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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth 
State Publications and Regulations 

REGULATION! FILING AND PUBLBCATDON 



1. Regulation Chapter, Number & Heading: 



78© CIVIR 



2, Name of Agency: THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS & STANDARDS 

3. This document is reprinted from the Code of Massachusetts Regulations and contains the following: 



Sixth Editioo of the Massa 
as adopt 
Itate Board of Bolidiog RegyBatlor 
Office of the Secretairy 



tiusetts State Building Code 
ted by the 

ns and Standards and foled with the 
of the Commoiniwealth 



Under the Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, §.6, and Chapter 233, §75, 
this document may be used as evidence of the original documents on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 



Compiled as in full force and effect: 




2008 



A true copy attest: 





WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 
Secretary of the Commonwealth 




THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth 
State Publications and Regulations 

REGULATION FILING AND PUBLICATION 



1. Regulation Chapter, Number & Heading: 



78© CMR 



2. Name of Agency. MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS & STANDARDS 

3. This document is reprinted from the Code of Massachusetts Regulations and contains the following: 



780CMR:1 ADMINISTRATiOl^ 

780CIVIR:2 DEFINITIONS 

780CMR:3 USE OR OCCUPANY 

780CMR:4 SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 

780 CMR:5 GENERAL BUILDING LIIVIiTATIONS 

780 CMR:6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 

780 CMR:7 FIRERESISTANT f^ATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 

780 CMR:8 INTERIOR FINISHES 

780CIV!R:9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 

(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO MASSACHUSETTS) 
780 CMR:10 MEAN OF EGRESS 
780CMR:11 ACCESSIBILITY 

(780 CMR 11 DS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO MASSACHUSETTS) 
780 CMR:12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT 
780CMR:13 ENERGY CONSERVATION 

(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO MASSACHUSETTS) 
780CMR°14 EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 
780CMR^1S ROOFAND ROOF COVERINGS 

Under the Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, § 6, and Chapter 233, § 75, 
this document may be used as evidence of the original documents on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 



Compiled as in full force and effect: 










' ) 



1/1/2008 



A true copy attest: 




WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 
Secretary of the Commonwealth 




THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth 
State Publications and Regulations 

REGU.LATiOM FILING AND PUBLICATiON 



1. Regulation Chapter, Number & Heading: 



780 CMR 



2. Name of Agency: MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS 8, STANDARDS 

3. This document is reprinted from the Code of Massachusetts Regulations and contains the following: 



78©CfVlR:16 
780CIV1R:17 



T80CIV1R:18 

780CIV1R:19 
780CIVIR:20 
780CW/IR:21 
780CIVIR:22 
780CIV1R:23 
780CMR:24 
78©CIVIR:25 
780CMR:26 
780CMR:27 

780CiVIR:28 
780CIV!R:29 



STRUCTURAL LOADS 

STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 

(SUBSTANTIAL PORTIONS OF THIS CHAPTER ARE UNIQUE TO MASS 

ACHUSETTS) 

FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS' 

(THIS CHAPTER IS UNIQUE TO IVfASSACHUSETTS) 

CONCRETE 

LIGHTWEIGHT IWIETALS 

IVIASONRY 

STEEL 

WOOD 

GLASS AND GLAZING 

GYPSUM BOARD AND PLASTER 

PLASTIC 

ELECTRICAL WIRING-p EQUIPIVIENT AND SYSTEMS 

(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO MASSACHUSETTS) 

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 

PLUMBING SYSTEMS 



(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO MASSACHUSETTS) 
Under the Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, §6, and Chapter 233, §75, 
this document may be used as evidence of the original documents on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 



Compiled as in full force and effect: 










J 



1/1/2008 



A true copy attest: 



WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 
Secretary of the Commonwealth 




THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth 
State Publications and Regulations 

REGULATION FILING AND PUBLICATION 



1. Regulation Chapter, Number & Heading: 



780 CIVIR 



2. Name of Agency: IVBASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS & STANDARDS 

3. This document is reprinted from the Code of Massachusetts Regulations and contains the following: 



780 CryiR:30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS 

(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO IVIASSACHUSETTS) 

780 CIVIR:31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 

780 CmRiZ2 CONSTRUCTION IN THE PUBLIC RSGHT » OF - WAY 

780 CiVlR:33 SITE WORK, DEIVIOUTION AND CONSTRUCTION 

780 CIViR^34 REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING 
STRUCTURES 
(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO IVIASSACHUSETTS) 

780 CiVIR:35 MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, MANUFACTURED BUILDING COMPO- 
NENTS AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING 
(THIS CHAPTER IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE TO MASSACHUSETTS) 



LIST OF APPENDICES 



REFERENCED STANDARDS 

SAMPLE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION FORM 

RECOMMENDED FASTENING SCHEDULE 

GUIDANCE FOR SELECTION OF FOUNDATION MATERIAL CLASSES IN 

TABLE 1804.3 



Under the Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, § 6, and Chapter 233, § 75, 
this document may be used as evidence of the original documents on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 



Compiled as in full force and effect: 



1/1/2008 




A true copy attest: 




WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 
Secretary of the Commonwealth 




THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 

William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth 
State Publications and Regulations 

REGULATION FILING AND PUBLICATION 



1. Regulation Chapter, Number & Heading: 



780 CMR 



2. Name of Agency: MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS 8, STANDARDS 

3. This document is reprinted from the Code of Massachusetts Regulations and contains the following: 

LIST OF APPENDICES 

E: PROCEDURE FOR ACCOUNTING FOR SERIES AND PARALLEL HEAT 

FLOWS 
F: . REFERENCE DATA FOR REPAIR, ADDITION, AND CHANGE OF USE OF 

EXISTING BUILDINGS 
G: UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES 

Hi HISTORIC BUILDBNGS 

1^ INDEPENDENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING REVIEW 

Ji ENERGY PROVISIONS 

K: FLOOR PROTECTOR THERiVIAL CONDUCTIVDTY CALCULATDONS 

78© CIVIR SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 

R1 :■ CONCRETE TESTING LABORATORIES LICENSING 

R2: CONCRETE TESTING PERSONNEL LICENSING 

R3: iVIANAFACTURED BUILDBNGS, BUILDINGS COMPONENTS AND MOBILE 

HOMES 
R4: USE OF NATIVE LUMBER 
R5: CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS 
R6: REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAWl 
R7^ CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTORS OF BUILDINGS, BUILDING 

COMMISSIONERS AND LOCAL INSPECTORS 

INDEX 

Under the Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, §6, and Chapter 233, §75, 
this document may be used as evidence of the original documents on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 



Compiled as in full force and effect: 










J 



1/1/2008 



A true copy attest: 



WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN 
Secretary of the Commonwealth 



THE MASSACHUSETTS 
STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR 

Sixth Edition 



COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 



Publlslied by 

William Fo Gatvin 

Secretory of the Commonwealth 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

FOREWORD and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE (780 CMR), SDCTHEDITJON 

FOREWORD 

Th& Sixth Edition of 780 CMR ,the Massachusetts State Building Code has been revised from the Fifth Edition to make 
it consistent with the common code fonnat of the National Code, the Unifomi Building Code and the Southern Building 
Code, both in chapter and sub-chapter numbering. The technical content is based on the 1993 edition of the Building 
Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Building Code. Extensive technical changes have been made as 
a result of reviews by the BBRS technical advisory committees, listed in this section, and also as required by 
Massachusetts General Laws and Specialized Codes and Regulations. 

Chapter 36, the One and Two Family Dwelling Code, has been revised from the Fifth to the Sixth Edition to make it 
consistent with the 1995 edition of the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code to the extent practicable. 
Substantive changes have been made as a result of reviews by the BBRS staff, state and municipal building officials, 
and technical advisory boards. 

The following chapters are considered unique to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in their entirety: 

Chapter 1 - Administration 

Chapter 9 - Fire Protection Systems 

Chapter 1 1 - Accessibility 

Chapter 13 • - Energy Conservation 

Chapter 16 - Structural Loads 

Chapter IS • Foundations and Retaining Walls 

Chapter 27 - Electrical Wiring and Equipment 

Chapter 29 - Plumbing and Oasfittmg 

Chapter 30 - Elevator and Convqong Systems 

Chapter 34 - Repair, Alteration and Change ofUse of Existing Buildings 

Chapter 35 - Manufactured Buildings, Building Components and Mobile Homes 

Several differences appear in the format of the Sixth Edition from that of the Fifth Edition; a major change pertaining 
to the numbering system. Other changes in the content of the Sixth Edition that are different from that of national 
buildmg code, are shown in bold-faced, iialidzed type. Chapters which are significantly different than the national 
building code are identified with the parenthetical statement This Chapter is Entirely Unique to Massachusetts. 

The Sixth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) becomes effective on February 28, 1997. 

In recognition of the time periods involved in the planning, design and construction of buildings and building related 
projects and in order to effect an orderly and equitable transition between the Fifth Edition and Sixth Edition, the State 
Board of Building Regulations and Standards implements the following policy; 

From Fdjruary 28, 1997 to August 27, 1997 the Fifth and Sixth Editions of the Massachusetts State Building Code shall 
be considered to be concurrently effective. Ehiring this period, the end user may elect to utilize the provisions of either 
the Fifth Edition in its entirety fli the Sixth Edition in its entirety. 

The Fifth Edition will be automatically repealed on August 27, 1997 after which date all users shall comply with the 
provisions of the Sixth Edition. 

PURCHASING OPnONS 

The One and Two-Family Dwelling Code, identified in the Sixth Edition as Chapter 36, may be purchased as a separate 
package, including Chapter 1, Administration and Enforcement and Appendix A, or it may be purchased as part of the 
entire code package. 

The Rules and Regulations of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards identified as 780 CMR-Rl through 
780 CMR-R7, may be purchased as a separate package or as part of the entire code package. 

Also available is the Guide to the Sixth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code, This guide was developed 
to assist code users in making the transition between the Fifth Edition and Sixth Edition and is sold as part of the code. 
It includes a Chapter\Article Number Cross Reference- Index and a Summary of Major Changes made in the Sixth 
Edition relative to the Fifth Edition and the national building code. 

The code may be ordered in any manner identified above by calling the State House Bookstore f^ (6 1 7) 727-2854. 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR; STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FORWARD AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

AMENDMENT PROCESS 

Pursuant to M.GL. c. 143, § 97, 780 CMR is subject to change by amendment. Amendments shall be proposed on 
forms made available at the office of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. Proposals are offered at public 
hearing where the Board hears testimony both for and against the proposals. Proposals are then studied and voted upon 
by the Board. Those that are voted "approved" arc issued as amendments to 780 CMR and become effective when 
published in the Bi-weekly MASSACHUSETTS REGISTER. 

All proposals for amendment to 780 CMR must be received at least 60 days prior to the public hearing date. Changes 
that are voted "approved" are issued on a cycle determined by the Board; generally not sooner than a two year cycle. 

The Board convenes public hearings to entertain changes to the code a minimum of twice each calendar year; in May 
and November. Other public hearings may be scheduled as necessary. 

Anyone wishing to present a code change proposal should contact the Office of the Board at (617) 727-3200 extension 
614 for information on how to file. It is the responsibility of the code user to check the MASSACHUSETTS 
REGISTER periodically to determine if amendments have been issued. 

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 
STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



Professor KentaroTsutsunii,P.E., Chairman 
Registered Professional Engineer (Structural) 

Daniel P. O'Sullivan, Vice Chairman 
Inspector of Buildings (City) 

Thomas E. Donovan, General Contractor 
of One and Two Family Homes 

Thomas G. Gatzunis, P.E. 
Inspector of Buildings (Town) 

William P. Kramer, P.E. 
Registered Professional Engineer 
(Mechanical) 

Alexander H. MacLeod, RA. 
Registered Architect 



Stanley S. Shuman, P.E. 

General Contractor of Commercial & Industrial Buildings 

Thomas L. Rogers (Ex-Officio) 

Chief of Inspections 

(Gary Moccia, P.E. - Designee) 

Robert E. Banks 

Building Trades Representative 

ChiefWilliamV. Dolap 

Head of a Local Fire Department 

Steven Coan (Ex Officio) 

State Fire Marshal 

(Maurice M. Pilette, P.E. - Designee) 



PAST- MEMBERS.GONTRIBUTING TO THIS CODE: 



Richard Mcintosh 

Inspector of Buildmgs (Town) 



Douglas Cole Smith, RA 
Registered Architect 



STAFF 

Thomas L. Rogers, Administrator 

Robert A. Anderson^ Deputy Administrator 

Brian Gore, PE, C.Eng., Technical Director . 

Thomas M. Riley, Code Development Manager 

Marian Doyle, Home Improvement Contractor Program Manager 

Patricia A. Brennan, Building Code Board of Appeals Manager 

Aime Marie Rose 

Mary Kavanaugh 

Julie Allan 

Jef&ey Putnam 

Heather McEwan 

Sean MacDonald 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS 

Andrew Bodnar (Legal Research) 
Derek Greaser (Technical Research) 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SAFETY BOARD (CMSB) 



Professor Kentaro Tsutsumi, P.E., Chairman 
College of Engineering 
Tufts University 

Charles A. J. Theodore, P.E. 
Hometech Consulting Group 

Terrence Johnston, Laboratory Supervisor 
Testing Laboratory 
Metropolitan District Commission 

Sanford Kaplan 

Sanford Constriction Company 



Francis Harvey, P.E., R.A. 
Harvey and Tracy 

Ara Shrestinian, P.E., Vice President 
The Thompson & Lichtner Co., Inc. 

Professor Louis C. Tartaglione, P.E. 

Department of Civil Engineering University of Lowell 

James Keefe 

The Beacon Companies 



Staff Liaison -Thomas M. Riley 
FIRE PREVENTION - FERE PROTECTION BOARD 



John M. Murphy, Chairman 
International Municipal Signalmen's 
Association 

Lt. Michael P. Astkin 

Massachusetts Fire Prevention Association 

Chief James W. Clarke 
Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association 

Chief WiUiam V. Dolan 
Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association 

Walter B. Adams, AIA 
Registered Architect 



Harold Cutler, P.E. 

Registered Professional Engineer 

(Fire Protection) 

Lt. Robert Bourke 

Massachusetts Fire Prevention Association 

Steven Coan, State Fire Marshal 
(Maurice M. Pilette, P.E. - Designee) 

Carlisle V. Smith, PE 

Board of Fire Prevention Regulations 

Conunissioner Martin Pierce 
Mass. Fire Chiefs Association 
(Paul M. Donga - Designee) 



Staff Liaison - Thomas M. Riley 
GEOTECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMTITEE 



Edmund G. Johnson, P.E., Chairman 
Haley & Aldrich, Inc. 

Nino Catalano, P.E. 
ICOS Boston 

P. A. O'Neill, P.E. 

New England Foundation, Co. 

AsafA.Qazilbash,P.E. 
Asaf A. Qazilbash Associates 



Peter K. Taylor, P.E., Vice Chairman 
Stone & Webster Engineering 

Eldon L Abbot, P.E. 

Parsons BrinkerhofTQuade and Douglas, Inc. 

David Shields, P.E. 
Geotechnical Engineers, Inc. 

Dr. Richard M. Simon, P.E. 
GZA Associates 

Robert Hoylcr,P,E, 
McPhail Associates 



Staff Liaison - Robert A. Anderson 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FORWARD AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 



SEISMIC ADVISORY COMMTTTEE 



Norton S. Remmer, P.E., Chainnan 
Norton S. Remmer Consulting Engineers 

Dr. John. T. Christian, P.E. 
Consulting Engineer 

Francis D. Leathers, P.E. 
Geotechnical Engineers, Inc. 

Nicholas Mariani, P.E. 
Charles T. Main, Inc. 

Maurice A. Reidy, Jr., P.E. 
Maurice A. Reidy Engineers 

Professor Kentaro Tsutsumi, P.E. 
BBRS Representative 



Kermeth B. Weisner, P.E., Vice Chainnan 
Le Messurier Consultants 

Joseph J. Zona, P.E. 

Simpson, Gumpertz, & Heger, hic. 

Dr. Cetin Soydemir, P.E. 
Haley and Aldrich 

Wayne Siladi, P.E. 
Weidlinger Associates, Inc. 

Richard Henige, P.E. 
Le Messurier Consultants 



Staff Liaison - Brian Gore, P.E, C. Eng. 
MEMA Liaison.. John C. Smith - Earthquake Program Manager 



Dr. Frank J. Heger, P.E., Chairman 
Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. 

Rubin M. Zallen, P.E. 
Consulting Engineer 

Hans William Hagen, P.E. 
Lim Consultants 

Arthur L. Brown, P.E. 
Boston Building Consultants 



LOADS ADVISORY COMMITIEE 

Stanley S. Shuman, P.E. 
BBRS Member 

Michael Joliffe, P.E. 
Zaldastani Associates 

Edward LeNormand, P.E. 
Chapin Associates 

Tom McGarrigle, P.E. 
Amman & Whitney 

Staff Liaison - Brian Gore, P.E., C. Eng. 



BUILDING OFFICIAL CERTDFTCAHON COMMITTEE 
(The Standing Certification Committee) 



Matthias J. Mulvey, Chainnan 
Massachusetts Building Commissioners 
and Inspectors Association (Representative) 
Certified Building Code Enforcement Official 

Daniel P. O'SulIivan, Vice Chairman 

Building Officials of Western Massachusetts 

(Representative) 

Certified Building Code Enforcement Official 

Paul J. Nonni, Member at Large 

Certified Building Code Enforcement Official 

Doe York, Member at Large 

Certified Building Code Enforcement OHicial 

(Michael Card) 



David Thyng, P.E. 

Southeastern Massachusetts Building Officials 

Association (Representative) 

Certified Building Code Enforcement Official 



Robert Betit, Member at Large 

Certified Building Code Enforcement Official 

(Peter DePesa 

Fred Hanack, P.E., Member from Academia 

Robert A. Anderson, BBRS Representative 
Certified Building Code Enforcement Official 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



ENERGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 



Thomas M. Riley, 
BBRS Representative 



Dale Gigandet 

State Fire Marshal Representative 

Anne Gros 

DOER Representative 

Michael Andelman, P.E., 
Shooshanian Engineering, Inc 

Jerard Ives, R.A. 

Jerard Ives Registered Architect 

Robert Figuerido, P. E. 
Digital Equipment Corp. 

Nick Johnson. P. E. 

Bard, Rao & Athanas Consulting Engineers, Inc. 

Joel Wedding 

Department of Labor and Industries 

Richard Kramer 

Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield 



William Habib 

Home Builders Association of Massachusetts 

Melvin Fink 

Home Builders Association 

Charles E. Wheeler 

New England Power Service 

Ron Moreira 
Bay State Gas Co. 

Michael Ferrante 
Massachusetts Oil Heat Council 

Charles Brewster 

Accent Sales and Marketing 

Jack Desmond 
Cox Engineering 

Robert Thorell 

Building Commissioner, Westminster 

Mike Martin 

Waltham Development Co. 



mC ADVISORY COMMTITEE 



Marian Doyle 
BBRS Representative 

Harry Smith 
HIC Registrant 

William O'Brien 

NARI Eastern MA Chapter 

Jack Elliott 

NARI Western MA Chapter 



Paul Schlaver 

MA Consumer Coalition 

Arlie Costine Scott 

Representative from the Office of the AG 

Frank Rosen 
Fund Administrator 

Ken Wade 

Representative of the Attorney General 



TECHNICAL CODE COUNCIL 

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 143, § 3, there shall be an advisory board known as the technical code council 
which shall make recommendations relative to the formulation, promulgation and administration of the 
state building code. The make-up of the council is available at the Office of the Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards. 



VI 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Chapter 1: ADMINISTRATION 

(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

101.0: Scope 

102.0: Applicability 

103.0: Maintenance 

104.0: Validity 

105.0: Office of the inspector of buildings or building commissioner 

106.0: Duties and powers of the building official 

107.0: Duties and powers of the state inspector 

108.0: Rules & regulations 

109.0: Approval 

1 10.0: Application for permit 

111.0: Permits 

1 12.0: Demolition of structures 

1 13.0: Conditions of permit 

114.0: Fees 

115.0: Inspection 

1 16.0: Registered architectural and professional engineering services 

construction control 

1 17.0: Workmanship 

118.0: Violations 

1 19.0: Stop work order 

120.0: Certificate of occupancy 

121.0: Unsafe structures 

1 22.0: Board of appeals 

123.0: Construction Materials safety Board 

124.0: Fire Prevention - Fire Protection Advisor}' Committee 

125.0: Strucmral Peer Review Advisory Committee 

Chapter 2: DEFINITIONS 

201.0: General 

202.0: General Definitions 

Chapters: USE OR OCCUPANCY 

301.0: General 

302.0: Classification 

303.0: Assembly use groups 

304.0: Business use group 

305.0: Educational use group 

306.0: Factory and industrial use groups 

307.0: High hazard use groups 

308.0: Institutional use groups 

309.0: Mercantile use group 

310.0: Residential use groups 

311.0: Storage use groups 

3 1 2.0: Utility and miscellaneous use group 

313.0: Mixed use groups 

Chapter 4i SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 

401.0: General 

402.0; Covered mall buildings 

403.0: High rise buildings 

404,0: Atriums 

405.0: Underground structures 

406.0: Open parking structures 

407.0: Private garages 

408.0: Public garages 

409.0: Use Group 1-2 



13 

13 
13 
14 
14 
14 
15 
17 
18 
19 
19 
21 
23 
23 
23 
24 

24 

26 

26 

26 

27 

27 

28.1 

32 

32 

32 

35 

35 
35 

47 

47 
47 
48 
49 
49 
49 
50 
54 
57 
58 
59 
59 
59 

63 

63 
63 
65 
67 
68 
69 
70 
70 
71 



9/9/05 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 

Chapter 4: SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY - continued 

410.0: Use Group 1-3 

4n .0: Motion picture projection rooms, screening rooms and sound stages 

412.0: Stages and platforms 

413.0: Special amusement buildings 

414.0: Airport traffic control towers 

415.0; Outdoor processing facilities 

416.0: HPM facilities 

417.0: Hazardous materials 

418.0: Use Groups H-l,H-2,H-3 and H-4 

419.0: Application of flammable finishes 

420.0: Mobile units 

421.0: Swimming pools 

422.0: Existing buildings 

423.0; Group Residences 

424.0: Day Care Centers 

425.0: Simimer Camps for Children 

426.0; Bulk Merchandising Retail Buildings 

427.0: Limited Group Residences 

428.0: Detoxification Facilities 

429.0; Group Dwelling Units 

Chapter 5: GENERAL BUILDING LIMITATIONS 



501.0 
502.0 
503.0 
504.0 
505.0 
506.0 
507. 



General 

Definitions 

General height and area limitations 

Height modifications 

Mezzanines 

Area modifications 

Unlimited areas 



Chapter 6: TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 



601.0 
602. 
603.0 
604.0 
605.0 
606.0 



General 

Construction classification 
Tj'pes 1 and 2 construction 
Type 3 construction 
Type 4 construction 
T\'pe 5 construction 



Chapter 7: FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 

701.0: General 

702.0: Definitions 

703.0: Construction documents 

704.0: Fire tests 

705.0: Exterior walls 

706.0; Exterior opening protectives 

707.0; Fire walls and party walls 

708.0: Fire wall openings 

709.0: Fire separation assemblies 

710.0: Vertical shafts 

711.0: Fire partitions 

712.0: Smoke barriers 

7 13.0; Floor/ceiling and roofi'ceiling assemblies 

714.0: Roof construction 



Page 



72 
74 
75 
78 
78 
79 
79 
83 
85 
88 
88 
88 
92 
93 
95 
99 
99 
104 
107 
109 

113 

113 
113 
113 
115 
116 
116 
117 

119 

119 
119 
121 
121 
121 
121 

123 

123 
123 
124 
124 
125 
128 
128 
130 
130 
132 
133 
133 
134 
136 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 



TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 



Chapter 7: FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION - continued 

715.0: Fireresistance rating of structural members 

716.0: Fire door assemblies 

717.0: Fire dampers 

7 1 8.0: Fire windows and shutters 

719.0: Wired glass 

720.0: Firestopping and draftstopping 

721 .0: Fireresistive requirements for plaster 

722.0: Thermal- and sound-insulating materials 

Chapter 8: INTERIOR FINISHES 

801.0: General 

802.0: Definitions 

803.0: Interior finish and trim 

804.0: Application of interior finish 

805.0: Floor finish 

806.0: Combustible materials permitted in floors of type 1 and 2 construction 

807.0: Interior hangings and decorations 

Chapter 9: FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 
(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

901.0: General 

902.0: Definitions 

903.0: Fire protection systems approval/acceptance 

904.0: Fire suppression systems 

905.0: Suppression system agent compatibility 

906.0: Fire sprinkler system 

907.0: Limited area sprinkler systems 

908.0: Water-spray fixed systems 

909.0: Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems 

910.0: Dry-chemical extinguishing systems 

9 1 1 .0: Foam extinguishing systems 

9 1 2.0: Halogenated extinguishing systems 

913.0: Wet-chemical range hood extinguishing systems 

914.0: Standpipe systems 

915.0: Fire department connections 

9 1 6.0: Yard hydrants/underground fire mains 

917.0: Fire protective signaling systems (Fire alarm systems) 

9 1 8.0: Automatic fire detection systems 

9 1 9.0: Single- and multiple-station smoke detectors 

920.0: Fire extinguishers 

921 .0: Smoke control systems 

922.0: Smoke and heat vents 

923.0: Supervision 

924.0: Fire pumps 

Chapter 10: MEANS OF EGRESS 

1001.0: General 

1002.0: Definitions 

1003.0: Construction documents 

1004.0: Use group and occupancy requirements 

1005.0: General limitations 

1 006.0: Types and location of means of egress 

1007.0: Accessible means of egress 

1008.0: Occupant load 

1009.0: Capacity of egress components 

1010.0: Number of exits 

1011.0: Exit access passageways and corridors 



137 
137 
138 
139 
139 
140 
141 
142 

143 

143 
143 
143 
144 
145 
146 
146 

147 

147 

147 

149 

151 

152.1 

152.1 

154 

154 

155 

155 

156 

156 

157 

157 

158 

159 

159 

162 

164 

164 

165 

167 

168 

168 

171 

171 
171 
172 
172 
172 
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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 



Chapter 10: MEANS OF EGRESS - continued 



1012.0: 


Assembly aisles and aisle accessways 


1013.0; 


Grandstands 


1014.0: 


Stairways 


1015.0: 


Smokeproof enclosures 


1016.0: 


Ramps 


1017.0: 


Means of egress doorways 


1018.0: 


Revolving doors 


1019.0: 


Horizontal exits 


1020.0: 


Level of exit discharge passageways used as an exit element 


1021.0: 


Guards 


1022.0: 


Handrails 


1023.0: 


Exit signs and lights 


1024.0: 


Means of egress lighting 


1025.0: 


Fire escapes 


1026.0: 


Slidescapes 


1027.0: 


Access to roof 


1028.0: 


Maintenance of exits 



Page 



180 
182 
183 
187 
189 
189 
190 
194 
195 
195 
196 
196 
197 
197 
198 
198 
199 



Chapter 11: ACCESSIBILITY 

(780 CMR 11 is Entirely Unique to Massachusetts) 



Chapter 12: INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT 


1201.0: 


General 


1202.0: 


Definitions 


1203.0: 


Construction documents 


1204.0: 


Room dimensions 


1205.0: 


Light and ventilation required 


1206.0: 


Natural light 


1207.0: 


Artificial light 


1208.0: 


Natural ventilation 


1209.0: 


Mechanical ventilation 


1210.0: 


Ventilation of special spaces 


1211.0: 


Access to crawl spaces and attics 


1212.0: 


Couns and yards 


1213.0: 


Obstruction of courts and yards 


1214.0: 


Sound transmission control in residential buildings 


1215.0: 


Ratproofing 



Chapter 13: ENERGY CONSERVATION 

(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

1301.0: Administration 

1302.0: Definitions 

1303.0: Design conditions 

1 304.0: Building envelope requirements 

1305.0: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning 

1306.0: Service water heating 

1307.0: Electric power distribution 

1308.0: Lighting systems 

1309.0: Building design by systems analysis 



201 



203 

203 
203 
203 
203 
204 
204 
204 
204 
205 
205 
205 
205 
206 
206 
207 

209 

209 

213 

220 

221 

231 

241 

242 

242.1 

242.7 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



6/8/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 



Chapter 14: EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 


140L0 


General 


1402.0 


Defmitions 


1403.0 


Performance requirements 


1404.0 


Materials 


1405.0 


Veneers 


1406.0 


Combustible materials on the exterior side of exterior walls 


Chapter 15: ROOF AND ROOF COVERINGS 


1501.0: General 


1502.0: Definitions 


1503,0: Construction documents 


1504.0: Weather protection 


1505.0: Performance requirements 


1506.0: Fire classification 


1507.0: Prescriptive requirements 


1508.0: Flashings 


1509.0: Roof insulation 


1510.0: Roof structures 


1511.0: Rooftop heliports 


1512.0 


Reroofmg 



Chapter 16: STRUCTURAL LOADS 
(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 



1601.0: 


General 


1602.0: 


Definitions 


1603.0: 


Construction documents 


1604.0: 


Design safe load 


1605.0: 


Design dead load 


1606.0: 


Uniformly distributed live loads 


1607.0: 


Design live load 


1608.0: 


Live load reduction 


1609.0: 


Roof loads 


1610.0: 


Snovi^ loads 


1611.0: 


Wind loads 


1612.0: 


Earthquake loads 


1613.0: 


Concentrated loads 


1614.0: 


Impact loads 


1615.0: 


Special loads 


1616.0: 


Combination of loads 


1617.0: 


Existing buildings 



Chapter 17: STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 
(Substantial portions of this chapter are unique to Massachusetts) 



1701.0 
1702.0 
1703.0 
1704.0 
1705.0 
1706.0 
1707.0 
1708.0 
1709.0 
1710.0 



General 

Defmitions 

Information required 

Approvals 

Requirements for special tests and inspections 

Design strength of materials 

Alternative test procedure 

Test safe load 

In-situ load tests 

Preconstruction load tests 



243 

243 
243 
243 
243 
244 
248 

251 

251 
251 
251 
251 
251 
252 
252 
254 
255 
255 
256 
256 

257 

257 
257 
257 
258 
258 
258 
259 
259 
260 
261 
271 
278 
296 
297 
297 
298 
299 

301 

301 
301 
301 
302 
302 
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306 
306 
306 
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2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 

Page 

Chapter 18: FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 309 
(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

1801.0: General 309 

1802.0: Foundation investigations 309 

1803.0: Soil bearing test 309 

1 804.0: Load bearing value of soils 3 1 

1805.0: Allowable foundation loads 312 

1806.0: Depth of footings 313 

1807.0: Footing design 313 

1808.0: Timber footings and wood foundations 3 14 

1809.0: Steel grillages 314 

1810.0: Concrete footings 314 

1811 .0: Masonry unit footings 3 1 5 

1812.0: Foundation walls 315 

1813.0: Waterproofing and dampproofing 3 1 6 

1814.0: Mat, raft and float foundation 318 

1815.0: Pier foundations 318 

1816.0: Pile foundations 320 

1817.0: Allowable pile loads 323 

1818.0: Structural steel piles 326 

1819.0: Concrete-filled steel pipe and tube piles 326 

1820.0: Cast-in-place concrete piles 327 

1821.0: Precast concrete piles 332 

1822.0: Timber piles 332 

1823.0: Composite piles 333 

1824.0: Concrete filled pipe with core caissons 333 

1825.0: Retaining walls 334 

Chapter 19: CONCRETE 335 

1901.0: Concrete design standards 335 

1902.0: Definitions 335 

1903.0: Seismic requirements for reinforced concrete 335 

1904.0: Seismic requirements for plain concrete 338 

1905.0: Minimum slab thickness 339 

1906.0: Materials 339 

1907.0: Durability requirements 340 

1908.0: Concrete quality, mixing and placing 343 

1909.0: Formwork, embedded pipes, and construction joints 345 

1910.0: Details of reinforcement 346 

1911.0: Shotcrete 348 

1912.0: Concrete-filled pipe columns 348 

Chapter 20: LIGHTWEIGHT METALS 351 

2001.0 General 351 

2002.0 Materials 351 

Chapter 21: MASONRY 353 



2101.0 
2102.0 
2103.0 
2104.0 
2105.0 
2106.0; 
2107.0 
2108.0 
2109.0 
2110,0 



General 353 

Definitions 253 

Construction documents 355 

Seismic requirements 355 

Masonry construction materials 357 

Lateral stability 359 

Compressive stress requirements 360 

Lateral support 360 

Thickness of masonry 361 

Bond 361 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 



TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 



Chapter 21 : MASONRY - continued 
2111.0: Anchorage 
21 1 2.0: Masonry construction 
2113.0: Miscellaneous requirements 
21 14.0: Fireplaces and chimneys 
2115.0: Glass block walls 



Page 



362 
363 
364 
364 
365 



Chapter 22: STEEL 

2201.0: General 

2202.0; Definitions 

2203.0: Structural steel construction 

2204.0: Seismic requirements for structural steel 

2205 . : Open web steel joist construction 

2206.0: Formed steel construction 

2207.0: Special steel and steel cable structural systems 

• 2208.0: Reinforcing steel 

2209.0: Cast steel construction 

221 0.0: Cast iron construction 



367 

367 
367 
367 
369 
369 
369 
370 
371 
371 
371 



Chapter 23: WOOB 

2301.0: General 

2302.0: Definitions 

2303.0: Performance requirements 

2304.0: Hea\'y timber construction 

2305.0: Wood fi^ame construction 

2306.0: Seismic requirements for wood and timber 

2307.0: Wood structural panels 

2308.0: Particleboard 

2309.0: Fiber boards 

23 1 0.0: Fireretardant treated wood 

23 11.0: Naturally durable and preservative treated wood 

2312.0: Joist hangers 

23 1 3 . : Prefabricated components 

Chapter 24: GLASS AND GLAZING 

2401.0: General 

2402.0: General requirements for glass 

2403.0: Wind, snow and dead loads on glass 

.2404.0: Sloped glazing and sk>'Iights 

2405.0: Safety glazing 

2406.0: Glass in handrails and guardrails 

. 2407.0: Glazing in racquetball and squash courts 

Chapter 25: GYPSUM BOARD AND PLASTER 

2501.0: General 

2502.0: Shear walls 

• 2503.0: Gypsum board materials 

2504.0: Gypsum construction 

2505.0: Interior lathing and gypsum plastering 

2506.0: Portland cement stucco lathing and plastering 



373 

373 
373 
373 
374 
375 
381 
388 
390 
391 
392 
393 
394 
395 

397 

397 
397 
397 
399 
399 
401 
401 

403 

403 
403 
403 
405 
405 
405 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Si>rth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 

Page 

Chapter 26: PLASTIC 407 

260 LO: General 407 

2602.0: Definitions 407 

2603.0: Foam plastic 407 

2604.0: General requirements for light transmitting plastics 409 

2605.0: Light-transmitting wall panels 410 

2606.0: Light-transmitting plastic glazing of unprotected openings 41 1 

2607.0: Light-transmitting plastic roof panels 41 1 

2608.0: Light-transmitting skylight glazing 412 

Chapter 27: ELECTRICAL WIRING, EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS 4 1 5 

(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

All 

417 

418 

418 

418 

418 

418.1 

418.1 

419 

419 

419 

419 

419 

420 

Chapter 29: PLUMBING SYSTEMS 421 

{This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

Chapter 30: ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS 423 

(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

3001.0: General 423 

Chapter 31: SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 425 

3101.0: General 425 

3102.0: Signs 425 

3103.0: Membrane strucnires 428 

3104.0: Temporary structures 430 

3105.0: Canopies and awnings 430 

3106.0: Pedestrian walkways 431 

3107.0: Flood-resi§tant construction 432 

3108.0: Radio and television towers 436 

3109.0: Radio and television antennas 436 

3110,0; Window-cleaning safeguards 436 

Chapter 32: CONSTRUCTION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT- OF- WAY 437 



Chapter 2i 


1: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 


2801.0: 


General 


2802.0: 


Construction documents 


2803.0: 


Fees 


2804.0: 


Inspections and tests 


2805.0: 


Plenums 


2806.0: 


Drying rooms 


2807.0: 


Waste and linen handling systems 


2808.0: 


Refuse vaults 


2809.0: 


Medical gases 


2810.0: 


Oxygen systems 


2811.0: 


Existing buildings 


2812.0: 


Power ventors 


28.13.0: 


Solid fuel-fired appliances 



3201.0 
3202.0 
3203.0 
3204.0 
3205.0 



General 437 

Street encroachments 437 

Permissible street projections 437 

Special and temporary projections 438 

Awnings and canopies 438 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS - continued 



330 LO: 


General 


3302.0: 


Construction documents and special permits 


3303.0: 


Tests 


3304.0: 


Protection of public 


3305.0: 


Fire hazards 


3306.0: 


Maintenance 


3307.0: 


Health hazards 


3308.0: 


Protection of adjoining property 


3309.0: 


Existing buildings 


3310.0: 


Demolition and excavation 


3311.0: 


Retaining walls and partition fences 


3312.0: 


Storage of materials and construction equipment 


3313.0: 


Removal of waste material 


3314.0: 


Stairways 


3315.0: 


Lighting 



Chapter 33 SITE WORK, DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION 441 

441 
441 
441 
441 
442 
442 
442 
443 
443 
443 
444 
444 
444 
444 
444 

Chapter 34 REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE 

OF EXISTING STRUCTURES 445 

(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

3400.0: Scope 445 

3401.0: Definitions 446 

3402.0: Implementation 447 

3403.0: Hazard index 448 

3404.0: Requirements for continuation of the same use group or change to a use group 

resulting in a change in hazard index of one or less 448 

3405.0: Requirements for change in use group to two or more hazard indices greater 449 

3406.0: Compliance alternatives 450 

3407.0: Energy provisions for existing buildings 450 

3408.0: Structural requirements for existing buildings 451 

3409.0: Historic buildings 458 

Chapter 35: MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, MAIWFACTURED 

BUILDING COMPONENTS AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING 461 

(This chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

3501.0: General 461 

3502.0: Definitions 461 

3503.0: Construction documents 462 

3504.0: Approval 462 

3505.0: Certification 463 

3506.0: Reciprocity 463 

3507.0: Assurance inspection 463 

3508.0: Responsibility of the local enforcement agencies 463 

3509.0: Suspension or revocation of certification 464 



1/25/08 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

LIST OF APPENDICES 

A: Referenced Standards 649 

B: Sample Building Permit Application Forms 669 

State Building Code Appeals Application Forms 677 

Official Interpretations 682 

C; Recommended Fastening Schedule 709 

D: Guidance For Selection of Foundation Material Classes in Table 1804.3 7 1 3 

E: ProcedurefFor Accounting for Series and Parallel Heat Flows 715 
F: Reference Data for Repair, Addition, and Change of Use of 

Existing Buildings 7 1 7 

G: Unit Dead Loads for Design Purposes 737 

H: Historic Buildings 745 

I: Independent Structural Engineering Review 751 

J: Energy provisions 753 

K: Floor protector thermal conductivity calculations 761 

L: Schedule of Fees 762.1 

780 CMR - SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 



Rl 
R2 
R3 
R4 
R5 
R6 
R7 



Concrete Testing Laboratories Licensing 763 

Concrete Testing Personnel Licensing 767 

Manufactured Buildings, Building Components and Mobile Homes 769 

Use of Native Lumber 783 

Construction Supervisors 785 

Registration and Enforcement of Home Improvement Contractor Program 789 

Certification of Inspectors of Buildings, Building Commissioners and Local Inspectors 801 



INDEX 807 



(PAGES 1 1 AND 12 ARE RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.) 



10 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 1/25/08 



CHAPTER 1 

ADMINISTRATION 
(Substantia! portions of this Chapter are entirely unique to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 101.0 SCOPE 

101.1 Title: 780 CMR shall be known as the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building 
Code. 

101.2 Scope: 780 CMR, in accordance with St. 
1984, c. 348, as amended shall control all matters 
concerning; 

(a) the construction, reconstruction, alteration, 
repair, demolition, removal, inspection, issuance 
and revocation of permits or licenses, installation 
of equipment, classification and definition of any 
building or structure and use or occupancy of all 
buildings and structures or parts thereof except 
bridges and appurtenant supporting structures 
which have been or are to be constructed by, or 
are under the custody and control of the 
Department of Public Works (Massachusetts 
Highway Department), the Massachusetts 
Turnpike Authority, the Massachusetts Bay 
Transportation Authority, the Metropolitan 
District Commission, or the Massachusetts Port 
Authority or for which said agencies have 
maintenance responsibility; 

(b) the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing 
buildings; 

(c) the standards or requirements for materials to 
be used in connection therewith, including but not 
limited to provisions for safety, ingress and 
egress, energy conservation and sanitary 
conditions; 

(d) the establishment of reasonable fees for 
inspections and the issuance of licenses to 
individuals engaged as construction supervisors; 

(e) the certification of inspectors of buildings, 
building commissioners and local inspectors and; 

(f) the registration of Home Improvement 
Contractors pursuant to MGL c 142 A, 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 780 CMR. 

