) inches. Walls of
excavations exceeding twelve (12) inches in depth shall
be lined with concrete masonry extending not less than
four (4) inches above the adjoining ground level. In
flood plane areas not less than a twelve (12) inch clear-
ance shall be provided between the furnace and finish
grade .
2112.9 Exterior furnaces: Warm-air furnaces installed on the
exterior of buildings shall be listed accordingly and comply with
the following requirements:
1. Unless listed for outside installation, an appliance located
on the exterior of a building shall be enclosed in a
weather-resistant housing. A weatherproof housing may
be constructed of No. 24 gauge galvanized steel or No. 22
gauge aluminum. The enclosure shall have not less than
a six (6) inch clearance from the furnace.
2. The appliance shall be installed on a level platform.
3. For ground installations the appliance shall be supported
on a concrete or masonry base extending not less than
three (3) inches above the adjoining ground level.
2112.10 Circulating air supply—general: The circulating air
supply shall be taken from outside the building or from the
conditioned area inside the building or from both sources.
9/1/80 651
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2112.10.1 Ducts: The circulating air supply for a forced air
comfort heating system shall be conducted through ducts com-
plying with Section 2115.0 or through concealed spaces provided
vent or vent connectors do not extend into or through these
spaces.
2112.10.2 Volume damper: A volume damper shall not be
placed in the circulating air supply inlet so as to reduce the
supply to the furnace.
2112.10.3 Screen covering: The outside circulating air supply
inlet shall be covered with screen having one-guarter (1/4)
inch openings.
2112.11 Circulating air supply- -reguirement: The unob-
structed area of circulating air supply openings to a gravity-
type warm-air furnace shall be not less than seven (7) inches
for each input of one thousand (1000) Btu rating or as reguired
by the conditions of listing.
2112.11.1 Area: The unobstructed area of circulating air
supply opening or ducts to a forced air warm-air furnace shall
be not less than two (2) square inches for each input of one
thousand (1000) Btu rating or as reguired by the conditions of
listing .
2112.12 Circulating air supply- -source: The circulating air
supply for a comfort heating system shall not be taken from the
following locations:
1. Within ten (10) feet of an appliance or plumbing vent out-
let which is located less than three (3) feet above the
circulating air supply inlet.
2. Areas having objectionable odors, fumes or flammable va-
pors.
3. Areas whose volume is less than twenty-five (25) per cent
of the volume served by the system and where permanent
openings to supplemental areas are not provided in accor-
dance with this section.
Exception: Openings for a warm-air furnace may be reduced
to not less than fifty (50) per cent of the required circulat-
ing air supply area provided the balance is taken from a
room or hall having at least three (3) doors leading to other
rooms served by the furnace.
4. Areas having a direct-fired fuelburning appliance.
Exceptions:
1. A gravity-type comfort heating system.
9/1/80 652
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. A blower-type comfort heating system where the circu-
lating air supply is taken from an area having a vol-
ume exceeding one (1) cubic foot for each ten (10)
Btu's of fuel input rating of all fuelburning appliances
therein and at least seventy-five (75) per cent of the
conditioned air is discharged back into the area pro-
vided the circulating air supply inlet is not located
within ten (10) feet of an appliance firebox or draft
diverter .
2112.13 Conditioned air supply: The minimum unobstructed
total area of the conditioned air ducts from a blower-type
warm-air furnace shall be not less than two (2) square inches
for each one thousand (1000) Btu approved hourly input rating
of the furnace and the minimum unobstructed total area of the
conditioned air ducts from a gravity-type warm-air furnace shall
be not less than seven (7) square inches for each one thousand
(1000) Btu approved hourly input rating or as specified by the
conditions of listing of the furnace.
2112.13.1 Duct sizing: In no case need the total area of the
conditioned air ducts be larger than the outlet plenum collar
opening on the furnace.
2112.13.2 Control: For the purpose of this section a volume
damper, grill, or register installed for the purpose of control-
ling the conditioned air flow shall not be considered an obstruc-
tion.
SECTION 2113.0 VENTED DECORATIVE APPLIANCES,
FLOOR FURNACES, VENTED WALL FURNACES
AND VENTED ROOM HEATERS
2113.1 General: A vented decorative appliance, floor fur-
nace, vented wall furnace, or vented room heater shall not be
located under a stairway.
2113.2 Vented decorative appliances: Vented decorative appl-
iances shall comply with the requirements for comfort heating
appliances .
2113.3 Prohibited use: Unvented room heaters are prohibited
in accordance with M.G.L.A. Chapter 148, Sections 25 A and
25B, as amended.
2113.4 Floor furnaces location: Flat floor furnaces shall be
installed not less than six (6) inches from walls.
9/1/80 653
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2113.4.1 Wall location: Wall register floor furnaces shall be in-
stalled not less than six (6) inches from inside room corners.
Exception: Replacement floor furnaces of the same or lesser
input rating may be installed in the original location when
approved by the building official.
2113.4.2 Other combustible: Floor furnaces shall not be located
where draperies or a door can swing within twelve (12) inches
of the warm air outlet.
2113.4.3 Outlet clearances: Floor furnaces warm air outlets
shall not be installed less than sixty (60) inches below overhead
projections.
2113.4.4 Floor space: A clear floor space of fifteen (15) inches
shall be provided along two (2) adjoining sides of flat floor
furnaces .
2113.4.5 Furnace projection: The floor furnace burner assem-
bly shall not project into an occupied underfloor area.
2113.5 Floor furnace access: An opening and passageway not
less than twenty-four (24) by eighteen (18) inches shall be
provided to every floor furnace. The passageway shall be not
more than twenty (20) feet in length from the access opening or
from an underfloor area thirty (30) inches or more in height.
2113.6 Floor furnace installation: Floor furnaces shall be
supported independently of the grill and shall have not less
than six (6) inches clearance from grade.
Exception: Sealed furnaces may have a grade clearance of
two (2) inches minimum.
2113.6.1 Furnace excavations: Furnace excavations shall extend
not less than eighteen (18) inches beyond the control side and
twelve (12) inches beyond the sides and back of the furnace.
The excavation shall slope outward from the bottom to the
natural grade at an angle not greater than forty-five (45)
degrees from the horizontal.
2113.6.2 Slab on grade: Floor furnaces shall not be installed
on concrete slabs on grade.
2113.7 Wall furnace location: Vented wall furnaces designed
to be installed in a nominal four (4) inch wall shall be not less
than six (6) inches from inside room corners except where
listed for reduced clearances.
9/1/80 654
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: Vented wall furnaces replacements approved by
the building official.
2113.7.1 Combustible clearances: Vented wall furnaces shall not
be located where a door can swing within twelve (12) inches of
the furnace air inlet or outlet and shall not be installed less
than eighteen (18) inches below overhead projections.
2113.8 Wall furnace combustion air: Vented wall furnaces
shall be provided with combustion air in accordance with Section
2110.0.
Exception: Combustion air openings may be omitted to the
area in which a vented wall furnace is installed provided a
cased opening or archway leads from that area into other
rooms having a minimum combined volume in cubic feet equiv-
alent to one-twentieth (1/20) of the input Btu rating of the
furnace .
2113.9 Wall furnace installation: Ducts shall not be attached
to a wall furnace. Casing extensions or boots may be installed
if listed as part of the appliance.
2113.10 Vented room heaters: Floor mounted type unit heaters
shall be installed in accordance with Table 2110-1.
2113.11 Room heaters: Vented room heaters shall be installed
in accordance with Table 2110-1 or as listed.
2113.12 Unvented room heaters: No un vented fuelburning
room heaters shall be installed.
SECTION 2114.0 VENTING OF APPLIANCES
2114.1 General: All fuelburning comfort heating and comfort
cooling appliances shall be vented to the outside. Venting
systems shall consist of approved chimneys, approved vents or
a venting assembly which is an integral part of a listed appli-
ance or may be designed in accordance with accepted engineer-
ing practices.
2114.1.1 Vent systems: Venting systems which are integral
parts of vented appliances shall be installed in accordance with
the terms of their listing, manufacturer's installation require-
ments and applicable requirements of this article.
2114.2 Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements: Gas vents
required for appliances or equipment using fuel gases of any
kind such as natural gas, manufactured gas, undiluted liquified
9/1/80 655
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
petroleum gases, liquified petroleum gas-air mixtures, or mix-
tures of any of these gases shall comply with the requirements
of the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code, 248 CMR 3.00 - 8.00.
2114.3 Type of venting systems required: Gas appliances shall
be vented in conformance with the regulations provided in
Section 2114.2. Oil burning appliances may be used with type
L vents where so listed.
2114.4 Installation and construction: Manually operated dam-
pers shall not be placed in chimneys, vents or vent connectors
of liquid or gasburning appliances. Fixed baffles on the appli-
ance side of draft hoods and draft regulators shall not be class-
ified as dampers.
2114.4.1 Automatically operated dampers: Automatically operated
dampers shall be of approved type designed to maintain a safe
damper opening and arranged to prevent firing of the burner
unless the damper is opened to a safe position.
2114.5 Location: Vents shall not extend into or through an
air supply duct or plenum.
Exception: Venting systems may pass through a combustion
air duct.
2114.5.1 Multiple connections: Appliances shall not be vented
into a fireplace or into a chimney serving a fireplace.
2114.6 Length pitch- -clearance: Gravity vents shall not have
more than two (2) offsets of more than forty-five (45) degrees
from the vertical.
2114.6.1 Horizontal run: The horizontal run of a gravity vent
and its connectors shall not be greater than seventy-five (75)
per cent of the vertical height of the venting system measured
from the appliance outlet.
2114.6.2 Vent connectors: Vent connectors in gravity-type
venting systems shall have continuous rises of not less than
one-quarter (1/4) inch per foot of length measured from the
appliance vent collar to the vent.
2114.6.3 Single wall connectors: Single wall metal vent connec-
tors for an appliance shall be located entirely within the room
or area where the appliance is located.
2114.7 Vent termination—general: Vents shall extend above
the roof surface, through a flashing and terminate in a listed
vent cap.
9/1/80 656
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2114.8 Gravity vent termination: Gravity-type venting sys-
tems, other than Type BW or venting systems which are integ-
ral with listed appliance, shall terminate not less than five (5)
feet above the highest vent collar which they serve.
2114.9 B or BW vent termination: Type B or BW gas vents
shall terminate not less than one (1) foot above the roof nor
less than four (4) feet from a portion of the building which
extends at an angle of more than forty-five (45) degrees up-
ward from the horizontal.
2114.10 L vent termination: Type L venting systems shall
terminate not less than two (2) feet above the roof nor less
than four (4) feet from a portion of the building which extends
at an angle of more than forty-five (45) degrees upward from
the horizontal.
2114.11 Special vent requirements: Venting systems shall ter-
minate not less than four (4) feet below, four (4) feet horizon-
tally from or one (1) foot above a door, window or gravity air
inlet into a building.
Exception: Venting systems which are integral parts of
listed equipment may be located closer provided the door,
window or gravity air inlet is serving the same room in
which the appliance is located; the venting system does not
terminate less than nine (9) inches from the door, window or
gravity air inlet; and the appliance does not exceed an input
rating of fifty thousand (50,000) Btu's.
2114.11.1 Inlet and property clearance: Venting systems shall
terminate not less than three (3) feet above forced air inlets lo-
cated within ten (10) feet (horizontally); nor less than four (4)
feet from private property lines.
2114.12 Vent size: Vent systems shall have internal cross-
sectional areas of not less than the area of the vent collars but
not less than seven (7) square inches except where the vents
are integral parts of listed appliances.
2114.13 Multiple appliance venting systems: Two (2) or more
listed appliances may be connected to common gravity-type vent-
ing systems provided the appliances are equipped with listed
primary safety controls and listed safety shutoff devices for oil
and gas fuel respectively and comply with the following re-
quirements :
1. Appliances which are connected to common venting systems
shall be located in the same story of the building, except
engineered systems as set forth in Section 2114.1.
9/1/80 657
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2. Two (2) or more connectors shall not enter common vent-
ing systems unless the inlets are offset so that no portion
of an inlet is opposite the other inlets.
3. The venting system shall be not less than the area of the
largest vent connector plus fifty (50) per cent of the
areas of the additional vent connectors. An oval vent
may be used provided its capacity is not less than the
capacity of the round vent for which it is substituted.
2114.14 Existing venting systems: Existing venting systems
may be connected to replaced appliances in accordance with the
following requirements:
1. The venting system shall have been installed in accor-
dance with the code in effect at that time and have no
apparent defects.
2. The internal area of the venting systems shall be in
accordance with Section 2114.11.
2114.15 Draft hoods: Draft hoods shall be located in the same
room or space as the combustion air openings of the appliances
and shall be located so that the relief opening is not less than
six (6) inches from any surface other than the appliance it
serves, measured in a direction ninety (90) degrees to the
plane of the relief opening.
SECTION 2115.0 DUCTS
2115.1 Material: Ducts conveying air from outside the build-
ing or air from evaporative coolers shall be constructed of gal-
vanized steel or corrosion-resistant metal.
2115.1.1 Other material: Ducts or concealed spaces used for
inside circulating air may be of combustible material . Where
space between studs in walls or partitions is used as a duct the
portions of such space so used shall be cut off from all remain-
ing unused portions by tight-fitting stops of sheet metal or of
wood not less than two (2) inches nominal thickness. Not more
than one (1) firestop may be crossed.
2115.1.2 Hot air ducts: Ducts conveying heated conditioned air
shall be of noncombustible material.
2115.1.3 Other approved ducts: Approved ducts, plenums and
fittings constructed of asbestos-cement, concrete or ceramic may
be installed in the ground or in a concrete slab.
2115.1.4 Other criteria: Metal ducts shall conform to Table
2115-1.
9/1/80 658
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2115.1.5 Temperature: Ducts constructed of gypsum products
shall not be subject to air temperatures of more than 125° F.
2115.2 Construction: Duct work shall be constructed in ac-
cordance with the criteria contained in Appendix B of the code.
2115.3 Installation: Metal ducts shall be securely fastened in
accordance with Table 2115.3.
2115.3.1 Metal ducts shall not be installed within four (4)
inches of the ground except when encased in not less than two
(2) inches of concrete.
2115.3.2 Duct Supports: Rectangular metal duct supports set
forth in Table 2115.3 shall be riveted, bolted or screwed to
each side of the duct.
2115.3.3 Other supports: Horizontal round duct supports set
forth in Table 2115-3 shall consist of one (1) hanger installed
in accordance with the following reguirements :
1. The hanger shall be attached to one (1) inch wide circu-
lar bands of same gauge as duct extending around and
supporting ducts exceeding ten (10) inches in diameter.
2. The ducts shall be braced to prevent lateral displacement.
2115.4 Insulation: Ducts shall be insulated, when reguired,
according to Section 2128.1.
Exception: Ducts need not be insulated in an unheated
basement or cellar when foundation walls are insulated.
9/1/80 659
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2115-1
(AGES OR METAL DUCTS AND PLENUMS USED FOR COMFORT
HEATING OR COOLING FOR A DWELLING UNIT
COMFORT HEATING OR COOLING
GALVANIZED STEEL
Approximate
Aluminunj
B & S Gage
Nominal
Thickness
(in inches)
Equivalent
Galvanized
Sheet Gage
Number
Round Ducts and
Enclosed Rectangular Ducts
14" or less
Over 14"
0.016
0.019
30
28
26
24
Exposed Rectangular Ducts
14" or less
Over 14"
0.019
0.022
28
26
24
23
Table 2115-3
METAL OUCT SUPPORTS
DUCT TYPE
MAX. SIDE
OR DIA.
DUCT
POSITION
HANGER OR STRAP
SIZE AND SPACING
CIRCULAR
10'
Vertical
No. 18 gage galvanized
steel x 2"@ 12'o.c.
Horizontal
No. 30 gage galvanized
steel x 1"or No. 18
steel wire @ 10' o.c.
20
Vertical
No. 16 gage galvanized
steel x 2" @ 12' o.c.
Horizontal
No. 28 gage galvanized
steel x 1" or No. 18
steel wire @ 10' o.c.
RECTANGULAR
24
Vertical
1" x 1/8" steel galvan-
ized strap @ 12' o.c.
Horizontal
No. 18 gage galvanized
steel x 1" @ 10' o.c.
36
Vertical
1"x 1-1/8" steel gal-
vanized angle @ 1 2* ojc.
Horizontal
1" x 1/8" steel strap
galvanized @ 10' o.c.
9/1/80
660
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2116.0 COMFORT COOLING
2116.1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rules and Regulations:
All installations of gas appliances shall be subject to and must
comply with the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code, 248 CMR 4.00 -
8.00. All oilburning appliances shall be subject to the pro-
visions of 527 CMR 4.00 established in accordance with Chapter
148, Section 10 of the MGLA, as amended, which govern the
construction, installation and operation of oilburning equipment.
Also, compliance shall be required with the provisions of the
rules and regulations issued by the Board of Boiler Rules under
the authority of Chapter 146 of the MGLA, as amended, govern-
ing the construction, installation, testing and inspection of
boilers, air tanks, ammonia compressor safety valves, and
refrigeration and air-conditioning systems of twenty (20) tons
or more capacity.
2116.2 Cooperating agencies: Nothing herein contained shall
be deemed to nullify the federal, state or municipal rules and
regulations governing the storage and use of flammable and ex-
plosive gases and chemicals, or the requirements of the Inter-
state Commerce Commission or other federal statutes governing
the transportation and use of hazardous gases, explosives and
other flammable substances.
2116.3 Permits: One- and two-family dwellings shall not be
required to have permits unless the refrigeration systems con-
tain more than ten (10) pounds of refrigerants or are actuated
by motors or engines of one and one-half (1-1/2) horsepower or
larger .
2116.4 Installation: Group 2 refrigerants shall not be used in
direct refrigerating systems.
2116.4.1 Condensate: An approved means shall be provided for
the collection and disposal of condensate from the air cooling
coil to outside the building or other approved locations.
2116.4.2 Location: Comfort cooling equipment, other than ducts
and piping, shall be located not less than three (3) inches
above the ground.
2116.4.3 Lighting: Electric lighting shall be provided for
equipment located inside a building.
2116.5 Access: Equipment requiring servicing shall be acces-
sible by means of passageway two (2) feet by six (6) feet six
(6) inches minimum.
9/1/80 661
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: An access opening to the attic or underfloor
area may be reduced to a thirty (30) inch dimension pro-
vided the equipment can be replaced.
2116.5.1 Work space: Equipment shall be provided with an un-
obstructed space thirty (30) inches by six (6) feet six (6)
inches minimum on the service side.
Exception: The height of the working space may be reduced
to thirty (30) inches for an air handling unit, air filter or
refrigerant and brine control valves. Fan coils in drop ceil-
ings may be serviced through combination return air grills.
2116.6 Circulating air supply source: A positive separation
shall be provided between the combustion air and the circulat-
ing air supply (see Section 2112.10).
2116.7 Return air limitation: Comfort cooling systems shall be
arranged so that the circulating air from one (1) dwelling unit
does not discharge into another dwelling unit.
2116.8 Screen: Exterior circulating air supply inlets shall be
covered with screen having one-quarter (1/4) inch openings.
2116.9 Refrigerant piping: All refrigerant pipe and fittings
installed within a building or structure and which may reach
surface temperatures that will result in condensation forming on
the piping shall be insulated.
SECTION 2117.0 ABSORPTION UNITS AND
ABSORPTION SYSTEMS FOR COMFORT
COOLING AND COMFORT HEATING
2117.1 General: Absorption units used for comfort heating or
comfort cooling systems shall conform to the requirements of
Sections 2110.0, 2111.0 and 2115.0.
2117.2 Identification: Fuelburning absorption units shall bear
a label containing the following information:
1. Manufacturer's name
2. Model number
3. Amount and type of refrigerant
4. Factory test pressures or pressures applied
5. Normal Btu input rating
6. Cooling capacity in Btu's
7. Type of fuel
8. Symbol of the organization certifying the approval of the
equipment
9/1/80 662
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
9. Instructions for the lighting, operation and shutdown of
the system
SECTION 2118.0 FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEMS
2118.1 General: New fuel supply systems, except parts
thereof controlled and maintained by a public utility, shall
conform to the reguirements of this section and shall not be
made operative until first approved by the building official.
Fuel supply system design, construction and workmanship shall
be consistent with generally accepted good practice and in
conformity with nationally recognized applicable standards
acceptable to the State Building Code Commission.
2118.2 Location: Location of fuel supply tanks, meters, main
shutoff valves, relief valves, and regulators other than integral
appliance regulators shall be approved by the building official
and shall conform to state and local regulations.
2118.3 Authority to disconnect: The building official is
hereby authorized to order disconnected any fuel supply or
appliance which does not conform to this code or which is found
to be defective and may endanger life or property.
2118.3.1 Notice: A notice shall be attached to the piping or
appliances stating the reasons for disconnection. Such notice
shall not be removed nor shall the system or appliance be re-
connected until authorized by the building official.
2118.4 Piping support: Gas piping shall be supported by
metal straps or hooks at not more than six (6) feet on center
for piping one (1) inch or less in size and not more than ten
(10) feet on center for piping larger than one and one-guarter
(1-1/4) inches. Piping shall be protected against physical dam-
age. Buried piping shall be laid in a solid bed. Gas piping
shall not be strained or bent and appliances shall not be sup-
ported by supply piping.
2118.5 Liguid fuel supply: Supply piping and all related
eguipment serving oilburning appliances shall be subject to the
provisions of 527 CMR 4.00 (FPR-3).
SECTION 2119.0 ENERGY CONSERVATION
BY COMPONENT DESIGN
2119.1 General: All buildings that are heated or mechanically
cooled shall be constructed to provide the required thermal per-
formance of the various components.
9/1/80 663
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2119.2 Building enclosure elements
2119.2.1 Gross wall area: For the purposes of this article, the
gross area of exterior walls consists of all opaque wall areas,
including foundation walls, walls between floor spandrels, peri-
pheral edges of floors, window areas including sash, and door
areas, where such surfaces enclose a heated or mechanically
cooled space including interstitial areas between two such
spaces.
2119.2.2 Roof assembly: For the purposes of this article, a
roof assembly shall be considered as all components of the
roof /ceiling envelope through which heat flows, thereby creat-
ing a building transmission heat loss or gain, where such
assembly is exposed to outdoor air and encloses a heated or
mechanically cooled space.
2119.2.3 Gross roof area: The gross area of a roof assembly
consists of the total interior surface of such assembly, includ-
ing skylights exposed to the heated or mechanically cooled
space.
2119.2.4 Ceiling plenums: Where air ceiling plenums are em-
ployed, the roof /ceiling assembly shall:
1. for thermal transmittance purposes, not include the ceil-
ing proper nor the plenum space as part of the assembly;
and,
2. for gross area purposes, be based upon the interior face
of the upper plenum surface.
SECTION 2120.0 BUILDING INSULATION
2120.1 Standards: Insulating materials must conform to the
Federal Specifications (F.S.) and the American Society for Test-
ing and Materials (ASTM) Test Standards as listed in Table
2120-1 for thermal resistance and fire safety.
2120.2 Installation
2120.2.1 Recessed light fixtures: Install insulation with a
clearance of three (3) inches around each side of fixture to
preclude excessive heat build-up. Insulation shall not be
installed over a recessed light fixture.
2120.2.2 High heat sources: A clearance of three (3) inches
from any high heat source is required for combustible insulating
materials, including but not limited to, chimneys, flues and
vents .
9/1/80 664
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2120.2.3 Liquid foams: Liquid foams must meet minimum stan-
dards set forth in HUD "Use of Materials" Bulletin No. 74.
Table 2120-1
INSULATION MATERIAL STANDARDS
I
Material or product
Material specifications
Mineral fiber
Blanket/Batt
Loose fill
F.S. HH-1-521E
ASTM C665-70
F.S. HH-1-1030A
ASTM C764-73
Mineral cellular
Perlite
Vermiculite
F.S. HH-1-574A
ASTM C5 49-73
F.S. HH-1-585B
ASTM C516-67
Organic fiber
Cellulose
F.S. HH-1-515C
ASTM C739-77 E84-77
Reflective
F.S. HH-1-1252A
Organic Cellular
Polystyrene Board
Urethane Board
Flexible Unicellular
F.S. HH-1-524B
ASTM C578-69
F.S. HH-1-530A
ASTM C591-69
F.S. HH-1-573B
ASTM C534-70
Vapor Barriers
ASTM C755-73
2120.3 Foam plastics
2120.3.1 General: Except where specifically exempted by sub-
section 2 below, foam plastics shall have a flame spread rating
9/1/80
665
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
of not more than 75 and shall have a smoke developed rating of
not more than 450 when tested in accordance with approved
standards in the thickness intended for use.
2120.3.2 Specific requirements: The following requirements
shall apply to all uses of foam plastics in or on the walls,
ceilings, or in attics, roof or floors, crawl spaces or similar
areas, and may be used in the following locations:
1. Within the cavity of a masonry or concrete wall.
2. On the room side surface of walls or ceilings or other
surfaces provided the foam plastic is fully protected from
the interior of the building by a thermal barrier of one-
half (1/2) inch gypsum wallboard having a finish rating
of not less than 15 minutes or other approved material
having an equivalent finish rating. Thermal barriers
shall be installed in a manner that they will remain in
place for a minimum of 15 minutes under the same test
conditions .
3. Foam plastic trim covering not more than ten (10) per
cent of the wall or ceiling area may be used provided
such trim: (1) has a density of not less than twenty
(20) pounds per cubic foot; (2) has a maximum thickness
of one-half (1/2) inch and a maximum width of four (4)
inches; and (3) has a flame spread rating no greater than
seventy-five (75).
2120.3.3 Roof coverings: Foam plastics may be used as a roof
covering if the foam plastic is a part of a Class A, B or C roof-
ing assembly. That plastic foam which is nearest the interior
of the building shall be protected by an approved barrier which
need not have a fifteen (15) minute finish rating.
2120.3.4 Coverings over foam plastics: Ordinary roof cover-
ings, other than Class A, B, or C, may be applied over foam
plastic when the foam is separated from the interior of the
building by plywood sheathing not less than one-half (1/2) inch
in thickness with exterior glue, with edges supported by block-
ing, tongue and groove joints, or other approved type of edge
support, or an equivalent material.
2120.3.5 Non- structural foam sheathing: Refer to Section
2104.3.10.
2120.4 Blanket/batt insulation
2120.4.1 Labeling: All insulation shall be labeled as required in
Article 20.
2120.4.2 Cavities: Fill small cavities between rough framing
and door and window heads, jambs, and sills with insulation.
9/1/80 666
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2120.5 Perimeter insulation: Perimeter insulation for slab on
grade construction must be installed so that the concrete to
concrete contact between the foundation wall and the floor slab
is broken and extends downward the thickness of the slab and
then extends an additional two (2) feet below exterior grade
vertically, or two (2) feet horizontally, beneath the floor slab.
SECTION 2121.0 VENTILATION
2121.1 Attic ventilation: Enclosed attics, and enclosed rafter
spaces formed where ceilings are applied direct to the underside
of roof rafters, shall have cross-ventilation for each separate
space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of
rain and snow, sized by the criteria in Sections 2121.1.1 and
2121.1.2.
2121.1.1 With a ceiling vapor barrier installed: Attics with a
ceiling vapor barrier must be ventilated with screened openings
of at least one (1) sguare foot of free vent area for each three
hundred (300) sguare feet of ceiling area.
2121.1.2 Without a ceiling vapor barrier installed: Attics with-
out a ceiling vapor barrier installed shall be ventilated with
screened openings of at least one (1) sguare foot of free vent
area for each one hundred fifty (150) sguare feet of ceiling
2121.1.3 Eave vents: When eave vents are installed, adeguate
baffling shall be provided to deflect the incoming air above the
surface of the insulation. Baffles shall be installed prior to
insulation, and shall be installed over the exterior wall at an
angle to provide a two (2) inch minimum clearance under the
roof deck for upward flow of ventilation air to the fixed vents
in the upper portion of the attic.
2121.1.4 Ridge or gable vent: When eave vents are installed,
the ridge or gable vent must be at least three (3) feet above
the level of the eave vents.
2121.2 Underfloor space ventilation
2121.2.1 With a ground vapor barrier: Underfloor spaces with
an approved vapor barrier installed on the ground surface shall
be ventilated with screened openings of one (1) sguare foot of
vent area for each fifteen hundred (1,500) sguare feet of crawl
space. Vents shall be positioned to provide cross ventilation.
See Section 2102.9.
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2122.0 VAPOR BARRIERS
2122.1 Vapor barriers: A vapor barrier of 1.0 perm or less
shall be installed on the winter warm side of walls, ceilings and
floors enclosing a conditioned space.
2122.2 Seams: When using blanket insulation, all seams and
joints shall be butted tight and tears taped or sealed.
Exception: Vapor barriers may be eliminated with adeguate
ventilation as defined in Section 2121.0.
SECTION 2123.0 U-VALUES OF BUILDING COMPONENTS
2123.1 General: All new construction and additions to exist-
ing buildings covered by this section shall conform to the maxi-
mum U and R values listed in Table 2123-1 and as specified in
this section.
2123.2 Alternates: The stated U (or U) value of any one
assembly, such as roof /ceiling , walr or floor, may be increased
and the U (or U) value for other components decreased pro-
vided that°the overall heat gain or loss for the entire building
envelope does not exceed the total resulting from conformance
to the stated U (or U) values.
9/1/80 668
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table 2123-1
MAXIMUM U-VALUES OF WALLS, ROOF/CEILINGS,
AND FLOORS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Element
Description
Total
U-Value
R-Value
Notes
Walls
All wall construc-
tion containing
heated or mechani-
cally cooled spac«
0.08
12.5
1
Foundation Walls
Including Band
Joist
Containing heated
or mechanically
cooled space
0.08
12.5
Containing un-
heated space
0.17
5.9
5
Roof Assembly
Plank and beam
containing heated
or mechanically
cooled space
0.08
12.5
2
Roof Assembly
Construction othe
than plank and be.
containing heated
or mechanically
cooled space
: 0.05
im
20.0
Doors and
Windows
All construction
enclosing heated
or mechanically
cooled space
0.65
1.54
3
Floors
Floor sections
over areas ex-
posed to outside
air or unheated
areas
0.08
12.5
4
Unheated slab on
grade
-
5.50
6
Heated slab on
grade
7.75
6
i
9/1/80
669
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes to Table 2123-1
Note 1: This value may be used when the doors and windows
do not exceed twenty (20) per cent of the gross exterior wall
area. When doors and windows exceed twenty (20) per cent of
the gross wall area, see Article 20.
Note 2: Plank and beam assemblies are construction in which
the finished interior surface is the underside of the roof
deck.
Note 3: Double glazing or storm windows will satisfy the
required U-value of 0.65.
Note 4: Insulation may be omitted from floors over unheated
areas when foundation walls are provided with a U-value of
0.17.
Note 5: The U-value requirement of 0.17 for foundation walls
may be omitted when floors over unheated spaces are provided
with a U-value of 0.08.
Note 6: R-value for perimeter insulation (see Section
2120.5).
SECTION 2124.0 AIR LEAKAGE
FOR ALL BUILDINGS
2124.1 General: The requirements of this section shall apply
to all buildings and structures and apply to those locations
separating outdoor ambient conditions from interior spaces that
are heated or mechanically cooled and are not applicable to the
separation of interior conditioned spaces from each other.
2124.2 Exterior envelope sealing: Exterior joints around win-
dows and door frames; openings between walls and foundations,
between walls and roof and between wall panels; openings at
penetrations of utility services through walls, floors and roofs;
and all other such openings in the building envelope shall be
caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped, or otherwise sealed.
2124.3 Infiltration: All exterior doors and windows shall be
designed to limit air leakage into or from the building envelope,
and shall have air infiltration rates no greater than 0.5 cfm per
linear foot of operable sash crack for windows, 0.5 cfm per
square foot of door area for sliding glass doors and 1.25 for
entrance doors, according to the testing procedure of ASTM
E283.
9/1/80 670
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exceptions :
1. Permanently installed storm windows and doors installed
over exterior windows and doors shall be accepted when
windows and doors have not been tested for infiltration
according to Section 2124.3.
2. Fixed glazing is exempt from infiltration testing reguire-
ments .
3. Fire doors with a fireresistive rating over one (1) hour,
and fire windows are exempt from this section.
SECTION 2125.0 SYSTEM DESIGN
HEATING/COOLING CAPACITY
2125.1 General: The rated capacity of the heating/cooling
system at design conditions shall not be greater than one
hundred twenty-five (125) per cent of the design output load
calculated in accordance with this Article. Eguipment designed
for standby purposes is not included in the capacity limitation
reguirement. The cooling cycles of heat pumps are exempt from
this reguirement.
2125.2 HVAC eguipment performance reguirements : HVAC
eguipment shall meet the reguirements stated here and in
Article 20.
2125.2.1 Data: The reguirements for energy conservation apply
to eguipment and component performance for heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning systems. Where eguipment efficiency levels
are specified, data furnished by the eguipment supplier, or
certified under a nationally-recognized certification program or
rating procedure, shall be used to satisfy these reguirements.
2125.2.2 HVAC-system heating eguipment, heat pumps-heating
mode: Heat pumps whose energy input is entirely electric shall
show a coefficient of performance (COP heating, as defined
herein) not less than 2.2 for air source of 47 dB/43WB, 1.2 (17
dB/15WB and 2.2 water source (60 entering)).
2125.2.3 Mechanical ventilation: Each mechanical ventilation
system (supply and/or exhaust) shall be eguipped with a read-
ily accessible means for either shut-off or volume reduction,
and shut-off when ventilation is not reguired.
2125.2.4 HVAC-system eguipment, electrically operated cooling
mode: HVAC-system eguipment as listed below whose energy
input in the cooling mode is entirely electric, shall show a Co-
efficient of Performance (COP) cooling as defined herein not
less than 1.8 for under 65,000 Btu/hr., 2.0 for over 65,000
Btu/hr.
9/1/80
671
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
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9/1/80
672
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 2126.0 CONTROLS
2126.1 Temperature control: Each HVAC system shall be pro-
vided with at least one (1) thermostat for the regulation of
temperature. Each thermostat shall be capable of being set as
follows :
1. Where used to control heating only, 55-75° F.
2. Where used to control cooling only, 70-85° F.
3. Where used to control both heating and cooling it shall be
capable of being set from 55-85° F. and shall be capable
of operating the system heating and cooling in sequence.
It shall be adjustable to provide a temperature range of
up to 10° F. between full heating and full cooling.
2126.2 Humidity control: If an HVAC system is equipped with
a means for adding moisture to maintain specific selected rela-
tive humidities in spaces or zones, a humidistat shall be pro-
vided. This device shall be capable of being set to prevent
new energy from being used to produce space relative humidity
above thirty (30) per cent relative humidity when moisture is
added, or below sixty (60) per cent relative humidity when
moisture is removed.
2126.3 Zoning for temperature control: At least one (1)
thermostat for regulation of space temperature shall be provided
for each separate HVAC system. In addition, a readily accessi-
ble manual or automatic means shall be provided to partially
restrict or shut off the heating and/or cooling input to each
zone or floor. Register dampers and hot water radiator hand
dampers will suffice.
2126.4 Control setback and shut-off
2126.4.1 General: The thermostat required in Section 2126.3 or
an alternate means such as a switch or clock, shall provide a
readily accessible, manual or automatic means for reducing the
energy required for heating and cooling during periods of
nonuse or reduced need, such as, but not limited to, unoccu-
pied periods and sleeping hours.
2126.4.2 Energy expended: Lowering thermostat set points to
reduce energy consumption of heating systems shall not cause
energy to be expended to reach the reduced setting.
SECTION 2127.0 BALANCING
2127.1 General: The HVAC system design shall provide
means for balancing the air and water systems such as but not
limited to dampers, temperature and pressure test connections,
9/1/80 673
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
flow measuring stations or meters, and balancing valves. The
HVAC systems shall be field balanced to achieve conditions
stated in the plans and specifications.
SECTION 2128.0 DUCT INSULATION
2128.1 General: When low pressure supply air ducts are lo-
cated outside of the conditioned space (except return air ple-
nums), all transverse joints shall be sealed using mastic or
mastic plus tape. For fibrous glass duct work, pressure sensi-
tive tape may be used. For duct construction refer to Section
2115.0, Ducts.
2128.2 Insulation: All duct systems, or portions thereof, ex-
posed to nonconditioned spaces shall be insulated to provide a
thermal resistance, excluding film resistances, of
R = t.-tQ (hr) (sq. ft.) (F)/Btu, where t.-t is the
~~ 15
temperature differential (absolute value) between the air in the
duct and the surrounding air.
Exceptions: Duct insulation, except when needed to prevent
condensation, is not required in any of the following cases:
1. In basements and cellars with insulated walls.
2. When the heat gain or loss of the ducts, without insula-
tion, will not increase the energy requirements of the
building .
3. Exhaust air ducts.
Where required to prevent condensation, insulation with vapor
barriers shall be installed in addition to insulation required
above.
SECTION 2129.0 PIPE INSULATION
2129.1 General: All hot water piping, or portions thereof,
exposed to nonconditioned space shall be insulated to provide a
thermal resistance in the range of R equals 4.0 to 4.6. This is
typically one (1) inch of pipe insulation.
9/1/80 674
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Reference Standards - Article 21
RS-21-1 Shower Compartment Finish
Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile Installed with Portland
Cement Mortar ANSI A108. 1,1967 - American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) A108.1 - 1967
Ceramic Tile Installed with Chemical Resistant,
Water Cleanable Tile-Setting and Grouting
Epoxy-ANSI A108.6, 1969
Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar (for installation of
ceramic tile) - ANSI A118. 1,1967
Organic Adhesives for Installation of Ceramic Tile-
ANSI A136. 1,1967 (Type I only in Shower Compart-
ments) Standard Specification for Ceramic Tile-ANSI
A137. 1,1967
Ceramic Tile Installed with Dry-Set Portland Cement
Mortar - ANSI A108.5,1967
Ceramic Mosaic Tile Installed with Portland Cement
Mortar - ANSI A108.2,1967
Ceramic Tile Installed with Water-Resistant Organic
Adhesives - ANSI A108.4,1968
RS-21-2 Glazing Materials
Glass. Federal Specification DD-G 451c
Safety Glazing Materials - ANSI Z97. 1,1972
RS-21-3 Foundations
Building Brick and Facing Brick. (Made from Clay or
Shale). Standard Specifications C62-58 and C216
of the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) .
Sand-Lime Building Brick. Standard Specification
C73-51 of ASTM.
Concrete Building Brick. Standard Specification
C55-55 of ASTM.
Hollow Load-Bearing Concrete Masonry Units. Standard
Specification C90-59 of ASTM.
Solid Load-Bearing Concrete Masonry Units. Standard
Specification C145-59 of ASTM.
9/1/80 675
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Method of Test for Concrete Masonry Units. Standard
Specification C140-63T of ASTM.
Structural Clay Load-Bearing Wall Tile. Standard
Specifications C34-62 and C112-60 of ASTM.
Cast Stone. Specification ACI 704-44 of the American
Concrete Institute.
Cold-Drawn Steel Wire for Concrete Reinforcement.
Standard Specification A82 of ASTM.
Cement, Masonry. Standard Specification C91-67 of
ASTM.
Quicklime for Structural Purposes. Standard Specifi-
cation C5-59 of ASTM.
Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes. Standard Speci-
fication C207-49 of ASTM.
Processed Pulverized Quicklime. Standard Specifi-
cation C51-47 of ASTM.
Mortar for Masonry Other than Gypsum. Specifications
C161-44T and C270-59T of ASTM.
Aggregate for Masonry Mortar. Specification C144-52T
of ASTM.
Aggregates for Grout. Standard Specification C404
of ASTM.
Sampling and Testing Brick. Standard Specification
C67-60 of ASTM.
Portland Cement. Standard Specifications C150-62
and C175-66 of ASTM.
Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement. Specification
C205-62T of ASTM.
Portland Pozzolan Cement. Specification C340-62T of
ASTM.
Concrete Aggregates. Specification C33-61T of ASTM.
Concrete Proportions. ACI 613-54 and 613-59 of the
American Concrete Institute.
Concrete Reinforcement. Specifications A615-68,
A616-68, A617-68 and A82-66 of ASTM.
9/1/80 676
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Steel Bar Mats . Standard Specifications A184-65,
A615-68, A616-68 and A617-68 of ASTM.
Welded Steel Wire Fabric. Specification A185-61T of
ASTM.
Admixtures for Concrete. Standard Specification
C494-62T of ASTM.
Concrete Tests. Standard Specifications C31-62,
C39-61, C42-61 and C192-62 of ASTM.
Splitting Tensile Strength. Specification C496-62T
of ASTM.
Ready-Mixed Concrete. Standard Specification C94-62
of ASTM.
Welding Reinforcing Steel, Metal Inserts and
Connections in Reinforced Concrete Construction.
AWS D12. 1-61 of the American Welding Society.
Hollow Brick. (Hollow Masonry Units Made from Clay
or Shale) Standard Specification C652-70 of ASTM.
Building Brick and Facing Brick. (made from Clay or
Shale) Standard Specifications C62-69 and C216 of
ASTM.
Mortar for Masonry Other than Gypsum. Standard
Specification C270-68 of ASTM.
Aggregate for Masonry Mortar. Standard Specification
C144-70 of ASTM.
Aggregate for Masonry Grout. Standard Specification
C404-70 of ASTM.
Methods of Sampling and Testing Brick. Standard
Specification C67-66 of ASTM.
Applicable Standards or Publications in Referenced
Standard RS-21-5.
RS-21-4 Preservatives
American Wood Preserves Bureau (AWPB) Standards
CP-22, CP-33, CP-44, CP-55 , and CP-77 for
pressure treated poles.
9/1/80 677
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
AWPB Standards LP-2, LP-3, LP-4, LP-5 and LP-7 for
pressure treated softwood lumber used above
ground.
AWPB Standards LP-22, LP-33, LP-44, LP-55 and LP-77
for pressure treated softwood lumber used in
contact with the ground.
RS-21-5 Wall Construction
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standard RS-21-3.
Classification, Definition and Methods of Grading
for all Species of Lumber. Standard D245-70 of
ASTM; American Softwood Lumber Standards PS 20-70
of the U. S. Department of Commerce.
Design for Permanence, Wood Construction DATA #6
National Forest Products Association (NF.PA).
Eastern Pine, Jack Pine, Eastern Spruce, Balsam Fire,
Eastern Hemlock and Tamarack. Grading Rules,
Northern Hardwood and Pine Manufacturers Association
(September 1, 1970).
House Framing. Manual for National Forest Products
Association Wood Construction DATA #1.
National Design Specification for Stress-Grade Lumber
and Its Fastenings. National Forest Products
Association 1977 with Supplement.
Northeastern Lumber. Standard Grading Rules, North-
eastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (April,
1977).
Pine, Southern. Grading Rules, Southern Pine In-
spection Bureau (1977).
Redwood. Specifications for Grades of California
Redwood Lumber of the Redwood Inspection Service
(December, 1976).
Softwood Plywood. Construction and Industrial
Product Standard PS 1-74 (August, 1974) of the
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Standards.
Design Specifications for Light Metal Plate Connected
Wood Trusses. Truss Plate Institute (TPI) 197.
9/1/80 678
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
West Coast Lumber. Standard Grading Rules, West
Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau.
Western Lumber. Standard Grading Rules, Western
Wood Products Association (1977).
Poles Building Design. American Wood Preservers
Institute (November, 1972).
Plank-and-Beam Framing. Wood Construction Data No.
4, National Forest Products Association.
Fiberboard Nail-Base Sheathing and Structural In-
sulating Board. Standard Specifications D2277-66
and C208-66 of ASTM.
Particleboard. U. S. Department of Commerce-Commercial
Standard CS 236-66.
Material Specifications for Structural Steel.
Standard Specifications A27, A36, A53, A148,
A167, A235, A237, A242, A245, A252, A303, A307 ,
A325, A354, A374, A375, A412, A440, A441, A446,
A449, A490, A500, A501, A502, A514, A529, A570,
A572 and A588 of ASTM.
Standard Specification for Structural Glued Laminated
Timer Using "E" Rated and Visually Graded Lumber
of Douglas Fir, Southern Pine, Hem-Fir and Lodepole
Pine, American Institute of Timber Construction.
Canadian Lumber. Standard Grading Rules for Canadian
Lumber, U. S. Edition (July 1, 1973). Approved
by the American Lumber Standards Board of Review.
Specifications for Aluminum Structures of the
Aluminum Association.
Connectors other than those specified in Section
2102.0 of this Code may be used in accordance
with Table RS-21-6.
Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection
of Structural Steel for Buildings, American Institute
of Steel Construction, 1969 Edition and Supplements
Nos . 1 and 2.
RS-21-6 Wall Covering
Applicable Standards and Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-2 and RS-21-5.
Aluminum Structures. Specifications for, by the
Aluminum Association (November, 1967).
9/1/80 679
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Plaster Liquid Bonding Agents. U. S. Government
Military Specification MIL-B-19235 (Docks) (1965),
and Standards Specifications of the California
Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association
(1965), and Recommendations of the Gypsum
Association.
Adhesives for Fastening Gypsum Wallboard to Wood
Framing . Specification C557-67 of ASTM.
Perlite, Vermiculite and Sand Aggregates for Gypsum
and Portland Cement Plaster. Standards Specifi-
cation C35-70 of ASTM.
Metal Lath, Wire Lath, Wire Fabric Lath and Metal
Accessories . Approval Standard A42. 4-1967 of
ANSI.
Gypsum Wallboard Tape and Joint Compound. Standard
Specifications C475-70 and C474-67 of ASTM.
Gypsum Backing Board. Standard Specification C442-67
of ASTM.
Gypsum Lath. Standard Specification C37-69 of ASTM.
Lime. Standard Specifications C206-68 and C6-49 of
ASTM.
Gypsum Plasters. Standard Specification C28-68 of
ASTM.
Gypsum Sheathing Board. Standards Specification
C79-67 of ASTM.
Gypsum Veneer Plaster. Standards Specification
C587-68 of ASTM.
Gypsum Veneer Base. Standard Specification C588-68
of ASTM.
Gypsum Wallboard. Standard Specification C36-70 of
ASTM.
Keene's Cement. Standard Specification C61-64 of
ASTM.
Gypsum Molding Plaster. Standard Specification
C59-50 of ASTM.
Gypsum Plastering. Standard Specification A42. 1-1964
of ANSI.
9/1/80 680
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Interior Lathing and Furring. Standard Specifications
2.4-1967 of ASTM.
Application and Finishing of Gypsum Wallboard.
Standard Specifications A97.1-65 of ANSI.
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
Standard Method of Test E84-70 of ASTM.
RS-21-7 Floors
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-3 and RS-21-5.
Maximum Spans for Joists and Rafters. Technical
Bulletin 2, of NFoPA.
Canadian Dimension Lumber, Revised edition 1972,
Canadian Wood Council.
RS-21-8 Roof-Ceiling
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-3 and RS-21-6.
Maximum Spans for Joists and Rafters. Technical
Bulletin 2, of NFoPA.
Canadian Dimension Lumber. 1971, Canadian Wood
Council.
RS-21-9 Roof Coverings
Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction
by the Aluminum Association (October, 1967).
Composition Roofing. Standard Specification 55-A
(May, 1967) Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
Roofing Asphalt. Standard Specification D312-44 of
ASTM.
Composition Roofing. Standard Specification 55-B.
(April, 1962), Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
Sheet Metals. Standard Specifications A245-62aT,
A361-63T and B209-70 of ASTM.
Corrosion-Resistant Metals. Standard Specifications
A219-58, A239-41 and B209-70 of ASTM.
Composition Roofing Testing. Standard Specification
790 (September, 1958), Underwriters' Laboratories,
Inc.
9/1/80 681
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Hand-Split Shakes. Grading and Packing Rules, Hand-
Split Red Cedar Shakes 1971, Red Cedar Shingle
and Hand-Split Shake Bureau.
Asbestos-Cement Shingles. Standard Specification
C222-60 of ASTM.
Slate Shingles. Standard Specification C406-57T of
ASTM.
Wood Shingles. Commercial Standard CS31-52, U. S.
Department of Commerce, National Bureau of
Standards. Grading and Packing Rules for Red
Cedar Shingles (1971) Red Cedar Shingles and
Handsplit Shake Bureau.
Wire. Standard Specifications B134-62, B211-63, and
B250-62 of ASTM.
RS-21-10 Chimney and Fireplace
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-3 and RS-21-5.
RS-21-11 Mechanical Materials
Galvanized Sheet Metals. Standard Specification
A525-64T of ASTM.
Tank Piping and Valves for Oil Burning Appliances.
Pamphlet No. 31, June, 1965, of the NFiPA.
Nonmetallic Ducts. Standard No. 181 of the UL.
Refrigeration. Standard No. B9. 1-1964 of the ANSI.
Wrought Steel and Wrought Iron Pipe. Standard B36.
10-1959 of the ANSI.
Seamless Copper Tube, Copper Pipe and Red Brass Pipe.
Standard Specifications B42-62, B43-62, B68-60,
B88-66, B251-66 and B280-66 of ASTM.
Compression (neoprene) Gaskets (including hubless
piping system) for Cast Iron Piping and Fittings
in Condensate Drain Lines. Standard Specification
C564-70 of ASTM, or CISPI Standards HSN-72 and
301-72.
Stainless Steel Coupling (hubless piping system) for
Cast Iron Piping and Fittings in Condensate Drain
Lines. CISPI Standard 301-72.
9/1/80 682
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Load Calculation for Residential Winter and Summer
Air-Conditioning . Manual J., Third Edition, of
NISC.
Installation of Gas Appliances and Gas Piping.
Standard No. 54, 1969 of the NFiPA.
Installation of Gas Piping and Gas Equipment on
Industrial Premises and Certain Other Premises.
Standard No. 54-A, 1969 of the NFiPA.
Chimneys, Fireplaces and Venting Systems. Standard
No. 211, 1970 of the NFiPA.
Installation of Residence-Type Warm Air Heating and
Air Conditioning Systems. Standard No. 90-B,
1971 of the NFiPA.
RS-21-12 Mechanical Equipment
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standard RS-21-11.
Mechanical Ventilation. Testing and Rating Procedures
of Home Ventilating Institute.
RS-21-13 Smoke/Heat Detectors
NFiPA Standard No. 101 of 1971-1972
NFiPA Standards No. 74 of 1971-1972
RS-21-14 Solid-Fuel Appliances
Factory-Built Chimneys. Standard No. 103, 1978 of
the UL.
Factory-Built Fireplaces. Standard No. 127, 1972
of the UL.
Free-Standing Fireplaces. Standard No. 737, 1978
of the ANSI/UL.
Free-Standing Room Heaters. Standard No. 1482,
1979 of the UL.
Solid and Solid/Liquid Fuel Burning Central Heating
Boilers and Warm Air Furnaces. Standard No.
B366-M, 1979 of the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA) .
9/1/80 683
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/1/80 684
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ARTICLE 22
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION, AND
CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
SECTION 2200.0 SCOPE
2200.1 General: The provisions of this article are intended to maintain
or increase public safety, health, and general welfare in existing build-
ings by permitting repair, alteration, addition, and/or change of use
without requiring full compliance with the code for new construction
except where otherwise specified in this article.
2200.2 Compliance: Repairs, alterations, additions, and changes of
use shall conform to the requirements of this article. Where compliance
with the provisions of this code for new construction, required by this
article, is impractical because of structural or construction difficulties or
regulatory conflicts, compliance alternatives as described in Section 2206.0
may be accepted by the building official.
Note: Specialized codes, rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to
repair, alteration, addition, or change of use of existing buildings
promulgated by various authorized agencies may impact upon the pro-
visions of this article. Specialized state codes, rules, regulations, and
laws include, but are not limited to those listed in Appendix P.
2200.3 Applicability: The provisions of this article apply to repair,
alteration and/or addition to existing buildings which qualify to use this
article (see Section 2200.3.1), based on the proposed continuation of or
change in use group, as follows:
1. Continuation of the same use group, or a change in use group to a
use group of an equal or lesser hazard index number (as listed in
Table 2204) shall comply with Section 2203.0.
2. Change in use group to a use group of one (1) or greater hazard
index number (as listed in Table 2204) shall comply with Section
2204.0.
3. Change in use group to a use group of two (2) or greater hazard
index numbers (as listed in Table 2204) shall comply with the re-
quirements of Section 2205.0 and the code for new construction.
4. Part change in use: If a portion of the building is changed to a
new use group, and that portion is separated from the remainder of
the building with vertical and horizontal fire separation assemblies
complying with the fire grading required in Table 902, or with
approved compliance alternatives, then the portion changed shall be
made to conform to the provisions of this article.
If a portion of the building is changed to a new use group, and
that portion is not separated from the remainder of the building
with vertical and horizontal fire separation assemblies complying
with the fire grading required in Table 902, or with approved
compliance alternatives, then the provisions of this article applying
9/1/80 685
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
to each use shall apply to the entire building. If there are conflict-
ing provisions, then those requirements which secure the greater
public safety shall apply.
5. Additions: Additions to existing buildings shall comply with all
code requirements for new construction. The combined height and
area of the existing building and new addition shall not exceed that
allowed by Table 305 and Sections 305.0 and 306.0. Where a fire
wall complying with Section 907.0 is provided, the addition may be
considered as a separate building.
Exception: One story vertical additions to a dwelling unit shall
be permitted providing that the floor area of the addition does
not exceed that of the floor area immediately below. Such addi-
tions shall be of the same or better type of construction as the
existing building.
No addition shall impose loads which would cause the existing build-
ing to be subject to stresses exceeding those permitted by the code
for new construction.
6. Ordinary repairs: Ordinary repairs conforming to Section 102.0
may be performed without a building permit.
7. Institutional use groups: When there is no change in occupancy
within the institutional use group (I), the provisions of Section
2203.0 shall apply.
Any change to an institutional use group (I) or any change in
occupancy within an institutional use group shall comply with the
requirements of the code for new construction.
8. Places of assembly: Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the
alteration of a building heretofore occupied as a place of assembly
for such continued use, provided that the seats, aisles, passage-
ways, balconies, stages, appurtenant rooms, and all special perma-
nent equipment comply with the provisions of Sections 417.0 and
418.0.
All buildings changed to an assembly use group (A) or changed
within the assembly use groups shall comply with the requirements
of Section 417.0 and 418.0 and the applicable provisions of this
article .
9. Historic buildings: Buildings which qualify as historic under Sec-
tion 436.0 need only meet the provisions set forth in that section.
The provisions of this article shall apply to historic buildings only
when specifically cited in Section 436.0.
2200.3.1 Buildings which qualify: The provisions of this article shall
apply to existing buildings which have been legally occupied and/or used
for a period of at least five (5) years. No building for which there
exists an outstanding notice of violation or other order of the building
official shall qualify to use this article unless such proposed work in-
cludes correction of all outstanding violations and compliance with all out-
standing orders of the building official. Structures which fail to qualify
for use of the provisions of this article shall comply fully with the code
for new construction.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2200.4 Hazardous exitways: The following exitway conditions shall be
deemed to be hazardous when so cited by the building official. The
owner of any building where such conditions are cited shall be required
to correct such condition immediately:
1. Less than two (2) acceptable exitways serving every story.
Exceptions: One- or two-family dwellings and buildings subject
to Sections 417.0, 418.0, or 609.3.
2. Any required door, aisle, passageway, stairway, or other required
means of egress which is not of sufficient width to comply with
Section 608.0 or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate
means of egress.
SECTION 2201.0 DEFINITIONS
2201.1 General: Definitions shall be construed as being the same as
defined in Article 2, except as follows:
Building system: Any mechanical, structural, egress, electrical,
plumbing, building enclosure and/or fire protection system, or fire
resistive construction system, or portion thereof.
Existing building or structure: Any completed building or structure.
Hazard index: The rating of a use group for relative hazard as listed
in Table 2204.
SECTION 2202.0 IMPLEMENTATION
2202.1 Investigation and evaluation: For any proposed work covered by
this article, the building owner shall cause the existing building to be
investigated and evaluated in accordance with the provisions of this
Article (see Appendix T).
2202.2 Submittal: The results of the investigation and evaluation, along
with any proposed compliance alternatives, shall be submitted to the
building official.
2202.3 Determination of compliance: The building official shall deter-
mine whether the existing building, with the proposed work incorporated,
complies with the provisions of this article.
2202.4 Permit application: In addition to the requirements specified in
Article 1, the application for a building permit shall include items of non
or partial compliance with the requirements of this article, and compliance
alternatives, if any are proposed, for approval by the building official.
The building official shall respond to the acceptability of any proposed
compliance alternatives within thirty (30) days of the filing of the build-
ing permit application.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2202.5 Documentation of compliance alternatives: Whenever action is
taken on any building permit application to repair, make alterations or
additions or change the use or occupancy of an existing building, and
when said application proposes the use of compliance alternatives, the
building official shall ensure that one (1) copy of the proposed compliance
alternatives, including applicable plans, test data, or other data for
evaluation, be submitted to the Commission, along with a copy of the
building permit application and the building official's decision regarding
the proposed compliance alternatives.
SECTION 2203.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUATION OF THE
SAME USE GROUP OR CHANGE TO A USE GROUP
OF EQUAL OR LESSER HAZARD INDEX
2203.1 General: The requirements of this section shall apply to all
repairs and alterations to existing buildings having a continuation of the
same use group or to existing buildings changed in use group to an equal
or lesser hazard index number (Table 2204).
2203.2 Requirements exceeding those required for new construction:
Existing buildings which, in part or as a whole, exceed the requirements
of this code may, in the course of compliance with this article, reduce or
remove, in part or completely, features not required by this code for new
construction .
2203.3 New systems: Any new building system or portion thereof shall
conform to this code for new construction to the fullest extent practical.
However, individual components of an existing building system may be
repaired or replaced without requiring that system to comply fully with
the code for new construction.
2203.4 Alterations and repairs: Alterations or repairs to existing
buildings which maintain or improve the performance of the building may
be made with the same or like materials. Full compliance to the provi-
sions of Section 2203.0 is not required unless there is a change in use.
2203.5 Floor loads: All floors shall be specifically investigated to de-
termine the adequacy of the existing floor system to support the proposed
specific floor loads, which shall not be less than those provided in Article
7 for the proposed use group. However, the loads specified in Article 7
may be reduced by a registered professional engineer based on the spe-
cific occupancy loads to be encountered, provided such reduction is ap-
proved by the building official.
2203.6 Structural loads: Any portion of the existing building which will
not safely support the loads of the proposed use group as specified in
Article 7 or Section 2203.5 shall be replaced or strengthened to provide
such support.
2203.7 Number of exits: Any existing building shall provide at least
two (2) means of egress serving every story which are acceptable to the
building official.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and buildings as modified in
Sections 417.0, 418.0 (places of assembly), or 609.3 (two-story busi-
ness buildings).