(g) other duties and responsibilities as defined in 
780 CMR Rl through R7. 

1013 Application of references: Unless otherwise 
specifically provided for in 780 CMR, all references 
to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not 
specifically identified by number, shall be construed 
to refer to such chapter, section or provision of 
780 CMR. 

10L4 Intent: 780 CMR shall be construed to secure 
its expressed intent, which is to insure public safety, 
health and welfare insofar as they are affected by 



building construction, through structural strength, 
adequate means of egress facilities, sanitary 
conditions, light and ventilation, energy 
conservation and fire safety; and, in general, to 
secure safety to life and property from all hazards 
incident to the design, construction, reconstruction, 
alteration, repair, demolition, removal, use or 
occupancy of buildings, structures or premises. 

10LS Specialized Codes: Specialized codes, rules 
or regulations pertaining to building construction, 
reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition, 
promulgated, and under the authority of the various 
boards which have been authorized by the general 
court shall be incorporated into 780 CMR. The said 
specialized codes, rules or regulations include, but 
are not limited to, those listed in Appendix A. 

101.6 Referenced standards: The standards 
referenced in 780 CMR and listed in Appendix A 
shall be considered part of the requirements of 
780 CMR to the prescribed extent of each such 
reference. Where differences occur between 
provisions of 780 CMR and referenced standards, 
the provisions of 780 CMR shall apply. The 
administrative provisions of 780 CMR shaU apply to 
all standards referenced in Appendix A, other than 
the specialized codes in 780 CMR 101.5. 

780 CMR 102.0 APPLICABILITY 

102.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR shall 
apply to all matters affecting or relating to buildings 
and structures, as set forth in 780 CMR 101.0 and 
shall apply with equal force to municipal, county, 
state authorities of or established by the legislature 
and private buildings and structures, except where 
such buildings and structures are otherwise provided 
for by statute. The construction, reconstruction, 
alteration, repair, addition, change in use or 
occupancy, demolition, removal of all buildings and 
structures shall comply with 780 CMR. 

102.2 Matters not provWed for: Any requirements 
that are essential for the structural, fire or sanitary 
safety, interior climate comfort of an existing or 
proposed building or structure, or for the safety of 
the occupants thereof, which are not specifically 
provided for by 780 CMR, shall be determined by 
the building official. The State Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards (hereinafter referred to as 
the BBRS) and the Department of Public Safety 
shall be notified by the building official in writing 
within seven working days of any action taken 
pursuant to 780 CMR 102.2. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97^ 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



13 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



102.3 Zoning Bylaw Restrictions: When the 
provisions herein specified for structural strength, 
adequate egress facilities, sanitary conditions, 
equipment, light and ventilation, energy 
conservation or fire safety conflict with the local 
zoning bylaws or ordinances, 780 CMR. shall control 
the construction or aL^ration of buildings and 
structures unless such bylaws or ordinances are 
promulgated in accordance with the provisions of 
M.G.L. c. 143, § 98 . 

102.4 General bylaw restrictions: When the 
provisions herein specified for structural strength, 
adequate egress facilities, sanitary conditions, 
equipment, light and ventilation, energy 
conservation or fire safety conflict with the local 
general bylaws or ordinances, 780 CMR shall 
control the construction or alteration of buildings 
and structures unless such bylaws or ordinances are 
promulgated in accordance with the provisions 
M.G.L. c. 143, § 98. 

102.5 Applicability to Existing Buildings 

102.5.1 General: Existing buildings and 
structures shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 102.5 and all other applicable 
provisions of 780 CMR. 

102.5.2 Unless specifically provided otherwise in 
780 CMR, any existing building or structure shall 
meet and shall be presumed to meet the provisions 
of the applicable laws, codes, rules or regulations, 
bylaws or ordinances in effect at the time such 
building or structure was constructed or altered 
and shall be allowed to continue to be occupied 
pursuant to its use and occupancy, provided that 
the building or structure shall be maintained in 
accordance with 780 CMR 103.0. 

102.5.3 In cases which applicable codes, rules or 
regulations, bylaws or ordinances were not in use 
at the time of such construction or alteration, the 
provisions of 780 CMR 103.0 shall apply. 

102.5.4 In cases where the provisions of 
780 CMR are less stringent than the applicable 
codes, rules or regulations, bylaws or ordinances 
at the time of such construction or substantial 
alteration, the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 
shall apply, providing such application of these 
provisions does not result in danger to the public, 
as determined by the building official. 

102.5.5 Existing buildings or parts or portions 
thereof which are proposed to be enlarged, 
altered, repaired or changed in use or occupancy 
shall comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 34. 

102.5.6 Moved Structures: Buildings or 
structures moved into or within the jurisdiction 
shall comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 34 
provided that any new system shall comply as far 
as practicable with the requirements for new 



structures and provided further that the siting and 
fire separation distance comply with the 
requirements for new structures. 

780 CMR 103.0 MAINTENANCE 

103.1 General: P^ buildings zxid structures znd 2\\ 
parts thereof, both existing and new, and all systems 
and equipment therein which are regulated by 
780 CMR shall be maintained in a safe, operable and 
sanitary condition. All service equipment, means of 
egress, devices and safeguards which are required by 
780 CMR in a building or structure, or which were 
required by a previous statute in a building or 
structure, when erected, altered or repaired, shall be 
maintained in good working order. 

103.2 Owner responsibility: The owner, as 
defined in 780 CMR 2, shall be responsible for 
compliance with provisions of 780 CMR 103.0. 

780 CMR 104.0 VALEDITY 

104.1 General: The provisions. of 780 CMR are 
severable, and if any of its provisions shall be held 
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of 
competent jurisdiction, the decision of such court 
shall not afifect or impair any of the remaining 
provisions. 

780 CMR 105.0 OFFICE OF THE 

INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS OR 

BUILDING COMMISSIOJVER 

105.1 Appointment: The chief administrative 
officer of each city or town shall employ and 
designate an inspector of buildings or building 
commissioner (hereinafter inspector of buildings) as 
well as such other local inspectors as are reasonably 
necessary to assist the inspector of buildings to 
administer and enforce 780 CMR and of M.G.L. 
c. 22, § 13 A and the rules and regulations made 
under the authority thereof. The inspector of 
buildings shall report directly to and be solely 
responsible to the appointing authority. 

105.2 Alternate: The inspector of buildings is 
authorized to designate an alternate who shall 
exercise all the powers of the inspector of buildings 
during the temporary absence, disability or conflict 
of interest of the inspector of buildings. Said 
alternate shall be duly qualified pursuant to 
780 CMR 105.3. 

1053 Qualifications of the Inspector of Buildings: 

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 143, 
§ 3, each inspector of buildings shall have had at 
least five years of experience in the supervision of 
building construction or design or in the alternative 
a four year undergraduate degree in a field related to 
building construction or design, or any combination 
of education and experience which would confer 
equivalent knowledge and ability, as determined by 
the BBRS. In addition each inspector of buildings 



14 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR; STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



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. 

Each inspector of buildings shall be certified by 
the BBRS in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR R7, the Rules and Regulations for the 
Certification of Inspectors of Buildings, Building 
Commissioners and Local Inspectors. 

Municipalities may require additional 
qualifications or experience as are deemed 
necessary. 

105.4 Quaiificatioms of the local mspector: In 
accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 143, 
§ 3, each local inspector shall have had at least five 
years of experience in the supervision of building 
construction or design or in the alternative a two 
year associates degree in a field related to building 
construction or design, or any combination of 
education and experience which would confer 
equivalent knowledge and ability, as determined by 
the BBRS. 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 equipmefit. and snateilals 
essential for safety, comfort and convenience of the 
occupants of a building or structure. 

Each local inspector shall be certified by the 
BBRS in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR R7, the Rules and Regulations for the 
Certification of Inspectors of Buildings, Building 
Commissioners and Local Inspectors. 

Municipalities may require additional 
qualifications or experience as are deemed 
necessary. 

105.5 Reporting Requirements: 

105.5.1 AnniBal report by city or Sown clerk: 
In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. 
c. 143, § 3, the clerk of each city or town shall, 
annually, not later than April first, transmit to the 
BBRS the names and ofiBcial address of each 
inspector of buildings, buildmg commissioner and 
local inspector as well as at such other times as 
required pursuant to 780 CMR R7, the Rules and 
B.egulations for the Certification of Inspectors of 
Buildings, Building Commissioners and Local 
Iniipectors. Such reports shall be submitted on 
forms prescribed by the BBRS for said purpose. 

105.5.2. New appointments: The clerk of each 
city or town shall additionally report to the BBRS, 
the name, capacity and status of any new 
appointee within the time periods • prescribed in 
780 CMR R7 on forms prescribed by the BBRS 
for said purpose. 



105.6 Restriction of employees: No fijll-time or 
part-time building commissioner, inspector of 
buildings, or fiill-time or part-time local inspector as 
defined herein shall be engaged in, or directly or 
indirectly connected with, the fiamishing of labor, 
materials or appliances for the construction, 
alteration or maintenance of a building or structure, 
or the preparation of plans or of specifications 
therefore within the city, town or region for which 
he or she is appointed, unless he or she 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 or her 
oflBcial duties or with the interests of the department. 

Note: See M.G.L. c. 143, § 3Z (Local Option law 
relative to part-time employees). 

■ 105.7 Relief from personal Inability: Insofar as the 
law allows, while acting for the municipality, the 
building official, charged with the enforcement of 
780 CiVfR shall not be deemed personally liable in 
the discharge of his official duties. 

105.8 Official records: An official record shall be 
kept of all business and activities of the department 
specified in the provisions of 780 CMR. In 
accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 66. 
§ 10(b)," all such records shall be open to public 
inspection at all appropriate times and according- to. 
reasonable rules to mairrtain the integrity and 
security of such records. 

780 CMR 106J BUTDES AND POWERS OF 
THE BUILDING OFFICIAL 

106.1 General: The inspector, of buildings and local 
inspector (herein after building ofiBcial) shall 
enforce all of the provisions of 780 CMR, 521 CMR 
(Architectural Access Board) and any other state 
statutes, rules and regulations, or ordinances or 
bylaws which empower the building official. The 
building ofiScial shall act on any question relative to 
the mode or manner of construction and materials to 
be used in the construction, reconstruction, 
alteration, repair, demolition, remoyal, installation of 
equipment and the location, use, occupancy and 
maintenance of all buildings and structures, except 
as otherwise specifically provided for by statutory 
requirements or as provided for in 780 CMR 109.0. 

106.2 Applications and permits: The building 
pfficiaf shall receive applications and issue pennits 
foi the constn.»ction, reconstruction, alteration,' 
repair, demolition, removal or change in use or 
occupancy of buildings and structures; inspect the 
premises for which such permits have been issued 
and enforce compliance with the provisions of 
780 CMR. 



2/7/97 (Efifective 2/28/97) 



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15 



. 780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING IREGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



106.3 Notices and orders: The building official 
shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure 
compliance with 780 CMR. 

106.4 Inspections: The building official shall make 
such inspections as deemed necessary to ensure 
compliance with 780 CMR, or the building official 
may accept reports of inspection by qualified agen- 
cies or individuals, which reports shall be in writing 
and be certified by a responsible officer of such 
agency or by the responsible individual. 

106.5 Inspection and certification of specified use 
groups: The building official shall periodically 
inspect and certify buildings and structures or parts 
thereof in accordance with Table 106. A building or 
structure shall not be occupied or continue to be 
occupied without the posting of a valid certificate of 
inspection where required by Table 106. 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 780 CMR, 
and until the fee is paid as specified in Table 106. 
Municipalities may increase or waive only in their 
entirety for any specific use group the fees as 
specified in said Table 106. 

Exception: Municipalities may revise or modify, 
or waive in part those fees for buildings and 
structures or. paits thercxif owued by the 
municipality, county or political subdivision 
thereof and for buildings and structures or parts 



thereof used solely for religious purposes. 

106.5.1 Annual inspection of any premise 
licensed by the Alcohol Beverage Control 
Commission • ABCC (per M.G.L. c. 10, § 74): 
Any premise, licensed by the ABCC and from 
which alcoholic beverages are sold and are 
consumed on the premises, is required to be 
inspected annually and said annual certificate of 
inspection is to be signed by the Building Official 
and by the Head of the Fire Department. 

106.5.1.1 Issuance of a temporary certificate 
of inspection of any premise licensed by the 
Alcohol Beverage Control Commission - 
ABCC (per M.G.L. c. 10, § 74): For 
premises described in 780 CMR 106.5.1, a 
building official may issue a temporary 
certificate of inspection, signed by the .head of 
the fire department; such temporary certificate 
of inspection shall be identified as effective to 
a date certain. 

106.5.1.1.2 Appeal of the failure to issue an 
annual certificate of inspection of any 
premises licensed by the Alcohol Beverage 
Control Commission - ABCC (per M.G.L. 
c. 10, § 74): Failure by the building official to 
issue an annual certificate of inspection, signed 
by the head of the fire department, may be 
appealed in accordance with the" requirements 
of780 CMR 122.0. " ■ --' •:-■-. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



TABLE 106 
REQUIRED MINIMUM INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR 
(See Chapters 3 and 4 for complete description of use 



SPECIFIED USE GROUPS 
groups) 



Use 
Group 



A-1 



A-1 



Use Group 



Assembly - Theaters 
over 400 capacity 



Assembly - Theaters 
400 or less capacity 



Use Group Description 



With stage and scenery 
Movie Theater 



With stage and scenery 
Movie Theater 



Minimum 
Inspections 



Semi- Annual 
Semi- Annual 



Annual 
Annual 



Maximum 

Certification 

Period 



One Year 
One Year 



One Year 
One Year 



Fees for Maximum 

Certification 

Period 



$75 
$75 
"$40° 
$40 



A-2 



Assembly - Night Clubs 
or similar uses 



Over 400 capacity 
400 or less capacity 



Semi Annual 
Annual 



One Year 
One Year 



$75 
$40 



A-3 



Assembly Lecture 
Halls, recreation centers, 
terminals, etc. 



Over 400 capacity- 
400 or less capacity 



Semi Annual 
Annual 



One Year 
One Year 



note a 
$40 



A-4 



Assembly 



Churches, low density, recreation 
& similar uses 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate 



Five Years 



$40 



A-5, 



Assembly 



Stadiums, bleachers, places of 
outdoor assembly 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate' 



One Year 



note b 



Special Amusement 

Buildings or portions 

thereof 

(780 CMR 413.0) 



Special Amusement Buildings or 
portions thereof 
(780 CMR 413.7) 



Annually prior to 

issuance of a new 

certification 



One Year 



As established by 
the city or town in 
accordance with 
780 CMR 106.5 



Educational 



Day Care 



Educatfonal 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate 



One Year 



Child day care centers 
(see Chapter 4) 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate 



One Year 



$40 



$40 



Institutional 



1-2 



1-3 



Institutional 



Incapacitated • hospitals, nursing 
homes, mental hospitals, certain 
day care facilities (see Chapter 4) 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate 



Two Years 



Restrained - prisons, jails, 
ucienaoii ticiilers, etc. 



Prior to issuance of. 
each new ceVtificute 



-XW-O Ycar.<: . 



note d 



,....v;jJOie c •.. 



R-1 



Residential 



Hotels, motels, lodging houses, 
dormitories, etc. (note g) 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate 



One Year 



R-2 



Residential 



Multi family (note g) 



Prior to issuance of 
each new cenificaie 



Five Years 



note e 



note f 



R-1 



Residential Special 
Occupancy 



Detoxification facilities 
(see Chapter 4) 



Prior to issuance of 
each new certificate 



Two Years 



$75 
note h 



R-2 



Residential Special 
Occupancy 



Summer camps for children 
(see chapter 4) 



Annual 



One Year 



R-3or 
R-4 



Residential Special 
Occupancy 



Group Residence 
(see Chapter 4) 



Annual 



One Year 



noteh 



R-5 



Residential Special 
Occupancy 



Limited Group Residence 
(see Chapter 4) 



Annual 



One Year 



noteh 



2/24/06 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



16.1 



■ 780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE • 



16.2 7 SO CMR - Sixth Edition 2/24/06 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 

Notes applicable to Table 106 

General; The maximum certification period specified in Table 106 is intended to provide administrative flexibility. 
For those buildings and structures or parts thereof allowing more than one 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 one, two, three, four or five years. The total amount of fees charged for 
a certificate or certificates issued during the maximum certification period can exceed the fee listed or referenced in 
column 4 of Table 106. For example, if the building official issues a certificate valid for two years for a building in 
the R-2 use group, the fee charged would be 2/5 times the fee per maximum certification period as determined for the 
building in question using the formula in Note L 

Note a. For buildings or structures, or parts thereof, in the A-3 Use Group categories, with capacities over 400, the 
fee to be charged for the maximum certification period of one year is $75 for accommodations for up to 5,000 persons, 
plus $15 for the accommodations for each additional 1,000 persons or fraction thereof. 

Note b. For all buildings or structures, or parts thereof, in A-5 use groujp, the fee to be charged for the maximum 
certification period of one year is $40 for seating accommodations for up to 5,000 persons, plus $8 for the 
accommodation for each additional 1,000 persons or fraction thereof. 

Note c. For all buildings and structures, or parts thereof, in the 1-3 use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum 
certification period of two years is $75 for each structure containing up to 100 beds, plus a $2 charge for each 
additional ten beds or fraction thereof over the initial 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 years is $75 for each structure containing up to 100 beds, plus a $2 charge for 
each additional ten beds or fraction thereof over the initial 1 00 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 year maximum certification period. 
Note e. For all buildings and structures or parts thereof in the R-I use group, the fee to be charged for the maximum 
certification period of one year shall be $40 for up to five units plus $2 per unit for all over five units. A unit shall 
be defined as follows: 

two hotel guest rooms; 

two lodging house guest rooms; 

two boarding house guest rooms; or 
. four 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 years shall be $75, plus $2 per dwelling unit except that three 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 106, dormitories are included in the R-I use group classification rather than the R-2. 
Note li. 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 25 residential units: $8 for each additional 25 residential 
units; and $15 for each assembly building or use. (A residential unit for this purpose shall be defined as four beds). 

106.6 Reports by the Building Official retained in the official records as long as the building 
tn£i £ -s n ^4 A • *• A *i. •* nru orj/rMc/Mretowhichthey relate remains in existencc 
106.6.1 Report to Appointing Autlsonty: The , otherwise tirovided for bv law 

building official shall submit to the appointing ""'^^^ otherwise provided tor by law. 

authority of the jurisdiction a written report of ^ q^ 107.0 DUTIES AND POWERS OF 
operations m a form and content and at intervals THE STATE INSPECTOR 

as shall be prescribed by the appointing authonty. ^^^ pj r lil 6 1A) 

. 106,6.2 Report to assessors: Pursuant to iqjj The State Inspector: In every city and town 

M.G.L. c. 143, § 61 , the building official shall 730 CMR shall be enforced by the State Inspector of 

give to the assessors of the municipality written the Department of Public Safety, Division of 

notice of the granting of permits for the tisptctions, as to my structures ot buildings or pans 

construction of any buildings or structures, orfor thereof that are owned by the Commonwealth or any 

the removal or demolition, or for any substantial departments, commissions, agencies, or authorities 

alteration or addition thereto. Such notice shall ©f the Commonwealth. The state inspector shall 

be given within seven days after the granting of have as to such buildings and structures all tiie 

each permit, and shall state the name of the powers of a building commissioner or inspector of 

person to whom the permit was granted and the buildings. All buildings and structures owned by 

location of the building or structure to be any authority established by the legislature and not 

constructed, reconstructed, altered, demolished or owned by the Commonwealth shall be regulated in 

removed. accordance with 780 CMR 106.0. 

106.6.3 Report to Locai Unltei States 

Postmaster: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 143, § 3X the ^®^'2 Oilier responsibilities: The state inspector 

building official shall notify the local United shall make periodic reviews of all local building 

States Postmaster of the issuance of a building inspection practices, provide technical assistance and 

permit authorizing the construction of any advice to the local building officials in the 

building containing ten or more residential units. implementation of 780 CMR, and report in Avriting 

his findings to the building officials. 

106.7 Department records: The building official 

shall maintain official records of applications I®^-^ Review by the Commissioner of Public 

received, permits and certificates issued, inspections Safety: The Commissioner of the Conraionwealth 

performed fees collected, reports of inspections, and of Massachusetts, Department of Public Safety shall 

notices and orders issued. Such records shall be establish districts which shall be supervised by a 

1/19/01 780 CMR -Sixth Edition 17 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



state inspector of the Division of Inspections. 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 780 CMR; 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 BBRS or the State Building Code 
Appeals Board. 

107.4 Reports: The state inspector shall file with 
the BBRS 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 BBRS. 

780 CMR 108.0 RULES AND REGULATIONS 

108.1 Rule making authority: Under authority 
granted by St. 1984, c. 348, as amended, the BBRS 
is empowered 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 780 CMR to secure the intent thereof 

108.2 Amendments and promulgation of rules: 

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 143, 
§ 97, any person may propose amendments to 
780 CMR. Public hearings shall be held in the city 
of Boston in May and November of each year, and 
at such other times and places as the BBRS may 
determine, to consider petitions for such 
amendments. Amendments adopted by the BBRS 
shall be binding and have the full force and effect in 
all cities and towns. 

108 J Activities requiring licenses, registration or 
certification: 

1083.1 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 
construction control (780 CMR 116.0) and/or 
controlled materials (780 CMR 17) imless 
licensed by the BBRS in accordance with 
780 CMR and 780 CMR Rl: the Rules and 
Regulations for Licensing of Concrete Testing 
Laboratories. 

1083.2 Field technicians: A person shall not 
engage in the activities of field testing of concrete 
for use m structures subject to construction 
control (780 CMR 116.0) and/or controlled 
materials (780 CMR 17) unless such person is 
licensed by the BBRS in accordance with 



780 CMR R2: the Rules and Regulations for 
Concrete Testing Personnel. 

108.33 Manufactured buildings: No individual, 
organization or firm shall be engaged in the 
construction of manufactured buildings for use in 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts unless 
approved to construct same by the BBRS in 
accordance with 780 CMR R3. 

1083.4 Native Lumber: No individual, 
organization or firm shall engage in the 
production of native lumber for use in structures 
within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
unless registered by the BBRS in accordance with 
780 CMR and 780 CMR R4: the Rules and 
Regulations Controlling the Use of Native 
Lumber. 

108.3.5 Licensing of Construction Supervisors: 

10833.1 Except for those structures governed 
by Construction Conti-ol in 780 CMR 116.0, 
effective July 1, 1982, no individual shall be 
engaged in directiy supervising persons 
engaged in construction, reconstruction, 
alteration, repair, removal or demolition 
involving any activity regulated by any 
provision of 780 CMR, unless said individual 
is licensed in accordance the Rules and 
Regulations for Licensing Construction 
Supervisors as set forth in 780 CMR R5. 

No person shall be engaged in the 
supervision of the field erection of a 
manufactured building unless such person is 
licensed in accordance with 780 CMR R5: The 
Rules and Regulations for the Licensing of 
Construction Supervisors. 

Exception: Any Home Owner performing 
woric for which a building permit is required 
shall be exempt from the licensing 
provisions of 780 CMR 108.3.5; provided 
that if a Home Owner engages a person(s) 
for hire to do such work, that such Home 
Owner shall act as supervisor. . This 
exception shall not apply to the field 
erection of a manufactured buildings 
constructed pursuant to 780 CMR 35 and 
780 CMR R3. For the purposes of 
780 CMR 108.3.5, a "Homeowner" is 
defined as follows: Person(s) who owns a 
parcel of land on which he/she resides or 
intends to reside, on which there is, or is 
intended to be, a one or two family dwellings 
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. 



18 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUEDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



108J.S<,2 Exemptions from Conslructlosii 
Supervisor License requirement: A 
construction supervisor's license is not 
required for: 

1 . roofing, siding, erection of rooftop solar 
collectors, construction of swimming pools, 
the erection of signs, installation of 
replacement windows not involving 
structural modifications, the erection of 
tents; 

2. projects which are subject to 
construction control (section 1 16.0); 

3. agricultural buildings which are not 
open to the public or otherwise made 
available for public use; 

4. Massachusetts registered engineers and 
Massachusetts registered architects 
provided such engineers and/or architects 
comply with the Construction Supervisor 
oversight requirements set forth in 780 
CMR R5 generally and 780 CMR 
R5.2.12, as applicable; 

5. the practice of any trade licensed by 
agencies of the commonwealth (see M.G.L. 
c.l 12, §81R), provided that any such work 
is within the scope of said license, 
including, but not limited to wiring, 
plumbing gas fitting, fire protection 
systems, pipefitting, HVAC and 
refrigeration equipment. 

108,3.5o3 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 BBRS does not require a 
license, provided that those municipalities 
which have estab-lished licensing 
requirements for construction supervisors 
prior to January 1, 1975, may maintain their 
existing licensing requirements. 

i083o6 Registration of Home Improvement 
Contractors: In accordance with the provisions 
of M.G.L. c. 142 A, no home improvement 
contractor, or organization or firm shall be 
involved in the improvement of any existing 
owner occupied one to four family residential 
building unless said home improvement 
contractor has registered with the BBRS in 
accordance with the rules and regulations for the 
registration of Home Improvement Contractors as 
set forth in 780 CMR R6. 

1083 J Certification of Inspectors of Buildings, 
BulMIng Commissioners and Local Inspectors; 
The rules and regulations for the Certification of 
Inspectors of Buildings, Building Commissioners 
and Local Inspectors shall be as set forth in 
780 CMR R7. 

108.4 Enforcement: Whoever violates the 
provisions of 780 CMR 108.0 or any rules and 
regulations promulgated hereunder, or who falsifies 
or counterfeits a license, registration or certification 
issued by the BBRS, or who fraudulently issues or 
accepts such a license, registration or certification 
shall be punished as provided in 780 CMR 1 18.0 or 
shall be subject to any other penalty provided for by 
law. 



1 1/27/98 



.780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



18.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



18.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



780 CMR 109j0 APPROVAL 

109.1 Approved materials and equipment* All 
materials, equipment and devices approved by the 
building officii shall be constructed and installed in 
accordance with such approval. 

109.2 Used materials and equlpmeBt: Used 
materials, equipment and devices which meet the 
minimum requirements of 780 CMR for new 
materials, equipment and devices shall be permitted; 
however, the building official may require 
satisfactoiy proof that such materials, equipment and 
devices have been reconditioned, tested, and/or 
placed in good and proper working condition prior 
to approval. 

109 J Alternative materials and equipment: 

109.3»1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 
are not intended to limit the appropriate use or 
installation of materials, appliances, equipment or 
methods of design or construction not specifically 
prescribed by 780 CMR, provided that any such 
alternative has been approved. Alternative 
materials, appliances, equipment or methods of 
design or construction shall be approved when the 
building official is provided acceptable proof and 
has determined that said alternative is satisfactory 
and complies with the intent of the provisions of 
780 CMR, and that said alternative is, for the 
purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that 
prescribed in 780 CMR in quality, strength, 
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and 
safety. Compliance with specific performance 
based provisions of 780 CMR, in lieu of a 
prescriptive requirement shall also be permitted as 
an alternate. 

109.3.2 Evidence submitted: The building 
official may require that evidence or proof be 
submitted to substantiate any claims that may be 
made regarding the proposed alternate. 

109.3.3 Tests: Determination of acceptance shall 
be based on design or test methods or other such 
standards approved by the BBRS. In the 
alternative, where the BBRS has not provided 
specific approvals, the building official may 
accept, as supporting data to assist in this 
determination, duly authenticated engineering 
reports, formal reports from nationally 
acknowledged testing/ listing laboratories, reports 
from other accredited sources. The costs of all 
tests, reports and investigations required under 
these provisions shall be borne by the applicant. 

109.3.4 Approval by the Constnsctlom 
Materials Safety Board: The building official 
may refer such matters to the Construction 
Materials Safety Board in accordance with 
780 CMR 123.0 for approval. 



780 CMR llOJOf APPLICATION FOR PERMIT 

110.1 Permit application: It shall be unlawful to 
construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or 
demolish a building or structure; or to change the 
use or occupancy of a building or structure', or to 
install or alter any equipment for which provision is 
made or the installation of which is regulated by 
780 CMR without first filing a written application 
with the building official and obtaining the required 
permit therefor. 

110.2 Temporary Structures: 

110.2.1 General: A building permit shall be 
required for temporary structures, unless 
exempted by 780 CMR 1 10.3. Such permits shall 
be limited as to time of service, but such 
temporary construction shall not be permitted for 
more than one year. 

110.2.2 Special approval: All temporary 
construction shall conform to the structural 
strength, fire safety, means of egress, light, 
ventilation, energy conservation and sanitary 
requirements of 780 CMR as necessary to insure 
the public health, safety and general welfare. 

110.2.3 Termination of approval: The building 
official may terminate such special approval and 
order the demolition of any such construction at 
the discretion of the building official. 

110.3 Exemptions: A building permit is not 
required for the following activities, such exemp- 
tion, however, shall not exempt the activity from any 
review or permit which may be required pursuant to 
other laws, by-laws, rules and regulations of other 
jurisdictions (e.g. zoning, conservation, etc.). 

1 . One story detached accessory buildings used 
as too! or storage sheds, playhouses and similar 
uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 
square feet. 

2. Fences six feet in height or less. 

3. Retaining walls which, in the opinion of the 
building official, are not a threat to the public 
safety health or welfare and which retain less than 
four feet of unbalanced fill. 

4. Ordinary repairs as defined in 780 CMR 2. 
Ordinary repairs shall not include the cutting 
away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the 
removal or cutting of any structural beam, column 
or other loadbearing support, or the removal or 
change of any required means of egress, or 
rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the 
egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs 
include addition to, alteration of, replacement or 
relocation of any standpipe, water supply, 
mechanical syst&m, fire protection system, energy 
conservation system or other work affecting 
public health or general safety. 

Note: Also see 780 CMR 903, 1 (Exceptions 1 . 
and 2.). 



11/27/98 . 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



19 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



5. Greenhouses: A building permit or notice to 
the building official is not required for the con- 
struction of greenhouses covered exclusively with 
plastic film (in accordance with St. 1983, c. 671). 
(This exemption does not apply if the greenhouse 
is to be used for large assemblies of people or us- 
es other than normally expected for this purpose.) 

110.4 Form of application: The application for a 
permit shall be submitted in such form as 
determined by the building official but in all cases 
shall contain, as a minimum, the information 
required on the appropriate sample uniform building 
permit application forms in Appendix B. The 
application for a permit shall be accompanied by the 
required fee as prescribed in 780 CMR 1 14.0 and 
the construction documents as required in 780 CMR 
1 10.7 and 1 10.8, where applicable and as required 
by other sections of 780 CMR. 

110.5 By whom application is made: Application 
for a permit shall be made by the owner or lessee of 
the building or structure, or agent of either. If 
application is made other than by the owner, the 
written authorization of the owner shall accompany 
the application. Such written authorization shall be 
signed by the owner and shall include a statement of 
ownership and shall identify the owner's authorized 
agent, or shall grant permission to the lessee to apply 
for the permit. The full names and addresses of the 
owner, lessee, applicant and the responsible officers, 
if the owner or lessee is a corporate body, shall be 
stated in the application. 

Note: It shall be the responsibility of the 
registered contractor to obtain all permits neces- 
sary for work covered by the Home Improvement 
Contractor Registration Law, M.G.L. c. 142 A. 
An owner who secures his or her own permits for 
such shall be excluded from the guaranty fund 
provisions as defined in M.G.L. c. 142A. Refer to 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A for additional 
information regarding the Home Improvement 
Contractor Registration Program. 

110.6 The securing of a building permit by the 
owner, or the owner's authorized agent, to construct, 
reconstruct, alter, repair, demolish, remove, install 
equipment or change the use or occupancy of a 
building or structure, shall not be construed to 
relieve or otherwise limit the duties and responsibil- 
ities of the licensed, registered or certified individual 
or firm under the rules and regulations governing the 
issuance of such license registration or certification. 

110.7 Construction documents: The application for 
permit shall be accompanied by not less than three 
sets of construction documents. The building official 
is permitted to waive, or modify the requirements 
for filing construction documents when the building 
official determines that the scope of the work is of a 



minor nature. When the quality of the materials is 
essential for conformity to 780 CMR, specific 
information shall be given to establish such quality, 
and 780 CMR shall not be cited, or the term "legal" 
or its equivalent used as a substitute for specific 
information. 

110.8 Engineering Details, Reports, Calculations, 
Plans and Specifications: In the application for a 
permit for buildings and structures subject to con- 
struction control in 780 CMR 1 16.0, the construc- 
tion documents shall contain sufficient plans and de- 
tails to fully describe the work intended, including, 
but not limited to all details sufficient to describe the 
stractural, fire protection, fire alarm, mechanical, 
light and ventilation, energy conservation, architec- 
tural access and egress systems. The building official 
may require such calculations, descriptions narra- 
tives and reports deemed necessary to fully describe 
the basis of design for each system regulated by 
780 CMR. In accordance with the provisions of 
M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A all plans and specifications 
shall bear the original seal and original signature of 
a Massachusetts registered professional engineer or 
registered architect responsible for the design, except 
as provided in M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A and any 
profession or trade as provided in M.G.L. c. 112, 
§60LandM.G.L.c. 112. §81R. 

When such application for permit must comply 
with the provisions of 780 CMR 4 or 780 CMR 9 or 
780 CMR 34, the building official shall cause one 
set of construction documents filed pursuant to 
780 CMR 1 10.7 to be transmitted simultaneously to 
the head of the local fire department for his file, 
review and approval of the items specified in 
780 CMR 903.0 as they relate to the applicable 
sections of 780 CMR 4, 780 CMR 9 or 780 CMR 
34. The head of the local fire department shall 
within ten working days from the date of receipt by 
him, approve or disapprove such construction 
documents. If the head of the local fire department 
disapproves such construction documents, he or she 
shall do so, in writing citing the relevant sections of 
noncompliance with 780 CMR or the sections of the 
referenced standards of Appendix A. Upon the 
request of the head of the local fire department, the 
building official may grant one or more extensions 
of time for such review provided, however, that the 
total review by said head of the local fire department 
shall not exceed 30 Calendar days. If such approval, 
disapproval or request for extension of time is not 
received by the building official within said ten 
working days, the building official may deem the 
construction documents to be in full compliance with 
the applicable sections of 780 CMR 4,.780 CMR 9 
or 780 CMR 34 and, therefore approved by the head 
of the local fire department. 

110.9 Existing Buildings: The application for a 
building permit to reconstruct, alter or change the 
use or occupancy of existing buildings or structures 



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which are subject to construction control pursuant to 
780 CMR 1 16.0, shall be accompanied by a building 
survey where required by 780 CMR 34 and 
Appendix F. 

110.10 Site plan: A site plan shall be filed 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 and the 
proposed finished grades; and it shall be drawn in 
accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. 
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. 

110.11 Independent Structural Engineering 
Review: 

110.11.1 As a condition for the issuance of a 
building permit, the structural design of the 
following described structures shall be reviewed 
by an independent structural engineer to verify 
that the design of the primary structure is 
conceptually correct and that there are no major 
errors in the design: 

1 . Buildings which are five stories or more in 
height above the lowest floor, including stories 
below grade. 

2. Buildings which enclose a total volume of 
400,000 cubic feet, including stories below 
grade. The volume shall be measured using 
the outside dimensions of the building. 

3. Structures in Use Group A, or structures 
which are partially in Use Group A, which will 
be used for public assembly of 300 or more 
persons. 

4. Structures of unusual complexity or design 
shall be determined by the BBRS. A building 
official may apply to the BBRS for such a 
determination on a specific structure. 

Exemption: Temporary structures erected for a 
period of one year or less. 

110.11.2 Requirements for the review: The 
independent structural engineering review shall be 
in accordance with the requirements of 
Appendix I. 

110.11.3 Disputes between the structural 
engineer responsible for the design of the building 
or structure and the structural engineering peer 
shall be resolved by the structural peer review 
advisory committee in accordance with 780 CMR 
125.0. 

110.12 Structures subject to control: In those 
structures subject to control as required in 780 CMR 
1 16.0, affidavits must be submitted with the permit 
application that the individuals and testing laborato- 
ries responsible for carrying out the duties specified 
in 780 CMR 1 1 6.0 have been licensed by the BBRS. 



110.13 Amendments to application: Subject to the 
limitations of 780 CMR 1 10.14, amendments to a 
plan, application or other records accompanying the 
same shall be filed prior to the commencement of the 
work for which the amendment to the permit is 
sought or issued. Such amendments shall be deemed 
part of the original application and shall be 
submitted in accordance with 780 CMR 1 10.0. 

110.14 Time limitation of application: An 
application for a permit for any proposed work shall 
be deemed to have been abandoned six months after 
the date of filing, unless such application has been 
diligently prosecuted or a permit shall have been 
issued; except that the building official shall grant 
one or more extensions of time for additional periods 
not exceeding 90 days each if there is reasonable 
cause and upon written request by the owner. 

780 CMR 111.0 PERMITS 

111.1 Action on application: The building official 
shall examine or cause to be examined all applica- 
tions for permits and amendments thereto within 30 
days after filing thereof. If the application or the 
construction documents do not conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR and all pertinent laws 
under the building official's jurisdiction, the building 
official shall reject such application in writing, 
stating the reasons therefor. If the building official 
is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the 
requirements of 780 CMR and all laws and 
ordinances applicable thereto, the building official 
shall issue a permit therefor. 

111.2 Zoning: In accordance with the provisions of 
M.G.L. c. 40A or St. 1956, c. 665 as amended, no 
permit for the construction, alteration, change of use 
or moving of any building or structure shall be 
issued if such building or structure or use would be 
in violation of any zoning ordinance or by-law. 

111.3 Railroad right-of-way: No permit to build a 
structure of any kind on land formerly used as a 
railroad right-of-way or any property appurtenant 
thereto formerly used by any railroad company in the 
state shall be issued without first obtaining, after 
public hearing, theconsent in writing to the issuance 
of such permit from the Secretary of the Executive 
Office of Transportation and Construction, all in 
accordance with M.G.L. c. 40, § 54A. 

111.4 Water Supply: No permit shall be issued for 
the construction of a building or structure which 
would necessitate the use of wafer therein, unless a 
supply of water is available therefor, either from a 
water system operated by a city, town or district, or 
from a well located on the land where the building or 
structure is to be constructed, or from a water 
corporation or company, as required by M.G.L. 
c. 40, § 54. 



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111.5 Debris: As a condition of issuing a permit for 
the demolition, renovation, rehabilitation or other 
alteration of a building or structure, M.G.L. c. 40, 
§ S4 requires that the debris resulting therefrom 
shall be disposed of in a properly licensed solid 
waste disposal facility as defmed by M.G.L. c. Ill, 
§ ISOA. Signature of the permit applicant, date and 
number of the building permit to be issued shall be 
indicated on a form provided by the building 
department, and attached to the office copy of the 
building permit retained by the building department. 
If the debris will not be disposed of as indicated, the 
holder of the permit shall notify the building official, 
in writing, as to the location where the debris will be 
disposed. 

111.6 Workers' Compensation: No permit shall 
be issued to construct, reconstruct, alter or demolish 
a building or structure until acceptable proof of 
insurance pursuant to M.G.L. c. 152, § 25C(6) has 
been provided to the building official. 

111.7 Hazards to air navigation: Application for 
building new structures or adding to existing 
structures within airport approaches as defined in 
M.G.L. c. 90, §35B and any amendments thereto or 
language substituted therefor, must include a 
certification by the applicant that; 

1. Either a permit from the Massachusetts 
Aeronautics Commission is not required because 
the structure is, or will be; a) In an area subject to 
airport approach regulations adopted pursuant to 
M.G.L. c. 90, §§ 40A through 401, or; b) in an 
approach to Logan International Airport, or; c) 
less than 30 feet above ground level, or; 

2. A permit from the Massachusetts Aeronautics 
Commission is required pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, 
§ 35B and a copy of said permit is enclosed with 
the application. 

Applications for permits to build a new structure or 
add to an existing structure requiring the filing of a 
Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (FA A 
Form 7460-1) with the Federal Aviation 
Commission shall mail a copy of the completed 
FAA Form 7460-1 to the Massachusetts Aeronautic 
Commission within three business days after 
submitting said form to the FAA. 

111.8 Expiration of permit: Any permit issued 
shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the 
work authorized by it shall have been commenced 
within six months after its issuance; however, for 
cause, and upon written request of the owner, one or 
more extensions of time, for periods not exceeding 



six 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 commissioner or inspector of buildings, 
must proceed in good faith continuously to 
completion so far as is reasonably practicable under 
the circumstances. It is the sole responsibility of the 
owner to inform, in writing, the building 
commissioner or inspector of buildings of any facts 
which support an extension of time. The building 
commissioner or inspector of buildings has no 
obligation under 780 CMR 111.7 to seek out 
information which may support an extension of time. 
The owner may not satisfy this requirement by 
informing any other municipal and/or state official or 
department. 

For purposes of 780 CMR 111.7 any permit issued 
shall not be considered invalid if such abandonment 
or suspension of work is 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. 

111.9 Previous approvals: 780 CMR shall not 
require changes in the construction documents, 
construction or designated use group of a building 
for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued 
or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the 
construction of which has been actively prosecuted 
within 180 days after the effective date of 780 CMR 
and is completed with dispatch. 

111.10 Signature to permit: The building official's 
signature shall be attached to every permit; or the 
building official shall authorize a subordinate to 
affix such signature thereto. 

111.11 Approved construction documents: When 
the building official has determined that the 
proposed construction conforms to the provisions of 
780 CMR and other applicable laws, by-laws, rules 
and regulations under his/her jurisdiction, the 
building official shall stamp or endorse in writing the 
three sets of construction documents "Approved". 
One set of the approved construction documents 
shall be retained by the building official, one set by 
the head of the local fire department and the other set 
shall be kept at the construction site, open to 
inspection of the building official or an authorized 
representative at all reasonable limes. 

111.12 Revocation of permits: The building official 
shall revoke a permit or approval issued under the 



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provisions of 780 CMR in case of any false 
statement or misrepresentation of fact in the 
application or on the plans on which the permit or 
approval was based. 

I1L13 Approval in part: The building official may 
issue a permit for the construction of foundations or 
any other part of a building or structure before the 
construction documents for the whole building or 
structure have been submitted, provided that 
adequate information and detailed statements have 
been filed complying with all of the pertinent 
requirements of 780 CMR. Work shall be limited to 
that work approved by the partial approval and 
further work shall proceed only when the building 
permit is amended in accordance with 780 CMR 
110.13. The holder of such permit for the 
foundation or other parts of a building or structure 
shall proceed at the holder's own risk v^th the 
building operation and vi/ithout assurance that a 
permit for the entire building or structure will be 
granted. 

11L14 Posting of permit: A true copy of the 
building permit shall be kept on the site of 
operations, open to public inspection during the 
entire time of prosecution of the work and until the 
completion of the same. 

11 LIS Notice of start: At least 24-hour notice of 
start of work under a building permit shall be given 
to the building official. 

780 CMR 112.0 DEMOLITION OF 
STRUCTURES 

112.1 Service connections: Before a building or 
structure is demolished or removed, the owner or 
agent shall notify all utilities having service 
connections within the structure such as water, 
electric, gas, sewer and other connections. 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 appurtenant equipment, such as 
meters and regulators, have been removed or sealed 
and plugged in a safe manner. 

All debris shall be disposed of in accordance with 
780 CMR 1 U.S. 

112.2 Notice to adjoining owners: Only when 
written notice has been given by the applicant to the 
ovkmers of adjoining lots and to the owners of wired 
or other facilities, of which the temporary removal is 
necessitated by the proposed work, shall a permit be 
granted for the removal of a building or structure. 

112.3 Lot regulation: Whenever a building or 
structure is demolished or removed, the premises 
shall be maintained free from all unsafe or hazardous 
conditions by the proper regulation of the lot, 
restoration of established grades and the erection of 



the necessary retaining walls and fences in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 33. 

780 CMR 113.0 CONDITIONS OF PERMIT 

113.1 Payment of fees: A permit shall not be issued 
until the fees prescribed in 780 CMR 114.0 have 
been paid. 

113.2 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 780 CMR or any other law 
or regulation, except as specifically stipulated by 
modification or legally granted variation as 
described in the application. 

113.3 Compliance with permit: All work shall 
conform to the approved application and the 
approved construction documents for which the 
permit has been issued and any approved 
amendments to the approved application or the 
approved construction documents. 

113.4 Compliance with site plan: All new work 
shall be located strictly in accordance with the 
approved site plan. 

780 CMR 1140 FEES 

114.1 General: A permit to begin work for new 
construction, alteration, removal, demolition or other 
building operation shall not be issued until the fees 
prescribed in 780 CMR 1 14.0 shall have been paid 
to the department of building inspection or other 
authorized agency of the jurisdiction, nor shall an 
amendment to a permit necessitating an additional 
fee be approved until the additional fee has been 
paid. 

114.2 Special fees: The payment of the fee for the 
construction, alteration, removal or demolition 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 
fi^om the payment of other fees that are prescribed by 
law or ordinance for water taps, sewer connections, 
electrical permits, erection of signs and display 
structures, marquees or other appurtenant 
structures, or fees of inspections, certificates of 
occupancy or other privileges or requirements, both 
within and without the jurisdiction of the department 
of building inspection. 

114.3 New construction and alterations: The fees 
for plan examination, building permit and 
inspections shall be as prescribed in 780 CMR 
114.3.1 and the building official is authorized to 
establish by approved rules a schedule of unit rates 
for buildings and structures of all use groups and 
types of construction as classified and defined in 
780 CMR 1, 3 and 6. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDrNG CODE 



114.3.1 Fee schedule: A fee for each plan 
examination, building permit and inspection shall 
be paid in accordance with the fee schedule as 
established by the municipality.- 

114.4 Accounting: The building official shall keep 
an accurate account of ail fees collected; and such 
collected fees shall be deposited in the jurisdiction 
treasury in accordance with procedures established 
by the municipality, or otherwise disposed of as 
required by law. 

780 CMR 115.0 INSPECnON 

115.1 Preliminary inspection: Before issuing a 
pemiit, the building official shall, if deemed 
necessary, examine or cause to be examined all 
buildings, structures and sites for which an 
application has been filed for a permit to construct, 
enlarge, alter, repair, remove, demolish or change 
the use or occupancy thereof. 

115.2 Required inspections: After issuing a 
building permit, the building official shall conduct 
inspections during construction at intervals sufficient 
to ensure compliance with the provisions of 
780 CMR. The building official shall inform the 
applicant of the required points of inspection at the 
time of application. Upon completion of the work 
for which a permit has been issued, the building 
official shall conduct a final inspection pursuant to 
780 CMR 115.5. A record of all such examinations 
and inspections and of all violations of 780 CMR 
shall be maintained by the building official. For 
buildings and structures subject to construction 
control, the owner shall provide for special 
inspections in accordance with 780 CMR 1705.0. 

In conjunction with specific construction projects, 
the building official may designate specific 
inspection points in the course of construction that 
require the contractor or builder to give the building 
official 24 hours notice prior to the time when those 
inspections need to be performed. The building 
official shall make the inspections within 48 hours 
after notification. 

115.3 Approved inspection agencies: The building 
official may accept reports of approved inspection 
agencies provided such agencies satisfy the 
requirements as to qualifications and reliability. 

115.4 Plant inspection: Where required by the 
provisions of 780 CMR or by the approved rules, 
materials or assemblies shall be inspected at the 
point of manufacture or fabrication in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1703.3. 

115.5 Final inspection: Upon completion of the 
building or structure, and before issuance of the 
certificate of occupancy required by 780 CMR 
120.0, a final inspection shall be made. All 



variations of the approved construction documents 
and permit shall be noted and the holder of the 
permit shall be notified of the discrepancies. 

115.6 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 enforce the 
provisions of 780 CMR. 

If any owner, occupant, or other person refuses, 
impedes, inhibits, interferes with, restricts, or 
obstructs entry and fi*ee access to every part of the 
structure, operation or premises where inspection 
authorized by 780 CMR is sought, the building 
official, or state inspector may 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. 

115.7 IdentiHcation: The building official shall 
carry proper identification when inspecting 
structures or premises in the performance of duties 
under 780 CMR. 

115.8 Jurisdictional cooperation: The assistance 
and cooperation 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. 

115.9 Coordination of inspections: Whenever in 
the enforcement of 780 CMR or another code or 
ordinance, the responsibility of more than one 
building official of the jurisdiction is involved, it 
shall be the duty of the building officials involved to 
coordinate their inspections and administrative 
orders as fully as practicable so that the owners and 
occupants of the building or structure shall not be 
subjected to visits by numerous inspectors or 
multiple or conflicting orders. Whenever an 
inspector fi"om any agency or department observes 
an apparent or actual violation of some provision of 
some law, ordinance or code not within the 
inspector's authority to enforce, the inspector shall 
report the findings to the building official having 
jurisdiction. 

780 CMR 116.0 REGISTERED 

ARCHITECTURAL AND 

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING 

SERVICES - CONSTRUCTION CONTROL 

116.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 116.0 
define the construction controls required for all 
buildings and structures needing registered 
architectural or registered professional engineering 
services, and delineate the responsibilities of such 
professional services together with those services 
that are the responsibility of the contractor during 
construction. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



The following structures are exgmpt &om the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1 16.0; 

L Any building containing less than 35,000 
cubic feet of enclosed space, measured to the ex- 
terior surfeces of wails and roofs md to the top of 
a ground siqiported floor, or in the case of a crawl 
space, to the bottom smface.of the crawl space. In 
the case of basement floors or levels, the calcula- 
tion of enclosed space shall include such spaces. 

2. Any single or two family dwelling or any 
accessory building thereto; 

3. Any building used exclusively for farm 
purposes (this exemption does not apply if the 
building is to be used for large assemblies of 
people or uses other than farm purposes); and 

4. Retaining walls less than ten feet in heighg at 
all points along the wall as measured &om the 
base of the footing to the top of the walL 

Notwithstanding the exemptions alx)ve, professional 
engineering services shall be required for activities 
^^ch are deemed to constitute the practice of 
engineering* as defined in M.G.L. c. 112, § 81D, 
except as provided in M.G.L. c. 54A and any legally 
requiied profession or as provided in M.G.L., €.112, 
§ SIR. 

116.1J Specialized structures requiring 
construction control: Telecommunication towers 
and similar structures are engineered structure 
and shall be subject to the requirements of 
780 CMR 116. 

il6o2 Registered arehttectural and engmeering 
services: 

116«2ol Besign: All plans, computations and 
specifications involving new construction, altera- 
tions, repairs, expansions or additions or change 
in use or occupancy of existing buildings shall be 
prepared by or under the direct supervision of a 
Massachusetts registered architect or 
Massachusetts registered professional engineer 
and shall bear his or her original signature and 
seal or by the legally recognized professional 
performing the work, as defined by M.G.L. 
c. 1 12, §81R. Said signature and seal shall signify 
that the plans, computations and specifications 
meet the ^plicable provisions of 780 CMR and 
ail accepted engineering practices. 

116,2.2 Architect/engineer responsibilities 

diaring construction: The registered architects 

and registered professional engineers who have 

prepared plans, computations and speci^cations 

or the registered architects or registered 

professional engineers who have been retained to 

perform construction phase services, shall 

perform the foUovidng tasks for the portion of the 

work for which they are directly responsible; 

!. Review, for conformance to the design 

concept, shop drawings, samples and other 

submittals which are submitted by the 



contractor In accordance with the requirements 
of the construction documents. 

2. Review and approval of the quality control 
procedures for all code-required controlled 
materials. 

3. Be present at intervals appropriate to the 
stage of construction to become, generally 
familiar with the progress and quality of the 
work and to determine, in general, if the work 
is being peifomied in a manner consistent with 
the construction documents. 

116.23 Structural Tests and Inspections: 
Stmctural tests and inspection shall be provided in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1705.0. 

1M2A Tests and Inspections of nonstructural 
systems: Tests and inspections of non structural 
systems shall be perfonned in accordance v^th 
applicable engineering practice standards or 
referenced standards listed in Appendix A. 

1163 Coistnictlon contractor services: The 
actual construction of the work shall be the 
responsibility of the general contractor as identified 
on the approved building permit and shall involve 
the following: 

1 . Execution of all work in accordance with the 
approved construction documents. 

2. Execution and control of all methods of 
construction in a safe and satisfactoiy manner in 
accordance with all applicable 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 
7S0 CMR 116.3 items 1 and 2 and with all 
pertinent deviations specifically noted. 

il6o4 On site project representatioa: When 
applications for unusual designs or magnitude of 
construction are filed, or where reference standards 
reqyii:® special architectural or engineering 
insi^ctions, the building official may require full- 
time project representation by a registered architect 
or piofessional engineer in addition to tiiat provided 
in 780 CMR 1 16.2,2. 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 architect or 
professional engineer shall file a final report 
indicating that the work has been performed in 
accordance with the approved plans and 780 CMR. 

Ili6o41 Eullding permit requirement: This on- 
site project representation 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 
780 CMR 122.0. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
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116A2 Fee and costs: All fees and costs related 
to the performance of on-site project 
representation shall be borne by the owner. 

116.5 Building ofTicial responsibility: Nothing 
contained in 780 CMR 1 16.0 shall have the effect of 
waiving or. limiting the building official's authority 
to enforce 780 CMR with respert to examination of 
the contract documents, including plans, 
computations and specifications, and field 
inspections (see 780 CMR 106.0). 

780 CMR 117.0 WORKMANSfflP 

117.1 General: All work shall be conducted, 
installed and completed in a workmanlike and 
acceptable manner so as to secure the results 
intended by 780 CMR. 

780 CMR 118.0 VIOLATIONS 

118.1 Unlawful acts: It shall be unlawful for any 
person, firm or corporation to use, occupy or change 
the use or otcupancy of any building or structure or 
to erect, constract, alter, extend, repair, remove, 
demoUsh any building or structure or any equipment 
regulated by 780 CMR, or cause same to be done, in 
conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions 
of 780 CMR. 

118.2 Notice of violation: The building ofBcial shall 
serve a notice of violation or order on the person 
responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, 
extension, repair, removal, demolition or occupancy 
of a building or structure in violation of the 
provisions of 780 CMR, 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 780 CMR. Such order shall be m 
writing and shall direct the discontinuance of the 
illegal action or condition and the abatement of the 
violation. 

118.3 Prosecution of violation: If the notice of 
violation is not complied with in the time period 
specified in said notice of violation, the building 
official may institute the appropriate proceedings at 
law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such 
violation or to require the removal or termination of 
the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure 
in violation of the provisions of 780 CMR or of the 
order or direction made pursuant thereto. 

118.4 Violation penalties: Whoever violates any 
provision of 780 CMR, except any specialized code 
referenced herein, shall be punishable by a fine of 
not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not 
more than one year, or both for each such violation. 
Each day during which a violation exists shall 
constitute a separate offense. The building official 
shall not begin criminal prosecution for such 



violations until the lapse of 30 days after the 
issuance of the written notice of violation. 

118.5 Abatement of violation: The imposition of 
the penalties herem prescribed shall not preclude the 
legal officer of the jurisdiction fi'om 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 occupancy of a building or structure on or about 
any premises. 

118.6 Notice or orders, service and content: 

Every notice or order authorized by 780 CMR 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 leaving a copy of the order or notice at 
the responsible party's last and usual place of 
abode; or 

3. by sending the party responsibile a copy of the 
order by registered or certified mail return receipt 
requested, if he is withm the Commonwealth; or 

4. if the responsibile party's last and usual place 
of abode is unknown, by posting a copy of this 
order or notice in a conspicuous place on or about 
the premises m violation and by publishing it for 
at least three out of five consecutive days in one 
or more newspapers of general circulation 
wherein the building or premises affected is 
situated. 

780 CMR 119.0 STOP WORK ORDER 

119.1 Notice to owner: Upon notice fi^om the 
building official that work on any building or 
structure is being prosecuted contrary to the 
pro%dsions of 780 CMR or in an unsafe and 
dangerous manner or contrary to the approved 
construction documents submitted in support of the 
building permit application, such work shall be 
immediately stopped. The stop work order shall be 
in writing and shall be given to the owner of the 
property involved, or to the owner's agent, or to the 
person doing the work; and shall state the conditions 
under which work will be permitted to resume. 

119.2 Unlawful continuance: Any person who shall 
continue any work in or about the building or 
structure after having been served with a stop work 
order, except such work as that person is directed to 
perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, 
shall be liable to a fine of not more than SI, 000 or 
by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both 
for each such violation. Each day during which a 
violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



780 CMR 120.0 CERTIFICATE OF 
OCCUPANCY 

120.1 General: New buildings and structeres: 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 accordance with the provisions of the 
approved permits and of the applicable codes for 
which a permit is required, except as provided in 
780 CMR 120.3. 

120.2 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 shall not be occupied or 
used until the certificate shall have been issued 
certifying that the work has been completed in 
accordance with the provisions of the approved 
permits 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 30 days after the 
completion of the alteration unless the required 
certificate is issued. 

120.3 Temporary occupancy: Upon the request of 
the holder of a permit, a temporary certificate of 
occupancy may be issued before the completion of 
the entire work covered by the permit, provided that 
such portion or portions shall be occupied safely 
prior to full completion of the building or structure 
without endangering life or public welfare. Any 
occupancy permitted to continue during the work 
shall be discontinued within 30 days after 
completion of the work unless a certificate of 
occupancy' is issued by the building official. 

120.4 Contents of certificate: When a building or 
structure is entitled thereto, the building official 
shall issue a certificate of occupancy within ten days 
after written application. Upon completion of the 
final inspection in accordance with 780 CMR 1 15.5 
and correction of the violations and discrepancies, 
and compliance with 780 CMR 903.4, the certificate 
of occupancy shall be issued. The certificate of 
occupancy shall specify the following. 

1. The edition of the code under which the 
permit was issued, 

2. The use group and occupancy, in accordance 
with the provisions of 780 CMR 3. 

3. The type of construction as defined in 
780 CMR 6. 

4. The occupant load per floor. 

5. Any special stipulations and conditions of the 
building permit. 



120.5 Posting structores: 

120.5.1 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 
industrial or business use (use groups H, S, M, F 
and B) as defined in 780 CMR 3. 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 
occupancy load, 

120.5.2 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, boarding houses, dormitory buildings, 
multiple family dwellings (use groups A, I, R-1 
and R-2). Said placard shall designate the 
maximum occupancy load. 

120.5.3 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 
defaced, shall be immediately replaced. 

120.5.4 Periodic nnspection for posting: The 
building official may periodically inspect all 
existing buildings and structures except one and 
two family dwellings for compliance with 
780 CMR 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 BBRS; and such inspections and reports 
shall specify any violation of the requirements of 
780 CMR in respect to the posting of floor load, 
fire grading, occupancy load and use group of the 
building or structure. 

780 CMR 121.0 UNSAFE STRUCTURES 

121.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 121.0 
are established by M.G.L. c. 143, §§ 6, 7, 8, 9 and 
10, 

121.2 Inspection: The building official 
immediately upon being informed by report or 
otherwise that a building or other structure 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 writing 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 abandoiied and open to the weather. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



If it appears that such building or 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 conspicuous place 
upon its exterior walls a notice of its dangerous 
condition, which shall not be removed or defaced 
without authority from him. 

121.3 Removal or making structure safe: Any 

person so notified shall be allowed until 12:00 noon 
of the day following 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 
remove it or to make it secure; but if the public 
safety so requires and if the mayor or selectmen so 
order, the building official may immediately enter 
upon the premises with the necessary 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. 

121.4 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 structwe is not made safe or 
taken down as ordered therein, a careful survey of 
\ht 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 M.G.L. 
c. 148, § 1, and one disinterested person to be 
appointed by the building official; and, in a town of 
a surveyor, 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 selectmen shall 
designate one or more officers or other suitable 
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. 

121.5 Removal of dangerous or abandoned 
structures: If such survey report as outlined in 
780 CMR 121.4 declares such structure to be 
dangerous or to be unused, uninhabited or 
abandoned, 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 abutting 
land or buildings, with such assistance as he may 
require, and secure the same; and may remove and 
evict, under the pertinent provisions of M.G.L. 
c. 239, 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 leveled to conform with 
adjacent grades by a inorganic 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 780 CMR 11 8.4. The provisions 
of M.G.L. c. 139, § 3 A, paragraph two, relative to 
liens for such debt and the collection of claims for 
such debt shall apply to any debt referred to in this 
section, except that the said building official shall act 
hereunder in place of the mayor or board of 
selectmen. During the time such order is in effect, it 
shall be unlawful to use or occupy such structure or 
any portion thereof for any purpose. 

121.6 Remedy of person ordered to remove a 
dangerous structure or make it safe: 

Notwithstanding the provisions of 780 CMR 122, an 
owner, aggrieved by such order may have the remedy 
prescribed by M.G.L. c. 139, § 2: provided that any 
provision of M.G.L. c. 139, § 2 shall not be 
construed so as to hinder, delay or prevent the 
building official from acting and proceeding under 
780 CMR 121; and provided, further, that this 
section shall not prevent the city or town from 
recovering the forfeiture provided in said 780 CMR 
121.5 from the date of the service of the original 
notice, unless the order is annulled by the jury. 

121.7 Standards for making buildings safe or 
secure: Any owner of a building who has been 
notified that said building shall be made safe or 
secure under 780 CMR 121.2, shall: 

1. Remove all materials determined by the head 
of the fire department or building official to be 
dangerous in case of fire. 

2. Secure all floors accessible from grade 
utilizing one of the following methods so long as 
such method is approved by the head of the fire 
department and building official in writing: 

a. Secure all window and door openings in 
accordance with the U.S. Fire Administration, 
National Arson Prevention Initiative Board Up 
Procedures, continuously until such time as the 
building is reoccupied; or 

b. Provide 24 hour watchman services, 
continuously until such time as the building is 
reoccupied; or 

c. Provide a monitored intruder alarm system 
at the perimeter of all floors accessible from 
grade, continuously until such time as the 
building is reoccupied. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



Said owner, as the case may be, shall notify the 
building official that the approved method chosen 
to secure the building has been incorporated. 
Said owner shall allow the building official to 
enter the building for an inspection to ascertain 
that the building is secured and made safe. Said 
owner shall allow the head of the fire department 
to enter the building. The building official shall 
be supplied with records of maintenance and 
operation if the provisions of 780 CMR 121.7.2.b 
or c. are used. 

3. Maintain any existing fire alarms or sprinkler 
systems unless written permission is obtained 
from the head of the fire department in 
accordance with M.G.L. c. 148, § 27A to shut off 
or disconnect said alarms or systems. 

4. Maintain utilities unless written permission is 
obtained from the building official to disconnect 
said utilities. Permission to disconnect utilities 
shall not be granted if it will result in inadequate 
heat to prevent freezing of an automatic sprinkler 
system or inadequate utilities to maintain any 
other protection systems. 

5. The requirements of 780 CMR 121.7.1. 
through 4. do not prevent a building official from 
ordering or taking expeditious, temporary security 
measures in emergency situations pending the 
completion of the requirements of 780 CMR 
121.7.1. through 4. 

For the purposes of 780 CMR 121.7.5., an 
"emergency situation' shall be defined as: an 
unexpected incident, which by its very nature may 
present a threat to public safety personnel who may 
be required to affect a rescue effort or conduct fire 
extinguishment operations. 

Upon refusal or neglect of said owner to comply 
with such notice, any building official acting under 
the authority of 780 CMR 121.3 or 121.5, shall 
cause to be secured all window and door openings 
accessible from grade in accordance with the U.S. 
Fire Administration, National Arson Prevention 
Initiative Board-up Procedures or other equivalent 
procedure approved by the head of the fire 
department, continuously until such time as the 
building is reoccupied. 

Any building which has been made to conform to 
the provisions of 780 CMR 121.7 during vacancy 
may be reoccupied under its last permitted use and 
occupancy classification, provided that any systems 
which were disconnected or shut down during the 



period of vacancy are restored to fully functional 
condition and subject to 780 CMR 111 .2 and M.G.L. 
c. 40A. The local building official shall be notified 
in writing prior to re-occupancy. If said building is 
changed in use or occupancy or otherwise renovated 
or altered it shall be subject to the applicable 
provisions of 780 CMR 34. 

121.8 Marking or idendfyiog ceriain buildings 
that are especiaily unsafe in the case of fire. Any 
building official who determines that a building is 
especially unsafe in case of fire under 780 CMR 
121.2, shall notify the head of the fire department 
about the existence of said building. The building 
official, in cooperation with the head of the fire 
department, shall cause said building to be marked in 
accordance with the niarking requirements 
established by the Board of Fire Prevention 
Regulations in 527 CMR 10.00. 

780 CMR 122.0 BOARD OF APPEALS 

122.1 State Boildmg Code Appeals Board: 
Except for actions taken pursuant to 780 CMR 
121.0, whoever is aggrieved by an interpretation, 
order, requirement, direction or failure to act under 
780 CMR 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 780 CMR 
or any of its rules or regulations, excepting any 
specialized codes, may appeal directly to the State 
Building Code Appeals Board as provided in 
780 CMR 122.0. 

Whoever is aggrieved by an interpretation, order, 
requirement, direction or failure to act under 
780 CMR by any agency or official of a city, town or 
region charged with the administration or 
enforcement of 780 CMR, excepting any specialized 
codes, may appeal directly to the State Building 
Code Appeals Board or may appeal first to a local or 
regional building code appeals board and if 
aggrieved thereby he may then appeal to the State 
Building Code Appeals Board as provided in 
780 CMR 122.0. 

In the event an appeal is taken directly to the State 
Building Code Appeals Board from an 
interpretation, order, requirement or direction, said 
appeal shall be filed as specified in 780 CMR 
1 22.3. 1 with the State Building Code Appeals Board 
not later than 45 days after the service of notice 



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28.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STA>JDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



thereof of the interpretation, order, requirement or 
direction. 

In the event the appeal is taken directly to the 
State Building Code Appeals Board for the failure to 
act, the appeal shall be taken not later than 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 administrative officer of the 
state or local agency which fails to act. 

If the aggrieved person elects to appeal before the 
local or regional building code appeals board, he 
shall not be allowed to enter such appeal with the 
State Building Code Appeals Board unril 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. 

122.2 Membership: 

122«2.1 Three sxiember panel: The State 
Building Code Appeals Board (hereinafter 
referred to in 780 CMR 122.0 as the Board) shall 
consist of the membership of the BBRS. The 
chairman of the BBRS shall be Chairman of the 
Board. The Chairman of the Board may designate 
any three members of the Board to act as a three 
member panel to hold any public hearing under 
780 CMR 122.0 and to hear testimony and take 
e\adence. The Chairman of the Board shall select 
one of the three members to act as chairman of the 
said three member panel. If a three member panel 
is so designated, the three member panel shall act 
as the Appeals Board and render a decision as 
provided in 780 CMR 122.0. 

122.2.2 Clerk: The administrator of the BBRS 
shall designate a clerk to the BBRS. 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. 

122.2.3 Quorum: Amajority of the Board shall 
constitute a quorum if the appeal is heard by the 
entire Board. 

122.3 Appeals procedure for State BsBlMieg Code 
Is 



122.3.1 Entry: Appeals shall be entered on 
forms provided by the BBRS and shall be 
accompanied by an entry fee of $150 or such 
other amounts as may be determined by the BBRS 
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 interpretation, order, requirement, direction or 
failure to act which are the grounds of the appeals 
as well as the particular section or sections of 
780 CMR 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 780 CMR 1 18.6 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 affidavit, 
under oath, that such copy has been served shall 
be filed with the Board forthwith by the appellant. 

122.3.2 Stay of Proceedings: Entry of an appeal 
shall stay all proceedings in fiirtherance 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 
780 CMR presents evidence and the Board or a 
three 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 proceedings 
shall be waived or the Board or three member 
panel or single member may order such other 
action necessary to preserve public safety. 

Before waiving the stay or proceedings, the 
Board or three 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 property, notice in 
writing of the hearing not less than 24 hours 
before said hearing. 

122.3.3 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. 

122.3.4 Hearings: The chairman of the Board 
shall fix a convenient time and place for a public 
hearing. Said hearings shall be held not later than 
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 days prior thereto. Failure to hold a public 
hearing within 30 days shall not affect the validity 
of the appeal or any decision rendered. The 
Board or three member panel in its hearings 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



conducted under this section shall not be bound by 
strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or 
equity. 

122.3.5 Conduct of Hearing: Hearing shall be 
conducted in accordance with the informal/fair 
hearing rules as set forth in 801 CMR 1.02. 

122.4 Decisions: 

122.4.1 Votes required: If the appeal is 
conducted by a three member panel, then the 
concurrence of two of the three 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. 

122.4.2 Standard; The Board or a tliree member 
panel may vary the application of any provision of 
780 CMR in any paiticular case, may determine 
the suitability of alternate materials and methods 
of construction, and provide reasonable interpre- 
tations of the provisions of 780 CMR; provided 
that the Board or a three-member panel finds that 
the decision to grant a variance shall not conflict 
with the general objectives set forth M.G.L. 
c. 143, § 95 or with the general objectives of 
780 CMR. 

122.4.3 Time for decision: The Board shall 
within 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, 
interpretation, requirement, direction or failure to 
act which is the subject matter of the appeal. 

Failure to render a decision within 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 paities to the appeal and 
anyone requesting in writing a copy of the 
decision. 

122.4.4 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 de- 
cisions except as provided in 780 CMR 903.2.1. 

122.4.5 Additional powers: The Board or a 
three member panel 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 780 CMR. 

122.5 Enforcement: Upon receipt of the decision 
of the Board or a three 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. 

122.6 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 conformance with M.G.L. 
c. 30A. § 14. 

122.7 Local and regional board of appeals: 

122.7.1 Local or regional board of appeals: 

Whoever is aggrieved by an interpretation, order, 
requirement, direction or failure to act under 
780 CMR by any agency or official of a city, 
region or town charged with the administration or 
enforcement of 780 CMR or any of its rules and 
regulations may appeal first to the appeals boai'd 
in that city, region or town or to the State Building 
Code Appeals Board as provided in 780 CMR 
122.0. 

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 45 days after the 
service of notice thereof of the interpretation, 
order, requirement or direction. 

In the event the appeal is taken for the failure to 
act, the appeal shall be taken not later than 45 
days after a request to act has been made by the 
aggrieved person in writing and served to the 
appropriate building official or chief 
administrative officer of the city, regional or town 
agency which fails to act. 

122.7.2 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 qualify as a 
local board of appeals under 780 CMR 122.0 
notwithstanding anything to the contrary 
contained herein. However, the procedure and 
rights for appeals for such board of appeals shall 
be governed by 780 CMR. 

If a city, region or town had not duly 
established by ordinance or bylaw 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, 
hereinafter referred to as the local board of 
appeals, consisting of five members appointed by 
the chief administrative officer of the city, region 
or town: one member appointed for five years, 
one for four years, one for three years, one for two 
years and one to serve for one year; and thereafter 
each new member to serve for five years or until 
his successor has been appointed. 

122.7.3 Qualifications of local board members: 

Each member of a local board of appeals 
established under 780 CMR 122.7.2 shall have 
had at least five years experience in the 
constmction, alteration, repair and maintenance of 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



buildmg and building codes. At least one member 
shaii be a registered structural or civil 
professional engineer and one member a licensed 
registered architect. 

122.7.4 Chairman of local or regional board: 
The board shall select one of its members to serve 
as chairman and a detailed record of all 
proceedings shall be kept on file in the building 
department. 

122.7.5 Absence of members: During the 
absence of a member of a local board of appeals 
for reason of disability or disqualification, the 
chief administrative officer of the city, region or 
town shall designate a substitute who shaJl meet 
the qualifications as outlined in 780 CMR 
122.7.3. 



1L22.7.6 Quorum: 
members. 



A quorum shall be three 



122.7.7 Procedures: Entry of appeals shall be 
governed by 780 CMR 122.3.1 excepting that a 
city, region or tovm may set its own entry fee. 

Upon notice of entry of appeal the local 
building commissioner 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 
iurtherance of the action or failure to act appealed 
from, unless the building commissioner or 
inspector of buildings certifies in v^rriting 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 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 780 CMR 122.7.8. 

The local board of appeals may establish its 
own rules for procedure not established herein or 
not inconsistent with 780 CMR or v^th the 
general objectives set forth in M.G.L. c. 143, 
§ 95. 

122.7.8 Hearings: All hearings shall be public 
and notice of said hearings shall be advertised in 
a newspaper of general circulation in the city, 
region or town in which the appeal is taken at 
least ten 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 14 days before said 
hearing. Said hearings shall be held not later than 
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 780 CMR 
122.7.7. 

122.7.9 Decisions of local boards: A concurring 
vote of a majority of all the members present shall 
be required for any decision. The local board of 
appeals may vary the application of 780 CMR to 
any particular case, may consider the suitability of 
alternate materials and methods of construction 
and may provide reasonable interpretations of the 
provisions of 780 CMR; provided that the 
decision of the local board shall not conflict v\ath 
the general objectives of 780 CMR or with the 
general objectives of M.G.L. c. 143, § 95. 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 780 CMR. 

122.7.10 Time for decislora: The board shall 
within 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, 
interpretation, requirement, direction or failure to 
act which is the subject matter of the appeal. 

Failure to render a decision vwthin 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. 

122.7.11 Contents of decision: All decisions 
shall be in vmting 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. 

122.7.12. 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 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 
decision of the local board of appeals according to 
780 CMR 122.0 and call for a hearing de novo. 

If the State Building Code Appeals Board does 
not notify the local board in writing within 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 v^th 
the general objectives of the state building code 
and the objectives of M.G.L. c. 143, § 95. 

122.7.13 Enforcement of decision: If said 
decision is approved by the State Building Code 
Appeals Board, all parties to the appeal shall take 



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31 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



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 780 CMR 122,0. 

122.7.14 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 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 
780 CMR 122.0. 

780 CMR 123.0 CONSTRUCTION 
MATERIALS SAFETY BOARD 

123.1 Membership: There shall be a board under 
the control of the BBRS called the Construction 
Materials Safety Board, hereafter in 780 CMR 123.0 
called the CMSB which shall consist of nine 
members, one of whom shall be a member of the 
BBRS who shall be ex-officio and a voting member 
of the Board and eight members to be appointed by 
the chairman of the BBRS: 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 representative 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 research 
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. 

123.2 Duties: The CMSB will review applications 
for registration 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 
materials, devices, products and methods of 
construction not.included in 780 CMR; and report to 
the BBRS their recommendations. The CMSB 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 BBRS. 
The BBRS will issue applications, receive payment 
for the review of such applications and approvals, 
registration and licensing fees, and maintain records 
for the efficient dispatch of the duties of the CMSB. 

123.3 Testing and evaluation groups: The BBRS 
shall establish and maintain testing and evaluation 
groups who will have the responsibility of 



administering and directing, under the supervision of 
the BBRS, the testing and controls for evaluating 
individual applicants, laboratories and firms wishing 
to become registered or licensed. 

780 CMR 124.0 FIRE PREVENTION -FIRE 
PROIECnON ADVISORY COMMnTEE 

124.1 Constitution of the Fire Prevention - Fire 
Protection Advisory Committee: There shall be a 
Conunittee under the control of the BBRS called the 
Fire Prevention - Fire Protection Advisory 
Committee, hereinafter called the FPFP Advisory 
Committee which shall consist of 17 members, two 
of whom shall be members of the BBRS; one of 
whom shall be the State Fire Marshal or his 
designee; one of whom shall be the Commissioner of 
the City of Boston Fire Department or his designee; 
all four of whom shall be ex-officio and voting 
members of the Committee, and 12 members to be 
appointed by the chairman of the BBRS for a term of 
one year; two of whom shall be representatives of 
the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts; two of 
whom shall be representatives of the Fire Prevention 
Association of Massachusetts; one of whom shall be 
a representative of the International Municipal 
Signalmen's Association; one of whom shall be a 
member of the State Board of Fire Prevention 
Regulations; one of whom shall be a member of the 
Board of State Examiners of Electricians who 
satisfies the requirements of that Board as a systems 
contractor holding a certificate C license and is 
actively engaged in the business of fire warning 
systems; one of whom shall be a Massachusetts 
building official; one of whom shall be a 
Massachusetts registered Fire Protection Engineer; 
one of whom shall be a Massachusetts registered 
professional engineer or architect; one of whom shall 
be a Massachusetts registered professional engineer 
with specific experience in the design and 
installation of smoke control systems, and; one of 
whom shall be a sprinkler system installer who shall 
be certified by the National Institute for Certification 
in Engineering Technologies (NICET), and; one of 
whom shall be a member proposed jointly by the 
Massachusetts Burglar and Fire Alarm Association 
and the Automatic Fire Alarm Association and the 
Automatic Fire Alarm Association, New England. 

The FPFP Advisory Committee shall elect a 
chairman and a vice chairman and each shall serve 
for a term one year. A member of an. agency or 
board of the state shall not be eligible for the office 
of chairman or vice chairman. 

124.2 Purpose: The FPFP Advisory Committee 
shall review and recommend to the BBRS changes to 
780 CMR relating to fire prevention and fire 
protection and more specifically those matters 
contained in 780 CMR 9, 



32 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ADMINISTRATION 



780 CMR 12S.0 STRUCTURAL PEER REVIEW 
ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

125.1 Membership: There shall be a Board under 
the control of the BBRS called the Structural Peer 
Review Advisory Committee, which shall consist of 
seven members, six of whom shall be professional 
engineers, registered in Massachusetts, each having 
a minimum of ten years of structural design 
experience and shall be appointed by the BBRS 
from nominations submitted by the Boston 
Association of Structural Engineers, the Boston 
Society of Civil Engineers and the American 
Consulting Engineers Council of New England. The 
seventh member shall be the structural engineer 
member of the BBRS who shall serve as chairman 
of said Advisory Board. 

125.2 Quorum: The chairman of said Advisory 
Committee shall appoint three of the members to 
mediate the disputes by a majority vote of the three 



members. 

125.3 Purpose: The Structural Peer Review 
Advisory Committee shall mediate any unresolved 
disputes between the engineer of record and the 
reviewing engineer which may result from the 
independent structural engineer review specified in 
780 CMR 110.11. 

125.4 Procedure: The structural engineer of record 
or the reviewing engineer or the owner or the 
building official shall submit any unresolved 
disputes cited in Appendix 1-5 (3), to the Structural 
Peer Review Advisory Committee on a form 
provided for this purpose. Said Committee shall 
convene a mediation hearing within 30 days from the 
receipt of the application and render a decision in 
writing within 30 days following the mediation 
hearing. 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



33 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXTPAGE 



34 780 CMR . Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 2 



DEFINITIONS 



780 CMR 201.0 GENERAL 

201.1 Scope: Unless otherwise expressly stated, the 
folio-wing words and terms shall, for the purposes of 
780 CMEt, have the meanings shown In 780 CMR 2. 

201.2 Interchangeabill^: Words used in the 
present tense include the fiiture; words used in the 
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter, 
the singular number includes the plural and the 
plural the singular. 

201.3 Terms defined in other codes: Where temis 
are not defined in 780 CMR and are defined in the 
plumbing (248 CMR), fire prevention (527 CMR) or 
BOCA mechanical codes or other refererxe stan- 
dards listed in Appendix A, such terms shall have 
the meamngs ascribed to them as in those codes. 

201.4 Terms not defined: Where terms are not 
defined through the methods authorised by 
780 CMR 201.0, such terms shall have ike ordinarily 
accepted meanings such as the conte^ impies. 

2&LS AppUcadons of other laws : Nothing herein 
contained shall be deemed to nuSi^ any provisions 
of the zoning bylaws or ' orMnanee of any 
municipality in the Commofmeaiik of 
Massachusetts insofar as those provisions deal 
exchmvdy with those powers of regulating zoning 
granted by the provisions ofM,G.L &> 4M and 41 
or Si 19S6f a 665, as amended, . 

780 CMR 202,0 GENERAL DEFINITIONS 
Aeederation: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Accepted engineering practice: That which 
conforms to accepted prindples, tests or standards 
of nationally recognized techmcal or scientific 
authorities. 

Accessible: See 780 CMR 1101.0. 

Accessible romte: See 780 CMR 1101.0. 

Accessory structure: A building, the occupancy of 
which is incidental to that of the main building, 
that is located on the same lot as the main 
building. 

Adaptability: See 780 CMR 1 101.0. 

Addition; An increase in building area, aggregate 
floor area, height or number of stories of a 
stnjcture (see 780 CMR 3400.3(4)). 