2203.8 Capacity of exits: All required means of egress shall comply
with Section 608.0. Existing means of egress may be used to contribute
to the total egress capacity requirement based on the unit egress widths
of Section 608.0.
2203.9 Exit signs and lights: Exit signs and lighting shall be provided
in accordance with Section 623.0.
2203.10 Means of egress lighting: Means of egress oighting shall be
provided in accordance with Section 624.0.
2203.11 Fire alarm systems: Fire alarm systems shall be provided in
accordance with Sections 1216.0 and 1217.0.
2203.12 Enclosure of stairways: Open stairways are prohibited except in
one- and two-family dwellings or unless otherwise permitted by Article 6.
There shall be no minimum fireresistance rating required for an existing
enclosure of a stairway. Partitions or other new construction which is
added in order to fully and solidly enclose a stairway shall provide a
minimim fireresistance rating of one (1) hour. All doors in the enclosure
shall be self-closing and tight-fitting with approved hardware. All doors
in those portions of the stairway which are fireresistance rated shall
comply to the applicable portions of Article 9.
2203.13 Places of assembly: Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the
alteration of a building heretofore occupied as a place of public assembly
for such continued use provided the seats, aisles, passageways, balconies,
stages, appurtenant rooms, and all special permanent equipment comply
with the requirements of Sections 417.0 and 418.0.
All buildings changed to an assembly use group (A) or changed within
the assembly use groups shall comply with the requirements of Sections
417.0 and 418.0 and the applicable provisions of this article.
2203.14 Fire hazard to adjacent buildings: Any proposed change to the
occupancy of an existing building shall not increase the fire hazard to
adjacent buildings. If the fire hazard to adjacent buildings is substan-
tially increased, then the requirements of Table 214 for exterior walls
shall apply.
2203.15 Increase in the number of dwelling units: In buildings classified
in residential use groups (R), the number of dwelling units may be
increased up to fifteen (15) per cent without full compliance to the pro-
visions of Section 2203.9 through 2203.11 inclusive. If an increase of
greater than fifteen (15) per cent in the number of dwelling units is
involved, the building shall comply with the requirements of Section
9/1/80 689
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2203.0. For the purposes of this section only, the base number of dwell-
ing units, which shall be used to calculate percentages of all increases in
numbers of dwelling units, shall be that number of dwelling units legally
occupied on June 1, 1979.
Exception: Buildings classified in residential use groups (R) contain-
ing less than seven (7) dwelling units may be altered to add one (1)
dwelling unit without requiring full compliance with the provisions of
Section 2203.0.
2203.16 Institutional uses: When there is no change in use or occupancy
within the institutional use group (I), the provisions of Section 2203.0
shall apply.
Any change to an institutional use group (I) or any change within an
institutional use group shall comply with the requirements of the code for
new construction.
SECTION 2204.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANGE IN USE GROUP
TO ONE HAZARD INDEX GREATER
2204.1 General: When the existing use group is changed to a new use
group of one (1) hazard index higher (as provided in Table 2204), the
existing building shall conform to the requirements of the code for new
construction, except as further provided in this section.
2204.2 Mixed use: Compliance is required with Section 213.0 and Table
902 except that floors and walls providing horizontal and vertical separa-
tion in buildings of Types 3 and 4 construction shall have a fire-resis-
tance rating of not less than one (1) hour and shall be equipped with a
fire suppression system.
2204.3 Restrictions within fire limits: No further compliance is required
with Section 302.0. However, if the fire hazard to adjacent buildings is
substantially increased due to an increased fire loading, then the require-
ments of Section 302.0 shall apply.
2204.4 Area and height limitations: No further compliance is required
with Sections 305.2 and 305.3 (e.g., a change in use is allowed in an
existing building even if it exceeds the area and height limits of Table
305).
2004.5 Accessibility for physically handicapped: No further compliance
is required with Section 315.1.
2204.6 Exitway stairs: Compliance is required with Section 616.0, ex-
cept that existing exitway stairways may be used as part of the required
egress for the new use, provided that the width is of sufficient capacity
for the occupancy load, they are structurally sound, and that the enclo-
sures in buildings of Types 3 and 4 construction shall have a fireresis-
9/1/80 690
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
tance rating of not less than one (1) hour. Stairway enclosures in build-
ings of Type 1 and 2 construction shall have a fire resistance rating of
not less than two (2) hours. Where stair exitway doors are doors to an
apartment or office they need not swing onto the landing. Such doors
shall be self-closing and tight-fitting with approved hardware.
2204.7 Earthquake resistance and liquefaction: No further compliance to
Sections 716.0 and 720.0 is required. Structural alterations may be made
to existing buildings, but the resistance to lateral forces shall not be less
than before such alterations were made, unless the building as altered
meets the requirements of this code for earthquake loads.
2204.8 Mortar: No further compliance is required with Section 815.0.
2204.9 Fire and party walls: No further compliance is required with
Section 907.0. The height above the roof of existing fire, party and
exterior walls need not comply with this section.
Table 2204
HAZARD INDEX
Scale: 1-8 (1 is lowest, 8 is highest hazard)
Use Group*
Description
Index No.**
A-l-A
Theatre with stage
6
A-l-B
Theatre without stage
5
A- 2
Night club
7
A- 3
Restaurant
5
Lecture halls, recreation centers,
4
museums, libraries, similar as-
sembly buildings
A- 4
Churches and schools
4
B
Business
2
F
Factory and industrial
3
H
High hazard
8
1-1
Institutional restrained
5
1-2
Institutional incapacitated
4
M
Mercantile
3
R-l
Hotels, motels
2
R-2
Multi-family
2
R-3
One and two family
2
S-l
Storage, moderate hazard
3
S-2
Storage, low hazard
1
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Notes to Table 2204:
*See Section 203.0 thru 212.0 and Appendix T.
**Hazard Index Modifier for selected construction types.
When a building is classified in Construction Type 1A, IB, 2A, or 2B,
subtract one (1) from the Hazard Index number shown in Table 2204 for
the applicable proposed new use group only.
When a building is classified in construction Type 3C or 4B, add one (1)
to the Hazard Index number shown in Table 2204 for the applicable
proposed new use group only.
SECTION 2205.0 REQUIREMENT FOR CHANGE IN USE GROUP
TO TWO OR MORE HAZARD INDICES GREATER
2205.1 General: When the existing use group is changed to a new use
group of two (2) or more hazard indices higher (as provided in Table
2204), the existing building shall conform to the requirements of the code
for new construction.
SECTION 2206.0 COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES
2206.1 General: Where compliance with the provisions of the code for
new construction, required by this article, is impractical because of
structural or construction difficulties or regulatory conflicts, compliance
alternatives may be accepted by the building official.
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Some compliance alternatives which have been used are provided in
Appendix T. The building official may accept these compliance alterna-
tives or others proposed.
2206.2 Documentation: In accordance with Section 2202.5, the building
official shall ensure that the Commission is provided with information re-
garding compliance alternatives accepted or rejected by him.
SECTION 2207.0 ENERGY PROVISIONS
FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
2207.1 General: This section establishes the energy provisions for
existing buildings governed by Section 2203.0. Existing buildings gov-
erned by Sections 2204.0, 2205.0, or by the code for new construction
shall comply with the requirements of Article 20 for new construction.
2207.2 Compliance alternatives: Alterations to any of the building
elements of an existing building must comply with Table 2207 on either a
component basis; or an equivalent energy usage analysis basis; or a
system analysis basis.
2207.2.1 Component basis: Alterations to any of the building elements
(walls, windows, doors, roofs or mechanical systems) shall comply with
Table 2207 and the applicable subsections of Article 20 for the altered
elements only.
2207.2.2 Equivalent energy usage analysis: Alterations to any of the
building envelope elements (walls, windows, doors, or roof) may be ad-
justed so that the energy losses of any element may be increased or de-
creased as long as the total does not exceed that which would have been
calculated for the individual components.
2207.2.3 Systems analysis: Refer to Section 2013.0 of this code for
design criteria for systems analysis.
2207.3 Exempt buildings: Refer to Section 2001.4 for thermally exempt
buildings and Section 2015.0 for lighting exemptions.
2207.4 Compliance exceptions
2207.4.1 Fenestration: When alterations to a wall assembly include only
altering the fenestration component, the areas of fenestration may be de-
creased or replaced with an opaque wall element made to comply with the
thermal transmittance value of the existing wall.
2207.4.2 Ordinary repairs: Ordinary repairs need not comply with the
energy provisions.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2207.4.3 Roofs: Compliance of the roof /ceiling assembly is not required
unless the existing roofing material is stripped off the roof deck. How-
ever, if a structural analysis by a registered professional engineer shows
that the roof will not support the additional live loads imposed by compli-
ance of the roof /ceiling assembly, or, if such analysis shows that addition
of the required amount of insulation will cause ponding of water, then
compliance of the roof /ceiling assembly is not required.
TABLE 2207
COMPONENT VALUES FOR ALTERED ELEMENTS
Walls
All wall construction contain-
ing heated or mechanically
cooled space
0.08
6, 8
Foundation Walls
Including Band
Containing heated or mechani-
cally cooled space
Containing unheated space
0.08
0.17
Roof/Ceiling Assembly
Wood plank and beam construction
containing heated or mechanically
cooled space
0.08
Roof/Ceiling Assembly
Construction other than wood plank
and beam containing heated or mech-
anically cooled space
0.05
Doors, Skylights
and Windows
All construction enclosing heated
or mechanically cooled space
0.65
0.65
2, 7
5
6
Floors
Floor sections over areas exposed
to outside air or unheated areas
Unheated slab on grade
Heated slab on grade
0.08
5.50 (R)
7.75 (R)
3
Mechanical
Equipment
Heating, cooling, sizing
and efficiency
Sect. 2010.1
thru 2010.7
9
Equipment
Controls
Humidstats, thermostats and
zoning
Sect. 2010.8
9
Duct and Pipe
Insulation and
Construction
Located in unconditioned areas
Sect. 2010.9
2010.10, 2010
.13
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Electrical Various sections Section 2011.0
Equipment and 2012.0
Lighting Lighting Sectin 2012.0
NOTES TO TABLE 2207
Note 1. Wood plank and beam assemblies are constructions in which
the finished interior surface is the underside of the roof deck.
Note 2. Double glazing or storm windows will satisfy the required U
Value of 0.65.
Note 3. Insulation may be omitted from floors over unheated areas
when foundation walls are provided with a U value of 0.17.
Note 4. The U value requirement of 0.17 for foundation walls may
be omitted when floors over unheated spaces are provided with a U value
of 0.08.
Note 5. Allowable air infiltration values for windows - .50 cfm/lin.
ft. of operable sash crack; residential doors - (sliding) .50 cfm/sf., (en-
trance) 1.25 cfm/sf.; commercial doors 11 cfm/lin. ft.
Note 6. The first floor exterior envelope of business and mercantile
use groups shall have an overall thermal transmittance value not greater
than .65 in lieu of individual component values for walls and fenestration.
Note 7. When the glass area is increased, the glass and wall compo-
nents which are altered shall comply with the component values in Table
2207. The extent of wall made to comply shall be equivalent to the de-
creased opaque wall area.
Note 8. When any alterations to the exterior wall component exposes
the wall cavity or, when a finished system is added to a wall having no
cavity, the wall must comply with the values in Table 2207.
Note 9. When mechanical system compliance is required on an exist-
ing system, only the portions of the system altered and any other por-
tions which can reasonably be incorporated need comply.
SECTION 2208.0 OTHER CODE SECTIONS PERTAINING TO
REPAIR, ALTERATION, OR CHANGE OF USE
OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
2208.1 General: The following is a list of some additional code sections
which may pertain to repair, alteration, or change of use of existing
9/1/80 695
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
buildings:
101.0 Applicability
102.0 Ordinary Repairs
103.0 Installation of Service Equipment
104.0 Maintenance
105.0 Change in Existing Use
106.0 Alterations and Repairs
108.5.1 Duties and Powers of the Building Official and State Inspector
- Inspection and Certificaton - Specified Use Groups
111.1 Preliminary Inspection
116.0 Demolition of Structures
117.0 Moved Structures
119.2 Certificate of Use and Occupancy - Buildings or Structures
Hereafter Altered
120.0 Posting Structures
121 . 0 Violations
123.0 Unsafe Structures
124.0 Emergency Measures
302.0 Restrictions Within the Fire Limits
309.0 Street Encroachments
403.0 Fire Prevention Code
405.0 Existing Buildings
414.0 Public Garages
417.2.2 Places of Public Assembly - Superimposed Theatres
417.2.3 Places of Public Assembly - Frame Construction
418.0 Places of Public Assembly other than Theatres
424.0 Group Residence
429.0 Open Parking Structures
434.0 Day Care Centers
435.2 Summer Camps for Children - New and Existing Occupancies
436.0 Historic Buildings
439.0 Detoxification Facilities
505.0 Existing Buildings (Light, Ventilation and Sound Transmis-
sion Control)
600.1 Means of Egress - Scope
600.2 Modification of Exitway Requirements
605.0 Maintenance of Exitways
621.0 Fire Escapes
705.0 Structural and Foundation Loads and Stresses - Existing
Buildings
716.6.7 Earthquake Loads - Minor Alterations
744.0 Design Requirements for Floodplains and Coastal High Hazard
Areas
804.4 Heretofore Approved Materials
924.6 Exterior Trim Restrictions - Existing Combustible Construction
926.2 Roof Covering - Existing Roofs
1005.0 Chimneys, Flues, and Vent Pipes - Existing Buildings
1103.0 Mechanical Equipment and Systems - Existing Buildings
1200.3 Fire Protection Systems - Maintenance
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1200.8 Fire Protection Systems - Periodic Inspections and Tests
1201.1 Fire Protection Systems - Plans and Specifications - Required
1201.2 Fire Protection Systems - Plans and Specifications - Approved
by other Agencies
1212.7 Standpipes for Buildings Under Demolition
Article 13 Precautions During Building Operations
1403.0 Unsafe and Unlawful Signs - Notices
1404.0 Existing Signs
1405.0 Signs - Maintenance and Inspection
2001.3 Energy Conservation - Existing Buildings
2001.4 Energy Conservation - Exempt Buildings
2100.2.4 Building Code Provisions for One- and Two-Famiy Dwellings
- Alterations to Existing Buildings
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APPENDIX A
REFERENCE STANDARDS AGENCIES
The following agencies promulgate standards referenced in this code and the
following appendices. The abbreviations in front of the agency are used to
identify the standards that the agency promulgates.
AA
Aluminum Association
818 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
AAMA
Architectural Aluminum
Manufacturers Association
35 East Wacker Drive
Room 3200
Chicago, Illinois 60601
ABPA
American Board Products Association
205 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
ACI
American Concrete Institute
P.O. Box 19150
Redford Station
Detroit, Michigan 48219
AISC
American Institute of Steel
Construction, Inc.
1212 Avenue of the Americas
Suite 1580
New York, New York 10020
AISI
American Iron and Steel Institute
1000 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
AITC
American Institute of Timber
Construction
333 W. Hampden Avenue
Englewood, Colorado 80110
MnsA
American Insurance Association
85 John Street
New York, New York 10038
ANSI
American National Standards
1430 Broadway
New York, New York 10018
APA
American Plywood Assocation
1119 A Street
Tacoma, Washington 98401
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating
Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers
United Engineering Center
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017
ASME
American Society of Mechanical
Engineers
United Engineering Center
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017
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♦
ASTM
American Society for Testing and
Materials
1916 Race Street
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
AWS
American Welding Society
2501 N.W. Seventh Street
Miami, Florida 33125
AWPA
| American Wood Preservers'
" Association
1625 Eye Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
AWPB
American Wood Preservers Bureau
P.O. Box 6085
Arlington, Virginia 22206
AWPI
American Wood Preservers Institute
1651 Old Meadow Road
McLean, Virginia 22101
BIA
Brick Institute of America
1750 Old Meadow Road
McLean, Virginia 22101
BOCA
Building Officials and Code
Administrators International
17926 South Halsted Street
| Homewood, Illinois 60430
CPSC
Consumer Product Safety
Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
CSA
Canadian Standards Association
178 Rexdale Boulevard
Rexdale, Ontario MGW IR3
Canada
DOC
United States Department of
Commerce
National Bureaus of Standards
Washington, D.C. 20234
DOD-OCD
Department of Defense
Office of Civil Defense
Office of the Secretary of the Army
Washington, D.C. 20390
FM
Factory Mutual Engineering
Corporation
Standards-Laboratories Department
1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062
FS
Federal Specifications
Superintendent of Documents
Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402
GA
Gypsum Association
1603 Orrington Avenue
Suite 1210
Evanston, Illinois 60201
HPMA
Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers
Association
P.O. Box 6246
Arlington, Virginia 22206
HUD
United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development
Division of Mobile Home Standards
451 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20410
IES
Illuminating Engineers Society
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017
I
/1/80
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ICBO
International Conference of
Building Officials
5360 South Workman Mill Road
Whittier, California 90601
MBMA
Metal Buildings Manufacturers
Association
2130 Keith Building
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
MCMA
National Concrete Masonry
Association
6845 Elm Street
McLean, Virginia 22101
NFiPA
National Fire Protection Association
470 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
NFoPA
National Forest Products Association
1619 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
RCSHSB
Red Cedar Shingle and Handsplit
Shake Bureau
5510 White Building
Seattle, Washington 98101
SJI
Steel Joist Institute
2001 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22202
SMACNA
Sheet Metal and Air- Conditioning
Contractors National Association,
Inc.
8224 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, Virginia 22180
SPIB
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau
P.O. Box 846
Pensacola, Florida 32594
SSSI
.
Steel Scaffolding & Shoring Institute
2130 Keith Building
Cleveland, Ohio 41115
TCA
Tile Council of America
4801 Montgomery Lane
Washington, D.C. 20014
TPI
Truss Plate Institute, Inc.
7411 Riggs Road
Hyattsville, Maryland 20783
UL
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
207 East Chicago Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
U.S. Army
Office of the Chief of Engineers
U.S. Army
Publications Depot
890 Pickett Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22304
«
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«
APPENDIX B
ACCEPTED ENGINEERING PRACTICE STANDARDS
See also Appendices C, D, E, F and G for standards on specific materials
or test of units or assemblies; some of which include engineering practice
standards for specific applications.
Concrete
Concrete Formwork-Recommended Practice for ACI 347-68
Inspection and Testing Agencies for
Concrete, Steel and Bituminous
Materials as Used in Construction ASTM E329-72
Manufacturing Reinforced Concrete Floor and Roof Units-
Recommended Practice for ACI 512-67
Reinforced Concrete-Building Code Requirements for ACI 318-77
Reinforced Concrete Structures-Manual of Standard
Practice for Detailing .ACI 315-74
Reinforced Steel Welding Code AWS D12.1-75
Electrical Illumination
Daylighting-Recommended Practices of IES RP5-62
Design Criteria for Lighting Interior Living Spaces IES RP11-69
Electrical Code-National NFiPA 70-78
IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and
Electronic terms ANSI C42. 100-72
Industrial Lighting ANSI A 11.1-73
Lighting Handbook IES-72
Massachusetts Electrical Code 527-CMR-12.00
Office Lighting-Recommended Practice IES RP1-73
School Lighting- Recommended Practice IES RP3-70
Energy Conservation
ASHRAE 1977 Handbook of Fundamentals ASHRAE-77
ASHRAE 1976 Systems Volume ASHRAE-76
Energy Conservation in New Building Design ASHRAE 90-75
Rate of Air Leakage throiigh Exterior Windows, Curtain
Walls, and Doors -Standard Method of Test for ASTM E283-73
ANSI A134.1. 134.2
NWMA IS-2 & IS-3
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Energy Conservation-continued
Thermal Environmental Conditions for
Human Occupancy ASHRAE Standard 55-74
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards 3rd ed. , 1972
SMACNA
High Velocity Duct Construction Standards 2nd ed . , 1969
SMACNA
Low Velocity Duct Construction Standards 4th ed . , 1969
SMACNA
American Refrigeration Institute Standard 520-74
Gas Water Heaters Vol. Ill, Circulatory Tank ANSI Z21.10.3-74
Household Automatic Electric Storage Type Heaters ANSI C72. 11-72
Evaluation of Various Heating A/C Eguipment
and Devices-Standards for ASHRAE 90-75
Equipment
Conveyors, Elevators, Hoists and Lifts
Construction, Care and Use of Automotive Lifts
-Saftey Requirements for ANSI B153.1-74
Conveyors and Related Equipment- Safety Standards for ANSI B20.1-76
-Safety Code for ANSI A17.1-71
-1972 Supplement ANSI A17.1a-72
-1973 Supplement ANSI A17.1b-73
-1974 Supplement ANSI A17.1c-74
-1975 Supplement ANSI A17.1d,e,f-75
Elevators, Escalators and Moving Walks -Practice for
the Inspection of ANSI A17.2-73
Elevator and Escalator Regulations 524 CMR 3.00-11.00
Elevator, Dumbwaiter, Escalator, and Moving
Walk Regulations 524 CMR-15. 00-33. 00
Manlifts- Safety Standard f or ANSI A90.1-69
-1972 Supplement ANSI A90.1a-72
Massachusetts Electrical Code 524 CMR 12.00
Material Hoists, Safety Requirements for ANSI A 10.5-75
Personnel Hoists, Safety Requirements for ANSI A 10.4-75
Heating
Boiler Code and Unfired Pressure Vessel Code ASME-77
Inspection of Boilers, Air Tanks, etc MGL Chapter 146
Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code 248 CMR 3.00-8.00
Mechanical Equipment and Piping
Basic Mechanical Code BOCA-78
Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR 2.00
Material Hoists, Safety Requirements for ANSI A 10.5-75
Personnel Hoists, Safety Requirements for ANSI A 10.4-75
Heating
Boiler Code and Unfired Pressure Vessel Code ASME-77
702
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ACCEPTED ENGINEERING PRACTICE STANDARDS
Equipment-continued
Mechanical Equipment and Piping
Basic Mechanical Code BOCA-78
Basic Plumbing Code BOCA-78
Fire and Sound Testing Assemblies
Approved Guide, Equipment, Materials
Services for Conservation of Property FM-FMED-77
Fire Resistance Design Manual GA-600-78
Fire Resistance Directory UL-77
Fire Resistance Ratings AInsA-64
-1968 Supplement AInsA-68
-1970 Supplement AInsA-70
-1972 Supplement AInsA-72
Fire Protection and Safety Practices
Life Safety Code NFiPA 101-76
NOTE: NFiPA 101-1976 is acceptable for matters of
design of exits not provided for by the BOCA
Codes. Finish and contruction requirements
incorporated therein are not applicable.
Aircraft Hangars- Standard on NFiPA 409-75
Basic Fire Prevention Code BOCA-78
Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film
-Standard for the Storage and Handling of NFiPA 40-74
Dry Cleaning Plants -Standard for NFiPA 32-74
Dust Explosions and Ignition,
Standard for the Prevention of
-in Flour and Feed Mills and Allied
Grain Storage Elevators NFiPA 61C-73
-in Grain Elevators, Bulk Handling Facilities NFiPA 61B-73
-in Industrial Plants-Fundamental Principles for NFiPA 63-75
-in Starch Factories NFiPA 61A-73
Factory Built Chimneys (Low Heat) UL 103-78
Factory Built Fireplaces UL 127-72
Fire Damper Guide for Air Handling Systems SMACNA-70
Fire Tests for Flame Resistant
Textiles and Films -Standard Methods of NFiPA 701-76
Garages
-Parking Structures -Standard for NFiPA 88A-73
-Repair Garages -Standard for NFiPA 88B-73
Gas Shielded Arch Welding-Recommended
Safe Practice for AWS A6.1-66
Household Fire Warning Equipment- Standard for NFiPA 74-75
Incinerators and Rubbish Handling-Standard on NFiPA 82-72
Insulated Roof Deck Construction -Fire Standard for UL 1256
9/1/80 703
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I
Fire Protection and Safety Practices -continued
Liquefied Petroleum Gases-Standard for the
Storage and Handling of NFiPA 58-76
Liquefied Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas Plants- Standard for the
Storage and Handling of NFiPA 59-76 f
Liquids, Flammable and Combustible-Code for NFiPA 30-76 "
Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations See Appendix P
Oxygen- Fuel Gas Systems for Welding and Cutting
-Standard for the Installation and Operation of NFiPA 51-74
Piers and Wharves-Standard for the Construction
and Protection of NFiPA 87-75
Potential Heat of Building Materials -Standard Test Method for .NFiPA 259-76
Pulverized Fuel Systems-Standard for the m
Installation and Operation of NFiPA 60-73™
Pyroxylin Plastics-Code for Storage of NFiPA 40E-75
Room Heaters, Solid Fuel Type UL 1482-79
Roof Deck Construction, Fire Performance of -
Test Method for FM 4450
Safe Practices for Welding and Cutting Containers
That Have Held Combustibles AWS A6.0-65
Safety in Welding and Cutting ANSI Z49.1-73
Smoke and Heat Venting-Guide for NFiPA 204-68
Solid Fuel Type Room Heater-Standard for UL 1482
Solid and Solid-Liquid Fuel Burning Central
Heating Boilers and Warm Air Furnaces CSA B366-M-79
Spray Finishing Using Flammable and
Combustible Materials -Standard for NFiPA 33-73
Standard for Fireplace Stoves ANSI/UL 737-78
Tents, Grandstands and Air-Supported Structures
Used for Places of Assembly- Standard for NFiPA 102-72
Glass
Safety Glazing Material Used in Buildings-Performance
Specifications and Methods of Test for ANSI Z97. 1-72/75
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 143
Interior Finishes
<
Application and Finishing of Gypsum
Board-Specifications for (See Appendix M) GA 216-75
Gypsum Base for Veneer Plasters -Standard
Specification for ASTM C588-76
Gypsum Board Products, Gypsum Lath, Gypsum
Partition Tile or Block, and Precast Reinforced ■
Gypsum Slabs-Method of Physical Testing of ASTM C473-76
Gypsum Lath- Standard Specification for ASTM C37-76
Gypsum Plasters-Specification for ASTM C28-76
Gypsum Plasters and Gypsum Concrete-Standard
Methods for Physical Testing of ASTM C472-73
704
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ACCEPTED ENGINEERING PRACTICE STANDARDS
Interior Finishes-continued
Gypsum Veneer Plaster- Specifications for ASTM C587-73
.Gypsum Veneer Plaster- Specifications for Application GA 150-70
Gypsum Wallboard- Specification for ASTM C36-76
Interior Lathing and Furring-Specifications for ANSI A42.4-67
Interior Marble- Specif iations for ANSI A94.1-61
Metal Ceiling Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panels
-Standard Recommended Practice for Installation of ASTM C636-76
Metal Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panel
Ceilings- Standard Specifications for ASTM C635-76
Portland Cement and Portland Cement-Lime Plastering,
Exterior (Stucco) and Interior, Lathing and Furring-
Specifications for ANSI A42.3-71
Portland Cement and Portland Cement-Lime Plastering,
Exterior (Stucco) and Interior- Specifications for ANSI A42.2-71
Steel Framing Members to Receive Screw-Attached Gypsum
Wallboard Backing Board, or Water-Resistant
Backing Board-Specifications for ASTM C754-74
Tile, Ceramic, Installed with
-Chemical Resistant, Water Cleanable Tile- Setting and
Grouting Epoxy ANSI A108.6-76
-Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar ANSI A108.5-76
-Water-Resistant Organic Adhesives ANSI A108.4-76
Tile, Electrically Conductive Ceramic,
Installed with Conductive Dry Set
Portland Cement Mortar ANSI A108.7-76
Tile, Installation of Glazed Wall Tile, Ceramic Mosaic Tile,
Quarry and Paver Tile with Portland Cement Mortar ANSI A108.1-76
Masonry
Cold Weather Masonry Construction BIA-68
Design and Construction of Loadbearing
Concrete Masonry-Specifications for NCMA-70
Engineered Brick Masonry-Requirements for BIA-69
NOTE: This standard (BIA-69) is only applicable
to brick masonry of solid masonry units
made from clay or shale.
Masonry-Building Code Requirements for ANSI A41.1-70
Materials, Proportioning, and Application
of Shotcrete, Specification for ACI 506.2-77
Reinforced Masonry- Building Code Requirements for ANSI A41.2-70
Structural Plain Concrete-Building Code Requirements for ACI322-72
Metal
Aluminum
Aluminum Construction Manual, Aluminum Formed
Sheet Building Sheathing Design Guide AA-ABS32-69
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i
Metal- continued
Aluminum Construction Manual,
Specifications for Aluminum Structures AA-SAS30-76 a
Aluminum Construction Manual, Aluminum Sheet \
Metal Work in Building Construction AA-ASM35-71
Steel
Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel
-Specification for AISC-S307-60
Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members
-Specification for AISI-68 a
Addendum No. 1 AISI-78 \
Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel for
Buildings-Specification for AISC-S326-78
Design of Cold- Formed Stainless Steel Structural Members
-Specification for AISI-74
Gas Systems for Welding and Cutting (See Fire Protection
and Safety Practice)
Longspan Steel Joist LH series, and Deepspan
Steel Joists DLH series-Standard Specifications for SJI/AISC-78
Metal Building Systems Manual MBMA-74
Non-Load (Axial) Bearing Steel Studs, Runners (Track), and
Rigid Furring Channels for Screw Application of Gypsum
Board- Specification for ASTM C645-76
Open Web Steel Joists, H Series
-Standard Specifiation for SJI/AISC-78
Joist Girders- Specification for SJI-78
Steel Drill Screw Application of Gypsum Sheet
Material to Light Gauge Steel Studs- Specification for ...ASTM C646-76a
Structural Applications of Steel Cables for
Buildings-Criteria for AISI-73
Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts
-Specification for AISC-S314-78
Welding Code, Structural AWS Dl.1-79
Welding Sheet Steel in Structures- Specification for AWS Dl.3-78
Wood and Wood Products
Adhesives for Field Glueing Plywood to Wood Framing-
Performance Specifications for APA-AFGOl-74
All-Weather Wood Foundation System-
Basic Requirements NFoPA-TR7-76
-1977 Supplement NFoPA-TR7-77
APA Glued Floor System APA-U405-76
Code of Suggested Practices-Timber Construction
Standard AITC 106-77
Construction Details-Typical Timber Construction Standard ...AITC 104-76
Heavy Timber Construction- Standard for AITC 108-69
706
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«
<
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
ACCEPTED ENGINEERING PRACTICE STANDARDS
Wood and Wood Products -continued
Joists and Rafters
Span Tables for NFoPA-77
Design Values NFoPA-77
National Design Specifications for Wood Construction NFoPA-77
-1977 Supplement (Design Values) NFoPA-77
Pile Foundations Know How AWPI-70
Pole Building Design AWPI-72
Plywood Commerical/Industrial Construction Guide APA-Y300-76
Plywood Design Specifications APA-Y510-76
Plywood-Lumber Components -Design Specifications for (includes
curved panels, beams, stressed-skin panels, sandwich panels,
diaphragm construction and folded plates APA-V825-77
Plywood-Lumber Components- Fabrication Specifications (includes
curved panels, beams, stressed-skin panels, sandwich panels,
and folded plates APA-V820-77
Plywood Residential Construction Guide APA-Y405-76
Protection of Structural, Glued Laminated Timber During Transit,
Storage and Erection-Recommended Practice for AITC 111-65
Structural Design Data-Wood NFoPA-70
Structural Design Guide for Hardwood Plywood HPMA-HP-SG-72
Structural Glued Laminated Timber-
Inspection Manual for AITC 200-73
Structural Timber Framing-Standard for the Design of AITC 102-76
Timber Construction Manual AITC-74
Trusses-Design Specifications for Light Metal Plate
Connected Wood TPI-74
Wood Handbook USDA Handbook No. 72-74
Unclassified Miscellaneous
Automatic Locks; Common Doors of Certain
Apartment Houses to be Eguipped with MGL C 143-3R
Basic Property Maintenance Code BOCA-78
Building Materials and Equipment-
Coordination of Dimensions of ANSI A62 . 1-57
Construction and Maintenance of Buildings or
Other Structures Used as Garages, and the
Related Storage, Keeping and Use of Gasoline
-Rules and Regulations Governing 527 CMR 5.00
Control and Restriction of Billboards, Signs
and Other Advertising Devices, October 1, 1973
-Rules and Regulations for 311 CMR 1.00-3.00
Demolition- Safety Requirements for ANSI A10.6-69
Fallout Shelters-Suggested Building
Code Provisions for DOD-OCD-TR-36-66
Flood Proofing Regulations U.S. Army-72
707
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Unclassified Miscellaneous-continued
Floor and Wall Openings, Railings, and
Toe Boards-Safety Requirements for ANSI A12.1-73
Hospital and Medical Facilities-General Standards
of Construction and Equipment for USHEW HRA-79-14500
Installing Vitrified Clay Sewer Pipe-Recommended
Practice for ASTM C12-74
Keeping, Storage, Use, Manufacture, Sale,
Handling, Transportation or other
Disposition of Explosives 527 CMR 13.00
Unclassified Miscellaneous, continued
Loads, Minimum Design in Buildings and Other Structures-
Building Code Requirements for ANSI A58.1-72
Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards HUD-75
One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code BOCA, AInA, SSBC, ICBO-75
1976 Supplement BOCA, AInA, SSBC, ICBO-76
Prevention of Accidents in Construction
Operations-Rules and Regulations for 441 CMR 10.00
Pevention of Accidents in Window Cleaning,
(Industrial Bulletin No. 21), Department of
Labor & Industries-Rules and Regulations for 441 CMR 19.00
Rules and Regulations for Manufactured Bldgs . ,
Bldg . Components and Mobile Homes SBCC
Shoring Concrete Formwork-Recommended Safety
Requirements for SSSI-73
Signs and Outdoor Display Structures-
Building Code Requirements for ANSI A60.1-49
Waterproofing and Drainage of Floors-Manual on NFiPA 92M-72
708
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX C
MATERIAL STANDARDS
See also Appendix D for standards for tests of specific materials.
Concrete
Aggregates, Concrete- Specifications for ASTM C33-7'
Aggregates, Lightweight, for Structural
Concrete- Specifications for ASTM C330-7
Aggregates, Lightweight, for Concrete Masonry Units (See Masonr
Aggregates, Lightweight, for Insultating Concrete-
Specifications for ASTM C332-71
Forms for One-way Concrete Joist Construction-
Types and Sizes of DOC PS 16-69
Gypsum Concrete- Specifications for ASTM C317-75
Manufacturing Reinforced Concrete Floor and
Roof Units-Recommended Practice for ACI 512-67
Masonry Units -Concrete (See Masonry
Natural Cement- Specifications for ASTM C10-76
Portland Cement- Specifications for ASTM C150-7
Ready Mix Concrete- Specifications for ASTM C94-74a
Reinforcing (See Metals
Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete-
Specifications for ASTM C171-7E
Vermiculite Concrete Roofs and Slabs on
Grade- Specifications for ANSI A122.1-65
Interior Finishes
Adhesives, Organic, for Installation of
Ceramic Tile Types I and II-
Standard for ANSI A136.1-72
Aggregates, Inorganic for use in
Gypsum Plaster- Specifications for ASTM C35-76
Conductive Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar, Standard
Specification- (for Ceramic Tile) ANSI A118.2-7I
Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar-(for Ceramic Tile) ANSI A118.1-76
Epoxy, Chemical Resistant, Water Cleanable Tile-Setting
and Grouting- Standard Specifications for ANSI A118.3-76
Gypsum and Gypsum Products, Chemical Analysis of-
Standard Methods for ASTM C471-75
Gypsum Base for Veneer Plaster- Specifications for ASTM C588-76
709
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Interior Finishes-continued
Gypsum Board Products, Gypsum Lath, Gypsum
Partition Tile or Block, and Precast Reinforced
Gypsum Slabs-Method of Physical Testing of ASTM C473-76
Gypsum Lath- Specifications for ASTM C37-76
Gypsum Plasters- Specifications for ASTM C28-76
Gypsum Plasters and Gypsum Concrete, Physical
Testing of-Standard Methods for ASTM C472-73
Gypsum Veneer Plaster- Specifications for ASTM C587-73
Gypsum Wallboard- Specifications for . . ASTM C36-76
Latex-Portland Cement Mortar, Standard Specification
for (for Ceramic Tile) ANSI A118.4-76
Lime, Hydrated, Normal Finishing- Specifications for ASTM C6-74
Lime, Hydrated, Special Finishing- Specifications for ASTM C206-76
Quicklime and Hydrated Lime-Methods of
Physical Testing of ASTM C110-76a
Quicklime for Structural Purposes-Specifications for ASTM C5-74
Tile, Ceramic- Standard Specifications for TCA 137.1-76
Masonry
Aggregate, Fine-Effect of Organic Impurities in,
on Strength of Mortar ASTM C87-75
Aggregates, Lightweight, for Concrete Masonry Units -
Specifications for ASTM C331-77
Aggregate for Masonry Grout- Specifications for ASTM C404-76
Aggregate for Masonry Mortar- Specifications for ASTM C144-76
Brick, Building (Solid Masonry Units Made from
Clay or Shale)-Specifications for ASTM C62-75a
Brick, Concrete Building-Specifications for ASTM C55-75
Brick, Face, Calcium Silicate (Sand Lime Brick) -
Specification for ASTM C73-75
Brick, Facing (Solid Masonry Units Made from
Clay or Shale)-Specifications for ASTM C216-77
Brick, Hollow (Hollow Masonry
Units Made from Clay or Shale) ASTM C652-77 w
Cement, Masonry- Specifications for ASTM C91-751
Ceramic Tile (Veneers) (See Interior Finishes)
Clay Facing Tile, Structural- Specification for ASTM C212-75
Clay Load-Bearing Wall Tile, Structural- Specifications for ASTM C34-75
Clay Non-Load Bearing Screen Tile, Structural-
Specifications for ASTM C530-75
Clay Non-Load Bearing Wall Tile, Structural- Specification for ..ASTM C56-76
Concrete Masonry Units, Hollow Load Bearing-
Specifications for ASTM C90-7
Concrete Masonry Units, Hollow Non-Load Bearing-
Specifications for ASTM C129-75
Concrete Masonry Units, Solid Load Bearing-
Specifications for ASTM C145-75
9/1/80 71°
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Masonry-continued MATERIAL STANDARDS
►
»
Glazed Units: Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay
Facing Tile, Facing Brick, and Solid Masonry
Units- Specifications for ASTM C126-76
Gypsum Partition Tile and Block-
Specifications for ASTM C52-77
Lime, Hydra ted for Masonry Purposes-
Specifications for ASTM C207-76
Limes (See Interior Finishes)
Mortar and Grout for Reinforced Masonry-
Specification for ASTM C476-76
Mortar for Unit Masonry- Specification for ASTM C270-73
Portland Cement-Lime Mortar for Brick Masonry-
Standard Specification for BIA MI-72
Portland Cement- Specifications for (See Concrete)
Chemical-Resistant Masonry Units-Specification for ASTM C279-54
Structural Clay Products-Standard Definition of
Terms Relating to ASTM C43-70
Metal
Alloy Steel Bolts, Quenched and Tempered, for Structural
Steel Joints -Standard Specifications for ASTM A490-76a
Alloy Steel Sheets and Strip, Regular Quality
Hot-Rolled and Cold-Rolled-Specification for ASTM A506-73
Aluminum-Alloy Bars, Rods and Wire-
Standard Specifications for ASTM B211-75
Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Shapes
and Tubes-Standard Specifications for ASTM B221-76a
Aluminum-Alloy Die and Hand Forgings-
Standard Specifications for ASTM B247-76
Aluminum Alloy Seamless Pipe and
Seamless Extruded Tubing-
Standard Specifications for ASTM B241-76
i Aluminum Alloy Sheet and Plate-
" Standard Specifications for ASTM B209-77
Aluminum- Alloy Standard Structural Shapes,
Rolled or Extruded- Standard Specifications for ASTM B308-73
Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes-
Standard Specifications for ASTM B210-76
Aluminum Alloy Extruded Structural Pipe and Tube-
Standard Specifications for ASTM B249-75
i Aluminum-Alloy Round Welded Tubes-
f Standard Specifications for ASTM B313-73
Aluminum-Alloy Rivet and Cold Heading
Wire and Rods-Standard Specifications for ASTM B316-75
Aluminum Alloy Dye Castings -Standard
Specifications for ASTM B85-76
Aluminum Alloy Permanent Mold Castings-
Standard Specification for ASTM B108-76
►
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«
1
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Metal -continued
Aluminum Alloy Sand Castings -Standard
Specifications for ASTM B26-76a
Aluminum Sliding Glass Doors- Specifications for AAMA 402.9-77
Aluminum Windows -Specifications for AAMA 302.9-77
Bare Mild Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for
Submerged Arc Welding- Specifications for AWS A5. 17-76
Bolts, High Strength, for Structured Steel
Joints Including Suitable Nuts and Plain
Hardened Washers- Specifications for ASTM A325-76c
Bolts and Studs, Quenched and Tempered Steel-
Specifications for ASTM A449-76q
Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts for Bolts for
High-Pressure and High Temperature Service-
Specifications for ASTM A194-77
Carbon- Steel Castings Suitable for Fusion
Welding for High Temperature Service-
Specifications for ASTM A216-75
Carbon Steel Nuts -Specifications for ASTM A563-76a
Carbon Steel Plates of Structural Quality, Low and
Intermediate Tensile Strength- Specifications for ASTM A283-75
Carbon Steel Strip, Cold-Rolled-
Specifications for ASTM A109-72
Castings, Mild-to-Medium Strength Carbon Steel
for General Application- Specifications for ASTM A27-77
Castings, Gray Iron- Specifications for ASTM A48-76
Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel
Structural Tubing in Rounds and Squares-
Specifications for ASTM A500-77
Steel Castings for Structural Purposes, High
Strength- Specifications for ASTM A148-73
Electrodes, Low Alloy Steel Covered Arc
Welding- Specifications for AWS A5.5-69
Electrodes, Mild Steel Arc Welding-
Specifications for AWS A5.1-69
High Strength, Low Alloy Structural Steel with (
50,000 psi Minimum Yield Point to 4 inches
Thick- Specifications for ASTM A588-77
Hot-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel
Structural Tubing- Specifications for ASTM A501-76
Hot-Formed Welded and Seamless High-Strength
Low-Allow Structural Tubing-
Specifications for ASTM A618-74
Hot Rolled Carbon Steel Sheets and Strip,
Structural Quality- Specifications for ASTM A570-75
Steel Sheet, Zinc Coated (Galvinized) by
the Hot-Dip Process for Roofing- Specifications for ASTM A361-76
Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Long-Terne Coated-
Specification for ASTM A308-76
Low Carbon Steel, External and Internal Threaded,
Standard Fasteners-Specifications for ASTM A307-76b
9/1/80 712
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Metal-continued MATERIAL STANDARDS
Mild Steel Electrodes for Flux-Cored Arc
Welding- Specifications for AWS A5. 20-69
Mild Steel Electrodes for Gas Metal -Arc
Welding- Specifications for AWS A5. 18-69
Piles, Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe-
Specifications for ASTM A252-77
Pipe , Metal (See Plumbing and
Piping;
Reinforcement, Axle-Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for
Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A617-76
Reinforcement, Deformed and Plain Billet- Steel Bars for
Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A615-76a
Reinforcement, Deformed Steel Wire for
Concrete-Specifications for ASTM A496-72
Reinforcement, Rail-Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for
Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A616-76
Reinforcement, Steel Wire, Cold-Drawn, for
Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A82-76
Reinforcement, Steel Wire, Welded Fabric for
Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A185-73
Reinforcement, Welded Deformed Steel Wire
Fabric for Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A497-72
Seven-Wire Stress-Relieved Strand, Uncoated,
for Prestressed Concrete- Specifications for ASTM A416-74
Steel Drill Screw Application of Gypsum
Sheet Material to Light Gauge Steel Stud ASTM C646-76a
Sheet Piling Steel- Specifications for ASTM A328-75a
Steel, Carbon and High- Strength, Low- Alloy Hot- Rolled
Sheet, Hot-Rolled Strip and Cold-Rolled Sheet,
General Requirements -Standards for ASTM A568-74
Steel, Cold-Rolled Sheet, Carbon Structural-
Specifications for ASTM A611-72
Steel Forgings, Carbon and Alloy for General Industrial
Use- Specifications for ASTM A668-77
Steel, Hot- Rolled and Cold-Rolled Sheet and
Strip, High- Strength, Low- Alloy Columbium
and/or Vanadium- Specifications for ASTM A607-75
Steel, Hot- Rolled and Cold-Rolled Sheet and Strip,
High- Strength, Low Alloy with Improved Corrosion
Resistance- Specifications for ASTM A606-75
Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) by the Hot Dip
Process, General Requirements-Specifications for ASTM A525-73
Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium Steel Plate,
Sheet and Strip-Standard for ASTM A176-77
Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel Steel
Plate, Sheet, and Strip -Standard for ASTM A167-77
Steel Structural Rivets-Specifications for ASTM A502-76
Non-Load (Axial) Bearing Steel Studs, Runners (Track),
and Rigid Furring Channels for Screw Application of
Gypsum Board-Specification for ASTM C645-77
9/1/80 713
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Metal-continued
Structural Steel- Specifications for ASTM A36-75
Structural Steel, High-Strength-
Specifications for ASTM A440-75
Structural Steel, High- Strength Low- Alloy -
Specifiations for ASTM A242-75
Structural Steel, High- Strength Low- Alloy
Columbium Vanadium- Specifications for ASTM A572-77
Structural Steel, High Strength Low- Alloy
Manganese Vanadium- Specifications for ASTM A441-75
Structural Steel, High- Yield Strength,
Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Plate, Suitable
for Welding- Specifications for ASTM A514-77
Structural Steel with 42,000 psi Minimum Yield Point
(S in. Maximum Thickness) -Specification for ASTM A529-75
Uncoated Stress-Relieved Wire for Prestressed Concrete-
Specifications for ASTM A421-76
Plastics
Definitions of Terms Relating to ASTM D883-76
Deformation of, Under Load-
Method of Test for ASTM D621-76
Density of Smoke from Burning or Decomposition-
Method of Test for ASTM D2843-77
Flammabiiity of Flexible Plastic -Method of Test for ASTM D568-77
Flammability of Self- Supporting Plastics-Methods of
Test for ASTM D635-77
Ignition Properties of -Method of Test for ASTM D1929-77
Plumbing and Piping
Asbestos-Cement Non-Pressure Sewer Pipe-
Specifications for ' ASTM C428-77
Asbestos-Cement Pressure Pipe-
Specifications for ASTM C296-76
Brass Pipe, Seamless Red Brass-
Specification for ASTM B43-76
Cast Iron and Ductile Iron Pressure Pipe-
Specifications for ASTM A377-77
Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings-
Specifications for ASTM A74-75
Clay Pipe
-Compression Joints for Vitrified Pipe
Bell and Spigot Pipe ASTM C425-75
-Drain Tile-Specifications for ASTM C4-75
-Extra Strength and Standard Strength
Clay Pipe and Perforated Clay Pipe-
Specifications for ASTM C700-75
714
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Plumbing and Piping-continued MATERIAL STANDARDS
Concrete Pipe
-Culvert Storm Drain and Sewer, Reinforced
Specifications for ASTM C76-76
-Sewer- Specifications for ASTM C14-75
Copper Drainage Tube (DWV)- Specification for ASTM B306-76
Copper Pipe, Seamless, Standard Sizes-
Specifications for ASTM B42-76
Steel Pipe
-Black and Hot Dipped Zinc Coated (Galvanized)
Welded and Seamless, for Ordinary Uses-
Specifications for ASTM A120-77
-Steel or Iron, Spiral-Welded-
Specifications for ASTM A211-75
Welded and Seamless- Specifications for ASTM A53-77
Tile, Clay Drain (See Clay Pipe)
Tube and Tubing
-Brass, Seamless-Specifications for ASTM B135-74
-Copper, Seamless- Specifications for ASTM B75-77
-Copper, Seamless, Water- Specifications for ASTM B88-76
-Copper Brazed Steel Tubing-
Specifications for ASTM A254-76
Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe ANSI B36. 10-75
Valves, Flanges and Pipe Fittings, Gray
Iron Castings-Specifications for ASTM A126-73
Roofing and Siding
Asphalt for Dampproofing and Waterproofing-
Specifications for ASTM D449-73
Asphalt for Use in Constructing Build-Up
Roof Coverings- Specifications for ASTM D312-77
Asphalt Roll Roofing Surfaced with
Mineral Granules-Specifications for ASTM D249-73
Asphalt Roll Roofing Surfaced with Powdered
Talc or Mica- Specifications for ASTM D224-75
Asphalt Shingles Surfaced with Mineral
Granules- Specifications for ASTM D225-70
Asphalt Siding Surfaced with Mineral
Granules-Specifications for ASTM D699-70
Fiberboard Nail-Base Sheathing-
Standard Specification for ASTM D2277-75
Fiber Insulation Board, Structural and Decorative
-Recommended Product and Application Specification
Vinch Fiberboard Nail-Base Sheathing ABPA-IB Spec. No. 2-75
-Recommended Product and Application Specification
Structural Insulating Roof Deck APBPA-IB Spec. No. 1-75
-Method of Testing (Made from Cellulosic fiber) ASTM C209-72
-Specifications for (Made from Cellulosic fiber) ASTM C208-72
Formboard, Structural Insulating (Made from
Cellulosic Fibers) -Specifications for ASTM C532-74
9/1/80 715
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Roofing and Siding -continued
Grading Rules for CertiGrade Red Cedar Shingles RCSHSB-75
Gypsum Sheathing Board-Specifications for ASTM C79-76
Wood and Wood Products
American Softwood Lumber Standard DOC PS20-70
Fire Retardant Pressure Treatment, Plywood AWPA C27-74
Fire Retardant Pressure Treatment,
Structural Lumber AWPA C20-74
Glued Laminated Structural Lumber Standards
-Appearance Grades AITC 110-76
-Dimensions of AITC 113-75
-"E" Rated and Visually Graded Lumber of Douglas
Fir, Southern Pine, Hem-Fir, Lodgepole pine AITC 120-74
-Electric Utility Framing and Crossarms AITC 114-74
-Structural Glued Laminated Members and
Laminations Before Gluing of Southern Pine,
Pacific Coast Douglas Fir and Western
Hemlock by Pressure Process AWPA C28-76
-Structural Glued Laminated Southern Pine SPIB-74
-Structural Glued Laminated Timber DOC PS 56-73
-Structural Glued Laminated Timber of
Douglas Fir, Western Larch, Southern Pine
and California Redwood AITC 117-76
-Supplement No. 2-Hem Fir AITC-73
-Supplement No. 3-Douglas Fir and Western Larch
Outer Laminations and Western Woods Core
Laminations AITC-74
-Supplement No. 5-Douglas Fir, Western Larch,
and Western Woods, for Small Beams of 20 Inches
Depth or Less AITC-76
Hardboard- Commercial Standard for DOC PS 58-73
Hardboard Siding, Voluntary Product Standard for DOC PS 60-73
Hardwood Glued Laminated Timber- Standard
Specifications for AITC 119-76
Laminated Hardwood Block Flooring -Standard for ANSI O10.2-75
Methods for Establishing Structural Grades and
Related Allowable Properties for Visually
Graded Lumber ASTM D245-74
Methods of Test for Durability of
Fire Retardant Treatment of Wood .ASTM D2898-77
Particleboard-Commercial
Standard for DOC CS 236-66
Piles, Round Timber-
Establishing Design Stresses for ASTM D2899-74
Piles, Timber, Round-
Specifications for ASTM D25-73
Plywood
-Construction and Industrial-
Product Standard for DOC PS 1-74
9/1/80 716
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Wood and Wood Products -continued MATERIAL STANDARDS
-Hardwood and Decorative-
Product Standard for DOC PS51-71
-Preservative Treatment for
Pressure Process AWPA C9-76
Preservative Treatment
-of Lumber, Timber, Bridge Ties, and
Mine Ties (All Species) -Standards for AWPA C2-76
-of Piles by Pressure Process-Standards for AWPA C3-76
-of Poles by Pressure Process- Standards for AWPA C4-75
-by Pressure Process-All Timber Products-
Standards for AWPA Cl-76
Preservatives for Wood
-Creosote-Standards for AWPA P 1-65
-Creosote and Creosote Solutions AWPA P 2-76
-Oil-Borne Preservatives- Standards for AWPA P 8-74
-Oil-Borne Solvents- Standards for AWPA P 9-76
-Water-Borne Preservatives-Standards for AWPA P 5-76
Quality Control Standards for Pressure-
Treated Lumber and Plywood
-With Creosote or Creosote Coal Tar
Solution (For Above Ground Use) AWPB-LP-5-75
-With Creosote or Creosote Coal Tar
Solution (For Ground Use) AWPB-LP-55-75
-With Heavy Petroleum Solvent-Penta Solution
(For Above Ground Contact) AWPB-LP-7-75
-With Heavy Petroleum Solvent-Penta Solution
(For Ground Contact) AWPB-LP-77-76
-With Light Petroleum Solvent-Penta Solution
(For Above Ground Use) AWPB-LP-3-75
-With Light Petroleum Solvent-Penta Solution
(For Ground Contact) AWPB-LP-33-75
-With Volatile Petroleum Solvent (LPG)-Penta
Solution (For Above Ground Use) AWPB-LP-4-75
-With Volatile Petroleum Solvent (LPG)-Penta
Solution (For Ground Contact) AWPB-LP-44-75
-With Water-Borne Preservatives (For Above
Ground Use) AWPB-LP-2-75
-With Water-Borne Preservatives (For Ground
Contact) AWPB-LP-22-75
Shingles (See Roofing and
Siding)
Structural Timber Framing-Treating Standard for AITC 109-77
Tongue-and-Groove Heavy Timber Roof Decking-
Standard for AITC 112-74
Unclassified Miscellaneous
Felt-Methods of Testing ASTM D461-72
Formboard, Gypsum- Specifications for ASTM C318-73
Insulated Metal Roof Deck Standard FM-FMRC 4450-71
9/1/80 717
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Unclassified Miscellaneous -continued
Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound
Transmission Loss of Building Partitions-
Standard Recommendation Practice for ASTM E90-75
Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission
Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping
Machine-Tentative Method of ASTM E492-73T
Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using
10-lb. Rammer and 18-in. Drop Standard
Test-Methods for ASTM D1557-70
Nails, Brads, Staples and Spikes:
Wire, Cut and Wrought- Federal Specifications
for, with Amendment 3-1974 FSFF-N-105B-71
Nails for the Application of
Gypsum Wallboard- Standard ASTM C514-72
Perlite Loose Fill Insulation-
Standard Specifications for ASTM C549-73
Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation-
Methods of Test for ASTM D374-74
Vermiculite Loose Fill, Insulation-
Standard Specifications for ASTM C516-75
718
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX D
STRUCTURAL UNIT TEST STANDARDS
See also Appendices B and C for engineering practice standards and
material standards which contain unit test methods.
Concrete
Coarse Aggregates, Resistance to Abrasion of Small
Size, by use of the Los Angeles Abrasion Machine-
Test for ASTM C131-76
Fine and Coarse Aggregates, Sieve or Screen Analysis
of-Test for ASTM C136-76
Concrete, Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores
and Sawed Beams of ASTM C42-74
Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory-Making and
Curing ASTM C192-76
Concrete, Molding Cylinders-Test for
Compressive Strength of ASTM C39-72
Lightweight Insulating Concrete,
Compressive Strength-Test for ASTM C495-77
Concrete Masonry Units -Sampling and Testing ASTM C140-75
Concrete Masonry Units, Hollow Load Bearing-
Specifications for ASTM C90-75
Concrete Masonry Units, Solid Load Bearing-
Specifications for ASTM C145-75
Concrete, Hardened Portland Cement-Test for Cement
Content of ASTM C85-73
Concrete, Ready Mixed- Specifications for ASTM C94-74a
Sands for Concrete-Test for Organic Impurities in ASTM C40-75
Interior Finishes
Gypsum and Gypsum Products, Chemical Analysis of-
Standard Methods for ASTM C471-75
Gypsum Board Products, Gypsum Lath, Gypsum
Partition Tile or Block, and Precast Reinforced
Gypsum Slabs-Method of Physical Testing of ASTM C473-76
Gypsum Concrete- Specifications for ASTM C317-75
Gypsum Formboard- Specifications for ASTM C318-73
Gypsum Lath- Specifications for ASTM C37-76
Gypsum Plasters- Specifications for ASTM C28-76
Gypsum Plasters and Gypsum Concrete, Physical
Testing of-Standard Methods for ASTM C472-73
Gypsum Sheathing Board- Specifications for ASTM C79-76
Gypsum Wallboard- Specifications for ASTM C36-76
Insulating Board (Made from Cellulosic Fiber),
Structural and Decorative
-Methods of Testing ASTM C209-72
-Specifications for ASTM C208-72
Lime (See Masonry)
9/1/80 719
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Masonry
Aggregate for Masonry Mortar- Specifications for ASTM C144-76
Bond Strength of Mortar to Masonry Units, Method
of Test for ASTM E148-76
Brick, Concrete Building- Specifications for ASTM C55-76
Brick and Structural Clay Tile-Sampling and Testing ASTM C67-73
Cement, Masonry -Specifications for ASTM C91-73
Ceramic Tile (Veneers) (See Interior Finishes)
Chemical Analysis of Limestone, Quicklime and
Hydrated Lime ASTM C25-72
Concrete Masonry Units (See Concrete)
Diagonal Tension (Shear) in Masonry Assemblages
-Method of Test for ASTM E519-74
Flexural Bond Strength of Masonry
-Methods of Test for ASTM E518-76
Glazed Units-Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay Facing Tile,
Facing Bricks, and Solid Masonry Units
-Specifications for ASTM C126-76
Lime and Limestone Products -Methods of Sampling,
Inspection, Packing and Marking of ASTM C50-74
Lime, Hydrated and Quick-Methods of Physical
Testing of ASTM C110-76a
Lime, Hydraulic Hydrated for Structural Purposes-
Specifications for ASTM C141-72
Mortars, Hydraulic Cement-Method of Test for
Compressive Strength of (Using 2-in. Cube
Specimens) ASTM C109-77
Mortars, Hydraulic Cement-Method of Test for
Tensile Strength of ASTM C190-77
Stone, Natural Building -Methods of Test for
Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of ASTM C97-77
Stone, Natural Building-Methods of Test for
Compressive Strength of ASTM C170-76
Stone, Natural Building-Methods of Test for
Modulus of Ruptures of ASTM C99-76
Water Permeance of Masonry
-Method of Test for ASTM E514-74
Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms-
Method of Test for ASTM E447-74
Strength Tests of Panels for Building Construction-
Methods of Conducting ASTM E72-77
Preconstruction and Construction Evaluation of Mortars
for Plain and Reinforced Unit Masonry ASTM C780-74
Metals
Cast Iron-Method of Testing Compression of ASTM A256-76
Metallic Materials-Methods of Tension Testing of ASTM E8-77a
720
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
STRUCTURAL UNIT TEST STANDARDS
Wood and Wood Products
Evaluating the Properties of Wood-Base Fiber
and Particle Panel Materials ASTM D1037-72a
.Timber, Small Clear Specimens-Method of Testing ASTM D143-72
Timbers in Structural Sizes-Methods of Static Tests of . . .ASTM D198-76
Veneer, Plywood and Other Glued Veneer Construction-
Methods of Testing ASTM D805-72
Unclassified Miscellaneous
Cement, Hydraulic-Methods of Sampling ASTM C183-76
Cement, Natural- Specifications for ASTM C10-76
Cement, Portland- Specifications for ASTM C150-77
Clay Pipe, Testing ASTM C301-76
Plastics Under Load-Method of Test for Deformation of ..ASTM D621-75
Tile, Clay Drain- Specification for .ASTM C4-75
721
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BULDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX E
STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY TEST STANDARDS
See also Appendix D for standards for tests of unit materials.