Admistiire: See 780 CMR 1902.0. 

Aerosol: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Aerosol container: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Aisle accessway: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Aliarm verification: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Alttration; A change or moMficddon of a building 
OF structure^ or the service equipment thereof, 
thai affects safety or health and that is not 
dassijied as an ordinary repair^ 

Alternating tread stairway: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Alternate Inspector: A person appointed to act in 
the absence of the inspector of buMMngs or. 
kmilding commissioner in case of illness, 
disability, or conflicting interest An alternate 
inspector shall meet or exceed the minimum 
qualifications defined by MG.L a 14$, §3 for 
am. inspector ofbuildingsSmlding commissioner 
mid shall be certified in accordance with 
7$0 CMR R7. See also 780 CMR 105.2 

Afficlior: See 780 CMR 2102.0. ^ 

Amclior Store: See 780 CMR 402.2. 

Approval: When used in . 780 CMR 35 for 
manufactured buiMngs or building components, 
approved by the State Board of Building 
MegulatioHs and Standards, hereinafter known 

mtheBBRS. 

Approved agency: See 780 CMR 1702.0. 

Approved material, equipment and methods: 
Material, equipment and methods evaluated and 
approved (see 780 CMR 109.0). 

Approved rules: The legally adopted rules of the 
code official (see 780 CMR 106.0). 

Appurtenant stnictiire: A device or structure 
attached to the exterior or ereaed 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. 

Architecttural terra cotta: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Area, building: See 780 CMR 502.0. 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



35 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUD-DING CODE 



Area, gross cross-sectional: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Areaway (form of construction): See 780 CMR 

3203.2. 

Attic: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 
Automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Automatic fire suppression system: See 780 CMR 

902.0. 

Barricade: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Base: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Base shear: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Basement: See 780 CMR 502.0. 

Bay (part of a structure): See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

B.B.RS.: (Massachusetts) Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards. 

Bed joint: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Bleachers: See 780 CMR 1 002.0. 

Blocked diaphragm: See 780 CMR 2306.2. 

Boiling point: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

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 wall 

Brick 
Calcium silicate brick (sand lime brick): See 

780 CMR 2102.0. 

Clay or shale: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Concrete brick: See 780 CMR 2102.0 
HoUow brick: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Building: A structure enclosed within exterior walls 
or firewalls, builtt 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 similar covering, whether 
or not permanent in nature. The word "building 
shall be construed where the context requires as 
though followed followed by the words '^or parts 
thereof". For application of 780 CMR, each 
portion of a building which is completely 
separated from other portions by fire walls 
complying with 780 CMR 707.0 shall be 
considered as a separate building. 



Building Code Enforcement Official: The term 
used to collectively refer to Inspector of 
Buildings, Building Commissioners, and Local 
Inspectors. All building code enforcement 
officials shall meet or exceed the minimum 
qualifications for the position as defined by 
M.G.L. C.143, § 3 and shall be certified in 
accordance with 780 CMR R7. 

Building Commissioner: The Administrative chief 
of the building department in a municipality who 
is charged with the administration and 
enforcement of 780 CMR (See also **Inspector 
of Buildings*' and 780 CMR 105.0). AU building 
commissioners shall meet or exceed the 
minimum qualifications for the position as 
defined in M.G.L. c.143 § 3 and shall be certified 
in accordance with 780 CMR R7. 

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 protecting 
health and safety. 

Building, existing: Any structure occupied prior to 
the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or 
one for which a legal building permit has been 
issued. (See also 780 CMR 3400.3,1). For 
purposes of energy conservation requirements, a 
building which has been legally occupied and/or 
used for a period of at least five years. 

Building line: The line established by law, beyond 
which a building shall not extend, except as 
specifically provided by law. 

Building service equipment: The mechanical, 
electrical and elevator equipment including 
piping, wiring, fixtures and other accessories, 
^»^ch provides sanitation, lighting, heating, 
ventilation, fire protection and transportation 
facilities essential for the habitable occupancy of 
the building or structure for its designated 
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. 

Bulk Merchandizing Retail Building: (See 
780 CMR 426.0.) Mercantile Buildings where 
sales areas contain: 

1. Combustible materials in piles greater 
than 12 feet in height, or combustible 
materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves 
where the top of storage is greater than 12 
feet in height, or 



36 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

DEFINrnONS 

2 Combustibk matermis suck m mbber BMttress: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

iirest Group A plastics^ flammable iiquids, 

idle pallets and commodiiies with similar heal Ceilars that portion of a buUding which is partly 

release characteristieSf where the top storage or completely below grade and having at least Vs 

is greater than six feet in height Its height below grade. 



2/20m (Effective 3/1/98) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition ' 36.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



36.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

DEFMTIONS 

C€m$iitttl®iis material: See 780 CMR 1902.0. 



Central Station, Central Station Fire Alarm Systen 
and Central Station Services,' See NFFA 72, as 
listed m Appendix A. 

Certificate of approvals A written document from 
the appropriate code official approving an 
action^ type ofmateriai^ and the like. 

Certificate of use and occupancy; The certificate 
issued by the code official which permits the me 
of a building in accordance with the approved 
plans and specifications which certifies 
compliance with provisions of law for the me 
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 thai meets the provisions of 
780 CMR 3S and the rules and regulations 
pursuant thereto and which has been labeled 
accordingly. See also 780 CMR R7 for the 
certification of Building Code Enforcement 
Officials 

Change of use: An alteration by change of me in 
a building heretofore existing to a new me group 

which imposes other special provisions of law 
governing building construction^ equipment or 
means of egress. 

Child day care centers Any facility operated on a 
regular basis whether known as a day nursery, 
nursegy school, kindergarten, child piay school, 
progressive school child development center, or 
preschool, or known under any other name, 
which receives children not of common 
parentage under seven years of age or under 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. 
Child day care centers shall not includes any 
part of a public school system,' any part of a 
private, organized educational system unless the 
services of such a system are primarily limited to 
a kindergarten, nursery or related preschool 
services^ a Sundi^ school conducted by a 
religious institution,' a facility operated by 
religiom organization where children are cared 
for during short periods of time while persom 
responsible for such children are attending 
religiom services; a family day care home, as 
defined by M.G.L. c 28A, § 9; an informal 
cooperative arrangement among neighbors or 
relatives; or the occasional care of children with 
or without compensation therefor. 

Cliliiiney: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 



C&lmaey, masoary: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Ctosed system: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

CMEs Code of Massachmetts Regulations; 
Appendix A contains a listing ofvariom CMR's 
for Massachmetts specialized codes. 

Code official: See "Building Code Enforcement 

Official". 

Combination of municipalitiess Any two or more 
cities and/or iowm who have agreed to combine 
in order to share costs necessary for the 
administration and enforcement of 780 CMR in 

said cities and/or towns. 



Collar Joint: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Combustible dusts: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Combustible fibers: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Combustible liquids: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Combustible material: A combustible material is a 
materia! which cannot be classified as non- 
combustible in accordance with 780 CMR 

704.4«1.L 

Compliance assurance programs The system^ 
documentation and methods for assuring that 
manufactured buildings, building components, 
building systems and manufactured homes, 
including their manufacture, storage tramporta-^ 
tion and assembly, and handling and imtalla" 
don, conform with 780 CMR 33 and the rules 
asnd regulatiom promulgated pursuant thereto. 

Commerdal BuOdiog: For purposes of energy 
conservation requirements only, a commercial 
building is any building other than a low-rise 
residential building, as defined in 780 CMR 2.0 
and 780 CMR Appenda J, Section J2.0 (See also 
Low-rise residential building definition) 

Common path of travel: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Compressed gas: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Coacrete: See 780 CMR 1902.0. 

Cofflcrete, reinforced: See 780 CMR 1902.0. 

C®miector: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

CoHstniction documents: All of the written, 
graphic and pictorial documents prepared or 
assembled for describing the design, location and 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



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37 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUttX)ING REGULAIflONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



physical characteristics of the elements of the 
project necessary for obtaining a building permit. 
The construction drawings shall be drawn to an 
appropriate scale. 

Construction, type of: See 780 CMR 602.0. 
Type 1 : See 780 CMR 603.0. 
Type 2: See 780 CMR 603.0. 
Type 3: See 780 CMR 604,0. 
Type 4: See 780 CMR 605.0. 
Type 5: See 780 CMR 606.0 

Control area: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Corridor: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Corrosive: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Court: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 
Inncn See 780 CMR 1202.0. 
Outer: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 

Court width: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 

Cryogenic liquids (flammable or oxidizing): See 

780 CMR 307.2. 

Curb level: See 780 CMR 3203.2. 
Bunding or wall height: See 780 CMR 3203.2. 

Damper, fire: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Day care center (child): See **Child day care 
center**. 

Deflagration: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Deluge system: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Department: (DPS): The Department of Public 
Safety, Division of Inspection. 

Design earthquake: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Designated seismic systems: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Detached storage building: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Detector, heat: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Detector, smoke: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Detonation: See 780 CMR 307.2. 



of Afassachusetis, and shall be used to treat 
individuals acceptable to the program in 
accordance with 105 CMR 160.000. 

Diaphragm: See 780 CMR 1612.3, 2102.0 and 
2306.2. 

Dimensions, nominal: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Dispensing: See 780 CMR 307,2. 

Door assembly, fire: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Door, fire: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

DPS: See "Department". 

Draftstopping: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Dumbwaiter: See 780 CMR 30. 

Dwellings 
Boarding house: See 780 CMR 3 10.2. 
Dbrmitoiy: See 780 CMR 3 10.2. 
Dwelling unit: See 780 CMR 3 10.2. 
Hotel: See 780 CMR 310.2. 
Motel: See 780 CMR 3 10.2. 
Multiple-family dweUing: See 780 CMR 310.2. 
Multiple single-family dwelling: See 780 CMR 
310.2. 

One-family dwelling: See 780 CMR 310.2. 
Two-family dwelling: See 780 CMR 3 10.2. 

Effective height: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Elevator: 780 CMR 30 and 524 CMR. 
Freight elevator: See 524 CMR 17.00 
Hand elevator: See 524 CMR 18.00 
Hydraulic elevator: See 524CMR 
Passenger elevator: See 524CMR 17.00 
Power elevator See 524CMR. 
Sidewalk elevator: See 524CMR 20.00 

Elevator repairs: 780 CMR 30 and 524 CMR. 

Emergency control station: See 780 CMR 416.2. 

Equipment, existing: Any equipment regulated by 
780 CMR which was legally installed prior to the 
effective date of 780 CMR, or for which a permit 
to install has been issued. 

Escalator: 780 CMR 30 and 524 CMR. 



Detoxification facility: A facility licensed or Exit: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 
operated by the Department of Public Health, 

Division of Alcoholism in accordance with Exit access: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 
105 CMR 160.000: Acute Care Inpatient 

Substance Abuse Detoxification Treatment Exit discharge: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 
Services issued by the Department of Public 
Health, Division of Alcoholism, Commonwealth Exit discharge, level of: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 



38 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATION'S AND STANDARDS 

DEFINITIONS 

Fireresistaiice: See 780 CMR 702.0, 



Exit, horlzontol: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 
Explosive: See 780 CMR 307,2. 
Exterior envelope: See 780 CMR 1302,0. 
Exterior wall finish: See 780 CMR 1402.0. 
Fabric awning: See 780 CMR 1609.2. 
Fabric canopy: See 780 CMR 1609.2. 
Fabricated item: See 780 CMR 1702.0. 
Fabrication area: See 780 CMR 416.2. 
Fire alarm box, manual: See 780 CMR 902.0. 
Fire area: See 780 CMR 702.0. 
Fire command station: See 780 CMR 902.0. 
Fire detector, automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0, 



Firereslstance rating: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

FIrestopping: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Fire separation assembly: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Fire separation distance: The distance in feet 
measured from She building face to the closest 
interior lot line, to the center line of a street or 
public way or to an imaginary line between two 
buildings on the same property. 

Flame spread: See 780 CMR 802.0. 

Flame spread rating: See 780 CMR 802.0. 

Flameresistance: See 780 CMR 802.0. 

Flammable: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Flammable compressed gas: See 780 CMR 307.2. 



Fire ha^rd: The potential degree of fire severity Flammable liquids: See 780 CMR 307.2. 
based on the occupancy of a structure, classified 

as high, moderate or low. Flammable solid: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

High: All occupancies which involve the storage, 

sale manufacture or processing of highly Flash point: See 780 CMR 307.2. 
combustible, volatile flammable or explosive 

products which are capable of burning with Bloorarea, gross: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 
extreme rapidity and produce explosions or large 

volumes of smoke, poisonous fumes or gases in Floor area, net: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 
the event of fire. 

Moderatei All occupancies which involve the Floor finish: See 780 CMR 802.0. 
storage, sale, manufacture or processing of 
materials which are capable of burning with Frame 

moderate rapidity and a considerable volume of Braced: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
smoke, but which do not produce either poisonous 
fumes or explosions, in the event of fire. 
Low: All occupancies which involve the storage, 
sale or manufacture of materials that do not 
ordinarily bum rapidly, nor produce excessive 
smoke, poisonous fumes or explosions in the 
event of fire. 



Fire partitloEii: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Fire protection: The provision of construction 
safeguards and exit facilities; and the installation 
of fire alarm, fire-detecting and fire-extinguishing 
service equipment to reduce the fire risk, 
including the risk involved in the spread of fire by 

. exterior exposure to and froni adjoining buildings 
and structure. 

Fire protection rating: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Fire protection system: See 780 CMR 902.0. 
Fire window: See 780 CMR 702.0. 



CoEcentricaliy braced frame: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Eccentrically braced frame: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Diagonal brace: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
Lateral support members: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Link beam: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
• Link beam end web stifffeners: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Link beam Intermediate web stIfTener: See 
780 CMR 1612.3. 

Link beam rotation angle: See 780 CMR 
1612.3, 

Intermediate moment frame: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Ordinary moment frame: See 780 CMR 1 6 12.3. 
Space frame: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
Special moment frame: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Frame system 
Building: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
Dual: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



39 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Moment resisting: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Garage, private: See 780 CMR 407.2. 

Garage, public: See 780 CMR 408.2. 

Grade hallway, grade lobby, grade passageway: 
See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Grade plane: See 780 CMR 502.0. 

Grandstand: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Greenhouse: See 780 CMR 3602. 

Gross leasable area: See 780 CMR 402.2. 



Manlifts: See 524 CMR. 

Hoisting and elevating equipment, miscellaneous: 
See 524 CMR. 

Incompatible materials: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Inspection, special: See 780 CMR 1705. 

Inspector of buildings: The administrative chief of 
the building department in a municipality who is 
charged with the administration and 
enforcement of 780 CMR. (See also **Building 
commissioner and Building Code Enforcement 
Official"). All inspectors of buildings shall meet 
or exceed the minimum qualifications defined by 
M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 and shall be certified in 
accordance with 780 CMR R7. 



Habitable space: Space in a structure for living, 
sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet 
compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility Installing Contractor: an individual or firm duly 



space and similar areas are not considered 
habitable space. 

Hazard Index: See 780 CMR 3401.0 

Hazardous materials: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Hazardous production material (HPM): See 
780 CMR 416.2. 

, Head joint: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Header (Bonder): See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Health hazard: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Heated space: See 780 CMR 1302.0. 

Height: 
Building: See 780 CMR 502.0. 
Court: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 
Story: See 780 CMR 502.0. 
Walls: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Hereafter: After the time that 780 CMR becomes 
effective. 

Heretofore: Before the time that 780 CMR became 
effective. 

High-temperature energy source: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Highly toxic: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Hoist, material platform: See 780 CMR 3002.0. 

Hoisting and conveying equipment, special: See 
524 CMR. 

Automotive lift: See 524 CMR. 
Conveyors: See 524 CMR. 
Freight lift: See 524 CMR. 



licensed to install apparatus, appliances, devices 
or accessories relative to Heating, pumping, 
process piping and refrigeration systems. (See 
780 CMR 2801.2.1 and 1301.1.1). 

Master and Journeyman Pipefitters: 

M.G.L c. 146, §§ 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 87 and 89. 
528 CMR 10.00, 11.00, and 13.00 

Master and Journeyman Refrigeration 
Technician: 

M.G.L. c. 146, § 45A, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 

88 and 89. 

528 CMR 10.00, 11.00 and 13.00 

Exception: heating, pumping, process piping 
and refrigeration systems regulated by M.G.L. 
c. 142, §§ 4 and 13, State Board of Examiners 
of Plumbers. 

Inverted pendulum-type structures: See 780 CMR 

1612.3. 

Irritant: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Jurisdiction: The governmental unit which has a- 
dopted 780 CMR under due legislative authority. 

Label: See 780 CMR 1702.0. 

Light-framed wall with shear panels: See 

780 CMR 1612.3. 

Listed and Listing: Terms referring to equipment 
which is shown in a list published by an approved 
testing agency qualified and equipped for 
experimental testing and maintaining an adequate 
periodic inspection of current productions and 
whose listing states that the equipment complies 
with nationally recognized standards, when 
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's 
installation instructions. 

Load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 



40 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



\ \mm. 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

DEFMTIONS 



Dead load: See 780 CMR 16010. 
Bmratioii of load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 
Earthquake load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 
Impact load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 
Internal load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 



Lateral soil load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 
Live load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 
Wind load: See 780 CMR 1602.0. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



40.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



40.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

DEFINmONS 



Loadbaariag wall sysUm: See 780 CMR 1512,3. 

Locsi enforcement agenc^s A departmesii or 
Mgency im a municipaiify charged wiik the 
enforcement of 780 CMR and appropriate 
specialized codes which inciudef Bui are not 
limited to, 248 CMRs The State Plumbing md 
Gas Fitting Code, and 527 CMR I2Mi the State 
Electrical Code. 

Local inspectors A person in the municipality who 
assists the building commissioner or inspector of 
buildings in the performance of his or her duties 
and is charged with the enforcement of 
780 CMR. All local inspectors shall meet or 
exceed the minimum qualifications defined by 
MGX c 143, § 3 and shall be certified in 
accordance with 780 CMR R7, 

Lot A portion or parcel of land considered as a imit. 

Lot, comer: A lot with two adjacent sides abutting 
upon streets or other public spaces. 

Lot, Interior: A lot which faces on one street or with 
opposite sides on two streets. 

Lot Hoe: A line dividing one lot from another, or 
from a street or any public place. 

Lot lime, interior: Any lot line other than one 
adjoining a street or public space. 

Lot line, street: The lot line dividing a lot from a 
street or other public way. 

Low-rise residential building: For purposes of 
energy conservation requirements only, 
residential occupancy buildings (R°2, R-3, RA or 
R-5) three stories or less in height (Exception: for 
purposes of energy conservation requirements, R- 
1 USE GROUP buildings shall be treated as 
commercial buildings). 

Main wlndforce^resistmg system: See 780 CMR 
16. 

Mall: See 780 CMR 402.2. 

Mall building, covered: See 780 CMR 402.2. 

Manufactured buildings 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 and 
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 BEES at the 
request of the manufacturer. 



Maioary: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Ashlar facing masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Ashlar masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Solid masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Masonry mnlt 
Clays See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Concretes See 780 CMR 2 102.0. 
Hollow: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Solids See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Means of egress: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Member: 
Primary: See 780 CMR 1902.0. 
Secondary: See 780 CMR 1902.0. 

Membrane: See 780 CMR 3103.2. 

Membrane stnjctures: 
Alr»lnflated structure; See 780 CMR 3103.2. 
Air-supported structure: See 780 CMR 3103.2. 
Double skin: See 780 CMR 3103,2. 
Single skin: See 780 CMR 3 103.2. 
Cableorestrained, alr-^upported structiare: See 
780 CMR 3103.2. 

MembraneH£overed cable structure: See 
780 CMR 3 103.2. 

Membrane-covered frame structure: See 
780 CMR 3 103.2. 

Noncombustlble membrane structure: See 
780 CMR 3103.2. 
Tent: See 780 CMR 3103.2. 

Mesaalne: See 780 CMR 502.0. 

Mobile homes A structure transportable in one or 
snore sections, which is eight body feet or more 
m width and is 32 body feet or more in length, 
mud which is built on a permanent chassis, and 
designed to be used as a dwelling with 
permanent foundation, when connected to the 
requited facilities, end includes the plumbing, 
heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems 
contained therein. 

Mortar: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Mortar, surface-bonding: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Moving walk: See 780 CMR 30. 

NeSive lumbers Native lumber is wood processed in 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by a mil! 
registered in accordance with 780 CMR R4. ■ 
Such wood is ungraded but is stamped or 
certified in accordance with the requirements of 
780 CMR R4. For the purpose of this definition, 
■ native lumber shall be restricted to the use in 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



41 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



one- and two-story dweliings, bants, sheds, 
agricultural and accessory buildings and other 
structures when permitted by 780 CMR R4. 

Nominal dimension 
Lumber See 780 CMR 2302.0. 

Noncombustible: This is a general, relative term. Its 
precise meaning is defined in 780 CMR for 
specific applications. 

Noncombustible building material: See 780 CMR 

704.4.1.1 

Occupancy: The purpose for which a building or 
portion thereof is used. 

Occupancy, change of: A change in the purpose or 
level of activity within a structure that involves a 
change in application of the requirements of 
780 CMR. 

Occupant load: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Occupiable space: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 

Occupied: As applied to a building, shall be 
construed as though followed by the words "or 
mtended, arranged or designed to be occupied." 

Official Interpretation: A written interpretation of 
any provision of 780 CMR, or to its referenced 
standards listed in Appendix A, except 
specialized codes, made by the BBRS, under 
authority ofM.CL, c 143, § 94(e), or by the 
State Building Code Appeals Board under 
authority ofM.G.L. c 143, § 100. 

Open system: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Organic peroxide: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Oriel window: See 780 CMR 3203.2. 

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, administra- 
trix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the 
holder of legal title; or (c) lessee under a written 
letter agreement; or (d) mortgagee in possession; 
or (e) agent, trustee or other person appointed by 
the courts. Each such person b bound to comply 
with the provisions of 780 CMR. 

Oxidizer: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

P-Delta effect: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 



Panel (part of a structure): See 780 CMR 1602.0. 

Partideboard: See 780 CMR 2302,1. 

Penthouse: See 780 CMR 1502.1. 

Permit: An official document or certificate issued by 
the authori^ having jurisdiction vdiich authorizes 
performance of a specified activity (see 780 CMR 
111.1). 

Person: Includes a corporation, firm, partnership, 
association, organization and any other group 
acting as a unit as well as individuals. It shall 
also include an executor, administrator, trustee, 
receiver or other representative ^pointed accord- 
ing to law. Whenever the word "person" is used in 
any section of 780 CMR prescribing a penalty or 
fme, as to partnerships or associations, the word 
shall include the partners or members thereof, and 
as to corporations, shall include the officer, agent 
or members thereof who are responsible for any 
violation of such section.. 

Physical hazard: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Physically disabled person: See 780 CMR 11. 

Place of assembly: A room or space accommoda- 
ting SO or more individuals for religious, recrea- 
tional, educational, political, social or amuse- 
ment purposes, or for the consumption of food 
or drink, including all connected rooms or space 
with a common means of egress and entrance. 

Place of outdoor assembly: Premises used or 
intended to be used for public gatherings of 200 
or more individuals in other than buildings. 

Plastic 
Light-diffusing system: See 780 CMR 2602.0. 
Plastic glazing: See 780 CMR 2602.0. 
Plastic roof panels: See 780 CMR 2602.0. 
Plastic waU panels: See 780 CMR 2602.0. 
Reinforced plastic, glass fiber: See 780 CMR 
2602.0. 

Thermoplastic material: See 780 CMR 2602.0. 
Thermosetting material: See 780 CMR 2602.0. 

Platform: See 780 CMR 412.2. 

Plenum: An enclosed portion of the building 
structure, so designed to allow the movement of air, 
that forms part of an air distribution system. See 
BOCA National Mechanical Code listed in 
Appendix A. 

Fools, swimming, hot tubs and spas 

Above-ground/on-ground pool: See 780 CMR 

421.2. 

Barrier: See 780 CMR 421.2. 



42 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

DEFINITIONS 



HoS tub: See 780 CMR 421.2. 
In-groimd pool: See 780 CMR 421.2. 



Roof: See 780 CMR 1502.0. 

Roof covering: See 780 CMR 1502.0. 



Private swimming pool: See 780 CMR 421.2. 
Private swimming pool, Indoor: See 780 CMR Roof structure: See 780 CMR 1 502.0. 
421.2. 
Private swimming pool, outdoor: See 780 CMR Rubble masonry: See 780 CMR 2 102.0. 



421.2. 

Public swimming pool: 
Public outdoor inground swimming pool, Seml- 
publlc outdoor Inground swimming pool: See 
780 CMR 421.2. 
Spa: See 780 CMR 421.2. 

Preactlon system: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Premises: A lot, plot or parcel of land, including any 
structure thereon. 



Coursed nibble: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Random rubble: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Rougis or ordinary rubble: See 780 CMR 
2102.0. 

Running bond: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Selsmk-resisting system: See 780 CMR 1612.3 

Self-closing: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Sensltlser: See 780 CMR 307.2. 



Preservative treatment (treated material): See Service passage, HPM: See 780 CMR 416.2. 
780 CMR 2302.0. 

Shaft: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Shall: The term, where used in 780 CMR, shall be 
construed as mandatory. 

Shear wall: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 
Closed sign: See 780 CMR 3 102.2. 
Ground sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 
Marquee sign: See 780 CMR 3 102.2. 
Open sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 
Portable sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 
Projecting sign: See 780 CMR 3 102.2. 
Roof sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 
Temporary sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 
Wall sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2. 

Single membrane penetration: See 780 CMR 
702.0. 
Repairs, ordinary: Any maintenance which does 

not affect the structure, egress, fire protection Site: A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a 

systems, fire ratings, energy conservation designated portion of a public right-of-way. 

provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or 

other utilities. A building permit is not required Slldescape: See 780 CMR 1 002.0. 

for ordinary repairs (also see 780 CMR 903.1, 

Exceptions I and 2). Smoke barrier: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Required: Shall be construed to be mandatory by Smoke compartment: See 780 CMR 702.0.. 
provisions of 780 CMR. 

Smoke detector, multiple station: See 780 CMR 
902.0. 



Protected construction: See 780 CMR 702.0.. 

Public way: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Pyrophoric: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Radioactive material: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Registered design professional: An architect or 
engineer registered or licensed to practice profes- 
sional architecture or engineering, as defined by 
the statutory requirements of the professional 
registration laws of the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts. 

Repair: The reconstruction or renewal of any part of 
an existing structure for the purpose of its 
maintenance. 



Resilient 'stable^mountlng systeip: See 780 CMR 
1612.3. 

Restraining device: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
Elastic: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
Fixed: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 
Seismic activated: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 



Smoke detector, single stations See 780 CMR 
902.0. 

Smoke detector, system type: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Smokeproof enclosure: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 



11/27/98 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



.43 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



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: See 780 CMR 902.0 

Sprinkler system, automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

Sprinkler system, limited area: See 780 CMR 

902.0. 

Stack bond: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Stage: See 780 CMR 412.2. 

Stage, legitimate: See 780 CMR 412.2. 

Stage, regular: See 780 CMR 412.2. 

Stage, thrust: See 780 CMR 412.2. 

Stairway: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Standpipe system: See 780 CMR 902.0. 

State Building Code: The Massachusetts State 
Building Code and amendments and rules and 
regulations thereto as promulgated by the State 
Board of Building Regulations and Standards, 
under M.G.L. c. 143 §§ 93 through 100. 

State Inspector: An employee of the Division of 
Inspection, State Department of Public Safety, 
who is charged with administrating and 
enforcing 780 CMR 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 
780 CMR relative to all buildings and structures 
other than those owned by the Commonwealth. 
See also 780 CMR 107.0. 

Steel construction, cold-formed: See 780 CMR 
2202.0. 

Steel joist: See 780 CMR 2202.0. 

Steel member, structural: See 780 CMR 2202.0. 

Stone masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Stone masonry, ashlar: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Stone masonry, rubble: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Storage room, HPM, separate inside: See 

780 CMR 416.2. 



HPM cutoff room: See 780 CMR 4 16.2. 
HPM inside room: See 780 CMR 416.2. 

Story: See 780 CMR 502.0. 

Story above grade: See 780 CMR 502.0. 

Story drift ratio: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Story shear: See 780 CMR 1612.3. 

Street: A public thoroughfare (such as a street, 
avenue or boulevard) which has been dedicated 
for public use. 

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, fences over six 
feet high, 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." 

Structure, existing: A structure erected prior to the 
date of adoption of the appropriate code or one for 
which a legal building permit has been issued. 
See 780 CMR 34 for further information 
regarding existing buildings. 

Supervisory device: See 780 CMR 902,0. 

Through-penetration protection system: See 
780 CMR 702.0. 

Tie, wall: See 780 CMR 2 102.0. 

Tile: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Tile, structural clay: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Tires, bulk storage of: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Travel Trailer: A vehicular, portable structure 
built on a chassis and designed to be used for 
temporary occupancy for travel, recreational or 
vocational use; with the manufacturer's perm- 
anent identification "Travel Trailer," thereon; 
and when factory equippedfor the road, being of 
any length provided its gross weight does not 
exceed 4500 pounds, or being of any weight pro- 
vided its overall length does not exceed 28 feet. 

Use group: The classification of an occupancy in 
accordance with 780 CMR 302.1. 

Vapor retarder: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 

Ventilation: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 



44 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1 1/27/98 



780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

DEFINITIONS 



Vertical opening: See 780 CMR 702.0. 

Voice/alarm slgualing system: See 780 CMR 
902.0. 

Wall- 
Apron wall: See 780 CMR 1 402.0. 
Cavity waU: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Composite wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Dry-stacked, surface-bonded wails: See 
780 CMR 2102.0. 
Faced wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Fire separation waU: See 780 CMR 702.0. 
Fire wall: See 780 CMR 702.0. 
Foundation wall: See 780 CMR 1812.2. 
Hollow wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Loadbearing wail: See 780 CMR 1602.1. 
Nonloadbearing wall: See 780 CMR 1602.1. 
Parapet wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 
Party wall: See 780 CMR 702.0. 
Retaining wail: See 780 CMR 1812.2. 
Skeleton or panel wall: See 780 CMR 1402.0. 
Spandrel waU: See 780 CMR 1402.0. 
Veneered Wall: See 780 CMR 1402.0 

Water-reactive materials: See 780 CMR 307.2. 

Water supply, automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0. 



Winder: See 780 CMR 1002.0. 

Wood shear panel: See 780 CMR 2304.2. 

Writing (written): The term shall be construed to 
include hand-writing, typewriting, 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 individual or parties intended,' 
or delivered at, or sent by certified or registered 
mail to the last residential or business address of 
legal record. 

Wythe: See 780 CMR 2102.0. 

Yard: See 780 CMR 1202.0. 

Zoning: The reservation of certain specified areas 
within a community or city for buildings and 
structures, or use of land, for certain purposes 
vAih other limitations such as height, lot coverage 
and other stipulated requirements. (See M.G.L. 
c. 40A and St. 1956, c. 665, as amended.) 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



45 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



46 780 CMR -Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTERS 



USE OR OCCUPANCY 



780 CMR 30L0 GENERAL 

30L1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 3 shaU 
control the classification of all buildings and 
structures as to use group. 

3012 Application of other laws: The provisions of 
780 CMR 3 shall not be deemed to nullify any 
provisions of the zoning law, ordinance of any 
municipality in the Commonweaitk of 
Massachusetts, or any other statute of the 
jurisdiction pertaining to the location or occupancy 
of buildmgs, except as is specifically required by the 
provisions of 780 CMR. 

780 CMR 3010 CLASSMCAHON 
302.1 General: All structures shall be classified 
with respect to occupancy in one or more of the use 
groups listed below. Where a structure is proposed 
for a purpose which is not specifically provided for 
in 780 CMR, such structure shall be classified in the 
use group which the occupancy most nearly 
resembles. 



1. Assembly: 
(see 780 CMR 303.0) 

2. Business: 
(see 780 CMR 304.0) 

3. Educational: 
(see 780 CMR 305.0) 

4. F&ctorv and Industrial: 
(see 780 CMR 306.0) 

5. High Hazard 
(see 780 CMR 307.0): 

6. InsUtution&l: 
(see 780 CMR 308.0) 

7. Mercantile: 
(see 780 CMR 309.0) 

8. Residential: 
(see 780 CMR 3 10.0) 

9. Storage: 
(see 780 CMR 3 U.O) 

10. Utility and Miscellane- 
ous (see 780 CMR 3 12.0) 

302.iol Specific occupfiincy areas: Specific 
occupancy areas which are incidental to the main 
use group shall be separated and protected in 
accordance with Table 302 J. 1 and shall be 
classified in accordance with the main use group 
of the portion of the building in which the specific 
occupancy area is located. Where the building, or 
portion thereof, containing the specific occupancy 
area is required to be protected with an automatic 
fire suppression system, the separation alternative 
of Table 302.1.1 shall not apply. 

Exception: Specific occupancy areas within 
and serving a dwelling unit are not required to 



Use Groups A°l, A-2, 
A»3,A^andA-5 
Use Group B 

Use Group E 

Use Groups F»l and F-2 

Use Groups H»l, H-2, 

H-3andH»4 

Use Groups I-l, 1-2 and 

1-3 

Use Group M 

Use Groups R4, R"2, R- 

3, R-4 and i?»5 

Use Groups S4 and S-2 

Use Group U 



comply with 780 CMR 302. 1.1. 

Table 302.1.1 
SPECinC OCCUPANCY AREAS 



Room or area 



Sq)aration /protection 



Aii use groups: 

Paint shops in occupancies oth* 
er than Use Group F employ- 
ing hazardous materials in 
quantities less than those which 
cause classiiGcation as Use 
Group H 

Waste ttnd'Swcdiineoi'^iollBC' %> 

s ^ w ^ ' ' \ J ■■■l_ ^ ^ '* 

Waste and soiled linen chute 
access rooms 

ScMlerasdiiimaceTboins > -^ 



Incinerator rooms 



UseGroupsA,B.E.I-l.R.l, 

R-2: 

Storage rooms more than SO 
square feet in area but not 
more than 100 square feet in 



2 hours; or I hour and 
automatic fire sup- 
pression system 



X liourand automatib^^ ^ 
"'' !]S^^>p(tesstoB'Systen]! / 

Ihour 

lhour,orQut(Knade'fire ^ 
suppression '^^stem 

2 hours and automatic fire 
suppression system 

1 hour, or automatic fire 
suppression system 
with smoke partitions 



' .SlongetoossitDore'Caaft'-^-^v.v '<AuU39sxatio£resuppr«s» 
.-- , tOOs'qiuamSeetm^area-''; "^ ^ ' sion system wth snwke 

Physical plant mamtenance 2 hours; or I hour and au- 
shop and workshop tomatic fire suppression 

system 



Use Groups 1-2, 1-3: 

Boiler and &niace rooms 
'■ Handiaaft^t^JS'rldt^hexis;^ ^" 
T '^andeanptpj^etl^focKfirrooQisr''' 

I^iuodnes greater than 100 
square fiset in area 

^ , Storage ipORismore^^dMiBSO^ 
' ^ ^'^^squ(BFei|6ef^'m'ttrea'btitnof^ ^^^ 

Storage rooms more than 1 00 

square fiset m area 

^ Ph^sicnl plant maintenance' ^^ 

Use Group 1-2: 

Gift/retail shops and laborator- 
ies employing hazardous 
quantities less than those which 
cause classification as Use 
Group H 

Use Group 1-3 padded cells 



I hour and automatic fire 

suppression system 
1 hour^^K-autCsnatic&e 
■' '^ suppression ^y^em with 
< smdkftpai^ons 

1 hour and aucomauc fire 
suppression ^stem 

'^utonwtic fire auppres- 
^ ' aon system withsaioke 
" partition*^' "'■::^^5'' A -, \- 

1 hour and automatic fire 
suppression system 

1 hcurand automatic fire 
^''<j$st^pressiOti^$ystem. f' '''•■ 

1 hour, or automatic fire 
suppressioti system with 
smoke partitions 



1 hour and automatic fu-e 
system 



Note a. For requirements for firercsistance rated 
seporatswts and smoke partitions see 780 CKiR 302. 1 . ! . ! . 
Note b. 1 square foot = 0.093 m''. 



9/19/97 (Effeaive 2/28/97) » corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



47 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



302.1.1.1 Separation: Where Table 302.1.1 
requires a fireresistance rated separation, the 
specific occupancy area shall be separated from 
the remainder of the building with fire 
separation assemblies (see 780 CMR 709.0). 
Where Table 302.1.1 requires smoke partitions, 
the smoke partitions shall be constructed of 
materials consistent with the type of 
construction and shall be capable of resisting 
the passage of smoke. The smoke partitions 
shall extend from the floor to the underside of 
the fireresistance rated floor/ceiling or 
roofi'ceiling assembly or to the underside of the 
floor or roof deck above. All doors shall be self- 
closing or automatic-closing upon detection of 
smoke. 

302.1.2 Accessory areas: Except for accessory 
areas of Use Group H in accordance with 
780 CMR 302.1 .2. 1 and specific occupancy areas 
indicated in 780 CMR 302.1.1, where the area 
devoted to an accessory- occupancy does not 
occupy more than 1 0% of any fire area nor more 
than 10% of the allowable area permitted by 
780 CMR 503.0 based on the accessoiy use group, 
^fire separation assembly shall not be required 
between the main use group and accessory areas. 
The required type of construction and the 
automatic fire suppression requirements in 
780 CMR 904.0 shall be based on the main use 
group of the^r^ area. 

302.1.2.1 High-hazard uses: In buildings that 
are three stones or less in height and equipped 
throughout with an automatic suppression 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 9, an 
occupancy in Use Group F or S is permitted to 
have accessory areas of Use Group H-2, H-3 or 
H-4, provided that such areas do not occupy 
more than 10% of any fire area nor more than 
10% of the allowable area permitted by 
780 CMR 503.0 based on the use group of the 
accessory area. A^re separation assembly shall 
not be required between the F or S use group 
and the accessory H use group. The maximum 
quantity of hazardous materials within the 
accessory H use group shall not exceed twice 
the permitted exempt amount specified in Table 
307.8(1) or Table 307.8(2). The required type of 
construction shall be based on the main use 
group of the^jre area. 

302.2 Mixed use: All buildings and structures that 
include more than one use group shall be further 
designated as a mixed use and shall comply with 
780 CMR 313.0. Specific occupancy areas and 
accessory areas complying with 780 CMR 302.1.1 
and 302.1.2, respectively, shall be classified in 
accordance with die main use group. 



780 CMR 303.0 ASSEMBLY USE 
GROUPS 

303.1 General: All structures which are designed or 
occupied for the gathering together of persons for 
purposes such as civic, social or religious functions, 
recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting 
transportation, shall be classified as Use Group A-1, 
A-2, A-3, A-4 or A-5. A room or space used for 
assembly purposes by less than 50 persons and 
which is accessory to another use group shall be 
included as a part of that main use group. Other 
buildings or structures which accomodate less than 
50 but would otherwise qualify as places of 
assembly, shall be classified in Use Group B. The 
term "Use Group A" shall include Use Groups A-1, 
A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5. 

303.2 Use Group A-1, theaters: This use group 
shall include all theaters and all other buildings and 
structures intended for the production and viewing 
of performing arts or motion pictures; and which are 
usually provided with fixed seats-including theaters, 
motion picture theaters and television and radio 
studios admitting an audience. Stages and platforms 
shall comply with 780 CMR 412.0. 

303.3 Use Group A-2 structures: This use group 
shall include all buildings and places of public 
assembly, without theatrical stage accessories, 
designed for occupancy as dance halls, nightclubs 
and for similar purposes, including all rooms, 
lobbies and other spaces connected thereto with a 
common means of egress and entrance. 

303.4 Use Group A-3 structures: This use group 
shall include all buildings with or without an 
auditorium in which persons assemble for 
amusement, entertainment or recreation purposes as 
well as incidental motion picture, dramatic or 
theatrical presentations, lectures or other similar 
purposes without theatrical stage other than a raised 
platfiyrm; and which are principally occupied 
without permanent seating facilities, including art 
galleries, exhibition halls, museums, lecture halls, 
libraries, restaurants other than nightclubs, and rec- 
reation centers; and buildings designed for similar 
assembly purposes, including passenger terminals. 

303.5 Use Group A-4 structures: This use group 
shall include all buildings and structures which are 
occupied exclusively for the purpose of worship or 
other religious services. 

303.6 Use Group A-5, outdoor assembly: This use 
group shall include structures utilized for outdoor 
assembly intended for participation in or reviewing 
activities, including grandstands (780 CMR 1013.0), 
bleachers (780 CMR 1013.0), coliseums, stadiums, 
amusement park structures (780 CMR 413.0) and 
fair or carnival structures. Such structures shall 
comply with all pertinent provisions of 780 CMR. 



48 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 



780 CMR 304.0 BUSINESS USE GROUP 

304.1 General: All buildings and structures which 
are occupied for the transaction of business, for the 
rendering of professional services, or for other 
services that involve stocks of goods, wares or 
merchandise in limited quantities which are 
incidental to ofBce occupancies or sample purposes, 
shall be classified as Use Group B. (Also see 
780 CMR 303.1.) 

304.2 List of business eeeupsmcies: The 
occupancies listed in Table 304.2 are indicative of 
and shall be classified as Use Group B. 

Table 304.2 
BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES 



Airport traffic control 

towers 

Animal hospitals, kennels, 

pounds 
Automobile and other 
motor vehicle showrooms 
Banks 

Barber shops 
Beauty shops 
Car wash 

Civic administration 
Clinic, outpatient 
Dry-cleaning; pickup and 

delivery stations and 

self-service 
Electronic data processing 



Fire stations 
Florists and nurseries 
Laboratories; testing and 

research 
Laundries; pickup and 

delivery stations and 

self-service 
Police stations 
Post oflRces 
Print shops 

Professional services; attor- 
ney, dentist, physician, 

engineer, etc. 
Radio and television 

stations 
Telecommunications 

equipment building 



78© CMR 30S.0 EDUCATIONAL USE 
GROUP 
305.1 Geraeral: Ail structures other than those 
occupied for business training or vocational training, 
which accommodate more than five persons for 
educational purposes through the 12th grade, shall 
be classified as Use Group E. 
Exception: A room or space occupied for 
educational purposes by less than 50 persons, five 
years of age or more, and which is accessory to 
another use group shall be classified as a part of 
the main use group. 

305.1.1 Bay eare facilities: A ckM day care 
center which provides care for children more 

Skan two years nine months shall be classified as 
me Group E, 

M$2 Business or vocational training: Structures 
occupied for business training or vocational training 
shall be classified in the same use group as the 
business or vocation taught. 

780 CMR 3Q6M FACTORY AND 
INDUSTRIAL USE GROUPS 
306.1 General: Ail structures in which occupants 
are engaged in work or labor in the fabricating, 
assembling or processing of products or materials, 
shall be classified as Use Group F=l or F-2. This 
mcludes, among others, factories, assembling plants, 



industrial laboratories and all other industrial and 
manufacturing occupancies. The term "Use Group 
F" shall include Use Groups F-l and F-2. 

306.2 Use Group F-l stnictisres: Factory and 
industrial occupancies which are not otherwise 
classified as low-hazard, Use Group F-2, shall be 
classified as a moderate-hazard factory and 
industrial occupancy. Use Group F-l. The 
manufacturing processes listed in Table 306.2 are 
indicative of and shall be classified as Use Group F- 
1. 

Table 306.2 

MODERATE-HAZARD FACTORY AND 

INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES 



Aircraft 

Appliances 

Athletic equipment 

Automobiles and other motor 
vehicles 

Bakeries 

Beverages, alcoholic 

Bicycles 

Boatbuilding 

Boiler works 

Brooms or brushes 

Business machines 

Cameras and photo equipment 

Caimeries, including food 
products 

Clothing 

Condensed and powdered 
milk manu^iusture 

Construction and agricultural 
machinery 

Disinfectants 

Dfy cleaning using other than 
flammable liquids in clean- 
ing or dyeing operations or 
other than classified in 780 
CMR 307.0 

Electric light plants and 

power houses 

Electrolytic reducing works 

Electronics 

Engines, including rebuilding 



Film, photographic 

Food processing 

Furniture 

Hemp and jute products 

Laundries 

Leather and tanneries, ex- 
cluding enameling or 
japanning 

Machinery 

Millwork and woodworking, 
wood distillation 

Motion picture and television 
filming 

Musical instruments 

Optical goods 

Paper mills or products 

Plastic products 

Printing or publishing 

Recreational vehicles 

Refuse incinerators 

Shoes 

Soaps and detergents 

Sugar refmeries 

Textile mills, including 
canvas, cotton, cloth, 
bagging, burlap, carpets 
and rags 

Tobacco 

Trailers 

Upholstery and manufacturing 
shops 



306J Us® Group F-2 stmctiares: Factory and 
industrial occupancies which involve the fabrication 
or manufacturing of noncombustible materials that, 
during finishing, packing or processing, do not 
contribute to a significant fire hazard, shall be 
classified as Use Group F-2. The manufacturing 
processes listed in Table 306.3 are indicative of and 
shall be classified as Use Group F-2. 

Tab[l®3063 

LOW-HAZARD FACTORY AND 

INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES 



Beverages, nonalcoholic 

Brick and masonry 

Ceramic products 

Foundries 

Glass products 



Gypsum 

Ice 

Metal fabrication and 

assembly 
Water pumping plants 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR ° Sixth Edition 



49 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR 307.0 fflGH-HAZARD USE 
GROUPS 

307.1 General: All structures wluch are occupied 
for the manufacturing, processing, generation, 
storage or other use of hazardous materials in 
excess of the exempt quantities specified in 
780 CMR 307.8 shall be classified as Use Group H- 
1, H-2, H-3 or H-4 in accordance with the hazards 
presented by each material as described in 780 CMR 
307.3 through 307.6. The term "Use Group H" shall 
include Use Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4. 

307.1.1 Information required: Separate floor 
plans shall be submitted for buildings and 
structures with an occupancy in Use Group H, 
identifying the locations of anticipated contents 
and processes so as to reflect the nature of each 
occupied portion of every building and structure. 
A report identifying all hazardous materials 
including, but not limited to, materials of Use 
Group H to be stored or utilized, shall be 
submitted and the methods of protection fi-om 
such hazards shall be indicated on the 
construction documents. 

307.2 Deflnitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 3 and as used 

■ elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Aerosol: A product that is dispensed fi-om an 
aerosol container by a propellant. 

Aerosol container: Metal cans, glass or plastic 
bottles designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal 
cans shall be limited to a maximum size of 33.8 
fluid ounces (1000 ml). Glass or plastic bottles 
shall be limited to a maximum size of four fluid 
ounces (118 ml). 

Barricade: A structure that consists of a 
combination of walls, floor and roo^ which is 
designed to withstand the rapid release of energy 
in an explosion and which is fiiUy confined, 
partially vented or fiilly vented; or other effective 
method of shielding fi-om explosive materials by 
a natural or artificial barrier. 

Boiling point: The temperature at which the vapor 
pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric 
pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psia) or 
760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling 
point is unavailable for the material in question, 
or for mixtures which do not have a constant 
boiling point, for the purposes of this 
classification, the 10% of a distillation performed 
in accordance with ASTM .D86 listed in 
Appendix A shall be used as the boiling point of 
the liquid. 

Qosed system: The use of a solid or liquid 



hazardous material in a closed vessel or system 
that remains closed during normal operations 
where vapors enutted by the product are not 
liberated outside of the vessel or system and the 
product is not exposed to the atmosphere during 
normal operations; and all uses of compressed 
gases. Examples of closed systems for solids and 
liquids include product conveyed through a piping 
system into a closed vessel, system or piece of 
equipment. 

Combustible dusts: Dusts and any similar solid 
material sufBciently comminuted for suspension 
in still air which, when so suspended, is capable 
of self-sustained combustion. 

Combustible fibers: Includes readily ignitable and 
fi-ee-buming fibers such as cotton, sisal, 
henequen, jute, hemp, tow, cocoa fiber, oakum, 
baled waste, baled wastepaper, kapok, hay, straw, 
excelsior, Spanish moss and other like material. 

Combustible liquids: Any liquids having z flash 
point at or above lOO'F (SS'C) shall be knovwi as 
Class n or m liquids. Combustible liquids shall 
be divided into the following classifications: 

Class H: Liquids having flash points at or above 
lOO'F (38»C) and below 140**F (60^C). 

Qass mA: Liquids hamng flash points at or above 
MO-F (60»C) and below 200°F (93 'C). 

Oass niB: Liquids h&vmg flash points at or above 
200^(93-0. 

Compressed gas: A gas or mixture of gases as 
contained having an absolute pressure exceeding 
40 psi at 70'*F (276 kPa at 21 "C) or, regardless of 
the pressure at 70°F (21 "C), having an absolute 
pressure exceeding 140 psi at 130*'F (965 kPa at 
54°C); or any liquid material having a vapor 
pressure exceedmg 40 psi absolute at lOO'F (276 
kPa at 38''C) as determined by ASTM D323 listed 
in Appendix A 

Control area: Spaces within a building which are 
enclosed and bounded by exterior walls, flre 
walls, fire separation assemblies and roofs, or a 
combination thereof, where quantities of 
hazardous materials not exceeding the exempt 
amounts are stored, dispensed, used or handled. 

Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible 
destruction of^ or irreversible alterations in, living 
tissue at the point of contact. A chemical shall be 
considered a corrosive if, when tested on the 
intact skin of albino rabbits by the test method 
described by DOTn 49 CFR; Part 173 listed in 
Appendix A, such chemical destroys or changes 
irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the point 



50 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 



of contact following an exposure period of four 
hours. This term shall not refer to action on 
inanimate surface. 

Cryogenic liquids (Oammabk or oxidizing): Any 
liquid that has a boiling point below -200°F 
(-129''C). 

Deflagration: An exothermic reaction, such as the 
extremely rapid oxidation of & flammable dust or 
vapor in air, in which the reaction progresses 
through the unbumed material at a rate less than 
the velocity of sound. A deflagration can have an 
explosive effect. 

Betached storage building: A separate single-story 
building, without a basement or crawl space, used 
for the storage of hazardous materials and located 
an approved distance from all structures. 

Detonation: An exothermic reaction characterized 
by the presence of a shock wave in the material 
which establishes and maintains the reaction. The 
reaction zone progresses through the material at a 
rate greater than the velocity of sound. The 
principal heating mechanism is one of shock 
compression, detonations have an explosive 
effect. 

Dispensing: The pouring or transferring of any 
material from a container, tank or similar vessel, 
whereby vapors, dusts, fumes, mists or gases are 
liberated to the atmosphere. 

Explosive: Any chemical compound, mixture or 
device, the primary or common purpose of which 
is to function by explosion. The term includes, but 
is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet 
powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety 
^ses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord and 
igniters. 

The term "explosive" includes any material 
determined to be within the scope of USC Title 
18; Chapter 40 listed in Appendix A and also 
includes any material classified as an explosive by 
the Hazardous Material Regulations of DOTn 49 
CFR listed in Appendix A. 

Flammaljle: Capable of being readily ignited from 
common sources of heat or at a temperature of 
600''F(316''C)orless. 

Flammable £onipressed=gas: Either a mixture of 
13% or less (by volume) with air forms a 
flammable mixture, or the flammable range with 
mr is wider than 12%, regardless of the lower 
limitation. These limitations shall be determined 
at atmospheric temperature and pressure. 

Flammable liquids: Any liquid that has & flash point 
below 100°F (38°C), and has a vapor pressure not 



exceeding 40 psia (276 kPa) at 100°F (38"C). 

Flammable liquids shall be known as Class I 

liquids and shall be divided into the following 

classifications: 

Class lA: Liquids having a flashpoint below 73 "F 

(23 "C) and having a boiling point below lOO'F 

(38''C). 

Class IB: Liquids having a flash point below 

73 °F (23 "C) and having a boiling point at or 

above 100°F. (38°C). 

Class IC: Liquids having a. flash point at or above 

73 "F (23 X) and below 100°F (38 "Q. 

Flammable solid: A solid, other than a blasting 
agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire 
through friction, absorption of moisture, 
spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat 
from manufacturing or processing, or which has 
an ignition temperature below 212°F ( lOO'C) or 
which bums so vigorously and persistently when 
ignited as to create a serious hazard. A chemical 
shall be considered a flammable solid as 
determined in accordance with the test method of 
CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44 listed in 
Appendix A, if it ignites and bums with a self- 
sustained flame at a rate greater than 0. 1 inch (3 
mm) per second along its major axis. 

Flash point: The minimum temperature in degrees 
Fahrenheit at which a. flammable liquid will give 
off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture 
with air near the surface or in the container, but 
will not sustain combustion. The flash point of a 
liquid shall be determined by appropriate test 
procedure and apparatus as specified in ASTM 
D56 and ASTM D93 listed in Appendix A. 

Hazardous materials: Those chemicals or 
substances which are physical hazards or health 
hazards as defined and classified in 780 CMR 3 
and the fire prevention code listed in Appendix A, 
whether the materials are in usable or waste 
condition. 

Health hazard: A classification of a chemical for 
which there is statistically significant evidence 
that acute or chronic health effects are capable of 
occurring in exposed persons. The term "health 
hazard" includes chemicals which are 
carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, 
reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, 
sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, 
neurotoxins, agents which are capable of acting 
on the hematopoietic system, and agents which 
damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous 
membranes. 

Highly toxic: A chemical falling within any of the 
following categories is considered highly toxic. 
1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose 
(LD^ of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



51 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



body weight when administered orally to 
albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 
grams each. 

2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose 
(LDjo) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram 
of body weight when administered by 
continuous contact for 24 hours (er less if 
death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare 
skin of albino rabbits weighing between two 
and three kilograms each. 

3. A chemical that has a median lethal 
concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per 
million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 
two milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or 
dust, when administered by continuous 
inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs 
within one hour) to albino rats weighing 
between 200 and 300 grams each. 

Incompatible materials: Materials which, when 
mixed, have the potential to react in a manner that 
generates heat, fiimes, gases or by-products which 
are hazardous to life or property. 

Irritant: A chemical, which is not corrosive, but 
which causes a reversible inflammatory effect on 
living tissue by chemical action at the point of 
contact. A chemical shall be considered an irritant 
if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits 
by the test method of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.41 
listed in Appendix A for four hours exposure, it 
resuhs in an empirical score of five or more. A 
chemical is an eye irritant if so determined by the 
procedure in CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.42 listed in 
Appendix A. 

Open system: The use of a solid or liquid hazardous 
material in a vessel or system that is continuously 
open to the atmosphere during normal operations 
and where vapors are liberated, or the product is 
exposed to the atmosphere during normal 
operations. Examples of open systems for solids 
and liquids include dispensing from or into open 
beakers or containers, dip tank and plating tank 
operations. 

Organic peroxide: An organic compound that 
contains the bivalent double-bonded oxygen 
structure and which is considered to be a 
structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where 
one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been 
replaced by an organic radical. 

Unclassified detonable: Organic peroxides which 
are capable of detonation. These peroxides 
present an extremely high explosion hazard 
through rapid explosive decomposition. 
Oass I: Class I organic peroxides are capable of 
deflagration, but not detonation. These peroxides 
present a high explosion hazard through rapid 
decomposition. 



Class II: Class II organic peroxides bum very 
rapidly and present a severe reactivity hazard. 
Class m: Class m organic peroxides bum rapidly 
and present a moderate reactivity hazard. 

Oxidizer: A chemical other than a blasting agent or 
explosive that initiates or promotes combustion in 
other materials, thereby causing fire either of 
itself or through the release of oxygen or other 
gases. 

Class 4: An oxidizer that can undergo an 
explosive reaction due to contamination or 
exposure to thermal or physical shock. 
Additionally, the oxidizer will enhance the 
burning rate and is capable of causing 
spontaneous ignition of combustibles. 
Class 3: An oxidizer that will cause a severe 
increase in the burning rate of combustible 
materials with which the oxidizer comes in 
contact or that will undergo vigorous self- 
sustained decomposition due to contamination or 
exposure to heat. 

Class 2: An oxidizer that will cause a moderate 
increase in the burning rate or that is capable of 
causing spontaneous ignition of combustible 
materials with which the oxidizer comes in 
contact. 

Class 1: An oxidizer whose primary hazard is a 
slight increase in the burning rate but which does 
not cause spontaneous ignition when the oxidizer 
comes in contact with combustible material. 

Physical hazard: A chemical for which there is 
evidence in the referenced standards listed in 
Appendix A that it is a combustible liquid, 
compressed gas, cryogenic, explosive, flammable 
gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid, organic 
peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric or unstable 
(reactive) or water-reactive material. 

Pyrophoric: A material that will spontaneously 
ignite in air at or below a temperature of 130°F 
(54*C). 

Radioactive material: Any material or combination 
of material that spontaneously emits ionizing 
radiation. 

Sensitizer: A chemical that causes a substantial 
proportion of exposed people or animals to 
develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after 
repeated exposure to the chemical. 

Tires, bulk storage of: Storage of 10,000 or more 
average-sized passenger vehicle tires weighing 
approximately 25 pounds (11 kg) each (see 
780 CMR 307.5). 

Toxic; A chemical that is within any of the following 
categories shall be considered toxic: 
1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose 



52 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDE^G REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 



(LD50) of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram 
but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of 
body weight when administered orally to albino 
rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. 

2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose 
(LD50) of more than 200 milligrams per 
kilogram but not more than 1,000 milligrams 
per kilogram of body weight when 
administered by continuous contact for 24 
hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) 
with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing 
between two and three kilograms each. 

3. A chemical that has a median lethal 
concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 
parts per million but not more than 2,000 parts 
per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more 
than two milligrams per liter but not more than 
20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust, 
when administered by continuous inhalation 
for one hour (or less if death occurs within I 
hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 
300 grams each. 

Unstable (reactive) material: A material which, in 
the pure state or as commercially produced, will 
vigorously polymerize, decompose or condense, 
become self-reactive, or otherwise undergo a 
violent chemical change under conditions of 
shock, pressure or temperature. 
Class 4: Materials that in themselves are readily 
capable of detonation or explosive decomposition 
or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and 
pressures. This class includes, among others, 
materials that are sensitive to localized thermal or 
mechanical shock at normal temperatures and 
pressures. 

Class 3: Materials that in themselves are capable 
of detonation or explosive decomposition or 
explosive reaction, but that require a strong 
initiating source or that must be heated under 
confinement before initiation. This class includes, 
among others, materials that are sensitive to 
thermal or mechanical shock at elevated 
temperatures and pressures. 
Class 2: Materials that readily undergo violent 
chemical change at elevated temperatures and 
pressures. This class includes, among others, 
materials that exhibit an exotherm at temperatures 
less than or equal to 150°C when tested by 
differential scanning calorimetry. 
Class 1: Materials that in themselves are normally 
stable, but that can become unstable at elevated 
temperatures and pressures. This class includes, 
among others, materials that change or decompose 
on exposure to air, light or moisture, and materials 
that exhibit an exotherm at temperatures greater 
than 150°C, but less than or equal to 300°C, when 
tested by differential scanning calorimetry. 

Water-'reactive materials: A chemical that reacts 
with water to release a gas that is eithtr flammable 



or presents a health hazard. 
Class 3: Materials which react explosively with 
water without requiring heat or confinement. 
Class 2: Materials which are capable of forming 
potentially explosive mixtures with water. 

307.3 Use Group H-1 structures: All buildings and 
structures which contain materials that present a 
detonation hazard, shall be classified as Use Group 
H- 1 . Such materials shall include but are not limited 
to: 

Explosives 

Organic Peroxides, unclassified detonable 

Oxidizers, Class 4 

Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable, 

and Class 4 

Detonable pyrophoric materials 

307.4 Use Group H-2 structures: All buildings and 
structures which contain materials that present a 
deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated 
burning, shall be classified as Use Group H-2. Such 
materials shall include but are not limited to: 

Combustible dusts 

Combustible liquids. Class A and Class IDA 

Cryogenic liquids, flammable or oxidizing 

Flammable gases 

Flammable liquids 

Organic peroxides, Class I and Class II 

Oxidizers, Class 3 

Oxidizing gases 

Pyrophoric liquids, solids and gases, nondetonable 

Unstable (reactive) materials. Class 3, 

nondetonable 

307.5 Use Group H'3 structures: AJl buildings and 
structures which contain materials that readily 
support combustion or present a physical hazard, 
shall be classified as Use Group H-3. Such materials 
shall include but are not limited to: 

Aerosols, except that Level 1 aerosols defined in 

the fire prevention code listed in Appendix A shall 

be classified as Use Group S-1 or F-1 

Combustible fibers 

Combustible liquids. Class HTB 

Flammable solids 

Organic peroxides. Class JB. 

Oxidizers, Class 1 and Class 2 

Tires, bulk storage of 

Unstable (reactive) materials. Class 1 and Class 2 

Water- reactive materials, Class 2 and Class 3 

3(17.6 Use Group H-4 structures: All buildings and 
structures which contain materials that are health 
hazards, shall be classified as Use Group H-4. Such 
materials shall include but are not limited to: 

Corrosives 

Highly toxic materials 

Irritants 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



53 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Radioactive materials 

Sensitizers 

Toxic materials 

307.7 Multiple hazards: All buildings and 
structures containing a material or materials 
representing hazards that are classified in one or 
more of Use Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4, shall 
conform to the code requirements for each of the use 
groups so classified. 

307.8 Exceptions: The following shall not be 
classified in Use Group H, but shall be classified in 
the use group which they most nearly resemble. 
High-hazard materials of any quantity shall conform 
to the requirements of 780 CMR, including 
780 CMR 417.0, and the fire prevention code listed 
in Appendix A. 

1. All buildings and structures which contain not 
more than the exempt quantities of high-hazard 
materials as shown in Tables 307 .8(1) and 
307.8(2) provided that such buildings are 
maintained in accordance with the fire 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. 

2. Buildings utilizing control areas in accordance 
with 780 CMR 417.2 which contain not more 
than the exempt quantities of high-hazard 
materials as shown in Tables 307.8(1) and 
307.8(2). 

3. Buildings and structures occupied for the 
storage of 10,000 or less vehicle tires weighing 
approximately 25 pounds (1 1 kg) each, provided 
that such buildings are equipped throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

4. Buildings and structures occupied for the 
application oi flammable finishes, provided that 
such buildings or areas conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR419.0andNFiPA 33, 
NFiPA 34 and the fire prevention code listed in 
Appendix A. 

5. Rooms containing /Zamma^/e liquids in tightly 
closed containers of 1 -gallon capacity (0.0038 
m) or less for retail sale or private utilization on 
the premises and in quantities not exceeding 
two gallons per square foot (0.082 mVm^ ) of 
room area. 

6. Retail paint salesrooms with quantities of paint 
not exceeding two-gallons per square foot 
(0.082 mVm^) of room area. 

7. Closed systems housing flammable or 
combustible liquids or gases utilized for the 
operation of machinery or equipment. 

8. Cleaning establishments which utilize 
combustible liquid solvents having a flash point 
of 140°F (60°C) or higher in closed systems 
employing equipment listed by an approved 
testing agency, provided that this occupancy is 
separated from all other areas of the building by 
one-hour fireresistance rated fire separation 



assemblies. 

9. Cleaning establishments which utilize a liquid 
solvent having Si flash point at or above 200°F 
(93°C). 

10. Liquor stores and distributors without bulk 
storage. 

11. Refrigeration systems. 

12. The storage or utilization of materials for 
agricultural purposes on the premises. 

13. Stationary batteries utilized for facility 
emergency power, uninterrupted power 
supply or telecommunication facilities 
provided that the batteries are provided with 
safety venting caps and ventilation is 
provided in accordance with the mechanical 
code listed in Appendix A . 

14. Corrosives, irritants dind sensitizers &hd\\ not 
include personal or household products in 
their original packaging used in retail display 
or commonly used building materials. 

15. Buildings and structures occupied for aerosol 
manufacturing or storage shall be classified as 
Use Group F-1 or S-1, provided that such 
buildings conform to the requirements of 
NFiPA 30 and the fire prevention code listed 
in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 308.0 INSTTTUnONAL USE 
GROUPS 

308.1 General: All structures 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 correction purposes, or in which the liberty of the 
inmates is restricted, shall be classified as Use Group 
I-l, 1-2 or 1-3. The term "Use Group I" shall include 
Use Groups I-l, 1-2 and 1-3. 

308.2 Use Group I-l: Except as modified by the 
provisions of 780 CMR 4, Special Use and 
Occupancy, this use group shall include buildings 
and structures which house six or more individuals 
who, because of age, mental disability or other 
reasons, must live in a supervised environment but 
who ai-e physically capable of responding to an 
emergency situation without personal assistance. 
Except as specified otherwise by the requirements 
of 780 CMR 4, Special Use and Occupancy, where 
accommodating persons of the above description, the 
following types of facilities shall be classified as.I-1 
facilities, board and care facilities, half-way houses, 
group homes, social rehabilitation facilities, alcohol 
and drug centers and convalescent facilities. A 
facility such as the above with five or less occupants 
shall be classified as a residential use group. 

308.3 Use Group 1-2: This use group shall include 
buildings and structures used for medical, surgical, 
psychiatric, nursing or custodial care on a 24-hour 
basis of six or more persons who are not capable of 



54 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUSLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 



self-preservation. Where accommodating persons of 
the above description, the following types of 
facilities shall be classified as 1-2 facilities: 
hospitals, nursing homes (both intermediate care 
facilities and skilled nursing facilities), mental 
hospitals and detoxification facilities. A facility such 
as the above with five or less occupants shall be 
classified as a residential use group. 

308.3.1 Child care facility: A cMM day care 
center which accommodates children two years 
nine months of age or less shall be classified as 
Use Group 1-2. 

308.4 Use Group 1-3: This use group shall include 
buildings and structures which are iniiabited by sbc 
or more persons who are under some restraint or 
security. An 1-3 facility is occupied by persons who 
are generally incapable of self-preservation due to 
security measures not under the occupants' control. 
Where accommodating persons of the above 
description, the following types of facilities shall be 
classified as 1-3 facilities: prisons, jails, 
reformatories, detention centers, correctional centers 
and prerelease centers. Buildings of Use Group 1-3 
shall be classified as one of the occupancy 
conditions Indicated in 780 CMR 308.4.1 through 



308.4.5 (see 780 CMR 410.0). 

308.4.1 Occoipamcy Condition I: This occupancy 
condition shall include ail buildings in which fi'ee 
movement is allowed fi"om sleeping areas, and 
other spaces where access or occupancy is 
permitted, to the exterior via meaais of egress 
wthout restraint. An Occupancy Condition I 
facility shall be classified as Use Group R. 

M^A.l Occupancy Conditiion D: This 
occupancy condition shall include all buildings in 
which free movement is allowed from sleeping 
areas and any other occupied smoke compartment 
to one or more other smoke compartments. Egress 
to the exterior is impeded by locked exits. 

308.4.3 Occupancy Condition MI: This 
occupancy condition shall include all buildings in 
which free movement is allowed within individual 
smoke compartments, such as within a residential 
unit comprised of individual sleeping rooms and 
group activity spaces, where egress is impeded by 
remote-controlled release of means of egress from 
such smoke compartment to another smoke 
compartment 



111191 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sbcth Edition 



55 



780 CMR. STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUIATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table 307.8(1) 

EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, LIQUIDS 

AND CHEMICALS PRESENTING A PHYSICAL EEAZARD 







MAXIMUM QUANTmES PER CONTROL AREA** 








Class 


Use 
Groups 


Storage 


Closed systems 


Open systems 


Material 


solid 

pounds 

(cubic 

feet) 


liquid 
gallons 
(pounds) 


gas 

(Cubic 

feet) 


Solid 

pounds 

(cubic 

feet) 


Liquid 
gallons 
(pounds) 


Gas cubic 
feet 


Solid 

pounds 

(cubic 

feet) 


liquid 
gallons 
(pounds) 


Combustible 
liquid 


II 

niA 
niB 


H-2 
H-2 
H-3 


NA 


120f 
13,200*^ 


NA 


NA 


120f 
330''. 
13.200 


NA 


NA 


3,300 


Conbustible 
dust pounds 
per 1,00 feet 




H-2 


1^ 


NA 


NA 


1^ 


NA 


NA 


1^ 


NA 


Combustible 
fiber 


loose 
Baled 


H-3 


(100) 
(1,000) 


NA 


NA 


(100) 
(1,000) 


NA 


NA 


(20) 
(200) 


NA 


Cryogenics, 
flanmiible or 
oxidizing 




H-2 


NA 


45'' 


NA 


NA 


45" 


NA 


NA 


lo" 


Explosives 




H-1 


je4»,i 


(if""' 


NA 


•/.^ 


CA)"" 


NA 


vJ^ 


('/<)'' 


Flammable 
gas 


Gaseous 
Liquified 


H-2 


NA 


NA 
30^^ 


LOOo''-' 
NA 


NA 


3^^« 


750"'^ 
NA 


NA 


NA 


Flammible 
liquid 


lA 
IB 
IC 


H-2 


NA 


3of 


NA 


NA 


90" 


NA 


NA 


20" 


Combination 
(lA, IB, IC) 




H-2 


. NA 


120'^-^'J 


NA 


NA 


120"'^ 


NA 


NA 


30"'^ 


Flanunible 
solid 




H-2 


125^'^ 


NA 


NA 


25" 


NA 


NA 


25" 


NA 


Organic 
peroxide 


UD 

I 

n 
m 


H-1 
H-2 
H.3 
H-3 


if 
50^'' 


< 
<5>de 
<5<e 


NA 




(50)", 
(125)" 


NA 


t 
i 


(10)° 
(25)" 


Oxidizer 


4 . 

3 
2 

1 


H-I 
H-2 
H-3 
H-3 


if 

250";^ 

^OOO'*'" 


(^5<e 
(1.000)°*^ 


NA 


'i 

250", 
1,000 


('4 

(2)d 
(250)", 

(1,000) 


NA 


200" 


(50)", 
(200) 


Oxidizer - 
gas 


Gaseous 
Liquified 


H-2 


NA 


j^*e 


1,500'''' 

NA 


NA 


(l^)^'*^ 


1,500"'' 
NA 


NA 


NA 


Pyrophoric 




H-2 


,^^ 


(4)^-" 


SO'^'^ 


1^ 


(I)^ 


10^''^ 








Unstable 
(reactive) 


4 

3 

2 
I 


H-1 
H-I or 
H-2 
H-3 
H-3 


if 
5d.e 


(125)'''* 


lof 

750''''' 




(1)" 

(50)" 
(125)' 


lo"'^ 

250"'' 
750"''' 




(1)" 

(10)" 
(25)' 


Water 
reactive 


3 
2 


H-3 
H-3 


5? 
50*^'*' 


(50)*"'*' 


NA 


,^ 


(50)" 


NA 


;; 


(10)" 



Note a. For use of control areas, see 780 CMR 417.2 

Note b. The aggregate quantity in utilization and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage. 

Note c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail sales occupancies shdl not be limited provided the liquids 
are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1 gallon. In retail sales and storage occupancies, the quantities 
of medicines, foodstuffs and cosmetics, containing not more than 50% by volume of water-miscible liquids and vnth 
the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited provided that such materials are packaged in 
individual contain^s not exceeding one gallon. 

Note d. Maximum quantities shall be increased 100% in buildings equipped throughout udth an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. Where note e. Also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied 
accumulatively. 

Note e. Quantities shall be increased 100% ^vfaen stored in approved cabinets, gas cabinets, fume hoods, exhausted 
enclosures, or safety cans as specified in the fire prevention code listed in Appendix A. Where note d. also applies, the 
increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. 



56 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMRi STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 

Note t The pennitted quantities shall not be limited. in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. L 

Note g, A dust explosion potential is considered to exist where i pound or more of combustible dust per 1,000 cubic 
feet of volume is normally in suspension or could be put into suspension in all or a portion of an enclosure or inside 
pieces of equipment This also includes combustible dust which accumulates on horizontal surface inside buildings 
or equipment and which could be put into suspension be an accident, sudden force or sudden explosion. 

Note k Peimitted only in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2. L 

Note i One pound of black sporting powder and 20 pounds of smokeless powder are permitted in sprinklered or 
unsprinklered buildings. 

Note j. Containing not more than the exempt amounts of CJass I-A, Class I-B or Class 3-C flammable liquids. 

Note k C^antities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column. I cubic foot = 
0.028 m^; 1 pound = 0.454 kg; 1 gallon = 0.00379 m^ 

Table 307.8(2) 

EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS 

PRESENTING A HEALTH HAZARD 

MAXIMUM QUANTITIES PER CONTROL AREA'^^ 





Storage Closed systems 


Open systems 


Material 


Solid^^ 
pounds ' 


,j * Gas cubic Solid . 
gallons, _ , , d 

(pounds)''*' ^^' P"""*^ 


Liquid 
gallons . 
^unds) 


Gas cubic 
feet 


Solid^ 
pounds 


Liquid 
gallons . 
(pounds) 


Corrosive 


5,000 


500 810*'''' 


5.000 


500 


SIO*^'^ 


1.000 


100 


Highly toxic 


1 


(I) . 20^ 


1 


(1) 


20^ 


% CA) 


Irritant 


5.000 


500 


SIO*^^ 


5,000 


500 


810*^'* 


1,000 100 


Radioactive* 


25 rem - unsealed source 
100 rem - sealed source 


100 rem - sealed source 


25 ram - sealed source 


Sensitizer 


5,000 500 . 


810'^'^ 


5.000 


500 


SIO^''^ 


1.000 


100 


Toxic 


500 (500) 


SIO**'^ 


500 


(500) 


810'''^ 


125 


(125) 


Other health 
hazards 


5,000 500 


8]0''^ 


5,000 


500 


810'*'"' 


1,000 


100 



Notes. For use ofcontrol areas, see 780 CMR 417.2 

Note b. In retail sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs and cosmetics, containing not more than 
50% by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainda- of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be 
limited provided that such materials are packaged m individual containers not exceeding 1 gallon. 

Note c. The aggregate quantity in utilization and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage. 

Note do Maximum quantities shall be increased 100% in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1. Where note e. also apph'es, die increase for both notes shall be applied 
accumulatively. 

Note e> Maximum quantities shall be increased 100% when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets, iume 
hoods, exhausted enclosures, or safety cans as specified in the fire prevention code listed 'm Appendix A. Where note 
d. also applies, the increase for both notes shall be appli^ accumulatively. 

Note f. Permitted only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or Jlbme hoods. 

Note g. Maximum dosage p^mitted in any single exposure. 

Note h. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column. 1 cubic foot = 
0.028 m^; 1 pound 



ties in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at 1 
= 0.454 kg; 1 gallon = 0.00379 m^ 



305.4.4 OccupajBCj Condition TV: This 
occupancy condition shall include all buildings in 
vi^hich free movemeht is restricted fi-oni an 
occupied space. Remote-controlled release is 
provided to permit movement from all sleeping 
rooms, activity spaces and other occupied areas 
within the smoke compartment to other smoke 
compartments. 

308.4.5 OccMpaacy Condition V: This 
occupancy condition shall include aU buildings in 
which free movement Is restricted from an 
occupied space. Stafif-controlled release is 
provided to permit movement from all sleeping 
rooms, activity spaces and other occupied areas 



within the smoke compartment to other smoke 
compartments. 

78© CMR 309.0 MERCANTILE USE 
GROUP 
309.1 General: All buildings and structures which 
are occupied for display and sales purposes 
involving stocks of goods, wares or merchandise 
incidental to such purposes and open to the public, 
shall be classified as Use Group M. This includes, 
among others, retail stores, automotive service 
stations, shops, salesrooms and markets. An 
automotive service station is that portion of a 
property vdiere motor fuels are stored and dispensed 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



57 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor 
vehicles or approved containers, including any 
building used for the sale of automotive accessories, 
or for minor automotive repair work. Minor repairs 
include the exchange of parts, oil changes, engine 
tune-ups and similar routine maintenance work. 
Retail sales of hazardous materials shall comply 
with 780 CMR 307.8 or 780 CMR 426, as 
applicable. 

780 CMR 310.0 RESTDENITAL USE 
GROUPS 

310.1 General: All structures in which individuals 
live, or in which sleeping acconmiodations are 
provided (with or without dining facilities), 
excluding those that are classified as institutional 
occupancies, shall be classified as Use Group R-1, 
R-2, R-3, R-4 or if-5. The term "Use Group R" shall 
include Use Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3, R-4 and R-5. 

Note: Assisted Living Residences which are 
certified as such by the Executive Office of Elder 
Affairs pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19D shall be 
classified in the residential use group R-1, Rm2, 
R-3 or R-4 as applicable. Portions of an assisted 
Living Residence which are used for any use 
other than residential shall be classified in 
accordance with the intended use. 

310.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 3 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Dwellings: 
Assisted Living Residence: A residence licensed 
by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs pursuant 
to M.G.L. c. 19D. 

Boarding house: A building arranged or used for 
lodging for compensation, with or without meals, 
and not occupied as a single unit. 
Dormitory: A space in a building where group 
sleeping accommodations are provided in one 
room, or in a series of closely associated rooms. 
Dwelling unit: A single unit providing complete, 
independent living facilities for one or more 
persons, including permanent provisions for 
living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. 
Hotel: Any building containing six or more guest 
rooms, intended or designed to be used, or which 
are used, rented or hired out to be occupied or 
which are occupied for sleeping purposes by 
guests. 

Lodging house: Refer to M.G.L. c. 140, § 22 
Motel: A hotel as defined in 780 CMR. 
Multiple dwelling: A building or portion thereof 
containing more than two dwelling units and not 
meeting the requirements for a multiple single 
dwelling. 

Multiple single dwelling: A building or portion 
thereof containing more than two dwelling units 
(see 780 CMR 310.5) 
One-family dwelling: A building containing one 



dwelling unit but not a lodging house (see M.G.L. 
c. 140, § 22). 

Two-family dwelling: A building containing two 
dwelling units but not lodging house (see M.G.L. 
c. 140, § 22). 

310.3 Use Group R-1 structures: This use group 
shall include all hotels, motels, boarding houses and 
similar buildings arranged for shelter and sleeping 
accommodations and in which the occupants are 
primarily transient in nature, occupying the facilities 
for a period of less than 3Q days. 

310.4 Use Group R-2 structures: This use group 
shall include all multiple dwellings having more than 
two dwelling units, except as provided for in 
780 CMR 310,5 for multiple single dwelling units, 
and shall also include all boarding houses and 
similar buildings arranged for shelter and sleeping 
accommodations in which the occupants are 
primarily not transient in nature. 

310.4.1 Dormitories: A dormitory facility which 
accomjnodates more than five persons more than 
2V^ years of age shall be classified as Use Group 
R-2. 

310.5 Use Group R-3 structures: This use group 
shall include all buildings arranged for occupancy as^ 
one- or two-family dwellings, including multiple 
single family dwellings where each unit has two 
independent means of egress not common to any 
other dwelling unit, and where each dwelling unit is 
separated from adjoining dwelling units by two-hour 
fire separation assemblies (see 780 CMR 709.0). 
Use group R-3 structures are not lodging houses (see 
M.G.L. c. 140, § 22). 

Exceptions 

l.In multiple single-family dwellings that are 
equipped throughout with an approved 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2, 
the firercsistance rating of the dwelling unit 
separation shall not be less than one hour. 
Dwelling unit separation walls shall be 
constructed as fire partitions (see 780 CMR 
711.0). 

2. In multiple single-family dwellings that are 
equipped throughout with an approved 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.3, a two-hour 
fire separation assembly shall be provided 
between each pair of dwelling units. The 
firercsistance rating between each dwelling unit 
shall not be less than one hour and shall be 
constructed as afire partition. 

310.5.1Famify day-care home: A family day- 
care home as defined by M.G.L. c.28A, §. 9, shall 
be classified as use group R-3 or R-4. Such 
facility shall not accommodate more than six 
children. 



58 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 



310.6 Use Group R-4 structures: This use group 
shall include all detached one- or two-family 
dwellings not more than three stories in height, and 
the accessory structures. . All such structures shall 
be designed in accordance with 780 CMR 36 or in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
applicable to Use Group R-3. 

S1&. 7 Use Group MS structures: This mse grmp 
shall include all buildings arranged for use as 
limited group residences in accordance with the 
requirements of7S0 CMR (see 786 CMR 4). 

780 CMR 311.0 storage: USE GROUPS 

311.1 Gemeral: All structures which are primarily 
used for the storage of goods, wares or merchandise 
shall be classiJBed as Use Group S-1 or S-2. This 
includes, among others, warehouses, storehouses and 
freight depots. The quantity of hazardous materials 
in storage shall comply with 780 CMR 307.8. The 
term "Use Group S" shall include Use Groups S-1 
and S-2. 