Mechanical Fasteners in Wood, Testing of ASTM D1761-77
Heavy Truss Asemblies, Testing ASTM E73-74
Panels for Bulding Construction-Methods of
Conducting Strength Test of ASTM E72-77
Rate of Leakage Through Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors,
Standard Method of Test for ASTM E283-73
722
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX F
DURABILITY TEST STANDARDS
See also Appendices C, D and E for tests of individual materials or unit
assemblies .
Concrete and Concrete Aggregate
Concrete, Aggregate-Method of Tests for Voids in ASTM C30-70
Concrete, Air Content of Freshly Mixed, by the
Pressure Method-Method of Test for ASTM C231-75
Unit Weight, Yield and Air Content (Gravimetric)
of Concrete-Test for ASTM C40-75
Masonry and Masonry Products
Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay Facing Tile,
Facing Brick and Solid Masonry Units-
Specifications for ASTM C126-76
Freezing and Thawing Tests (see specifications
for material) ASTM C67-73
-Brick and Structural Clay Tile- Sampling
and Testing ASTM C4-75
Plastics
Water Asorption of Plastics -Methods of Test for ASTM D570-77
Roofing and Siding
Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles-
Methods of Testing ASTM D228-69
Bituminous Materials, Accelerated Test of Weathering-
Recommended Practice for ASTM D529-73
Felted and Woven Fabrics Saturated with Bituminous
Substance for Use in Waterproofing and Roofing-
Methods of Sampling and Testing ASTM D146-72
Unclassified Miscellaneous
Evaluating the Properties of Wood-Base Fiber
and Particle ASTM D1037-72a
Gypsum and Gypsum Products, Chemical Analysis of-
Standard Methods for ASTM C471-75
Gypsum Board Products, Gypsum Lath, Gypsum
Partition Tile or Block, and Precast Reinforced ASTM C473-76
Gypsum Plasters and Gypsum Concrete, Physical
Testing of- Standard Methods for ASTM C472-73
9/1/80 723
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX G
FIRE TEST AND FLAME SPREAD TEST STANDARDS
Combustible or Noncombustible Properties
Noncombustibility of Elementary Materials-
Method of Test for Determining ASTM E136-73
Fireresistance Properties
Building Construction and Materials-
Methods of Fire Test of ASTM E119-76
Ceiling Construction (See Building Construction)
Door Assemblies-Methods of
Fire Tests of ASTM E152-76
Fire Dampers UL 555-73
Fire Tests for Flame- Resistant
Textiles and Films- Standard Methods of NFiPA 701-76
Roof Coverings-Methods of Fire Test of ASTM E108-75
Modified FM E108
Tents, Grandstands and Air-Supported
Structures Used for Places of
Assembly- Standard for NF; PA 102-76
Flame Retardant Tentage and Flammable Tentage 527 CMR 19.00
Flammable Definitions 527 CMR 21.00
Underlayment- Federal Specifications for DDC-C-001023
Flame Spread Properties
Flooring Radiant Panel Test NFiPA 253-78
Sound Controlling Blocks and Boards (Acoustical
Tiles and Panels, Prefabricated) with amendment
No. 4-1976 FS SS~118a-67
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials-
Method of Test for ASTM E84-77
Flash Point
Flash Point by Pensky-Masters Closed Tester-Method
of Test for ASTM D93-73
Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester-Method of Test for ASTM D56-75
Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup-
Method of Test for ASTM D92-72
724
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Unclassified Miscellaneous
Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs-
Standard for the DOC FF-1-70
(Rain Test, Standard) Test for Fireresistance of
Roof Covering Materials UL 790-78
(ASTM E 108-75)
725
9/1/80
780 CMR:
STATE BULDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX H
STANDARD TIME-TEMPERATURE FIRE TEST CONTROLS
Time
Temperature,
Curve area above 68 F base
Temperature,
Curve area above 20 C base
h:min
deg F
Deg. F. x min.
Deg. F. x hr.
degC
Deg. C. x min.
Deg. C. x hr.
0:00
68
00
00
20
00
0
0:05
1,000
2,330
39
538
1,290
22
0:10
1,300
7,740
129
704
4,300
72
0:15
1,399
14,150
236
760
7,860
131
0:20
1,462
20,970
350
795
11,650
194
0:25
1,510
28,050
468
821
15,590
260
0:30
1,550
35,360
589
843
19,650
328
0:35
1,584
42,860
714
862
23,810
397
0:40
1,613
50,510
842
878
28,060
468
0:45
1,638
58,300
971
892
32,390
540
0:50
1,661
66,200
1,103
905
36,780
613
0:55
1,681
74,220
1,237
916
41,230
687
1:00
1,700
82,330
1,372
927
45,740
762
1:05
1,718
90,540
1,509
937
50,300
838
1
10
1,735
98,830
1,647
946
54,910
915
1
15
1,750
107,200
1,787
955
59,560
993
1
20
1,765
115,650
1,928
963
64,250
1,071
1
25
1,779
124,180
2,070
971
68,990
1,150
1
30
1,792
132,760
2,213
978
73,760
1,229
1
35
1,804
141,420
2,357
985
78,560
1,309
1
40
1,815
150,120
2,502
991
83,400
1,390
1
45
1,826
158,890
2,648
996
88,280
1,471
1
50
1,835
167,700
2,795
1,001
93,170
1,553
1
55
1,843
176,550
2,942
1,006
98,080
1,635
2
00
1,850
185,440
3,091
1,010
103,020
1,717
2:10
1,862
203,330
3,389
1,017
112,960
1,882
2:20
1,875
221,330
- 3,689
1,024
122,960
2,049
2:30
1,888
239,470
3,991
1,031
133,040
2,217
2:40
1,900
257,720
4,295
1,038
143,180
2,386
2:50
1,912
276,110
4,602
1,045
153,390
2,556
3:00
1,925
294,610
4,910
1,052
163,670
2,728
3:10
1,938
313,250
5,221
1,059
174,030
2,900
3:20
1,950
332,000
5,533
1,066
184,450
3,074
3:30
1,962
350,890
5,848
1,072
194,940
3,249
3:40
1,975
369,890
6,165
1,079
205,500
3,425
3:50
1,988
389,030
6,484
1,086
216,130
3,602
4:00
2,000
408,280
6,805
1,093
226,820
3,780
726
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX I
FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS
Alarm and Detecting Systems
Alarm Systems, Public Fire Service Communications NFiPA 73-75
Automatic Fire Detectors -Standard for NFiPA 72E-74
Signaling Systems- Standard for the Installation,
Maintenance and Use of
-Auxiliary Protective-for Fire Alarm Service NFiPA 72B-75
-Central Station Protective-for Guard, Fire Alarm
and Supervisory Service NFiPA 71-77
-Household Fire Warning Equipment NFiPA 74-75
-Local Protective-for Watchman, Fire Alarm
and Supervisory Service NFiPA 72A-75
-Proprietary Protective-for Watchman, Fire Alarm
and Supervisory Service NFiPA 72D-75
-Remote Station Protective NFiPA 72C-75
Smoke Detectors, Single and Multiple Stations UL 217-77
Prevention of Spread of Fire
Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
-Other than Residence Type NFiPA 90A-76
-Residence Type NFiPA 90B-76
Aircraft Hangars- Standard on NFiPA 409-75
Doors , Tin-Clad Fire UL 10A-73
Dust Explosion Prevention (See Appendix B)
Fire Doors and Windows -Standard for NFiPA 80-77
Hardware, Sliding, for Standard Horizontally Mounted
Tin-Clad Fire Doors UL 14B-73
Hardware, Swinging, for Standard Tin-Clad Fire Doors UL 24C-73
Protection Systems
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing
Systems-Standard on NFiPA 12-77
Dry Chemical Extinguishing System
-Standard for NFiPA 17-75
Extinguishers, Portable Fire-
Standard for the Installation
and Maintenance of NFiPA 10-75
Fire Suppression System for
Life Safety, Standard for the
Design and Installation of BOCA 100-78
Foam Extinguishing Systems,
Standard for NFiPA 11-77
727
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Protection Systems --continued
Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems
and Foam-Water Spray Systems-
Standard for the Installation of NFiPA 16-74
Foam Systems -Standard for
High Expansion NFiPA 11A-76
Halogenated Fire Extinguishing Agent
Systems-Standard for
-Halon 1211 NFiPA 12B-77
-Halon 1301 .NFiPA 12A-77
Hose Systems (See Standpipe and Hose Systems)
Outside Protection (Yard
Piping) -Standard for NFiPA 24-77
Private Fire Brigades- Recommendations for
Organization, Training and Equipment of NFiPA 27-75
Pumps, Centrifugal Fire- Standard for the
Installation of NFiPA 20-76
Sprinkler Systems -Recommended Practice for the Care
and Maintenance of NFiPA 13A-76
Sprinkler Systems- Standard for the Insulation of NFiPA 13-76
Standpipe and Hose Systems- Standard for the
Installation of NFiPA 14-76
Valves, Controlling Water Supplies for Fire
Protection- Standard for the Supervision of NFiPA 26-76
Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection-
Standard for NFiPA 15-77
Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection -
Standard for NFiPA 22-76
Wetting Agents- Standard for NFiPA 18-72
9/1/80 728
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX J
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
The intent of this appendix is to assist the designer and building official
in establishing the minimum weights for materials commonly used in
building construction. Some material assemblies have a range in weight.
A typical figure is indicated, but when there is reason to suspect a con-
siderable deviation, the actual weight should be determined.
Note on Use of Appendix J Tables
When making calculations based on the tables in Appendix J, the weights
of masonry include mortar but not plaster. For plaster, add five (5) pounds per
square foot (psf) for each face plastered. Values given represent aver-
ages. In some cases there is a considerable range of weight for the same
construction .
Table J-1
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR CONCRETE SLABS
Concrete slabs Pounds per square foot
Concrete, reinforcedstone, per inch of thickness 12Vi
Concrete, reinforced-lightweight sand, per inch of
thickness 9 V2
Concrete, reinforced, lightweight, per inch of
thickness 9
Concrete, plain stone, per inch of thickness 12
Concrete, plain, lightweight, per inch of
thickness 8Vi
Table J-2
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR RIBBED SLABS
Ribbed slabs
Depth, in inches
(rib depth plus slab
thickness)*
Pounds per square foot
Width of rib, in inches
4
5
6
7
8
9
12 inch clay-tile fillers (normal
weight concrete):
4 plus 2
49
60
79
96
108
51
63
82
100
112
52
65
85
103
116
54
67
87
106
120
-
6 plus 2
8 plus 2V2
10 plus 3
12 plus 3
•Make appropriate allowances (or tapered ends.
9/1/80
729
780 CMR:
STATE BULDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table J-2 (cont'd.)
UNIT DESIGN OEAD LOADS FOR RIBBED SLABS
Ribbed slabs
Depth, in inches
(rib depth plus slab
thickness)*
20 inch wide
forms:
6 plus IVi
8 plus 2Vz
10 plus2V2
12 plus IVi
14 plus 2Vi
16 plus 2Vz
20 plus 2V2
30 inch wide
forms:
6plus2V2
8 plus 2V2
10 plus 2V2
12 plus 2'/2
14 plus 2V2
16 plus 2'/2
20 plus 2V2
2-way clay-tile fillers
(12 x 12):
4 plus 2
6 plus 2
8 plus 2V2
10 plus 3
12 plus 3
Pounds per square foot
Width of rib, in inches
4 5 6 7 8 9
101
61
87
100
121
136
•Make appropriate allowances for tapered ends.
Table J-3
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR WAFFLE SLABS
Waffle slabs
Depth, in inches
(Rib depth plus slab
thickness) Pounds per square foot
19 x 19,5 i 24
6 plus 2'/2 66
8 plus 2'/2 78
10 plus 2Vz 85
12 plus 2V2 101
30 x 30, 6 @ 36
8 plus 3 73
10 plus 3 83
12 plus 3 95
14 plus 3 106
16 plus 3 114
20 plus 3 135
9/1/80
730
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table J-4
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR FLOOR FINISH
Floor finish Pounds per square foot
Double Va inch wood on sleepers, light-concrete fill 19
Double Va inch wood on sleepers, stone-concrete fill 28
Single Va inch wood on sleepers, light-concrete fill 16
Single Va inch wood on sleepers, stone-concrete fill 25
3 inch wood block on mastic, no fill 10
1 inch cement finish on stone-concrete fill 32
1 inch terrazzo on stone concrete fill 32
Marble and mortar on stone-concrete fill 33
Linoleum on stono concrete fill 32
Linoleum on light-concrete fill 22
1 Vz inch asphalt mastic flooring 18
3 inch wood block on Vi inch mortar base 16
Solid flat tile on 1 inch mortar base 23
2 inch asphalt block. V2 inch mortar 30
1 inch terrazzo, 2 inch stone concrete 32
Floor finish tile per inch depth 12
Cement finish per inch depth 12
Gypsum slabs per inch depth 4
Precast concrete plank per inch depth (as determined by test)
Hardwood flooring per inch depth 4
Underflooring per inch depth 3
Linoleum : 2
Asphalt tile 2
Brick pavei s per inch thickness 10
Table J-5
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR WATERPROOFING
Waterproofing Pounds per square foot
Five-ply membrane 5
Table J-G
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR FLOOR FILL
Floor fill Pounds per square foot
Cinder fill, per inch 5
Cinder concrete, per inch 9
Lightweight concrete, per inch 7
Sand, per inch 8
Stone concrete, per inch 12
731
9/1/80
780 CMR:
STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOhDS :?OR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table J-7
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR WOOD-JOIST FLOORS
Wood-joist floors (no
Pounds per square foot
plaster)— double wood floor
joist sizes in inches:
12-in
spacing
16-in
spacing
2x6
6
6
7
8
7
8
9
11
12
5
2x8
6
2x 10
6
2 x 12
7
3 x 6
6
3x8
7
3 x 10
8
3 x 12
9
3 x 14 ...
10
Table J 8
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR MATERIALS
Materials Pounds per cubic foot
Cast-stone masonry (cement, stone, sand) 144
Cinder fill 57
Concrete, plain:
Cinder 108
Expanded-slag aggregate 100
Haydite (burned-clay aggregate) 90
Slag 132
Stone (including gravel) 144
Vermiculite and perlite aggregate, nonload-bearing 25-50
Other light aggregate, load-bearing 70-105
Concrete, reinforced:
Cinder Ill
Slag 138
Stone (including gravel) 150
Earth (dry) 96
Earth (damp) 108
Earth (wet) 120
Cork 15
Masonry, ashlar:
Granite 168
Limestone, crystalline 168
Limestone, oolitic 135
Marble 173
Sandstone 144
Masonry, rubble mortar:
Granite 153
Limestone, crystalline 147
Limestone, oolitic 138
Marble 156
Sandstone 137
Rubber stone masonry 156
Terra cotta, architectural:
Voids filled 120
Voids unfilled 72
9/1/80
732
780 CMR: STATE BULDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table J 8 (cont'd.)
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR MATERIALS
Materials Pounds per cubic foot
Timber, seasoned:
Ash, commercial white 41
Cypress, southern 32
Fir, Douglas, coast region 34
Oak, commercial reds and whites 45
Redwood 28
Spruce, red, white, and Sitka 28
Southern pine, short leaf 39
Southern pine, long leaf 48
Timber, hemlock 30
Table J-9
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR ROOF AND WALL COVERINGS
Roof and wall coverings Pounds per square foot
Asphalt shingles 2
Cement asbestos shingles 4
Cement tile 16
Clay tile (for mortar add 10 lb):
2 inch book tile 12
3 inch book tile .20
Roman 12
Spanish 19
Ludowici 10
Composition:
Three-ply ready roofing 1
Four-ply felt and gravel 5Vi
Five-ply felt and gravel 6
Copper or tin 1
Corrugated asbestos-cement roofing 4
Fiberboard, Vz inch %
Formed sheet steel 1-3
Formed steel decking (see manufacturer)
Gypsum sheathing, Vi inch 2
Rigid insulation, V2 inch %
Sheet lead 3
Skylight, metal frame, 3/s inch wire glass 8
Slate, 3/ 16 inch 7
Slate, Vt inch 10
Spanish tile 20
Wood sheathing, per inch thickness 3
Wood shingles 3
9/1/80 733
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table J 10
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR SUSPENDED CEILINGS
Suspended ceilings Pounds per square foot
Cement on wood lath 12
Cement on metal lath 15
Gypsum on wood or metal lath 10
Plaster on tile or concrete 5
Suspended metal lath and gypsum plaster 10
Suspended metal lath and cement plaster 15
Plaster on wood lath 8
Table Ml
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR UNPLASTERED WALLS AND PARTITIONS
Walls and partitions (unplastered) Pounds per square toot
4 inch clay brick, high absorption 34
4 inch clay brick, medium absorption 39
4 inch clay brick, low absorption 46
4 inch sand-lime brick 38
4 inch concrete brick, heavy aggregate 46
4 inch concrete brick, light aggregate 33
8 inch clay brick, high' absorption 69
8 inch clay brick, medium absorption 79
8 inch clay brick, low absorption 89
8 inch sand-lime brick 74
8 inch concrete brick, heavy aggregate 89
8 inch concrete brick, light aggregate 68
12 inch common brick 120
12 inch pressed brick 130
12 inch sand-lime brick 105
12'/2 inch concrete brick, heavy aggregate 130
12V2 inch concrete brick, light aggregate 98
17 inch clay brick, high absorption 134
17 inch clay brick, medium absorption 155
17 inch clay brick, low absorption 173
17 inch sand-lime brick 138
17 inch concrete brick, heavy aggregate 174
17 inch concrete brick, light aggregate 130
22 inch clay brick, high absorption 168
22 inch clay brick, medium absorption 194
22 inch clay brick, low absorption 216
22 inch sand-lime brick 173
22 inch concrete brick, heavy aggregate 216
22 inch concrete brick, light aggregate 160
4 inch brick, 4 inch load-bearing structural clay tile
backing > 60
4 inch brick, 8 inch load-bearing structural clay tile
backing 75
8 inch brick, 4 inch load-bearing structural clay tile
backing 102
8 inch combination brick and concrete block 72
12 inch combination brick and concrete block 90
8 inch load-bearing structural clay tile 42
12 -inch load-bearing structural clay tile 58
8 inch concrete block, heavy aggregate 55
734
9/1/80
780 CMR:
STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table Ml (cont'd.)
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR UNPLASTERED WALLS AND PARTITIONS
Walls and partitions (unplastered)
Pounds per square foot
12 inch concrete block, heavy aggregate
8 inch concrete block, light aggregate
12 inch concrete block, light aggregate "
2 inch furring tile, one side of masonry wall, add
to above figures
4 inch hollow concrete block— stone aggregate..
lightweight
6 inch hollow concrete block— stone aggregate . .
lightweight
8 inch hollow concrete block— stone aggregate . .
lightweight
10 inch hollow concrete block— stone aggregate
lightweight
12 inch hollow concrete block— stone aggregate .
lightweight
4 inch solid concrete block— stone aggregate . . .
lightweight
6 inch solid concrete block— stone aggregate
lightweight
8 inch solid concrete block— stone aggregate . . .
lightweight
10 inch solid concrete block— stone aggregate . .
lightweight . . .,
12 inch solid concrete block— stone aggregate . .
lightweight
nch load-bearing clay tile
nch load-bearing clay tile
nch non-load-bearing clay tile
nch non-load-bearing clay tile
nch non-load-bearing clay tile
nch non-load-bearing clay tile
nch non-load-bearing clay tile
inch non-load-bearing clay tile
nch non-load-bearing hollow concrete block . . .
nch non-load-bearing hollow concrete block . . .
nch non-load-bearing hollow concrete block . . .
T.C. IV2 inch split terra cotta furring
" nch split terra cotta furring
nch split terra cotta furring
nch hollow gypsum block
nch hollow gypsum block
nch hollow gypsum block
nch hollow gypsum block
nch hollow gypsum block
nch solid gypsum block
nch solid gypsum block
nch solid gypsum block
nch facing tile
nch facing tile
nch facing tile
nch solid plaster
nch solid plaster
nch hollow plaster
Wood studs 2x4, unplastered
Wood studs 2x4, plastered one side
Wood studs 2x4, plastered two sides
4 inch glass block
.85
.38
.55
.12
.30
..20
.42
..30
.55
..38
.62
..46
.85
..55
..45
..34
..50
..37
..67
..48
..84
..62
.108
..72
..24
..36
,.11
.18
.20
.30
..36
..40
..20
.30
..40
.10
.12
. 9V2
.10
.15
.18
.24
.12
.18
.24
.15
.25
.38
.20
.32
.22
. 4
.12
.20
.18
735
780 CMR:
STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES
Table J 12
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR LATH AND PLASTER PARTITIONS*
Lath and plaster partitions
Pounds per square foot
2
inch
2
inch
2
inch
2
inch
3
inch
4
inch
6
inch
6
inch
6
inch
6
inch
solid cement on metal lath
solid gypsum on metal lath
solid gypsum on gypsum lath
metal studs gypsum and metal lath both sides . . .
metal studs gypsum and metal lath both sides . . .
metal studs gypsum and metal lath both sides . . .
wood studs plaster and wood lath, both sides
wood studs plaster and metal lath, both sides
wood studs plaster and plaster boards, both sides
wood studs unplastered gypsum board, both sides
(dry wall)
.25
.18
.18
.18
.19
.20
.18
.18
.18
.10
■See also ANSI A58.1-72
Table J-13
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR PLASTER WORK
Plaster work Pounds per square foot
Gypsum (oTie side) 5
Cement (one side) 10
Gypsum on wood lath 8
Gypsum on metal lath 8
Gypsum on plaster board or fiber board 8
Cement on wood lath 10
Cement on metal lath 10
9/1/80
736
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX K
UNIT WORKING STRESSES FOR ORDINARY MATERIAL
K- 100.0 General
K-100.1 Scope: Unless otherwise specified herein, the allowable work-
ing stresses and design capacities for ordinary materials, as defined in
Sections 201.0 and 719.0, shall be reduced ten (10) per cent below the
recommended values of the accepted engineering standards listed in Appen-
dix B. When the structural material is identified in regard to manufacture
and grade, and the identification is accompanied by satisfactory mill tests
or the strength and stress grade of the materials are otherwise confirmed
to the satisfaction of the building official, the allowable working stresses
and design capacities may be increased to comply with the accepted engineer-
ing standards.
K-101.0 Masonry stresses
K-101.1 Mortar for unit masonry: Mortar for unit masonry shall comply
with either the proportion specifications as set out in Section 815.2, or
shall meet the property specifications of the accepted material standard
listed in Appendix C. Unless laboratory data are presented to show that
the mortar meets the requirements of the property specifications, the
proportion specifications shall govern.
K-101.2 Compressive stresses: Except as permitted in other sections of
this code, the compressive stresses in masonry shall not exceed the
values as shown in Table K-101.
K-101.3 Shear and tensile stresses: Except as permitted in other sec-
tions of this code, the allowable shear or tensile stresses in masonry shall
not exceed the values permitted in the accepted engineering practice
standards listed in Appendix B.
K- 102.0 Concrete
K-102.1 Concrete proportions: Concrete shall comply with either the
maximum permissible water-cement ratios and minimum cement contents of
Table K-102; or shall comply with the Standard Building Code Require-
ments for Reinforced Concrete listed in Appendix B for proportions based
on strength tests of trial batches; or of concrete from the production
facility representing similar materials and conditions.
K-102. 2 Capacities and stresses: The allowable design capacities or
working stresses for ordinary materials shall not exceed those in Section
840.0 for plain concrete and in the Standard Building Code Requirements
for Reinforced Concrete listed in Appendix B, subject to the ten (10) per
cent reduction specified for ordinary materials.
737
9/1/80
780 CMR:
STATE BILDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT WORKING STRESSES FOR ORDINARY MATERIALS
Table K-101
ALLOWABLE COMPRESSIVE STRESSES GROSS CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA
(Except as noted)
Type of masonry and grade of masonry unit
Type of mortar
(psi gross area)
M
S
N
0
psi
psi
psi
psi
Solid masonry of brick and other solid units of clay
or shale-, sand lime or concrete:
8000 plus psi
400
350
300
200
from 4500 or 8000 psi
250
225
200
150
from 2500 to 4500 psi
175
160
140
100
from 1500 to 2500 psi
125
115
100
75
Grouted masonry of solid masonry units:
from 4500 to 8000 psi
350
275
200
—
from 2500 to 4500 psi
275
215
155
—
from 1500 to 2500 psi
225
175
125
—
Solid masonry of solid concrete masonry units:
1800 plus psi
175
160
140
100
from 1200 to 1800 psi
125
115
100
75
Masonry of hollow units
85
75
70
—
Hollow walls (cavity or masonry bonded)'
Solid masonry units
2500 plus psi
140
130
110
—
from 1500 to 2500 psi
100
90
80
—
Hollow masonry units
70
60
55
—
Stone ashlar masonry
Granite
800
720
640
500
Limestone or marble
500
450
400
325
Sandstone or cast stone
400
360
320
250
Rubble stone, coursed, rough or random
140
120
100
80
Note a. On gross cross-sectional area of wall minus area of cavity between wvthes. The allowable com-
prehensive stresses for cavity walls are based upon the assumption that the floor loads bear upon but one (1)
of the two (2) wythes. Where hollow wallsare loaded concentrically, the allowable stresses may be increased
by twenty-five (25) per cent.
Table K-102
MAXIMUM WATER-CEMENT RATIOS AND MINIMUM CEMENT CONTENTS
Maximum permissible water-cement ratios
Non-air-entrained concrete
Air-entrained concrete
Specified of cement per
compressive cubic yard
strength*(psi) of concrete
Absolute
ratio by
weight
U.S. gal. per
94 lb. bag of
cement
Absolute
ratio by
weight
U.S. gal. per
94 lb. bag
of cement
2500 5
3000 5%
3500 6
0.65
0.58
0.51
7.3
6.6
5.8
0.54
0.46
0.40
6.1
5.2
4.5
*28 day strengths for cements meeting strength limits of ASTM C150, Type 1, 1A, II or 1 ! A and 7 day
strengths for type III and IIIA.
738
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BULDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT WORKING STRESSES FOR ORDINARY MATERIALS
K-103.0 Reinforced gypsum concrete
K-103.1 Stresses: When ordinary materials are used, the allowable
working stresses shall be based on the following proportions, measured
dry by weight with sufficient water to make a plastic mix that will fill the
forms: one hundred (100) percent neat calcined gypsum; ninety-seven
(97) per cent gypsum and three (3) per cent wood chips, shavings or
fibers; and eighty-seven point five (87.5) per cent gypsum and twelve
point five (12.5) per cent wood chips, shavings or fibers; with ultimate
compressive strengths of one thousand eight hundred (1,800), one thou-
sand (1,000) and five hundred (500) pounds per square inch respectively.
The working stresses shall not exceed the values prescribed in the
Standard for Reinforced Gypsum Concrete listed in Appendix B subject to
the ten (10) per cent reduction prescribed for ordinary materials.
K-104.0 Steel reinforcement
K-104.1 Stresses: The allowable working stresses for reinforcement
specified in the Standard Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Con-
crete listed in Appendix B shall be used in all reinforced construction,
including reinforced concrete, reinforced gypsum concrete and all forms
of reinforced masonry, subject to the ten (10) per cent reduction speci-
fied for ordinary, unidentified materials.
K-105.0 Structural steel and cast steel
K-105.1 Stresses: The allowable working stresses for structural steel
and cast steel contained in the Specification for Design, Fabrication and
the Erection of Structural Steel for Buildings listed in Appendix B shall
be used on all structural building construction, subject to the ten (10)
per cent reduction specified for ordinary, unidentified materials.
K-106.0 Cast iron
K- 106.1 Stresses: The maximum stress for cast iron shall be as indi-
cated in Table K-106. Table K-106
CAST IRON STRESS
Maximum stress
in pounds per square inch
Tension 3,000
Extreme tension (fiber stress in bending) j>,uuu
Extreme compression (fiber stress in bending) o'hnn
Shear d'uuu
Column compression 9,000 minus 40 -L
Ratio — not to exceed seventy (70)
r
739
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BULDING CODE COMMISSION
UNIT WORKING STRESSES FOR ORDINARY MATERIALS
K-107.0 Open-web steel joist
K-107.1 Stresses: The allowable working stresses specified for open-web
steel joists shall be in accordance with the Standard Specifications for
Steel Joist Construction listed in Appendix B. For all other steel joists,
unless otherwise specifically approved and identified, the allowable working
stresses specified by the standard shall be reduced ten (10) per cent.
K-108.0 Cold formed steel construction
K-108.1 Stresses: When ordinary materials which are not identified as
to manufacture and grade are used, the allowable working stresses in the
Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members
listed in Appendix B shall be reduced ten (10) per cent.
K-109.0 Lumber
K-109.1 Stresses: When the grade of lumber is not identified as pro-
vided in Section 719.0 for controlled materials, the maximum allowable
working stresses for the species of lumber used shall be determined in
accordance with the principles for stress grade lumber as set forth in
National Design Specifications for Wood Construction listed in Appendix B.
9/1/80 74°
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX L IS DELETED.
741
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX M
RECOMMENDED NAILING SCHEDULE
Nail Size
Building Element and Type
Stud to sole plate 8d common
16d common
Stud to cap plate 16d common
Double studs 10d common
Corner studs 16d common
Sole plate to joist or blocking 16d common
Double cap plate lOd common
Cap plate laps 10d common
Ribbon strip , 6" or less lOd common
Ribbon strip, 6" or more lOd common
Roof rafter to plate 8d common
Roof rafter to ridge 16d common
Jack rafter to hip 10d common
16d common
Floor joists to studs lOd common
(No ceiling joists) lOd common
Floor joists to studs lOd common
(With ceiling joists)
Floor joists to sill or girder 8d common
Ledger strip 16d common
Ceiling joists to plate 16d common
Ceiling joists (laps over partition) lOd common
Ceiling joists (parallel to rafter) lOd common
Collar beam lOd common
Bridging to joists 8d common
Diagonal brace (to stud and plate) 8d common
Tail beams to headers 20d common
(when nailing permitted)
Header beams to trimmers 20d common
(when nailing permitted)
1" roof decking 8d common
(6M or less in width)
1" roof decking 8d common
(over 6" in width)
Number and
Location
4 toe-nail or
2 direct nail
2 toe-nail or
2 direct nail
12" o.c. direct
24" o.c. direct
16" o.c.
16" o.c. direct
2 direct-nail
2 each direct
bearing
3 each direct
bearing
3 toe-nail
2 toe-nail or
direct nail
3 toe-nail or
2 direct nail
5 direct or
3 direct
2 direct
toe-nail
each direct
toe-nail
direct nail
direct nail
direct
each direct
end
2 each direct
bearing
1 each end
4 sq. ft.
floor area
1 each end
8 sq. ft.
floor area
2 each direct
rafter
3 each direct
rafter
9/1/80
742
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Nail Size
Building Element and Type
1" sub-flooring (6" or less) 8d common
1" sub-flooring (8" or more) 8d common
2" sub-flooring 16d common
1" wall sheathing (8" or less in width) . . 8d common
1" wall sheathing (over 8" in width) 8d common
Plywood roof and wall sheathing 6d common
(1/2" or less)
(5/8" or greater) 8d common
(5/16" , 3/8" , or 1/2") 16 ga. galvanized
wire staples, 3/8"
minimum crown;
length of 1" plus
plywood thickness
(5/8") Same as imme
diately above
Plywood subflooring:
(1/2") 6d common or
6d annular or
spiral thread
(5/8", 3/4") 8d common or
6d annular or
spiral thread
(1", 1 1/8") lOd common or
8d ring shank or
8d annular or
spiral thread
(1/2") 16 ga. galvanized
wire staples
(5/8") 3/8" minimum
crown, 1 5/8"
length
Number and
Location
2 each direct
joist
3 each direct
joist
2 each direct
joist
2 each direct
stud
3 each direct
stud
6" o.c. direct
edges and
12" o.c.
intermediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and
12" o.c.
intermediate
4" o.c. edges
and 8" o.c.
intermediate
2 1/2" o.c. edg(
and 5" o.c.
intermediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and
10" o.c.
intermediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and
10" o.c.
intermediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and
6" o.c. direct
intermediate
4" o.c.
edges and
7" o.c.
intermediate
2 1/2" o.c.
edges and
4" o.c.
intermediate
9/1/80
743
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Building Element
Nail Size
and Type
Built up girders and beams 20d common
Continuous header to stud 8d common
Continuous header, two pieces 16d common
1/2" fiberboard sheathing 1 1/2" galvanized
roofing nail or
6d common nail or
16 gauge staple,
1 1/8" long width
minimum crown
of 7/16"
25/32" fiberboard sheathing 1 3/4" galvanized
roofing nail or
8d common nail or
16 gauge staple,
1 1/2" long with
minimum crown
of 7/16"
Gypsum sheathing 12 gauge 1 3/4"
large head
corrosion-resistive
Particleboard 6d common
(3/8" - 1/2")
(5/8" - 1/2") 8d common
Particleboard sheathing
(3/8" - 1/2") 6d common
(5/8" - 3/4") 8d common
Shingles, wood* No. 14 B&S
corrosion-resistive
Weather boarding 8d corrosion-
resistive
Number and
Location
32" o.c. direct
4 toe-nail
16" o.c. direct
3" o.c. exterior
edge, 6" o.c.
intermediate
3" o.c. exterior
edge, 6" o.c.
intermediate
4" o.c. on
edge, 8" o.c.
immediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and 8"
o.c. inter-
mediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and 8"
o.c. inter-
mediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and
12: o.c. in-
termediate
6" o.c. direct
edges and
12" o.c. in-
termediate
2 each
bearing
2 each
bearing
* Shingle nails shall penetrate not less than three quarter (3/4) inch into
nailing strips, sheathing or supporting construction except as otherwise
provided in Section 854.4.4.
744
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
TABLE M-l
MAXIMUM SPACING OF GYPSUM WALLBOARD FASTENERS
(For non-fire rated construction assemblies)
Thickness
of
gypsum
VvciMUUdl U
Plane of
framing
3ui face
Long dimension of
gypsum wallboard
sheets in relation
iu uii euuun ui
framing members
Maximum
spacing of
framing
members
iCeiuei-iO-
center)
(in inches)
Maximum spacing
of fasteners
(center-to-center)
(m inches;
Nails1 to wood4
(inch)
Nails'2
Screws3
Horizontal
Either direction
16
12
No. 13 gauge, 1-3/8" long,
19/64" head
No. .098 gauge, 1-1/4" long,
1/2
Horizontal
Perpendicular
24
7
12
Vertical
24
8
12
Annular ringed 5d, cooler nail
Horizontal
Either direction
16
7
12
No. 13 gauge. 1-5/8" long,
19/64" head
No. .098 gauge, 1-3/8" long,
Annular ringed 6d, cooler nail
5/8
Horizontal
Perpendicular
24
7
12
Vertical
Either direction
24
12
Fastening req
uired with i
dhesive
ipplicatior
1/2
or
Horizontal
Either direction
16
16
16
As Fequired for 1/2" and
Perpendicular
24
12
16
5/8" gypsum wallboard,
see above
5/8
Vertical
Either direction
24
24
24
2-3/8
Horizontal
Perpendicular
24
16
16
Base ply nailed as required
for 1/2" gypsum wallboard
(3/4 total)
Vertical
Either direction
24
24
24
and face ply placed with
adhesive
Note 1. Where the metal framing has a clinching design formed to receive the nails
by two edges of metal, the nails shall be not less than 5/8 inch longer than the
wallboard thickness, and shall have ringed shanks. Where the metal framing has a
nailing groove formed to receive the nails, the nails shall have barbed shanks or
be 5d ccoler nail (No. 13 i gauge, 15/8 inches long, 15/64 inch head) for i inch
gypsum wallboard; 6d cooler nail (No. 13 gauge, 1 7/8 inches long, 15/64 inch
head) for 5/8 inch gypsum wallboard.
Note 2. Two nails spaced not less than 2 inches apart, nor more than 2i inches
apart and pairs of nails spaced not more than 12 inches center-to-center may be
used.
Note 3. Screws shall be No. 6 with tapered head and long enough to penetrate into
wood framing not less than 5/8 inch and metal framing not less than 5 inch.
Note 4. All nails shall meet ASTM C514 or Federal Specification FF-N-105C.
Note 5. For fireresistance rated construction see the pertinent fire test
information.
9/1/80
744.1
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/1/80 744.2
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX N
METRIC EQUIVALENTS
1 inch equals 25.4 millimeters
1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters
1 foot equals 0.305 meter or 30.48
centimeters
1 yard equals 0.914 meter
1 mile equals 1,609 kilometers
1 square inch equals 6.452 square cen-
timeters
1 square foot equals 0.093 square me-
ter
1 square yard equals 0.836 square me-
ter
acre equals 0.405 hectare
cubic inch equals 16.387 cubic cen-
timeters
cubic foot equals 0.028 cubic meter
cubic yard equals 0.765 cubic meter
quart (liquid) equals 0.946 liter
gallon equals 0.004 cubic meter
once (avoirdupois) equals 28.349
grams
pound (avdp.) equals 0.454 kilo-
gram
ton (2000 pounds) equals 0.9072
metric ton or 907.2 kilograms
horsepower equals 0.746 kilowatts
millimeter equals 0.039 inch
centimeter equals 0.394 inch
meter equals 3.281 feet
meter equals 100 centimeters
or 1000 millimeters
kilometer equals 0.621 mile
kilometer equals 1000 meters
square centimeter equals 0.155
square inch
square meter equals 10.764 square
feet
hectare equals 2.471 acres
cubic centimeter equals 0.061 cub
inch
cubic meter equals 35.315 cubic f
cubic meter equals 1.308 cubic ya
liter equals 1.057 quarts (lq.)
gram equals 0.035 ounces (avdp.)
kilogram equals 2.205 pounds
(advp. )
metric ton equals 1.102 tons or
2204.6 pounds (advp.)
metric ton equals 1000 kilograms
kilowatt equals 1.134 horsepower
9/1/80
745
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX 0
ACCREDITED AUTHORITATIVE AGENCIES
CONCRETE
American Concrete Institute
P. 0. Box 4754 Redford Station
22400 West Seven Mile Road
Michigan 48219 ACI
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
228 North LaSalle Street
Illinois 60601 CRSI
Gypsum Association
201 North Wells Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606 GA
National Concrete Masonry Association
2009 Fourteenth Street, North
Arlington, Virginia 22201 NCMA
National Lime Association
4000 Brandywine Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016 NLA
Portland Cement Association
5420 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, Illinois 60076 PCA
Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, Inc.
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017 IEEE
Illuminating Engineers Society
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017 IES
International Association of
Electrical Inspectors
802 Busse Highway
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 IAEI
National Electrical Manufacturers
Association
155 East 44th Street
New York, New York 10017 NEMA
National Electric Sign Association
10922 South Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60642 NES
EQUIPMENT %
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute
1815 North Fort Meyer Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22209 AB
American Gas Association A
1032 East 62nd Street f
Cleveland, Ohio 44103 AGA
American Petroleum Institute Detroit,
1625 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005 API
American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Condition-
ing Engineers
United Engineering Center
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017 ASHRAE
The American Society of Mechanical
Engineers
United Engineering Center
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017 ASME
Home Ventilating Institute
230 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60601 HVI
Incinerator Institute of American
2425 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22201 IIA
The Institute of Boiler and
Radiator Manufacturers
393 Seventh Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, New York 10001 I-B-J
National Automatic Sprinkler and
Fire Control Association, Inc.
2 Holland Avenue
White Plains, New York 10603.. NASFC
9/1/80
<
746
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
>
Superintendent of Documents
Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402
.GPO
>.
nited States Department of
Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20225 USDA
United States Department
of Commerce
Construction Division
Washington, D.C. 20225 USDC
United States Forest Service
Madison, Wisconsin 53705 USFS
United States Department
of Health, Education, and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20201 USHEW
United States Naval Supply Depot
5801 Tabor Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120 USNSD
INTERIOR FINISHES AND MASONRY
Acoustical and Insulating Materials
Association
205 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 AIMA
American Hardboard Association
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606 AHA
^sphalt and Vinyl Asbestos Tile
/ Institute
101 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017 AVATI
Facing Tile Institute
333 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60601 FTI
XJypsum Association
201 North Wells Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606 GA
Marble Institute of America, Inc.
Pennsylvania Building
Washington, D.C. 20004 MIA
9/1/80
Federal Specifications
Superintendent of Documents
Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20234 FS
Forest Products Laboratory
United States Department of
Agriculture
Madison, Wisconsin 53705 FPL
Housing and Home Finance Agency
Division of Housing Research
Washington, D.C. 20410 HHFA
Joint Army-Navy Specifications
Bureau of Supplies and Accounts
Navy Department
Washington, D.C. 20225
Air Material Command
Wright -Patterson Air Force Base
Dayton, OH 45433 JAN
National Bureau of Standards
(Department of Commerce)
Washington, D.C. 20234 NBS
National Research Council of Canada
Division of Building Research
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada NRCC
Naval Facilities Engineering
Command
(formerly Bureau of Yards and Docks)
Navy Department
Washington, D.C. 20390 .NFEC
Navy Specifications
Bureau of Supplies and Accounts
Navy Department
Washington, D.C. 20225 NS
Product Standards Section
Office of Engineering Standards
Services
National Bureau of Standards
Washington, D.C. 20234 PS
Public Health Service
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D.C. 20201 PHS
747
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
«
National Elevator Industry, Inc.
600 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10016 NEI
National LP-Gas Association
79 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603 NLPGA
National Oil Fuel Institute, Inc.
60 East 42nd Street
New York, New York 10017 NOFI
National Environmental Systems
Contractors Association
221 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601 NESCA
Uniform Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Laws Society, Inc.
57 Pratt Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103 . .UBPVLS
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Public Health
Boston, Mass. 02111 Mass-DPH
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Public Safety
Boston, Mass. 02215 Mass-DPS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Human Services
Boston, Mass . 02202 Mass-EOHS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Outdoor Advertising Board
Boston, Mass. 02116 Mass-OAB
Department of Defense
Office of Civil Defense
Office of the Secretary of the Army
Washington, D.C. 20390 D0D-0CD
Federal Aviation Agency
Systems Research and Development
Service
Washington, D.C. 20553 FAA
Indiana Limestone Institute of
America, Inc.
400 East 7th Street, P. 0. Box 489
Bloomington, Indiana 47401 ILIA^
National Building Granite Quarries 1
Association, Inc.
P. 0. Box 444
Concord, N.H. 03302 NBGQA
National Concrete Masonry Association
2009 Fourteen Street, North
Arlington, Virginia 22201 NCM/J
National Lime Association
4000 Brandywine Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016 NLA
National Particleboard Association
711 Fourteen Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005 NPA
Perlite Institute, Inc.
45 West 45th Street
New York, New York 10036 PI
Portland Cement Association
5420 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, Illinois 60076 PCA
The Society of the Plastics
Industry, Inc.
250 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017 SPI
Brick Institute of America a
(formerly Structural Clay I
Products Institute)
1750 Old Meadow Road
McLean, Virginia 22101 BIA
Tile Council of America
Research Center, P. 0. Box 326
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 .TCA A
Vercimulite Institute
141 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois 60604 VI
9/1/80
748
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
METAL AND STEEL
Aluminum Association
J50 Third Avenue
■w York, New York 10017 AA
American Institute of Steel
Construction , Inc .
101 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017 AISC
toierican Iron and Steel Institute
■0 East 42nd Street
.^w York, New York 10017 AISI
American Welding Society
2501 N.W. Seventh Street
Miami, Florida 33125 AWS
Architectural Aluminum
Manufacturers Association
35 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601 AAMA
Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute
2029 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006 CISPI
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
228 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601 CRSI
Copper Development Association, Inc.
405 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017 CDA
Had Industries Assocation, Inc.
292 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017 LIA
Metal Building Manufacturers
Association
2130 Keith Building
tteveland, Ohio 44115 MBMA
Metal Lath Association
12703 Triskett
Cleveland, Ohio 44111 MLA
National Association of Architectural
Metal Manufacturers
228 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601 NAAMM
Rail Steel Bar Association
38 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603 RSBA
Research Council on Riveted and
Bolted Structural Joints of the
Engineering Foundation
United Engineering Center
345 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017 RCRBSJEF
Steel Deck Institute
9836 W. Roosevelt Road
Westchester, Illinois 60153 SDI
Steel Bar Mills Association
Association)
38 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603 SBHA
Steel Door Institute
2130 Keith Building
Cleveland, OH 44115 SDI
Steel Joist Institute
2001 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22202 SJI
Steel Scaffolding & Shoring Institute
2130 Keith Building
Cleveland, Ohio 44115 SSSI
The Steel Window Institute
2130 Keith Building
Cleveland, Ohio 44115 SWI
Wire Reinforcement Institute
5034 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016 WRI
GENERAL STANDARDS AND
TESTING LABORATORIES
American Insurance Association
85 John Street
New York, New York 10038 AIA
)/l/80
749
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
American National Standards
Institute, Inc.
(formerly United States of America
Standards Institute, Inc.,
American Standards Association)
1420 Broadway
New York, New York 10018 ANSI
American Society for Testing and
Materials
P. 0. Box 7510
Philadelphia, PA 19101 ASTM
Factory Mutual Engineering Division
Standards -Laboratories Department
1511 Boston Providence Turnpike
Norwood, Mass. 02062 FMED
General Electric Company
3198 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101 GE
National Fire Protection Association
470 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts NF; PA
National Sanitation Foundation
Testing Laboratory, Inc.
School of Public Health
P.O. Box 1468
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 NSFTL
United States of America
Standards Institute, Inc.
(See American National Standards
Institute) USASI
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
207 East Ohio Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611 UL
FIRE TESTING LABORATORIES
(floor, walls, roof, and
similar tests)
Commercial Testing Company, Inc.
(For testing carpeting for E-84
and the National Bureau of Standards
Smoke Chamber Test only.)
P. 0. Box 94-407 Central Avenue
Dalton, Georgia 30720 CTR
9/1/80
Factory Mutual Engineering
Corporation
1151 Boston Providence Turnpike
Norwood, Mass. 02062 Ftfc
National Bureau of Standards
(Department of Commerce)
Washington, D.C. 20234 NBS
The Ohio State University
Building Research Laboratory
2070 Neil Avenue ^
Columbus, Ohio 43210 0SU ■
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
207 East Ohio Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611 UL
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062 UL
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
1655 Scott Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95050 . . .UL
University of California at Berkeley
College of Engineering
Berkeley, California 94720 UCB
U.S. Testing Company, Inc.
(For all tests listed in Appendix G
except ASTM E-119, E-152, E-163.)
1415 Park Avenue
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 UST
4
Warnock Hersey Professional ^
Services, Ltd.
(For ASTM E-84, ASTM E-119, ASTM E-152
and ASTM E-163 Fire Tests Only)
125 East 4th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia V5T164
Canada WHPS
FLAME SPREAD TESTING LABORATORIES W
Factory Mutual Engineering
Corporation
1151 Boston Providence Turnpike
Norwood, Mass. 02062 FM
750*
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
♦
Southwest Research Institute
8500 Culebra Road
San Antonio, Texas 78228 SWRI
pDnderwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
1655 Scott Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95050 . . .UL
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
333 Pfingston Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062 UL
pj.S. Testing Company, Inc.
(For all tests listed in Appendix G,
except ASTM E-119, E-152, E-163.)
1415 Park Avenue
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 UST
STRUCTURAL TESTING LABORATORIES
The Detroit Testing Laboratory, Inc.
12800 Northend Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48237 DTL
Forest Products Laboratory
United States Department
of Agriculture
Madison, Wisconsin 53705 FPL
General Electric Company
3198 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101 GE
Robert W. Hunt Company
810 South Clinton
MChicago, Illinois 60607 RWH
IIT Research Institute
(formerly Armour Research
Foundation)
10 West 35th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616 IITRI
MNAHB Research Foundation, Inc.
^Research Laboratory
Rockville, Maryland NAHB
H. C. Nutting Company
4120 Airport Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 HCN
I
9/1/80
The Ohio State University
Building Research Laboratory
2070 Neil Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210 OSU
The Pennsylvania State University
Research Institute
University Park, PA 16802 PSU
Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory
1330 Locust Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 . .PTL
University of Detroit
Research Institute
Detroit, Michigan 48221 UD
UNCLASSIFIED MISCELLANEOUS
The American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006 AIA
American Public Health Association
1790 Broadway
New York, New York 10017 APHA
American Society of Civil Engineers
United Engineering Center
345 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017 ASCE
American Society of Sanitary
Engineering
960 Illuminating Building
Cleveland, Ohio 44113 ASSE
American Water Works Association
2 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016 AWWA
Building Officials and Code
Administrators International, Inc.
17926 S. Halsted Street
Homewood, Illinois, 60430 BOCA
Building Research Advisory Board
Division of Engineering
National Research Council
2101 Constitution Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20418 BRAB
751
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
International Association of Plumbing
& Mechanical Officials
5032 Alhambra Avenue
Los Angeles , CA 90032 IAMPO
International Conference of
Building Officials
5360 South Workman Mill Road
Whittier, California 90601 ICBO
Manufacturing Chemists' Assocation,
Inc.
1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006 MCA
Mineral Fiber Products Bureau
509 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022 MFPB
Mobile Homes Manufacturers
Association
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606 MHMA
National Association of
Building Manufacturers
1619 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036 NABM
National Association of Home
Builders
National Housing Center
1625 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036 NAHB
National Clay Pipe Institute
P. 0. Box 310
350 West Terra Cotta Avenue
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014 . .NCPI
National Insulation Manufacturers
Association
441 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017 NIMA
National Mineral Wool Insulation
Association
Rockefeller Center
1270 Sixth Avenue
New York, New York 10020 NMWIA
9/1/80
National Research Council
Ottawa 2, Canada
.NRC
National Society of Professional A,
Engineers ™
2029 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006 NSPE
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning
Contractor's National
Association, Inc.
1611 North Kent Street i
Arlington, Virginia 22209 ...SMACMl
Southern Building Code Congress
International
900 Montclair Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35213 SBCCI
Truss Plate Institute, Inc.
Suite 800
919 Eighteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006 TPI
WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
Acoustical and Insulating Materials
Association
205 West Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, Illinois AIMA
American Hardboard Association
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606 AHA
American Institute of Timber
Construction
333 W. Hampden Avenue
Englewood, Colorado 80110 ..
«
.AITC
American Wood Preservers'
Institute
1651 Old Meadow Road
McLean, Virginia 22101 AWPli
Appalachian Hardwood
Manufacturers, Inc.
1015 Mercantile Library Building
414 Walnut Street
Cincinnati , Ohio 45202 AHM
752*
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
♦
Association of Timber and Timber
Treatment of Inspection Agencies
.729 Fisher Road
jfcrosse Pointe, MI 48230 ATTTIA
California" Redwood Association
617 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111 CRA
Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers
t Association
.0. Box 6246
rlington Virginia 22206 HPMA
National Forest Products Association
1619 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036 NFoPA
National Particleboard Association
2306 Perkins Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910 NPA
Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers
Association, Inc.
13 South Street
Glen Falls, New York 12801 . . .NELMA
Northern Hardboard and Pine
Manufacturers Association, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301 . . .NHPMA
Product Fabrication Service
P. 0. Box 5038
Madison, Wisconsin 53705 PFS
Wed Cedar Shingle and Handsplit
Shake Bureau
5510 White Building
Seattle, Washington 98101 RCSHSB
Lumber Manufacturers Association
805 Sterick Building
Memphis, Tennessee 38103 SHLMA
Southern Forest Products
Association
(formerly Southern Pine Association)
P. 0. Box 52468
New Orleans, Louisiana 70150 SFPA
9/1/80
Timber Engineering Company
5530 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20015 TECO
Truss Plate Institute, Inc.
919-18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006 TPI
Western Wood Products
Association
1500 Yeon Building
Portland, Oregon 97204 WWPA
753
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX P
SPECIALIZED MASSACHUSETTS RULES AND REGULATIONS
OTHER THAN STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Specific numbers have been established by the Massachusetts Office of the
Secretary of State to identify for reference purposes all rules and regula-
tions promulgated by agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
These numbers are designated as "Code of Massachusetts Regulations"
(CMRs).
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
DIVISION OF REGISTRATION
Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Massachusetts State Plumbing Code 248 CMR 2 .00
Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code 248 CMR 3.00-8.00
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS,
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DIVISION
Outdoor Advertising Board
Control and Restriction of Billboards,
Signs, and other Advertising Devices,
August 1, 1978-Rules and Regulations for 311 CMR 3.00
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH,
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Division of Health Care and Standards
Designer's Guide (Bureau of Planning and Construction)
Dispensaries and Clinics, December 21, 1966-
Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of 105 CMR 140.000
Hospitals in Massachusetts, 1971-Licensure Rules
and Regulations for 105 CMR 130.000
Intensive Care Unit Amendment, October 1, 1972 105 CMR 130.520
through 130.535
Long Term Care Facilities in Massachusetts,
September 29, 1972, General Standards of
Construction-Rules and Regulations for 105 CMR 151.000
The State Sanitary Code
Camp Grounds, Developed Family Type-
Minimum Standards for 310 CMR 18.00 ARTICLE VIII*
Farm Labor Camps-
Housing and Sanitation Standards for ..105 CMR 420.000 ARTICLE III
754
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Food Service Establishments-
Minimum Sanitation Standards for 105 CMR 595.000 ARTICLE X
General Application and Administration ....105 CMR 400.000 ARTICLE I
Human Habitation, Fitness-
Minimum Standards of 105 CMR 410.000 ARTICLE II
Recreational Camps for Children-
Sanitation Standards for 105 CMR 430.000 ARTICLE IV
Swimming Pools-Minimum Standards for 310 CMR 16.00 ARTICLE VI*
♦Articles VI and VIII of the State Sanitary Code have been transferred to
the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF MANPOWER AFFAIRS,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Division of Industrial Safety
Accidents on Construction Operations-
Rules and Regulations for 441 CMR 10.00
Industrial Bulletin No. 12
Accidents in Window Cleaning- Rules and Regulations
for the Prevention of 441 CMR 19 .00
Industrial Bulletin No. 21
Care of Employees, Injured or Taken 111
in Industrial Establishments 441 CMR 12.00
Industrial Bulletin No. 14
Lighting Code for Factories, Workshops,
Manufacturing, Mercantile Establishments 441 CMR 16.00
Industrial Bulletin No. 18
Structural Painting-Revised Rules and
Regulations and Recommendations Pertaining to 441 CMR 11.00
Industrial Bulletin No. 13
Toilets in Industrial Establishments 441 CMR 2.00
Industrial Bulletin No. 4
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Architectural Barriers Board
Architectural Barriers Board-
Rules and Regulations of the 521 CMR 3.00 (16-1AB)
Board of Boiler Rules
Part 1 of Steam Boiler Rules 522 CMR 2.00 (BLR-1)
Part 1-A of Steam Boiler Rules,
Atomic Energy Installations 522 CMR 3.00 (BLR-l-A)
Part II of Steam Boiler Rules,
Power and Miniature Class 522 CMR 4.00 (BLR-2)
Low Pressure Steam-Heating Boilers 522 CMR 5.00 (BLR-3)
Part IV-Steam Boiler Rules 522 CMR 6.00 (BLR-4)
Part I-Air Tank Regulations,
9/1/80 755
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Installation and Inspection 522 CMR 7.00 (BLR-5)
Part II-Air Tank Regulations,
Installation and Inspection 522 CMR 8.00 (BLR-6)
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 522 CMR 9.00 (BLR-7)
Material Specifications 522 CMR 10.00 (BLR-8)
Welding Specifications 522 CMR 11.00 (BLR-9)
Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels ..522 CMR 12.00 (BLR-11)
Board of Elevator Regulations
Elevator and Escalator Regulations 524 CMR 2.00 (ELV-1)
through 11.00
Elevator, Dumbwaiter, Escalator, and
Moving Walk Regulations 524 CMR 15.00 (ELV-2)
through 34.00
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
Dry-Cleaning and Dry-Dyeing and the Keeping,
Storage and Use of Cleaning and Dyeing Fluid
in Connection Therewith-Rules and Regulations
Governing 527 CMR 3.00 (FPR-2)
Fires, the Prevention of Fire and Fire Hazards,
Remedying any Condition Found to Exist in
or about any Building or Other Premises or
on any Ship or Vessel in Respect to-Rules,
and Regulations for the purpose of 527 CMR 10.00 (FPR-9)
Flammable Decorations in Public Buildings,
Places of Assembly, Hotels, Family Hotels,
Stores, Public or Private Institutions, Public
or Private School Buildings, Churches,
Theaters, Special Halls, Public Halls or Mis-
cellaneous Halls-Rules and Regulations Pro-
hibiting or Regulating 527 CMR 21.00 (FPR-20)
Flammable Fluids, Solids or Gases, Keeping,
Storage, Manufacture or Sale in Limited
Quantities of-Rules and Regulations
Governing 527 CMR 14.00 (FPR-13)
Garages, and the Related Storage, Keeping
and Use of Gasoline, the Construction
and Maintenance of Buildings or Other
Structures used as-Rules and Regula-
tions Governing 527 CMR 5.00 (FPR-4)
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Systems, Gas
Piping and Appliance Installation in
Building, the Construction, Location,
Installation and Operation- Rules and
Regulations Governing 527 CMR 6.00 (FPR-5)
Massachusetts State Electrical Code 527 CMR 12.00 (FPR-11)
Oil Burning Equipment and the Keeping,
Storage and Use of Fuel Oil or Other
Inflammable Liquid Products used in
9/1/80 756
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Connection Therewith- Rules and Regu-
lations Governing the Construction,
Installation, and Operation of 527 CMR 4.00 (FPR-3)
Plastics, Manufacturing and Handling of-
Rules and Regulations Governing 527 CMR 7.00 (FPR-6)
Tanks and Containers, Construction, Lo-
cation, Use and Maintenance of -Rules and
Regulations Governing 527 CMR 9.00 (FPR-8)
757
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX Q
MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION RULES AND REGULATIONS
Concrete Testing Laboratories
Concrete Personnel
Class A, Field Concrete Technician
Class B, Plant Concrete Technician (Regulations Pending)
Class C, Field Concrete Inspections (Regulations Pending)
Licensing of Construction Supervisors
Manufactured Buildings, Building Components and Mobile Homes
Use of Native Lumber
Accreditation of Testing Laboratories to Test Solid Fuel Burning
Heating Appliances
758
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX Q
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR LICENSING OF CONCRETE TESTING
LABORATORIES
PART I GENERAL
SECTION I ADMINISTRATION
1.1 TITLE
As authorized by Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, and in accord-
ance with Section 128 of the State Building Code, establishing the
Construction Materials Safety Board, the following Rules and Regula-
tions are adopted for Licensing of Concrete Testing Laboratories.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated in the State Building Code, the
following terms shall, for the purpose of these Rules and Regulations,
have the meaning indicated in this Section:
ACCREDITED LABORATORY: A laboratory which has been licensed
in accordance with these regulations by the State Building Code
Commission .
BOARD: Construction Materials Safety Board (CMSB).
BRANCH LABORATORIES: A branch of a Testing Laboratory physi-
cally removed from the location of the headquarters or main
testing facility of the Testing Laboratory.
CODE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code (SBC).
COMMISSION: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code
Commission (SBCC).
LABORATORIES: Testing laboratory, branch laboratory, and project
laboratory .
PERSON: Individual, partnership, corporation, trust, joint venture,
etc.
PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY: Construction Materials Safety Board
(CMSB).
PROJECT LABORATORY: A temporary on-site facility providing con-
crete testing services for a specific project under the direction of
a testing or branch laboratory licensed by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts .
TESTING AGENCY: National Bureau of Standards Cement and Con-
crete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), the Army Corps of Engineers,
or other agency designated by the SBCC.
9/1/80 759
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
TESTING LABORATORY: A proprietorship, corporation, partnership
or agency which conforms to the requirements of ASTM E 329-72
as modified in these regulations.
1.3 LICENSING
All laboratories defined by these regulations as Testing Lab-
oratories, Branch Laboratories and Project Laboratories which are en-
gaged in the testing of concrete and concrete materials for use in
buildings and structures subject to control according to the provi-
sions of Section 127.0 of the Massachusetts State Building Code shall
be licensed by the State Building Code Commission in accordance with
these regulations.
1.4 APPLICATION FOR LICENSING
Each laboratory desiring to obtain such license shall make appli-
cation to the Commission upon such form and in such manner as the
Commission shall prescribe and shall furnish evidence satisfactory to
the Commission that the laboratory equipment meets the requirements
of Section 2 and its management personnel are qualified in accordance
with Sections 4 and 5 of these Rules and Regulations. Such appli-
cation shall also include payment of the licensing fee set forth in
Section 1.8 of these Rules and Regulations.
1.5 PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY
The Commission hereby designates the Construction Materials
Safety Board as its Pre-Qualifying Agency, provided, however, that
the Commission may revoke such designation at any time, and may
designate any other agency or agencies which it deems qualified, from
time to time, to act as its Pre-Qualifying Agency. The Pre-Qualifying
Agency shall examine, or cause to be examined, the evaluation per-
formed by the Testing Agency and the personnel on each Concrete
Testing Laboratory application and make its recommendation to the
Commission regarding such license.
1.6 TESTING AGENCY
The Commission hereby designates the Cement and Concrete
Reference Laboratory of the National Bureau of Standards and the
Army Corps of Engineers as the agencies to examine and evaluate all
laboratories desiring to be licensed in the practice of concrete testing,
provided, however, that the Commission may revoke such designation
at any time, and may designate any other agency or agencies which it
deems qualified, from time to time, to act as its Testing Agency.
1.7 NOTIFICATION OF TESTING AND TESTING RESULTS
The Testing Agency shall notify the applicant of the date for
evaluation. The Commission shall be informed by the Testing Agency/
Pre-Qualifying Agency of the evaluation results and recommendations.
9/1/80 760
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1.8 LICENSING FEE
The fee for licensing shall be one hundred ($100.00) dollars per
annum or in accordance with the fee schedule established by the
Commission from time to time.
1.9 NUMBER AND CLASSIFICATION
Each laboratory so licensed by the Commission shall be issued a
number and classification.
1 . 10 RENEWALS
Commencing January 1, 1978, all licenses issued shall expire on
December 31 of the year issued. Within thirty (30) days before the
expiration date of any such license, the Executive Director of the
Commission shall forward to each laboratory so licensed an application
form for renewal. Said renewals shall be returned to the State Build-
ing Code Commission by December 31. The said Executive Director,
upon receipt of the completed form and fee, shall renew the license
for a period of one (1) year or notify such applicant of the Com-
mission's refusal with reasons thereof.
1.11 PENALTIES
Any such person and/or laboratory who fails to comply with the
requirements of these rules and regulations or who files a false report
shall be subject to the penalties and actions as prescribed in Section
121 of the Code.
SECTION 2 LABORATORY LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
2.1 ASTM TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Except as modified in these regulations, all testing laboratories
including branch laboratories shall conform to Sections 5 and 6 of the
ASTM E 329-72 standard requirements for testing of concrete and its
constituent materials.
EXCEPTION: The following sections of ASTM E 329-72 shall not
apply:
Sections 2.2; 2.3; 2.7; 3.2.7; 3.3; 3.4; C360 of 6.2;
7; 8; 9 and 10.
2.2 ASTM EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
All laboratories subject to these regulations shall be approved and
licensed in accordance with the ASTM E 329-72 standard for the
performance of those functions recommended in standard ASTM E
329-72, for equipment and personnel, as modified in these regulations.
761
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
SECTION 3 PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LABORA-
TORIES
3 . 1 EVALUATION
a) Testing and branch laboratories subject to these regulations
shall be examined and evaluated, upon notification from the
State Building Code Commission, by a testing agency desig-
nated by the SBCC. The interval between such examination
and evaluation shall not exceed three (3) years.
b) Project laboratory equipment which is used in the testing of
concrete materials for use in buildings and structures subject
to the provisions of the Massachusetts State Building Code
Commission shall conform to the requirements of ASTM E
329-72 as modified by Section 2 of these Rules and Regula-
tions.
c) Reports of evaluations by the testing agency shall be filed
with the State Building Code Commission within ten (10) days
of receipt of the report by the laboratory, unless a waiver is
granted by the laboratory to have the report sent directly to
the State Building Code Commission by the testing agency.
d) Laboratory deficiencies cited in the report of the testing
agency shall be corrected within thirty (30) days of the date
of issue of the report and shall be so certified by an affidavit
submitted by the laboratory on a form supplied by the State
Building Code Commission.
3.2 REVIEW OF DEFICIENCIES
Laboratories which fail to meet the requirements of items (c) and
(d) shall be subject to review and revocation of their license by the
State Building Code Commission.
3.3 TESTING MACHINES
Compression testing machines used for testing materials subject to
these regulations shall be calibrated and verified, with equipment
traceable to the National Bureau of Standards, at least annually or as
required by the State Building Code Commission, and the results
submitted to the Commission.
SECTION 4 PERSONNEL
The management and supervision of each laboratory subject to
these regulations shall be in accordance with the following require-
ments :
762
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
4.1 REQUIRED
Each accredited licensed Concrete Testing Laboratory must have
an individual approved by the Commission in each of three (3) dis-
tinctly different categories: Director of Testing Services, Super-
visory Laboratory Technician and Supervisory Field Technician. An
individual may fill more than one position at the particular laboratory
if he meets all the qualifications for each position, but he may not fill
positions concurrently at a separate (branch or project) laboratory.
The project laboratory must have a full-time resident supervisory
laboratory technician qualified in accordance with these Regulations.
4.2 FILING OF QUALIFICATIONS
Each individual being certified for a position must submit their
credentials and qualifications under penalty of perjury with their
signature notarized. Individuals applying for certification in more
than one (1) category must file separate applications for each position
as described in Section 5. Application for certification shall be filed
within thirty (30) days of employment for such duties. It is the
responsibility of the Director of Testing Services to notify the Com-
mission within seven (7) days of any vacancy of any position. Any
vacant position shall be filled within thirty (30) days.
SECTION 5 QUALIFICATIONS
5.1 QUALIFICATIONS FOR DIRECTOR OF TESTING SERVICES
The testing services of each laboratory (main, branch or project)
shall be under the direction of a Director of Testing Services who
shall be a full-time resident employee of that laboratory and shall be
qualified in accordance with any one (1) of the following three (3)
sets of requirements:
a) He shall be a Professional Engineer, registered in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts with at least five (5) years of ex-
perience in responsible charge of work related to Structural
Engineering, Construction Engineering or Construction Mater-
ials Testing. He shall be subject to demonstrate his ability to
interpret the results of tests of concrete and concrete aggre-
gates as stated in ASTM E 329-72; or,
b) He shall have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ac-
credited institution and an additional total of three (3) years'
experience performing tests on concrete and concrete materials
which shall include two (2) years as a laboratory technician
or supervisor. He shall be subject to demonstrate his ability
to interpret the results of tests of concrete and concrete
aggregates as stated in ASTM E 329-72; or
763
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
c) He shall have at least eight (8) years' experience including
five (5) years' experience as a laboratory technician or super-
visor and shall be subject to demonstrate his ability to inter-
pret the results of tests of concrete and concrete aggregates
as stated in ASTM E 329-72.
5.2 QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUPERVISORY LABORATORY TECH-
NICIAN
A Supervisory Laboratory Technican shall have at least five (5)
years' experience performing tests on construction materials including
concrete and concrete aggregates. He shall be subject to demonstrate
his ability to perform correctly tests of concrete and concrete aggre-
gates as stated in ASTM E 329-72. "Class A" accreditation by the
Pre-Qualifying Agency shall be required as qualification for concrete
only. (See Rules and Regulations for Concrete Testing Personnel.)
5.3 QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUPERVISORY FIELD TECHNICIAN
A Supervisory Field Technician shall have at least five (5) years'
experience performing tests on construction materials including con-
crete. He shall be subject to demonstrate either by oral or written
examination, or botn, his ability to perform correctly the tests of
concrete as stated in ASTM E 329-72. "Class A" accreditation by the
Pre-Qualifying Agency shall be required as qualification for concrete
only. (See Rules and Regulations for Concrete Testing Personnel.)
SECTION 6 PROJECT AFFIDAVIT
In accordance with Section 113.5.1 of this code, those structures
subject to control as required in Section 127.0, affidavits must be
submitted with the building permit application that the individuals and
testing laboratories responsible for carrying out the duties of Section
127.0 have been licensed and registered by the Commission.
6.1 AFFIDAVIT
Form Number SBCC-L-303-76, as furnished by the licensed labora-
tory (sample submitted to each laboratory) shall be used by the
licensed laboratory for each building project.
6.2 NOTICE OF TERMINATION
The building official shall receive written notification of the
termination of laboratory functions certifying that the owner has also
been so notified. Such termination shall be effective no earlier than
three (3) working days from the notification received by the building
official .
764
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
6.3 SUCCESSOR LABORATORY
If concrete testing is to be continued for the said project by a
successor laboratory, such notice shall be given to the building
official and a new project affidavit shall be filed with the building
official .
SECTION 7 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
7.1 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION
The State Building Code Commission on its own initiative or upon
the recommendation of the Construction Materials Safety Board may
suspend or revoke the license of any Testing Laboratory or Project
Laboratory found to be in noncompliance with these Rules and Regula-
tions, the State Building Code, or the standards of good practice.
Notice of suspension or revocation of such license shall be in writing
with the reasons for suspension or revocation clearly set forth there-
in, and served in accordance with Section 121.2.1 of this Code.
7.2 NOTICE AND CONFERENCE
Prior to suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew the license of
an accredited laboratory, written notice of such intent shall be served
by the Construction Materials Safety Board of SBCC in accordance
with Section 121.2.1 of this Code. Within ten (10) calendar days of
receipt of such notice, the affected accredited laboratory may request
a conference before a three (3) member panel designated by the
Chairman of the Construction Materials Safety Board, who will hear
facts and make their recommendations to the Construction Materials
Safety Board.
7.3 EFFECT OF
Upon suspension or revocation of the license, the accredited lab-
atory shall immediately cease engaging in the testing of concrete and
concrete materials for use in buildings and structures which are sub-
ject to the provisions of the Massachusetts State Building Code and
no action brought before the Board of Appeals as specified in Section
8.1 of these regulations or in any court of competent jurisdiction shall
stay the said suspension or revocation unless said Board of Appeals
or court shall issue an order for a stay of the Commission's suspen-
sion or revocation.
SECTION 8 APPEALS
8.1 BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD
Any laboratory or individual aggrieved by the suspension or re-
vocation of their license or by an interpretation, order, requirement,
direction or failure to act under these Rules and Regulations may
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appeal to the State Building Code Appeals Board as provided in
Section 126 of this Code; however, entry of an appeal from the Com-
mission's order of revocation or suspension shall not stay such revo-
cation or suspension unless so ordered by the State Building Code
Appeals Board in a preliminary hearing conducted expressly for the
purpose of a stay in accordance with that part of Section 126.3.2 of
this Code dealing with the procedure required for a hearing on such
stay.
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APPENDIX Q
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CONCRETE TESTING PERSONNEL
PART I GENERAL
SECTION I ADMINISTRATION
1.1 TITLE
As authorized by Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, and in accord
ance with Section 128 of the State Building Code establishing the
Construction Materials Safety Board, the following Rules and Regula-
tions are adopted for Concrete Testing Personnel.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated in the State Building Code, the
following terms shall, for the purpose of these Rules and Regulations,
have the meaning indicated in this Section.
BOARD: Construction Materials Safety Board (CMSB)
CODE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code (SBC)
COMMISSION: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code
Commission (SBCC)
CONCRETE TESTING PERSONNEL: A person issued a Class "A,"
"B," or "C" license by the Commission authorizing such person to
test/inspect concrete.
FIELD CONCRETE TECHNICIAN: A person issued a Class "A" license
by the Commission to test concrete in the field.
PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY: Construction Materials Safety Board
(CMSB)
TESTING AGENCY: Massachusetts Construction Industry Board
(MCIB)
1.3 LICENSING
All Concrete Personnel engaged in the testing/inspection of con-
crete for use in buildings and structures subject to control according
to the provisions of Section 127 of this code shall be licensed by the
Commission in accordance with these regulations.
1.4 APPLICATION FOR LICENSING
Each person desiring to obtain such license shall make application
to the Commission upon such form and in such manner as the Com-
mission shall prescribe and shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the
Commission that he is gualified to be licensed in accordance with
these Rules and Regulations.
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1.5 PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY
The Commission hereby designates the Construction Materials
Safety Board as its Pre-Qualifying Agency, provided however, that
the Commission may revoke such designation at any time and may
designate any other agency or agencies which it deems qualified, from
time to time, to act as its Pre-Qualifying Agency. The Pre-
Qualification Agency shall examine, or cause to be examined, the
examination results and evaluation performed by the Testing Agency
on each Concrete Testing Personnel Application and make its recom-
mendation to the Commission regarding such license.
1.6 TESTING AGENCY
The Commission hereby designates the Massachusetts Construction
Industry Board (MCIB) as the agency to examine and evaluate all
persons desiring to be licensed in the practice of concrete testing,
provided, however, that the Commission may revoke such designation
at any time, and may designate any other agency or agencies which it
deems qualified, from time to time, to act as its Testing Agency.
The Testing Agency shall submit all examination results and evaluation
on each Concrete Testing Application and make its recommendations to
the Pre-Qualification Agency regarding such license.
1.7 EXAMINATION
Accompanied by the application, there shall be paid to the Testing
Agency an initial examination fee to cover the cost of such testing.
The Testing Agency may also assess fees for partial or complete re-
testing. The Testing Agency is authorized to require the applicant
to provide all required test equipment.
1.8 NOTIFICATION OF EXAMINATION AND EXAMINATION RESULTS
The Testing Agency shall notify the applicant of the time and
place for the examination. The Commission shall be informed by the
Testing Agency/Pre-Qualifying Agency of the examination results,
evaluation and recommendations. Within fourteen (14) days there-
from, the Commission shall notify the applicant of its decision. If the
applicant fails fully or partially, he may request of the Testing Agency
a retesting. If the applicant is notified by the Commission that he
has met all the requirements herein established, he shall submit to
the said Commission, the license fee in accordance with section 1.9 of
these Rules and Regulations, and his IV x IV, full face, black and
white or color photograph.
1.9 LICENSING FEE
The fee for licensing is twenty ($20) dollars in accordance with
the fee schedule established by the Commission. Concrete Testing
Personnel employed for that purpose by a municipality or county, or
the federal government, or the Commonwealth or any department,
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commission, agency or .Authority of, or created by, the Common-
wealth, shall be exempt from this fee.
1.10 NUMBER AND CLASSIFICATION
Each person so licensed by the Commission shall be issued a
number and classification.
1.11 RENEWALS
Licenses shall be valid for two (2) years. Within thirty (30)
days before the expiration date of any such license, the Executive
Director of the Commission shall forward to each person so licensed
an application form for renewal. The said Executive Director, upon
receipt of the completed form and fee, shall renew the license for a
period of two (2) years or notify such applicant of the Commission's
refusal with the reasons thereof. Upon successful completion of a
Class A Technician's examination said applicant is eligible to be
licensed upon submittal of an application and fee at any time without
further testing, provided when unlicensed said applicant is not under
suspension or revocation.
SECTION 2 PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS
DESIROUS OF BEING LICENSED FOR CONCRETE
TESTING
2.1 EVALUATION
Field Concrete Technicians, subject to these Regulations, shall be
examined and evaluated by the Massachusetts Construction Industry
Board to determine the applicant's knowledge and ability to perform
the following ASTM Standard Test Procedures:
a. ASTM C172: Sampling Fresh Concrete
Test for Slump
Making and Curing Test Specimens in the Field
Test for Air Content - Pressure Method
Test for Air Content - Volumetric Method
Test for Weight per Cubic Foot (Density)
Storage and Transportation of Test Cylinders
The applicant's performance of these tests is to be observed and
evaluated by three (3) qualified jurors designated by the Testing
Agency (MCIB), using detailed data sheets. The said jurors' evalu-
ations are appraised by the Certification Committee of the Testing
Agency and reappraised by the Board of Trustees of the said Testing
Agency. Three (3) categories of performance are to be used in the
final evaluation process as follows:
1. PASS: The applicant has satisfactorily completed the
examination .
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b.
ASTM C143:
c.
ASTM C31:
d.
ASTM C231:
e.
ASTM C173:
f.
ASTM C138:
g-
ASTM C192:
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2. PARTIAL: The applicant has failed one (1) of the five (5)
performance tests and must take a partial re-test.
3. FAIL: The applicant has failed two (2) or more of the
five (5) performance tests and must take a complete
re- test.
SECTION 3 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
3.1 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION
The Commission on its own initiative or upon the recommendation
of the Construction Materials Safety Board or the Massachusetts
Construction Industry Board, may suspend or revoke the license of
any one so engaged in the practice of Concrete Testing found to be
in noncompliance with these Rules and Regulations, this Code or the
standards of good practice. Notice of suspension or revocation of
such license shall be in writing with the reasons for suspension or
revocation clearly set forth therein, and served in accordance with
Section 121.2.1 of this Code.
3.2 NOTICE OF CONFERENCE
Prior to suspension, revocation or refusal to renew such license,
written notice of such intent shall be served by the Pre -Qualifying
Agency or Commission in accordance with Section 121.2.1 of this
Code. Within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of such notice, the
affected licensee may request a conference before a three (3) member
panel designated by the chairman of the said agency, who will hear
facts and make their recommendations to the Pre-Qualifying Agency.
3.3 EFFECT OF
Upon suspension or revocation of the license, the licensee shall
immediately cease engaging in the testing of concrete and concrete
materials for use in buildings and structures which are subject to the
provisions of this Code and no action brought before the State Build-
ing Code Appeals Board as specified in Section 4.1 of these Regula-
tions or in any court of competent jurisdiction shall stay the said
suspension or revocation unless said Appeals Board or court shall
issue an order for a stay of the Commission's suspension or revo-
cation .
SECTION 4 APPEALS
4.1 MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDIING CODE APPEALS BOARD
Any one engaged in the practice of Concrete Testing aggrieved
by the suspension or revocation of their licnese or by an interpreta-
tion, order, requirement, direction or failure to act under these
Rules and Regulations may appeal to the State Building Code Appeals
Board as provided in Section 126 of this Code; however, entry of an
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appeal from the Commission's order of revocation or suspension shall
not stay such revocation or suspension unless so ordered by the said
Appeals Board in a preliminary hearing conducted expressly for the
purpose of a stay in accordance with that part of Section 126.3.2 of
the Code dealing with the procedure required for a hearing on such
stay.
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APPENDIX Q
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING
COMPONENTS AND MOBILE HOMES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD
PART I.
GENERAL
SECTION
1.
ADMINISTRATION
1.1
Title
1.2
Definitions
1.3
Scope
1.4
Administration and Enforcement
1.5
Authorization of Third Party Inspections
1.6
Approvals and Compliance
1.7
Time and Manufacture
1.8
Retroactive Changes
1.9
Amendments
SECTION
2.
COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS
2.1
Approval
2.2
Suitability
2.3
Requisites
2.4
Notification of Disapproval
2.5
Approval - evidence
2.6
Approval - report
2.7
Approval - variations
2.8
Amendments - proposed
2.9
Compliance Assurance Program
SECTION
3.
CERTIFICATION
3.1
Manufacturers Data Plate
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
SECTION 4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
3.1.1 Contents
Labels
3.2.1 Contents
3.2.2 Issuance
Records of Labels
Attachment of Labels
Suspension and Revocation
Variations of Certified Units
INSPECTION BY THE STATE ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
OR THEIR AGENTS
Inspection of Facilities
Inspection according to Compliance Assurance Programs
Inspection of Damaged Components
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
4.3.1 Repairing Damaged Components
4.3.2 Irreparably Damaged Components
4.4 Monitoring Inspection Agency
4.4.1 Prior to Approval
4.5 Inspection by Disassembly
SECTION 5. LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCY PROCEDURES AND
INSPECTIONS
5.1 Permit Applications
5.1.1 Permit Application - Statement of Content
5.1.2 Permit Application - Building System
5.1.3 Permit Application - Building System Approval
5.2 Inspection of Site Preparation and Service Connections
5.3 Compliance with Instructions
5.3.1 Disassembly Prohibited
5.3.2 Opening Panels
5.4 Disposition of Noncomplying New Units
5.5 Certificates of Occupancy
5.6 Reporting of Violations to Department of Public Safety
SECTION 6. FEES
6.1 Deposit for Application to the Commission
6.2 Establishment of Fees
SECTION 7. NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES IN NAME, ADDRESS,
OWNERSHIP OR LOCATION
7.1 Notification by Manufacturers
7.2 Notification by Inspection Agencies
SECTION 8 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
PART II REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF BUILDING SYS-
TEMS AND COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS
SECTION 9 BUILDING SYSTEMS
9.1 General Requirements
9.1.1 Plans, Specifications and Documentation
9.1.2 Form and Fees
9.1.3 Identification
9.1.4 Plans Showing Elements
9.1.5 Application - Approved Architect or Engineer
9.1.6 On Site Work Identified
9.1.7 Space for State Administrative Agencies Ap-
proval Stamp
9.1.8 Material Grade and Quality
9.1.9 Calculations and Test Reports
9.1.9.1 Drawings to Scale
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
9.1.9.2 Label and Data-Plate Location
9.1.9.3 Drawings Dated and Identified
9.2 Required Construction Details
9.2.1 General
9.2.2 Building Classification
9.2.3 Space and Fire Safety
9.2.4 Structural Detail Requirements
9.2.5 Mechanical Detail Requirements
9.2.6 Plumbing Detail Requirements
9.2.7 Electrical Detail Requirements
SECTION 10 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS FOR MANU-
FACTURED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
10.1 Organization Requirements
10.2 Materials Control
10.3 Production Control
10.4 Finished Product Control
10.5 Installation Control
10.6 Permission for Inspection
10.7 Inspections by The State Enforcement Agencies
PART III
APPROVAL OF INSPECTION AGENCIES
SECTION 11 REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
11.1 Articles of Incorporation
11.2 Bylaws
11.3 Business Affiliations of Members
11.4 Stock Ownership
11 . 5 Certifications
11.6 Experience of Directors
11.7 Experience of Employees
11.8 Organization Chart
11.9 Number and Location of Personnel
11.10 Employees Training Programs
11.11 Employee Supervision
11.12 Non-employees Relationships
11.13 Products Evaluated
11.14 Frequency Capability
11.15 States Approved In
SECTION 12 PROCEDURES FOR APPROVING INSPECTION AGENCIES
12.1 Qualifications
12.2 Suitability of Application
12.3 Approvals
SECTION 13
13.1
SUSPENSION AND REVOCATIONS
Grounds
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
13.2 Procedures
13.2.1 General
13.2.2 Records
13.2.3 Labels
PART IV RECIPROCITY
SECTION 14 PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING RECIPROCITY TO
ANOTHER JURISDICTION
14 . 1 Evaluation
14.2 Methods of Extending Reciprocity
14.3 Rejections
SECTION 15 PROCEDURES FOR RECIPROCITY CERTIFYING MANU-
FACTURED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
SECTION 16 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
PART V APPEALS
SECTION 17 HEARINGS
PART VI SCHEDULE OF FEES
SECTION 18 ESTABLISHMENT
18.1 Compliance Assurance Programs and Building Systems
18.2 Third Party Inspection Agencies
18.3 Annual Renewal Fees
18.4 Labels
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PART I GENERAL
SECTION I ADMINISTRATION
1.1 TITLE
The State Building Code Commission, Massachusetts Board of Fire
Prevention Regulations (Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of
Electricians), and the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of
Plumbers and Gas Fitters herewith adopt the Rules and Regulations
for Manufactured Buildings, Building Components and Mobile Homes.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated in the State Building Code, the
following terms shall, for the purpose of these Rules and Regulations,
have the meaning indicated in this section:
APPROVAL: Approval by the State Building Code Commission.
BUILDING COMPONENT: Any subsystem, subassembly, or other
system designed for use in or as part of a structure having
concealed elements such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing and
fire protection systems and other systems affecting health and
safety.
BUILDING SYSTEM: Plans, specifications and documentation for a
system of manufactured buildings or for a type or a system of
building components, which may include structural, electrical,
mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems and other sys-
tems affecting health and safety, including variations which are
submitted as part of the building system.
CERTIFICATION: Any manufactured building, building component or
mobile home which meets the provisions of the applicable Codes
and Rules and Regulations pursuant thereto; and which has been
labeled accordingly.
CODE: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code or
Specialized Codes as defined herein.
COMMISSION: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building
Code Commission.
DEPARTMENT - DPS: The Department of Public Safety, Division of
Inspections .
INSPECTION AGENCIES: Independent agency, sometimes referred to
as "third-party agency", retained by the manufacturer and ap-
proved by the State Building Code Commission to perform in-
spections and evaluations of building systems, compliance assur-
ance programs, manufactured buildings, and building components.
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INSTALLATION: The process of affixing, or assembling and affixing
a manufactured building, building component or mobile home on
the building site, and connecting it to utilities, and/or to an
existing building. Installation may also mean the connecting of
two (2) or more mobile home units designed and approved to be
so connected for use as a dwelling.
LABEL: An approved device or seal evidencing certification in accor-
dance with the applicable Codes and Rules and Regulations pro-
mulgated pursuant thereto.
LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCY: A department or agency in a muni-
cipality charged with the enforcement of this Code and appro-
priate specialized codes which include, but are not limited to, the
State Plumbing and Gas Fitting Code and the State Electrical
Code.
MANUFACTURED BUILDING: Any building which has concealed ele-
ments, such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection,
insulation, and other systems affecting health and safety, and
which is manufactured or assembled in manufacturing facilities, on
or off the building site. Also, any building as defined above
which does not have concealed elements, but which has been
approved by the Commission at the request of the manufacturer.
"Manufactured building" does not mean "mobile home".
MOBILE HOME: A structure, transportable in one (1) or more
sections, which is eight (8) body feet or more in width and is
thirty-two (32) body feet or more in length, and which is built
on a permanent chassis, and designed to be used as a dwelling
with permanent foundation, when connected to the required utili-
ties, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and
electrical systems contained therein.
SPECIALIZED CODE: All building codes, rules or regulations per-
taining to building construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair
or demolition promulgated by and under the authority of the
various agencies which have been authorized from time to time by
the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The
specialized codes shall include, but not be limited to, the State
Plumbing and Gas Fitting Code and Electrical Code.
STATE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES: Boards, commissions, depart-
ments or agencies authorized to promulgate, adopt and amend
codes and rules and regulations relating to buildings and struc-
tures and parts thereof and limited to the Massachusetts State
Building Code Commission, Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention
Regulations, Massachusetts State Examiners of Electricians, and
the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas
Fitters .
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STATE ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: Boards, commissions, departments
or agencies authorized to enforce the provisions of the codes and
rules and regulations which have been promulgated, adopted and
amended and which relate to buildings or structures and parts
thereof and limited to the Department of Public Safety, Massachu-
setts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, and
the Massachusetts State Examiners of Electricians.
1.3 SCOPE
A. These Rules and Regulations govern the design, manufacture,
handling, storage, transportation and installation of manufac-
tured buildings, and building components intended for instal-
lation in this State and/or manufactured in this State for
shipment to any other state in which such building, building
components, or mobile homes and the labels thereon are
accepted.
B. The Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards
promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Deve-
lopment govern the design, manufacture, handling, storage
and transportation of mobile houes for installation in this
state .
C. Subject to local zoning ordinances and by-laws, manufactured
buildings, building components or mobile homes may be sold
for, delivered to, or installed on, building sites located in
any jurisdiction of this State if such buildings, building
components or mobile homes have been approved and certified
pursuant to the applicable Codes and these Rules and Regula-
tions .
1.4 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The State Building Code Commission and the State Enforcement
Agencies shall enforce all provisions of these Rules and Regulations.
The State Enforcement Agencies shall have the responsibility for
evaluating and recommending approval to the Commission of building
systems, and for inspecting and recommending certification of manu-
factured buildings and building components for compliance with these
Rules and Regulations and the applicable codes. The State Enforce-
ment Agencies and the local enforcement agencies shall accept manu-
factured buildings, building components, building systems and com-
pliance assurance programs labeled and certified by inspection agencies
approved by the Commission and those mobile homes certified as in
conformance with the Federal standards by the application of the
applicable required HUD label.
1.5 AUTHORIZATION OF THIRD PARTY INSPECTIONS
Upon recommendation of the State Enforcement Agencies, the
Commission may authorize inspection agencies, sometimes referred to
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as third party inspection agencies, to perform all or part of the
inspection and certification of manufactured buildings and building
components, building systems and compliance assurance programs,
including either or both the issuance and the attachment of labels
thereto. The Commission may suspend or revoke such authorization
for cause.
1.6 APPROVALS AND COMPLIANCE
Upon the recommendation of the State Enforcement Agencies, the
Commission may approve building systems and compliance assurance
programs which comply with the codes, standards, specifications and
requirements and these Rules and Regulations.
1.7 TIME OF MANUFACTURE
For purposes of these regulations, a manufactured building,
building component or mobile home is deemed to be manufactured at
such time as the label is attached to it in accordance with the ap-
proved compliance assurance program.
1.8 RETROACTIVE CHANGES
No changes in the codes, standards, specifications and require-
ments of these Rules and Regulations shall apply retroactively.
1.9 AMENDMENTS
The State Administrative Agencies shall notify the Commission,
and the Commission shall notify all interested parties including State
Enforcement Agencies, inspection agencies, manufacturers with ap-
proved building systems, and local governmental jurisdictions of all
amendments to these Rules and Regulations, and each manufacturer
shall have no more than 180 days following the sending of notification
to submit to the Commission compliance assurance program revisions in
order to comply with such amendments. Where imminent danger to
life safety is involved, the State Administrative Agencies may require
that immediate effect be given such amendments to the codes, stand-
ards, specifications and requirements so adopted.
SECTION 2 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS
2.1 APPROVAL
In order to obtain approval for manufactured buildings or building
components a manufacturer shall submit a building system for evalu-
ation to the State Building Code Commission for approvals in accord-
ance with these Rules and Regulations.
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2.2 SUITABILITY
Prior to a full evaluation, the State Enforcement Agencies shall
determine that building systems and/or the application for approval of
the compliance assurance program submitted to it are suitable for
processing. In the event that the application is found to be unsuit-
able for processing, the applicant shall be notified in writing of such
unsuitability and the basis thereof, within thirty (30) days of the
date the application is received by the Commission. In such event,
all but twenty-five ($25) dollars of the fee will be returned and the
findings of unsuitability will be without prejudice. Any subsequent
submission shall be treated as a new application.
2.3 REQUISITES
The State Enforcement Agencies may require tests to determine
whether a compliance assurance program meets the codes, standards
and requirements of the evaluation of plans, specifications and docu-
mentation. The procedures used shall be reviewed and evaluated by
the Commission in accordance with these Rules and Regulations. The
costs of such tests shall be borne by the applicant.
2.4 NOTIFICATION OF DISAPPROVAL
In the event a compliance assurance program is disapproved by
the Commission, the Commission shall notify the applicant with a
written explanation of the reasons for such disapproval thereto.
2.5 APPROVAL - EVIDENCE
Approval of a compliance assurance program shall be evidenced by
a letter of certification issued by the Commission.
2.6 APPROVAL - REPORT
The State Enforcement Agencies shall prepare and the Commission
shall issue to the applicant a building system approval report which
shall include therein any conditions imposed for its use.
2.7 APPROVAL - VARIATIONS
A building system and compliance assurance program, or any
amendment thereto which has been approved, shall not be varied in
any way without prior written authorization by the Commission. All
amendments shall be in writing and shall be made a part of the
written record of the approval.
2.8 AMENDMENTS - PROPOSED
Amendments to compliance assurance programs may be proposed
by submitting to the Commission for its approval, appropriate plans,
specifications, or documentation showing the effect of the proposed
amendment on each building system, and the required fee.
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2.9 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAM
A manufacturer shall obtain approval from the Commission of a
compliance assurance program for his building system. Buildings or
building components shall be manufactured in accordance with an ap-
proved program in order to be certified. Compliance assurance pro-
grams shall be submitted to the Commission for its approval in accor-
dance with these Rules and Regulations.
SECTION 3 CERTIFICATION
Manufactured buildings or building components or mobile homes,
accepted by the State Enforcement Agencies and an inspection agency
as having been manufactured according to an approved building
system and an approved compliance assurance program, shall be
certified by the Commission upon the recommendation of the State
Enforcement Agencies as complying with the requirements of the
applicable codes and these Rules and Regulations. Certification shall
be evidenced by the attachment of a label to each certified manu-
factured building or building component (or groups of components).
3.1 MANUFACTURER'S DATA PLATE
3.1.1 CONTENTS
The following information shall be placed directly or by reference
on one (1) or more permanent manufacturer's data plates in the
vicinity of the electrical distribution panel, or in some other desig-
nated location acceptable to the State Enforcement Agencies, on the
manufactured building or building component where it will be readily
accessible for inspection:
a) Manufacturer's name and address;
b) Serial number of the unit;
c) Label serial number;
d) Name and date of applicable building, plumbing, gas and elec-
trical codes and issue of their accumulative supplements
complied with;
e) Model designation and name of manufacturer of major factory-
installed appliances;
f) Identification of permissible type of gas for appliance and
directions for water and drain connection;
g) Snow, wind, seismic and other live loads;
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h) Electrical ratings - instructions and warnings on voltage;
i) Special conditions or limitations on use of the units, includ-
ing unsuitability for areas in which specified environmental
conditions prevail;
j) Methods of assembly or joining multiple units;
k) Type of construction, including fire rating, occupancy class,
and interior finish flame spread class;
1) Building height and story limitation;
m) Floor area; and
n) Minimum side yard requirements for fire rating.
If, in the opinion of the State Administrative Agencies, the shape
or size of a building component is such that this information cannot
be attached to it permanently, the information may be placed in a
manual crated with the component or on a tag attached to the crate in
which the component is shipped, if the information is not such that
the future occupant of the building should know it. If the occupant
will need to know the information, it shall be contained in a manual
which shall be presented to the occupant upon transfer of possession.
If life safety is involved, the item in question shall be plainly labeled.
3.2 LABELS
Each manufactured building or building component which is certi-
fied pursuant to the applicable codes and these Rules and Regula-
tions, shall have permanently attached thereto, in a visible location as
shown on the approved building system, an approved label which
cannot be removed therefrom without destroying such label.
3.2.1 CONTENTS
An approved label shall bear the following information:
a) "This label certifies that this building (or building compo-
nent) has been manufactured in accordance with an approved
building system and compliance assurance program approved
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code
Commission and inspected by .";
b) Label serial number;
c) Building system approval number;
d) Manufacturer's serial number;
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e) The words "See data plate located on
and
f) Date of manufacture.
At the direction of the Commission labels and data plates may be
limited in size and content for components whose shape and size does
not permit the full information to be placed thereon.
3.2.2 ISSUANCE
The approved label shall be issued by the Commmission or its
agents in accordance with the following:
a) If the Commission delegated the issuance of labels to an
inspection agency, the agency shall be required to obtain
approval from the Commission for the manner in which they
are handled;
b) Labels must be serially numbered;
c) A manufacturer's compliance assurance program, submitted in
accordance with the Rules and Regulations hereof, shall in-
clude requirements for issuance, possession of, attachment of
and accounting for all labels to assure that labels are attached
only to buildings, building components, or mobile homes
manufactured pursuant to an approved building system and
inspected pursuant to an approved compliance assurance
program; and
d) Upon request of the inspection agency, the Commission may
determine that the manufacturer's record of compliance is
such that the inspection agency need not maintain an in-
spector in a given plant at all times, inspection agency may
entrust labels to the custody of one (1) or more employees of
the manufacturer, who shall be charged with controlling the
use of the such labels. Such employees shall not be given
custody of more labels than are necessary. If the conditions
of custody are violated, the Commission or an inspection
agency shall immediately regain possession of all labels that
have not been applied to the manufactured buildings or build-
ing components and shall take such further action with re-
spect to buildings or components already labeled and with
respect to future labeling, as it may deem necessary to assure
compliance with the applicable codes and these Rules and
Regulations .
3.3 RECORDS OF LABELS
Permanent records shall be kept of the handling of all labels,
indicating at least how many labels have been applied to buildings or
building components (or groups of components), which labels have
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been applied to which buildings or building components, the dis-
position of any damaged or rejected labels, and the location and
custody of all unused labels. Such records shall be maintained by
the manufacturer or by the inspection agency. A copy of such
records covering attachment of each label shall be sent to the Com-
mission on the tenth of each month and the Commission shall forward
all such records to the State Enforcement Agencies.
3.4 ATTACHMENT OF LABELS
The inspection agency shall attach in consecutive numerical se-
quence labels to buildings or building components manufactured in
accordance with an approved building system and meeting the re-
quirements of an approved compliance assurance program.
Manufacturers shall attach labels in the same manner to manufac-
tured buildings or building components manufactured in accordance
with an approved compliance assurance program, if custody of the
labels has been entrusted to them in accordance with this section.
3.5 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
The State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection agency may
suspend or revoke, or cause to be suspended or revoked, the certi-
fication of any manufactured building or building component which the
State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection agency finds not to
comply with the applicable codes or these Rules and Regulations, or
which has been manufactured pursuant to a building system or a
compliance assurance program for which approval has been suspended
or revoked, or which has not been manufactured in accordance with
the approved compliance assurance program. The State Enforcement
Agencies or an inspection agency shall remove or cause to be re-
moved, labels from any such manufactured building, building com-
ponent or mobile home until it is brought into compliance with the
applicable codes and these Rules and Regulations. Notice of sus-
pension or revocation of certification shall be in writing with the
reasons for suspension or revocation clearly set forth therein.
a) Upon suspension or revocation of the approval of any building
system or compliance assurance program, no further labels
shall be attached to any manufactured buildings or building
components manufactured pursuant to the building system or
compliance assurance program with respect to which the
approval was suspended or revoked. Upon termination of
such suspension or revocation, labels may again be attached
to the manufactured building or buildings component manufac-
tured after the date approval was reinstated. Should any
building or building component have been manufactured during
the period of suspension or revocation, it shall not be labeled
unless the State Enforcement Agencies or inspection agency
have inspected such building or building component and is
satisfied that all requirements for certification have been met.
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If the State Enforcement Agency acts under this section, it
must notify the inspection agency.
b) The manufacturer shall return all labels allocated for a manu-
factured building or building component to the Commission no
later than thirty (30) days from the effective, date of any
suspension or revocation of the State Enforcement Agencies or
insection agency, of the building system or compliance assur-
ance program pursuant to which the manufactured building or
building component is being manufactured. The manufacturer
shall also return to the Commission all labels which it deter-
mines for any reason are no longer needed.
3.6 VARIATIONS OF CERTIFIED UNITS
Manufactured buildings, building components or mobile homes
certified and labeled pursuant to the applicable codes and these Rules
and Regulations shall not be varied in any way prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy without resubmission to the Commission
for its approval of the variation and of the unit which includes the
variation. The State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection agency
shall inspect the building, building component or mobile home wherever
it is located and such inspection may include such tests or destruc-
tive or nondestructive disassembly as the State Enforcement Agencies
or an inspection agency deems necessary to assure compliance with
the applicable Codes and these Rules and Regulations. Local Enforce-
ment Agencies may be designated by the Commission or State Enforce-
ment Agencies as inspection agencies for such purposes.
SECTION 4 INSPECTION BY THE STATE ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
OR THEIR AGENTS
The State Enforcement Agencies shall make, or cause to be made,
such inspections of the entire processing of manufacturing, certifying,
handling, storing and transporting of manufactured buildings or
building components produced pursuant to approved building systems
as they deem necessary.
4.1 INSPECTION OF FACILITIES
As part of the process of evaluating building systems and compli-
ance assurance programs, the State Enforcement Agencies shall in-
spect, or cause to be inspected, the manufacturing facilities in which
the buildings or building components are to be manufactured.
4.2 INSPECTION ACCORDING TO COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE
PROGRAMS
The State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection agency shall
make such inspections as may be required by an approved compliance
assurance program, or as may be deemed necessary by the State
Enforcement Agencies.
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4.3 INSPECTION OF DAMAGED COMPONENTS
Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the State
Enforcement Agencies or an inspection agency shall inspect, or cause
to be inspected, certified manufactured buildings or building compo-
nents which it determines to have been sufficiently damaged after
certification to warrant such inspection and to take such action with
regard to such buildings or building components as is authorized
hereof, or as is otherwise necessary to eliminate dangerous con-
ditions. The local enforcement agencies may be designated by the
Commission or the State Enforcement Agencies as the inspection
agency.
4.3.1 REPAIRING DAMAGED COMPONENTS
The State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection agency shall
require manufactured buildings or building components which are so
damaged as to no longer comply with the applicable Codes and these
Rules and Regulations, to be repaired and made to comply within a
reasonable time; or if they are so damaged that they cannot be
brought into compliance, the State Enforcement Agencies or inspection
agency shall order that the labels be removed from such buildings,
building components or mobile homes. A report under this section
shall be filed with the inspection agency, Commission and State
Enforcement Agency.
4.3.2 IRREPARABLY DAMAGED COMPONENTS
Irreparably damaged buildings or building components shall be
disposed of by the manufacturer.
4.4 MONITORING INSPECTION AGENCY
The State Enforcement Agencies or their designated agents shall
examine each approved inspection agency, at any reasonable time, and
without prior announcement, in order to monitor the reliability of each
agency and of its monitoring of each compliance assurance program.
Each such examination shall investigate the adequacy of all procedures
used by the agency in monitoring compliance assurance programs
including inspection, tests, production methods, process controls,
operator performance, materials, receipts, storage and handling,
workmanship standards, records and all other activities which imple-
ment the compliance assurance program in the manufacturing facility,
during transport, on-site, and at critical subcontractors' facilities.
The results of such examinations shall be filed with the office of the
Commission. Copies of such reports shall be sent to the inspection
agency and the State Enforcement Agencies. Inspection agencies shall
be specifically notified by the Commission of any deficiencies and of
the manner and time by which such deficiencies must be eliminated.
If deemed necessary by the State Enforcement Agencies an inspection
agency's approval may be suspended or revoked by the Commission as
provided herein.
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4.4.1 PRIOR TO APPROVAL
Such examinations may also be conducted before approving an in-
spection agency.
4.5 INSPECTION BY DISASSEMBLY
No inspection entailing disassembly, damage to or destruction of
certified manufactured buildings, building components or mobile homes
shall be conducted except to implement these Rules and Regulations.
SECTION 5 LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCY PROCEDURES AND
INSPECTIONS
5.1 PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Upon application in conformity with the provisions of the appro-
priate codes, local enforcement agencies shall issue appropriate per-
mits for certified manufactured buildings, building components or
mobile homes prior to installation, and shall not withhold approval of
the appropriate permits for buildings containing certified building
components which in all other respects comply with all applicable
Codes, provided that any manufactured buildings, building com-
ponents or mobile homes found by the State Enforcement Agencies not
to comply with the appropriate codes or these Rules and Regulations
shall be brought into compliance before such permit shall be issued.
An application to local enforcement agencies for an appropriate permit
shall, when requested, in addition to any other requirements contain:
5.1.1 PERMIT APPLICATION - STATEMENT OF CONTENT
A statement that the work to be performed under such permit is
to include the installation of a certified manufactured building, build-
ing component or mobile home in accordance with the provisions of the
applicable codes, the statement to be signed by the applicant or his
agent, with the appropriate address.
5.1.2 PERMIT APPLICATION - BUILDING SYSTEM
A true copy of the approved building system with respect to
which the manufactured building or building component was manu-
factured or is to be manufactured, where one has not previously been
furnished to that local enforcement agency.
5.1.3 PERMIT APPLICATION - BUILDING SYSTEM APPROVAL
A copy of the Building System Report, as approved by the Com-
mission, where it has not previously been furnished to the Local
Enforcement Agency.
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5.2 INSPECTION OF SITE PREPARATION AND SERVICE
CONNECTIONS
Appropriate local enforcement agencies shall inspect site prepa-
ration work including foundations, not within the scope of the ap-
proval and certification, and the structural, mechanical, plumbing and
electrical connections among units, for compliance with applicable law,
rules and regulations.
5.3 COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS
Appropriate local enforcement agencies shall inspect all manufac-
tured buildings, building components or mobile homes upon, or
promptly after, installation at the building site to determine whether
all instructions in the Building System Approval Report or conditions
listed on the manufacturer's data plate have been followed.
This may include tests for tightness of plumbing and mechanical
systems, and for malfunctions in the electrical system and a visual
inspection for obvious nonconformity with the approved building
system.
5.3.1 DISASSEMBLY PROHIBITED
Unauthorized destructive disassembly of certified buildings and
building components and mobile homes shall not be performed in order
to conduct such tests or inspections, except as provided in
section 4.3, nor shall there be imposed standards or test criteria
different from those adopted by the State Enforcement Agencies or
specified in the Building System Approval Report, or the "HUD's"
Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards.
5.3.2 OPENING PANELS
Nondestructive disassembly may be performed only to the extent
of opening access panels and cover plates.
5.4 DISPOSITION OF NONCOMPLYING NEW UNITS
Local enforcement agencies shall require the manufacturer to dis-
pose of noncomplying manufactured buildings and building components
after consultation with the State Enforcement Agencies and reasonable
notice to the manufacturer or owner thereof, as the case may be, of
the proposed disposition.
5.5 CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
Appropriate local inspectors shall issue certificates of occupancy
for certified manufactured buildings and mobile homes containing
certified building components which otherwise comply with all the
applicable codes, after they have been installed and inspected pursu-
ant to the applicable codes and these Rules and Regulations, provided
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that any manufactured building or building component found not to
comply with the Building System Approval Report or any mobile home
found not to comply with "Hud's" Mobile Home Construction and
Safety Standards shall be brought into compliance before such certi-
ficate of occupancy shall be issued.
5.6 REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY
When any local enforcement agency is making an inspection and
finds violations or suspected violations, it shall report the details of
the violations in writing to the Department. Where violations are
hazardous to occupants, a certificate of occupancy shall not be issued
and the building shall not be occupied before such hazards are
corrected. If the violations are not hazardous, a provisional certi-
ficate of occupancy may be issued. The Department shall forward all
such reports of violations to the Commission and the State Enforce-
ment Agencies.
SECTION 6 FEES
6.1 DEPOSIT FOR APPLICATION TO THE COMMISSION
A deposit shall be required upon application to the Commission to
perform any of the functions in these Rules and Regulations.
6.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF FEES
Fees charged by the Commission for functions performed shall be
in accordance with the fee schedule established by the State Adminis-
trative Agencies as specified in Part VI, Section 18 of these Rules
and Regulations.
SECTION 7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES IN NAME, ADDRESS,
OWNERSHIP OR LOCATION
7.1 NOTIFICATION BY MANUFACTURERS
Manufacturers shall notify the Commission in writing within ten
(10) days of any of the following occurrences:
a) The corporate name is changed;
b) The main address of the company is changed;
c) There is a change in twenty-five (25) percent or more of the
ownership interest of the company within a twelve (12) month
period ;
d) The location of any manufacturing facility is changed;
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e) A new manufacturing facility is established; or
f) There are changes in principal officers of the firm.
The Commission shall notify the State Administrative Agencies of
such occurrences.
7.2 NOTIFICATION BY INSPECTION AGENCIES
Inspection agencies shall notify the Commission in writing within
ten (10) days of any of the following occurrences:
a) The company name is changed;
b) The main address of the company is changed;
c) There is a change in twenty-five (25) percent or more of the
ownership interest or control of the company within a twelve
(12) month period;
d) The location of any testing facility is changed;
e) A new testing facility is established; or
f) There are changes in principal officers and key supervisory
and responsible personnel of the firm.
The Commission shall notify the State Administrative Agencies of
such occurrences.
SECTION 8 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
All information relating to building systems and compliance assur-
ance programs which the manufacturer or other party considers
proprietary shall be so designated by him at the time of its sub-
mission, and shall be so held by the State Enforcement Agencies and
State Administrative Agencies, except as the State Administrative
Agencies determine in each case, that disclosure is necessary to carry
out the purposes of the applicable codes and these Rules and Regu-
lations .
PART II REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF BUILDING SYSTEMS
AND COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS
SECTION 9 BUILDING SYSTEMS
Building systems shall meet the requirements set forth below to
be evaluated for compliance with the standards, specifications and re-
quirements adopted by the State Administrative Agencies.
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9.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
9.1.1 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION
Building systems, including all plans, specifications and other
documentation, shall be submitted in quadruplicate to the Commission
who shall act as the depository and disburser of all such items. The
Commission shall forward to the appropriate State Enforcement
Agencies plans, specifications and documentation for their recommen-
dations .
9.1.2 FORM AND FEES
Building systems shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the
Commission and shall be accompanied by all required fees.
9.1.3 IDENTIFICATION
All documents submitted with the application shall be identified to
indicate the manufacturer's name, office address and address of the
manufacturing facility.
9.1.4 PLANS SHOWING ELEMENTS
Plans shall be submitted showing all elements relating to specific
systems on properly identifiable sheets.
9.1.5 APPLICATION - APPROVED ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER
Each building system application shall bear the signature and seal
of an approved registered architect or registered professional engineer
certifying that the building system complies with the applicable codes
and standards promulgated herein.
9.1.6 ON-SITE WORK IDENTIFIED
All work to be performed on-site, including connection of all
systems, equipment and appliances, shall be identified and distin-
guished from work to be performed in the manufacturing facility.
9.1.7 SPACE FOR STATE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES APPROVAL
STAMP
A 3" x 4" blank rectangular space shall be provided on all sheets
of plans near the title box for the Commission's stamp of approval.
9.1.8 MATERIAL GRADE AND QUALITY
Grade, quality and identification of all material shall be specified.
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9.1.9 CALCULATIONS AND TEST REPORTS
Design calculations and test reports shall be specified.
9.1.9.1 DRAWINGS TO SCALE
Drawings shall be drawn to scale and be legible.
9.1.9.2 LABEL AND DATA PLATE LOCATION
Drawings shall indicate the location of the approved label and
data plate.
9.1.9.3 DRAWINGS DATED AND IDENTIFIED
Drawings shall be dated and identified. The number of sheets in
each set shall be indicated.
9.2 REQUIRED CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
Building systems for manufactured buildings shall provide or
show, but not be limited to, the details listed below including the
method of their testing or evaluation, or both. These requirements
shall apply to the building systems for building components only to
the extent deemed necessary by the State Enforcement Agencies to
permit a proper evaluation of the building component.
9.2.1 GENERAL
a) Details and methods of installation of manufactured buildings
or building components on foundations and/or to each other.
b) All exterior elevations.
c) Cross sections as necessary to identify major building compo-
nents .
d) Details of flashing, such as at openings and at penetrations
through roofs and subcomponent connections. Indicate
flashing material and gauge to be used.
e) Attic access and attic ventilation.
f) Exterior wall, roof and soffit material as well as finish.
g) Interior wall and ceiling finish material.
h) Fire separation walls.
i) Sizes, locations and types of doors, windows and fire/smoke
detectors .
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j) Recommended foundation plans, vents and underfloor access.
9.2.2 BUILDING CLASSIFICATION
a) Occupancy or use.
b) Area, height, and number of stories.
c) Type of construction.
d) Fireresistance ratings.
9.2.3 SPACE AND FIRE SAFETY
a) Details of fire resistance rated assemblies for all stairway
enclosures, doors, walls, floors, ceilings, partitions, columns,
roof and shaft enclosures.
b) Detail of Fire Protection Systems.
c) Details as to width of all aisles, exits, corridors, passageways
and stairway enclosures.
d) Toxicity and flame spread classification of finished materials.
9.2.4 STRUCTURAL DETAIL REQUIREMENTS
a) Engineer's calculations of structural members, where appro-
priate .
b) Structural and framing details of all floors, roof and walls.
c) Details and stress diagrams of roof trusses.
d) Details of reinforcing steel.
e) Complete loading schedule.
f) Column loads and column schedule.
g) Lintel schedule.
h) Size, spacing and details of all structural elements.
i) Grade or quality of all structural elements (lumber, steel,
etc . ) .
j) Elevation of structural elements, walls or sections thereof,
providing resistance to vertical loads or lateral forces.
k) Complete details of all structural connections.
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9.2.5 MECHANICAL DETAIL REQUIREMENTS
a) Location of all equipment and appliances. Indicate equipment
and appliances listed or labeled by approved agencies.
b) Heat loss and heat gain calculations.
c) Manufacturer's name, make, model, number, BTU, input and
output rating of all equipment and appliances, as appropriate,
or the equal thereof.
d) Duct and register locations, sizes, and materials.
e) Clearances from combustible material or surfaces for all ducts,
flues and chimneys.
f) Method of providing required combustion air and return air.
g) Location of flues, vents and chimneys and clearances from air
intakes and other vents and flues.
h) Details regarding dampers in ducts penetrating fire separa-
tions .
i) Complete drawings of fire sprinkler system, standpipe system
or smoke/fire alarm system, as required.
j) Detail of elevator or escalator system, including method of
emergency operation.
k) Duct and piping insulation thickness.
1) Ventilation air calculations.
9.2.6 PLUMBING DETAIL REQUIREMENTS.
a) Plan or schematic drawing of the plumbing layout, including
but not limited to, size of piping, fitting, traps and vents,
cleanouts and valves, gas, water, and drainage system.
b) Plumbing materials, and location of all equipment and appli-
ances to be used. Indicate fixture unit capacity of system(s)
and the make, model, and rating/capacity of equipment and
appliances. Indicate equipment and appliances listed or
labeled by approved agencies.
c) Make and model of safety controls (such as for water
heaters), their location, and whether listed or labeled by
approved agencies.
d) How piping is to be supported and intervals of support.
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e) Location of vents above roofs and required clearances, includ-
ing but not limited to clearances from air intakes, other vents
and flues.
f) Methods of testing.
9.2.7 ELECTRICAL DETAIL REQUIREMENTS
a) Plan of service equipment, including service entrance, con-
ductors, service raceway and clearances above ground and
above structures.
b) Method and detail for grounding service equipment.
c) Single line diagram of the entire electrical installation.
d) Load calculations for service and feeders.
e) Sizes of all feeders and branch circuits.
f) Size, rating and location of main diconnect/overcurrent pro-
tective devices.
g) Method of interconnection between manufactured buildings or
building components and location of connections.
h) Location of all outlets and junction boxes.
i) Method of mounting fixtures and wiring installations.
j) Lighting power calculations.
SECTION 10 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS FOR MANU-
FACTURED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING COMPONENTS
Compliance assurance programs shall be approved if they meet the
requirements set forth in this section. It is the manufacturer's
responsibility to execute every aspect of this program. The manufac-
turer shall continue to be responsible for all corrective actions re-
quired and the contractural relationship between the manufacturer and
the inspection agency shall not diminish such responsibility. The
manufacturer shall cooperate with the inspection agency by providing
the inspection agency with all necessary reports, information, docu-
ments, records, facilities, equipment, samples and other assistance
for assuring compliance.
The manufacturer's compliance assurance program shall be sub-
mitted to the Commission in the form of a compliance assurance manual
which shall contain complete documentation of all compliance assurance
activities of both the manufacturer and the inspection agency. The
manual shall be comprehensively indexed, and shall treat the material
listed here in detail, as follows:
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10.1 ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
a) A procedure for periodic revision of the manual;
b) An organizational structure for implementing and maintaining
the compliance assurance program and its functional relation-
ship to other elements of the organization structure of the
manufacturer, which structure shall provide for independence
from the production department;
1) Company officers and employees in charge of the compli-
ance assurance program must be identified, and their
training and qualifications specified;
c) A uniform system of audit (in-depth analysis of program
effectiveness and means to identify deficiencies) to monitor
program performance periodically;
d) Complete and reliable records of manufacturing and site
operations, if any (suitable means of storage, preservation
and accessibility of copies of forms to be utilized shall be
included) ;
e) A system to control changes in production or inspection
procedures ;
f) A system to assure that working drawings and specifications,
working instructions and standards, procurement documents,
etc. conform to the approved building system;
g) A serial number system for buildings or building components;
and
h) The method of safekeeping, handling and attaching labels and
identification of those employees responsible therefor.