311.2 Moderate-hazard storage^ Use Gro^p S°l: 
Buildings occupied for the storage of moderate- 
hazard contents which are likely to bum with 
moderate rapidity, but which do not produce either 
poisonous gases, fiimes or explosives including, 
among others, the materials listed in Table 311.2, 
shall be classified as Use Group S-1. A motor 
vehicle repair garage is that portion of a property 
wherein major repairs, such as engine overhauls, 
painting or body work, are perfonned on motorized 
vehicles. 

Table 311.2 

MODERATE-HAZARD STORAGE 

OCCUPANCIES 



Bags, cloth, burlap and p^>er Linoleum 

Bamboo and rattan Livestock shelters 

Baskets Lumberyards 

Belting, canvas and leather Motor vehicle repair garages 

Books and papers in rolls and Petroleum warehouses for 

packs storage of lubricatiDg oils 

Boots and shoes with a flash point of 200"? 

Buttons, including cloth or higher 

covered, pearl or bone Photo engraving 



Cardboard and cardboard 

boxes 
Clothing, woolen wearing 

^Tparel 
Cordage 
Furniture 
Furs 



Public garages (Group 1) and 

stables 
Silk 
Soap 
Sugar 
Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes 

and snuff 



Glue, mucilage, paste and size Upholstering and mattress 
Horn and combs, other than manufacturing 

celluloid Wax candles 

Leather, enameling or 

lap^^^^^Tig 

311.3 Low-hazard storage. Use Group S-2: Low- 
hazard storage occupancies shall include buildings 
occupied for the storage of noncombustible 
materials, and of low-hazard wares that do not 



ordinarily bum rapidly such as products on wood 
pallets or in paper cartons without significant 
amounts of combustible wrappings, but with a 
negligible amount of plastic trim such as knobs, 
handles or fibn v^rapping. Such occupancies shall be 
classified as Use Group S-2 including, among 
others, the materials listed in Table 3 1 1.3. 

Table 31 L3 
LOW-HAZARD STORAGE OCCUPANCIES 



Asbestos 

Beer or wine up to 12% 

alcohol in metal, glass or 

ceramic containers 
Cement in bags 
Chalk and crayons 
Dairy products in nonwaxed 

coated p^er containers 
Dry cell batteries 
Electrical coils 
Electrical motors 
Food products 
Foods in noncombustible 

containers 
Fresh fruits and vegetables in 

nonplastic trays or 

containers 
Frozen foods 
Glass 
Glass bottles, empty or filled 

with noncombustible 

liquids 



Gypsum board 

Inert pigments 

Ivory 

Meats 

Metal cabinets 

Metal desks with plastic tops 

and trim 
Metal parts 
Metals 
Mirrors 

New empty cans 
Oil filled and other types of 

distribution transformers 
Open parking structures 
Porcelain and pottery 
Public garages (Group 2) 
Stoves 

Talc and soapstone 
Washers and dryers 



7M CMR 312.(9 UTHITY AND 
MISCELLANEOUS USE GROUP 
3i2<.l General: Buildings and structures of an 
accessory character and miscellaneous structures not 
classified in any specific use group shall be 
constmcted, equipped and maintained to conform to 
the requirements of 780 CMR commensurate with 
the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. 
Use Group U shaD include fences over six feet (1 829 
mm) high, tanks, cooling towers, retaining walls and 
buildings such as private garages, carports, sheds 
and agricultural buildings. 

780 CMR 313.0 MIXED USE GROUPS 
313ol Two ©r more use groups: Where a building 
is occupied by two or more occupancies not included 
in the same use group, the building or portion 
thereof shall comply with 780 CMR 3 1 3 . 1.1 , 3 1 3 . 1 .2 
or 313.1.3 or with combinations of 780 CMR 

313.1.1, 313.1.2 and 313.1.3, except that 
occupancies in Use Group H shall be separated fi-om 
all other use groups in accordance with 780 CMR 
313.1.2 or 313.1.3. Buildings that include an open 
parfdng structure located beneath an A, I, B, M or R 
Use Group shall comply with 780 CMR 313.1.1, 

313.1.2, 313.1.3 or313.2. 

Escepd€in:^re areas of Use Group H-1 shall be 
in separate and detached buildings and structures 
in accordance with 780 CMR 707 . 1 . 1 . 

313.1.1 Nonseparated use groups: Each portion 
of the building shall be individually classified as 



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59 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



to use. The required type of construction for the 
building shall be determined by applying the 
height and area limitations for each of the 
applicable use groups to the entire building. The 
most restrictive type of construction, so 
determined, shall apply. The other requirements 
of 780 CMR shall apply to each portion of the 
building based on the use group of that occupancy 
except that the most restrictive applicable 
provisions of 780 CMR 403.0 and 780 CMR 9 
shall apply to these nonseparated use groups. A 
fire separation assembly is not required between 
use groups, except as required by other sections of 
780 CMR. 

313.1.2 Separated use groups: Each portion of 
the building shall be individually classified in a 
use group and shall be completely separated from 
adjacent ^re areas by fire separation assemblies 
(see 780 CMR 709.0) and floor/ceiling assemblies 
(see 780 CMR 713.0) having a fireresistance 
rating determined in accordance with Table 
313.L2, for the use groups being separated. Each 
fire area shall comply with the code based on the 
use group of that space. Each fire area shall 
comply with the height limitations of 780 CMR 
503.0 based on the use of that space and the type 
of construction classification. In each story, the 
building area shall be such that the sum of the 
ratios of the floor area of each use group divided 
by the allowable area fi-om 780 CMR 503.0 for 
each use group shall not exceed one. 

Exception: Where the building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, the 
required fireresistance rating of fire separation 
assemblies separating areas of other than Use 
Group H, shall be reduced from those indicated 
in Table 3 1 3 . 1 .2 by one hour but to not less than 
one hour and to not less than that required by 
Table 602 for floor construction. 

313.1.3 Separate buildings: Each use group shall 
be considered a separate building where each such 
use group is completely separated from adjacent 
use groups by fire walls having a fireresistance 
rating corresponding to that required by Table 



602. Each building shall then comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR applicable to the use 
group of that building. 

313.2 Open parking structures beneath other use 
groups: Open parking structures constructed under 
Use Groups A, I, B, M and R shall not exceed the 
height and area limitations permitted under 
780 CMR 406.0. The height and area of the portion 
of the building above the open parking structure 
shall not exceed the limitations in 780 CMR 503.0 
for the upper use group. The height, in both feet and 
stories, of the portion of the building above the open 
parking structure shall be measured from grade 
plane and shall include both the open parking 
structure and the portion of the building above the 
parking structure. 

Fire separation assemblies between the parking 
occupancy and the upper occupancy shall 
correspond to the required fireresistance rating 
prescribed in Table 313.1.2 for the uses involved. 
The type of construction shall apply to each 
occupancy individually, except that all structural 
members-including main bracing within the open 
parking stnicture which is necessary to support the 
upper occupancy-shall be protected vwth the more 
restrictive fire resistive assemblies of the 
occupancies involved as shown in Table 602. Exit 
facilities for the upper occupancy shall conform to 
780 CMR 10 and shall be separated from the parking 
area by fire separation walls having at least a two- 
hour fireresistance rating as required by Table 602 
and self-closing doors complying with 780 CMR 
716.0. means of egress from the open parking 
facility shall comply with 780 CMR 1010.5. 

313.3 Use Group R: In buildings of Type 2C, 3B or 
5B construction with an occupancy in Use Group R, 
the first floor shall not be occupied for Use Groups 
B and M, unless the floor/ceiling assembly and the 
enclosure walls are protected to afford a one-hour 
fireresistance rating and the exits from the residential 
floors are separately enclosed in accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 10. 



60 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

USE OR OCCUPANCY 

Table 313.L2 

FIRERESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SEPARATION 

ASSEMBLIES BETWEEN FIRE AREAS* 



Use Group 






























NP-NotPennitted 
NA - Not Applicable 


A-1 
A-1 2 


A-2 A-3 A-4 A-5 B 
3 2 2 2 2 
3 3 3 3 3 


E 
2 
3 


F-1 
2 


F-2 
2 


H-1 H-2 
NP 4 


H-3 
3 


H-4 
2 


I I-l 
2 


1-2 
3 


1-3 
3 


M 
2 


R-1 

2 


R-2 R-3 
2 2 


1 S-1 
2 


S-2 
2 


t U 
NA 


A-2 


3 


3 


MP 4 


3 


3 


3 


3 


3 


3 
2 
2 


3 
2 
2 


3 

2 
2 
2 


3 
2 
2 
2 


3 
2 
2 
2 


3 
2 
2 
2 


NA 


A-3 
A-4 


2 


2 2 2 
2 2 2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


NP 4 
NP 4 


3 
3 


2 
2 


2 
2 


3 
3 


3 
3 


NA 
NA 


A-5 




NA 2 


2 


2 


2 


NP 4 


3 


2 


2 


3 


3 


2 


2 


NA 


B 




2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


NP 4 
NP 4 


3 
3 


2 
2 


2 
2 


3 
3 


3 
3 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


NA 


E 


=-=-^ 




NA 


F-1 




2 


2 


NP 4 


3 


2 


2 


3 


3 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


NA 


F.2 








2 


NP 4 
NP NP 


3 

NP 


2 
NP 


2 
NP 


3 
NP 


3 
NP 


2 
NP 


2 

NP 


2 
NP 


2 
NP 


2 

NP 

4 

3 

2 

2 


2 

NP 
4 
3 
J_ 
2 


NA 


U H-1 








NA 


S H-2 












4 


4 
3 


4 
3 


4 
3 


4 
3 


4 
3 
2 


4 
3 
2 


4 
3 
2 
2 


4 
3 
2 
2 


4 
3 
2 
2 


NA 


E H-3 








NA 


H-4 
















2 


2 


2 


NA 


G I-l 


















2 


3 


3 


2 


NA 


R 1-2 




— 




3 


3 
3 


3 
3 

2 


3 
3 
2 


3 
3 
2 


3 
3 
2 


3 
3 
2 


3 
3 
2 


NA 


1-3 
















NA 


U M 














NA 


P R-1 


























2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


2 
2 


NA 


R-2 




















NA 


R-3 
S-1 




— — ^ 




















= — 






2 


2 
2 


2 
2 
2 


NA 

NA 


S-2 




























NA 


U 














NA 



Note a. Fire resistance ratings are expressed in hours. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



62 780 CMR -Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 4 



SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



780 CMR 401o0 GENERAL 

40L1 Scope: In addition to the general requirements 
of 780 CMR governing the location, construction 
and equipment of all buildings and structures, and 
the fireresistance ratings, height and area limitations 
of Tables 503 and 602, the provisions of 780 CMR 
4 shall control all buildings and structures designed 
for special occupancies as herein provided. 

401.2 Applicable Massachusem General Law: 
Applicable Massachusetts General Laws, and 
applicable rules and regulations, specifically (but 
not limited to) the referenced portions 310 CMR, 

§21 CMR, 522 CMR and §27 CMR series as listed 
in Appendix A shall be adhered to in the design 
and construction of buildings and and structures 
subject to the provisions of 780 CMR 4. 

780 CMR 402.0 COVERED MALL BUILDINGS 

402.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 402.0 
shall apply to buildings or structures deined herein 
as covered mall buildings not exceeding three floor 
levels in height at any one point. Bxcept as 
specifically required by 780 CMR 402.0, covered 
mall buildings shall meet all applicable provisions of 
780 CMR. 

Eiceptions: Where approved by the code official, 
the following occupancies are not required to 
comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 402.0. 

1. Foyers and lobbies in occupancies in Use 
Group B,R-1 orR-2. 

2. Buildings which comply totally with all other 
applicable provisions of 780 CMR. 

402.2 BeflnitioDs: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 402.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Afisciior store; 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. 

Gross leasable area: The gross leasable area is the 
total floor area designed exclusively for tenant 
occupancy. The area of tenant occupancy is 
measured from the center lines of joint partitions 
to the outside of the tenant walls. 

Mall: A mall is a roofed-over common pedestrian 
area serving more than one tenant located within 
a covered mall building. 



Mall baildinig, covered: A building enclosing a 
number of tenants and occupancies such as retail 
stores, drinking and dining establishments, 
entertainment and amusement facilities, passenger 
transportation terminals, offices and other similar 
occupancies wherein two or more tenants have a 
main entrance into one or more malls. Anchor 
stores shall not be considered as part of the 
covered mall building. 

4023 Lease plan: The owner or 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. Modifications or changes in 
occupancy shall not be made from that shown on the 
lease plan without prior approval. 

402.4 Teraafflt separations: Each tenant space shall 
be separated fi-om other tenant spaces by a fire 
partition having a fireresistance rating of not less 
than one hour. Th& fire partition shall comply with 
780 CMR 711.0 except that tht fire partition is not 
required to extend beyond the underside of a ceiling 
that is not part of a fireresistance rated assembly. A 
wall is not required in attic or ceiling spaces above 
tenant separation walls nor is a tenant separation 
wall required between any tenant space and a maU, 
except for occupancy separations required elsewhere 
in 780 CMR. 

402.4.1 Anchor store openlnigs: Openings 
between an anchor store and the pedestrian area of 
a mall are not required to be protected. 

4&Z4,2 Forty wall exemption: Anchor stores 
heated on separate lots shall not be required to 
prtmde party waBs between the anchor store and 
ike covered mall building, 

4ffi2.5 Egress: Each individual occupancy within the 
covered mall building shall be provided with a 
means of egress in accordance with other provisions 
of 780 CMR. Measurements shall be made to the 

entrance to the mail. 

402.5.1 Travel distance: The maximum length of 
exit access travel fi-om any point within the mall 
to an approved exit along the natural and 
unobstructed path of travel shall not exceed 200 
feet (60960 mm). 

402.5.2 Anchor store exits: Anchor stores shall 
provide the required number of exits and the 
mimmum width for the required exit capacity 
directly to the exterior. The occupant load of 



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63 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



anchor stores opening into the mall shall not be 
included in determining exit requirements for the 
mall. 

402.5.3 Dead ends: The dead end of a mall shall 
not exceed twice the width of the mall. 

402.5.4 Design occupant load: In determining 
required exit facilities of the mall, the number of 
occupants for whom exit facilities are to be 
provided shall be based on gross leasable area of 
the covered mall building (excluding anchor 
stores) and the occupant load factor as determined 
by the following formula: 



OLF = (0.00007) (GLA) + 25 



where: 



OLF = The occupant load factor (square feet per 

person). 

GLA = The gross leasable area (square feet). 

The occupant load factor (OLF) is not required 
to be less than 30 and shall not exceed 50. 

402.5.5 Exit access width: The minimum width 
of exit access passageways and corridors from a 
mall shall be 66 inches (1676 mm). 

402.5.6 Exit distribution: The required exits and 
exit widths shall be distributed equally throughout 
the mall. 

402.5.7 Storage prohibited: Storage is prohibited 
in exit corridors that are used for service to 
tenants. Such corridors shall be posted with 
conspicuous signs so stating. 

402.5.8 Passenger transportation terminals: A 

covered mall building whose primary purpose is 
a passenger transportation terminal shall comply 
with the means of egress requirements for Use 
Group A-3. 

402.5.9 Service areas fronting on exit 
passageways and corridors: Mechanical rooms, 
electrical rooms, building service areas and 
service elevators are permitted to open directly 
into exit passageways and exit corridors provided 
that the required fireresistance rating of the exit 
enclosure is maintained. 

402.6 Mall width: The minimum width of the mall 
shall be 20 feet (6096 mm). There shall be a 
minimum often feet (3048 mm) clear exit width to 
a height of eight feet (2438 mm) between any 
projection of a tenant space bordering the mall and 
the nearest kiosk, vending machine, bench, display 
opening or other obstruction to means of egress 
travel. The mall width shall be sufficient to 
accommodate the occupant load emptying mto the 
immediately adjacent mall as determined by 
780 CMR 402.5.4 for all occupancies except Use 
Groups A and E which shall be determined by 
780 CMR 1008.0. 



402.7 Structural elements: Covered mall buildings 
shall be of Type 1,2 or 4 construction. Covered mall 
buildings three stories or less in height are exempt 
from the area limitations of Table 503. 

402.7.1 Structural elements, anchor stores: An 

anchor store three stories or less in height shall be 
of Type 1, 2 or 4 construction and is exempt from 
the area limitations of Table 503, provided that a 
smoke control system conforming to 780 CMR 
921.0 is installed in the anchor store. For the 
purposes of the design and operation of the fire 
emergency ventilation system, the anchor store 
shall be considered a tenant space zone. 

402.8 Roof coverings: Roof coverings for covered 
mall buildings shall be of Class A, B or C as 
required by 780 CMR 1506.0. 

402.9 Use Groups A-1 and A-2: Use Group A-1 
and A-2 occupancies shall not have more than one- 
half of their required means of egress opening 
directly to the mall (see 780 CMR 1006.2.2). 

402.10 Sprinkler system: The mall and all 
buildings connected thereto shall be equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. The system 
shall be installed in such a manner that when any 
portion of the system serving tenant spaces is shut 
down, the portion of the system serving the mall will 
remain operational. 

402.11 Standpipes: There shall be a standpipe hose 
connection located within the mall at each entrance 
to an exit passageway, exit corridor or enclosed 
stairway and at all exterior entrances to the mall. 
The hose connection shall be supplied from the 
automatic sprinkler system of the mall or from a 
separate standpipe system. The yvater supply shall 
be capable of delivering 250 gallons per minute 
(gpm) (0.016 m'/s). 

402.12 Smoke control: The mall and adjacent tenant 
spaces shall be equipped with a smoke control 
system conforming to 780 CMR 921 .0. 

402.13 Fire department access to equipment 
controls: Fire protection system and HVAC system 
controls shall be identified, and the fire department 
shall have access thereto. 

402.14 Plastic panels and plastic signs: Within 
every story or level and from side wall to side wall 
of each tenant space, approved plastic panels and 
signs shall be Umited as specified in 780 CMR 
402.14.1 through 402. 14.4. 

402.14.1 Area: The panels and signs shall not 
exceed 20% of the wall area facing the mall. 

402.14.2 Height and width: The panels and signs 
shall not exceed a height of 36 inches (914 mm); 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



except if the panel or sign is vertical, the height 
shall not exceed 96 inches (2438 mm) and the 
width shall not exceed 36 inches (914 ram). 

402.143 Location: The panels and signs shall be 
located a minimum distance of 18 inches (457 
mm) from adjacent tenants. 

402.14.4 Encasement: All edges and the backs 
shall be fiilly encased in metal. 

402.15 Kiosks: Kiosks and similar structures 
(temporary or permanent) shall meet the 
requirements of 780 CMR 402.15.1 through 
402.15.4. 

402.15.1 Constraction: Combustible kiosks or 
other structures shall not be located within the 

. mall unless constructed of flreretardant-treated 
wood throughout conforming to 780 CMR 
2310.0. 

402.15.2 Fire siappressioo: Kiosks and similar 
structures that are covered and are located within 
the mall shall be protected by an automatic 
sprinkler system installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 9. 

402.153 Horizontal separation: The minimum 
horizontal separation between kiosks and other 
structures within the mail shall be 20 feet (6096 
mm). 

402.15.4 Maxinaiim area: Kiosks or similar 
structures shall have a maximum area of 300 
square feet (27.90 m^). 

402.16 Parking structures: An attached garage for 
the storage of passenger vehicles that have a 
capacity of not more than nine persons, or an open 
parking structure, shall be considered as a separate 
biiilding where it is separated from the covered mall 
building by a Jire separation assembly having a 
fireresistance rating of not less than two hours or 
shall be considered as part of the covered mall 
building. 

78© CMR 403.0 fflGH-MSE BUILDINGS 

403.1 Applicability: The provisions of 780 CMR 
403.0 shall apply to all buildings more than TOfeei 

im height above the mean grade. See MM,L, c 
I48,§26A. 

Eiceptlon: The provisions of 780 CMR 403.0 
shall not apply to open parking structures (see 
780 CMR 406.0 and M.G.L. c. 148, § 26G). 

403.2 Sprinkler system: All buildings and 
structiires shall be equipped throughout with an 



automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 and M.G.L. c. 148, § 26A. 

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall 
not be required in spaces.or areas of: 

1. Open parking structures complying with 
780 CMR 406.0. 

2. Telecommunications equipment buildings 
used exclusively for telecommunications 
equipment, associated electrical power 
distribution equipment, batteries and standby 
engines, provided that those spaces or areas are 
equipped throughout with an automatic fire 
detection system in accordance with 780 CMR 
918.0 and are separated from the remainder of the 
building with fire separation assemblies 
consisting of one-hour fireresistance rated walls 
and two-hour fireresistance rated floor/ceiling 
assemblies. 

4033 Alternative sprinkler system: Alternatively, 
to qualify for the fireresistance rating reduction for 
certain building elements listed in 780 CMR 403.3.3, 
the automatic sprinkler system shall comply with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 and the optional fire protection 
features listed in 780 CMR 403.3.1 and 403.3.2. 

4033.1 Control valves and water-flow devices: 
Sprinkler control valves equipped with 
supervisory initiatmg devices and water-flow 
initiating devices shall be provided for each floor. 

4033.2 Secondaiy water supply: In addition to 
the main water supply, for buildings located 
where the effective peak velocity-related 
acceleration (A^ is equal to or greater than 0.20 in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.1, a secondary 
on-site water supply equal to the hydraulically 
calculated sprinkler design demand plus lOO 
gallons per minute (0.0063 m-'/s) shall be 
provided. This water supply shall have a duration 
of 30 minutes. 

40333 Automatic sprinkler system altemativs: 
Where a complete automatic sprinkler system 
with additional s^^&sk features listed in 780 CMR 
403.3.3.1 and 403.3.3.2 is installed throughout, 
modifications to this code are permitted as 
described in 780 CMR 403.3.3.1 and 403.3.3.2. 

40333.1 Type of construction: Other than in 
buildings with an occupancy in Use Groups F- 
1, H-3, M and S-I, the minimum type of 
construction required by 780 CMR shall be 
modified as indicated in Table 403.3.3.1. 

Exception: The Type I A to IB 
modification shall be permitted for 
buildings with an occupancy in Use Groups 
F-l,MandS»l. 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



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65 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 403.3.3.1 

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION 

MODIFICATIONS PERMmED FOR 

HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS 



Type of Construction set 
forth in Table 602 



lA 

IB 

2A. 



Modified type of construction 
permitted hereunder 



IB 

2A'' 

2R 



^ I iiU. , 

Note a. The minimum fireresistance rating floor 
construction shall be two hours. 

403.3.3.2 Shaft enclosures: The required 
fireresistance rating of the fire separation 
assemblies enclosing vertical shafts, other 
than stairway enclosures and elevator 
hoistway enclosures, shall be reduced to one 
hour where automatic sprinklers are 
installed within the shafts at the top and at 
alternate floor levels. 

403.4 Automatic fire detection: A smoke detector 
suitable for the intended application shall be 
installed in each of the following rooms: mechanical 
equipment; electrical; transformer; telephone 
equipment; elevator machine; or similar room. The 
actuation of any detector shall sound an alarm at a 
constantly attended location. 

403.5 Voice/alarm signaling systems; A 

voice/alarm signaling system shall be provided in 
accordance with 780 CMR 917.9 and activated in 
accordance with 780 CMR 917.7.1. 

403.6 Fire department communication system: A 

two-way fire department communication system 
shall be provided for fire department use. The 
communication system shall operate between th'&fire 
command station and every elevator, elevator lobby 
and enclosed exit stairway. Acceptable types of fire 
department communications shall include: 

1 . Telephone or fire department radio in lieu of 
a dedicated system, where approved by the fire 
department; and 

2. Intercom or two-way public address system 
complying with NFiPA 72 listed in Appendix A. 

403.7 Fire command station: A fire command 
station for fire department operations shall be 
provided in a location approved by the fire 
department. The^r^ command station shall contain: 
the voice/alarm signaling system controls; the fire 
department communication system controls; the 
automatic fire detection and protective signaling 
system annunciator panels; an annunciator that 
visually indicates the floor location of elevators and 
whether they are operational; status indicators and 
controls for air-handling systems; controls for 
unlocking all stairway doors simultaneously; 
sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display 
panels; emergency and standby power; status 
indicators; and a telephone for fire department use 



with controlled access to the public telephone 
system. 

403.8 Elevators: Elevator operation and installation 
shall be in accordance with S24 CMR. Elevator 
service shall be provided for fire department 
emergency access to all floors. Elevator cab 
dimensions shall conform to the applicable 
requirements of 524 CMR. 

Except for the main entrance level, all elevators 
shall open into a lobby separated fi-om the remainder 
of the building by one hour fireresistance rated 
construction. 

Exit stairways, chutes, janitor closets, tenant 
spaces in Use Group R and service rooms shall not 
open into the elevator lobby. In Use Groups other 
than R, tenant spaces opening into the elevator lobby 
shall be provided with other means of exit access 
that do not require passage through the elevator 
lobby. 

Exception: elevator lobbies are not required 
when a smoke control system is installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 921.7. 

403.9 Sitandby power, light and emergency 
systems: Standby power, light and emergency 
systems shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 403.9.1 through 403.9.3. 

403.9.1 Standby power: A standby power system 
conforming to the requirements of 527 CMR as 
listed in Appendix A. If the standby system is a 
generator set inside a building, the system shall be 
located in a separate room enclosed with two-hour 
fireresistance rated fire separation assemblies. 
System supervision with manual start and transfer 
features shall be provided at the fire command 
station. 

403.9.1.1 Fuel supply: An on-premises fuel 
supply, sufficient for not less than two-hour 
fiiU-demand operation of the system, shall be 
provided. 

Exception: Where the system is supplied 
with pipeline natural gas and is approved. 

403.9.1.2 Capacity: The standby system shall 
have a capacity and rating that supplies all 
equipment required to be operational at the 
same time. The generating capacity is not 
required to be sized to operate all of the 
connected electrical equipment simultaneously. 

403.9.1.3 Connected facilities: All power and 
lighting facilities for tht fire command station 
and elevators specified in 780 CMR 403.7 and 
403.8, as applicable, and electrically powered 
fire pumps required to maintain pressure, shall 
be transferable to the standby source. Standby 
power shall be provided for at least one 
elevator to serve all floors and be transferable 
to any elevator. 



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403.9.2 Separate circuits and fistures; Separate 
lighting circuits and fixtures shall be required to 
provide sufficient light with an intensity of not 
less than one footcandle (10.76 lux) measured at 
floor level in all means of egress corridors, 
stairways, smokeproof enclosures, elevator cars 
and lobbies, and other areas v\^hich are clearly a 
part of the escape route. 

403.9.2.1 Other circuits: All circuits 
supplying lighting for Xhtfire command station 
and mechanical equipment rooms shall be 
transferable to the standby source. 

403.9.3 Emergency systems: Exit signs, exit 
illumination as required by 780 CMR 1024.0, and 
elevator car lighting are classified as emergency 
systems and shall operate within ten seconds of 
failure of the normal power supply and shall be 
capable of being transferred to the standby source. 

Exception: Exit sign, exit and means of egress 
illumination are permitted to be powered by a 
stsndhy source in buildings of Use Groups F 
andS. 

403.10 Stairway door operatioia: All stairway 
doors which are to be locked firom the stairway side 
shall be capable of being unlocked simultaneously 
without unlatching upon a signal fi^om the fire 
command station. 

403.10,1 Stairway comisiunlcatiora system: A 
telephone or other two-way communication 
system connected to an approved constantly 
attended station shall be provided at not less than 
every fifth floor in each required stairway where 
the doors to the stairway are locked. 

403.11 Smokeproof enclosures: A smokeproof 
enclosure, as set forth in 780 CMR 1015.0 is 
required for at least one exit. Other required 
stairways greater than 70 feet in height shall be 
pressurized to a minimum of 0.15 inches of water 
column, but not exceeding 0,35 inches of water 
column. Such required stairway pressurization 
being relative to building pressure and with all 
stmrway doors closed. Pressurization design shall 
take into consideration maximum anticipated stack 
pressure effects in the stairway. 

The stairway pressurization system shall be 
activated by any devices which are required to 
activate the voice alarm system described in 
780 CMR 403.5. 

780 CMR 404.0 ATRIUMS 

404.1 General: The term "atrium" shall mean an 
occupied space that Includes a floor opening or 
series of floor openings, which connects two or more 
stories. An atrium shall comply with 780 CMR 
404.0 where a shaft enclosure is required by 
780 CMR 713.3. Atriums shall be permitted in all 



occupancies, other than Use Group H, where 
provided with the protection herein required. 

404.2 Automatic sprinkler system: The atrium and 
all stories and floor areas connected to the atrium 
shall be equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be 
supervised in accordance with 780 CMR 923.1, 
method 1,2 or 3. 

Esception: An automatic sprinkler system shall 
not be required in areas separated fi"om the atrium 
hy fire separation assemblies in accordance with 
780 CMR 709.0. 

404.3 Atrium occupancy: The floor of the atrium 
shall not be occupied for other than low fire-hazard 
occupancies and only approved materials and 
decorations shall be located in the atrium space. 

Eiceptiom: The occupancy of the atrium floor 
area for any approved purpose shall not be 
restricted where the hazard is protected with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

404.3.1 Exit discharge: Exit discharge in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1020.0 is permitted 
within the atrium. 

404.4 Smoke control: A smoke control system 
complying with 780 CMR 921.0 shall be installed in 
all atriums that connect more than two stories. 

404.5 Enclosure of atriums: Atrium spaces shall be 
separated fi^om adjacent spaces by a one-hour ^re 
partition as required for corridors. 

Exceptions 

1. In residential occupancies, protected openings 
are not reqiured where the floor area of each guest 
room or dwelling unit does not exceed 1,000 
square feet (93 m^ and each room or unit has an 
jqjproved means of egress not entering the atrium. 

2. Adjacent spaces shall be separated from the 
atrium hy fire windows or by a tempered, wired, 
laminated glass or glass-block wall subject to the 
following criteria: 

2.1. The glass shall be protected by a 
specially designed automatic sprinkler system. 
The sprinkler system shall completely wet the 
entire surface of the glass wall when actuated. 
Where there are walking surfaces on both sides 
of the glass, both sides of the glass shall be so 
protected; 

2.2. The tempered, wired or laminated glass 
shall be in a gasketed frame and installed in 
such a manner that the framing system will 
deflect without breaking {loading) the glass 
before the sprinkler system operates; 

2.3. The glass-block wall assembly shall be 
installed in accordance with the listing for a %- 



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hour fireresistance rating and the requirements 
of780CMR2115.0;and 
2.4. Obstructions, such as curtain rods, 
drapery traverse rods, curtains, drapes or 
similar materials shall not be installed between 
the automatic sprinklers and the glass. 
3 . The adjacent spaces of any three floors of the 
atnum shall not be required to be separated from 
the atrium; however, these spaces shall be 
included in the atrium volume for the design of 
the smoke control system (see 780 CMR 921.0). 

404.6 Signaling system: A fire protective signaling 
system shall be installed in all occupancies with an 
atrium that connects more than two stories. The 
system shall be activated in accordance with 
780 CMR 917.7. 1 . Such occupancies in Use Group 
A, E or M shall be provided with a voice/alarm 
signaling system complying with the requirements of 
780 CMR 917.9. 

404.7 Travel distance: In other than the lowest level 
of the atrium, where the required means ofe^ess is 
through the atrium space, the portion of exit access 
travel distance within the atrium space shall not 
exceed 150 feet (45720 mm). 

780 CMR 405,0 UNDERGROUND 
STRUCTURES 

405.1 Applicability: The provisions of 780 CMR 
405.0 apply to all structures having a floor level 
used for human occupancy more than 30 feet (9144 
mm) below, or more than one story below, the 
lowest level of exit discharge serving that floor level. 

Exception: The provisions of 780 CMR 405.0 
shall not apply to the following structures: 

1. Occupancies in Use Group R-3 equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.0. 

2. Public garages equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.0. 

3 . Fixed guideway transit systems. 

4. Occupancies in Use Group A-5. 

5. Structures wherein the lowest story is the only 
story that qualifies the structure as an 
underground structure and which have an area not 
exceeding 1,500 square feet (140 m^ and an 
occupant load less than ten. 

405.2 Construction: The underground portion of the 
structure shall be of Type 1 construction. 

405.3 Automatic sprinkler system: The highest 
level of exit discharge serving the underground 
portions of the structure and all levels below shall be 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.0. 



405.4 Compartmentation: In structures that have a 
floor level more than 60 feet (18288 mm) below the 
lowest level of exit discharge, the highest level of 
exit discharge serving the underground portions of 
the structure and all levels below shall each be 
divided into a minimum of two compartments of 
approximately equal size by a smoke barrier in 
accordance with 780 CMR 712.0. 

Exception: Two compartments are not required in 
the lowest story where such story has an area of 
less than 1,500 square feet (140 m^ and an 
occupant load of less than ten. 

405.4.1 Smoke barrier penetrations: 

Penetrations of the smoke barrier shall be limited 
to plumbing and automatic sprinkler system 
piping and electrical raceways. The air supply, 
return and exhaust system provided in one 
compartment shall be independent of such 
systems provided in other compartments. 

405.4.2 Elevators: Where elevators are provided, 
each compartment shall have direct access to an 
elevator. Where an elevator serves more than one 
compartment, an elevator lobby shall be provided 
and shall be separated fi'om both compartments by 
difire separation assembly having not less than a 
one>hour fireresistance rating. 

405.4.3 Egress: Each compartment shall contain 
not less than one exit and shall also have an exit 
access doorway into the adjoining compartment. 

405.5 Smoke exhaust system: Where 
compartmentation is required by 780 CMR 405.4, 
each compartment shall have an independent 
automatically activated smoke exhaust system 
capable of manual operation. The system shall have 
an air supply and smoke exhaust capability which 
will provide a minimum of six air changes per hour. 

405.5.1 Automatic fire detection: A smoke 
detector complying with 780 CMR 918.8 and 
suitable for the intended use shall be installed in 
each of the following rooms: mechanical 
equipment; electrical; transformer; telephone 
equipment; elevator machine; or similar room. 
The actuation of any detector shall sound an alarm 
at a constantly attended location. 

405.5.2 Activation: The smoke exhaust system 
shall be activated in the compartment of origin by 
actuation of the following, independently of each 
other: 

1 . Automatic sprinkler system; 

2. Smoke detectors required by 780 CMR 
405.5.1; and 

3. Manual controls provided for fire 
department use. 

405.6 Fire protective signaling system: Where the 
lowest level of a structure is more than 60 feet 
(18288 mm) below the lowest level of exit 



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SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



discharge, the structure shall be equipped 
throughout with a fire protective signaling system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 917.0, including a 
voice/alarm signaling system installed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 917.9 and activated in accordance 
with 780 CMR 917.7.1. 

405.7 Public address: Where a fire protective 
signaling system is not required by 780 CMR 405.6 
or 917.4, a public address system shall be provided 
which shall be capable of transmitting voice 
communications to the highest level of exit 
discharge serving the underground portions of the 
structure and all levels below. 

405.8 Staradby power: A standby power system of 
sufficient capacity and rating and conforming to the 
requirements of 527 CMR 12.00 m listed in 
Appendix A shall be provided. 

405.8.1 Fuel supply: If the standby system is a 
generator set inside a structure, the system shall 
be located in a separate room enclosed with two- 
hour fireresistance fire rated fire separation 
assemblies. System supervision mth manual start 
and transfer features shall be provided at^the 
central station. 

405.8.2 Capacity: The standby system shall 
supply the following required systems: 

1. Smoke exhaust system. 

2. Smokeproof enclosure. 

3. Fire pumps. 

4. One elevator to serve all floors with the 
capability of transferring power to any 
elevator. 

5. Emergency electrical system. 

405.9 Emergency power: An emergency electrical 
system of sufficient capacity and rating and 
conforming to the requirements of 527 CMR 12.0§ 
m listed in Appendix A shall be provided. The 
emergency system shall supply the following 
required systems: 

1. Voice communication system. 

2. Fire protective signaling system. 

3. Fire detection systems. 

4. Elevator car lighting. 

5. Means of egress lighting and exit sign 
illumination. 

78® CMR 406.0 OPEN PARKING 
CTRUCTURES 

406.1 General: Open parking structures are those 
structures used for the parking or storage of 
passenger motor vehicles designed to carry not more 
than nine persons, wherein provision for the repair 
of such vehicles is not made and where the exterior 
walls of the structure have openings on not less than 
two sides. Open parking structures are not required 
to conform to 780 CMR 408.0 for public garages. 



406.1.1 Openiogs: The exterior walls of the open 
parking structure shall have uniformly distributed 
openings on not less than two sides totaling not 
less than 40% of the building perimeter. The 
aggregate area of such openings in exterior walls 
in each level shall not be less than 20% of the 
total perimeter wall area of each level. Interior 
wall lines and column lines shall be at least 20% 
open with openings distributed to provide 
ventilation. 

Exception: Openings are not required to be 
distributed over 40% of the building perimeter 
where the required openings are uniformly 
distributed over two opposing sides of the 
building. 

406.1.2 Separation: Exterior walls containing 
openings shall have &fire separation distance of 
greater than ten feet (3048 mm). 

406.2 Construction requirements: Passenger 
vehicle structures shall be constructed of approved 
non combustible materials throughout, including 
structural fi-aming, floors, roofs and walls. Any 
enclosed room or space on the premises shall 
comply with the applicable requirements of 
780 CMR. 

4!§6.3 Fuel dispensing: Areas where fuel is 
dispensed shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 408.4. 

406.4 Heights and areas: Heights and areas of open 
parking structures shall not exceed the limitations 
specified in Table 406.4, except as provided for in 
780 CMR 406.4.1. The heights and at-eas are 
subject to the increases indicated in 780 CMR 504.0 
and 506.0. The above height limitations permit 
parking on the roof 

Table 406.4 

HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS FOR 

OPEN PARKING STRUCTURES 



Type of 
construction 



Height" Area (square feet)" 



lA and IB 

2A '' 
. . 2B 
2C 



Unlimited 

12 Stones^ nOfeet 

10 Stories -lOOfeet 

8 Stories - 85 feet 



Unlimiyed 

'50.000 
50.QQ0 



Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 m 

406.4.1 Unlimited area: Structures with all sides 
open shall be unlimited in area provided that the 
height does not exceed 75 feet (22860 mm). For 
a side to be considered open, the total area of 
openings along the side shall not be less than 50% 
of the exterior area of the side at each parking 
level and such openings shall be equally 
distributed along the length of each level. All 
portions of each parking level shall be within 200 
feet (60960 mm) horizontally fi-om an exterior 
wall opening on any permanent open space. 



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406.5 Guards: All open-sided floor areas shall be 
provided with a guard in accordance with 780 CMR 
1021.0, 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 guard is not required on the 
side of the parking levels adjacent to the space 
occupied by the hoisting and placing equipment. 

406.6 "Wheel guards: Wheel guards made of 
approved noncombustible material shall be placed 
wherever required. 

780 CMR 407.0 PRIVATE GARAGES 

407.1 General: Private garages shall comply with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 407.0. All private 
garages not falling within the purview of 780 CMR 
407,3 through 407.7 and which are attached to or 
located beneath a building shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 3 13.0 foT public garages. 

407.2 Deflnitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 407.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Garage* private: A garage for four or less passenger 
motor vehicles, four or less single motor 
airplanes, or one commercial motor vehicle, 
without provision for repairing or servicing such 
vehicles for profit. 

407.3 Beneath rooms: Private garages located 
beneath habitable rooms in occupancies in Use 
Group R-I, R-2, R-3 or I-l shall be separated fi-om 
adjacent interior spaces by Jire partitions and 
floor/ceiling assemblies which are constructed with 
not less than a one-hour fireresistance rating. Wood 
structural members of the minimum dimensions 
specified in 780 CMR 2304.0 for Type 4 
construction shall be acceptable without any further 
protection where a one-hour fireresistance rating is 
required. 

407.4 Attached to rooms: Private garages attached 
side-by-side to rooms in occupancies in Use Group 
R-1, R-2, R-3 or I-l shall be completely separated 
fi'om the interior spaces and the attic area by means 
of %-inch Type-X gypsum board or the equivalent 
applied to the garage side. 

407.5 Door sills: The sills of all door opemngs 
hc^een private garages and adjacent interior spaces 
shall be raised not less than four inches (102 mm) 
above the garage floor. 

407.6 Opening protectives: The door opening 
protectives shall comply with one of the followring. 

1 . 1^/i-inch solid core wood door. 



2. iVi-inch solid or honeycomb core steel door. 

407.7 Firestopping of concealed spaces: Where a 
garage is connected to an occupancy in Use Group 
R-3 by a concealed space, such as a breezeway, that 
is of Type 5B construction and ten feet (3048 mm) 
or greater in length, the junction of the garage and 
the concealed space shall he firestopped to comply 
with 780 CMR 720.0. 