10.2 MATERIALS CONTROL:
a) Procedure to assure effective control over procurement
sources to ensure that materials, supplies and other items
used in production and site operations, if any, conform to the
approved plans, specifications and quality requirements;
b) Procedures for inspection of materials, supplies and other
items at the point of receipt;
c) Method of protection of materials, supplies and other items
against deterioration prior to their incorporation in the certi-
fied buildings or building component; and
d) Provision for disposal of rejected materials, supplies and
other items.
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10.3 PRODUCTION CONTROL:
a) Procedures for timely remedial and preventive measures to
assure product quality;
b) Provision, maintenance and use of testing and inspection;
c) Provision for frequency of sampling inspections;
d) Provision of necessary authority to reject defective work and
carry out compliance assurance functions, notwithstanding any
conflict with production department goals and needs;
e) A schematic of the manufacturing operation showing the
location of inspection stations, and "hold" points for manda-
tory inspection characteristics;
f) Inspection and test procedures, including accept/reject cri-
teria and mandatory inspection characteristics;
g) Standards of workmanship; and
h) Provision of disposal of rejects.
10.4 FINISHED PRODUCT CONTROL:
a) Procedure for final inspection of all manufactured buildings or
building components before shipment to the site or storage
point, including identification and labeling;
b) Procedures for handling and storing all finished manufactured
buildings or building components, both at the manufacturing
plant or other storage point and after delivery to the building
site;
c) Procedures for packing, packaging and shipping operations
and related inspections; and
d) Procedures for transportation, including all measures to pro-
tect against damage while in transit, and setting forth the
modes of transportation to be utilized and the carrying equip-
ment and procedures.
10.5 INSTALLATION CONTROL
a) Installation procedures including component placement, equip-
ment and procedures, field erection and finishing work, utili-
ty connection instructions and all appropriate on-site inspec-
tion criteria and test descriptions; and
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b) Organizational provisions for field repair and disposal of
rejects .
10.6 PERMISSION FOR INSPECTION
The manufacturer shall provide the Commission with written
permission, signed and notarized, for the State Enforcement Agencies
to inspect his manufacturing facilities, his products, and building
sites under his control at any reasonable time without prior announce-
ment.
10.7 INSPECTIONS BY THE STATE ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
The Compliance Assurance Manual shall contain detailed plans for
inspections by the State Enforcement Agencies or inspection agency.
PART III APPROVAL OF INSPECTION AGENCIES
SECTION 11 REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
An inspection agency seeking approval shall submit a quadrupli-
cate application to the Commission which shall include the items listed
in this section.
11.1 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The original Articles of Incorporation of the agency and all sub-
sequent amendments thereto, as filed in the State of Incorporation.
11.2 BY-LAWS
The by-laws of the organization, if any.
11.3 BUSINESS AFFILIATIONS OF MEMBERS
The names, addresses and business affiliations of all members of
the Board of Directors and of top management personnel.
11.4 STOCK OWNERSHIP
Individual interests representing more than ten (10) percent of
the outstanding ownership reflecting the financial interest of the
agency's Board of Directors and top management personnel.
11.5 CERTIFICATIONS
Certification by the agency that:
a) Its Board of Directors, as a body, and its technical person-
nel, as individuals, can exercise independence of judgment;
and
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b) Its activities pursuant hereto will result in no financial bene-
fit to the agency via stock ownership, or other financial
interests in any producer, supplier or vendor of products
involved, other than through standard published fees for
services rendered.
11.6 EXPERIENCE OF DIRECTORS
Names, years of experience, state in which professionally regis-
tered and other qualifications of the directors of inspection or evalu-
ation programs.
11.7 EXPERIENCE OF EMPLOYEES
Names and years of experience of employees practicing in the
following disciplines: architecture, structural engineering, mechanical
engineering, electrical engineering, fire protection and other branches
of engineering; the state in which each is registered and the service
each performs.
11.8 ORGANIZATION CHART
An organization chart showing management and supervisory pers-
ons including the number of graduate engineers and architects, and
the names of all consulting engineers or architects, designating which
are full-time and which are part-time employees .
11.9 NUMBER AND LOCATION OF PERSONNEL
Number and location of factory inspectors, supervisors, and other
technicians, including evaluators of factory inspectors and the quali-
fications of each specialized group, including records of work experi-
ence, licenses held and other pertinent qualifications; description of
the types of work each group and each technician is expected to per-
form and the qualifications of each group and each technician to
perform the work assigned.
11.10 EMPLOYEES TRAINING PROGRAMS
An outline of the training program, if any, of the agency to
assure that all inspectors, evaluators and other technicians are pro-
perly trained to do each job assigned to them.
11.11 EMPLOYEE SUPERVISION
An outline of the general procedures for supervision of inspectors
and evaluators, including checking and evaluation of their work.
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11.12 NON-EMPLOYEES RELATIONSHIPS
All engineers, technicians and other personnel who will perform
services for the organization but who are not employees of the organi-
zation, and the supervisory and other relationships which each will
have to the agency.
11.13 PRODUCTS EVALUATED
Type of products, components, equipment, structures and other
items which the organization has evaluated, tested or inspected and
the number of years of experience the organization has had with
each, and the type of codes, standards, specifications and require-
ments with respect to which the organization has had experience in
providing evaluation, inspection or testing services, and the number
of years experience with each.
11.14 FREQUENCY CAPABILITY
Description of the frequency with which the agency is capable of
performing inspections or evaluations.
11.15 STATES APPROVED IN
List of the states in which the agency is now approved to inspect
or evaluate manufactured buildings or building components or parts
thereof for compliance with approved building systems.
SECTION 12 PROCEDURES FOR APPROVING INSPECTION AGENCIES
12.1 QUALIFICATIONS
Upon the recommendation of the State Enforcement Agencies, the
Commission may approve inspection agencies which meet the require-
ments of the applicable codes and these Rules and Regulations and
which the State Administrative Agencies find otherwise qualified to
perform the functions proposed to be delegated to them.
12.2 SUITABILITY OF APPLICATION
Prior to a full evaluation of an application for approval, the
Commission shall determine whether such application is unsuitable for
processing. In the event the application is found to be suitable for
processing, the applicant shall be notified in writing of such unsuit-
ability and the basis thereof within thirty (30) days of the date of
the application is received by the Commission.
In such event, all but twenty-five ($25.00) dollars of the fee will
be returned, and the rulings of unsuitability shall be without pre-
judice. Any subsequent submission shall be treated as a new appli-
cation .
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12.3 APPROVALS
In the event of approval of the Commission, an inspection agency
shall be notified by a letter from the Commission indicating such
approval and stating specifically the functions which the applicant has
been approved to perform. Such approval shall not constitute the
actual delegation of such functions.
SECTION 13 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
13.1 GROUNDS
The Commission may suspend or revoke its approval of any in-
spection agency if the approval was issued in error; was issued on
the basis of incorrect information; was issued in violation of any of
the applicable Codes or these Rules and Regulations; if the inspection
agency violates any of the applicable Codes or these Rules and Regu-
lations; if examination discloses that the agency failed to perform
properly; or for such other cause as may be deemed sufficient by the
State Enforcement Agencies to warrant such action.
13.2 PROCEDURES
13.2.1 GENERAL
If the Commission suspends or revokes the approval of an inspec-
tion agency, the inspection agency shall be given notice in writing
from the Commission of the suspension or revocation with the reasons
therefore set forth therein. Manufacturers being evaluated or inspec-
ted by such agencies, all local enforcement agencies within this State,
and the State Enforcement Agencies shall also be notified in writing of
such suspension or revocation. Such notices shall contain instruc-
tions to the manufacturer and to the local enforcement agency as to
the procedures to be followed regarding manufactured buildings or
building components previously certified by an agency whose approval
has been suspended or revoked.
13.2.2 RECORDS
An inspection agency whose approval has been suspended or
revoked shall within ninety (90) days of the suspension or revocation
deliver to the custody of the Commission the originals of all records
required to be maintained during the course of the inspection agency's
operations pursuant to the applicable codes and these Rules and
Regulations .
13.2.3 LABELS
An inspection agency for which approval has been suspended or
revoked shall within ninety (90) days of the suspension or revocation
deliver to the custody of the Commission all labels in the agency's
possession, under its control, or for which it is responsible pursuant
to the applicable codes and these Rules and Regulations.
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PART IV RECIPROCITY
If the Commission finds that the standards for the manufacture
and inspection of manufactured buildings or building components pre-
scribed by statute or rules and regulations of another state, govern-
mental agency or private agency meet the objectives of the applicable
codes and these Rules and Regulations, and are enforced satisfacto-
rily by such other state or other agency, or by their agents, the
State Enforcement Agencies shall accept manufactured buildings or
building components which have been certified by such other state or
other agency, and the Commission shall assure or be assured that the
appropriate label is attached thereto. The standards of another state
or agency shall not be deemed to adequately be enforced unless such
other state or agency provides for notification to the Department of
suspensions or revocations of approvals issued by that other state or
agency in a manner satisfactory to the Commission and State Enforce-
ment Agencies and so notify the Commission. The Commission shall
notify the State Enforcement Agencies of any action taken under this
section .
SECTION 14 PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING OR REFUSING RECIPRO-
CITY TO ANOTHER JURISDICTION
14.1 EVALUATION
The State Enforcement Agencies may evaluate the statute, codes,
rules and regulations of another state or other agency at any time.
14.2 METHODS OF EXTENDING RECIPROCITY
If the Commission find that the standards prescribed by the stat-
ute or rules and regulations of another state or another agency meet
the objectives of the appropriate codes and that these rules and
regulations are satisfactorily enforced, it may upon the recommenda-
tion of the State Enforcement Agencies, as provided in Section 2.1,
extend reciprocity to that jurisdiction by:
a) Giving notice to any requesting manufacturer;
b) Giving notice to the Administrative Agency of the other jur-
isdiction;
c) Giving notice to the State Enforcement Agencies and all local
enforcement agencies in this state.
14.3 REJECTIONS
If the standards of the other state or other agency do not meet
the objectives of the appropriate codes or are inadequately enforced,
or both, reciprocity shall not be extended. In that event, the Com-
mission shall notify any requesting manufacturer and the Administra-
tive Agency of the other state or other agency of the refusal and the
reasons therefore.
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SECTION 15 PROCEDURES FOR RECIPROCITY CERTIFYING MANU-
FACTURED BUILDINGS OR BUILDING COMPONENTS
A manufacturer from a jurisdiction to which reciprocity has been
extended shall submit to the Commission evidence that his building
system and compliance assurance program have been approved by
such state or other agency. The Commission shall verify the ap-
proval and shall notify the State Enforcement Agencies, local en-
forcement agencies and the manufacturer in writing of such verifi-
cation and that properly labeled buildings or building components of
his manufacture will be accepted.
SECTION 16 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION
The Commission shall suspend or revoke, or cause to be sus-
pended or revoked, the acceptance or certification or both of such
reciprocally certified manufactured buildings or building components if
the State Enforcement Agencies determine that the standards for the
manufacture and inspection of which manufactured buildings or build-
ing components of such other state or other agency do not meet the
objectives of the appropriate codes and these Rules and Regulations,
or that such standards are not being enforced to the satisfaction of
the State Enforcement Agencies. If such other state or other agency
or its agents should suspend or revoke its approval and certification,
the acceptance of certification or both granted under this Part shall
be revoked or suspended accordingly. Notice to the State Enforce-
ment Agencies, local enforcement agencies, manufacturer and to the
Administrative Agency of such other state or agency of such sus-
pension or revocation shall be in writing with the reasons for such
suspension or revocations set forth therein. Appeals from such
suspension or revocations shall receive timely review.
PART V APPEALS
SECTION 17 HEARINGS
All hearings shall comply with the applicable sections of the
applicable codes and the Rules and Regulations thereof established for
the purpose of appeal.
PART VI SCHEDULE OF FEES
SECTION 18 ESTABLISHMENT
The following is the SCHEDULE OF FEES established by the
Commission for certifying manufactured buildings or building compo-
nents. Fees shall be made payable to the "Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts State Building Code Commission" and shall accompany all
applications for certification.
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18.1 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAMS AND BUILDING SYS-
TEMS
a) An initial fee of five hundred ($500.00) dollars shall be
charged each manufacturer for its certified compliance assur-
ance program for each plant desiring certification. There
shall be an additional charge of five hundred ($500.00) dol-
lars for the certified building system, except that there shall
be no such additional charge per building component. The
maximum fee charged under this section shall be one thousand
($1,000.00) dollars for each manufacturing plant.
18.2 THIRD PARTY INSPECTION AGENCIES
a) An initial fee of five hundred ($500.00) dollars shall be
charged to each third party inspection agency.
18.3 ANNUAL RENEWAL FEES
a) One year from the date of certification of the manufacturer
and every year thereafter certification is in effect, there
shall be paid an annual renewal fee of five hundred ($500.00)
dollars for each such certification.
b) One year from the date of certification of the Third Party
Inspection Agency, and every year thereafter certification is
in effect, there shall be paid an annual renewal fee of two
hundred and fifty ($250.00) dollars.
18.4 LABELS
a) A fee of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per unit of a
manufactured building shall be charged for each label issued
by the Commission.
Note: A "unit" as used in this section shall mean any build-
ing or proportion thereof which is towed or shipped
separately to be somehow tied together at the site.
b) A fee of one ($1.00) dollar per building component shall be
charged for each label issued by the Commission for building
components .
Note: Manufacturers of building components shall be per-
mitted to use any labels as approved by the Commis-
sion. If such labels are supplied by any source other
than the Commission, there shall be no charge for such
labels .
c) Mutilated labels may be replaced at the option of the Commis-
sion at a cost of two ($2.00) dollars each.
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d) Upon satisfactory proof to the Commission of lost or stolen
labels, not the result of negligence, labels may be replaced at
a cost of two ($2.00) dollars each.
e) Labels shall be purchased from the Commission by the inspec-
tion agency or manufacturer.
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APPENDIX Q
RUES AND REGULATIONS CONTROLLING THE USE OF NATIVE
LUMBER
PART I GENERAL
SECTION I ADMINISTRATION
1.1 TITLE
As authorized by Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, and in accord-
ance with Section 128 of the State Building Code establishing the
Construction Materials Safety Board, the following Rules and Regu-
lations are adopted for Controlling the Use of Native Lumber.
1.2 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated in the State Building Code, the
following terms shall, for the purpose of these Rules and Regulations,
have the meaning indicated in this section:
BOARD: Construction Materials Safety Board
CODE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code
COMMISSION: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code
Commission
NATIVE LUMBER: Native lumber is wood processed in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts by a mill registered in accordance with
the regulations of the State Building Code Commission. Such
wood is ungraded but is stamped or certified in accordance with
the requirements of Section 852.1.1 of this Code. For the pur-
pose of this definition, native lumber shall be restricted to use in
one- and two-story dwellings, barns, sheds, agricultural and
accessary buildings and structures and other uses as permitted
by Section 852.1.1.
PERSON: Individual, partnership, corporation, trust, joint venture,
etc.
WOOD PRODUCERS: Persons or corporations in the business of
milling wood into native lumber within the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts .
1.3 REGISTRANTS
No person shall engage in the producing of native lumber for use
in buildings or structures within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
unless registered by the State Building Code Commission.
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1.4 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION
Each person desiring to obtain registration as a wood producer of
native lumber shall make application to the Commission upon such form
and in such manner as the Commission shall prescribe and shall
furnish evidence satisfactory to the Commission that he is qualified to
be registered in accordance with these rules and regulations.
1.5 APPLICATION FEE
Applications shall be accompanied by a registration fee of twenty-
five ($25.00) dollars. This initial registration fee shall be for two
(2) years. Registration shall be reviewed every two (2) years in
accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Commission. The fee
thereafter for a two (2) year renewal shall be ten ($10.00) dollars.
1 . 6 RENEWALS
Registration shall be valid for two (2) years and shall be renewed
biennially. Within thirty (30) days before the expiration date of any
such registration, the Executive Director of the Commission shall
forward to each person so registered an application form for renewal.
The said Executive Director, upon receipt of the completed form and
fee, shall renew the registration for a period of two (2) years or
notify such applicant of his refusal with reasons thereof. Any appli-
cation for renewal of registration which has expired shall require the
payment of a new registration fee.
1.7 PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY
The Commission hereby designates the Massachusetts Wood Pro-
ducers' Association as its pre-qualifying agency, providing, however,
that the Commission may revoke such designation at any time and may
designate any other agency or agencies which it deems qualified, from
time to time, to act as its pre-qualifying agency for pre-examination
registration.
1.8 PENALTIES
Any such person who fails to comply with the requirements of
these rules and regulations or who files a false report shall be subject
to the penalties and actions as prescribed in Section 121 of the Code.
SECTION 2 REGISTRATION
2.1 STAMP
Each person registered by the Commission shall be issued a name
and number for use in stamping or certifying the native lumber which
he produces.
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2.2 STAMP CONTENTS
Each stamp filed with this Commission shall be a minimum of two
inches by four inches (2" x 4"), with a minimum of thirty-six (36)
pt. letters and shall contain the following information:
a) Name of native lumber producer;
b) Registration number; and
c) Species of wood.
2.3 STAMP USE
Each piece of native lumber produced shall bear the stamp so
registered with this Commission.
2.4 STAMP - UNLAWFUL USE
Each registered mill shall be assigned an individual number. It
shall be unlawful to use such registration number in any mill other
than the mill so registered.
2.5 STAMP - MANUFACTURE
Each producer shall be responsible for the manufacture and use
of his stamp in accordance with the requirements of the Commission
and these Rules and Regulations.
SECTION 3 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
3.1 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION
The State Building Code Commission on its own initiative or upon
the recommendation of the Construction Materials Safety Board may
suspend or revoke the registration of any such mill registered in
accordance with these Rules and Regulations, the State Building Code
or the standards of good practice. Notice of suspension or revocation
of such registration shall be in writing with the reasons for suspen-
sion or revocation clearly set forth therein, and served in accordance
with Section 121.2.1 of this Code.
3.2 NOTICE AND CONFERENCE
Prior to suspension or revocation of the registration of any such
mill so registered, written notice of such intent shall be served by
the Construction Materials Safety Board in accordance with Section
121.2.1 of the Basic Code. Within ten (10) calendar days of receipt
of such notice, the affected mill may request a conference before a
three (3) member panel designated by the Chairman of the Con-
struction Materials Safety Board, who will hear facts and make their
recommendations to the Construction Materials Safety Board.
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3.3 EFFECT OF
Upon suspension or revocation of the registration of any such mill
so registered, such mill shall immediately cease engaging in the
stamping or certifying of native lumber. The filing of an appeal with
the State Building Code Appeals Board shall stay such suspension or
revocation subject to Section 126.3.2 of this Code.
SECTION 4 APPEALS
4.1 BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD
Anyone aggrieved by the decision of the Commission, the Con-
struction Materials Safety Board, the Massachusetts Wood Producers'
Association or others may appeal to the State Building Code Appeals
Board in accordance with Section 126 of this Code.
SECTION 5 QUALIFICATION
5.1 EVALUATION
Evaluation by the pre-qualifying agency shall be required prior to
registration of a mill subject to these Rules and Regulations. The
agency shall examine and evaluate the application of all mills and make
its recommendations to the Construction Materials Safety Board. The
Construction Materials Safety Board shall make its recommendations to
the Commission who shall act on the application of the mill so re-
questing registration.
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APPENDIX Q
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR LICENSING CONSTRUCTION
SUPERVISORS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 109.1.1 OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
PART I
SECTION 1. GENERAL
1.1 TITLE: As authorized by Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, the
State Building Code Commission herewith establishes the Rules and
Regulations for Licensing Construction Supervisors.
1.2 DEFINITIONS: Unless otherwise expressly stated in the State
Building Code, the following terms shall, for the purpose of these
Rules and Regulations, have the meaning indicated in this section:
BOARD OF EXAMINERS (BOARD): The Board(s) established by the
Chairman of the Commission to carry out the function of licensing
construction supervisors. "
COMMISSION: The State Building Code Commission
CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR: Any individual directly supervising
persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair,
removal or demolition involving the structural elements of buildings and
structures. Such term shall also apply to persons supervising them-
selves .
LICENSED DESIGNEE: Any individual designated by the license holder
to be present, in the absence of said license holder, during any of the
periods stated in Section 2.12. Such designee shall also hold a Con-
struction Supervisor's License, but his name or license number need
not be contained on the building permit application.
REGISTRATION: The approval by the Commission of an application
and related documents by one desirous of being licensed as a con-
struction supervisor.
1.3 SCOPE:
A. These rules and regulations govern the testing and licensing of
individuals who are found to possess the requisite qualifications to
be registered as qualified to have charge or control of construction,
reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of buildings
or structures.
B. Except for those structures governed by Construction Control
as regulated by Section 127.0 of the Code, any individual directly
supervising persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, altera-
tion, repair, removal or demolition involving the structural elements
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Section 1: continued
of buildings and structures shall be licensed according to the rules
and regulations.
1.4 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT: The State Building Code
Commission shall administer and enforce the provisions of these Rules
and Regulations. The Commission or those designated by it, shall
administer examinations, under these Rules and Regulations, of per-
sons desirous of being registered as qualified to receive a license as a
construction supervisor .
1.5 BOARD OF EXAMINERS: The Chairman of the Commission shall
appoint a Board of Examiners, hereafter referred to as the "Board",
which shall consist of any three (3) members of the Commission who
shall serve for one (1) year or until their successors are appointed,
whichever is later. The said Chairman shall appoint a Chairman of
the Board who shall serve until his successor is appointed. The
Chairman of the Commission may establish and abolish as many Boards
of Examiners as he feel appropriate from time to time.
1.6 The Board shall meet monthly and at such other times as the
Chairman deems it necessary to carry out its function established
herein by the Commission.
1.7 BOARD OF SURVEY: The Chairman of the Commission shall
appoint a Board of Survey which shall consist of two (2) home builders
and one (1) member of the Commission or designee who shall serve for
one (1) year or until their successors are appointed, whichever is
later .
1.7.1 For the purpose of informal disposition of complaints, the Com-
mission shall establish nine (9) regions in the Commonwealth, each of
which shall be served by three (3) members of the Board of Survey.
1.7.2 All decisions of the Board of Survey shall be forwarded to the
Board for disposition.
1.8 CITIES AND TOWNS:
1.8.1 EXISTING LICENSED CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS: All
individuals directly supervising persons engaged in construction,
reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition involving
structrual elements of buildings or structures who are duly licensed
and qualified on January 1, 1981 within any city or town shall be
allowed to continue in such capacity under the Rules and Regulations
established by such jurisdiction until December 31, 1981. Such duly
licensed person shall only be allowed to engage in such practice only
within the city or town granting such licensing.
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SECTION 2. REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
2.1 Each applicant for license must prove to the Board that he has had
at least three (3) years of experience in building construction or
design in the field in which he desires to be licensed, together with
any technical knowledge the Board may require him to possess.
2.1.1 Any person meeting one of the following requisites shall be
licensed by the Board without testing until July 1, 1982.
A. Files with the Commission prior to July 1, 1982 an application and
applicable documents including an affadavit on a form provided by
the Commission attesting to his meeting the following qualifications:
i. A registered professional architect or engineer; or
ii. A four-year undergraduate degree in a field related to building
construction or design and has at least one (1) year, out of the past
ten (10) years, of experience in the supervision of building con-
struction or design; or
hi. At least three (3) years, out of the past ten years, of expe-
rience in the supervision of building construction or design and a
general knowledge of the quality and strength of building materials;
a general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building con-
struction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe exits; and a
general knowledge of other equipment and materials essential for
safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants of a building or
structure .
2.2 Examinations shall be held only by appointment. All applications
must be on file at the office of the Board seven (7) days or earlier,
prior to the date set for examination unless the Board shall otherwise
determine .
2.3 A vote of two (2) members of the Board shall be required to
grant a license.
2.4 Licenses issued pursuant to these rules and regulations shall
expire five years from the date of issuance which shall be noted on
said license and may be renewed.
A renewal of an original license shall be for periods of two years
and a renewal license shall expire two years from the date of issuance
which shall be noted on said license and may be renewed.
A renewal license shall not be issued unless application therefore is
made within four years of the date of expiration of the most recently
issued license.
2.5 Any and all fees charged for examination, for license fees, or for
license renewal fees shall be determined by the Commonwealth and
enforced by the Commission.
2.51 The Commission shall grant a license at no fee to any employee
of a municipality, school district or of the Commonwealth who, as a
condition of their employment requires such license; provided that
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Section 2: continued
such person meets the necessary qualifications for licensure and pro-
vided further, that such license shall be authorized for use only
during the course of their employment and shall be appropriately
stamped to indicate as such.
2.6 PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A LICENSE:
2.6.1 Applications shall be submitted on forms supplied by the Com-
mission.
2.6.2 The applicable forms may be mailed or brought by the applicant
to the Commission at One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts,
02108. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to assure that
the required forms are received by the Commission. All forms shall
be accompanied by the required license fee.
2.6.3 The Commission shall keep a record of the date the application
and all pertinent documents are received.
2.6.4 Upon receipt of a fully completed application, an examination
date shall be set and the applicant so notified.
2.7 Any false statement on the application or references shall be
sufficient reason to refuse to issue a license, or to suspend or revoke
a license if issued.
2.8 Any false statement on the application for license, or in answer
to any subsequent request for information, shall be cause for suspen-
sion or revocation of license.
2.9 PROCEDURE FOR SUSPENSION AND/OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE:
2.9.1 Upon receipt of a written complaint from a building official, or
upon written complaint from other persons, or upon complaint of the
Board itself, the Board of Survey in its discretion shall determine
whether or not a hearing shall be held. It shall not be considered as
a complaint if such work was performed prior to his/her being licensed
or prior to January 1, 1982, whichever is later.
2.9.1.1 Only work related to a specific building permit shall be the
basis of such complaint. Any work requiring a building permit which
is performed without such permit shall be considered cause for sus-
pension or revocation.
2.9.2 If the Board of Survey shall so determine that a hearing shall
be held, it shall give at least seven (7) days notice to the complainant
and license holder in accordnace with Secion to the complainant and
license holder in accordance with Section 121.2.1 of the Code. The
sending of notice to the address recorded on the records of the Com-
mission shall be deemed sufficient notice to the license holder.
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Section 2: continued
2.9.3 The notice of hearing shall contain:
a. The name of the complainant.
b. A copy of the complaint.
c. The complete file is available for inspection at the Office of the
Commission during its regular hours.
d. The date, time and place of said hearing.
e. Anyone may be represented by legal counsel.
f. The license holder may present oral and written evidence to
refute or mitigate any charge contained in the complaint and pre-
sent witnesses in his behalf.
2.9.4 The Board of Survey in its discretion may continue the date for
hearing upon request by the license holder or complainant or the
Board of Survey.
2.9.5 The Board of Survey shall make a decision within ten (10) days
after the hearing.
2.9.6 A vote of at least two (2) members of the Board of Survey is
required to make a decision pursuant to Section 2.3 of these Rules.
2.9.7 This decision shall be forwarded to the Board who shall hold a
hearing and vote on all recommendations of the Board of Survey by
accepting, rejecting, or modifying such decision.
2.9.7.1 The Board shall hold a hearing, and shall give at least seven
(7) days notice to the complainant and license holder in accordance
with Section 121.2.1 of the Code. The sending of notice to the ad-
dress recorded on the records of the Commission shall be deemed
sufficient notice to the license holder.
2.9.7.2 The notice of hearing shall contain:
a. The name of the complainant.
b. A copy of the complaint.
c. The complete file is available for inspection at the Office of the
Commission during its regular hours.
d. The date, time and place of said hearing.
e. Anyone may be represented by legal counsel.
f. The license holder may present oral and written evidence to
refute or mitigate any charge contained in the complaint and pre-
sent witnesses in his behalf.
2.9.7.3 The Board in its discretion may continue the date for hearing
upon request by the license holder or complainant or the Board itself.
2.9.7.4 The Board shall make a decision within ten (10) days after
the hearing.
2.9.7.5 A vote of at least two (2) members of the Board is required
to make a decision pursuant to Section 2.3 of these Rules.
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Section 2: continued
2.9.7.6 This decision shall be final and binding upon the license
holder and the complainant.
2.9.8 If, after notice has been duly given, a licensee shall not attend
a hearing, the Board may in its discretion immediately suspend/revoke
said license or proceed with the hearing so scheduled and make deci-
sion on the evidence so presented, or continue the hearing to another
date.
2.9.9 In the event that the Board votes to suspend or revoke said
license pursuant to this hearing, the license holder upon notice of the
decision shall immediately comply with the said orders. A refusal to
comply shall automatically revoke the licensee's right to supervise
construction .
2.9.9.1 Suspension by the Board shall be for a definite term.
2.9.9.2 Any licensee whose license has been revoked by the Board may
reapply for a license in accordance with these Rules and Regulations
only after seeking and receiving approval to reapply from the Board.
2.10 Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Board may appeal
such decision to the State Building Code Appeals Board in accordance
with Section 126 of the Code. Such appeal shall stay all proceedings
in accordance with Section 126.3.2 of the Code.
2.11 The license holder shall have the responsibility of reporting any
change of address and/or change of circumstance to the Commission.
The information on file at the Commission shall be deemed accurate
unless changed by the license holder.
2.12 A licensed individual or a licensed designee shall be present on
the site at some point to approve construction, reconstruction, altera-
tions, removal or demolition involving the following work:
a . Excavation
b. Foundation (pouring or other)
c. Decking
d. Rough framing
e. Finished framing
f. Chimneys
1 . Excavation/foundation
2. At the top of the smoke chamber and support of the flue liner
3. When erection of the chimney is completed.
2.13 License holders are required to keep the license in their posses-
sion at any and all building sites. If said license is lost, stolen or
mutilated, it shall be the responsibility of the license holder to notify
the Commission.
2.14 Any building official may require the license holder to produce
the license at any time on a job site.
9/30/82 810.6
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Section 2: continued
2.15 RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH LICENSE HOLDER:
2.15.1 The license holder shall be fully and completely responsible for
all work for which he is supervising. He shall be responsible for
seeing that all work is done pursuant to the State Building Code and
the drawings as approved by the Building Official.
2.15.2 The license holder shall be responsible to supervise the con-
struction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition
involving the structural elements of buildings and structures only
pursuant to the State Building Code and all other applicable Laws of
the Commonwealth even though he, the license holder, is not the
permit holder but only a subcontractor or contractor to the permit
holder .
2.15.3 The license holder shall immediately notify the building official
in writing of the discovery of any violations which are covered by the
building permit.
2.15.4 Any licensee who shall willfully violate Subsections 2.15.1,
2.15.2 or 2.15.3 or any other Sections of these Rules and Regulations
and any procedures, as amended, shall be subject to revocation or
suspension of license by the Board.
2.16 All building permit applications shall contain the name, signature
and license number of the construction supervisor who is to supervise
those persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration,
repair, removal or demolition as regulated by Section 109.1.1 of the
Code and these Rules and Regulations In the event that such licensee
is no longer supervising said persons, the work shall immediately cease
until a successor license holder is substituted on the records of the
building department.
2.17 The term "he" as used in these Rules Regulations and Pro-
cedures shall include the pronoun "he" and/or "she."
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATION:
3.1 The Commission shall issue a card including a photo I.D. card, or
a certificate or other form of identification.
3.2 The Commission shall maintain a register which will be available to
the public at the office of the Commission containing all licenses issued
by the Commission.
3.3 The Board shall determine whether an examination shall be re-
quired, or shall be oral or written and shall determine the content of
the examination, if applicable.
12/31/81 810.7
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Section 3: continued
3.4 All persons licensed shall be subject to these regulations as well
as other rules, regulations, and procedures promulgated by this Com-
mission.
3.05 The license fees, examination fees, renewal fees, and registra-
tion fees shall be determined by the Commonwealth and enforced by
the Commission.
12/31/81 810.8
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX Q
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF TESTING
LABORATORIES TO TEST SOLID FUEL BURNING HEATING APPLIANCES
Part 1 GENERAL
SECTION 1 ADMINISTRATIVE
1.1 SCOPE: As authorized by Chapter 802 of the Acts of 1972, and in
accordance with Section 128 of the State Building Code, establishing the
Construction Materials Safety Board, the following Rules and Regulations
are adopted for the accreditation of testing laboratories to test Solid Fuel
Burning Heating Appliances.
1.2 DEFINITION: Unless otherwise expressly stated in the State Build-
ing Code, the following terms shall, for the purpose of these Rules and
Regulations, have the meaning indicated in this section.
ACCREDITED LABORATORY: A laboratory which has been accredited in
accordance with these regulations by the State Building Code Commis-
sion.
BOARD: Construction Materials Safety Board (CMSB)
BRANCH LABORATORY: A branch of a Testing Laboratory will be ac-
credited as a separate testing laboratory.
CODE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code (SBC).
COMMISSION: Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code Com-
mission (SBCC).
LABORATORIES: Testing Laboratory
PERSON: Individual, partnership, corporation, trust, joint venture, etc.
PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY: Construction Materials Safety Board (CMSB).
TESTING AGENCY: State Building Code Commission Staff.
TESTING LABORATORY: A proprietorship, corporation, partnership or
agency which conforms to the reguirements of these regulations.
1.3 ACCREDITATION: Laboratories defined by these Rules and Regula-
tions as Testing Laboratories which are engaged in the testing of materi-
9/1/80 81 1
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
als, appliances, and devices, subject to the provisions of the State Build-
ing Code, for use in buildings and structures shall be accredited by the
State Building Code Commission (SBCC) in accordance with these Rules
and Regulations.
1.4 APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION: Each laboratory desiring to
obtain such accreditation shall make application to the Commission in such
a manner as the Commission shall prescribe and shall furnish evidence
satisfactory to the Commission that the laboratory complies with all cri-
teria contained herein. Fifteen (15) copies of such application shall be
provided by the applicant. The applicant shall designate whether appro-
val is desired to test solid fuel burning room heaters (Section 7); or solid
and solid/liquid fuel central heating boilers and warm air furnaces (Sec-
tion 8); or both.
1.5 PRE-QUALIFYING AGENCY: The Commission hereby designates the
Construction Materials Safety Board as its pre-qualifying agency, provid-
ed, however, that the Commission may revoke such designation at any
time, and may designate any other agency or agencies which it deems
qualified, from time to time, to act as its pre-qualifying agency. The
pre-qualifying agency shall examine, or cause to be examined, the evalu-
ation performed by the Testing Agency regarding the on-site inspection
and the application and makes its recommendation to the Commission re-
garding such accreditation.
1.6 TESTING AGENCY: The staff of the State Building Code Commis-
sion (SBCC) shall be the agency to examine and evalute all laboratories
desiring to be accredited.
1.7 NOTIFICATION OF TESTING AND TESTING RESULTS: The Testing
Agency shall notify the applicant of the date of the Laboratory Quality
Assurance Inspection in accordance with Section 2.7 of these Rules and
Regulations. The Commission shall be informed by the Testing Agency/
Pre-Qualifying Agency of the evaluation and recommendations.
1.8 ACCREDITATION FEE: The fee for initial accreditation, including
one of the two specific test criteria specified herein, shall be four hun-
dred ($400) dollars or five hundred ($500) dollars for both criteria, pay-
able upon submittal of application for accreditation. The renewal fee shall
be two hundred ($200) dollars per annum for the basic accreditation, in-
cluding one of the specific test criteria; or two hundred and fifty ($250)
dollars if it includes both criteria; or in accordance with the fee schedule
established by the Commission from time to time. Inspection costs, includ-
ing travel expenses and any additional relative expenses, shall be borne
by the laboratory. On-site inspections, requiring fees, shall not be held
more than once a year, unless a follow-up inspection is required by the
Testing Agency or requested by the laboratory.
1.9 NUMBER AND CLASSIFICATION: Each laboratory so accredited by
the Commission shall be issued a number and classification.
9/1/80 812
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1.10 RENEWALS: Commencing July 1, 1979, all accreditations issued
shall expire on June 30. At least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration
date of any such accreditation, the Executive Director of the Commission
shall forward to each laboratory so accredited an application form for
renewal. The said Executive Director, upon receipt of the completed form
and fee, shall renew accreditation for a period of one (1) year or notify
such applicant of the Commission's refusal with reasons thereof.
1.11 PENALTIES: Any person and/or laboratory that fails to compy with
the requirements of these Rules and Regulations or that files a false
report shall be subject to the penalties and actions as prescribed by law
as referenced in Section 121 of the Code.
SECTION 2 LABORATORY ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
2.1 GENERAL: To become accredited, an applicant laboratory must
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Massachusetts State Building Code
Commission (SBCC) that it complies with the accreditation criteria listed
below. Embodied are elements of organization, personnel and material
resources, control and quality assurance, and professional and ethical
business practices.
Accreditation will be determined through an examination process that em-
phasizes the evaluation and assessment of written information submitted
by the laboratory relative to each criterion statement. The submitted in-
formation is subject to verification by on-site inspection.
2.2 LABORATORY ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
1. GENERAL: A description of the laboratory's organization shall be
submitted, including:
a. Name, addresses, and telephone numbers of the facility.
b. The laboratory's principal ownership and management structure,
including the names and positions of the principal officers and
board of directors.
c. An outline or chart showing the titles or positions of all key
management and supervisory personnel in each operating, sup-
port and service unit in the laboratory's functional organiza-
tion.
d. A floor plan of the testing facility indicating location of all
equipment necessary for accreditation to insure adequacy of
facility in relation to parameters as specified by applicable test
standards .
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2.3 PERSONNEL
1. GENERAL: The management and supervision of each laboratory
subject to these regulations shall be in accordance with the follow-
ing requirements. Resumes of the education and work experience
for those personnel required shall be submitted.
2. REQUIRED: Each accredited Testing Laboratory shall have individ-
uals approved by the Commission who are qualified in two (2) dis-
tinctly different categories: Director of Testing Services and Su-
pervisory Laboratory Technician. Any individual may fill more than
one position at the particular laboratory if he meets all the qualifi-
cations for each position, but he may not fill positions concurrently
at a separate branch laboratory.
3. FILING OF QUALIFICATIONS: Each individual being certified for a
position must submit his credentials and qualifications under penalty
of perjury. Each resume shall bear a notarized attestation of its
truth and completeness, signed by the individual named therein.
Individuals applying for certification in more than one (1) category
must file separate applications for each position as described in Sec-
tion 2.4. Application for certification shall be filed within thirty
(3) days of employment of such duties. It is the responsibility of
the Director of Testing Services to notify the Commission within ten
(10) days of any vacancy or new appointments of any position.
2.4 QUALIFICATIONS:
1. QUALIFICATION FOR DIRECTOR OF TESTING SERVICES: The
testing services of each laboratory shall be under the direction of a
Director of Testing Services who shall be a full-time resident em-
ployee of the laboratory and shall be qualified in accordance with
any one (1) of the following three (3) sets of requirements:
a. He shall be a Registered Professional Engineer, with at least
five (5) years of experience in responsible charge of work re-
lated to Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Me-
chanical Engineering, or Construction Materials Testing. He
shall be subject to demonstrate his ability to interpret the re-
sults of applicable nationally recognized standards; or
b. He shall have a bachelors degree in Engineering from an ac-
credited institution and an additional total of three (3) years'
experience performing tests on materials, appliances or devices
which shall include two (2) years as a laboratory technican or
supervisor. He shall be subject to demonstrate his ability to
interpret the results of applicable nationally recognized stan-
dards; or
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
c. He shall have at least eight (8) years of experience including
five (5) years experience as a laboratory technician or super-
visor and shall be subject to demonstrate his ability to interpret
the results of applicable nationally recognized standards.
2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUPERVISORY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN:
A supervisory Laboratory Technician shall have at least five (5)
years experience performing tests on materials, appliances or de-
vices. He shall be subject to demonstrate his ability to perform
applicable results in accordance with nationally recognized stan-
dards .
3. PERSONS PERFORMING THE TESTS: Personnel performing the
tests shall be under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Lab-
oratory Technician.
,5 LABORATORY OPERATION
1. TEST REPORTS: The applicant shall submit two (2) typical test
reports to verify their completeness and compliance with the test
standard. The data sheets shall be in sufficient detail to provide
for complete verification and evaluation of the operations and objec-
tives, and shall include the signature of the personnel performing
the test and shall also include the signature of the Director of
Testing Services and/or Supervisory Laboratory Technicians.
2. RECORDS: Records shall be maintained and filed in an orderly and
professional manner. Submit a description of the laboratory's
system for maintaining records, including records of:
a. Test reports.
b. Data generated during testing.
c. Serial numbers, date, and manufacturers to which all labels
have been issued.
d. Personnel performing the test.
3. VALIDITY: Submit evidence that the laboratory has a system for
audiding and monitoring its test work, including:
a. Preventing or reducing testing errors and discrepancies.
b. Identifying and correcting known errors and discrepancies.
c. Obtaining, tracing the validity of, and responding to
complaints .
815
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
2.6 LABORATORY QUALITY CONTROL
1. TESTING EQUIPMENT: Equipment requiring calibration and used
for testing materials subject to these rules and regulations shall be
calibrated and verified, with equipment traceable to the National
Bureau of Standards, at least annually or as required by the State
Building Code Commission, and the results submitted with an affi-
davit to the Commission with the annual renewal application as well
as the initial application.
2. STANDARDIZATION: Submit a description of the laboratory2s sys-
tem for maintaining written descriptions of the standardization, cali-
bration and verification procedures for all test equipment including:
a. Equipment description or name.
b. Name of manufacturer.
c. Model, style, and serial number or other identification.
d. Equipment variable subject to standardization.
e. Range of operation and range of standardization.
f. Resolution of the instrument and allowable error tolerance on
readings.
g. Standardization Schedule (intervals).
h. Date and result of last standardization.
i. Name of laboratory person or standardization service providing
the above standardization.
3. REFERENCE STANDARDS: Submit a list and evidence that the lab-
oratory has a system for maintaining all applicable reference stan-
dards.
2.7 LABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE
1. EVALUATION: Testing laboratories subject to these Rules and
Regulations shall be examined and evaluated by the testing agency.
2. REPORTS: Reports of evaluation and examination prepared by the
Testing Agency shall be submitted to the State Building Code Com-
mission.
3. DEFICIENCIES: Laboratory deficiencies cited in the report of the
testing agency shall be corrected within ne (1) month of the date of
issue of the report and shall be so certified by an affidavit sub-
9/1/80 81 6
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
mltted by the Director of Testing Services or the Supervisory Lab-
oratory Technician.
4. REVOCATION: Laboratories which fail to meet the requirements of
item 3 shall be subject to revocation of their accreditation by the
State Building Code Commission.
2.8 MANUFACTURER'S COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAM
1. REQUIRED: A laboratory shall submit evidence that it has the
capability to provide and perform the manufacturer's compliance
assurance program as outlined below.
2. NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE: The manufacturer shall inform the
testing laboratory of all changes made to the labeled material, ap-
pliance or device.
3. INSPECTIONS: In order to assure quality control a follow-up in-
spection shall be performed by the laboratory or their designated
representative. These inspections shall be performed a minimum of
once every six months following the date of approval of the materi-
al, appliance or device. If major changes have occurred in the de-
sign or construction of the material, appliance or device subsequent
to the original testing and labeling, retesting shall be performed.
SECTION 3 STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENCE
3.1 GENERAL: The applicant must admit a notarized statement of inde-
pendence with reference to products being tested. Such statement shall
include :
1. Any managerial affiliations with any producer, supplier, or vendor.
2. Any securities or investments in the product line.
3. Any stock options in the product line.
4. The employment security of personnel is free from influence by any
producer, supplier or vendor.
5. The laboratory is not owned, operated or controlled by any pro-
ducer, supplier or vendor.
SECTION 4 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE
4.1 GENERAL: Testing laboratories listed under these Rules and Regu-
lations shall notify the Massachusetts State Building Code Commission
within 10 working days of any of the following changes:
9/1/80 817
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
1. Company name and/or address change.
2. Changes in major test eguipment.
3. Changes in principal officers, key supervisory and responsible per-
sonnel in the company including the Director of Testing Services
and the Supervisory Laboratory Technician.
4. Change in the acceptable Test Standards used.
5. Changes in independence status.
SECTION 5 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
5.1 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION: The Massachusetts State Building
Code Commission, on its own initiative or upon the recommendation of the
Construction Materials Safety Board, may suspend or revoke the accredi-
tation of any Testing Laboratory found to be in non-compliance with these
Rules and Regulations, the State Building Code, or the standards of good
engineering practice. Notice of suspension or revocation of such accredi-
tation shall be in writing with the reasons for suspension or revocation
clearly set forth therein, and served in accordance with Section 121.2.1
of the ode.
5.2 NOTICE AND CONFERENCE: Prior to suspension, revocation, or
refusal to renew the accreditation of a laboratory, written notice of such
intent shall be served by the State Building Code Commission in accord-
ance with Section 121.2.1 of the Code. Within ten (1) calendar days of
receipt of such notice, the affected laboratory may request a conference
before a three-member panel designated by the Chairman of the Construc-
tion Materials Safety Board, who will hear facts and make their recommen-
dations to the Construction Materials Safety Board.
5.3 EFFECT OF: Upon suspension of the accreditation, the laboratory
shall immediately cease engaging in the testing of solid fuel burning heat-
ing appliances for use in structures which are subject to the provisions
of the Massachusetts State Building Code and no action brought before
the Board of Appeals as specified in Section 5.1 of these regulations or in
any court of competent jurisdiction shall stay the said suspension or
revocation unless said Board of Appeals or court shall issue an order for
a stay of the Commission's suspension or revocation.
SECTION 6 APPEALS
6.1 BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD: Any laboratory or individual
aggrieved by the suspension or revocation of their accreditation or by an
interpretation order, requirement, direction of failure to act under these
Rules and Regulations may appeal to the State Building Code Appeals
Board as provided in Section 126 of the Code; however, entry of an
appeal from the Commission's order of revocation or suspension shall not
9/1/80
818
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
stay such revocation or suspension unless so ordered by the State Build-
ing Code Appeals Board in a preliminary hearing conducted expressly for
the purpose of a stay in accordance with that part of Section 126.3.2 of
the Code dealing with the procedure reguired for a hearing on such stay.
SECTION 7 SPECIFIC TEST CRITERIA - ROOM HEATERS
7.1 Specific criteria for the testing of solid fuel burning heaters by
ANSI/UL 737 and/or UL 1482:
1. TEST STANDARDS: All solid fuel burning room heaters shall be
tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 737 and/or UL 1482 as applicable
for the given appliance.
2. TEST SET-UP: Laboratories shall submit descriptions of all test
set-ups, including a list of test instruments used. The description
must be sufficiently detailed to indicate compliance with ANSI/UL
737 and UL 1482.
3. TEST EQUIPMENT: Laboratories shall submit a lsit of all test
eguipment necessary for accreditation, identified by manufacturer,
model number, and serial number.
4. FABRICATED EQUIPMENT: Laboratories shall submit descriptions
of all special or laboratory fabricated equipment. Laboratories shall
also submit evidence that such equipment conforms to the require-
ments of ANSI/UL 737 and/or UL 1482 as applicable and that such
equipment assures requisite accuracy and precision.
7.2 LABELING: Every solid fuel burning room heater shall bear a metal
data plate, permanently attached at the factory by mechanical means
under the control of the testing laboratory, having the following items of
information etched or lithograph-printed thereupon:
1. Manufacturer's name or trademark
2. Model/identification name or number of the appliance
3. Type of fuel(s) approved
4. Testing laboratory's name or trademark and location
5. Date tested
6. Clearance to combustibles:
a. Side
b . Rear
7. Test Standard(s)
8. Label serial number
7.3 INFORMATION SUBMITTED: Laboratories shall submit a sample of
an actual label, conforming to Section 7.2 of these Rules and Regulations,
when making application for accreditation. In addition, accredited labora-
tories shall submit monthly, in a form acceptable to the Commission, a
listing of all solid fuel burning room heaters tested and labeled to date.
9/1/80
819
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Accredited laboratories shall also submit to the Commission a copy of the
manufacturer's installation instructions for each new model tested and
labeled.
SECTION 8 SPECIFIC TEST CRITERIA - SOLID AND SOLID/LIQUID FUEL
BURNING HEATING BOILERS AND WARM AIR FURNACES
8.1 Specific criteria for the testing of solid and solid/liquid fuel burn-
ing central heating boilers and warm air furnaces:
1. TEST STANDARDS: All solid and solid/liqiud fuel burning boilers
and warm air furnaces shall be tested in accordance with Standards
CSA B366-M 1979 and the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes,
as applicable for the given appliance.
2. TEST SET-UP: Laboratories shall submit descriptions of all test
set-ups, including a list of test instruments used. The description
must be sufficiently detailed to indicate compliance with CSA B366-M
1979 and the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as applicable.
3. TEST EQUIPMENT: Laboratories shall submit a list of all test
equipment necessary for accreditation, identified by manufacturer,
model number, and serial number.
4. FABRICATED EQUIPMENT: Laboratories shall submit descriptions
of all special laboratory fabricated equipment. Laboratories shall
also submit evidence that such equipment conforms to the require-
ments of CSA B366-M 1979 and/or the ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code as applicable and that such equipment assures requisite
accuracy and precision.
8.2 LABELING: Every solid or solid/liquid fuel burning central heating
boiler or warm air furnace shall bear a metal data plate, permanently at-
tached at the factory by mechanical means under the control of the test-
ing laboratory, having the following items of information etched, embossed
or lithograph-printed thereupon:
1. Manufacturer's name or trademark
2. Model/identification name or number of the appliance
3. Types of fuels approved
4. Testing laboratory's name or trademark and location
5. Date tested
6. Clearance to combustibles:
a. Side
b . Rear
c. Top
d . Front
7. Test standard(s)
8. Label serial number
9/1/80
820
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
9. Type of appliance (boiler or warm air furnace)
10. Every boiler, pressure vessel or pressure relief device must be
stamped in accordance with he requirements of the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code. ASME stamping shall also be required for
boilers, pressure vessels and pressure relief devices produced out-
side the United States of America. Where required by the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME stamping may be affixed di-
rectly to the appliance in lieu of on the data plate.
NOTE: Additional information as required by the applicable test
standard(s) may be affixed separately.
8.3 INFORMATION SUBMITTED: Laboratories shall submit a sample of
an actual label, conforming to Section 8.2 of these Rules and Regulations,
when making application for accreditation. In addition, accredited labora-
tories shall submit monthly, in a form acceptable to the Commission, a
listing of all solid or solid/liquid central heating boilers or warm air fur-
naces tested and labeled to date. Accredited laboratories shall also sub-
mit to the Commission a copy of the test report and installation instruc-
tions for each new model tested and labeled.
9/1/80 821
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
♦
APPENDIX R
TECHNICAL CODE COUNCIL
Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Office of Health Facilities Department
Department of Public Health
80 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02109
Mr. Richard Knapp, Director
Tel. No. (617) 727-8985
Department of Public Health
100 Cambridge Street, Room 2000
Boston, MA 02202
Mr. David Standley, Commissioner
Tel No. (617) 727-2150
Engineering and Maintenance
Department of Mental Health
160 N. Washington Street, Rm 450
Boston, MA 02114
Mr. George F. Atamian, Acting Dir.
Tel. No. (617) 727-5647
Board of State Examiners of Plumbers
and Gas Fitters
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02202
Mr. Irving J. Risi, Executive Director
Tel. No. (617) 727-3046
Board of State Examiners of Electricians
Division of Registration
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02202
Mr. John F. Cullen, Executive
Secretary
Tel. No. (617) 727-3050
Department of Labor and Industries
100 Cambridge Street, 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02202
Mr. William M. Shipps, Commissioner
Tel. No. (617) 727-3454
Department of Public Works
100 Nashua Street
Boston, MA 02114
Mr. Frank Burke,
Assistant to the Design Engineer
Tel. No. (617) 727-5012
9/1/80
t
«
Department of Public Safety
Division of Inspections
One Ashburton Place, 13th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Mr. John K. Olsen, Chief
Tel. No. (617) 727-7551
Architectural Barriers Board
Department of Public Safety
One Ashburton Place, 13th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Ms. Debra A. Ryan, Adminis-
trative Secretary
Tel. No. (617) 727-6257
Board of Boiler Rules
Department of Public Safety
One Ashburton Place, 13th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Mr. William H. Dormer, Chairman
Tel. No. (617) 727-7688
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
Department of Public Safety
One Ashburton Place, 13th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Mr. Samuel Gronich, Chairman
Tel. No. (617) 727-6255
Board of Elevator Regulations
Department of Public Safety
One Ashburton Place, 13th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Mr. John Otis
Tel. No. (617) 727-6424
Environmental Quality Engineering
Outdoor Advertising Division
80 Boylston Street, Room 505
Boston, MA 02116
Ms. Beryl V. McPhail,
Executive Director
Tel. No. (617) 727-8392
Mobile Home Commission
100 Cambridge Street, Room 704
Boston, MA 02202
Mr. Clark Taylor, Chairman
Tel. No. (617) 727-3253
822
t
♦
I
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
I
APPENDIX S
STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION ADVISORY
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
♦
FIVE STANDING ADVISORY BOARDS/COMMITTEES
Construction Materials Safety Board (CMSB)
Professor Kentaro Tsutsumi, Chairman
College of Engineering
Tufts University
'■-ofessor Louis C. Tartaglione,
Vice Chairman
Department of Civil Engineering
University of Lowell
Francis S . Harvey , P . E . , R . A .
State Building Code Commission
William Burke
Laboratory Supervisor, Testing
Laboratory
Metropolitan District Commission
Richard D. Ellis
Beacon Construction Company
Sanford Kaplan
Sanford Construction Company
Ara Shrestinian, P.E.
Vice President
The Thompson & Lichtner Co., Inc.
Charles A. J. Theodore, P.E.
Peabody Construction Company
Fire Prevention-Fire Protection Board (FP-FP)
Chief J. Herbert Wiggin, Chairman
Westwood Fire Headquarters
Thomas McNicholas,
Vice Chairman
Boston Building Department
Felix J. Conti
State Building Code Commission
Edward F. Hackett
State Building Code Commission
Joseph A. O'Keefe, P.E.
State Fire Marshal
|.ieutenant Robert Chapman
Plymouth Fire Headquarters
Chief Norman Clough
Maiden Fire Headquarters
Harold R. Cutler
Fire Protection Engineer
Herbert W. Eisenberg, R.A.
Eisenberg Haven Associates
Samuel Gronich
Mass Board of Fire Prevention
Regulations
Capt. John LaViska
Saugus Fire Headquarters
John M. Murphy
Int'l. Municipal Signalmen's
Assn. Rep.
Commissioner George Paul
Boston Fire Headquarters
9/1/80
823
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Seismic Advisory Committee
Dr . Howard Simpson , P . E . , Chairman
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
Dr. Othar Zaldastani, P.E.
Vice Chairman
Zaldastani Associates, Inc.
Dr. Rene W. Luft, P.E., Secretary
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
Francis S. Harvey, P.E., R.A.
State Building Code Commission
John E. Brennan, P.E.
LeMessurier Associates, Inc.
Dr. Gonzalo Castro, P.E.
Geotechnical Engineers, Inc.
Stanislaw J. V. Gawlinski, P.E.
Maurice A. Reidy Engineers
Professor Myle J. Holley, Jr., P.E.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Clifford A. Kaye
U.S. Geological Survey
Dr. Edward B. Kinner, P.E.
Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
Dr. Kenneth M. Leet, P.E.
Northeastern University
Fr. Daniel Linehan, P.E.
Weston Observatory
Daniel M. McGee, P.E.
American Iron & Steel Institute
Maurice A . Reidy , Jr . , P.E.
Maurice A. Reidy Engineers
Norton S. Remmer, P.E.
Commissioner of Code Inspection
Worcester
Mr. Peter J. Riordan, P.E.
Consulting Geotechnical Engineer
Professor Kentaro Tsutsumi, P.E.
Tufts University
Professor Robert V. Whitman, P.E
Massachusetts Institute of TechnoL
C.
Soils Advisory Committee
Emerson , P . E . ,
Dr. Michael W
Chairman
Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.
Dr. Steve J. Poulos, P.E.,
Vice Chairman
Geotechnical Engineers
Paul Donahue, P.E., Secretary
Public Facilities Department, Boston
Felix J. Conti
State Building Code Commission
Philip J. Bonanno, P.E.
J. F. White Contracting Company
Donald T. Goldberg, P.E.
Goldberg, Zoino, Duncliff & Assoc, Inc.
Edmund G. Johnson, P.E.
Haley & Aldrich Engineers
William R. Langrill, P.E.
Western Foundations
Asaf A. Qazilbash, P.E.
C. E. Maguire, Inc.
Peter J. Riordan, P.E.
Consulting Geotechnical Engineers
Mr. Peter K. Taylor, P.E.
Stone and Webster Engineering Coi
9/1/80
824
t
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Energy Standards Committee
William P. Kramer, Chairman
State Building Code Commission
■rthur Abbood
TShooshanian Engineering Associates
Dr. Lawrence Ambs
University of Massachusetts
Peter A. Bryson
Inspector of Buildings
■anvers
Gary Davis
The Architects Collaborative, Inc.
Garry DeLoss
Massachusetts Executive Office of
Energy Resources
David Elovitz, P.E.
Energy Economics
Ken Farland, R.A.
Benjamin Thompson & Associates, Inc.
Stephen Farrari
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
Earl R. Flansburgh, R.A.
Earl R. Flansburgh Associates, Inc.
Lawrence Gingrow
Boston Gas Company
Easley Hamner, R.A.
Hugh Stubbins and Associates
Stanley Kolodkin
Xenergy, Inc.
Craig Lentz
Arthur D. Little, Inc.
Ronald W. Plutnicki, P.E.
New England Power Service Company
Frederick L. Sanford
Inspector of Buildings
Natick
Kevin Sheehan
B.R. & A. Consulting Engineers,
Inc.
Gary Vanderweil, P.E.
R. G. Vanderweil Engineers, Inc.
Roy Viklund, R.A.
Sasaki Associates
Lighting Standards Committee
r. James A. Becker
he Beacon Companies
Cameron Beers
The Gilette Company
George W. Clark, P.E.
GTE - Sylvania Lighting Center
|!)ale F. Cronan
Boston Edison
Garry DeLoss
Massachusetts Executive Office of
Energy Resources
Herschel Denker
Zayre Corporation
Edward Guzovsky
Guzovsky Electrical Corporation
Walter E. Henry, Jr.
Xenergy, Inc.
Marvin C. Kaye
Long's Jewelers
George Krasco
Keene Lighting Company
9/1/80
825
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
William M. C. Lam
William Lam Associates
Alfred Lottero, P.E.
Lottero and Mason Associates
Peter B. Manning
University of Massachusetts
Thomas J. McNicholas
Senior Electrical Engineer
Boston
Frank Moran
Inspector of Buildings
Burlington
Verne G. Norman, P.E.
Verne G. Norman Associates
Richard Omar
Filene's Company m
William Phipps
Retailers Association of Massachusetts
Gordon Segal
Crate and Barrel
Anand Seth, P.E. g
Massachusetts General Hospital
MASSACHUSETTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CODE
PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
Norton S. Remmer, Chairman
Commissioner of Code Enforcement
Worcester
Harold G. Basser
Taylor, Woodrow & Blitman Constr.
Corp.
Peter F. DiMatteo
Building Commissioner
Lexington
Maximilian L. Ferro
The Preservation Partnership
Paul M. Folkins
Principal Structural and Safety Engineer
Boston
Roger P. Lang, R.A.
Perry, Dean, Stahl, and Rodgers
Laurie O'Brien
New Construction Company
James H. Pielert
National Bureau of Standards
David C. Macartney
State Building Code Commission
(Staff)
9/1/80
826
I
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Loads Advisory Committee
Hans William Hagen , P . E . , Chairman
LeMessurier Associates/SCI
Felix J. Conti
State Building Code Commission
Professor John M. Biggs, P.E.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Arthur L. Brown, Jr., P.E.
Brown & Rona, Inc.
Richard A. Foley, P.E.
Souza and True, Inc.
Dr. Frank J. Heger, P.E.
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
Michael J. A. Joliffe, P.E.
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
Richard W. Souza, P.E.
Souza and True, Inc.
Kenneth B. Weisner, P.E.
LeMessurier Associates/SCI
Rubin M. Zallen, P.E.
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Advisory Committee on Historic Buildings
Maximillian L. Ferro, AIA, Chairman
President, Preservation Partnership
Roger P. Lang, R.A., Co-Chairman
Perry, Dean, Stahl and Rodgers
J. Timothy Anderson, AIA
Anderson, Notter, Inc.
Arthur Leonard Brown, P.E.
Brown and Rona, Inc.
Daniel J. Coolidge, AIA
Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson
and Abbott
Peter F. DiMatteo
Building Commissioner, Lexington
Paul M. Folkins
Principal Structural Engineer
Boston Building Department
k John A. Harrell
' Preservation Architect
William B. Hart
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Bruce MacDougal
Society for the Preservation of
New England Antiguities
Marcia Myers
Executive Director, Boston Landmarks
Commission
Norton S. Remmer, P.E.
Commissioner of Code Inspection
Worcester
Glen A. Steer, AIA
Codes and Standards Committee
Lee S. Tabor
Staff Architect, Mass.
Historical Commission
Boston Redevelopment Authority
9/. .,)
827
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
REFERENCE DATA FOR REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND
CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
PART ONE-GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION
T-101.0 Purpose
T-101.1 Intent of Article 22: The purpose of this guideline is to
provide guidance to users of the Massachusetts State Building Code as to
techniques of acceptable practice which can be used to assess the accept-
ability of various methods of meeting the intent of the code provisions of
Article 22 on a case-by-case basis. The purpose of the code provisions
in Article 22 and this guideline is to allow repair, alteration, addition and
change of use of existing buildings without requiring the entire building
to be brought up to new construction requirements, while still providing
for the public health, safety and general welfare. The provisions of
Article 22 and this guideline recognize that the provisions of the Massa-
chusetts State Building Code for new construction reflect the latest im-
provements in materials, construction techniques, standards of living and
safety and, therefore, may preclude the repair, alteration, addition, or
change of use of existing buildings that have demonstrated their use-
fulness and safety.
T-102.0 Scope
T- 102.1 Techniques: This guideline is intended to demonstrate
techniques of analysis and compliance with Article 22 of the Massachusetts
State Building Code in the repair, alteration, addition, and change of use
of existing buildings.
T-103.0 Statement of concept
T- 103.1 General conditions: Conceptually, it is the intent of Article
22 and these guidelines to allow repair, alteration, addition, or change of
use of existing buildings without meeting all new construction require-
ments under the following general conditions:
1. all hazardous conditions must be corrected;
2. the existing building becomes the minimum performance standard;
and
3. the degree of compliance of the building after changes must not be
below that existing before the changes, except that nothing in this
section will require compliance with requirements more stringent
than that required for new construction.
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9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T-104.0 Implementation
T- 104.1 Framework: Implementation of the above concept requires
that a framework be established for evaluating the condition of the build-
ing; determining the potential for modification; and establishing the
acceptability of proposed changes.
T-104.2 Evaluation of existing building: Evaluation of existing
conditions in a structure is required to determine the existence of any
hazardous conditions, which must be corrected; and to provide a basis
for evaluating the impact of the proposed changes on the performance of
the building.
The following list of evaluation tools described in Sections T-104.2.1
through T-104.2. 7 of this appendix can be used for determining the con-
dition of the structure. However, this list is not necessarily complete
and the use of other methods should not be precluded.
T-104.2.1 Available documentation of existing building: Prime sources
of design information for existing buildings are the architectural and en-
gineering drawings and specifications used in the construction of the
building. Although the passing of time often obscures the identifies of
depositaries of such documents, the following are likely prospects in
attempting to locate such information:
1. If the building is currently in use, an individual or office respon-
sible for its management may have retained drawings and specifica-
tions to facilitate maintenance. A building manager, resident engi-
neer, superintendent, custodian, stationary engineer or plant engi-
neer may be the most direct contact at the building site.
2. Other potential sources (especially if the building is not in use) in-
clude the original designer-architect or engineer.
3. The building department which issued the permit for construction
may have documentation.
4. Documentation may have been retained by the general contractor or
numerous subcontractors. This presents the mason, carpenter,
plumber, electrician, HVAC installer, steel erector, etc., as well as
manufacturers of component parts, as potential sources of docu-
mentation .
5. In the case of large corporations or government agencies, a sep-
arate contracting officer may have developed a technical file on the
erection of a building.
6. In some cases, individual consultants are contracted to serve as
"clerk-of-the-works" and pursue the inspection of a building project
from start to finish with the keeping of a file likely.
7. Insurance companies sometimes maintain drawings or records of their
insured buildings.
8. Historical or archaeological societies may have considered a building
to be important enough to develop a file of documentation.
9/1/80 829
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
T-104.2.2 Field surveys: Having drawn upon available documentation
to help evaluate a building's condition, such documentation may be aug-
mented by on-site data acquired through field survey. The most obvious
approach is to make use of detailed visual examination to confirm and/or
alter any previously available information pertaining to the building.
T104.2.3 Testing: Testing is a tool that may be used in evaluating
the condition of a building or structure or parts thereof when other
methods of evaluation will not suffice. Testing may be initiated volun-
tarily on the part of the permit applicant or may be required by the
building official in the absence of approved rules as indicated in Section
800.6 of the code. This section points out that ". . .the building official
shall make or cause to be made the necessary tests and investigations, or
he shall accept duly authenticated reports from recognized authoritative
sources." The costs of all such tests are to be borne by the permit ap-
plicant and should, therefore, be required by the building official only
when other methods of evaluation prove inadequate or insufficient. Such
testing should be conducted by an approved testing agency under the
supervision of a registered architect or engineer. The report of the
tests shall be submitted to the building official and shall include the
details of test procedures, references to any accepted test standards
used, the results of the tests and any conclusions drawn from the test
results .
T-104.2.4 Field tests: Both nondestructive and destructive test pro-
cedures can be applied to evaluate the condition of a building.
T -104. 2. 5 Nondestructive testing: This includes techniques where the
structural integrity of the building is not affected, such as the following:
1. analyzing various portions of the building to determine dimensions,
types and condition of materials , etc . ;
2. portable apparatus for impact testing;
3. load application short of failure to determine capacity of materials
and components;
4. magnetic methods for detecting flaws in ferrous metals;
5. proximity magnetometers (locating rebars in concrete, concealed
ferrous fasteners, etc.);
6. electronic means for measuring the sonic modulus of elasticity of
concrete and masonry in assessing its soundness;
7. ultrasonic transmission or reflective methods in detecting flaws in
various materials; and
8. x-ray or infrared-ray photographic techniques used to evalute por-
tions of elements whose integrity is questionable.
T-104.2.6 Destructive testing: In destructive testing a sample of the
building could be removed and tested (e.g., concrete core), or compo-
nents of the building could be reconstructed and tested in the laboratory.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T-104.2.7 Laboratory analysis: In some cases, tests can be performed
in the laboratory. Such tests might include the following:
1. chemical or metallurgical tests;
2. optical or electronic microscopic examination which can help identify
and evaluate the soundness of materials where decay or other mole-
cular degradation is involved;
3. conventional laboratory tests for determining physical properties
(strength, ductility, absorption, solubility, permeability, stiffness,
etc . ; and/or
4. testing of a scale model of the building (computer model, wind
tunnel model, etc.).
T-104.3 Evaluation of change in performance level: It is necessary
to determine if the level of performance of the building after alteration is
below that which existed before the change. The hazard level could be
increased for certain attributes (such as fire safety) while decreased for
other attributes (such as floor loads) for a given alteration. The evalua-
tion of the change in hazard levels of each attribute can be accomplished
using various tools singly or in combination as described below in Sec-
tions 104.3.1 through 104.3.5.
T-104.3.1 Data on archaic systems: Performance data on architectural
and structural systems being encountered in existing buildings in the
Commonwealth are tabulated in part four of this appendix. This data can
be compared to the proposed altered systems to determine if the perfor-
mance is being adversely affected.
T-104.3. 2 Compliance alternatives: Alternate solutions tabulated in
part two of this appendix were developed from appeal data and from
accepted practice. The list is not all-inclusive and should not preclude
consideration of other alternatives.
T-104.3. 3 Analysis methods: Analytical methods based on good engi-
neering practice may be used to determine changes in performance levels.
T-104.3. 4 Test methods: Test procedures as discussed in Sections
T-104.2.3 through T-104.2.6 of this appendix can be used to evaluate the
performance of existing construction.
T-104.3. 5 Professional judgment: Professional judgement based on
previous experience with similar buildings should be used to the fullest
extent possible.
PART TWO-SUGGESTED COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES
T-201.0 Purpose and scope
T-201.1 Purpose: The purpose of this reference is to assist the
building official and those regulated by this code in judging the accepta-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
bility of compliance alternatives to specific code provisions required by
the code.
T-201.2 Application: This reference contains generally acceptable
compliance alternatives and examples. The examples are solely for the
purpose of illustrating principles which can be applied to the solution of
code compliance problems and are not necessarily acceptable under all
circumstances. It is recognized that all building systems interact with
each other. Therefore, any consideration of compliance alternatives must
take into account all existing and proposed conditions to determine their
acceptability. The principles applied can be used for the solution of
similar compliance problems in other buildings and occupancy groups.
Commentaries are provided where the philosophy in establishing the
alternatives is not obvious. The examples were developed from appeal
data and accepted practice. They are not all-inclusive and should not
preclude consideration of other alternatives.
Note: It is anticipated that additional compliance alternatives will be
added to this reference through the mechanism of appeal decisions and
from results of research being conducted by various organizations in
the field of relative performance of life safety systems.
T- 202.0 Compliance alternatives for egress requirements
T-202.1 Number of exits
T- 202. 1.1 General compliance alternatives:
1. Provide connecting fire balconies.
2. Provide alternate egress facilities (windows, etc.).
3. Provide a fire escape.
4. Provide fire-rated areas of refuge.
T-202.1. 2 Examples: Example 1 involves a five-story "row house" of
occupancy group B without a fire suppression system and with only one
(1) means of egress.
Solution A. Add one (1) or more fire escapes as may be necessary to
provide all tenants with reasonable access to two (2) means of egress in
separate directions. Access to a street, public way or area of refuge
shall be provided at the termination of the fire escape.
Section B. Add connecting fire balconies across fire walls if the above
solution is impractical due to construction difficulties.
Example 2 involves a building of group R-2 occupancy with an apart-
ment in the basement. There is only one (1) means of egress from the
basement.
Solution A. Provide egress windows in each apartment that comply with
Section 609.4.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T-202.2 Travel distance
T-202.2.1 General compliance alternatives:
1. Add detection system.
2. Add a partial fire suppression system.
3. Add smoke doors.
4. Increase fireresistance rating of corridor walls and doors.
T-202.2. 2 Example: This example involves a four (4) story building of
occupancy group R-2 without a fire suppression system. The length of
exitway access travel is one hundred fifty (150) feet.
Solution A. Add a partial fire suppression system off the domestic
water supply (if adequate) in the exit access corridor.
Solution B. Subdivide corridor into segments of less than one hundred
100 feet with smoke doors.
Solution C. If not required by other sections of the code, install
smoke and fire detectors with audible alarms in the corridor.
Solution D. Increase the fireresistance rating of the exit access corri-
dor from one (1) hour to two (2) hours and provide one-half hour (1/2)
hour "B" label self-closing or automatic closing fire doors in all openings
into the corridor.
T-202.3 Enclosure of exitways
T- 202. 3.1 General Compliance alternatives
1. Improve enclosure of exitway.
2. Add a partial fire suppression system.
3. Add a detection system.
T-202.3. 2 Examples: This example involves a four (4) story row
building of occupancy group R-2 with connecting fire balconies and an
interior stair. The stair is enclosed with wood lath and plaster on wood
stud partitions and paneled doors.
Solution A. Cover partitions on the apartment side with 5/8" Type X
gypsum wallboard or its equivalent. Replace or build up panel doors
until minimum solid portion is one and three-eights (1 3/8") and install
self-closers.
Solution B. Provide a heat and smoke detection system in the stairwell
with an alarm audible to all tenants. Provide self-closers on all stairwell
doors .
Solution C. Provide a partial fire suppression system in the stairwell
off the domestic water supply (if adequate). Provide self-closers on all
stairwell doors.
T-202.3. 3 Commentary: The above example, while pertaining to a four
(4) story group R-2 building, can also be applied to other buildings of
various heights and occupancies. The principle that the degree of com-
pliance may not be reduced should be remembered. If the existing enclo-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
sure is of fireresistive construction, it must be maintained. The primary
principle to remember, in the required enclosure of exitway, is that an
enclosure must be provided, whether fireresistive or not, so as to pro-
vide a smoke barrier. The purpose of providing a smoke barrier is to
prevent the passage of smoke from a fire on one (1) floor to the exitway s
and exit access corridors of other floors and thus render them unusable
for for egress. This principle is illustrated by solutions A, B, and C in
the above example.
T-203.0 Compliance alternatives for fire hazards
T-203.1 Fire separations and partitions
T-203.1.1 General compliance alternatives:
1. Improve fire separation.
2. Add a fire suppression system.
3. Add a detection system.
T-203.1. 2 Examples: Example 1 involves a three (3) story Type 3A
building, of occupancy group M, on the first floor and occupancy group
B on tne second and third floors. The required separation is three (3)
hours .
Solution A. Add a fire suppression system to the first and second
floors.
Solution B. Add five-eighths (5/8) inch Type X gypsum wallboard or
its equivalent to the underside of the second floor and install a system of
smoke and heat detectors with audible alarms on the first and second
floors.
Example 2 involves the separation between two (2) tenants of wood lath
and plaster on a wood studs partition. The required spearation is one
(1) hour.
Solution A. Add five-eights (5/8) inch Type X gypsum wallboard or its
equivalent to either side of the existing partition.
Example 3 involves a building of occupancy B with unrated exit access
corridors .
Solution A. Install a partial fire suppression system in the exit access
corridors .
Solution B. Add five-eighths (5/8) inch Type X gypsum wallboard or
its equivalent to either side of the corridor partition and install self-
closers on all corridor doors.
Solution C. Install a smoke and heat detection system in the corridor
with an alarm audible to all tenants on the floor and install self- closers on
all corridor doors.
T-203.2 Openings and exterior wall protection
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T- 203. 2.1 General compliance alternatives:
1. Add fire suppression system.
2. Improve fireresistance .
3. Remove or improve openings.
T-203.2.2 Examples: Example 1 involves a two (2) story Type 4B
building, of occupancy M, on the first floor with the basement and upper
floors used for storage. The distance between the building and the side
lot line is five (5) feet and between it and the adjacent building is ten
(10) feet. The adjacent building is of Type 4B construction and of
occupancy group R-2. The former occupant was a grocery store; the new
occupant is a hardware store.
Solution A. Install a deluge sprinkler system along the interior side of
the wall affected.
Solution B. Add five-eighths (5/8) inch Type X gypsum wallboard to
interior side of the wall affected.
Example 2 is the same as example 1 but with double-hung wood windows
in affected wall.
Solution A. Remove windows and close opening with one (1) hour
fireresistive construction .
Solution B. Remove windows and install fire windows.
Solution C. Install a deluge sprinkler system as in solution A to exam-
ple 1.
PART THREE-DETAILED CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY BY
HAZARD INDEX NUMBER AND USE GROUP
This part provides a more detailed guide for users of the code to deter-
mine hazard index numbers and use groups for various types of occupan-
cies. It supplements Article 2 and Table 2204 contained in Article 22.
Table T-1
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Hazard index
Use of structure
number
Use group
Advertising displays manufacture
including billboards
3
S-l
Airport or other aircraft Ian'
ding or
service facility (see also:
Helicopter
rooftop landing facility)
3
F
Amusement park, indoor
4
A-3
Animal
Crematoruim
0
p
Hospital, kennel, pound
2
B
Apartment (see Residences)
Appliances
Manufacture
3
F
Sales
3
M
Arenas
4
A-3
Asphalt
Processing and products
manufacture
8
H
9/1/80
835
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
HAZARD
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Use of structure
Hazard index
number
Use group
Athletic equipment
Manufacture
Sales
Auditoriums
Automobile & other motor vehicles
Gasoline service station
Rental agency within a building
Repair
Repair incidental to auto sales
with limitations
Sales within a building
Wrecking
Washing
Awning manufacturer
Baked goods shop
Bakeries
Banks
Banquet halls
Barber shops
Beauty shops
Beverages
Bottling
Manufacture
Alcoholic
Less than 0.5% alcohol @ 60°
Bicycle
Manufacture
Rental or repair conducted
within a building
Sales
Billiard parlor
Blacksmith shops
Blueprinting, etc., establishments
Boarding house
Boats or ships
Building or repair of boats
Bone distillation
Bowling alleys
Broom or brush manufacture
Building materials
Wholesale business in roofed structures
Bus terminals or stations
Business schools or colleges
Camera & other photo equipment
Manufacture except film sales
Sales
Canvas or canvas products
Manufacture or repair
Carpet & rug
Cleaning establishments
Manufacture or repair
Catering for outside consumption
3
F
3
M
6, 5 or 4
A-l-A,
A-l-B, A-3
2
B
2
B
3
S-l
3
S-l
3
M
3
F
3
S-l
3
F
3
M
3
F
2
B
5
A-3
2
B
2
B
8
H
3
F
3
F
3
S-l
3
M
4
A-3
3
F
3
F
2
R-l or R-2
3
F
3
F
4
A-3
3
F
3
M or S-l
4
A-3
4
A-4
3
F
3
M
3
F
Dr 3
H. F
3
F
3
F
9/1/80
835.;
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Use of structure
Hazard index
number
Use group
Cemeteries
Crematory in cemetery
Mausoleum, crypt, columbarium
Mortuary chapel in cemetery
Ceramic products manufacture
Including pottery, small glazed
tile, & similar items
Charcoal, fuel, briquettes, or
lampblack manufacture
Chemicals
Packaging
Manufacture
Churches or other places of worship
Circuses, temporary
Cleaning (see Drycleaning & dying;
Laundries; Automobiles, washing)
Clothing
Manufacturing
Rental Establishment
Retail sales
Tailoring, custom manufacture or repair
(see also Feathers; Felt; Fur; Leather)
Clubs
Private
Nightclubs (see Eating & drinking
establishments)
Coal, coke or tar products,
manufacture
Colleges & universities
Classroom buildings
Dormitories
Fraternities or sororities
Community centers
Convalescent homes (see Nursing homes)
Convents
Cosmetics or toiletries manufacture
Cotton ginning
Cotton wadding or linters manufacture
Courthouses
Crematoriums
Animal
Human
Dance halls
Day care agencies
Day nurseries
Dental offices (see Medical & dental)
Department stores
F
S-2
A4
8 or 3
8 or 3
4
4
H or F depending
on nature of
materials involved
H or F depending
on nature of
materials involved
A4
A-3
8 or 3
3
3
H or F depending
on nature of
materials involved
M
M
3
M
4
A-3
without residence
4
A-4
2
R-l
2
R-l
4 or 2
A-3 or B
2
R-l
8
H
8
H
8
H
2 or 4
B or A-3
3
F
3
F
7
A-2
4
1-2 or A4
4
1-2
9/1/80
835-2
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Hazard index
Use of structure number Use group
Dormitories 2 R-l or R-2
Dressmaking shops, custom 8 H
Drinking places (see Eating &
drinking establishments)
Drive-in restaurants 5 A-3
Drive-in theaters 4 A-5
Drug stores 3 M
Dry cleaning & dyeing
establishment 8 or 3 H or F depending
on solvents used
B
Dwellings (see Residences)
Eating or drinking establishments
Lunchrooms, restaurants, cafeterias,
etc. primarily enclosed
Drive-in
With entertainment or dancing
Electric
Power or steam generating plants
Substation
Electrical appliances, bulbs, wiring
supplies, etc.
Manufacture
Sales
Electronic components & supplies
Manufacture or repair
Feathers
Curing, dyeing, washing or bulk processing
Manufacturing exclusive of above
Felt
Curing, dyeing, washing or bulk processing
Products manufacture, exclusive of above
Fertilizers, manufacture
Film, photographic, manufacture
Storage and studios
Fire station
Fish processing
Florida shops
Food
Product processing except meat and fish
Retail sales
Fraternities or sororities
Funeral establishments
Fur
Curing, dyeing, finishing, tanning
Products manufacture exclusive of above
Garage (see Parking garage)
Garbage incineration or reduction
Garden supplies, produce or flowers
Gas
Manufacture
Public utility stations for
metering or regulating
9/1/80 835.3
5
A-3
4
A-3
7
A-2
3
F
3
F
3
F
3
M
3
F
8
H
8
H
3
F
3
F
8
H
3 or 8
Forh
3 or 8
ForH
2
B
3
F
3
M
3
F
3
M
2
R-l or R-2
4
A-3
8
H
3
F
3
F
3
M
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Use of structure
Hazard index
number
Use group
Storage
2500 cu. ft, or less 3
More than 2500 cu. ft. 8
Gasoline service stations
(see Automobiles)
Gelatin manufacture 3
Generating plants, electric or steam 3
Gift shops 3
Glass products form previously manufactured 3
Glue manufacture 3
Golf
Indoor courses or driving ranges. 4
Gymnasiums 4
Gypsum manufacture 3
Grain storage 8
Hair
Curing, dyeing, washing, bulk processing 3
Product manufacture exclusive of above 3
Hardware
Manufacture 3
Retail sales 3
Hat bodies manufacture 3
Helicopter landing facility, rooftop 3
Home occupations 2
Homes for the aged 4
Hosiery manufacture 3
Hospitals
Including convalescent, nursing or rest homes, and
sanitariums, provided custodial care is not
provided for. drug addicts, alcoholics,
mentally ill or mentally deficient 4
For care of drug addicts, mentally ill or
mentally deficient 5
Research or teaching laboratories
(see also Animal hospitals) 2
Hotels 2
Ice manufacture (dry or natural) 3
Ice skating rinks 4
Incineration or reduction of garbage, offal,
or dead animals 3
Industrial uses (see specific items)
Without resulting noise, vibration, special danger,
hazard, dust, smoke, fumes, etc. 3
Other than above 3 or I
Ink or inked ribbon manufacture 3
Jewelry 3
Kennels (see Animal)
Laboratories
Research laboratory not accessory
to school or hospital 2
Scientific research or teaching laboratory,
non-profit, accessory to school or
hospital subject to limitations 2
S-l
H
F
F
M
F
F
A-3
A-3
F
H
F
F
F
M
F
S-l
B
1-2
F
1-2
1-1
R-l
F
A-3
F
ForH
F
F
9/1/80
835.4
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Use of structure
Hazard index
number
Use group
Laundries
Hand laundry
Self service; pick-up and delivery
station of laundry or dry cleaner
Steam laundries without limitations
Leather
Curing, dyeing, finishing or tanning
Product manufacture exclusive of above
Libraries
Linoleum or oilcloth manufacture
Liquor sales, package
Luggage manufacture
Lumber (see Wood)
Manufacturing
Matches manufacture
Mattress manufacture and renovation
Meat
Markets
Slaughtering or packaging
Medical and dental
Offices
(See also Laboratories; Orthopedic
and medical appliances; Hospitals)
Meeting hall
Metals, manufacture
Reduction, refining or smelting
Monasteries
Motels
Motor freight stations
(see Trucking terminals)
Museums
Musical instruments manufacture
Newspaper publishing
Newsstands
Novelty products manufacture
Nursing homes
Offices
Oilcloth manufacture
Optical equipment or similar
precision instruments manufacture
Orphanages
Orthopedic or medical appliances manufacture
Paint, turpentine or- varnish
Manufacture
Spraying booths
Paper products manufacture
Parish houses
Parking garages
Petroleum or petroleum products
Refining
Storage
Pharmaceutical products manufacture
Photography studio
Plastics
Products manufacture
Raw, manufacture
2
B
3
F
3
F
3
F
4
A-3
3
F
3
M
3
F
3 or 8
For H
8
H
3
F
3
M
3
F
H
R-l
R-l
A-3
F
F
M
F
1-2
F
1-2
F
H
H
F
A-3
S-l
H
S-l
F
B
H
H
9/1/80
835.5
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Use of structure
Hazard index
number
Use group
Police stations
Pool rooms
Post offices
Printing
Plant
Printing or newspaper publishing
Prisons & other correctional or
detention institutions
Pumping station or substation,
water or sewage
Radio
Sales
Studios with audience
Studios without audience
Railroad
Freight terminal
Passenger station
Recreation
Center, indoor
Community center building
Rectories
Residences
One-family
Two-family
Apartment
Temporary dwelling structure
Boarding or lodging house
Dormitory
Fraternity or sorority
Hotel, motel, apartment hotel with
accessory services
Convents, monasteries, rectories
Research laboratories (see Laboratories)
Restaurant, lunch room, cafeteria or
other establishment primarily for eating
Retail business
Stores with combustible or flammable
goods constructing a high hazard
Rubber
Manufacture (natural or synthetic),
including tires, tubes or
similar products
Products (exclusive or processing)
including washers, gloves,
footwear, bathing cap', and like
Sanatariums
Not providing custodial care for drug
addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill
or mentally deficient
Providing care for above
Schools
Seminaries
Settlement houses (depending on
nature of activities)
4
5
4
4 or 2
4 or 2
A-3
3
M
5
A-l-B
2
B
3
S-l
4
A-3
4
A-3
4
A-3
2
R-l
2
R-3
2
R-3
2
R-2
2
R-3
2
R-l or R-2
2
R-l or R-2
2
R-l or R-2
2
R-l
2
R-l
5
A-3
3
M
1-2
1-1
A-4
A-4 & R-l
A-3 or B
9/1/80
835.6
Hazard index
number
Use group
3
F
3
F
8
H
3
F
2
B
3
F
3
A-3
4
A-3
8
H
3
F
8
H
3
F
3
M
3
S-l
4
A-5
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Use of structure
Sewage
Disposal plant
Pumping station
Shoddy manufacture
Shoes
Manufacture
Repair shop
Silverware, manufacture, plate or sterling
Size manufacture
Skating rinks
Soap and detergents
Manufacturing, including fat rendering
Packaging
Solvent extracting
Sporting or athletic goods
Manufacture
Stores
Stables
Stadiums
Wholesale business including accessory
storage other than flammable liquids,
gases and explosives, in roofed structures 3 or 1 S-l or S-2 depending
on nature of
materials involved
Stores (see Retail stores; or specific items)
Tailor shops, custom 2 B
Tanning (see Leather; Fur)
Taxidermist shops 3 M
Telephone exchanges
Automatic 2 B
Non-automatic 2 B
Television
Sales 3 M
Studios 6 A-la with scenery
5 A-lb no scenery
2 B no audience
Textiles
Manufacture, including knit goods, yard
goods, thread or cordage; spinning,
weaving, dyeing and printing 3 F
Shoddy, manufacture 8 H
Theaters 6 A-la with scenery
5 A-lb no scenery
motion picture
Tires, manufacture 8 H
Tobacco products manufacture including curing 3 F
Tools and hardware
Manufacture 3 F
Sales 3 M
Toys
Manufacture 3 F
Trailer park (see also Mobile homes )
Truck
Repairs 3 S-l
Sales 3 M
9/1/80 835 • 7
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Table T-1 (cont'd.)
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Hazard index
Use of structure number Use group
Trucking terminals 3 S-l
Turpentine manufacture 8 H
Warehouses 8, 3 or 1 H, S-l, or S 2
depending on nature
of materials involved
Waterpumping stations 2 B
Wax products manufacture 8 H
PART FOUR-ARCHAIC CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS
T-401.0 Purpose and Scope
T-401.1 Purpose: The purpose of this part of Appendix T is to
assist the building official and those regulated by this code in evaluating
the properties of archaic construction systems.
T-401.2 Scope: This part of Appendix T contains data on construc-
tion systems no longer in general use but which may be encountered in
older existing buildings. It is meant to be used for assessing existing
conditions when evaluating how proposed changes will impact upon the
performance of the building.
T-401.3 Application: In any given problem, all available data should
be collected and professional judgment exercised in arriving at decisions.
9/1/80 835.8
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
Evaluative judgment should be used when test data does not exist or
when applying the data contained in this standard.
T-402.0 Archaic fireresistive systems
T-402.1 General: This part of Appendix T contains a list of fire-
resistive materials and construction which are not necessarily currently in
common use. Some of the hourly ratings contained in the listing predate
ASTM E-119 that is in current use. The hourly ratings may be higher or
lower if tested according to ASTM E-119. In addition to the data con-
tained herein, see Report BMS92, Building Materials and Structures,
dated October 7, 1942, National Bureau of Standards. The data listed
below is extracted from the Boston Building Code, circa 1943.
T-402.2 Fireresistive materials and construction
T -402. 2.1 Minimum qualities: Materials, to be given the fireresistive
ratings specified in this part, shall have the following minimum qualities
set forth in Sections T-402.2. 2 through T-402.2. 19.
T-402.2. 2 Class 1 concrete: Concrete of Class 1 shall be so propor-
tioned as to have a strength of at least fifteen hundred (1500) pounds
per square inch (psi) and the coarse aggregate shall consist of limestone,
trap rock, blast furnace slag, cinders containing not more than twenty
(20) per cent of combustible material, burned clay or shale.
T-402.2. 3 Class 2 concrete: Concrete of Class 2 shall be so propor-
tioned as to have a strength of at least fifteen hundred (1500) pounds
psi, the coarse aggregate consisting of sandstone, granite, quartzite,
siliceous gravel or other similar material not over one (1) inch in size.
T-402.2. 4 Masonry: Masonry shall be laid in lime-cement or cement
mortar, or approved masonry cement mortar, except that masonry of gyp-
sum tile shall, and masonry of structural clay tile may, be laid in gypsum
mortar. Masonry shall be thoroughly bonded by breaking joints in suc-
cessive courses or by the use of metal ties.
T-402.2. 5 Brick: Brick shall be burned clay or shale, concrete or
sand-lime brick of Grade C or better.
T-402.2. 6 Stone: Stone shall be limestone, marble, slate or equally
fireresistive natural stone. Sandstone, granite or other stone which, be-
cause of its crystalline structure or for other reason, is less fireresis-
tive, shall not be considered fire protection for structural metal, but may
be used in a masonry wall not less than twelve (12) inches thick required
to have fireresistance . Stone masonry shall have the same fireresistive
rating as brick masonry.
9/1/80 836
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T-402.2.7 Cast stone: Cast stone masonry shall have the same fire-
resistive rating as brick masonry.
T- 402. 2. 8 Concrete blocks: Concrete blocks, whether solid or hollow,
shall have as coarse aggregate limestone, trap rock, blast furnace slag,
cinders containing not more than twenty (20) per cent of combustible ma-
terial, burned clay or shale.
T-402.2.9 Structural clay tile: Structural clay tile shall conform to
the specifications for load-bearing tile, floor tile or partition tile. Where
partition tile is specified, load-bearing tile may be used.
T-402.2.10 Gypsum: Gypsum tile or pre-cast gypsum concrete, whether
solid or hollow, shall conform to Standard Specifications for Gypsum
Partition Tile or Block of the American Society for Testing Materials and
shall not contain more than three (3) per cent by weight of wood or other
combustible binder or filler.
T-402.2.11 Gypsum concrete: Gypsum concrete shall not contain more
than twelve and one-half (12 1/2) percent by weight of wood or other
combustible binder or filler and shall have a compressive strength of at
least five hundred (500) psi. It shall not be used where exposed to the
elements .
T-402.2.12 Lath: Expanded metal or wire lath as a base or reinforce-
ment for plastering shall weigh not less than two and two-tenths (2.2)
pounds per square yard and shall have not less than two and one-half
(2^) meshes per inch.
T-402.2.13 Metal mesh for masonry: Metal mesh reinforcement specified
for masonry fire protection of structural metal shall consist of wire lath
strips the full thickness of the masonry, laid in the beds thereof, or its
approved equivalent.
T-402.2.14 Metal mesh for concrete: Metal mesh reinforcement specified
for concrete fire protection of structural metal shall consist of wire mesh
weighing not less than one and one-half (1H) pounds per square yard
with wire spaced not over four (4) inches, or not less than No. 11 gauge
steel wire spaced not over four (4) inches apart, or its approved equiv-
alent .
T-402.2.15 Cement plaster: Cement plaster shall be proportioned of one
(1) part Portland cement, and not more than two (2) parts of sand mea-
sured by volume dry and loose to which may be added lime putty or hy-
drated lime not exceeding fifteen (15) per cent of the cement.
T-402.2.16 Gypsum plaster: Gypsum plaster: Gypsum plaster, except
where otherwise specified, may contain sand, not in excess of three (3)
times the weight of the gypsum.
837
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
T-402.2.17 Lime plaster: Lime plaster shall consist of a mixture of one
(1) part lime, not over three (3) parts sand, and water.
T-402.2.18 Pneumatically projected mortar: Pneumatically projected mor-
tar made of Portland cement, sand and water shall be rated for fire pro-
tection the same as Class 1 concrete.
T-402.2.19 Concrete fill: Concrete fill, where specified in this appen-
dix in connection with hollow masonry units shall consist of Class 1 or
Class 2 concrete poured in the hollow spaces of the units as they are
laid.
T-402.2.20 Reinforced concrete: Portland cement concrete or gypsum
concrete poured in place as fire protection for beams, trusses and other
horizontal or inclined members of structural steel and pneumatically pro-
jected mortar applied to structural steel as fire protection shall be rein-
forced with metal mesh reinforcement. Concrete protection for vertical
columns of structural metal shall have reinforcing consisting of No. 5 wire
spaced not over eight (8) inches apart or its equivalent. Reinforcement
shall be wrapped around the structural member and so arranged as to be
completely embedded in the fire protection material and to ensure its
integrity .
T-402.2.21 Reinforced plaster: Plaster used as fire protection or to
resist the spread of fire shall be reinforced with metal lath, except plas-
ter less than one (1) inch thick or masonry or concrete.
T-402.2.22 Replacement material: In the protection of structural metal
including reinforcement, one-half (H) inch of cement or gypsum plaster
may replace an equal thickness of poured concrete or pneumatically pro-
jected mortar as protective material; and one (1) inch of cement or gyp-
sum plaster reinforced with metal lath may replace an equal thickness of
poured concrete, pneumatically projected mortar or masonry protection.
T-402.2.23 Plaster: Where plaster is required without other specifica-
tion, it shall consist of one-half (S) inch of cement or gypsum plaster,
except that only gypsum plaster shall be used on gypsum masonry.
T-402.2.24 Thickness: In this appendix, except where otherwise speci-
fically stated, the thickness given in a list of materials applies to the
next following item only, and not to the total thickness where additional
materials are specified.
T-402.2.25 Embedding limitations: Pipes, wires, conduits and ducts
shall not be embedded in or placed behind the fire-protective materials
required for the protection of structural steel or iron except as otherwise
provided in this paragraph. Above fire-protective hung ceilings and
within the enclosed space in buildings of Type 1 and Type 2 construc-
838
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
tlon, within which, other than the enclosure, fire protection of steel is
not required, pipes, wires, conduits and ducts may be placed, provided
they are so arranged and so secured that they will not, either by ex-
panding in the event of fire, or otherwise impair, the effectiveness of the
enclosing protective materials. Electric conduits and wires and gas pipes
may be embedded in concrete or masonry fire protection of structural
steel where the protective material is reinforced with wire mesh, provided
they shall have protective covering except over the tops of beams and
girders, at least as thick as required for the steel.
T-402.2.26 Damage protection: In factories, garages, warehouses and
other buildings in which the fire-protective covering required for steel or
iron columns may be damaged by the movement of vehicles, materials or
equipment, such covering shall be protected by metal or other material in
a manner satisfactory to the building official.
T-402.2.27 Firestopping : Firestopping shall mean the stopping off or
enclosure at the ends and wherever else specified of the spaces between
studs of partitions, joists of floors and roofs and other similar spaces to
prevent drafts of air and the communication of fire from one (1) such
space to another. Fire-stopping shall consist of wood not less than one
and one-half OS) inches thick, of sheet metal not less than No. 24 gauge
or of masonry, or a combination of such materials. Firestopping shall be
tightly fitted in the space to be filled, about pipes, wires and ducts and,
if cut or disturbed in the placement of pipes, wires and ducts, shall be
repaired .
T-402.3 Fire protection of steel columns
T-402.3.1 Protective thickness: Structural steel columns required to
have fire protection of a given rating shall be covered on all sides with
protective material having not less than the thickness necessary for the
required rating. Except where "no fill" is specified, re-entrant and
other accessible spaces behind the specified outer protection shall be
filled with concrete or brick masonry or the material of the outer pro-
tection .
T-402.3. 2 Fireresistance rating: Materials shall be assumed to afford
to steel columns fire protection of the rating indicated in the following
Sections T-402.3. 3 through T-402.3. 6:
T-402.3. 3 Four (4) hour rating:
1. Two (2) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Three (3) inches Class 2 concrete, metal mesh reinforcement.
3. Three and one-half (3H) inches brick masonry.
4. Two (2) layers two (2) inch structural clay partition tile masonry,
metal mesh in beds.
5. Two (2) inches structural clay partition tile masonry, concrete fill,
metal mesh in beds, three-fourths (3/4) inch gypsum plaster.
9/1/80
839
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
6. Four (4) inches structural clay partition tile masonry, concrete fill,
metal mesh in beds, five-eighths (5/8) inch lime plaster.
7. Four (4) inches structural clay partition tile or concrete block
masonry, concrete fill, plaster.
8. Three (3) inches hollow gypsum tile masonry and plaster.
9. Two (2) inches gypsum concrete, metal mesh reinforcement.
10. Two (2) inches solid gypsum tile masonry and plaster.
11. Three (3) inches solid cinder concrete block masonry and plaster.
12. Four (4) inches hollow cinder concrete block masonry and plaster.
T-402.3.4 Three (3) hour rating:
1. One and three-fourths (1 3/4) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Two (2) inches Class 2 concrete, metal mesh reinforcement.
3. Two (2) inches gypsum concrete.
4. Two (2) inches solid cinder concrete block masonry and plaster.
5. Two (2) inches structural clay partition tile masonry, concrete fill.
6. Four (4) inches structural clay partition tile masonry, concrete fill,
metal mesh in beds, five-eighths (5/8) inch lime plaster.
T-402.3.5 Two (2) hour rating:
1. One and one-half Oh) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Two (2) inches Class 2 concrete, metal mesh reinforcement.
3. One (1) inch Class 1 or Class 2 concrete encased in standard
weight steel or wrought iron pipe.
4. Two (2) inches structural clay partition tile masonry and plaster.
5. Two (2) layers plaster, each on metal lath, with three-fourths (3/4)
inch air space between, two (2) inches total thickness.
6. Two (2) inches gypsum concrete.
7. Two (2) inches solid or three (3) inches hollow gypsum tile
masonry .
T -402. 3. 6 One (1) hour rating:
1. One (1) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One and one-half (1^) inches Class 2 concrete with metal mesh rein-
forcement.
3. Two and one-fourth (2h) inches brick masonry.
4. Two (2) inches structural clay partition tile or concrete block
masonry .
5. One (1) inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath.
T-402.3.7 Thickness: The thickness of protection on the outer edges
of lugs or brackets need not exceed one (1) inch.
T-402.4 Fire protection of cast iron columns
T-402.4.1 Protective thickness: Cast iron columns required to have
fire protection of a given rating shall be covered on all sides with protec-
tive materials having not less than the thickness necessary for the re-
840
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
quired rating. Re-entrant spaces, if any, on the exterior of cast iron
columns, and other accessible spaces behind the specified protection,
shall be filled with Class 1 concrete or brick masonry or the material of
the outer protection.
T-402.4.2 Fireresistance rating: Materials shall be assumed to afford
to cast iron columns fire protection of the rating indicating in the follow-
ing Sections T-402.4.3 through T-402.4.5:
T-402.4.3 Four (4) hour rating: Cast iron columns shall not be used
where the protection of a four 4) hour rating is required.
T-402.4.4 Three (3) hour rating
1. Two (2) inches Class 2 concrete.
2. Three (3) inches Class 2 concrete, metal mesh reinforcement.
3. Two (2) inches structural clay partition tile or concrete block
masonry conrete fill.
4. One and one-half (1>2) inches cement or gypsum plaster on metal
lath and metal furring to form one-half (S) inch air space.
5. One and one-half (1^) inches Class 1 concrete.
6. Two (2) inches Class 2 concrete with metal mesh reinforcement.
T-402.4.5 One (1) hour rating
1. One (1) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One and one-half (1^) inches Class 2 concrete with metal mesh
reinforcement.
3. One (1) inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath.
T-402.5 Fire protection of steel in reinforced concrete columns
T-402.5.1 Protection thickness: The main steel reinforcement, includ-
ing spiral reinforcement and ties larger than one-half (S) inch, in rein-
forced concrete columns required to have fire protection of a given rating
shall be covered with concrete having not less than the thickness listed
in this section for the rating indicating in the following Sections T-402
.5.2 through T-402. 5. 6:
T-402. 5. 2 Four (4) hour rating
1. One and one-half Oh) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Two (2) inches Class 2 concrete.
T-402. 5. 3 Three (3) hour rating: One and one-half (1^) inches Class
1 or Class 2 concrete.
841
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX T
T-402.5.4 Two (2) hour rating
1. One (1) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One and one-half (1^) inches Class 2 concrete.
T-402. 5. 5 One (1) hour rating: One (1) inch Class 1 or Class 2
concrete.
T-402.5.6 Ties less than one-half (^) inch: The thickness of protec-
tion on column ties not larger than one-half (S) inch may be one-half (S)
inch thinner than that listed above.
T-402.6 Fire protection of steel beams, girders, and trusses
T-402.6.1 Protective thickness: Steel beams, girders and trusses or
the members of trusses, required to have fire protection of a given
rating, shall be covered on all sides with material having not less than
the thickness necessary for the required rating.
T-402.6. 2 Fireresistance rating: Materials shall be assumed to afford
steel beams, girders and trusses, or the members thereof, fire protection
of the rating indicated in the following Sections T-402.6. 3 through T-402
.6.6:
T-402. 6. 3 Four ^4) hour rating
1. Two (2) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Three (3) inches Class 2 concrete.
3. Three (3) inches structural clay partition tile or concrete block
masonry and plaster.
4. Three (3) inches hollow gypsum tile masonry and plaster.
5. Two (2) inches gypsum concrete.
6. Two (2) inches solid gypsum tile masonry and plaster.
T-402. 6. 4 Three (3) hour rating
1. One and three-quarters (1 3/4) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Two and one-half (2%) inches Class 2 concrete.
3. Two (2) inches gypsum concrete.
4. Two (2) inches structural clay partition tile, or concrete block
masonry and plaster.
5. Two (2) inches solid, or three (3) inches hollow gypsum tile
masonry .
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APPENDIX T
T -402. 6. 5 Two (2) hour rating
1. One and one-half (1^) inches Class 2 concrete.
2. Two (2) inches gypsum concrete.
T-402.6.6 One (1) hour rating
1. One (1) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One and one-half Oh) inches Class 2 concrete.
3. Seven-eighths (7/8) inch or cement or gypsum plaster on metal
lath.
T-402.7 Fire protection of steel in reinforced concrete beams
T-402.7.1 Protective thickness: The main steel reinforcement, includ-
ing stirrups larger than one-half (S) inch, in reinforced concrete beams,
girders and trusses, including the ribs of reinforced concrete ribbed
floors or roofs where one (1) or both sides of the ribs, in addition to the
soffit, are exposed to fire, required to have fire protection of a given
rating, shall be covered on all sides with concrete having not less than
the thickness listed in this section for the required rating. Where a re-
inforced concrete floor or roof has a flush ceiling formed with approved
permanent masonry fillers between ribs, the reinforcement shall have the
protection required for reinforcing steel of floors and roofs in Section
T-402.8.
T-402.7. 2 Four (4) hour rating:
1. One and one-half (1>2) inches Class 1 concrete.
2. Two (2) inches Class 2 concrete.
T-402.7. 3 Three (3) hour rating: One and one-half (3>2) inches Class
1 or Class 2 concrete.
T-402.7. 4 Two (2) hour rating:
1. One (1) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One and one-half (1^) inches Class 2 concrete.
T-402.7. 5 One (1) hour rating: One (1) inch Class 1 or Class 2
concrete .
T-402.7. 6 Stirrups less than one-half (S) inch: The thickness of
protection on stirrups not larger than one-half (S) inch may be less than
that listed by not more than one-half (S) inch.
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T-402.8 Fire protection of steel reinforcing in floors and roofs.
T -402. 8.1 Protection thickness: The steel reinforcement in reinforced
concrete floors and roofs with flush or plane ceilings, such that the ex-
posure to fire is on the soffit only, required to have fire protection of a
given rating, shall be covered with concrete having not less than the
thickness listed in this section for the required rating. In floors or
roofs having reinforced concrete ribs where the concrete surrounding the
steel reinforcement is exposed to fire on one (1) or both sides in addition
to the soffit, such reinforcement shall have the protection specified in
Section T-402.7 for steel in reinforced concrete beams.
T-402.8. 2 Four (4) hour rating:
1. One (1) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One and one-fourth (1^) inches Class 2 concrete.
T-402.8. 3 Three (3) hour rating: One (1) inch Class 1 or Class 2
concrete.
T-402.8. 4 Two (2) hour rating:
1. Three-fourths (3/4) inch Class 1 concrete.
2. One (1) inch Class 2 concrete.
T-402.8. 5 One (1) hour rating: Three-fourths (3/4) inch Class 1 or
Class 2 concrete.
T-402.9 Fireresistive floor and roof construction
T-402.9.1 Protective thickness: Floors and roofs required to have re-
sistance of a given rating to the spread of fire shall have such thickness
of the materials of which it is constructed, as shall be necessary for the
required rating, and structural metal forming a part of such floors or
roofs shall have protection against fire of such required rating. Floors
and roofs required to have two (2) hour or longer resistance to fire shall
be constructed of noncombustible materials. Granolithic, burned clay tile,
ceramic tile or other similar incombustible floor finish of a given thickness
may be substituted for an equal thickness, and sand, cinder or other
incombustible filling material, with or without embedded wooden screeds,
may be substituted for two-thirds (2/3) its thickness, of the floor or roof
construction material specified in this section, provided that such floors
and roofs shall have adequate thickness for structural purposes.
T-402.9. 2 Fireresistance rating: Floor or roof construction shall be
assumed to afford resistance to the spread of fire of the rating indicated
in the following Sections T-402.9. 3 through T-402.9. 6:
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T -402. 9. 3 Four (4) hour rating
1. Four (4) inches solid slab of reinforced Portland cement concrete or
reinforced precast gypsum concrete.
2. Four (4) inches solid masonry arches or slabs.
3. Four (4) inches structural clay floor tile masonry arches or slabs
with top covering of not less than two (2) inches of solid masonry
or reinforced concrete.
4. Five (5) inches combination reinforced Portland cement concrete slab
consisting of permanent fillers of concrete block, gypsum or struc-
tural clay tile and one and one-half (1H) inches of concrete topping;
but if structural clay partition tiles are used for fillers, they shall
be plastered on the soffit.
T-402.9.4 Three (3) hour rating
1. Three (3) inches solid slab of reinforced Portland cement concrete
or reinforced precast gypsum concrete.
2. Three (3) inches solid masonry arches or slabs.
3. Four (4) inches structural clay floor tile masonry, arches or slabs
with top covering of not less than one and one-half Oh) inches of
solid masonry or reinforced concrete.
4. Four (4) inches combination reinforced Portland cement concrete
slab consisting of permanent fillers of concrete block, gypsum or
structural clay tile and one (1) inch concrete topping; but if struc-
tural clay partition tiles are used for fillers, they shall be plastered
on the soffit.
T-402.9.5 Two (2) hour rating
1. Two and one-half (2h) inches solid slab of reinforced Portland ce-
ment concrete or reinforced precast gypsum concrete.
2. Two and one-half (2^) inches solid masonry arches or slabs.
3. Three (3) inches structural clay floor tile masonry, arches or slabs
with top covering of not less than one (1) inch of solid masonry or
reinforced concrete.
T-402.9.6 One (1) hour rating
1. Three (3) inches structural clay floor tile masonry, arches or slabs
with all joints thoroughly filled with cement or gypsum mortar.
2. Wood floor or roof construction with joists not less than one and
five-eighths (1 5/8) inches in least dimension, firestopped, double
board floor, approved asbestos felt between layers of boards, and
with a ceiling of at least three-quarters (3/4) inch cement or gyp-
sum plaster on metal lath.
3. Steel beams or steel joists not more than thirty-six (36) inches
apart on centers with noncombustible floor and a ceiling of at least
three-quarters (3/4) inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath
metal furring.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T-402.10 Fireresistive ceiling construction
T-402.10.1 Protective thickness: Ceilings required to afford fire protec-
tion of a given rating to the floor or roof framing under which it is sup-
ported shall be of fireresistive materials of at least the thickness neces-
sary for the given rating. A fireresistive ceiling and all hangers and
fastenings necessary for its support to the protected framing shall be of
noncombustible materials. It shall be capable of sustaining its own weight
without exceeding allowable stresses. Metal reinforcement in such a
ceiling shall be protected from fire as specified in Section T-402.8 for
reinforcing in a floor.
T-402.10. 2 Fireresistance rating: Ceiling construction shall be assumed
to afford to floor or roof framing fire protection of the rating indicated in
the following Sections T-402.10. 3 through T-402.10. 6.
T-402.10. 3 Four (4) hour rating
1. Two and one-half (2^) inches solid slab of reinforced Portland ce-
ment concrete or reinforced precast gypsum concrete.
2. Two (2) inches precast reinforced gypsum concrete, plastered.
T-402.10. 4 Three (3) hour rating
1. Two (2) inches solid slab of reinforced Portland cement concrete or
reinforced precast gypsum concrete.
2. Two (2) inches precast reinforced gypsum concrete, lapped or rab-
beted joints.
T-402.10. 5 Two (2) hour rating: One and one-half (1H) inches solid
slab of reinforced Portland cement concrete or reinforced precast gypsum
concrete .
T-402.10. 6 One (1) hour rating: Three quarter (3/4) inch cement or
gypsum plaster on metal lath.
T-402.11 Fireresistive bearing walls and partitions
T-402.11.1 Protective thickness: Bearing walls and partitions required
to have resistance to fire or the spread of fire of a given rating shall be
constructed of fireresistive materials and shall have at least the thickness
necessary for the required rating. Walls required to have two (2) hour
or longer rating shall be of noncombustible materials. Steel reinforcement
in reinforced concrete walls shall have the same protection for the given
rating as is required in Section T-402.9 for floors.
T-402.11. 2 Fireresistance rating: Bearing walls and partitions shall be
assumed to have resistance to fire and the spread of fire of the rating
indicated in the following Sections T-402.11. 3 through T-402.11. 6:
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T -402. 11. 3 Four (4) hour rating:
1. Eight (8) inches solid brick masonry.
2. Twelve (12) inches hollow wall of brick masonry, minimum eight (8)
inch masonry thickness.
3. Twelve (12) inches structural clay load-bearing tile masonry with
two (2) units and not less than three (3) cells in the thickness of
the wall.
4. Eight (8) inches structural clay load-bearing tile masonry with one
(1) unit and not less than two (2) cells in the thickness of the
wall, plastered both sides.
5. Twelve (12) inches concrete block masonry with one (1) unit and
not less than two (2) cells in the thickness of the wall.
6. Eight (8) inches one (1) piece concrete block masonry with shells
and webs at least one and one-half (1^) inches thick, plastered
both sides.
7. Twelve (12) inches total thickness of brick masonry facing bonded
to structural clay load-bearing tile masonry backing.
8. Eight (8) inches solid concrete.
9. Six (6) inches solid reinforced concrete.
10. A steel or reinforced concrete frame bearing wall in which the steel
has fire protection of four (4) hour rating, with panel filling as
specified in Section T-402.12 for a nonbearing wall of four (4) hour
rating .
T-402.11.4 Three (3) hour rating:
1. Eight (8) inches structural clay load-bearing tile masonry with two
(2) units and not less than four (4) cells in the thickness of the
wall.
2. Twelve (12) inches structural clay load-bearing tile masonry with
one (1) unit and not less than three (3) cells in the thickness of
the wall.
3. Eight (8) inches one (1) piece concrete block masonry with shells
and webs not less than one and one-half (1^) inches thick, plas-
tered both sides.
4. Eight (8) inches one (1) piece concrete block masonry with shells
and webs not less than two (2) inches thick.
5. Five (5) inches solid reinforced concrete.
6. A steel or reinforced concrete frame bearing wall in which the steel
has fire protection of three (3) hour rating, with panel filling as
specified in Section T-402.12 for a nonbearing wall of three (3)
hour rating.
T-402.11.5 Two (2) hour rating:
1. Eight (8) inches structural clay load-bearing tile masonry with not
less than three (3) cells in the thickness of the wall.
2. Eight (8) inches concrete block masonry with shells and webs not
less than one and one-half (1^) inches thick.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
3. A steel or reinforced concrete frame bearing wall in which the steel
has fire protection of two (2) hour rating, with panel filling as
specified in Section T-402.12 for a nonbearing wall of two (2) hour
rating .
T-402.11.6 One (1) hour rating:
1. A steel or wooden stud bearing wall covered on both sides with one
(1) inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath, firestopped if of
wood.
2. A steel or reinforced concrete frame bearing wall in which the steel
has fire protection of one (1) hour rating, with panel filling as
specified in Section T-402.12 for a nonbearing wall of one (1) hour
rating .
T-402.12 Fireresistive nonbearing walls and partitions
T-402.12.1 Protective thickness: Nonbearing walls and partitions re-
quired to have resistance to fire and the spread of fire of a given rating
shall be constructed of fireresistive materials and shall have at least the
thickness necessary for the required rating. Walls required to have two
(2) hour or longer rating shall be of incombustible materials. Steel rein-
forcement in reinforced concrete walls shall have the same protection for
the given rating as is required in Section T-402.8.
T-402.12. 2 Fireresistance rating: Nonbearing walls and partitions shall
be assumed to have resistance to fire and the spread of fire of the rating
indicated in the following Sections T-402.12. 3 through T-402.12. 6:
T-402.12. 3 Four (4) hour rating:
1. Eight (8) inches solid brick masonry.
2. Three and one-half (3^) inches solid brick masonry, plastered both
sides.
3. Six (6) inches structural clay load-bearing tile, plastered both
sides.
4. Six (6) inches solid concrete.
5. Four (4) inches solid reinforced concrete.
6. Any wall which, as a bearing wall, has a three (3) hour or four
(4) hour rating in Section T-402.11, except the steel or reinforced
concrete frame bearing wall.
T-402.12. 4 Three (3) hour rating:
1. Three and one-half (3^) inches solid brick masonry.
2. Four (4) inches structural clay load-bearing tile, plastered both
sides.
3. Four (4) inches solid concrete.
4. Three (3) inches reinforced concrete.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
5. Any wall which, as a bearing wall, has a two (2) hour rating in
Section T-402.11 except the steel or reinforced concrete frame
bearing wall.
T -402. 12. 5 Two (2) hour rating:
1. Three (3) inches gypsum tile masonry plastered both sides except
in exterior walls.
2. Eight (8) inches structural clay partition tile masonry, plastered
both sides.
3. Eight (8) inches structural clay load-bearing tile, with three (3)
cells in the thickness of the wall.
4. Four (4) inches concrete block plastered both sides.
5. Two (2) inches solid neat, fibered, gypsum plaster on metal lath
and noncombustible studding.
T-402.12.6 One (1) hour rating:
1. Three (3) inches gypsum tile masonry.
2. Two (2) inches solid gypsum tile masonry plastered both sides.
3. Three (3) inches structural clay partition tile plastered both sides.
4. Two and one-half (2^) inches solid cement or sanded gypsum plas-
ter on metal lath and noncombustible studding.
5. Three (3) inches total thickness of hollow wall, three-quarter (3/4)
inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath and noncombustible
studding .
6. Three (3) inches total thickness of hollow wall, three-quarter (3/4)
inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath and wooden studding,
f irestopped .
T-402.13 Fireresistive doors
T -402. 13.1 General: Doors which are required to be fire doors, fire-
resistive doors, or of fireresistive construction shall conform to the re-
quirements of this section and Section T-402.14.
T-402.13. 2 Classification: Fire doors shall be classified for the pur-
poses of this code as Class A, Class B, and Class C.
T-402.13. 3 Class A fire doors: Class A fire doors shall be doors of the
following construction and as specified in Section T-402.14:
1. Tin-clad, three (3) ply wood core, sliding.
2. Tin-clad, three (3) ply wood core, swinging single leaf, doorway
not over six (6) feet wide.
3. Tin-clad, three (3) ply wood core, swinging in pairs, doorway not
over (4) feet wide.
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4. Hollow metal, swinging single leaf, doorway not over four (4) feet
wide.
5. Hollow metal, swinging in pairs, doorway not over eight (8) feet
wide.
6. Sheet metal, sliding, single, doorway not over ten (10) feet wide.
7. Sheet metal, sliding in pairs, doorway not over twelve (12) feet
. wide.
8. Sheet metal, swinging single leaf, doorway not over six (6) feet
wide.
9. Sheet metal, swinging in pairs, doorway not over ten (10) feet
wide.