407.8 Means of egress: Where living quarters are 
located above z. private garage, the required means 
of egress facilities shall be separated fi"om the garage 
area with one-hour fireresistance" rated construction. 

780 CMR 408.0 PUBUC GARAGES 

408.1 General: Public garages shall comply with 
the applicable requirements of 780 CMR 408.0. 
Those portions of public garages where paint 
spraying is done shall comply with the requirements 
of780 CMR 419.0. 

408.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 408.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Garage, public: A building or structure for the 
storage or parking of more than four passenger 
motor vehicles, motor-powered boats or private or 
commercial airplanes, or more than one 
commercial motor vehicle. Public garages shall 
be classified in one of the following groups 
according to their specific occupancies: 
Group 1: A public garage occupied for the 
storage, parking, repairing or the painting of, or 
the dispensing of fuel to, motor vehicles. 
Group 2: A public garage occupied exclusively 
for passenger vehicles that will accommodate not 
more than nine passengers. 

408.3 Construction: All Group 1 public garages 
hereafter erected shall be classified as Use Group S- 
1 and all Group 2 public garages shall be classified 
as Use Group S-2; both shall conform to the height 
and area limitations of Table 503 except as 
specifically provided for herein. 

408.3.1 Sprinkler system: All public garages 
shall be equipped throughout v^th an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1: 

1 . Where any fire area exceeds 1 2,000 square 
feet(1116m2>; 

2. Where the total area of dM fire areas on all 
floors exceeds 24,000 square feet (2232 m^); 

3. Where any fire area is more than three 
stories above grade; or 

4. Where located beneath other use groups. 



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For the purposes of 780 CMR 408.0, a roof 
occupied for the parking or storage of motor 
vehicles shall not constitute a story. 

408.3.2 Roof storage of motor vehicles: Where 
the roof of a building is occupied for the parking 
or storage of motor vehicles, such roof shall be 
provided with a parapet wall or a guard 
constructed in accordance with 780 CMR 1021.0, 
and with a wheel guard not less than six inches 
(152 mm) in height that is located so as to prevent 
any vehicle from striking the parapet wall or 
guard. 

408.3.3 Floor constriictiion: The floor finish of 
public garages, including airplane hangers, shall 
be of concrete or other approved nonabsorbent, 
noncombustible material. 

405.4 Fud°dlspensing areas: Fuel-dispensing areas 
shall be located on the level nearest grade. Public 
garages with fuel-dispensing areas shall be 
completely separated from any other use group by 
fire separation assemblies having & minimum 
fireresistance rating of two hours. The floors of the 
friel-dispensing areas shall be graded to a floor 
drainage system such that any fuel spill or leak is 
contained within the area. The drainage system shall 
conform to the requirements of the plumbing code 
listed in Appendix A. The fuel-dispensing area shall 
be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 9. 

408.4.1 Fuel-dispensing systems: All fuel- 
dispensing and fuel storage systems shall conform 
to the requirements of the mechanical code listed 

in Appendix A. 

408.5 Ventilation: All public garages shall be 
ventilated in accordance with the mechanical code 
listed in Appendix A. Fuel-dispensing areas shall be 
mechanically ventilated. 

403.6 Special hazards: Any process conducted in 
conjunction with public garages which involves 
volatile flammable solvents shall be segregated or 
located in a detached building or structure, except as 
provided for in 780 CMR 418.0 for the storage and 
handling of gasoline and other volatile flammables. 
The quantity offlammable liquids stored or handled 
in public garages except in underground storage 
tanks, in special enclosures where permitted in 
accordance with NFiPA 30A and the fire prevention 
code listed m Appendix A, and in the tanks of motor 
vehicles— shall not be more than five gallons (0.019 
m^) in approved safety cans. 

780 CMR 409.0 USE GROUP 14 

409.1 General: All occupancies in Use Group 1-2 
shall comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 409.0 
and all other applicable provisions of 780 CMR, 
except that 780 CMR 409.0* shall not apply to 



occupancies in Use Group 1-2 that are not equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.0. 

Note: Hospitals, nursing homes and 
convalescent homes shall be constructed of Type 

I construction, in accordance with M.G.L 
cin,§§51and7L 

4ID9.2 Corridors: All corridors in occupancies in 
Use Group 1-2 shall be continuous to the exits and 
separated from all other areas except waiting areas, 
nurses' stations and mental health treatment areas 
conforming to 780 CMR 409.2. 1 through 409.2.4. 

409.2.1 Waiting areas: Waiting areas shall not be 
open to the corridor, except where all of the 
following criteria are met: 

1 . The aggregate area of waiting areas in each 
smoke compartment does not exceed 600 
square feet (56m^; 

2. Each area is located to permit direct visual 
supervision by facility staff; 

3. Each area is equipped with an automatic 
fire detection system installed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 918.0; and 

4. Each area is arranged so as not to obstruct 
access to the required exits. 

409.2.2 Waiting areas of unlimited aresi: Spaces 
constructed as required for corridors shall not be 
open to a corridor, except where all of the 
following criteria are met: 

1. The spaces are not occupied for patient 
sleeping rooms, treatment rooms or specific 
occupancy areas as defined in 780 CMR 
302.1.1; 

2. Each space is located to permit direct 
visual supervision by the facility staff; 

3 . Both the space and corridors that the space 
opens into in the same smoke compartment are 
protected by an automatic fire detection system 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 918.0; 
and 

4. The space is arranged so as not to obstruct 
access to the required exits. 

409.23 Nurses* stations: Spaces for doctors' and 
nurses' charting, communications and related 
clerical areas shall not be open to the corridor, 
except where such spaces are constructed as 
required for corridors. 

409.2.4 Mental health treatment areas: Areas 
wherein only mental health patients who are 
capable of self-preservation are housed, or group 
meeting or multipurpose therapeutic spaces other 
than specific occupancy areas as defined in 
780 CMR 302. 1. 1, under continuous supervision 
by facility staff, shall not be open to the corridor, 
except where all of the following criteria are met: 

I. Each area does not exceed 1,500 square 

feet (140 m^); 



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2. The area is located to permit supervision by 
the facility staff; 

3. The area is arranged so as not to obstruct 
any access to the required exits; 

4. The area is equipped with an automatic fire 
detection system installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 918.0; 

5. Not more than one such space is permitted 
in any one smoke compartment; and 

6. The walls and ceilings of the space are 
constructed as required for corridors. 

409.3 Corridor walls: Corridor walls shall form a 
barrier to limit the transfer of smoke. The walls 
shall extend from the floor to the underside of the 
floor or roof deck above or to the underside of the 
ceiling above where the ceiling membrane is 
constructed to limit the transfer of smoke. 

409.3.1 Corridor doors: Corridor doors, other 
than those in a wall required to be rated by 
780 CMR 302.1.1 or for the enclosure of a 
vertical opening or an exit, shall not have a 
required fireresistance rating and shall not be 
required to be equipped with self-closing or 
automatic-closing devices, but shall provide an 
effective barrier to limit the transfer of smoke and 
shall be equipped with positive latching. Roller 
latches are not permitted. All other doors shall 
conform to 780 CMR 716.0. 

4093.2 Locking devices: Locking devices which 
restrict access to the patient room from the 
corridor, and which are operable only by staff 
from the corridor side, shall not restrict the means 
of egress from the patient room except for patient 
rooms in mental health facilities. Also see 
780 CMR 1017.4.1.8(2). 

409.4 Smoke barriers: Smoke barriers shall be 
provided to subdivide every story used by patients 
for sleeping or treatment into at least two smoke 
compartments. Such stories shall be divided into 
smoke compartments with an area of not more than 
22,500 square feet (2092 m^) and the travel distance 
from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke 
barrier door shall not exceed 150 feet (45720 mm). 
The smoke barrier shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 712.0. 

409.4.1 Refuge area: At least 30 net square feet 
(2.8 m^) per patient shall be provided within the 
aggregate area of corridors, patient rooms, 
treatment rooms, lounge or dining areas and other 
low-hazard areas on each side of each smoke 
barrier. On floors not housing patients confined 
to a bed or litter, at least six net square feet (0.56 
m^ per occupant shall be provided on each side of 
each smoke barrier for the total number of 
occupants in adjoining smoke compartments. 

409.4.2 Independent egress: A means of egress 
shall be provided from each smoke compartment 



created by smoke barriers without having to 
return through the smoke compartment from 
which means of egress originated. 

409.5 Automatic sprinkler system: Smoke 
compartments containing patient sleeping rooms 
shall be equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2. 1 . Patient sleeping rooms shall be equipped 
with quick-response sprinklers. 

409.5.1 Automatic fire detection: Patient 
sleeping rooms in nursing homes (both 
intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities) 
and detoxification facilities shall be provided with 
a smoke detector that is permanently connected to 
the normal power supply and that complies v^th 
the requirements of UL 217 or UL 268 listed in 
Appendix A. Such detectors shall provide a 
visual display on the corridor side of each patient 
room and shall provide an audible and visual 
alarm at the nursing station attending that room. 
Where such detectors and related devices are not 
combined with the nursing call system, the 
detectors shall be installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 918.0. 

Exceptions: 

1. Smoke detectors are not required in patient 
rooms equipped with automatic door-closing 
devices with integral smoke detectors on the 
room sides installed in accordance with their 
listing, provided that the integral detectors 
perform the required alerting function. 

2. Patient-room smoke detectors installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 918.0 are not 
required to activate the fire protective signaling 
system where the visual and audible alarms 
required in 780 CMR 409.5.1 are provided. 

3. Sleeping rooms of a child care facility as 
specified in 780 CMR 308.3. 1. 

780 CMR 4ia0 USE GROUP 1-3 

410.1 General: All occupancies in Use Group 1-3 
shall comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 410.0 
and all other applicable provisions of 780 CMR (see 
780 CMR 308.4). 

410.2 Mixed use groups: Portions of buildings with 
an occupancy in Use Group 1-3 which are classified 
as a different use group shall meet the applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR for such use groups. 
Where security operations necessitate the locking of 
required means of egress, provisions shall be made 
for the release of occupants at all times. 

410.3 Means of egress: Except as modified or as 
provided for in 780 CMR 410.0, the provisions of 
780 CMR 10 shall apply. 

410.3.1 Door width: Doors to resident sleeping 
rooms shall have a clear width of not less than 28 
inches (711 mm). 



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SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



410.3.2 Sliding doors: Where doors in a means of 
egress are of the horizontal-sliding type, the force 
to slide the door to its fully open position shall not 
exceed 50 pounds (222 N) with a perpendicular 
force against the door of 50 pounds (222 N). 

410.3.3 Horizoratai exits: Horizontal exits shall 
be permitted to comprise 100% of the exits 
required provided that access to an exit, other than 
a horizontal exit, is available in another fire 
compartment without requiring return through the 
compartment of origin. At least six square feet 
(0.56 m^) of available space per occupant shall be 
provided on each side of the horizontal exit for 
the total number of occupants in the compartment 
served by that exit. 

410.3.4 Spiral stairs and alternating tread 
stairways: Spiral stairs that conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1014.6.4 and 
alternating tread stairways that conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1014.6.6 are permitted 
for access to and in between staff locations. 

410.3.5 Esit discharge: Exits are permitted to 
discharge into a fenced or walled courtyard. 
Enclosed yards or courts shall be of a size to 
accommodate all occupants, a nunimum of 50 feet 
(15240 mm) from the building with a net area of 
15 square feet (1.4 m^) per person. 

410.3.6 Sallyports: A sallyport shall be permitted 
in a means of egress where there are provisions 
for continuous and unobstructed passage through 
the sallyport during an emergency exiting 
condition. A sallyport is a security vestibule with 
two or more doors where the intended purpose is 
to prevent continuous and unobstructed passage 
by allowing the release of only one door at a time. 

410.3.7 Exit stairways: One of the required exit 
stairways in each building shall be permitted to 
have glazing installed in doors and interior walls 
at each landing level providing access to the 
stairway, provided that all of the following 
conditions are met: 

1 . The stairwc^ shall not serve more than four 
floor levels. 

2. Stair doors shall not be less than %»hour 
fire doors complying with 780 CMR 716.0. 

3 . The total area of glazing at each floor level 
shall not exceed 5,000 square inches (3.23 m^ 
and individual panels of glazing shall not 
exceed 1,296 square inches (0.84 m^. 

4. The glazing shall be protected on both 
sides by an automatic sprinkler system. The 
sprinkler system shall be designed to wet 
completely the entire surface of any glazing 
affected by fire when actuated. 

5. The glazing shall be in a gasketed frame 
and installed in such a manner that the framing 
system will deflect vinthout breaking (loading) 
the glass before the sprinkler system operates. 



6. Obstructions, such as curtain rods, drapery 
traverse rods, curtains, drapes or similar 
materials shall not be installed between the 
sutomzXxc. sprinklers and the glazing. 

410.4 Locks: Egress doors are permitted to be 
locked in accordance with the applicable use 
condition. Doors from an area of refuge to exterior 
are permitted to be locked with a key lock the in lieu 
of locking methods described in 780 CMR 410.4.1. 
The keys to unlock the exterior doors shall be 
available at all times and the locks shall be operable 
from both sides of the door. 

410.4.1 Remote release: All remote release of 
locks on doors in a means of egress shall be 
provided with reliable means of operation, remote 
from the resident living areas, to release locks on 
all required doors. In Occupancy Conditions III 
or IV, the arrangement, accessibility and security 
of the release mechanism(s) required for egress 
shall be such that with the minimum available 
sta£f at any time, the lock mechanisms are capable 
of being released v^thin two minutes. 

Exception: Provisions for remote locking and 
unlocking of occupied rooms in Occupancy 
Condition IV are not required provided that not 
more than ten locks are necessary to . be 
unlocked in order to move all occupants fi"om 
one smoke compartment to an area of refiige 
within three minutes. The opening of all 
necessary locks shall be accomplished with not 
more than two separate keys. 

410.4.2 Power-operated doors arad locks: All 
power-operated sliding doors or power=operated 
locks for swinging doors shall be operable by a 
manual release mechanism at the door, and either 
emergency power or a remote mechanical 
operating release shall be provided. 

410.4.3 RedundaEt operation: Remote release, 
mechanically operated sliding doors or remote 
release, mechanically operated locks shall be 
provided with a mechanically operated release 
mechanism at each door, or shall be provided mth 
a redundant remote release control. 

410.4.4 Relock capability: Doors remotely 
unlocked under emergency conditions shall not 
automatically relock when closed unless specific 
action is taken at the remote location to enable 
doors to relock. 

410.4.5 Emergency power: Emergency power in 
accordance with S27 CMR 1100 as listed m 
Appendix A shall be provided for all electrically 
power-operated sliding doors and power-operated 
locks. 

Exception: Facilities vAth ten locks or less 
complying with the exception to 780 CMR 
410.4.1. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



410.5 Vertical openings: Vertical openings shall be 
enclosed in accordance with 780 CMR 713.3. 

Exception: A floor opening between floor levels 
of residential housing areas is permitted without 
enclosure protection between the levels, provided 
that all of the following conditions are met: 

1. The entire normally occupied areas so 
interconnected are open and unobstructed so as 
to enable observation of the areas by 
supervisory personnel. 

2. Means of egress capacity is sufficient to 
provide simultaneous egress for all occupants 
from all interconnected levels and areas. 

3. The height difference between the highest 
and lowest finished floor levels shall not 
exceed 23 feet (7010 mm). Each story, 
considered separately, has at least one-half of 
its individual required means of egress capacity 
provided by exits leading directly out of that 
story without traversing another story vnthin 
the inter-connected area. 

410.6 Smoke barrier: All occupancies in Use 
Group 1-3 shall have smoke barriers complying with 
780 CMR 712.0 to divide every story occupied by 
residents for sleeping, or any other story having an 
occupant load of SO or more persons, into at least 
two smoke compartments. 

Exception: Spaces having direct exit to one of the 
following, provided that the locking arrangement 
of the doors involved complies wifli the 
requirements for doors at the compartment barrier 
for the use condition involved: 

1. A public way, 

2. A building separated from the resident 
housing area by a two-hour fireresistance rated 
assembly or 50 feet (15240 mm) of open space; or 

3. A secured yard or court having a holding 
space 50 feet (15240 mm) from the housing area 
that provides six square feet (0.56 m^) or more of 
refuge area per occupant including residents, staff 
and visitors. 

410.6.1 Smoke compartments: The maximum 
number of residents in any smoke compartment 
shall be 200. The travel distance to a door in a 
smoke barrier from any room door required as exit 
access shall not exceed 150 feet (45720 mm). 
The travel distance to a door in a smoke barrier 
from any point in a room shall not exceed 200 feet 
(60960 mm). 

410.6.2 Refuge area: At least six net square feet 
per occupant shall be provided on each side of 
each smoke barrier for the total number of 
occupants in adjoining smoke compartments. 
This space shall be readily available whenever the 
occupants are moved across the smoke barrier in 
a fire emergency. 

410.6.3 Independent egress: A means of egress 
shall be provided from each smoke compartment 



created by smoke barriers without having to 
return through the smoke compartment from 
which means of egress originates. 

410.7 Subdivision of resident housing areas: 

Sleeping areas including an individual cell or 
dormitory and any contiguous day room, group 
activity space or other common spaces where 
residents are housed shall be separated from all other 
spaces in accordance with 780 CMR 410.7. 1 through 
410.7.4. 

410.7.1 Occupant^ Conditions DI and IV: Each 
sleeping area in Occupancy Conditions III and IV 
shall be separated from the adjacent conmion 
spaces by a smoke-tight partition where the travel 
distance from the dormitory room or cell through 
the common space to the exit access corridor 
exceeds 50 feet (15240 mm). 

410.7.2 Occupancy Condition V: Each sleeping 
area in Occupancy Condition V shall be separated 
from adjacent sleeping areas, corridors and 
common spaces by a smoke-tight partition. 
Additionally, common spaces shall be separated 
from the exit access corridor by a smoke-tight 
partition. 

410.7.3 Openings in room face: The aggregate 
area of all openings in a solid sleeping room face 
in Occupancy Conditions 11, IE, IV and V shall 
not exceed 120 square inches (77419 mm^). The 
aggregate area shall include all openings 
including door undercuts, food passes and grilles. 
All openings shall be not more than 36 inches 
(914 mm) above the floor. In Occupancy 
Condition V, the openings shall be closable from 
the room side. 

410.7.4 Smoke-tight doors: Doors in openings in 
partitions required to be smoke tight by 780 CMR 
410.7 shall be substantial doors, of construction 
that will resist the passage of smoke. Latches and 
door closers are not required on cell doors. 

410.8 Windowless buildings: For the purposes of 
780 CMR 410.8, a windowless building or portion of 
a building is one with nonopenable windows, 
windows not readily breakable or without windows. 
Windowless buildings shall be provided with vent 
openings, smoke shafts or an engineered smoke 
control system to provide ventilation (mechanical or 
natural) for each windowless smoke compartment. 

780 CMR 411.0 MOTION PICTURE 

PROJECnON ROOMS, SCREENING 

ROOMS AND SOUND STAGES 

(Refer to M.G.L c 143, § 89 for additional 
information regarding cellulose nitrate film and 
Appendix A for related Code of Massachusetts 
Regulations fCMR'sJ). 



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SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



411,1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 4n.O 
shall apply to rooms in which ribbon-type cellulose 
acetate or other safety film is utilized in conjunction 
with electric arc, xenon or other light-source 
projection equipment which develops hazardous 
gases, dust or radiation. Where cellulose nitrate film 
is utilized or stored, such rooms shall comply with 
NFiPA 40 listed in Appendix A. 

Every motion picture machine projecting film as 
mentioned within the scope of 780 CMR 41 LO shall 
be enclosed in a projection room. Appurtenant 
electrical equipment, such as rheostats, transformers 
and generators, shall be within the projection room 
or in an adjacent room of equivalent construction. 
There shall be posted on the outside of each 
projection room door and within the projection room 
itself, a conspicuous sign Vi^th one-inch (25 mm) 
block letters stating "Safety Film Only Permitted in 
this Room". 

41 L2 Construction of projectioe rooms: Every 
projection room shall be of permanent constmctxon 
consistent with the construction requirements for the 
type of building in which the projection room is 
located. Openings are not required to be proteaed. 
The room shall have a floor area of not less than 
80 square feet (7.44 m ) for a single machine. Each 
motion picture projector, floodlight, spotlight or 
similar piece of equipment shall have a clear 
working space of not less than 30 inches by 30 
inches (762 mm by 762 mm) on each side and at the 
rear thereof, but only one such space shall be 
required between two adjacent projectors. The 
projection room and the rooms appurtenant thereto 
shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet 
six mch&s (2286 mm). The aggregate of openings 
for projection equipment shall not exceed 25% 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 close 
completely the opening. 

411.3 Projectiom booth andl sqmtipinent 
veEitllation: Projection booths and equipment shall 
be ventilated in accordance with the mechanical 
code listed in Appendix A. 

411.4 Lighting control: Provision shall be made for 
control of the auditorium lighting and the means of 
^^(?j:f lighting systems of theaters from inside of the 
room and fi-om at least one other convenient point in 
the building as required in 780 CMR 1024.3. L 

411.5 Miscellaneous equipment: Each projection 
room shall be provided with rewind and film storage 
facilities. 

41 L6 Screening rooms: Screening rooms shall 
provide a seating capacity of not more than 30 
persons, with not less than two approved means of 
egress complying with 780 CMR 10. Such rooms 



shall be enclosed in one-hour fre separation 
assemblies. All seats shall be permanently fixed in 
position and the arrangement shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1012.0. 

411.7 Sound stage construction: All sound stages 
for motion picture or television productions shall be 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system installed in accordance with 780 CMR 9. 

780 CMR 412.0 STAGES AND PLAIFORMS 

412.1 Applicability: The provisions of 780 CMR 
412.0 shall apply to all parts of buildings and 
structures which contain stages or platforms and 
similar appurtenances as herein defined. 

412.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 412.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Platform'. A platform is a raised area within a 
building for: the presentation of music, plays or 
other entertainment; the head table for special 
guests; the raised area for lectures and speakers; 
boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round; 
and similar purposes wherein there are no 
overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or 
stage effects other than lighting. A temporary 
platform is one installed for not more than 30 
days. 

Stage: A stage is a partially enclosed portion of a 
building which is designed or used for the 
presentation of plays, demonstrations or other 
entertainment. A stage shall be fiirther classified 
as either a legitimate stage, regular stage or thrust 
stage. 

Stage, legitimate: A stage wherein curtains, 
drops, leg drops, scenery, lighting devices or other 
stage effects are retractable horizontally or 
suspended overhead. 

Stage* regular: A stage wherein curtains, fixed 
leg drops, valances, sceneiy and other stage 
effects are hung and are not retractable. 
Stage, thrust: A platform extending beyond the 
proscenium arch and into the audience. 

412.3 Stages: Stage construction shall comply with 
780 CMR 412.3. 1 through 412.3.9. 

412,3.1 Stage floor construction: Openings 
through all stage floors shall be equipped with 
tight-fitting, solid wood trap doors not less than 
two inches in nominal thickness with approved 
safety locks or other materials of equal physical 
and fire endurance properties. 

4I23.L1 Legitimate stages: Legitimate stages 
shall be constructed of materials as required for 
floors for the type of construction, but not less 
than Type IB construction except that the 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



portion of the legitimate stage extending back 
from and six feet (1829 mm) beyond the full 
width of the proscenium opening on each side 
shall be permitted to be constructed of 
noncombustible or heavy timber construction 
covered with a wood floor of not less than two 
inches nominal in thickness. Except for the 
finished floor, combustible construction shall 
not extend beyond the plane of the proscenium 
opening. 

412.3.1.2 Regular and thrust stages: Regular 
stages and thrust stages shall be constructed of 
materials as required for floors for the type of 
construction of the building in which such 
stages are located. 

412.3.2 Stage rigging loft: The rigging lofl, also 
referred to as the loft or fly, is the space over the 
stage where scenery and equipment is out of view. 
The fly gallery is the narrow raised platform at the 
side of the legitimate stage from which the lines 
for flying scenery are manipulated. The gridiron 
is the arrangement of beams over a legitimate 
stage supporting the machinery for flying scenery 
and hanging battens from which lighting is hung. 
The pin rail is the beam at one side of a legitimate 
stage through which wooden or metal pins are 
driven and to which lines from the flies are 
fastened. The rigging loft, fly galleries, gridiron 
and pin rails shall be constructed of approved 
noncombustible materials. 

412.3.3 Footlights and stage electrical 
equipment: Footlights and border lights shall be 
installed in troughs constructed of approved 
noncombustible materials. Ready access shall be 
provided at all times to the switchboard. The 
storage or placing of stage equipment against the 
switchboard shall be prohibited. 

412.3.4 Exterior stage doors: Where protection 
of openings is required, exit discharge door 
openings to the outer air shall be protected with 
fire doors that comply with 780 CMR 716.0. All 
exterior openings which are located on the stage 
for means of egress or loading and unloading 
purposes, and which are likely to be open during 
occupancy of the theater, shall be constructed 
with vestibules to prevent air drafts into the 
auditorium. 

412 J.5 Proscenium wall: Legitimate stages shall 
be completely separated from the seating area by 
a proscenium wall with not less than a two-hour 
fireresistance rating extending continuously from 
the foundation to the roof There shall not be 
other openings in the wall separating a legitimate 
stage from the auditorium except: the main 
proscenium opening; two doorways at the stage 
level, one on each side thereof; and one doorway 
to the musician's pit from the space below the 
stage floor. Each such doorway shall not exceed 
45 square feet (4.19 m^) in area and shall be 



protected with fire doors that comply with 
780 CMR 716.0. 

412.3.5.1 Trim, Anish and decorative 
hangings: All moldings and decorations 
around the proscenium opening shall be 
constructed entirely of approved 
noncombustible material. 

412.3.6 Proscenium curtain: The proscenium 
opening of every legitimate stage shall be provided 
with a curtain of approved material designed and 
installed to intercept hot gases, flames and smoke, 
and to prevent a glow from a severe fire on the stage 
from showing on the auditorium side for a period of 
30 minutes. The closing of the curtain from the fiill 
open position shall be effected in less than 30 
seconds, but the last eight feet of travel shall require 
not less than five seconds. 

412.3.6.1 Activation: The curtain shall be 
activated by rate-of-rise heat detection 
operating at a rate of temperature rise of 15 to 
20''F per minute (8' to ITC per minute); and 
by an auxiliary manual control. 

412.3.6.2 Fire test: A sample curtain with a 
minimum of two vertical seams shall be 
subjected to the standard fire test specified in 
ASTM El 19 listed in Appendix A for a period 
of 30 minutes. The curtain shall overlap the 
fiimace edges by an amount that is appropriate 
to seal the top and sides. The curtain shall 
have a bottom pocket containing a minimum of 
four lbs. per linear foot (6 kg/m) of batten. The 
exposed surface of the curtain shall not glow, 
and flame or smoke shall not penetrate the 
curtain during the test period. Unexposed 
surface temperature and hose stream test 
requirements are not applicable to the 
proscenium fire safety curtain test. 

412.3.6.3 Smoke test: Curtain fabrics shall 
have a smoke-developed rating of 25 or less 
when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 
listed m Appendix A. 

412.3.6.4 Tests: The completed proscenium 
curtain shall be subjected to operating tests 
prior to the issuance of a certificate of 
occupancy. 

412.3.7 Scenery: All combustible materials used 
in sets and scenery shall be rendered flame- 
resistant to comply with 780 CMR 8. 

412.3.8 Stage ventilation: Emergency ventilation 
shall be provided^ for stages larger than 1,000 
square feet (93 m ) in floor area, or with a stage 
height greater than 50 feet (15240 mm). Such 
ventilation shall comply with 780 CMR 412.3.8.1 
or 412.3.8.2 

412.3.8.1 Roof vents: Two or more vents 
constructed to open automatically by approved 
heat-activated devices and with and aggregate 
clear opening area of not less than 5% of the 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



area of the stage shall be Jocated near the 
center and above the highest part of the stage 
area, except as otherwise provided for in 
780 CMR 412.3.9. Supplemental means shall 
be provided for manual operation of the 
ventilator. Curbs shall be provided as required 
for skylights in 780 CMR 2608.2. 

40.3.8.2 Smoke control: Smoke control in 
accordance with 780 CMR 921.0 shall be 
provided to maintain the smoke layer interface 
not less than six feet (1829 mm) above the 
highest level of the assembly seating or above 
the top of the proscenium opemng where a 
proscenium wall is required by 780 CMR 
412.3.5. 

412.3.9 Superimposed theaters: Additions or 
extensions shall not be erected over the stage 
section of a theater, nor shall a second theater be 
erected above another. Where approved, the 
prohibition against superimposed theateris and 
construction above the stage shall not apply 
where approved access is provided for fire 
fighting with direct means of ventilation to the 
outer air fi^om the stage portion. '' 

412.4 Platforms: Platform construction shall 
comply with 780 CMR 412.4.1 and 412.4.2. 

412.4.1 Materials: In buildings required to be of 
Type 1 or Type 2 construction where the 
platforms are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) 
above the main floor level, the minimum type of 
construction for a permanent platform shall be 
Type 2C. For all types of construction where the 
platforms are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) 
above the main floor level, not larger in area than 
10% of the room floor area and not more than 200 
square feet (19 m2) in area, the mininium type of 
construction for a permanent /?/aybrm shall be 
Type 5B. For all types of construction where the 
platforms are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) 
above the main floor level, not larger than V& of 
the room floor area and not more than 3,000 
square feet (279 m^ in area, the minimum type of 
construction for a permanent platform shall be 
Type 4 or the platform shaU be constructed of 
fireretardant-treated wood. All other permanent 
platforms shall be constructed of approved 
materials as required for floors for the required 
type of construction of the building in which it is 
located. Temporary platforms shall be 
constructed of any approved material. 

412.4.2 Space beueath: The space between the 
floor and a temporary platform above shall not be 
utilized for any purpose other than electrical 
wiring to platform equipment Where the space 
between the floor and a permanent platform above 
is utilized for any purpose other than electrical 
wiring or plumbing, the platform shall provide a 
one-hour fireresistance rating. 



412.5 Bressing and appurtenant rooms: Dressing 
and appurtenant rooms shall comply with 780 CMR 
412.5.1 through 412.5.3.. 

412.5.1 Constroctiora: Dressing rooms, scene 
docks, property rooms, workshops, storerooms 
and all compartments appurtenant to the stage 
shall be separated firom each other and firom the 
stage and all other parts of the building by fre 
separation assemblies with not less than a one- 
hour fireresistance ratmg with approved opening 
protectives. Such rooms shall not be placed 
immediately over or under the operating stage 
area. 

Esceptiom: Separation fi"om the stage is not 
required for stages having a floor area of 500 
square feet (46.5 m^ or less. 

412.5.2 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/re doors that comply with 780 CMR 71 6.0. 

412.5.3 Dressing room and stage exits: Each tier 
of dressing rooms shall be provided with at least 
two means of egress. Means of egress stairways 
from dressing and storage rooms are not required 
to be enclosed where located in the stage area 
behind the proscenium wall. At least one 
approved means of egress shall be provided fi^om 
each side of the stage; fi-om each side of the space 
under the stage; fi-om each fly gallery; and fi-om 
the gridiron, A steel ladder shall be provided 
fi"om the gridiron to a scuttle in the stage roof 

4!12.6 AiBtomatic sprlmkler system: Stages and 
enclosed platforms shall be equipped with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 412.0 and 780 CMR 906.0 or 780 CMR 
907.0. The system shall be installed: under the roof 
and gridiron, in the tie and fly galleries and in all 
places behind the proscenium wall of the stage; over 
and within enclosed platforms in excess of 500 
square feet (46.5 m^ in area; and in dressing rooms, 
lounges, workshops and storerooms accessory to 
such stages or enclosed platforms. 

■ Exceptions: 

1. Stages or enclosed platforms open to the 
auditorium room on three or more sides. 

2. Altars, pulpits or similar platforms and 
accessory rooms. 

3. Stage gridirons where sidewall sprinMers with 
135°F (57^) rated heads with heat-baffle plates 
are installed around the perimeter of the stage 
except for the proscenium opening at points not 
more than 30 inches (762 mm) below the gridiron 
nor more than six inches (152 mm) below the 
baffle plate. 

4. Under sta^ or enclosed platform areas less 
than four feet (1219 mm) in clear height utilized 



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77 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



for storage, the stage and supporting structures 
shall be of one-hour fireresistance rated 
construction. 

412.7 Standpipes: A wet standpipe system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 914.0 shall be provided 
and equipped with 1 '/2-inch hose connections on 
each side of the stage. 

Exception: Where the building or area is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system, the hose connections, that are supplied 
from the automatic sprinkler system shall have a 
water supply of not less than that required by 
NFiPA 13 listed in Appendix A. 

412.7.1 Hose and cabinet: The hose connections 
shall be equipped with sufficient lengths of IV2 - 
inch hose to provide fire protection for the stage 
area; such connections shall be equipped with an 
approved adjustable fog nozzle and be mounted in 
a cabinet or a rack. 

780 CMR 413.0 SPECIAL AMUSEMENT 
BUILDINGS 

413.1 General: Special amusement buildings shall 
comply with the requirements for buildings of the 
appropriate assembly use group in addition to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 413.0. 

Exception: Buildings or portions thereof that are 
essentially open to the outside air, such as 
buildings without walls or without a roof and 
arranged to prevent the accumulation of smoke in 
the building or structure are not required to 
comply with 780 CMR 413.0. 

413.2 Special amusement building: A special 
amusement building is any temporary, permanent or 
mobile building or portion thereof which is occupied 
for amusement, entertainment or educational 
purposes and which contains a device or system 
which conveys passengers or provides a walkway 
along, around or over a course in any direction so 
arranged that the means of egress path is not readily 
apparent due to visual or audio distractions or is 
intentionally confounded or is not readily available 
due to the nature of the attraction or mode of 
conveyance through the building or structure. 

413.3 Fire detection: All special amusement 
buildings shall be equipped with an automatic fire 
detection system in accordance with 780 CMR 
918.0. 

Exception: In areas where the ambient conditions 
will cause a smoke detector to activate, an 
approved alternative type of automatic detector 
shall be installed. 

413.4 Automatic sprinklers: AH special amusement 
buildings shall be equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.0. Where the special amusement 
building is temporary or mobile, the sprinkler water 
supply shall be of an approved temporary means. 



Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not 
required where the total floor area of a temporary 
special amusement building is less than 1,000 
square feet (93 m^) and the travel distance from 
any point to an exit is less than 50 feet (15240 
mm). 

413.5 System response: The activation of the 
automatic fire detection system within a single 
protected area or the automatic sprinkler system 
shall automatically: 

1. Cause illumination of the means of egress 
with light of not less than one footcandie (10.76 
lux) at the walking surface level; . 

2. Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and 
visual distractions; and 

3. Activate an approved directional exit marking 
that will become apparent in an emergency. 

413.5.1 Alarm: Activation of any single smoke 
detector, the automatic sprinkler system or any 
other automatic fire detection device shall 
immediately sound an alarm at the building at a 
constantly attended location from which 
emergency action can be initiated including the 
capability of manual initiation of requirements in 
780 CMR 413.5. 

413.5.2 Public address system: A public address 
system, which is also permitted to serve as an 
alarm system, shall be provided and shall be 
audible throughout the entire special amusement 
building. 

413.5.3 Exit marking: "Exit" signs shall be 
installed at required exit doorways. Approved 
directional exit markings shall also be provided 
and shall include signs as required by 780 CMR 
1023.0. Where mirrors, mazes or other designs 
are used that confound the means of egress paths, 
approved low-level "exit" signs and directional 
path markings shall be provided and located not 
more than eight inches (203 mm) above the 
walking surface and on or near the means of 
egress path. Such markings shall become visible 
when activated in accordance with 780 CMR 
413.5, item 3. 

413.6 Interior finish: The interior finish shall be 
Class I in accordance with 780 CMR 803.2. 

413.7 Required inspections. Buildings or portions 
thereof, classified as special amusement buildings 
shall be inspected on an annual basis to ensure 
compliance with the applicable portions of 
780 CMR. 

780 CMR 414.0 AIRPORT TRAFFIC 
CONTROL TOWERS 

414.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 414.0 
shall apply to airport traffic control towers not 
exceeding 1,500 square feet per floor occupied only 
for air traffic control, electrical and mechanical 
equipment rooms, radar and electronics rooms. 



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SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



office spaces incidental to tower operation and 
lounges for employees, including restrooms. 

414o2 Type of coiastructioii: Air traflSc control 
towers shall be constructed to conform to the height 
and area limitations of Table 414.2. 



Table 4142 
HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS FOR 
AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWERS 



Type of 
construction 


Height"''' 


Maximum area 
(square feet) 


lA. IB 

■■Ml 

2(1^. 


Unlimited 
240ieet 
fOOfeet 
85 feet 


1.500 
1.5D0 



Note a. Height to be measured from grade to cab 
floor. 
■ Note h. I foot - 304.8 mm; 1 square food = 0.093m . 

4143 Egress: A minimum of one exit stairway shall 
be permitted for airport traffic control towers of any 
hei^i provided that the occupant load per floor does 
not exceed 15. The stairway shall conform to the 
requu-ements of 780 CMR 1014.0 and 1015.0. The 
stairway shall be separated from elevators by a 
minimuip distance ofVz of the diagonal of the area 
served. 

Exception: Smokeproof enclosures as set forth in 
780 CMR 1015.0 are not required where required 
stairways are pressurized to a minimum of 0.15 
inch of water column (37.33 P) and a maximum of 
0.35 inch of water column (87.10 P) in the shaft 
relative to the buUding with all stairway doors 
closed. 

414.4 Automatic Ore detection systems: Airport 
traffic control towers shall be provided with an 
automatic fire detection system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 918.0. 

414.5 Standby power: A standby power system that 
conforms to 780 CMR 403.9 and §27 CMR 12. 00 as 
listed in Appendix A shall be provided in auport 
traffic control towers more than 65 feet (19812 mm) 
in height. Power shall be provided to mechanicai 
equipment servicing smokeproof enclosures and 
stairway pressurization systems, means of egress 
lighting, elevator operational equipment and the 
automatic fire detection system. 

780 CMR 41S0 OUTDOOR PROCESSING 
FACIUIIES 

415 J Industry standards: Outdoor processing 
facilities such as chemical plants, refineries and 
grain elevators shall be constructed in accordance 
v^th the accepted engmeering practice of the 
specific industry and the fire prevention code listed 
in Appendix A, subject to the approval of the the 
building code enforcement official and the fire 
prevention officer. 



780 CMR 416.0 HPM FACIUIIES 

416.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 416.0 
shall apply to buildings and structures using 
hazardous production materials {HPM), such as in 
semiconductor fabrication facilities and areas of 
comparable research and development. Except as 
specifically required by 780 CMR 416.0, such 
buildings shall comply with the applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR. The specific code 
provisions of 780 CMR 307.0, 506.3 and Table 
1009.2 applicable to high-hazard use groups shall 
not apply unless stated herein. 

416.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 416.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Emergency control station: An approved location on 
the premises where signals fi-om emergency 
equipment are received and which is staffed by 
trained personnel. 

Fabrication area: A fabrication area is one in which 
there are processes involving hazardous 
production materials {HPM), and includes 
ancillary rooms or areas, such as dressing rooms 
and offices, which are supplemental to the area 
processes. 

Hamrdous production material (HPM): A solid, 
liquid or gas that has a degree of hazard rating in 
health, flammability or reactivity of Class 3 or 4 
as ranked by WiPA 704 listed in Appendix A and 
wliich is used directly in research, laboratory or 
production processes which have as their end 
product, materials which are not hazardous. 

Service passage^ HPM: A- passage in which 
hazardous production materials (HPM) are 
transported fi-om a separate inside HPM storage 

. room or the exterior of the building to the 
perimeter wall of the fabrication area, for 
purposes other than required means of egress. 

Storage room, HPM, separate inside: A room in 
which hazardous production materials (HPM) are 
stored in containers, tanks, drums or other means, 
and which is separated from other occupancies. 
Such rooms include: 

HPM cutoffwom: An HPM stor&ge room vwthin 
a building and having at least one exterior wall. 
HPM inside room: An HPM storage room totally 
enclosed wthin a building and not having exterior 
walls. 

416.3 Allowable heights, stones and area: The 
allowable height, number of stories and basic areas 
permitted for HPM buildings and structures shall not 
exceed the limitations specified in Table 416.3. The 
provisions of 780 CMR 507.0 shall not apply. The 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



area limitations are for one- or two-story buildings 
facing on a street or public space not less than 30 
feet (9144 mm) wide. The increases permitted in 
780 CMR 506.2 and 506.3 shall apply. 