10. Steel rolling doorway not over twelve (12) feet wide.
11. Steel plate, doorway not over four (4) feet wide.
12. Any other construction equal or superior to a tin- clad three (3) ply
wood core door in a standard fire test, for resistance to fire, the
spread of fire and smoke, and transmission of heat.
T-402.13.4 Class B fire doors: Class B fire doors shall be doors of the
following construction and as specified in Section T-402.14:
1. Tin-clad, three (3) ply wood core.
2. Tin-clad, two (2) ply wood core, sliding, doorway not over ten
(10) feet wide.
3. Tin-clad, two (2) ply wood core, swinging single leaf, doorway not
over six (6) feet wide.
4. Tin-clad, two (2) ply wood core, swinging in pairs, doorway not
over ten (10) feet wide.
5. Hollow metal, sliding, doorway not over eight (8) feet wide.
6. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging single leaf, doorway not over three
(3) feet wide.
7. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging in pairs, doorway not over six (6)
feet wide.
8. Any other construction equal or superior to a tin-clad two (2) ply
wood core door in a standard fire test, for resistance to fire, the
spread of fire and smoke, and transmission of heat.
T-402.13.5 Class C fire doors: Class C Fire doors shall be doors of
the following construction and as specified in Section T-402.14:
1. Metal- clad, paneled, swinging single leaf, doorway not over four
(4) feet wide.
2. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging in pairs, doorway not over eight (8)
feet wide.
T-402.13.6 Substitution: A Class A door may be used where Class B
or Class C is specified; a Class B door may be used where Class C is
specified. Two (2) Class B or Class C doors on opposite sides of the
wall may be used where a single Class A or Class B door is specified.
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T -402. 13. 7 Overlap: Fireresistive doors, when closed, shall completely
cover the doorways in the walls and partitions or the openings in the
floors or roofs to which they are fitted. A swinging fire door shall
either overlap both jambs and the head of the opening not less than four
(4) inches or be fitted to a fireresistive frame with a rabbet the full
thickness of the door and with not less than one half (S) inch overlap on
the door. A sliding fire door, except in enclosures about passenger
elevators, shall overlap both jambs and the head of the opening not less
than four (4) inches. A sliding fire door in an enclosure about a passen-
ger elevator shall overlap jambs, head and adjoining panels not less than
one half (S) inch. Fire doors shall fit closely at the floor with clearance
of not over one quarter (S) inch.
T-402.13.8 Thresholds: In buildings with combustible floors, doorways
required to have fire doors shall have noncombustible thresholds the full
thickness of the wall, extending at least four (4) inches from the face of
the wall where a door is hung and extending laterally at least six (6)
inches behind each jamb of the doorway. Thresholds may be flush with
the floor.
T-402.13.9 Rabbeted frame: The rabbeted frame of a swinging fire
door shall be constructed of structural steel built into the concrete,
masonry or other fireresistive material of the wall about the opening and
secured thereto, except that the rabbeted frame of a Class B or C door
may be of wood, covered with sheet metal not less than No. 26 gauge in
thickness, secured to the wall in the opening.
T -402. 13. 10 Fit: Fire doors when closed shall fit tightly against the wall
or frame so as to provide an effective stop for fire and smoke. Except
for the metal-covered wooden frame specified in this section, combustible
material shall not intervene between the door and the fireresistive material
of the wall, floor or roof to which it is fitted.
T -402. 13. 11 Hardware: Hinge hardware for fire doors shall be of malle-
able iron or rolled structural steel not less than one quarter Q%) inch
thick except that tubular steel track for sliding doors may be not less
than one eighth (1/8) inch thick. Equivalent thickness of solid bronze or
brass may be used. Fire doors shall not depend upon cords, cables or
chains to support them in closed position except in elevator shafts.
T-402.13.12 Tracks: Tracks for sliding fire doors shall be so supported
that a track hanger comes at each door hanger when the door is closed.
Track hangers shall be secured to wood stud walls by screws or bolts, to
steel stud walls by bolts or rivets, to masonry walls by through bolts and
to concrete walls by through bolts or approved built-in inserts. Expan-
sion shields shall not be used to support fire doors.
T-402.13.13 Hinges: Hinges for swinging fire doors, except in wooden
stud walls, shall be riveted or through-bolted to the structural steel
frame of the opening, through-bolted to the wall if of masonry or con-
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
crete or secured by approved inserts in the concrete or built into mason-
ry in an approved manner.
T-402.13.14 Strap hinges: Strap hinges and sliding door hangers shall
be secured to fire doors by through-bolting, riveting or welding. Swing-
ing fire doors in rabbeted frames, except tin-clad, wood core doors, may
be hung on butts. Other swinging fire doors shall have strap hinges.
T-402.13.15 Straps, locks and latches: Sliding fire doors shall have
adequate stops for the closed position. Swinging Class A fire doors shall
have surface latches or unit locks. Class B and C doors shall have sur-
face latches, unit or mortise locks. The latch bolts of unit or mortise
locks on fire doors shall have a throw of three quarters (3/4) inch.
When mounted in pairs, fire doors shall be rabbeted by means of an
astragal or otherwise where they come together. One of a pair of swing-
ing fire doors shall have push bolts at top and bottom with a throw of
three quarters (3/4) inch and the other shall be held by latch to the
first.
T-402.13.16 Opening hardware: Except in detention buildings, fire
doors hung in required exits shall be so fitted with hardware that they
can be opened from inside without use of a key when the building is
occupied.
T-402.14 Fire door construction
T -402. 14.1 Fastening: In the construction of fire doors, solder shall
not be used except for filling joints. Sheet metal shall be fastened to
wood by nailing and to metal frame by bolting, riveting or welding.
T-402.14. 2 Glass: Class A doors shall not have glass panels. Class B
doors may have glass panels not larger than one hundred (100) square
inches in exposed area nor more than twelve (12) inches in width or
height. Class C doors may have glass panels not larger than two thou-
sand and sixteen (2,016) square inches in total exposed area, and any
single light shall not have an exposed area exceeding twelve hundred and
ninety-six (1,296) square inches. Glass in fire doors shall be wire glass
not less than one quarter (h) inch thick and shall be set five eighths
(5/8) inch in grooves three quarters (3/4) of an inch deep.
T-402.14. 4 Tin-clay, two (2) ply: In-clad, two (2) ply wood core
doors shall be constructed in accordance with the specifications of the
National Board of Fire Underwriters for such doors in Class B openings
and shall bear the label of the Underwriters' Laboratories to this effect.
T-402.14. 5 Hollow metals: Hollow metal doors shall have substantial
stiles and rails of heavy pressed steel, reinforced for hinges and other
hardware. Panels shall be of sheet filled with asbestos board or other
approved insulating materials. The door shall be assembled by welding or
riveting .
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T-402.14.6 Sheet metals: Sheet metal doors shall be constructed with a
rolled steel rigid frame covered both sides with one sixteenth (1/16) inch
asbestos board and No. 26 gauge corrugated sheet metal, with corruga-
tions vertical on one (1) side and horizontal on the other, bound on the
edges with rolled steel or pressed steel shapes.
T-402.14.7 Steel rolling: A steel rolling fire door shall be constructed
of sheet steel interlocking slats, sliding in grooves, counterweighted by
springs, with the roller and mechanism enclosed in heavy sheet metal.
T -402. 14.8 Steel plate: A steel plate fire door shall be constructed of
not less than No. 12 gauge steel plate mounted on a rolled steel frame,
assembled by welding or riveting.
T-402.14.9 Metal clad: A metal clad, paneled fire door shall have a
wood core with stiles and rails not less than one and three quarters (1
3/4) inches thick covered with No. 26 gauge sheet steel; panels three
quarters (3/4) inch thick covered with No. 26 gauge sheet steel, set
three quarters (3/4) inch in grooves; joints of metal lapped and well
nailed.
T-402.14.10 Class A label: A door properly bearing the Underwriters'
label certifying that it is suitable for the protection of a Class A opening
shall be acceptable as a Class A door.
T-402.14.11 Class B label: A door properly bearing the Underwriters'
label certifying that it is suitable for the protection of a Class B opening
shall be acceptable as a Class B door, except that metal clad doors wider
than three (3) feet shall not be accepted as Class B doors.
T-402.14.12 Class C label: A door properly bearing the Underwiters'
label certifying that it is suitable for the protection of a Class C opening
shall be acceptable as a Class C door.
T-402.15 Fireresistive shutters: Shutters required to be fire shut-
ters or fireresistive shutters shall be constructed and hung as specified
for Class B fireresistive doors in Sections T-402.13 and T-402.14.
T-402.16 Fireresistive windows
T-402.16.1 General: Windows which are required to be fire windows,
fireresistive windows, or of fireresistive construction shall conform to the
requirements of this section.
T-402.16. 2 Moveable: Fireresistive windows may be fixed or arranged
to open and close. Fixed fireresistive windows shall be so secured in the
walls in which they are placed that they may expand in case of fire with-
out buckling. Moveable fireresistive windows shall be opened or closed in
one (1) of the following manners:
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1. One (1) or more sashes may slide horizontally in a fireresistive
frame.
2. One (1) or more sashes may slide vertically with counterweights or
with two (2) sashes counterbalanced and hung on chains. If a sash
is closed in raised position, it shall have a fastening.
3. A sash may be hinged at top, bottom, or either side.
4. A sash may be pivoted at top and bottom or at the sides.
5. A sash may be arranged to open and close in any other approved
manner, with approved hardware.
T-402.16.3 Sash: Moveable sashes in fireresistive windows shall be
fitted to fireresistive frames of the same or similar construction. Both
sashes and frames, and metal mullions between window units, shall be so
fitted in the walls in which they are placed as to be continuous with the
fireresistive material of the wall and so secured that they may expand in
case of fire without buckling.
T-402.16.4 Glass: Glass in fireresistive windows shall be wired glass
not less than one quarter (k) inch thick and the area of a single light
shall not exceed seven hundred and twenty (720) square inches. Glass
shall be set three eighths (3/8) inch in grooves at least one half (S) inch
deep. Glass shall be secured by glazing angles or moldings screwed to
the sash and forming continuous grooves for the glass.
T-402.16.5 Construction: Fireresistive windows shall be of the follow-
ing construction:
1. Hollow sheet metal sashes and frames fabricated by pressing, weld-
ing, riveting or crimping without the use of solder or other fusible
alloy, except for filling joints, and bearing the label of Under-
writers' Laboratories.
2. Rolled steel or pressed steel sashes fabricated by pressing, weld-
ing, riveting or crimping, of a make and style approved by the
commissioner .
3. Any other approved constructions as fireresistive as that specified
in item 1 above.
T-402.16.6 Hollow sheet metal: Fired fireresistive windows of hollow
sheet metal construction shall not exceed seven (7) feet in width nor ten
(10) feet in height. Fireresistive windows of hollow sheet metal construc-
tion with moveable sashes shall not exceed six (6) feet in width nor ten
(10) feet in height.
T-402.16.7 Rolled steel: Fireresistive windows of rolled steel construc-
tion shall not exceed eighty-four (84) square feet in area nor twelve (12)
feet in either height or width.
T-402.16.8 Wind pressure: Fireresistive windows and their fastenings
shall be capable of resisting the wind pressure on the wall of the building
854
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
applied either on the inside or the outside of the window without exceed-
ing allowable stresses.
T-402.16.9 Substitution: Where fireresistive windows are required,
wooden windows and plain glass may be substituted provided the openings
are protected by fireresistive doors or shutters, or, in buildings of ap-
proved occupancy and construction, by an approved system of open
sprinklers .
T-402.17 Fireresistive roof covering
T-402.17.1 Classification: Roof covering allowed under this code shall
be classified as fire-retardant or ordinary, according to resistance to fire
outside, as provided in this section. Fire-retardant roof covering is the
more fireresistive and may be used on any building. Ordinary roof
covering shall not be used where fire-retardant roofing is specified.
Roof covering less fireresistive than ordinary roof covering shall not be
used on any building.
T-402.17. 2 Fire-retardant roofing: Fire-retardant roofing shall be any
roof covering that meets the requirements of Class A or Class B roofing
under the specifications of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. The
following roof covering shall be assumed to meet the requirements for
fire-retardant roofing:
1. Built-up roofing consisting of successive layers of roofing felt im-
pregnated with asphalt; a final layer of asphalt in which, while
molten, is embedded a continuous layer of roofing gravel or slag.
2. Built-up roofing consisting of successive layers of roofing felt im-
pregnated with coal tar; a final layer of tar in which, while molten,
is embedded a continuous layer of roofing gravel or slag.
3. Built-up roofing consisting of successive layers of roofing felt im-
pregnated with asphalt; a final layer of asbestos roofing felt impreg-
nated with asphalt weighing not less than fourteen (14) pounds per
hundred (100) square feet, or a final layer of asphalt- saturated
prepared roofing coated with granulated slate or other similar
material .
4. Built-up roofing consisting of successive layers of roofing felt im-
pregnated with tar or asphalt and a finish of burned clay floor tile,
stone flagging, cement concrete or other similar material.
5. Sheet metal with locked and soldered joints not less than No. 26
gauge in thickness.
6. Shingles of natural slate.
7. Shingles of burned clay tile.
8. Shingles of sheet metal not less than No. 26 gauge in thickness.
9. Shinqles of asbestos board not less than one-eighth (1/8) inch
thick.
10. Shingles of asphalt saturated felt surfaced with granulated slate or
other similar material and carrying the Underwriters Class "C"
label.
855
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
11. Corrugated sheet metal with lapped joints not less than No. 26
gauge in thickness.
12. Corrugated asbestos board not less than three-sixteenths (3/16)
inch thick.
T-402.17.3 Ordinary roofing: Ordinary roofing shall be of any roof
covering which meets the requirements of Class C roofing under the spe-
cifications of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. The following roof
covering shall be assumed to meet the requirements for ordinary roofing:
1. Built-up roofing consisting of successive layers of roofing felt im-
pregnated with asphalt, coal tar or other approved material, not
equal in fireresistance to a fire-retardant roofing.
2. Prepared roofing consisting of felt or fabric impregnated or coated,
or both, with asphalt, tar or other approved material or shingles of
such prepared roofing, not equal in fireresistance to fire-retardant
roofing .
3. Canvas stretched tightly and coated with paint.
T-402.17.4 Means of securing: Built-up roofing shall be secured to the
roof deck in the following manner:
1. Over masonry slab, the first layer shall be laid in molten asphalt or
tar mopped on the roof deck, after the deck is properly primed, or
by nailing a layer of building paper to nailing inserts other than
wood placed in the deck.
2. Over wood decks, the built-up roofing shall be secured by nailing a
layer of building paper to the roof deck over which the prepared
roofing is to be laid with the first layer laid in molten asphalt or
tar.
3. Roofings other than built-up roofings, such as shingles, slates, and
tile roll roofing shall be well secured to the deck t>y nailing, bolt-
ing, wiring, or other approved methods.
9/1/80 856
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX U
HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Historic structures individually listed in the National Register of Historic
Places, qualifying as totally preserved buildings (see Section 436.3).
Acton Faulkner Homestead, High Street
Agawam Capt. Charles Leonard House, Main Street
Amesbury Rocky Hill Meetinghouse, Portsmouth Road
Arlington Fowle-Reed-Wyman House, 64 Old Mystic Street
Jason Russell, 7 Jason Street
Old Schwamb Mill, 17 Mill Lane
Barre Barre Historical Society, Common Street
Barnstable Barnstable Custom House, Route 6A
Bedford Job Lane House, 295 North Road
Beverly John Balch House, 448 Cabot Street
Capt. John Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street
Rev. John Hale House, 39 Hale Street
Boston Gleason House, Beacon Street
James Blake House, E. Cottage Street (Dor.)
Clapp Houses, 105 Boston Street (Dor.)
Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street (JP)
Pierce House, 24 Oakten Avenue (Dor.)
South End Historical Soc . , 532 Massachusetts
Avenue
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The
Fenway
Boxford Holyoke- French House, Elm Street
Sylvanius- Thayer Birthplace, 786 Washington
Street
Brookline Edward Devotion House, 347 Harvard Street
Burlington Francis Wyman House, Francis Wyman Road
Cambridge Cooper-Frost- Austin House, 21 Linnaean Street
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Charlton Ryder Tavern, Stafford Street
Chelmsford Old Chelmsford Garrison House, 105 Garrison
Road
Chelsea Gov. Bellingham-Cary House, 34 Parker Street
Cohasset Caleb Lothrop House, 14 Summer Street
Danvers Fowler House, 166 High Street
Rebecca Nurse House
Glen Magna House
Dennis Tosiah Dennis Manse, Nobscuset Road
West Schoolhouse
Duxbury Gershom Bradford House, 931 Tremont Street
King Caesar House, King Caesar Road
Gloucester Beauport, Eastern Pt. Blvd.
Hammond Castle, 80 Hesperus Avenue
Hadley Hadley Farm Museum, Russell Street
Porter Phelps Huntinghouse , 130 River Drive
Haverhill The Whittier House, 305 Whittier Road
Holyoke Wisteriahurst, 238 Cabot Street
Ipswich Castle Hill, Argilla Road
Lee Merrell Tavern, Route 102
Lexington Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford Street
Sanderson House, 314 Massachusetts Avenue
Monroe Tavern, 1332 Massachusetts Avenue
Lincoln The Grange, Codman Road
Lowell Whistler House, Worthen Street
Lynnfield Meetinghouse
Medford Peak House, 347 Main Street
Milton Dr. Amos Holbrook House, 203 Adams Street
Daniel Vose House, 1370 Canton Avenue
New Salem Whitaker-Clary House, Elm Street
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Newbury
Newton
North Andover
North Easton
Norwood
Orleans
Oxford
Peabody
Pittsfield
Plymouth
Quincy
Randolph
Reading
Rockport
Salem
Sandwich
APPENDIX U
Tristram Coffin House, 16 High Road
Spencer-Pierce-Little House, Little Lane
Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street
Parson Barnard House, Osgood Street
Old Colony Railroad Station, Oliver Street
Fred Holland Day, 93 Bay Street
French Cable Station, Cove Road
Clara Barton Homestead, Clara Barton Road
Gen. Gideon Foster House, 35 Washington
Street
Herman Melville House, 78 Holmes Road
Plymouth Antiquarian Society, 126 Water
Street
Harlow Old Ft. House, 19 Sandwich Street
Pilgrim Hall, 75 Court Street
Richard Sparrow House, 42 Summer Street
Adams Academy, 8 Adams
Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Street
Josiah Quincy House, 20 Muirhead Street
Jonathan Belcher House, 360 N. Main
Parker Tavern, 103 Washington Street
Old Castle, Castle Lane
House of 7 Gables, 46-54 Turner Street
Essex Institute, Essex Street
The Norbone House
Witch Museum
Crowningshield Bently, Essex Street
Gardner-Pingree House, 128 Essex Street
Gedney House, 21 High Street
Cox House, 19 High Street
Hoxie House, 18 Water Street
Eldred House, 4 Water Street
Wing Fort House, Spring Hill Road
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Sheffield
Shrewsbury
Springfield
Stockbridge
Swansea
Taunton
Watertown
Wenham
West Springfield
Weston
Woburn
Wilmington
Worcester
Col. John Ashley House, Cooper Hill Road
Gen. Artemas Ward Homestead, Main Street
Alexander House, State Street
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum
Naumkeag, Prospect Hill
The Luther Store, 160 Old Warren Road
The Martin House, 22 Stoney Hill Road
Old Colony Historical Society, 66 Church
Green
Parson Capen House
Edmund Fowle House, 26 Marshall Street
Claflin-Richard House, 132 Main
Josiah Day House, 70 Park Street
Golden Ball Tavern, Old Post Road
Loammi Baldwin Mansion, 2 Alfred Street
Harden Tavern, 436 Salem Street
Timothy Paine House, 140 Lincoln Street
National Historic Landmarks
Amesbury
Boston
Concord
John Greenleaf Whittier Home, 86 Friend Street
African Meeting House, 8 Smith Court
Nichols House, 55 Mt. Vernon Street
Brook Farm, 678 Baker Street (Rox.)
Christ Church, 191 Salem Street
Faneuil Hall, Dock Square
1st Harrison Gray Otis House, 141 Beacon
Street
Paul Revere House, 19 North Street
Ralph Waldo Emerson House, 28 Cambridge
Tpk.
The Old Manse
Orchard House, 299 Lexington Road
9/1/80
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Dedham
Deerfield
Hancock
Harvard
Hingham
Ipswich
Lexington
Marblehead
Marshfield
Medford
Milton
Nantucket
New Bedford
Newbury port
Quincy
Salem
Saugus
Stockbridge
Waltham
APPENDIX U
Fairbanks House
Old Deerfield Village Historic District
Hancock Shaker Village
Fruitlands, Prospect Street
Old Ship Meetinghouse, Main Street
John Whipple House, 53 S. Main Street
Hancock Clarke House, 35 Hancock Street
Jeremiah Lee House, Washington Street
King Hooper Mansion, Hooper Street
Daniel Webster Law Office, Webster Street
Peter Tufts House, 350 Riverside Drive
Isaac Royal House, 15 George Street
Capt. R. B. Forbes House, 215 Adams
Nantucket Historic District
Jethro Coffin House, Sunset Hill
New Bedford Historic District
Caleb Cushing House, 98 High Street
John Adams Birthplace, 133 Franklin Street
John Quincy Adams Birthplace, 141 Franklin
Street
Peabody Museum
The Custom House, 178 Derby Street
Scotch Boardman House, 117 Howard Street
Chesterwood, Williamsville Road
The Mission House, Main Street
The Vale, Lyman Street
Gore Place, 52 Gore Street
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Woburn Count Rumford Birthplace, 90 Elm Street
Worcester American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury
Street
Historic structures individually listed in the National Register of Historic
Places not qualifying as totally preserved buildings (see Partially pre-
served buildings, Section 436.5). Refer to:
1. National Register of Historic Places,
U.S. Federal Register, February 1, 1978, Part II.
2. National Register of Historic Places (additions). Contact the
Massachusetts Historical Commission at 294 Washington Street,
Boston, 02108.
Historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Refer
to:
1. National Register of Historic Places, U. S. Federal Register,
February 1, 1979, Part II.
2. National Register of Historic Places (additions). Contact the
Massachusetts Historical Commission at 294 Washington Street,
Boston, 02108.
Structures proposed for certification as partially preserved not listed in
the national register of historic places. Refer to Massachusetts Histori-
cal Commission Inventory Forms.
Contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission at 294 Washington
Street, Boston, 02108.
9/1/80 862
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX V
REFERENCE DATA FOR BUILDING TEMPERATURE RESTRICTIONS
The following sections of the Building Temperature Restrictions as pub-
lished in the July 5, 1979 Federal Register 44 FR 39354 shall be incorpor-
ated, as applicable, as part of the requirements of Section 2016.0:
1. 490.5 Definitions: All definitions are to be included except for
the following: (r) owner, (x) secretary, and (bb) state.
2. 490.11 HVAC systems without capability for simultaneous heating
and cooling.
3. 490.12 HVAC systems with capability for simultaneous heating and
cooling .
4. 490.13 Requirement for accuracy of space -conditioning control
devices .
5. 490.14 Regulation of building temperatures during unoccupied
periods .
6. 490.15 Auxiliary heaters.
7. 490.16 Use of ventilation equipment.
8. 490.17 Measurement techniques.
9. 490.18 Exemptions for heating and cooling restrictions.
10. 490.21 Regulation of hot water controls.
11. 490.22 Measurement of domestic hot water temperature.
12. 490.23 Maintenance of hot water temperature control devices.
13. 490.24 Exemption from hot water restrictions.
14. 490.31 General exemptions.
15. 490.33 Limitation of exceptions or exemptions.
16. 490.34 Scope of exceptions of exemptions.
17. 490.43 Self-certification and filing of building compliance informa-
tion form.
863
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
APPENDIX W
REFERENCE STANDARDS - ARTICLE 21
RS-21-1 Shower Compartment Finish
Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile Installed with Portland
Cement Mortar ANSI A108. 1,1967 - American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) A108.1 - 1967
Ceramic Tile Installed with Chemical Resistant,
Water Cleanable Tile-Setting and Grouting
Epoxy-ANSI A108.6, 1969
Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar (for installation of
ceramic tile) - ANSI A118. 1,1967
Organic Adhesives for Installation of Ceramic Tile-
ANSI A136. 1,1967 (Type I only in Shower Compart-
ments) Standard Specification for Ceramic Tile-ANSI
A137. 1,1967
Ceramic Tile Installed with Dry-Set Portland Cement
Mortar - ANSI A108.5,1967
Ceramic Mosaic Tile Installed with Portland Cement
Mortar - ANSI A108.2,1967
Ceramic Tile Installed with Water-Resistant Organic
Adhesives - ANSI A108.4,1968
RS-21-2 Glazing Materials
Glass. Federal Specification DD-G 451c
Safety Glazing Materials - ANSI Z97. 1,1972
RS-21-3 Foundations
Building Brick and Facing Brick. (Made from Clay or
Shale). Standard Specifications C62-58 and C216
of the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) .
Sand-Lime Building Brick. Standard Specification
C73-51 of ASTM.
Concrete Building Brick. Standard Specification
C55-55 of ASTM.
Hollow Load-Bearing Concrete Masonry Units. Standard
Specification C90-59 of ASTM.
9/1/80 863.1
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Solid Load-Bearing Concrete Masonry Units. Standard
Specification C145-59 of ASTM.
Method of Test for Concrete Masonry Units. Standard
Specification C140-63T of ASTM.
Structural Clay Load-Bearing Wall Tile. Standard
Specifications C34-62 and C112-60 of ASTM.
Cast Stone. Specification ACI 704-44 of the American
Concrete Institute.
Cold-Drawn Steel Wire for Concrete Reinforcement.
Standard Specification A82 of ASTM.
Cement, Masonry. Standard Specification C91-67 of
ASTM.
Quicklime for Structural Purposes. Standard Specifi-
cation C5-59 of ASTM.
Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes. Standard Speci-
fication C207-49 of ASTM.
Processed Pulverized Quicklime. Standard Specifi-
cation C51-47 of ASTM.
Mortar for Masonry Other than Gypsum. Specifications
C161-44T and C270-59T of ASTM.
Aggregate for Masonry Mortar. Specification C144-52T
of ASTM.
Aggregates for Grout. Standard Specification C404
of ASTM.
Sampling and Testing Brick. Standard Specification
C67-60 of ASTM.
Portland Cement. Standard Specifications C150-62
and C175-66 of ASTM.
Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement. Specification
C205-62T of ASTM.
Portland Pozzolan Cement. Specification C340-62T of
ASTM.
Concrete Aggregates. Specification C33-61T of ASTM.
Concrete Proportions. ACI 613-54 and 613-59 of the
American Concrete Institute.
9/1/80 863.2
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Concrete Reinforcement. Specifications A615-68,
A616-68, A617-68 and A82-66 of ASTM.
Steel Bar Mats. Standard Specifications A184-65,
A615-68, A616-68 and A617-68 of ASTM.
Welded Steel Wire Fabric. Specification A185-61T of
ASTM.
Admixtures for Concrete. Standard Specification
C494-62T of ASTM.
Concrete Tests. Standard Specifications C31-62,
C39-61, C42-61 and C192-62 of ASTM.
Splitting Tensile Strength. Specification C496-62T
of ASTM.
Ready-Mixed Concrete. Standard Specification C94-62
of ASTM.
Welding Reinforcing Steel, Metal Inserts and
Connections in Reinforced Concrete Construction.
AWS D12. 1-61 of the American Welding Society.
Hollow Brick. (Hollow Masonry Units Made from Clay
or Shale) Standard Specification C652-70 of ASTM.
Building Brick and Facing Brick. (made from Clay or
Shale) Standard Specifications C62-69 and C216 of
ASTM.
Mortar for Masonry Other than Gypsum. Standard
Specification C270-68 of ASTM.
Aggregate for Masonry Mortar. Standard Specification
C144-70 of ASTM.
Aggregate for Masonry Grout. Standard Specification
C404-70 of ASTM.
Methods of Sampling and Testing Brick. Standard
Specification C67-66 of ASTM.
Applicable Standards or Publications in Referenced
Standard RS-21-5.
RS-21-4 Preservatives
American Wood Preserves Bureau (AWPB) Standards
CP-22, CP-33, CP-44, CP-55, and CP-77 for
pressure treated poles.
9/1/80 863.3
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
AWPB Standards LP-2, LP-3, LP-4, LP-5 and LP-7 for
pressure treated softwood lumber used above
ground.
AWPB Standards LP-22, LP-33, LP-44, LP-55 and LP-77
for pressure treated softwood lumber used in
contact with the ground.
*S-21-5 Wall Construction
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standard RS-21-3.
Classification, Definition and Methods of Grading
for all Species of Lumber. Standard D245-70 of
ASTM; American Softwood Lumber Standards PS 20-70
of the U. S. Department of Commerce.
Design for Permanence, Wood Construction DATA #6
National Forest Products Association (NF.PA).
Eastern Pine, Jack Pine, Eastern Spruce, Balsam Fire,
Eastern Hemlock and Tamarack. Grading Rules,
Northern Hardwood and Pine Manufacturers Association
(September 1, 1970).
House Framing. Manual for National Forest Products
Association Wood Construction DATA #1.
National Design Specification for Stress-Grade Lumber
and Its Fastenings. National Forest Products
Association 1977 with Supplement.
Northeastern Lumber. Standard Grading Rules, North-
eastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (April,
1977).
Pine, Southern. Grading Rules, Southern Pine In-
spection Bureau (1977).
Redwood. Specifications for Grades of California
Redwood Lumber of the Redwood Inspection Service
(December, 1976).
Softwood Plywood. Construction and Industrial
Product Standard PS 1-74 (August, 1974) of the
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Standards.
Design Specifications for Light Metal Plate Connected
Wood Trusses. Truss Plate Institute (TPI) 197.
9/1/80 863.4
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
West Coast Lumber. Standard Grading Rules, West
Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau.
Western Lumber. Standard Grading Rules, Western
Wood Products Association (1977).
Poles Building Design. American Wood Preservers
Institute (November, 1972).
Plank-and-Beam Framing. Wood Construction Data No.
4, National Forest Products Association.
Fiberboard Nail-Base Sheathing and Structural In-
sulating Board. Standard Specifications D2277-66
and C208-66 of ASTM.
Particleboard. U. S. Department of Commerce-Commercial
Standard CS 236-66.
Material Specifications for Structural Steel.
Standard Specifications A27, A36, A53, A148,
A167, A235, A237, A242, A245 , A252, A303, A307,
A325, A354, A374, A375, A412, A440, A441, A446,
A449, A490, A500, A501, A502, A514, A529, A570,
A572 and A588 of ASTM.
Standard Specification for Structural Glued Laminated
Timer Using "E" Rated and Visually Graded Lumber
of Douglas Fir, Southern Pine, Hem-Fir and Lodepole
Pine, American Institute of Timber Construction.
Canadian Lumber. Standard Grading Rules for Canadian
Lumber, U. S. Edition (July 1, 1973). Approved
by the American Lumber Standards Board of Review.
Specifications for Aluminum Structures of the
Aluminum Association.
Connectors other than those specified in Section
2102.0 of this Code may be used in accordance
with Table RS-21-6.
Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection
of Structural Steel for Buildings, American Institute
of Steel Construction, 1969 Edition and Supplements
Nos. 1 and 2.
RS-21-6 Wall Covering
Applicable Standards and Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-2 and RS-21-5.
9/1/80 863.5
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Aluminum Structures. Specifications for, by the
Aluminum Association (November, 1967).
Plaster Liquid Bonding Agents. U. S. Government
Military Specification MIL-B-19235 (Docks) (1965),
and Standards Specifications of the California
Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association
(1965), and Recommendations of the Gypsum
Association.
Adhesives for Fastening Gypsum Wallboard to Wood
Framing. Specification C557-67 of ASTM.
Perlite, Vermiculite and Sand Aggregates for Gypsum
and Portland Cement Plaster. Standards Specifi-
cation C35-70 of ASTM.
Metal Lath, Wire Lath, Wire Fabric Lath and Metal
Accessories. Approval Standard A42. 4-1967 of
ANSI.
Gypsum Wallboard Tape and Joint Compound. Standard
Specifications C475-70 and C474-67 of ASTM.
Gypsum Backing Board. Standard Specification C442-67
of ASTM.
Gypsum Lath. Standard Specification C37-69 of ASTM.
Lime. Standard Specifications C206-68 and C6-49 of
ASTM.
Gypsum Plasters. Standard Specification C28-68 of
ASTM.
Gypsum Sheathing Board. Standards Specification
C79-67 of ASTM.
Gypsum Veneer Plaster. Standards Specification
C587-68 of ASTM.
Gypsum Veneer Base. Standard Specification C588-68
of ASTM.
Gypsum Wallboard. Standard Specification C36-70 of
ASTM.
Keene's Cement. Standard Specification C61-64 of
ASTM.
Gypsum Molding Plaster. Standard Specification
C59-50 of ASTM.
9/1/80 863.6
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Gypsum Plastering. Standard Specification A42. 1-1964
of ANSI.
Interior Lathing and Furring. Standard Specifications
2.4-1967 of ASTM.
Application and Finishing of Gypsum Wallboard.
Standard Specifications A97.1-65 of ANSI.
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
Standard Method of Test E84-70 of ASTM.
RS-21-7 Floors
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-3 and RS-21-5.
Maximum Spans for Joists and Rafters. Technical
Bulletin 2, of NFoPA.
Canadian Dimension Lumber, Revised edition 1972,
Canadian Wood Council.
RS-21-8 Roof-Ceiling
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-3 and RS-21-6.
Maximum Spans for Joists and Rafters. Technical
Bulletin 2, of NFoPA.
Canadian Dimension Lumber. 1971, Canadian Wood
Council.
RS-21-9 Roof Coverings
Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction
by the Aluminum Association (October, 1967).
Composition Roofing. Standard Specification 55-A
(May, 1967) Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
Roofing Asphalt. Standard Specification D312-44 of
ASTM.
Composition Roofing. Standard Specification 55-B.
(April, 1962), Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
Sheet Metals. Standard Specifications A245-62aT,
A361-63T and B209-70 of ASTM.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Corrosion-Resistant Metals. Standard Specifications
A219-58, A239-41 and B209-70 of ASTM.
Composition Roofing Testing. Standard Specification
790 (September, 1958), Underwriters' Laboratories,
Inc.
Hand-Split Shakes. Grading and Packing Rules, Hand-
Split Red Cedar Shakes 1971, Red Cedar Shingle
and Hand-Split Shake Bureau.
Asbestos-Cement Shingles. Standard Specification
C222-60 of ASTM.
Slate Shingles. Standard Specification C406-57T of
ASTM.
Wood Shingles. Commercial Standard CS31-52, U. S.
Department of Commerce, National Bureau of
Standards . Grading and Packing Rules for Red
Cedar Shingles (1971) Red Cedar Shingles and
Handsplit Shake Bureau.
Wire. Standard Specifications B134-62, B211-63, and
B250-62 of ASTM.
RS-21-10 Chimney and Fireplace
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standards RS-21-3 and RS-21-5.
RS-21-11 Mechanical Materials
Galvanized Sheet Metals . Standard Specification
A525-64T of ASTM.
Tank Piping and Valves for Oil Burning Appliances.
Pamphlet No. 31, June, 1965, of the NFiPA.
Nonmetallic Ducts. Standard No. 181 of the UL.
Refrigeration. Standard No. B9. 1-1964 of the ANSI.
Wrought Steel and Wrought Iron Pipe. Standard B36.
10-1959 of the ANSI.
Seamless Copper Tube, Copper Pipe and Red Brass Pipe.
Standard Specifications B42-62, B43-62, B68-60,
B88-66, B251-66 and B280-66 of ASTM.
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780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Compression (neoprene) Gaskets (including hubless
piping system) for Cast Iron Piping and Fittings
in Condensate Drain Lines. Standard Specification
C564-70 of ASTM, or CISPI Standards HSN-72 and
301-72.
Stainless Steel Coupling (hubless piping system) for
Cast Iron Piping and Fittings in Condensate Drain
Lines. CISPI Standard 301-72.
Load Calculation for Residential Winter and Summer
Air-Conditioning. Manual J. , Third Edition, of
NISC.
Installation of Gas Appliances and Gas Piping.
Standard No. 54, 1969 of the NFiPA.
Installation of Gas Piping and Gas Equipment on
Industrial Premises and Certain Other Premises.
Standard No. 54-A, 1969 of the NFiPA.
Chimneys, Fireplaces and Venting Systems. Standard
No. 211, 1970 of the NFiPA.
Installation of Residence-Type Warm Air Heating and
Air Conditioning Systems. Standard No. 90-B,
1971 of the NFiPA.
RS-21-12 Mechanical Equipment
Applicable Standards or Publications in Reference
Standard RS-21-11.
Mechanical Ventilation. Testing and Rating Procedures
of Home Ventilating Institute.
RS-21-13 Smoke/Heat Detectors
NFiPA Standard No. 101 of 1971-1972
NFiPA Standards No. 74 of 1971-1972
RS-21-14 Solid-Fuel Appliances
Factory-Built Chimneys. Standard No. 103, 1978 of
the UL.
Factory-Built Fireplaces. Standard No. 127, 1972
of the UL.
Free-Standing Fireplaces. Standard No. 737, 1978
of the ANSI/UL.
9/1/80 863.9
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Free-Standing Room Heaters. Standard No. 1482,
1979 of the UL.
Solid and Solid/Liquid Fuel Burning Central Heating
Boilers and Warm Air Furnaces. Standard No.
B366-M, 1979 of the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA) .
9/1/80 863'10
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
NON-TEXT PAGE
9/30/82
863.11
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
INDEX
By section number
A
A, use groups, assembly, 203.0
Abandoned structure, 2200.3.1
Absorption units, 2117.0
Identification, 2117.2-
Accepted engineering practice, 110.2,
800.2
Access
Attic, 2106.5
Floor furnace, 2113.6
Panels, for fire department,
859.0
To roofs, 617.0
Warm air furnace, 2112.5
Accessory buildings
Use group T, temporary and
miscellaneous, 211.0
Adhesives
Glued construction, 818.0
Adjoining property
Existing buildings, 1305.0,
2203.15
Fences, 1309.0
Grade control, 1308.1
Notice to owners, 1307.1.3
Protection of, 1312.0
Support during excavations,
permanent, 1307.2
Support during excavations ,
temporary, 1307.1
Administrative
Administration, Article 1
Alternate materials and
methods, 110.0
Application for permits, 113.0
Board of appeals, 126.0
Building classified by building
official, 212.0
Building official approves
plans, 113.5
Building official, definition
201.0
Building official qualifica-
tions, 107.0
Certificate of occupancy, 119.0
Conditions of permit, 115.0
Drawings and specifications
required, 113.0
Existing structures, 105.0
Foundation permits, 114.8
Inspections required, 111.0
Inspectors appointed, 107.2.2
Liability, 107.6
Maintenance of buildings, 104.0
Organization of building depart-
ment, 107.0
Permit fees, 118.0
Permits required, 113.1
Posting of floor loads, 120.1
Powers and duties of building
official, 108.0
Records of department, 108.7
Requirements not in code, 101.3
Restrictions on employees, 107.7
Revocation of permits, 114.2,
309.5
Right of entry on premises, 111.0
Scope of code, 100.2
Stop work orders, 122.0
Tests and test reports, 802.0
Unsafe structures, 123.0, 124.0
Validity of code, 140.0
Violations and penalties, 121.0
Aged, homes for,
Use group 1-2, institutional,
207.3, 207.4, 433.0
Aggregates
Concrete, 816.0
For fireresistance purposes,
816.2
Masonry, mortar and grout, 815.0
Air-conditioned buildings, 603.0
Air conditioning, refigeration and
mechanical ventilation (see Mechani-
cal Code listed in Appendix B)
Aircraft hangars
Height and areas allowed,
Table 305
Roof storage, 414.2.4
Use group S-l, moderate hazard,
210.2, 210.4
Air ducts (see Ducts)
Air intakes
Fresh air, 514.0
Projection booths, 408.3.3
To court, 516.5
Air leakage, 2124.0
9/1/80
864
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Air space
Around timber in masonry,
853.5.1
Air supported structures
Additional requirements,
422.0
Use group T, temporary and
miscellaneous, 211.0
Aisles
Assembly use group, 417.5,
418.3, 418.4, 610.3
Churches, 418.3, 610.3
Illumination, 417.9, 624.0
Number of seats between,
417.4.2
Other use groups, 610.3
Alarm systems (see Fire protection
systems)
Alcove rooms, 2101.5.1
Alcoves, for light and ventilation,
507.0
Alley
Definition, 201.0
Projection into, 312.1
Allowable areas and heights of
buildings
Area, allowable for buildings
(see also Area, allowable),
Table 305
Use group A, assembly, 203.7
Use group B, business, 204.2
Use group F, factory and in-
dustrial, 205.4
Use group H, high hazardous,
206.3
Use group I, institutional,
207.4
Use group M, mercantile,
208.2
Use group R, residential,
209.6
Use group S, storage, 210.4
Use group T, temporary and
miscellaneous, 211.2
Alloys and special steels, 832.0,
833.0
Alternate materials, 2101.1.2
Appeal to board of adjustments
and appeals, 126.0
Area and height limitations,
304.2
Certificate of occupancy, 119.2
Definition, 201.0
Existing buildings, 106.0, 304..",
405.0, 2203.0, 2204.0
Increase in size, 106.0
Inspections, 111.0
New systems, 2203.3
Non-structural alterations and
repairs , 102. 1
Occupancy change, 2203.0
Permit fees, 118.0
Permit required, 113.1
Signs, 1401.4
Structural alterations and re-
pairs, 106.0, 2203.0, 2204.0
To existing projections, 304.1.3
To light and ventilation in
existing buildings, 505.2
Alternate materials and construction
Approved by building official,
110.0
Board of appeals, 126.1
Suitability of, 800.4
Aluminum alloys, 833.0
Amendments to plans, 113.8
Amusement parks
Additional requirements, 419.0
Use group A-5 , assembly, 203.6
Anchorage, anchors
Flood plains, 744.0
Framing anchors, wood, 852.3.1,
852.5
Intersecting masonry walls, 835.4
Masonry general, 835.1, 835.4
Masonry, veneer, 854.4.1
Panel wall, 867.4
Projecting stone, 838.3
Structural, 715.3.1
Wood headers, 852.4
Wood, sill, 854.5
Antennae, radio and television, 427.0
Apartment house
Definition (see Dwelling), 201.0
Use group R-2, residential,
209.3, 209.6
Appeals, board of, 126.0
Appendices, Table of Contents
Appliances
Chimneys, 1000.2, 1003.0
High heat, 1100.0
Low heat, 1100.0
Medium heat, 1100.0
9/1/80
865
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Application for permit
Action by building official on
application, 114.0
Application form, 113.2
Conditions of permit, 115.0
Drawings required, 113.5, 113.6
Existing buildings, 2202.0
For demolition of buildings,
116.0
Foundation permits, 114.8
Moving buildings, 117.0
Permit fees, 118.0
Plot diagram required, 113.6
Records to be kept, 108.7
Registered architect or engi-
neer, 127.0
Signs, 1401.0, 1402.0
What required, 113.3, 113.5,
113.6, 113.8
When required, 113.1
Appointment of building official,
107.1
Approval
Alternate materials and methods
of construction, 804.0
Building component, 1801.0
Certificate of occupancy, 119.0
For use of plastic material,
1900.2.2
Inspections, 110.0
Manufactured building, 1801.0
Mobile home, 1800.0
Moving buildings, 117.0
Of plans for permit, 114.6
Prefabricated construction,
1801.0
Approved definition, 201.0
Architect
Drawings and specifications,
by, 113.5, 113.7, 127.0
Area
Court, 516.3
Method of figuring for exits ,
608.0
Areas, allowable
Allowable areas for buildings
(see also Allowable areas
and heights of buildings),
305.0, Table 305
Definition, 201.0
Exception, 306.0, 2204.4
Existing buildings, 304.2,
Table 305, 2204.4
Floor definition, 201.0
For plastics, 1902.0, 1903.0
General areas and height limi-
tations, 305.0
Increase for area separation,
306.2
Increase for sprinklers, 306.3
Increase not permitted, 304.2
Separate building within fire
walls, 305.1
School area increase, 306.4
Unlimited areas, 307.0
Armories
Use group A-3 assembly, 203.4,
203.7
Asbestos
For exterior weather boarding
and veneers, 854.4
For proscenium curtains, 417.7.7
Asphalt
Paper in exterior walls, 820.5
Assembly buildings
Aisles with fixed seats, 418.3
Aisles without fixed seats,
418.4
Areas allowed, 203.7, 305.0,
Table 305
Classification of, 203.2, 203.3,
203.4, 203.5, 203.6
Determining capacity of exits,
608.0
Existing, 2200.3, 2203.13
Exits, special requirements,
418.2
Fire suppression requirements,
203.7, 1202.0, 1211.0
Occupancy load requirements,
606.0
Prohibited, with high hazard
use, 417.2.1
Special requirements for, 417.0,
418.0, 2203.13
Theatre requirements (see Theatres)
Use group A, 203.0
Attic
Definition, 201.0
Firestopping, 875.6, 875.6.1
Habitable, definition, 201.0
Ventilation of, 507.2
Auditoriums
Use group, A-3, assembly, 203.4,
203.7
9/1/80
866
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Authority to enter buildings, 112.0
Automatic fire alarm systems, 1216.0,
2203.11
Automatic sprinklers (see Fire protec-
tion systems)
Automobile parking
Open parking structures, 429.0
Roofs over, 302.7
Parking lots, 423.0
Automotive service station
Definitions, 201.0
General requirements, 415.0
Storage of flammables, 415.2,
402.0
Use group B, business, 204.0
Awnings
Clearance, 313.0
Fixed, regulations, 313.2.2
Moveable, regulations, 313.2.1
Permit for, 313.1
B
B, use groups, business, 204.0
Balancing, 2127.0
Balcony
Emergency exits from, 417.3.4
Exits, 417.3.2, 417.3.4
Exterior balconies, 310.7
Exterior construction of, 924.4
Live loads, 706.0
Over public property, 310.7
Railings, 417.5.5, 709.4
Steps, 417.5.4
Balustrades, 616.5.2
Banner and cloth signs, 1413.1
Barricades
Construction, where required,
maintenance, 1306.2, 1307.1
Bars
Clear cover in concrete foot-
ings, 728.4
Reinforcing steel, 829.0
Basement
Assembly uses, 905.7.3
Definition, 201.0
Dry cleaning plants, 412.3.3,
412.3.7
Enclosure of stairways, 616.9.2
Fire suppression system re-
quired, 1202.13
Floors above, protection of, 905.7
Garages in basements, 414.2.2
Light and ventilation, 508.1
Motor fuel service stations,
415.1.3
Required exitways, 609.2
Stairway construction, 616.9,
616.9.3
Ventilation of garages, 414.3.1
Walls, 2102.4
Waterproofing, 872.0
Basic code provisions, 2100.1.1
Bathrooms
Light and ventilation, 512.0
Mechanical ventilation allowed,
512.6
Window area required for, 512.2,
512.3
Bay window
Construction of, 924.5
Definition, 201.0
Over public property, projection,
310.6
Beams
Fireproofing of, 911.0
Fireresistance, protected steel,
Table 214.0
Fireresistance, reinforced con-
crete, Table 214.0
Reinforced concrete, 841.0
Steel, formed, 827.0
Structural, glued laminated, 856.0
Wood, 855.0
Wood in heavy timber construction,
853.5.1
Bearing
On hollow masonry units, 839.0
For wood beams and girders, 852.5,
853.5.1
Bearing partitions (see Walls)
Bearing, soil capacity, 720.0
Bearing walls (see Walls)
Bleachers, 420.0
Blocks, concrete masonry units (see also
Masonry)
Fireresistance ratings required,
Table 214.0
Tests, 802.0
Board of appeals, 126.0
Boiler (see also Boiler room)
Construction of rooms, 1105.1,
400.6
Definition of, 201.0
9/1/80
867
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
General requirements, 1100.0
Required mounting and clearance,
1105.1
Boiler room
Hazardous locations, 400.6
In public garages, 414.6
Location of, 1105.2
Special requirements, 1105.1
Bond, masonry
Foundation walls, 869.2.5
General, 835.1
Masonry walls, 835.0
Veneered walls, 854.4.1, 854.4.2,
863.0, 864.0
Borings, 722.0
Bowling alleys
Use group A-3, assembly, 203.4,
203.7
Bracing
Adjoining existing buildings,
1305.3
During erection, 1307.1
Exterior stud walls, 854.2.3
For stud walls and partitions,
bearing, 854.2.1
Masonry walls, lateral, 836.0
Brick (see Masonry)
Bridges
Over sidewalks (wrecking), 1306.3
Bridging, 854.7.1
Buildings
Allowable areas and heights, 305.0,
Table 305
Alterations of existing buildings,
106.0, 304.0, 2203.0, 2204.0
Certificate of use and occupancy,
119.0
Change in use, 105.1, 119.4,
2200.0, 2203.0, 2204.0
Classified by type of construc-
tion, 214.1
Classified by use or occupancy,
202.1
Condemnation of, 124.0
Defintion, 201.0
Height, definition, 201.0
Height, exceptions 308.0, 2204.4
Heights, allowable, 305.0, Table
305, 307.1, 307.1.1
Highrise, 431.0
Historic, 436.0
Maintenance, 104.0, 2201.0
Moving, 117.0
Over public way, 309.0, 310.0,
311.0, 312.0
Regulated by fire limits, 302.0,
303.0, 2204.3
Temporary, 314.0
Unlimited area, 307.0
Unsafe, 123.0, 124.0
Unsafe appendages to, 124.0
Building code
Administration, Article 1
Adopted, 100.1
Application, 100.3
Enforced, 108.1
Existing buildings, Article 22
Matters covered, 100.2
Modifications, 110.6
Remedial, 100.4
Requirements not covered, 101.3
Scope, 100.2
Validity, 131.0
Violations or penalties, 121.0, 121.3
Building materials
Weights of, Appendix J
Building official
Appoints inspectors, 107.0
Charge of building department,
107.1
Classifies building, 212.0
Definition, 201.0
Deputies, 107.2, 107.4
Inspections by, 108.4, 110.0
Issues permits, 108.2, 113.0
Liability, 107.6
May order occupancy of building
discontinued, 124.1
May require plans to be sealed by
licensed engineer or architect,
113.7
May require tests, 802.0, 2202.2
Powers and duties of, 108.0
Records, official, 107.9, 108.7
Record of permits required, 108.7
Reports, 108.8
Retention of plans, 114.6
Right of entry, 112.0
Rule-making authority, 109.1
Shall require reports, 110.5
Shall issue certificate of occu-
pancy, 119.0
Stop work orders, 122.0
Building official's authorization
required
Before changing plans, 113.8
9/1/80
868
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
For changes of use or occupancy,
105.0
For structural alterations, 106.0,
2202.0
Building paper, 820.5
Building permits (see Permits)
Building planning, 2101
Bus and passenger terminals, fire
limits, 302.7
Caissons, special, 742.0
Canopies
Construction, 313.3, 313.5
On exterior walls, 313.3
Over public property, 313.1
Service stations, 415.1
Cast stone
Bonding, 835.0, 841.0
General requirements, 814.0
Cavity walls
Definition, 201.0
Ceilings
Boiler rooms, 1105.1
Definition (see Story), 201.0
Fireresistive rated assemblies,
912.0
Fireresistive required, basements
or cellars, 905.7.2, 905.7.3
Height, 2101.6.1
Panels, 912.2
Cellar
Definition, 201.0
Fire protection required (see
Fire protection system, where
required)
Cement
Concrete, materials, mix, 816.0
Gypsum cement mortar, 816.0
Mortar types and materials, 815.0
Plastering, 821.0
Ceramic tile
Mortar, types and mixes, 815.0
Certificate of occupancy
Existing buildings, 119.3
Fitness for high hazard uses, 404.2
General, 119.0
Posting of, 120.0
Temporary occupancy, 119.5
Change of occupancy, 105.2, 119.5,
2203.0
Changes of use, 105.0, 119.4, 2200.3,
2200.4, 2203.0, 2204.0
Changes in plans, 113.9
Changes to buildings, 106.0, 2200.3,
2200.4, 2203.0, 2204.0
Chases (see Masonry and Walls)
Chemicals
Hazardous use groups, 206.2
Chimneys
Additional load, 2108.2.2
Appliances requiring, 1004.1
Classification of, 1003.1
Construction of, 1007.2
Definition, 201.0
Factory-built, 1002.2.1, 2108.4
Firestopping around, 1007.11,
2108.2.8
For fireplaces, 1007.1
Foundations, 1007.12
Flues, 2108.2.3, Table 2108-2,
2108.3.2.5
Flue lining required, 1007.3,
2108.3.2
General requirements, 1000.0,
1004.1, 2108.1
Inlet, 2108.2.6
Masonry, 2108.2, 2108.3
On existing buildings, 1005.0,
2200.4
Solid fuel burning appliances,
2109.0
Support, 2108.2
Termination, 2108.5
Wall thickness, 2108.3
Wood frame, spaced from, 1007.4
Churches
Use group A-4, assembly, 203.5,
203.7
Chutes
Refuse, 1107.0
Circulating air supply, 2112.10
Requirement, 2112.11
Source, 2112.12
Conditioned, 2112.13
City (see Jurisdiction)
Classification
Of buildings, by building official,
212.0
Of buildings, by occupancy, 202.0
Of buildings, by types of con-
struction, 214.0
Of types of construction, 215.0,
216.0, 217.0, 218.0
Clay tile
Allowable stresses, 807.0
Bonding, 835.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Mortar, types and mix, 815.0
Veneer, 854.4, 854.4.1, 861.0
Clearances
Around fireplaces, 1007.4
Around reinforcing in concrete,
728.3.2
Around timber in masonry,
853.5.1
Awnings, moveable, 310.8, 310.9,
313.2
Ducts, 1009.0
Heating appliances, 1105.1
Marquee awnings, 310.10
Of balconies above grade, 310.7
Of wood above grade, 854.6.1
Projection over sidewalks, 310.0
Under first floor joists, 507.3
Clothes dryers, 2110.13
Coal pockets, 410.5
Coastal high hazard, 744.0
Code, scope, 100.2
Columns
Cast iron construction 831.4.1
Concrete filled pipe, 846.0
Fireresistance and protection
of, 911.0
Fireresistance tests, 903.0
Heavy timber construction, 855.3
Live load reduction, 718.0
Working stresses, cast iron and
steel, 829.0
Combustible
Dusts, grain processing and
storage, 410.0
Fibers, use and storage, 409.0
Combustibility tests, 903.5
Combustible materials
Decorative material restric-
tions, 923.0
Definition, 201.0
Flameresistance tests, 904.0
Insulation, 907.6, 876.0
Interior finish, wood frame
construction, 920.0
Interior trim, 920.0, 922.0
Prohibited in fire limits, 400.9
Prohibited in Type 1 buildings,
215.0
Prohibited in Type 2 buildings,
216.0
Combustion air, 2111.0, 2112.2
Attic, 2111.5
Ducts, 2111.8
Underfloor, 2111.6
9/1/80
Compliance alternative, 2205.0
Required documentation, 2203.4,
2203.5
Compliance with permit, 115.2
Computations, may be required, 113.7,
2202.2, 2202.3
Concentrated loads, 707.0
Concrete (see also Reinforced concrete)
Aggregates, 816.0
Caissons, 739.0
Columns, concrete filled pipe,
846.0
Definition, 201.0
Footings, 728.0
Gypsum reinforced concrete, 849.0
Minimum dimensions, 848.0
Piles, 732.0, 734.0, 736.0, 737.0
Plain concrete, 840.0
Pneumatic, 847.0
Ready-mix, 817.0
Reinforced (see also Reinforced
concrete), 841.0
Units (see also Masonry), 809.0
Concrete, masonry blocks (See Blocks,
concrete masonry units)
Condition of permits, 115.0, 2203.2
Connections
In wood framing, 852.3.1
Mechanical and welded, 826.0
Construction
Approval of materials, etc., 110.0,
804.0
Classification of construction
materials, 801.0
Controls, 127.0
Covered by code, 101.0
Fences, 1306.2
General requirements, 214.0, 800.0
Masonry, 834.0
Permitted outside fire limits, 303.0
Permitted within fire limits, 302.0,
2204.3
Prefabricated, Article 18
Protection during, 1306.0
Safeguards, 1300.0
Stage, 417.7
Steel, 826.0, 827.0, 828.0, 830.0
Types of construction, 215.0, 216.0,
217.0, 218.0
Wood, 852.0, 853.0, 854.0
Controls, heating and cooling, 2126.0
Humidity, 2126.2
Set back and shut off, 2126.4
870
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Temperature, 2126.1
Zoning, 2126.3
Controlled materials procedure, 719.1
Convalescent homes
Use group 1-2, institutional,
207.3, 207.4, 433.0
Conveyor systems
For dusts, stock and refuse,
1109.0
Cooking appliances, 2110.4
Range clearances, 2110.10,
2110.11, 2110.12
Cooling, comfort, 2116.0
Access, 2116.5
Circulating air supply source,
2116.6
Installation, 2116.4
Permits, 2116.3
Refrigerant piping, 2116.9
Return air limitation, 2116.7
Screen, 2116.8
Cooling towers, 925.9
Coordination of inspections of
structures involving hazardous
materials, 403.3
Corbelling
Foundation walls, 869.4
Masonry, 838.0
Cornices
Projection over public property,
310.0
Type of construction, 924.2
Corridors
Arrangements, 607.1, 610.1
Capacity of egress, width,
608.0, 2203.8
Fireresistive ratings, Table 214
Light and ventilation, 513.1.3
Obstructions, 610.1
Passageways and corridors, 610.0
Widths, 610.3
Corrosion protection, 733.0
Court
Definition, 201.0
Permissible encroachments, 311.0
Covered malls, 432.0
Coverings
Ducts, 1009.0
Exterior, plywood, 824.2
For exterior stairs, 619.1
Exterior wall, 2104.3
For exteriors, weather protec-
tion, 854.4
Interior floors, 824.3.2
Interior wall, 2104.2
Roofs, 926.0
Crawl space, ventilation, 507.3
Cupolas, type of construction, 925.10
Curtain, proscenium, 417.7.7
Curtain wall
Definition, 201.0
D
Dampers
Fire, approved type, 903.4.5
Stage ventilation, 417.7.9
Where required, 905.11
Dampproofing, 2102.6
Dance halls
Use group A-2, assembly, 203.3,
203.7
Dangerous structures, 123.0, 124.0
Day care centers, 434.0
Dead loads
Definition, 201.0
Design, 704.0
Decisions of board of appeals, 126.4
Decorative features,
Projections, 310.0
Decorative material restrictions,
923.0
Decorative trim restrictions, 920.0,
924.0
Definitions, 201.0, 2100.3
Deflection criteria, 702.2, 803.0
Degree days, 2101.3.2
Demolition
Permit, when required, 116.0
Unsafe buildings, 123.0
Depth of foundations
Governed by frost line, 724.0
Governed by soil conditions,
723.0
Design
Approved by building official,
804.1
Cast-in-place concrete piles,
737.2
Composite piles, 741.1
Criteria, 2101.2
Dead load, 704.0
Fire protective requirements
(see Fire protection systems)
Formed steel construction, 827.1
Foundation walls, 869.1
9/1/80
871
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
General, 700.0
Glass, glazing, 802.2, 857.5
Live loads, 703.0, 706.0
Lumber and timber construction,
852.1
Masonry wall construction, 834.1
Plain concrete, 840.2
Plastics, 876.5, 1901.0
Precast concrete piles, 736.2
Prefabricated construction,
Article 18
Proscenium curtains, 417.7.7
Reinforced brickwork, 851.0
Reinforced concrete, 841.1
Reinforced hollow block con-
struction, 851.1
Retaining walls, 870.2
Safe load, 701.0
Seismic (earthquake), 716.0
Signs , general requirements ,
1407.0
Special steels, 832.1
Steel joist construction, 828.0
Steel pipe and tapered tubular
piles, 738.3
Temperatures, 2101.3.2
Wind loads, 712.0, 713.0, 714.0,
715.0
Detector, smoke (see Automatic fire
alarm systems)
Deviations
From code, 110.3, 2205.0
From plans, 115.5
Devices for window cleaning, 521.0
Dilapidated buildings
Condemnation of, 123.1
Display of permit, 114.9
Display sign, definition, 201.0
Doors
Approved type, fire, 915.1, 915.2,
903.4.2
Automatic, 612.6
Automatic closing devices for,
915.5
Egress, means of, 612.0, 2203.12
Existing buildings, 604.0, 2203.12,
2204.6
Fire (see Fire doors)
Fire separation walls, 909.0
For fire separations, 917.2
In horizontal exits, 614.2, 614.3
Location of, 612.4, 607.0
Openings in mixed occupancy separ-
ation, 909.0
9/1/80
Openings in stairways or shaft-
ways, 909.0, 2203.12
Panic hardware, 612.5.2
Power operated, 612.5.4
Rated fire door assemblies, 915.1
Required to open out, 612.2,
2204.6
Revolving, 613.0
Width of, 612.3, 2101.10.4
Dormers, 925.7
Dormitories
Definitions (see Dwellings), 201.0
Use group R-l, residential, 209.2,
209.6
Downspouts, 2101.12
Downspout
For roofs, 924.1
Dressing rooms (see Theatres)
Drive-in theatres
Use group A-5 , assembly, 203.6,
203.7, 421.0
Dry cleaning or similar high hazard uses
Classified, 412.2
Construction, 412.3
Fire protection system, 412.7
General requirements, 412.0
Use group H, high hazard, 206.0
Ventilation, 412.5
Drying rooms, 1106.0
Ducts
Construction of air-conditioning,
heating and ventilating, 1009.0,
2115.2
Fire dampers required in, 905.11
Materials, 2115.1
Installation, 2115.3
Insulation, 2115.4, 2128.0
Shafts, vertical, 910.5
Dumbwaiter, 1600.0
Dusts, combustible, 410.0
Duties
Of board of appeals, 126.0
Of building official, 108.0
Of employees, 107.5
Dwellings
Area and height limitations , gen-
eral, 305.0, Table 305
Ceiling height (see definition of
Habitable space), 201.0
Definition, 201.0
Exits, existing, 604.0
Fire separation walls in, 909.1.2
Foundations, 869.0
872
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Number of exitways, 609.0
Occupancy load, 606.0
Use group R, residential, 209.0
Earthquake (seismic) design, 716.0,
2204.7
Eaves design, 710.3
Projection, 310.0
Construction, 924.0
Egress (see Means of egress)
Electrical equipment and wiring,
Article 15
Elevators, 1600.0
Emergency
Controls, proscenium curtains,
417.7.7
Exits from theatres, 417.3.3
Lighting, 417.9.5, 624.0, 2203.10
Signs for exits, 623.0, 2203.9
Emergency measures, 124.0
Employees, restrictions on, 107.5
Enclosure
Combustible construction allowed,
616.9.3, 909.3
For elevators, 1600.0
For interior stairs, 616.9.2
For motion picture projection
rooms, 408.3.1
Of exterior stairways, 619.1,
2203.12, 2204.6
Of moving stairways, 620.7.2
Ramps, 615.0
Vertical shafts and hoistways,
910.0
Enclosure walls (see Walls)
Encroachments
Awnings and canopies, 310.8
Existing, 309.6
Special and temporary, 312.0
Special- and temporary, 312.0
Street, 309.0
Yard and court, 311.0
Energy conservation, 2119.0, 2100.2
Alternate systems, 2013.0, 2014.0
Building enclosure elements, 2119.2
Exceptions, 2000.1
Existing buildings, 2203.14, 2100.2
Exterior envelope requirements,
2007.0
Residential buildings, 2009.1
Other buildings, 2009.2
Air leakage, 2009.5
9/1/80
General, 2200.0
In electrical distribution systems,
2011.0
Lighting power limits, 2012.0
Lighting power limits
for existing buildings, 2015.0
Plans and specifications, 2003.0
Scope, 2000.1
Enforcement of code, 108.0
Engineering practice, 110.2, 800.2,
2202.3
Entry, right of, 112.0
Escalators, 620.0, 1620.0
Excavations
Protection of, 1307.0
Protection of adjoining property,
1312.0
Walkways over, 1306.3
Exhaust ventilation (see Ventilation)
Existing buildings
Additions, alterations, repairs,
102.1, 106.0, 304.0, Article 22
Areas, allowable, 304.2, Table
305, 2204.4
Certificate of occupancy, 119.3
Change in existing use, 105.0,
106.7, 2203.0, 2204.0
Change of occupancy, 119.4,
2203.0
Condemnation of, 123.1
Definition, 201.0, 2201.0
Demolition, 116.0
Entry, right of, 112.0
Evaluation of, 2202.3
Exits, 604.0, 2203.7, 2203.8
Fire limits, 304.2, 2204.3
General requirements, 105.0,
2200.3, 2200.4
Inspection of, 111.4, 120.4
Investigation of, 2202.2
Maintenance, 104.0, 2200.3
Moving, 117.0
Non-structural alterations and
repairs, 102.1, 2200.4
Unsafe, 123.0, 2200.4
Existing signs, 1404.0
Exit lights, 623.0, 624.0, 2203.7,
2203.10
Exit signs, 623.0, 2203.9
Exits, exitways (see Means of egress)
Expiration of permit, 113.2, 114.3
Exterior hoists, 1315.0
873
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Exterior opening, protection required
because of location on property, 914.0
Exterior stairways, 619.0
Exterior trim restrictions, 924.0
F, use group, factory and industrial,
205.0
Faced (veneered) walls (see Walls)
Factories
Use group F, occupancy, 205.0
Use group H, high hazard, 206.0
Fallout shelters, 430.0
Fees, 118.0
Fences
Excavations, 1307.0
For construction purposes, 1306.2
General requirements, 1309.0
Fiberboard, 823.0
Fibers, combustible, 409.0
Filling stations (see Automotive service
stations)
Film
Projection rooms, 408.3
Storage and use of flammable film,
408.0
Finish, interior (see Interior
finish)
Finishes, ceiling, 2106.4
Fire
Access panels, 859.0
Alarm system (see Fire protection
system)
Dampers, 903.4.5, 905.11
Emergency ventilating system, 519.0
Firestopping, 875.0
Sprinklers and standpipes (see Fire
protection systems)
Ventilation of open wells, 520.0
Fire alarms (see also Fire protection
systems and High rise buildings)
Fire appliances during construction,
1318.0
Fire dampers, 903.4.5, 905.11
Fire detection systems (see Automatic
fire alarm system, 1216.0)
Fire department
Central control station for, 1218.0
Connections, 1213.0
Fire doors
Closures, 915.5, 2203.12
Dressing rooms, 417.8.2
General, 915.0, 903.4.2, 903.4.3
On openings in exterior walls,
914.0
On openings in fire walls, 908.3,
908.3.1
On openings in proscenium walls,
417.7.6
On openings in stage enclosures,
417.7.5
Fire escapes
As exits, 621.1
Existing buildings, 621.0, 2203.8
Maintenance of, 605.0
Fire limits
Establishment of, 301.0
Restrictions on cooling towers in,
925.9
Restrictions outside, 303.0
Restrictions within, 302.0, 2204.3
Roof coverings in, 302.2, 926.0
Roof coverings, outside, 303.0,
926.0
Fireplace
Clearances, 2108.7.4
Construction of, 1007.0
Factory built, 2108.7.12
Fire separation, 2101.16
Firestopping, 2108.7.8
Hearth, 2108.7.7, 2108.7.12.1
Lintel, 2108.7.6
Solid fuel-burning appliances,
2109.0
Steel units, 2108.7.2
Walls, 2108.7.2
Fire protection
For buildings under construction,
1318.7, 1318.8
For spray booths, 411.6, 1202.14
Requirements, detailed, Article 12
Fire protection systems
Areas increased by, 306.3
Automatic fire alarm systems,
1216.0
Automatic fire alarm, where
required, 1216.3, 2203.11
Carbon dioxide extinguishing
system, 1208.0
Dry chemical extinguishing
system, 1210.0
Fire department connection,
1213.0
Foam extinguishing system,
1207.0
General requirements, 1200.0
9/1/80
874
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Halogenated fire extinguishing
system, 1209.0
Height increased by, 308.1
Limited area sprinkler system,
1205.0
Manual fire alarm system, 1217.0
Manual fire alarm system, where
required, 1217.3
Plans and specifications, 1201.0
Standpipes, where required, 1211.2
Supply media, 1214.0
Suppression system selection,
1203.0
Temporary standpipe requirements,
1212.0
Water spray fixed systems, 1206.0
Water sprinkler system, 1204.0
Where required, 1202.0
Yard hydrants, 1215.0
Fireresistance rated construction
Assemblies, 903.1, 912.0
Ceilings and floors, 912.0
Construction requirements, general
900.0
Definition, 201.0
Fire hazard classification, 902.0
Plans and specifications, 901.1
Protection of structural members,
911.0
Roof coverings, 903.3, 926.0
Special requirements, 905.0,
2204.6
Tests, 903.0
Fireresistance ratings of structural
elements, Table 214
Fire retardant treated wood
Tests, 903.6.1
Use limitations, 903.6.2
Fire separation
Required for occupancy, 909.0
Fire shutters, 916.0
Firestopping
Architectural trim, 924.2.3, 875.7
Between chimneys and wooden con-
struction, 1007.11
Between wood sleepers, 922.2
Floor/ roof ceiling assemblies,
912.3, 912.4
General requirements, 919.0,
2103.7
Of attic spaces, 875.6, 875.6. 1,
912.0, 919.0
Fire towers (Smokeproof enclosure), 618\0
Fire ventilation
Emergency ventilation system, 519.0
Of open wells, 520.0
Fire walls, 907.0
Fire windows, 916.0
Flag poles, 925.1
Flammable
Combustible dusts, grain process-
ing and storage, 410.0
Combustible fibers, use and
storage of, 409.0
Film, storage and use of, 408.0
Liquids (volatile), 402.0
Flameresistance tests
General, 904.1
Interior finish materials, 904.2
Interior hangings and decorations,
904.5
Flamespread, 2101.13
Flashing, 2104.3.5.3
Floodplain, 2101.15
Floodproofing, 872.6
Floor
Area, 305.0, Table 305, 306.0,
307.0
Combustible materials permitted in
Type 1 and Type 11 buildings,
922.0
Concrete, 2105.3
Floor area, definition, 201.0
Metal, 2105.4
Particle board, 2105.5
Plywood sheathing, 824.0
Public garages, 414.2.5
Theatre stages, 417.7.2
Wood, 2105.2
Floor loads
Dead, 704.0
Design live, 703.0, 706.0
Existing buildings, 705.0, 2203.5
Reductions allowed, 718.0, 2203.5
Required to be posted, 120.0
Flues
Area for fireplaces, 1007.8
Lining for chimneys, 1007.3
Foam plastics, 920.4.1, 876.5, 2120.3,
2120.2.3
Footings, 2101.3
Concrete, design, 728.0
Depth, 724.0
Design, general, 725.0, 726.0,
728.0
9/1/80
875
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Loads, 723.0
Of masonry, 729.0
Of reinforced concrete, 728.3.2
On public property, 309.2
Protection of steel in grillage
footings, 727.0
Steel grillage, 727.0
Timber, 726.0
Formed steel construction, 827.0
Foundations, 2102.0
Allowable loads, 723.0
Caissons, 739.0
Design, 869.1
Footing design, 724.0, 725.0
For neighboring building, 1307.2
Kneewall, 2102.7
May project beyond property
line, 309.2
Minimum depth, 724.0
Minimum thickness, 869.2
Piers, 731.0
Piles, 732.0, 735.0, 736.0,
737.0, 738.0, 740.0, 741.0,
742.0
Ratproofing, 873.0
Steel grillage, 727.0
Walls, 869.0
Wood and timber, 726.0
Frame buildings in fire limits, 302.2,
2204.3
Frame construction, wood
General requirements, 854.0
Restrictions within fire limits,
302.0, 400.9, 2204.3
Frost
Depth of foundation, 724.1
Fuel supply systems, 2118.0
Authority to disconnect, 2118.3
General, 2118.1
Liquid fuel supply, 2118.5
Location, 2118.2
Piping support, 2118.4
Furnaces
Exterior, 2112.9
Floor, 2113.4
Wall, 2113.7
Warm air, 2112.0
Underfloor, 2112.8
Garages
Beneath a dwelling, 413.1.1
Construction of public garages,
414.2
9/1/80
Definitions, 201.0
Fire doors, 413.1.1
Heating equipment, 414.5, 414.6
On lot line (private), 303.2,
305.1
Open parking structures, 429.0
Private, 413.0, 2101.9
Public, 414.0, 905.2
Repair shops, motor vehicles,
416.0, 905.2
Separations, 413.1.1, 413.1.2,
413.1.3, 414.2.3
Service stations, motor fuel
(see also Automotive service
stations), 415.0, 905.2
Storage of flammables, 414.4
Ventilation, 414.3
Garage, private
Connected to dwelling, 413.1.1,
413.3
Definition, 201.0
Use group T, temporary and mis-
cellaneous, 211.0
Garage, public
Classified, 201.0
Construction limited, 414.2
Definition, 201.0
Fire suppression system
required, 1202.9, 1211.2.4
Special fireresistance require-
ments, 905.2
Use group S-l, storage, 210.2,
210.4
Ventilation required, 414.3
Gas
Appliances, flues and vents
for, 1006.0
Gas-fired equipment (see
Mechanical code listed in
Appendix B)
Liquefied petroleum, 406.0
Gasoline service station (see also
Automotive service station)
Defined as motor fuel service
station, 201.0
General requirements, 415.0
Glass
Area required, 506.2
Block walls, 812.0, 860.0
Dimensional tolerances, 857.5.3
Impact loads, 857.5.6
In fire doors, 917.1
876
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Jalousies, 857.5.5
Labeling and identity, 857.5.1
Specific hazardous locations,
857.5.6.1
Strength tests for, 802.2.1
Supports, 857.5.2
Veneer, structural, 862.0
Wind loads, 857.5.4
Wired glass, 917.0
Glazed masonry units, 808.0
Glazing, 2101.7
Glazing, plastics
Approved, 1900.2, 1900.2.1
Bathroom accessories, 1908.0
Exterior wall panels, 1903.0
Greenhouses, 1910.0
Of unprotected openings, 1902.0
Roof panels, 1904.0
Skylight assemblies, 1905.0
Glued laminated lumber construction,
856.0
Glues for wood, 818.0
Grade
Definition, 201.0
Depth of footings and founda-
tions below, 726.0, 869.0
Marked lumber, 852.1
Marked plywood, 824.0
Passageways and lobbies, 611.0
Grading a lot, 1308.1
Grain processing and storage, 410.0
Grandstands, 420.0
Ground
At grade protection, wood con-
struction, 854.6
Clearance of wood framework
above, in crawl spaces, 507.3
Signs, 1408.0
Grounding
Metal roofs, 926.5, 926.5.1
Metal veneer, 864.4
Radio and television antennae,
427.3
Radio and television tower,
426.5
Group residence, 424.0
Guardrail, 2101.11
Gutters, 2101.12
Materials for roof drainage,
924.1
Gypsum
Concrete reinforced, 849.0
Units, 811.0
Wallboard, 2104.2.5
H
H, use groups, high hazard, 206.0
Habitable room, 2101.6.1
Habitable space
Definition, 201.0
Hall, width, 2101.10.4.4
Handicapped and aged, requirements
for, 315.0
Handrails, 2101.11
For ramps, 615.2
For retaining walls, 870.5
For stairways, 616.5, 616.5.1,
616.5.2
Hardware on exit doors, 612.5
Hazard index (for existing structures)
Table 2204
Hazardous
Certificate of fitness, 404.2
Equipment rooms, 400.8
Existing buildings, 405.1,
405.2, 2200.3.1, 2200.4
General, 400.0
High hazard (see Use group H) ,
206.2
Inspection of, 403.0
Low hazard (see Use group S-2) ,
210.3
Moderately hazardous (see Use
group S-l), 210.2
Prohibited with assembly use,
417.2.1
Restrictions in fire limits,
400.9
Special permits, 404.1
Storage segregation, 400.0
Headers, 2103.2.6
Headroom
In dwelling (see definition of
Habitable space), 201.0
In stairways, 616.2.2
Hearth for fireplace, 1007.10
Heating
Chimneys, 1007.1
Fireplaces, 1007.0
Furnace and boiler rooms, 400.6,
414.6, 1105.1
Gas fired equipment, 1100.2
General requirements, 1100.0
Heating, air-conditioning and
ventilating ducts, 1009.0
Heating and ventilating equip-
ment in hazardous occupan-
cies, 1100.2
9/1/80
877
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Incinerators, 1008.0
Temporary during construction,
1318.2, 1318.3
Heating appliances and systems
Access, 2110.8
Clearances, 2109.4, Table
2110-1, Table 2110-2, Figure
2109-4
Control Devices, 2110.0
Fuel Type, 2110.5
Industrial classification of,
1100.2
In existing buildings, 1103.1
Installation, 2110.7
Labelling, 2110.4
Oil burning installations,
1100.0
Oil, fuel tanks and equipment,
1100.0
Public garages, 414.5, 414.6
Shut-off valve, 2110.6
Temporary during construction,
1318.2
Heavy timber construction (see Type
3-A construction), 853.0
Height
Affect of wind loads, 712.0,
713.0, 714.0
Alterations for existing build-
ings, 304.2, 2204.4
Awnings, 310.8, 310.9
Definition, 201.1
Exceptions, 308.0
For unlimited area building,
307.1
Handrails or railings, 616.5.1,
870.5
Limitations, 305.3, 307.0
Marquees, 310.10.1
Masonry walls, 834.1
Of buildings, 305.0, Table 305
Permissible street projections,
310.0
Raising adjoining chimneys and
vents, 1005.1
Restrictions, 305.3, 305.4,
307.1
Stairway, maximum vertical rise,
616.3.2
Towers, spires, cupolas, aerial
supports, poles, etc., 925.0
Type of construction, 1, 2, 3
and 4, 305.0, Table 305
Use groups, 305.0, Table 305.0
Veneered walls, 854.4.3
High hazard structures
Use group H, 206.0
High rise buildings
Alarm and communications system,
431.5
Applicability, 431.1
Automatic fire suppression
system option, 431.3.1
Central control station, 431.6
Elevators, 431.8
Emergency power, 431.9
Exits in, 431.10
Maintenance and inspection,
431.2
Smoke control, 431.7
Smoke detection systems, 431.4
Historic buildings, 436.0, 2200.4
Hoists for construction operations,
1315.0
Homes for aged
Use group 1-2, institutional,
207.3, 207.4, 433.0
Horizontal exits
Definition, 201.0
General requirements, 614.0
Hospitals
Use group 1-2, institutional,
207.3, 207.4, 433.0
Hotels
Definition (see Dwelling), 201.0
Use group R-l, residential,
209.2, 209.6
Houses, lodging
Use group R, residential, 209.0
Hydrants, fire-yard systems, 1215.1
I, use groups, institutional, 207.0
Identification of employees, 108.4
Identification for plastics, 1900.2
Identification for signs, 1401.3
Illuminated signs, 1414.0
Implementation of Article 22, 2202.0
Incinerators, 1008.1
Industrial heating appliances, classifi-
cation, 1100.0
Industrial lifts and loading ramps,
1616.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Industrial
Use group F, factory and indus-
trial buildings, 205.0
Infirmaries
Use group 1-2, institutional
buildings, 207.0
Inner court
Definition (see Court), 201.0
Insane asylums
Use group 1-1, institutional
buildings, 207.2, 207.4
Inspection
By building official, 108.4, 111.0,
1805.2
Final, 111.3
Of amusement devices, 419.4
Of automatic fire alarm systems,
1216.10
Of electrical wiring, 1500.0
Of existing buildings, 111.5,
2202.0
Of hazardous uses and places of
assembly, 403.0
Of heating systems, 1102.0
Of prefabricated construction,
1800.0
Of signs, 1405.4
Of unsafe buildings, 123.0
Preliminary, 111.1
Insulation
Blanket or battery, 2120.4
Building, 2120.0
Fiber boards for roof, 823.4
Fiber boards for wall, 823.5
Foam plastics, 920.4.1, 876.5,
2120.3
Installation, 2120.2
Perimeter, 2120.5
Thermal insulating material re-
quirements, 876.0, 2006.0
Typical requirements, Figure 2123-1
Interior finish and trim
Application of, 921.0
Classification of materials, 904.2,
920.5
Decorative material restrictions,
923.0
Flameresistance tests, 904.0
Flame spread of, 904.2, 904.3
Foam plastics, 920.4.1
General requirements, 920.0
Other, 2104.2.7
Restrictions in Types 1 and 2
buildings, 922.0
Use group requirements, Table 920,
920.5
Interior lot lines, definition, 201.0
J
Jails
Use group 1-1, institutional
buildings, 207.2, 207.4
Jalousies
Windows and doors, 857.5.5
Jurisdiction
Adopting this code, 100.1
K
Kneewall, 2102.7
L
Labeling
Electrical appliance, 2110.15
Fuel burning appliance, 2110.14
Landing, 2101.10.5
Landing of stairs, 616.3
Landings of. ramps, 615.3
Lath, interior, 2104.2.3
Leaders and gutters, 924.1
Licenses
Fees for, 118.0
Lifts, 1600.0
Light illumination
Alcoves, 507.1
Artificial, 504.0
Assembly, rooms, 510.1
Basements and cellars, 508.0
Bath and toilet rooms, 512.0
Court requirements for, 516.0
For exit signs, 623.0
For existing buildings, 505.0,
2015.0, 2203.14
For stairways and exitways, 513.0,
624.0
General, 500.0
Institutional buildings, 511.0
Natural, 502.1, 506.0
Power limits, 2012.0
Rear yards for, 517.0
Theatre lighting, 417.3.9, 417.9
Window requirements, 506.2
9/1/80
879
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Light and ventilation, 2101.5
Lintel
Definition, 201.0
Fire protection, 911.2, 911.7,
911.7.1
Over openings, frame construction,
854.2.6
Liquids
Flammable, explosive, 402.0, 406.0
Liquefied petroleum gases, 406.0
Loads, design, 701.0, 702.0, 703.0, 704.0
Loads, impact
Assembly structures, 708.5
Craneways, 708.4
Elevators, 708.2
General, 708.1
Machinery, 708.3
Loads (live, head, floor)
Combination of, 717.0
Concentrated, 707.0
C r aneways , 708.4
Definition, 201.0
Deflections allowable, 803.3
Existing buildings, 2204.7,
2204.8
Earthquake, 716.0, 2204.7
Floor loads, occupancy, 706.1,
Table 706
For concrete footings, 725.0,
728.0
For retaining wall design, 709.2
Footings and foundations, 723.0,
725.0
Glass (see Loads, glass)
Impact, 708.0
Piles, allowable, 734.0
Posting of live loads, 706.3
Railings, 709.4
Reductions allowed, 718.0,
2203.5
Required to be posted, 706.3
Roof, 710.0, 714.0
Snow, 711.0
Soil, bearing capacity, 720.0
Special, 709.0
Tests, 701.2
Uniform, 706.0
Wind (see Loads, wind)
Loads, glass
Impact loads, 857.5.5
Jalousies, 857.5.5
Wind (see Loads, wind)
Loads , wind
Chimneys, 712.0, 715.0
Exterior walls, 713.0
General requirements, 712.0
Glass, 857.5.4
Roofs, 710.0, 714.0
Signs, 715.0
Loading and shipping rooms, 905.4,
905.5
Loading ramps, industrial, 1600.0
Location on lot, 2101.4
Lobbies, grade passageways and, 611.0
Lodging houses
Definitions (see Dwelling) ,
201.0
Use group R, residential, 209.0
Lot
Definition, 201.0
Interior lot line, definition,
201.0
Line fences, 1309.1
Plot plan required, 113.6
Regulations for, 1308.0
Lumber (see also Wood construction)
Grade of, 852.1
M
M, use groups, mercantile, 208.0
Maintenance
Of buildings and structures,
104.0, 2200.3, 2201.0
Of exit facilities, 605.2
Of fire protection systems,
1200.3
Of signs, 1405.2
Malls, covered, 432.0
Manlifts, 1600.0
Mansard roofs, 925.6
Manual fire alarm systems, 1217.0,
2203.11
Marquees and canopies
Construction requirements,
310.10.5, 313.3, 313.5
Definition (see Signs), 201.0
Drainage of water, 310.10.3
Signs, 310.10, 1412.0
Masonry
Bonding, 835.0
Brick, 806.0
Cast stone, 814.0
Cavity wall, 2103.8
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Chases and recesses, 837.0
Chimneys, 1003.1
Construction requirements, 834.0
Corbeled and protected, 838.0
Cornices, 838.3
Definition, 201.0
Design, 834.1
Footings, 729.0
Foundations, 869.0
Freezing protection, 834.3
Glass block, 811.0
Glazed units, 808.0
Grouted, 2103.9
Gypsum units, 810.0, 2103.6
Hollow, definition of, 201.0
Hollow units, 809.2, 809.3
Lateral bracing, 836.0
Mortar, 815.0, 2204.8
Reinforced, 850.0
Reinforced grouted, 2103.10
Reinforced hollow, 815.0,
2103.11
Re-use of, 805.2
Solid, definition of, 201.0
Solid units, 809.4, 2103.7
Stone, natural, 813.0
Terra cotta, 812.0
Tests, general, 800.0
Thickness of walls, 866.0
Tile, structural, 807.0
Veneers, 861.0
Masonry construction, 2103.5
Matches
Use group H, high hazard, 206.0
Materials
Alternate, 800.4
Approvals, 804.0
Brick units, 806.0
Cast stone, 814.0
Concrete aggregates, 816.0
Concrete units, 809.0
Glazed masonry units, 808.0
Gypsum units, 810.0
Mortar, 815.0, 2204.8
Natural stone, 813.0
Plastics, approved, 1900.2,
1900.2.1
Plywood, 824.0
Structural clay tile units,
807.0
Structural glass block units,
811.0
Structural wood glues, 818.0
Material and equipment identification,
2101.1.1
Means of Egress
Air conditioned buildings, 603.0
Aisles, corridors and passage-
ways, required width for,
610.3
Arrangement of exits, 610.1,
602.0
Buildings with one stairway,
609.3
Capacity of exits, 608.0,
2200.4, 2203.8
Definition, 201.0
Doorways, 612.0, 616.6
Doors revolving, 613.0
Exit hallways, 610.0
Exit openings in exterior walls,
614.0
Exit signs, 623.0, 2203.9
Exterior exitway stairways,
619.0
Fire escapes, 621.0
From places of assembly, 417.3,
2200.3, 2203.13
General provisions, 600.0,
2101.10
Grade passageway and lobbies,
611.0
Hardware, 612.5
Hazards to, 625.0
Horizontal exits, 614.0
In existing buildings, 604.0
Interior exitway stairways, 616.0,
2203.12, 2304.6
Length of travel, 607.4, Table 607
Lighting, 624.0, 2203.10
Location and type of, 607.0
Maintenance of exitways, 605.0
Moving exitway stairways, 620.0
Number of exitways required,
609.0, 609.2, 612.2, 2203.7
Occupancy load, 606.0, 2200.4,
2203.8
Opening protectives, 610.4
Passageways and corridors, 610.0
Ramps, 615.0
Sidescapes, 622.0
Smokeproof enclosure, 618.0
Spiral stairways, 616.7
Stairway, construction, 616.9
Supplemental stairways, 616.8
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
To roof, 617.0
Units of egress widths, 608.1
Unlimited one-story buildings,
307.0
Measurement of height
Definition of height, 201.0
Mechanical equipment, 2110.0
Massachusetts regulations, 2110.2,
2110.3, 2114.2
Mechanical ventilation (see Ventilation)
Metal, general, 2103.4
Metal roofs
Grounding of, 926.5
Metal siding
Corrosion protection, 854.6.2
Thickness, 854.4
Metal smokestacks, 1003.0
Mezzanine or mezzanine floor
Definition, 201.0
Mill construction, 217.2
Miscellaneous buildings
Use group T, temporary and mis-
cellaneous, 211.0
Miscellaneous signs, 1413.0
Mixed occupancies, 213.0, 2200.3, 2204.2
Mobile dwelling units, requirements,
1800.0
Modification of code provisions
By board of appeals, 126.0
Of area, 306.0, 2204.4
Of height, 308.0, 2204.4
Variations, 110.6, 2203.0, 2204.0
Mortar
For glass blocks, 860.2
For masonry, 815.0, 2204.8
Motel
Use group R, residential, 209.0,
425.0
Motion picture film storage, 408.2
Motion picture projection rooms
Construction and design, 408.3.1
Exits, 408.3.2
Sanitary requirements, 408.3.6
Sprinkler requirements, 408.2.7
Ventilation, 408.3.3
Motion picture theaters (see Assembly
buildings and Theaters)
Motion picture theater, drive-in type,
421.0
Motion picture screening rooms, 408.4
Motion picture studios, 408.6
Motor fuel service stations (see Auto-
motive service stations)
Motor, auto garages
Definition, 201.0
Private garages, 413.0
Public garages, 414.0
Motor vehicle repair
Shops, 416.0
Roof storage of, 415.0
Multiple dwelling
Definition (see Dwelling), 201.0
Use group R-2, residential,
209.3, 209.6
N
Nails
Nailing schedule, Appendix M
Native lumber, 2103.3
New materials or methods of construc-
tion
Alternate materials and
alternate methods of con-
struction, 800.0
Board of adjustments and
appeals, 126.1
Nitro-cellulose products, 407.0
Noncombustible construction
Definition, 201.0
General, 216.0
Noncombustible material (see Defini-
tion), 201.0
Notices
Of violations, 121.2, 2200.4
Posting occupancy load, 120.2
Posting permits, 114.9
Safe floor loads, 120.1
Stop work order, 122.0
Unsafe buildings, 123.3, 124.1
Nursing homes, 433.0
Occupancy
Certificate of, 119.0
Covered by code, 101.0
Definitions, 201.0
Doubtful classification, 212.1
Mixed uses and occupancy, 213.0,
2200.3, 2203.0, 2204.0
Change in use, 105.2, 2200.3,
2200.4, 2203.0, 2204.0
Occupant load
Allowances, 606.0, Table 606
Definition, 201.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Office buildings
Use group B, business, 204.0
Oil
Burning equipment installations,
1100.0
Oil storage
Fuel oil tanks and equipment,
1100.2
Tank vents, 1100.2
Openings
Exterior opening protectives,
914.0
Horizontal protection, 914.2
In fire partitions, 908.0
In shaft enclosure walls, 910.9
Protected with fire doors or
windows , 903 . 4
Vertical protection, 914.3
On or near exterior stairways,
619.3
Open parking structures
Height and area, 429.6
Protective railings, 429.8
Separations for, 429.3
Type of construction permitted,
429.2
Use group S-l, storage, moderate
hazard, 210.2, 210.4
Wheels guards required, 429.9
Oriel window
Definition, 201.0
Owner
Definition, 201.0
Paint
Spraying and spray booths, 411.0
Storage, 411.3.4
Panels
Fire access, 859.0
Stress skin, 855.0
Panel walls
Glass block, 860.0
Thickness of, hollow, 867.2
Thickness of, solid, 867.1
Weather resistance of, 867.3
Panic hardware, on exit doors, 612.5
Parking structure, open
Definition, 201.0
General requirements, 429.0
Parking lot requirements, 423.0
Party walls
Affected by excavations, 1307.0
Carried to underside or above
roof, 907.7
Construction of, 907.0
Definition, 201.0
Parapets required, 907.7, 2204.9
Size and construction of open-
ings, 908.0
Passenger and bus terminals (within
fire limits), 302.7
Passageways
Corridors, 610.0
Grade and lobbies, 611.0
Horizontal exits, 614.0
Obstructions prohibited, 605.1
Penalties and violations, provided by
code, 121.0
Penthouse
Definition, 201.0
General requirements, 925.4
Performance record, 2200.3.1
Permits
Action on appliances, 114.1,
2202.4, 2202.5
Amendments to, 113.8
Application for, 113.0, 2202.0
Approval in part, 114.5
Awnings, 313.1
Conditions of, 115.0
Definition, 201.0
Electrical, 1500.0
Examination of drawings, 113.5
Expiration, 114.3
Fees, 118.0
For awnings and canopies, 313.1
Posting of, 114.9
Records to be kept, 109.2.1,
113.5
Revoked, 113.6, 309.5
Signs, 1401.0
Special permits, 404.1, 405.1
Suspension of, 114.7
Temporary, 114.8, 314.0
To move buildings, 117.0
To wreck buildings, 116.0
When required, 113.1
Validity, 131.0
Person
Definition, 201.0
Petroleum storage
Liquid petroleum gases, 406.0
Volatile flammables, 402.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Piles
Cast-in-place concrete, 737.0
Composite, 741.0
Corrosion-protected, 733.0
Foundations, 732.0
Loads allowable, 734.0
Precast concrete, 736.0
Special, 742.0
Steel pipe and tubular, 738.0
Structural steel, 740.0
Timber, 735.0
Pipe
Columns, concrete-filled, 846.0
Insulation, 2129.0
Piles, 738.0
Shafts, 910.5
Pits in garages, 415.1.3
Planking
For combustible construction,
1313.2
For structural steel frames ,
1313.3
Plastering and lathing
Application, exterior, 820.1
Application, interior, 819.1
Combustible (wood) lath, 822.7
Fireresistance requirements,
918.0
General requirements, 819.1,
820.1
Gypsum lath, 822.2, 822.3
Gypsum plaster, 821.4
Interior lathing and plastering,
819.0, 2104.2.4
Lime, 821.3
Materials, 821.0
Metal and wire lath, accesso-
ries, 820.3, 822.4, 822.5
Over masonry, 820.7
Plastics
Approved, 1900.2, 1900.2.1
Approval for use, 1900.2.2
Bathroom accessories, 1908.1
Design and installation, 1901.0
Fastenings, 1901.0
Foam, 920.4.1
Glazing of unprotected openings,
1902.0
Interior finish and trim, 920.0
Light diffusing systems, 1906.0
Of signs, 1407.4.2
Partitions, 1907.0
Pyroxylin, 407.0
Roof panels, 1904.0
Scope and use, 1900.1
Skylights, 1905.0
Structural requirements, 1901.1
Thermoplastics, definition,
201.0, 1900.2.1
Thermosetting, definition,
201.0, 1900.2.1
Veneer, 865.1
Wall panels exterior, 1903.0
Plenums, 905.10
Plenum chanber definition, 201.0
Plot plan, required, 113.6
Plumbing, 1700.0
Plywood, 824.0
Plywood application, 2104.3.5.1
Pneumatically placed concrete,
847.0
Portable signs, 1415.0
Posting
Certificate of occupancy, 120.1,
120.2
Live loads, 120.1, 706.2
Permits, 114.9
Unsafe buildings, 123.1
Prefabricated construction
(see manufactured buildings
and building components)
Pressure vessels, unfired, 1100.3
Projecting signs, 1411.0
Projections from buildings
Awnings and canopies, 310.8,
313.0
Bay windows, 310.6
Balconies and stairs, 310.7
Below sidewalk, 309.2
Belt courses, 310.3
Cornices and eaves, 310.2
General, 309.1
In alleys, 312.0
Marquees, 310.10
Signs, 1403.2.3, 1411.0, 1412.0
Special and temporary, 312.0
Street encroachments, 309.0
Street projections, permissible,
310.0
Yard and court, 311.0
Projection rooms
Construction of, 408.3.1
General requirements, 408.3
Ventilation of, 403.3.3
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Protection against dampness
Of crawl spaces, 507.3
Of foundation walls, 872.4
Protection during construction
During wrecking, 1306.0
Of adjoining property, 1312.0
Of excavation, 1307.0
Of floor and wall openings,
1313.0
Protection of exterior openings
Of exterior wall, 914.0, 916.0
Of fire wall opening, 908.0
Public assembly
Use group A, assembly, 203.0
Public space, definition, 201.0
Pyroxylin plastics, 407.0
Qualifications
Of board of appeals, 126.21
Of building official, 107.3, 107.4
R
R, use groups, residential, 209.0
Radio antennae and towers, 427.0
Railings (see Handrails)
Ramps, 615.0, 2204.5
Recesses (see Masonry and Walls)
Records
Of decisions, 126.4.4, 2203.5
Of departments, 108.7
Recreation buildings
Use group A, assembly, 203.0
Refineries
Use group H, high hazard, 206.0
Reformatories
Use group 1-1, institutional,
207.2, 207.4
Refuse, chutes, 1107.0
Refuse vaults, 1108.0
Reinforced
Gypsum concrete, 849.0
Walls, 869.0
Reinforced concrete (see also Concrete)
Definition, 201.0
Design, 841.1
Footings, 728.3.2
Gypsum, 849.0
Reinforced gypsum concrete, 849.0
Removal
Of buildings and structures, 123.0
Of waste during construction, 1311.0
Repair
Of existing buildings, 102.1,
106.0, 2200.3, 2203.0
Of unsafe buildings or structures,
2204.0
Permit not required, 102.1
To roofs of existing buildings,
926.2
Repair shops, motor vehicle
Definition (see Garages, public),
201.0
General, 416.0
Public garages, 414.0
Use group S-l, storage, moderate
hazard, 210.2, 210.4
Residential buildings
Sound transmission control, 522.0
Use group R, 209.0
Restaurants
Use group A-3, assembly, 203.4,
203.7
Rest Homes, 433.0
Restrictions
Area, 305.2, 2204.4
Height, 305.3, 2204.0
On employees, 107.5
Outside fire limits, 303.0
Special occupancy, 400.0
Within fire limits, 302.0, 2204.3,
2203.4
Retail stores
Use group M, mercantile, 208.0
Retaining wall
Definition, 201.0
Design, 870.2
General, 870.1
Guard rails for, 870.5
Reviewing stands, 420.0
Revocation of permit, 113.6, 309.5
Revolving doors, 613.0
Risers for stairways (see Stairways)
Roof construction
As required by type of construc-
tion, 215.0, 216.0, 217.0, 218.0
Asbestos cement, 2107.5
Base sheet application, 2107.2
Built-up roofing, 2107.8
Ceiling construction, 2106.0
Cooling towers, 925.9
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Composition asphalt organic felt
shingles, 2107.3
Covering, 926.0, 2102.0
Definition of roof structure, 201.0
Fire and party walls to extend to
or above, 907.7
Fireresistance requirements,
Table 214
General, 2102.0
Loads, 710.0, 714.0
Mansard or ordinary construction,
925.6
Metal, 2106.3, 2107.6
Of approved plastics, 1900.2.1,
1904.0
Over terraces, approved plastics,
1904.5
Slate, 2107.4
Solar Collectors, 2107.11, Table
2107.11
Tile, clay or concrete, 2107.7
Wind loads, 712.0
Wood, 2106.2
Wood construction, 854.8
Wood shakes, 2107.10
Wood shingles, 2107.9
Roof covering
Classified, 903.3, 926.3
Definitions, 201.0
Roofing repairs on existing buildings,
926.2, 2200.3, 2203.0
Roof signs, 1409.0
Roof structures, 925.0
Room dimensions, 506.5, 2101.6
Rooming houses
Use group R, residential, 209.0
Rubbish chutes, 1107.0
Rubble stone foundation walls, 869.2.4
S, use group, storage, 210.0
Safeguards during construction, 1300.0
Safe loads on soil, 720.0
Safety devices for window cleaning, 521.0
Salamanders, 1318.2
Sanitariums
Use group 1-2, institutional, 207.3.
207.4
Sanitation, 2101.8
Scaffolds, 1314.0
Scale of plans, 113.5
Schools
Use group A-4, assembly, 203.5,
203.7
Scope of code
General, 100.0
Screens for skylights, 925.5.3
Scuttle
Scuttle-size and construction,
925.2
Seismic (earthquake) design, 716.0,
2203.6, 2204.7
Shaft
Definition, 201.0
Duct and pipe, 910.5
Enclosures, 910.2, 910.3
Top enclosures, 910.6
Ventilation of, 515.0
Vertical enclosures, 910.0
Shall, definition of, 201.0
Sheathing
Floor, 824.3.1
For exterior lathing and stucco,
820.5
General requirements for, 825.1
Insulation board, 2104.3.6.2
Roof, 824.3.1, 854.8.1
Subfloor, 824.3.2
Wall, 825.0, 854.3
Shed
Sidewalk, 1306.4
Sheet piling for excavations, 1307.1
Shelter, fallout, 430.0
Shingles and shakes
Wood, 854.8.2
Shower and bath compartments, 2104.2.6
Shutters
Shutters on exterior wall openings,
916.0
Sidewalks
Bridge, 1306.3
Siding
Minimum material requirements,
854.4
Signs
Alley, 1403.2.4
Alterations to, 1401.4
Banner and cloth, 1413.1
Bonds and liability insurance,
1406.0
Design loads, 1407.1, 1407.2,
1411.4
Exemptions, 1402.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Existing, 1404.0
Extending over curb prohibited,
1411.2
For exits, 623.0
General requirements, 1407.0
Ground, 1408.0
Ground projecting, 1411.0
Illuminated, 1407.3, 1414.0
Inspection of, 1405.4
Maintenance, 1405.2
Marquee, 1412.0
Miscellaneous, 1413.0
Permit fees for, 118.0
Permits for, 1401.0
Plans and specifications, 1401.0
Plastics for, 1407.4.2, 1900.2
Pole, 1408.0
Roof, 1409.0
Temporary, 1413.0
Unsafe, unlawful, 1403.0
Wall, 1410.0
Wind loads, 715.0, 1407.2.1
Skylights
Over shaft enclosures, 910.6.2
Over shafts and stairways, 515.2
Plastic, 1900.2, 1900.2.1,
1905.0
Screens, 925.3.3
Slidescapes, 622.0
Smoke detectors, 2101.14
Smokeproof enclosure, 618.0, 2203.12
Snow load, 711.0
Soil
Bearing, allowable, 720.0
Bearing capacity, 720.0
Tests, 721.0, 722.0
Solar Collectors, 2107.11
Solid fuel burning heating appliances,
1110.0, 2109.0
Chimney connectors, 2109.6
Clearances, 2019.4, Table
2109.4, 2110-1, or Table
2110.2
Combustion air, 2109.5
Definitions, 2109.2
Fireplace installation, 2109.6
Hearth, 2109.3
Labeling, 2109.8
Solid fuel heaters, 2109.1
Used appliances, 2109.7
Sound transmission control in resi-
dential buildings
Airborne noise, 522.2
Scope, 522.1
Structure-borne sound, 522.3
Tested assemblies, 522.2.1,
522.3.1
Spandrels for vertical separation of
windows, 906.3
Spark arrestors, 1010.0
Special fireresistance requirements
For grade floor protection, 905.7
For packing and shipping rooms ,
905.4
For public garages, 905.2
For residential buildings, 905.6
For truck loading and shipping
areas, 905.5
Special occupancy, use and requirements
Assembly occupancies, 417.0
Explosion hazards, 401.0
Flammables, volatile, 402.0
General requirements, 400.0
Inspection of, 403.0
Scope, 400.1
Special industrial buildings, 400.0
Spray painting
Booths, 411.0
Construction requirements for
booths, 411.3
Fire protection, 411.5
Ventilation requirements, 411.4
Sprinklers (see also Fire protection
systems)
Area increase permitted, 306.3
Capacity per unit egress, width
permitted, 608.2, Table 608
General requirements, 1200.0
Length of travel, increase per-
mitted, 607.4, Table 607
Where required, 1202.0
Stadiums
Use group A-5, assembly, 203.6,
203.7, 420.0
Stage
Classification of occupancy, 417.1
Construction, 417.7
Curtain, proscenium, 417.7.7
Definition, 201.0
Exits from, 417.7.6
Floor construction, 417.7.2
Rooms, accessory, 417.8
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Separated from auditorium by wall,
417.7.1, 417.7.6
Switchboard, 417.7.4
Ventilation of, 417.7.9
Stairway, 2101.10.8, Figure 2101-1
Stairways
Access to roof, 617.0
Definition, 201.0
Door to stairway, 616.6, 2203.12
Enclosure, combustible, 616.9.3,
909.3
Enclosures, exterior, 619.1
Enclosures, interior, 616.9.2,
2203.12, 2204.6
Exterior, 619.0
Fire escapes, 621.0, 2203.8
Guard details, 616.5.2
Handrails, 616.5, 616.5.1
Headroom clearance, 616.2.2
Interior, 616.0, 2203.12, 2204.6
Landings, width, 613.3
Light and ventilation, 514.0
Lighting, 513.3, 2203.10
Means of egress, 609.2, 616.0,
2203.12, 2204.6
Means of egress lighting, 624.0,
2203.10
Moving, 620.0, 1620.0
Railings, 616.5
Rise between landings, 616.3.2
Sidescapes, 622.0
Spiral stairway, 616.7
Supplemental, 616.8
Treads and risers, 616.4
Width, 616.2.1, 2200.4, 2203.8
Winders, 616.4.2, 2203.8
Standing in aisles prohibited, 417.6
Standpipes
During construction, 1212.0
Water supplies, 1214.0
Wet standpipe requirements,
1211.0
Starting work
Notice to building official,
114.10
Steel construction
Buildings in fire limits, 302.0
Cast iron construction, 831.0
Cast steel construction, 830.0
Fire escapes, 621.0
Frame construction planking,
1313.3
Grillages in footings, 727.0
Joists, open web construction,
828.0
Light gauge and formed steel
construction, 827.0
Reinforcing, 829.0
Special steel, 832.0
Structural, 826.0
Steel piles
Concrete filled, 738.1
Stone
Cast, 814.0
Foundation walls, 869.2.4
Natural stones, 813.0
Veneer, 863.0
Stop work orders, 122.0
Storage
Of combustible fibers, 409.0
Of combustible dusts, grain
processing and storage, 410.0
Of flammable film, 408.2
Of flammables, 402.0
Of liquefied petroleum gas, 406.0
Of pyroxylin plastics, 407.5,
407.5.1
Use group S, storage, 210.0
Story, definition, 201.0
Street
Definition, 201.0
Encroachments, 309.0
Permissible projections, 310.0
Structural clay tile, 807.0
Structural glass block, 811.0
Structural requirements for plastics,
1901.0
Structural steel (see Steel)
Structure
Definition, 201.0
Unsafe, 123.0, 2200.4
Summer camps for children, 435.0
Swimming pools
Change of use, 405.4.1
Classification of, 428.2
Design and construction, 428.5
Permit and plans, 428.3
Safety precaution, 428.8
Water supply treatment, and drain-
age system, 428.6
System design, heating/cooling, 2125.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
T, use groups, temporary and miscellan-
eous, 211.0
Tanks
Storage of flammable liquids,
402.0
Storage of liquefied petroleum gas,
406.0
Television antennae, 427.0
Temporary
Boilers, 1318.3
Buildings of structures, 314.0,
422.0
Elevators, 1315.0
Heating devices, 1318.2
Occupancy, 119.4
Permits, 114.8, 314.1
Safeguards, 124.1
Signs, 1413.0
Stairs, 1316.1
Structures, use group T, 211.0
Structures in fire limits, 302.4
Termination of approval for tem-
porary buildings, 314.3
Tents, air-supported structures, require-
ments, 422.0
Termite protection, 2102.8
Approved pressure preservation
treatment of wood, 874.6,
874.7
Special, 847.1
Tests
Fire, 802.7
Fireresistance, 903.0
Flameresistance, 904.0
General, 802.0, 2200.2
New materials and devices, 800.4
Of automatic fire alarm systems,
1217.8
Of construction equipment, 1302.0
Of construction equipment, 1302.0
Of sprinkler equipment, 1204.8
Pile capacity, 734.4
Prefabricated construction, 802.8,
1800.0
Procedure for soil, 722.0
Quality of material, 802.0
Soil bearing values, 720.0
Structural steel unit, 826.0
Working stresses, 719.0
Theatres
Aisles, 417.5
Balcony and gallery entrance and
exits, 417.3.2
Dressing and appurtenant rooms,
417.8
Drive-in (see Drive-in Theatre)
Egress requirements, 417.3, 417.8.3
Existing, 405.3, 2200.3, 2203.13
Exitway discharge courts, 417.3.5
Exitway doors, 417.3.7
Exit lights, 417.3.8
Fire protection requirements,
417.10
Foyers, 417.6
Horizontal exits, 417.3.1
Interior wall and ceiling finish,
417.2.5, 417.8.3, 923.0
Lighting, general, 417.9
Motion picture projection booth,
408.3
Proscenium curtain, 417.7.7
Railings, 417.5.5
Restrictions, 417.2
Rewinding film, 408.3.5
Seating, 417.4
Stage construction, 417.7
Standpipes, 417.10.2, 417.10.3
Use group A-l, assembly, 203.2,
203.7, 417.0
Ventilation of stage, 417.7.9
Waiting space, 417.6.5
Thermal insulating materials, 876.0
Thermoplastics, accepted, Article 19
Towers
Radio and television, requirements,
426.0
Wind, loads, 715.0, 426.4
Travel, length of, to exits, 607.4
Treads, stairs, 616.4
Trim, exterior, 924.0
Trim, interior (see Interior finish
and trim)
Trusses
Individual encasement, 913.1
Roof slabs and arches, 913.3
Roofs, 20 feet or higher, 913.2
Tunnel flame spread test, 903.5.1
Types of construction
Type 1, fireproof, 215.0
Type 2, noncombustible , 216.0
Type 3, exterior masonry walls,
217.0
Type 4, combustible, 218.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
U
U, values of building components, 2123.0,
Table 2123-1
Underpinning, 1305.3
Unfired pressure vessels, 1100.3
Underfloor space, 2102.9, 2121.2
Unlimited area, buildings, 307.0
Unsafe
Structures, 123.0
Use
Certificate of occupancy for, 119.0
Change in existing, 105.0, 2200.3,
2200.4, 2203.0, 2204.0
Doubtful classification, 212.0
Group classification, 202.0
Of exitways, 602.0
Utilities, public discontinuance of
In demolition of structures, 116.1,
1308.2
V
Validity
Of code, 131.0
Vapor barriers, 2122.0
Vaults, reuse, 1108.0
Veneers
Demolition, 201.0
For frame construction, 854.4
Height of, fcr frame buildings,
854.4.3
Metal, 864.0
Plastic, 865.0
Stone and tile, 863.0
Structural glass, 862.0
Wall facings and, 861.0
Ventilation, 2101.5, 2121.0, 2102.9
Attics, 507.2
Basements and cellars, 508.1, 514.0
Bath and toilet rooms, 512.0
Court requirements for, 516.0
Crawl space, 507.3
Dry cleaning plants, 412.5
Ducts through fire walls, 1009.0
Fire emergency ventilating systems,
519.0
Fire ventilation of open weils,
520.0
For existing buildings, 505.0
For stairways and exitways, 513.0
Garages, 414.3
General requirements, 500.0
Institutional buildings, 511.0
Mechancial, 504.0, 514.1, 2101.5.2
Minimum requirements, 514.0
Motion picture projection rooms,
408.3.3
Natural, 503.1, 506.0
Of alcoves, 507.1
Rear yards for, 517.0
Required fresh air supply, 514.0
Shaft other than elevator and dumb-
waiter, 515.0
Skylights, vent louvers, 512.5
Windows, 506.2
Venting
Appliances, 2114.0
Room heaters, 2113.11
Type, 2114.3
Installation, 2114.4
Location, 2114.5
Clearances, 2114.6
Termination, 2114.7
Gravity, 2114.8
B or BW vent, 2114.9
L vent, 2114.10
Special vent, 2114.11
Size, 2114.12
Multiple, 2114.13
Existing, 2114.14
Draft hoods, 2114.15
Vents
Appliances requiring, 1006.2
For listed appliances, 1006.1
Ventilators over stages, 417.7.9
Vent shafts, 910.0
Ventilating skylights, 513.1.2
Ventilating system, 519.9
Vertical openings
Enclosures, 910.0
Shafts, 515.0
Vertical separation of windows, 906.3
Violations and penalties
Abatements, 121.5
Notice of, 121.2
Penalties, 121.4
Stop-work, 122.0
Unsafe building, 123.0
Volatile, flammables, 402.0
9/1/80
890
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
W
Wallboard (see also Sheathing)
For frame construction, 854.3
Gypsum, 823.6
Plywood, 824.0
Wall covering, general, 2104.0
Walls (see also Masonry)
Bearing, chases and recesses in,
837.0
Bearing, lateral bracing of, 836.0,
2203.6, 2204.7
Bearing, wood frame construction,
854.2.1
Bonding of, 835.0
Concrete masonry units, 809.0
Concrete, ordinary, 843.0
Corbeled and projecting masonry,
838.0
Definitions, 201.0
Design for wind on vertical sur-
faces, 712.0, 713.0
Ducts in fire walls, 903.4.5,
905.11, 1009.0
Enclosure for theatre stages,
417.7.1
Enclosure walls required, 857.0
Fire and party, 907.0, 2204.9
Fire wall openings, 908.0
Fire separation, 909.0
Foundation walls, 869.0
Glass block, 811.1, 862.0
Gypsum, 810.0
Hollow, 839.0
Hollow panels, thickness of,
867.2
Lateral support of bearing,
836.0, 2203.6, 2204.7
Lintels, protection, 911.7
Masonry wall construction, 834.0
Panel, 867.0
Penthouse, 925.4
Plain concrete, 840.0
Proscenium, 417.7.6
Protection of exterior openings
in, 914.0
Protection of openings in, 858.0
Reinforced concrete, 841.0
Retaining, 870.0
Roof structure, 925.0
Shaft enclosure, 910.0
Solid masonry, 866.0
Stone, foundation, 869.2.4
Thickness of panel, 867.0
Thickness of solid, 866.0
Veneers, glass, 862.0
Veneers, metal, 864.0
Veneers, plastic, 865.1
Veneers, thickness of, 861.2
Veneers, thin and tile, 863.0
Wall signs, 1410.0
Warehouse
Use group S, storage, 210.0
Warm air furnace, 2112.0
Access, 2112.5
Clearances, 2112.6
Warm air heating systems, 1100.0
Waste chutes, 1107.0
Waste to be removed, 1311.0
Watchman's shelters, 302.5
Water tanks, 925.8
Waterproofing, 2102.5
Waterproofing of exterior structural
elements, 872.0
Waterproofing of foundation walls,
872.4
Weather protection, 2104.3.5
Weather resistant membrane, 2104.3.5.2
Welding
General requirements, 826.0
Safeguards during construction,
1320.0
Width
Aisles, 610.3
Lobbies used as an exitway ele-
ment, 611.2
Means of egress doors, 612.3
Stair exitway doors, 61^.6.1
Units of exit width, 608.1, 2203.8
Winders, 616.4.2
Wind load design
Buildings, 712.0
Glass, 857.5.4
Radio and television towers, 426.4
Signs, 715.0, 1407.2.1
Windows
Cleaning safeguards, 521.0
Dormer, 925.7
Fire, 916.0
Fireresistive design, 903.4.4
Glass area required, 506.2
In stairways and passageways,
513.0
9/1/80
780 CMR: STATE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Required for light and ventila-
tion, 506.0
Vertical separation of, 906.3
Window egress, 2101.10.3
Designated type of, 218.1
Fiberboards, 823.0
Floor sheathing, 824.3.1
Foundation anchorage, 854.5
Foundation, general, 869.0
Framing around fireplaces, 1007.4
Framing around flues and chimneys,
875.^
Header beam, 852.4
Heavy timber construction, 853.0
Minimum lumber dimensions, 852.2
Nailing, 854.4.4, Appendix M
Non-bearing walls, 854.2.2
Piles, 735.0
Plywood, 824.0
Quality of materials, 824.1
Restrictions within fire limits,
302.0, 2204.3
Roof sheathing, 824.3.1, 854.8.1
Sheathing lath, 854.3.1
Shingles and shakes, 854.8.2
Spans for plywood sheathing,
824.3, 824.3.1, 824.3.2
Stressed skin panels, 855.0
Structural glued laminated
timber, 856.0
Structural members, 852.0
Structural wood glues, 818.0
Stud spacing, 824.3.2
Subfloors, 824.3.2
Veneer, height of 854.4.3
Veneer, masony, 854.4.1
Veneer, metal, 854.4.2
Wall sheathing, 854.3
Weatherboarding, exterior, 854.4
Wood frame construction, 854.6
Wood stoves, 1110.0
Wine glass
In fireresistive doors and win-
dows, 917.0
Wood construction
At grade protection, 854.6
Bearing walls, 854.2.1
Bracing, 854.2.3
Bridging, 854.7.1
Buildings in fire limits, 302.0,
2204.3
Buildings outside fire limits,
303.0
Cambering, 852.3.2
Connections, 852.3.1
Cornices, 924.2.1
Creosote treatment of footings,
782.2
Cutting and notching, 852.3.3
Wood framing, Table 2103.3, Figure
2103-1, Figure 2103-2. Figure
2103-3
Wood wall construction, 2103.2, 2103.3
Work
Start, 114.10
Stop order, 122.0
Working stresses, allowable
Controlled materials, 719.0
Workmanship (see Articles 7 and 8)
Test, 802.5
Written notice
Definition, 201.0
Yard
Definition, 201.0
Obstruction of, 518.0
Permissible encroachments, 311.0
Rear yards, 517.0
Yard system fire mains, 1215.0
Zoning
Restrictions, 101.2
9/1/80
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