Table 416 J 

HEIGHT, NUMBER OF STORIES AND 

AREA LIMITATIONS FOR HPM USE 

FACILITIES 



Type of 
construction 


Number of 
stories 


Height (feetf 


Area (square 
feet/floor)* 


lAandlB 


3 


55 


Unlimited 


2A 


3 


55 


34,200 


2B 


3 


55 


22,500 


2C 


3 


40 


14.400 


3A 


3 


50 


19,800 


3B 


,,-..-. 3 ■ 


40 


14.400 


4 


3 


55 


21,600 


5A 


3 


40 


15,300 


5B 


ss 


30 


T2Q0 



Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 m^ 

416.4 Fire suppression: HPM facilities shall be 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 9. The design 
for the fabrication areas, service passages, separate 
inside HPM storage rooms without dispensing, and 
means of egress corridors shall meet the 
requirements for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 in 
NFiPA 13 listed in Appendix A. The design for 
separate inside HPM storage rooms with dispensing 
shall meet the requirements for Extra Hazard Group 
2 in NFiPA 13 listed in Appendix A. 

416.5 Amount of HPM in a fabrication area: The 
total amount of HPM permitted in a single 
fabrication area shall be based on the densities in 
Table 416.5(2), or the quantities in Table 416.5(1), 
whichever is the larger amount. 



Table 416.5(1) 




PERMITTED AMOUNTS OF HPM IN A 


SINGLE FABRICATION AREA- 


QUANTITY BASIS 


Material 


Maximum quantity^ 


Flanunable liquids 




Class I-A 


90 gallons 


Class I-B 


180 gallons 


Class I-C 


270 gallons 


Combination flammable liquids 




containing not more than the exempt 




amounts of Class I-A, I-B or I-C 




flammable liquids 


360 gallons 


Combustible liquids 




Class II 


360 gallons 


Class III-A 


750 gallons 


Flammable gases 


9,000 cubic feet at 


■ -■ . 


one atmosphere of 




pressure at 70'F 


Liquefied flammable gases 


1 80 gallons 


Flammable solids 


1,500 pounds 


Corrosive liquids 


165 gallons 


Oxidizing miateriat - gases 


18,000 cubic feet 


Oxidizing material - liquids 


150 gallons 


Oxidizing material - solids . 


1,500 pounds 


Organic peroxides 


30 pounds 


Highly toxic material and poisonous gas 


Included in the 




aggregate for 




flammables as noted 




above 



Note a. 1 gallon - 0.00379 m ; 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m ; 
1 pound = 0.454 kg; degrees C = {(degrees F)-32}/1.8. 

Table 416.5(2) 

PERMITTED AMOUNTS OF HPM IN A 

SINGLE FABRICATION AREA— DENSITY 

BASIS ^•'^ 



State 


Units** 


Flam- 
mable 


Oxi- 
dizer 


Cor- 
rosive 


Solid 

Liquid 

Gas 


Pounds per aquare foot 
Gallons per square foot 
Cubic feet oersQuare foot 


0.001 

0.04^ 
1.250 


0.003 

0.03 
1.250 


0:003 

0.08 
3.000 



Note a. HPM within piping shall not be included in the 

calculated quantities. 

Note b. The maximum permitted quantities of flammable 

and combustible liquids shall not exceed the following 

quantities: 

Class (I-A) + (I-B) + (I - C) (combination 

flammable liquids) = .025 

However Class I-A shall not exceed = .0025 

Class II =.0l 

Class III-A = .02 

Note c. Highly toxic materials and poisonous gases 
shall be limited by the maximum quantities specified in 
Table 416.5(1). 

Note d. One pound per square foot >= 4.882 kg/m^; I 
gallon per square foot = 0.0407 mVm^; 1 cubic foot per 
square foot = 0.301 mVm^. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



416.6 Egress: There shall not be less than two 
means of egress provided for zny fabrication area or 
any /fPAf facility subdivision thereof larger than 200 
square feet (1 8.62 m^. The maximum length of exit 
access travel in HPM facilities shall be 100 feet 
(30480 mm). 

416.7 Separation: Fabrication areas shall be 
separated from each other, from means of egress 
corridors, and from other parts of the building by 
not less than one-hour^^e separation assemblies in 
compliance with 780 CMR 709.0, vnihfire doors 
complying with 780 CMR 716.0. Floors fonning 
part of the required separation shall be liquid tight. 

416.8 Floors: Floors "wSbixifabrication areas shall 
be of approved noncombustible construction. 
Unprotected openings through floors of fabrication 
areas are permitted where the interconnected levels 
are used solely for mechanical equipment directly 
related to suchfabrication areas. 

Mechanical, duct and piping penetrations within 
a fabrication area shall not extend through more 
than two floors. Penetrations shall be effectively 
^rejroppe^ in accordance with 780 CMR 720.6.4 at 
the floor level. Iht fabrication area, including the 
areas through which ductwork and piping extend, 
shall be considered a single conditioned space ox fire 
area. 

416.9 Vemtilatsoffi, general: Ventilation systems 
shall comply with the mechanical code listed in 
Appendix A except as otherwise provided herein. 
Ventilation, including recalculated air, shall be 
provided diroughout ihe fabrication area at the rate 
of not less than Icfm per square foot (5074 
cmVs/m^) of floor area. 

416.9.1 Interconnection: The exhaust system of 
one fabrication area shall not connect to another 
exhaust system outside that fabrication area 
within the building. The retum air system from 
one fabrication area shall not connect to any 
other system. 

416.9.2 Smoke detectors: Smoke detectors shall 
be installed in the recirculating air stream and 
shall initiate a signal at the emergency control 
station. 

416.9 J Shutoff switches: Automatic shutoffs are 
not required to be installed on air-moving 
equipment. A manually operated remote switch 
to shut off the fabrication area supply or the 
recirculation air system, or both, shall be provided 
at an approved location outside ^q fabrication 
area. 

416.9.4 Gas detection: Where HPM gas Is used 
or dispensed and the physiological warning 
properties for the gas are at a higher level than the 
accepted permissible exposure limitation for the 
gas, a continuous gas-monitoring system shall be 



provided to detect the presence of a short-term 
hazard condition. Where dispensing occurs and 
flammable gases or vapors are liberated in 
quantities exceeding 20% of the lower explosive 
limitation, a continuous gas-monitoring system 
shall be provided. The monitoring system shall 
be connected to the emergency control station. 

416.10 Transporting HPM: HPM shall be 
transported to fabrication areas through enclosed 
piping or tubing systems which comply with 
780 CMR 416.15, through service passages, or in 
means of egress corridors as permitted in the 
exception to 780 CMR 416.12. 

416.11 Electrical: Electrical equipment and devices 
within the fabrication area shall comply with 
527 CMR listed in Appendix A. The requirements 
for hazardous locations are not required to be 
applied where the average rate of air change is at 
least four cfin per square foot (20300 cmVs/m^) of 
floor area and where the rate of air change at any 
location is not less than three cfin per square foot 
(15200 cmVs/m^). 

416.12 Means of egress corridors: Means of egress 
corridors shall comply with 780 CMR 10 11. 4 and 
shall be separated from fabrication areas as 
specified in 780 CMR 416.7. Means of egress 
corridors shall not be used for transporting HPM 
except as provided for in 780 CMR 416.12.1 and 
416.15.2. 

416.12,1 Existing faeilties: In existing HPM 
facilities, when there are alterations or 
modifications to existing fabrication areas, the 
transportation of HPM in means of egress 
corridors shall be permitted provided tfiat all of 
the requirements of 780 CMR 416.12.1.1 and 
416.12.1.2 are met. 

416.12.1.1 Corridors: Corridors adjacent to 
the fabrication area under alteration shall 
comply with Table 602, item 4, for a length 
determined as follows: 

1 . The length of the common wall of the 
corridor and ih&ifabrication area\ and 

2. For the distance along the corridor to 
the point of entry of HPM into the corridor 
serving ihatfabrication area. 

416.12.1J Openings: There shall not be 
openings between the corridor and an HPM 
storage cabinet in & fabrication area other than 
those in compliance with all of the following: 

1. one-hour fire doors are installed 
between the corridor and the cabinet; 

2. The cabinet is separated from the 
corridor with a one-hour fireresistance rated 
fire partition; and 

3. Automatic sprinklers shall be provided 
inside the cabinets 



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81 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



416.13 Service passages: Service passages shall be 
considered as HPM facilities. Service passages shall 
be separated from means of egress corridors as 
required by 780 CMR 416.7. 

416.13.1 Ventilation: Service passages shall be 
ventilated as required by 780 CMR 4 1 6.9. 

416.13.2 Egress: There shall not be less than two 
means of egress from a service passage. Not 
more than one-half of the required means of 
egress shall be into ihc fabrication area. Doors 
from service passages shall be self-closing and 
swing in the direction of means of egress travel. 

416.13 J Travel distance: The maximum distance 
of travel from any point in a service passage to an 
exit or door into a fabrication area shall not 
. exceed 75 feet (22860 mm). Dead ends shall not 
exceed four feet (121 9 mm) in length. 

416.13.4 Alarms: Alarms shall be provided for in 
accordance with 780 CMR 416.14.5. 

416.14 Storage of HPM, general: Rooms used for 
the storage of HPM in quantities greater than those 
set forth in Tables 307.8(1) and 307.8(2), except for 
those quantities permitted within a fabrication area, 
shall comply witii the provisions of NFiPA 30 listed 
in Appendix A, provided that the area of an HPM 
cutoff room shall not exceed 6,000 square feet (558 
m^). The storage area for any liquid HPM shall be 
provided with drains. 

416.14.1 Location within building: Where HPM 
cutoff rooms are provided, such rooms shall not 
be less than 30 feet (9144 nmi) from lot lines. 

416.14.2 HPM drainage systems: Drainage 
systems shall be provided to direct liquid leakage 
and fire protection water to a safe location away 
from the building, important valves or adjoining 
property. HPM flammable liquid drains shall be 
separated from other HPM liquid drains Other 
HPM liquids in drains that are not compatible 
shall be separated from each other, provided that 
the liquids are permitted to be combined when 
such liquids have been rendered acceptable for 
discharge by an approved means into the public 
sewers. 

416.14J Egress: There shall be two means of 
egress from a separate inside HPM storage room 
where the room exceeds 200 square feet (1 86 m^ 
in area. Where two means of egress are required 
from HPM cutoff rooms, one shall be directly to 
the outside of the building. All storage room 
means of egress doors shall be self-closing and 
swing in the direction of means of egress travel 

416.14.4 Ventilation: Exhaust ventilation shall be 
provided for in accordance with 780 CMR 416.9 
for all categories of HPM. 

416.14.5 Emergency alarm: An emergency 
telephone system or local fire protective signaling 



system station shall be installed outside of each 
interior egress door from HPM cutoff rooms. The 
signal shall be relayed to the emergency control 
station and a local signaling device provided. 

416.14.6 Electrical: HPM cutoff rooms 
containing flammable liquids or gases shall be 
classified as Class I, Division 1, hazardous 
locations in accordance with 527 CMR listed in 
Appendix A. 

416.14.7 Gas detection: Gas detection shall be 
provided for in accordance with 780 CMR 
416.9.4. 

416.15 Piping and tubing: HPM piping and tubing 
shall comply with 780 CMR 416.15 and shall be 
installed in accordance with ASME B3L3 listed in 
AppendbcA. 

416.15.1 General: Piping and tubing systems 
shall be metallic unless the material being 
transported is incompatible with such system. 
Systems supplying gaseous HPM, having a health 
hazard of 3 or 4 as ranked by NFiPA 704 listed in 
Appendix A, shall be welded throughout, except 
for connections, valves and fittings which are 
within an exhausted enclosure. HPM supply 
piping or tubing in service passages shall be 
exposed to view. 

416.15.2 Installation in egress corridors or 
above other use groups: HPM shall not be 
located within means of egress corridors or above 
areas not containing HPM facilities except as 
permitted by 780 CMR 416.15. HPMpiping and 
tubing shall be permitted within the space defined 
by the walls of means of egress corridors and the 
floor or roof above, or in concealed spaces above 
other use groups under the following conditions: 

1. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed 
within the space unless the space is less than 
six inches (152 mm) m least dimension. 

2. Ventilation at not less than six air changes 
per hour shall be provided. The space shall not 
be used to convey air from any other area. 

3. All HPM supply piping and tubing and 
HPM non-metallic waste lines shall be 
separated from the means of egress corridor 
and from any use group other than an HPMvse 
facility by afire separation assembly having a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour. 
Where gypsum wallboard is used, joints on the 
piping side of the enclosure are not required to 
be taped, provided that the joints occur over 
framing members. 

4. Where piping or tubing is used to transport 
HPM liquids, a receptor shall be installed 
below such piping or tubing. The receptor 
shall be designed to collect and drain any 
discharge or leakage to an approved location. 
The one-hour enclosure required by 780 CMR 



82 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIE USE AND OCCUPANCY 



416.15.2, item 3 shall not be used as part of the 
receptor. 

5. Manual or automatic remotely activated 
fail-safe emergency shutoff valves, with ready 
access thereto, shall be installed on piping and 
tubing, other than waste lines, at branch 
connections into ihc fabrication area, and at 
entries into means of egress corridors. 

6. Where HPM supply gas is carried in 
pressurized piping, a fail-safe system for 
excess flow control shall shut off flow due to a 
rupture in the piping. 

7 Electrical vdring and equipment located in 
the piping space shall be approved for Class I, 
Division 2, hazardous locations in accordance 
with 527 CMR listed in Appendix A. 
8. Gas detection shall be as provided for in 
780 CMR 4 16.9.4 

Exception: Conditions 1 through 8 shall not 
apply to transverse crossings of the 
corridors by supply piping that is coaxially 
enclosed within a ferrous pipe or tube for 
the width of the corridor. An enclosing 
pipe or tube open to an HPMmsq facility is 
permitted. 

416,1S3 IdeiatificatioB: Piping, tubing and HPM 
waste lines shall be identified in accordance with 
ASME A13.1 listed in Appendk A. 

780 CMR 417.© HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 
(See also 780 CMR 426.0 for the design and 
constriction of Bulk Merchandlslmg Retail 
Buildings.) 

in. I Gemeral: The provisions of 780 CMR 417.0 
shall apply to all buildings and structures occupied 
for the manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or 
storage of hazardous materials. All buildings and 
structures with an occupancy in Use Group H shall 
also comply with the applicable provisions of 
780 CMR 418.0 and the fire prevention code listed 
m. Appendix A. 

Note: The safe design of hazardous material 
occupancies is material dependent, individual 
material requirements are also found in 780 CMR 
307.0 and 418.0, and in the mechanical and fire 
prevention codes listed m Appendix A. Since the 
fire department is responsible for inspection of 
these occupancies for proper utilization and 
handling of hazardous materials, the 
administrative authority shall cooperate with the 
fire department in the discharge' of the 
responsibility to enforce 780 CMR 417.0 

417o2 Control areas/exempt amoimts: Control 
areas shall be those spaces within a building where 
quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the 
allowable exempt amounts are stored, dispensed, 
utilized or handled. Control areas shall be separated 
from all adjacent interior spaces by fire separation 
assemblies in accordance with 780 CMR 709.0. The 



number of permitted control areas and degree of fire 
separation shall be in accordance v«th Table 417.2. 
The floor construction and supporting structure for 
all floors within the control area shall require a 
minimum two-hour fireresistance rating. 



Table 417.2 
PERMITTED CONTROL AREAS' 



ffi,b 



Floor level 


Percent of 

allowable 

exempt 

quantities per 

control area 


Control areas 
per floor 


Vertical fire 

separation 

walls Qiours) 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7-9 
Higher than 9 


100 
75 
50 
12.5 
12.5 
12.5 

5 

5 


4 
3 
2 
2 
2^ 
2 
2 
1 


1 
1 
1 

2 
2 
2 
2 
2 



Note a. The number of floor levels below grade shall 
not exceed two. The first floor level before grade shall be 
limited to 75% of the maximum allowable exempt 
quantity per control area with a maximum of three 
control areas. The second floor level below grade shall 
be limited to 50% of the maximum allowable exempt 
quantity per control area with a maximum of two control 
areas. 

Note b. In mercantile occupancies, a maximum of two 
control areas per floor shall be permitted in retail sales 
rooms. 

417.2.1 Hazardous material In mercaQtik 
display areas: Except m modified by 780 CMR 
426, the aggregate quanti^ of nonflammable solid 
and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid 
hazardous materials permitted within a single 
control area of a retail sales occupancy is 
permitted to exceed the exempt amounts specified 
in Tables 307.8(1) and 307.8(2) without 
classifying the building as a high-hazard use 
group, provided that the materials are stored in 
accordance with the fire prevention code listed in 
AppendlxA. 

4113 Equipment rooms: Heating and ventilating 
equipment in occupancies involving fire hazards 
fcomjlammable vapors, dusts, combustible fibers or 
other highly combustible substances shall be 
installed and protected against fire and explosion 
hazards in accordance vdth the mechanical code and 
the fire prevention code listed in Appendix A. 

417o4 Hazardous materiaD systems: Systems 
involving hazardous materials shall be suitable for 
the intended application and shall be designed by 
persons competent in such design. Controls shall be 
designed to prevent materials from entering or 
leaving process or reaction systems at other than the 
intended time, rate or path. Automatic controls, 
where provided, shall be designed to be fail safe. 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



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83 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



417.5 Inside storage, dispensing and utilization: 

The inside storage, dispensing and utilization of 
hazardous materials in excess of the allowable 
exempt amounts of Tables 307.8(1) and 307.8(2) 
shall be in accordance with 780 CMR 417.5.1 
through 417.5.5 and the fire prevention code listed 
m Appendix A. 

417^.1 Explosion control: Every structure, room 
or space occupied for purposes involving 
explosion hazards shall be provided with 
explo^on venting, explosion suppression systems, 
barricades or equivalent explosion protective 
devices in accordance with 780 CMR 417.0 and 
NFiPA 495 listed in Appendix A where required 
by 780 CMR 418.0 and the fire prevention code 
listed vciAppentUxA. 

Exception: Explosion venting shall not be 
utilized as a means to protect buildings fi'om 
detonation hazards. 

417.5.1.1 Explosion venting: Areas which are 
provided with explosion venting to relieve 
deflagration shall comply ^th the following: 

1. Walls, ceilings and roofs exposing 
surrounding areas shall be designed to resist 
a mmimum internal pressure of 100 pounds 
per square foot (psf). 

2. Explosion venting shall be permitted 
only in exterior walls or roofs or through 
specially designed shafts to the exterior of 
the building. 

3. Venting shall be designed to prevent 
serious structural damage and the 
production of lethal projectiles. 

4. The aggregate clear vent relief area shall 
be governed by the pressure resistance of 
the nonrelieving portions of the building. 

5. Vents shall be designed to relieve at a 
maximum internal pressure of 20 pounds 
per square foot (psf) and shall consist of any 
one or any combination of the following: 

S. 1. Walls of lightweight material. 

5.2. Lightly fastened hatch covers. 

5.3. Lightly fastened, oiitward-opening 
swinging doors in exterior walls. 

5.4. Lightly fastened walls or roofs. 

6. Venting devices shall discharge directly 
to the open air or to an unoccupied space 
not less than 50 feet in width on the same 
lot. 

7. Relievuig devices shall be so located 
that the discharge shall not be less than ten 
feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally fi'om 
window openings or exits in the same or 
adjoining buildings or structures. 

8. Discharge shall be in the direction of 
least exposure and not into the interior of 
the building. 

417.5.1.2 Explosion suppression systems: 

Explosion suppression systems shall be of an 
approved type and installed in accordance with 



the provisions of 780 CMR and NFiPA 69 
listed in Appendix A. 

417.5.2 Monitor control equipment: Monitor 
control equipment shall be pro\dded where 
required by the fire prevention code listed in 
Appendix A. 

417.5.3 Detection systems: All occupancies in 
Use Group H shall be provided with an automatic 
fire detection system in accordance with NFiPA 
72 listed in Appendix A where required by the fire 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. The 
detection system shall be provided in the areas 
where the high-hazard materials are utilized and 
stored. 

417.5.4 Standby power:. ..Where mechanical 
ventilation, treatment systems, temperature 
control, alarm, detection or other electrically 
operated systems are required, such systems shall 
be connected to an emergency electrical system in 
accordance with 527 CMR 12.00 as listed in 
Appendix ^4 or a standby power system in 
accordance with 527 CMR 12.00 as listed in 
Appendix A. Such systems shall be independent 
of the public supply. 

417.5.5 Spill control, drainage and 
containment: Rooms, buildings or areas occupied 
for the storage of solid and liquid hazardous 
materials shall be provided with a means to 
control spillage and to contain or drain ofif 
spillage and fire protection water discharged in 
the storage area where required in 780 CMR 
418.0 and the fire prevention code listed in 
Appendix A. 

417.6 Outside storage, dispensing and utilization: 

The outside storage, dispensing and utilization of 
hazardous materials in excess of the exempt 
amounts shall be in accordance with 780 CMR. 
417.6.1 through 417.6.6 and the fire prevention code 
listed in Appendix A. 

417.6.1 Location: In addition to the general 
requirements of 780 CMR 417.6.2 through 
417.6.5, the outside storage of hazardous 
materials as listed in 780 CMR 307.0 shall be 
separated fi'om buildings and lot lines and into 
individual areas as specified in the fire prevention 
code listed in Appendix A, 

417.6.2 Protection from vehicles: Guard posts or 
other means shall be provided to protect outside 
storage tanks firom vehicular damage. 

417.6.3 Fire lanes and water supply: Fu'e lanes 
and approved water supplies shall be provided for 
outside storage areas as required by the code 
official. 

1 . Fire lanes. Fire lanes shall be provided to 
within 150 feet (45720 mm) of all portions of 
an outside storage area. Such fire lanes shall 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUELDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



comply with the provisions of the fire 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. 
2. Water supply. An approved water supply 
shall be provided. Fire hydrants capable of 
supplying the required fire flow shall be 
provided to within 150 feet (45720 mm) of an 
outside storage area. The water supply and fire 
hydrants shall comply with the provisions of 
NFiPA 24 and the fire prevention code listed in 
Appendix A. 

417.6.4 Weather protection: Where weather 
protection is provided for sheltering outside 
hazardous material storage areas, such storage 
shall not be considered inside storage pro\nded 
that all of the following conditions are met: 

1. Structure supports and walls shall not 
obstruct more than one side of the perimeter of 
the storage area. 

2. The distance firom the structure and the 
structure supports to buildings, lot UneSy public 
ways or means of egress to di public way shall 
not be less than the distance required for an 
outside hazardous material storage area 
without weather protection. 

3. The overhead structure shall be of 
approved noncombustible construction with a 
maximum area of 1,500 square feet (140 m^). 

417.6.5 Security: Any site occupied for the 
storage, utilization or handling of hazardous 
materials shall be provided vwth a fence not less 
than six feet (1829 mm) in height or otherwise 
secured fi'om public access. 

4n£jS FIsie suppression system: Areas occupied 
for the dispensing or utilisation of fUmmable 
hazardous materials which are located within 50 
feet of either a storage area or building, and 
vehicle-loading racks whetejlammabk hazardous 
materials are dispensed, shz31 be equipped with an 
approved automatic fire suppression system. 

Exception: Motor vehicle service stations as 
defined in NFiPA 30A listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 4iaO USE GROUPS H-1, H=2, H-3 
ANDH-4 

418.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 418.0 
shall apply to the storage and utilization of 
hazardous materials in excess of the exempt 
amounts listed in 780 CMR 307.8. All buEdings and 
structures with an occupancy in Use Group H shall 
also comply with the applicable provisions of 
780 CMR 417.0 and the fire prevention code listed 
in Appendix A . 

418.2 Use Group H°l: All occupancies in Use 
Group H-1 shall be constructed In accordance with 
the provisions of 780 CMR 418.2.1 and 418.2.2 and 
the fire prevention code listed in Appendix A. 



418.2.1 ConstnictioE: Occupancies in Use Group 
H-1 shall not be located in buildings that are more 
than one story in height, have basements or other 
spaces below grade, or which are attached to other 
buildings. The minimum ^re separation distance 
for all exterior walls of occupancies in Use Group 
H-1 shall be in accordance with the fire 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. All floor 
surfaces shall be spark resistant. 

418.2.2 Number of exits: There shall not be less 
than two exits from any area or space wherein Use 
Group H-1 materials are utilized or stored. All 
requu-ed exits shall discharge directly to the 
exterior of the building or structure. 

418.3 Use Group H-2: Occupancies in Use Group 
H-2 shall be constructed in accordance with 
780 CMR 418.3.1 through 418.3.4 and the fire 
prevention code listed m Appendix A. 

41S.3.1 Combustible dusts, grain processing 
arad storage: The provisions of 780 CMR 
418.3. 1.1. through 418.3.1.6 shall apply to all 
buildings in which materials that produce 
combustible dusts are stored or handled. 
Buildings which store or handle combustible dusts 
shall comply with the applicable provisions of 
NFiPA 61A, 61B, 61C, 6ia 65, 120, 651, 654, 
655, 664 and 8503 and the fire prevention code 
listed in Appendix A. 

41S.3.1J Type of tmstmctlm md hdght 
eiceptioiis: All buildings shall be of Type 1, 
Type 2 or Type 4 construction, within the 
height and area limitations of Table 503 for 
Use Group H-2; except that where erected of 
Type 1 or Type 2 construction, the heights and 
areas of gram elevators and similar structures 
shall be unlimited, and where of Type 4 
construction, the maximum height shall be 65 
feet (19812 mm) and except fiirther that, in 
isolated areas, the maximum height of Type 4 
structures shall be increased to 85 feet (25908 
mm). 

418^.1.2 Grinding rooms: Every room or 
space occupied for grinding or other operations 
that produce combustible dusts shall be 
enclosed with floors and walls that have not 
less than a two-hour fireresistance rating where 
the area is not more than 3,000 square feet (279 
m^, and not less than a four hour fireresistance 
rating where the area is greater than 3.000 
square feet (279 m^. 

418.3.1.3 CoiRveyors: Ml conveyors, chutes, 
pipmg and similar equipment passing through 
the enclosures of rooms or spaces shall be 
constructed diit tight and vapor tight, and be of 
approved noncombustible materials complying 
with 780 CMR 3010.0. 

418.3.1.4 Explosion relief: Means for 
explosion relief shall be provided as specified 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



in 780 CMR 417.5.1, or spaces shall be 
equipped with the equivalent mechanical 
ventilation complying with the mechanical 
code listed in Append A. 

418.3.1.5 Grain elevators: Gr^dn elevators, 
malt houses and buildings for similar 
occupancies shall not be located within 30 feet 
(9144 mm) of interior lot lines or structures on 
the same lot, except where erected along a 
railroad right-of-way. 

418.3.1.6 Coal pockets: Coal pockets located 
less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot 
lines or from structures on the same lot shall be 
constructed of not less than Type 2A 
construction. Where more than 30 feet (9144 
mm) from interior lot lines, or where erected 
along a railroad right-of-way, the minimum 
type of construction of such structures not 
more than 65 feet (19812 mm) in height shall 
be Type 4. 

418.3.2 Flammable and combustible liquids: 

The storage, handling processing and transporting 
of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in 
accordance with the mechanical code and the frre 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. Where a 
Class I, n or JEAflammable or combustible liquid 
is stored in tanks inside the building, the 
installation shall conform to 780 CMR 418.3.2.1 
through 418.3.2.10 and NFiPA 30 listed in 
Appendix A. The requirements shall only apply 
where tanks have an individual storage capacity 
that exceeds the exempt amounts specified in 
Tables 307.8(1) and 307.8(2). The fire area 
containing the tank(s) shall be classified as Use 
Group H-2. 

418.3.2.1 Mixed use groups: Where the 
storage tank area is located in a building of two 
or more use groups, the Use Group H-2 fire 
area shall be completely separated from 
adjacent fire areas in accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 3 13. 1.2. 

418.3.2.1.1 Height exception: Where 
storage tanks are located within only a 
single story, the height limitation of 
780 CMR 503.3 shall not apply for the Use 
Group li'2 fire area. 

418.3.2.2 Tank protection: All storage tanks 
shall be noncombustible and protected from 
physical damage. Afire separation assembly 
around the storage tank(s) shall be permitted to 
be classified as the method of protection from 
physical damage. 

418.3.2^ Tanks for Class I flammable 
liquid: All storage tanks for Class I flammable 
liquids shall be double-wall tanks. A double- 
wall tank shall consist of an approved tank 
conforming to the requirements of the 
mechanical code listed in Appendix A, 
installed within a completely enclosed 



noncombustible containment structure. The 
containment structure shall prevent the stored 
liquid from escaping into the room or area in 
which the tank is located. A leak detection 
alarm shall be provided to identify a leak of the 
primary wall of the tank. The alarm shall 
conform to 780 CMR 418.3.2.6. 

418.3.2.4 Suppression: The Use Group H-2 
fire area shall be equipped throughout with an 
approved automatic fire sprinkler system, 
installed m accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1, 
or with a foam-extinguishing system. The 
automatic fire suppression system shall be 
supervised by method 1, 2 or 3 of 780 CMR 
923.1. 

418.3.2.5 Leakage containment; A liquid- 
tight containment area compatible with the 
stored liquid shall be provided to retain 1 10% 
of the entire capacity of all the storage liquid in 
the event of a leak in a tank plus the capacity 
of the automatic fire suppression system 
activated for a period of 30 minutes. The 
storage tanks and the leakage containment area 
shall be provided with an approved method to 
drain manually Xh& flammable or combustible 
liquid. 

Exception: Rooms where only double-wall 
storage tanks conforming to 780 CMR 
418.3.2.3 are used to store Class I, II and 
TEA. Aflammable and combustible liquids 
shall not be required to have a leakage 
containment area. 

418.3.2.6 Leakage alarm: An approved 
automatic alarm shall be provided to indicate a 
leak in a storage tank and room. The alarm 
shall sound an audible signal, 15 dBa above the 
ambient sound level, at every point of entry 
into the room in which the leaking storage tank 
is located. An approved sign shall be posted 
on every entry door to the tank storage room 
indicating the potential hazard of the interior 
room environment, or the sign shall state, 
"Warning, when alarm sounds, the 
environment within the room may be 
hazardous." The leakage alarm shall also be 
supervised in accordance with 780 CMR 923.2 
to transmit a trouble signal. 

418.3.2.7 Tank vent: Storage tank vents shall 
terminate to the outdoor air. The vent 
termination shall be in an approved location a 
minimum of 12 feet (3658 mm) above adjacent 
ground level and ten feet (3048 mm) from a lot 
line, ventilation intake opening, openable 
window or door. 

418.3.2.8 Room ventilation: Storage tank 
areas storing Class I liquids, or Class U or niA 
liquids at temperatures siboye flash point, shall 
be ventilated ?x a rate sufficient to maintain the 
concentration of vapors within the area at or 
below 25% of the lower explosive limit. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



Ventilation requirements shall be determined 
by either calculations based on anticipated 
fugitive emissions or by sampling of the actual 
vapor concentration levels under normal 
operating conditions. The sampling shall be 
conduaed at a five-foot radius from each 
potential vapor source in the storage area. 
Provision shall be made for make-up air to 
avoid short-circuiting the ventilation. 

4183.2.9 Explosion ventlsig: Where Class I 
liquids are being stored, explosion venting 
shall be provided in accordance with 780 CMR 
417.5 

418.3.2ol0 Tank openings other tk&m vents: 
Tank openings other than vents &om tanks 
inside buildings shall be designed to ensure 
that liquids or vapor concentrations are not 
released inside the building and shall conform 
to 780 CMR 418.3.2.10.1 through 
418.3.2.10.5. 

418.3.2.10.1 Liquid tight: All tank 
openings at the maximum liquid level or 
below shall be liquid tight. 

418.3.2.10.2 Closed: All tank openings 
above the maximum liquid level shall be 
normally closed. 

418.3.2.10.3 Estemal valve: Each 
connection through which liquid is capable 
of gravity flow from a tank inside a building 
shall be provided with an external valve 
located as close as practical to, but not more 
than two feet from, the shell of the tank. 

418.3.2.10.4 Valves- m transfer 
connections: Tanks storing Class I or Class 
II liquids shall be pro'^ded with either a 
nonrally closed, remotely activated valve or 
an automatic-closing, heat-activated valve 
or other approved device on each liquid 
transfer connection below the Uquid level, 
except for connections utilized for 
emergency disposal. 

418.3.2.10.5 Overflow protection: Tanks 
shall be equipped with a device, or other 
means provided, to prevent overflow into 
the building. 

418.3.3 Liquefied petrokumt gas 4htnhutmn 
facilities: The dedgn and construction of propane, 
butane, propylene, butylene and other liquefied 
petroleum gas distribution facilities shall conform 
to the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 
418.3.3.1 through 418.3.3.5.2. The storage and 
handling of liquefied petroleum gas systems shaU 
conform to the fire prevention code listed m 
Appendix A. The design and instdiation of 
piping, equipment and systems which utilize 
liquefied petroleum gas shall be in accordance 
with the mechanical code listed in Appendix A. 
Liquefied petroleum gas distribution facilities 
shall be ventilated in accordance with the 



mechanical code listed in Appendix A and 
780 CMR 418.3.3.1. 

4183.3.1 Air movenieist: Liquefied petroleum 
gas distribution facilities shall be provided 
with air inlets and outlets arranged so that air 
movement across the floor of the facility will 
be uniform. The total area of both inlet and 
outlet openings shall be at least one square inch 
(0.00065 m^) for each one square foot (0.093 
m^ of floor area. The bottom of such openings 
shall not be more than six inches (152 mm) 
above the floor. 

418.3.3.2 ConstructioiB: Liquefied petroleum 
gas distribution facilities shall be constructed 
in accordance with 780 CMR 418.3.3.3 for 
separate buildings, 780 CMR 418.3.3.4 for 
attached buildings or 780 CMR 418.3.3.5 for 
rooms wthin buildings. 

418.3.3.3 Separate buildings: Where located 
in separate buildings, liquefied petroleum gas 
distribution facilities shall be occupied 
exclusively for that purpose or for other 
purposes having similar hazards. Such 
buildings shall be limited to one story in height 
and shall confonm to 780 CMR 418.3.3.3. 1 and 
418.3.3.3.2. 

418.3.3.3.1 Floors: The floor shall not be 
located below ground level and any spaces 
beneath the floor shall be solidly filled or 
shall be lefr unenclosed. 

418.3.3.3.2 Materials: Walls, floors, 
ceilings, columns and roofs shall be 
constructed of noncombustible materials. 
Exterior walls, ceilings and roofs shall be 
constructed of material designed for 
explosion venting or, if of heavy 
construction such as solid brick masonry, 
concrete block or reinforced concrete, 
explosion-venting windows or panels in 
walls or roofs shall be provided having an 
explosion-venting area of at least one square 
foot. (0.093 m) for each 50 cubic feet 
(1.40 m) of enclosed volume. 

41833.4 Attached buUdings: Where liquefied 
petroleum gas distribution facilities are located 
in an attached structure, the attached perimeter 
shall not exceed 50% of the perimeter of the 
space enclosed and the facility shall comply 
with 780 CMR 418.3.3.3 and 418.3.3.4.1. 
Where the attached perimeter exceeds 50%, 
such facilities shall comply with 780 CMR 
418.3.3.5. 

418.33.4.1 Fire separation assemblies: 
Sq)aration of the attached structures shaU be 
provided by fire separation assemblies 
having a fireresistance rating of not less 
than one hour and shall not have openings. 
Fire separation assemblies between 
attached structures occupied only for the 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



storage of LP-gas are permitted to have fire 

doors that comply with 780 CMR 716.0. 

Such fire separation assemblies shall be 

designed to withstand a static pressure of at 

least 100 pounds per square foot (psf) (488.2 

kg/m^), except where the building to which 

the structure is attached is occupied by 

operations or processes having a sunilar 

hazard. 

418.3.3.5 Rooms within buildings: Where 

liquefied petroleum gas distribution facilities 

are located in rooms within buildings, such 

rooms shall be located in the first story and 

shall have at least one exterior wall vnth 

suflBcient exposed area to permit explosion 

venting as provided for in 780 CMR 

418.3.3.5.1. The building in which the room is 

located shall not have a basement or 

unventilated crawl space and the room shall 

comply with 780 CMR 418.3.3.5.1 and 

418.3.3.5.2. 

4183.3.5.1 Materials: Walls, floors, 
ceilings and roofs of such rooms shall be 
constructed of approved noncombustible 
materials. Exterior walls and ceilings shall 
be either of lightweight materials designed 
for explosion venting or, if of heavy 
construction such as solid brick masonry, 
concrete block or reinforced concrete, 
explosion-venting windows or panels in 
walls or roofs shall be provided having an 
explosion-venting area of at least one square 
foot (0.093 m^) for each 50 cubic feet (1.40 
m^) of enclosed volume. 

418.3.3.5.2 Common construction: Walls 
and floor/ceiling assemblies common to the 
room and to the building within wluch the 
room is located shall have a fireresistance 
rating of not less than one hour and without 
openings. Common walls for rooms 
occupied only for storage^ of LP-gas are 
permitted to have openings which shall be 
equipped with %-hour approved opening 
protectives complying with 780 CMR 716.0 
or 718.0. Such walls and ceiling shall be 
designed to withstand a static pressure of at 
least 100 psf (488.2 kg/m). Where 
approved, 780 CMR 418.3.3.5.2 shall not 
apply where the building, within which the 
room is located, is occupied by operations 
or processes having a similar hazard. 

418.3.4 Dry cleaning plants: The construction 
and installation of dry cleaning plants shaU be in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR, 
the mechanical code, the plumbing code and 
NFiPA 32 listed in Appendix A. 

418.4 Use Group H-3: Occupancies in Use Group 
H-3 shall be constructed in accordance with the 



applicable provisions of 780 CMR and the fire 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. 

418.5 Use Group H-4: Occupancies in Use Group 
H-4 shall be constructed in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of 780 CMR and the fire 
prevention code listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 419.0 APPLICATION OF 
FLAMMABLE FINISHES 

419.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 419.0 
shall apply to the construction, installation and use 
of buildings and structures, or parts thereof, for the 
spraying of flammable paints, varnishes and lacquers 
or other flammable materials or mixtures or 
compounds used for painting, varnishing, staining or 
similar purposes. All such construction and 
equipment shall comply with NFiPA 33 and 34 
listed in Appendix A. 

419.2 Spray spaces: All spray spaces shall be 
ventilated with an exhaust system to prevent the 
accumulation of flammable mist or vapors in 
accordance with the mechanical code listed in 
Appendix A. Where such spaces are not separately 
enclosed, noncombustible spray curtains shall be 
provided to restrict the spread of flammable vapors. 

419.2.1 Spray booths: All spray booths shall be 
constructed of approved noncombustible materials 
and equipped with mechanical ventilating systems 
in accordance with the mechanical code listed in 
Appendix A. 

419.2.2 Spray rooms: All spray rooms shall be 
enclosed in fire separation assemblies with not 
less than a one-hour fireresistance rating. Floors 
shall be waterproofed and drained in an approved 
manner. 

419.2.3 Spray storage rooms: Rooms used for 
the storage of spraying materials essential to the 
flammable finish operation shall comply with 
NFiPA 30 and the fire prevention code listed in 
Append A. 

4193 Fire protection: An automatic fire 
suppression system shall be provided in all spray, 
dip and immersing spaces and storage rooms, and 
shall be installed in accordance vAih 780 CMR 9. 

780 CMR 42a0 MOBBLE UNITS 

420.1 For regulations pertaining to Mobile Units, see 
780 CMR 35, and 780 CMR R3. 

780 CMR 421.0 SWIMMING POOLS 
(Refia- to M.G.L, c 140, § 206 for fitrther 
requiremenis pertaining to public or semi-public, 
outdoor, inground smmndng pool enclosures, 
safety equipment, inspection, and penalties for 
violations.) 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



421.1 General: Swimming and bathing pools shall 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 421.0 
provided that 780 CMR 421 .0 shall not be applicable 
to any such pool less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep 
or having a surface area less than 250 square feet 
(23.25 m^), except where such pools are permanently 
equipped with a water-recirculating system or 
involve structural materials. For the purposes of 
780 CMR, pools are classified as private swimming 
pools, public swimming pools or semi-pubiic 
swimming pools, as defined in 780 CMR 421.2. 
Materials and constructions used in swimming pools 
shall comply with the applicable requirements of 
780 CMR. 

421.2 DeOnitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 421.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Fools, swimming, liot tubs and spas 

Above-ground/on-gronnd pool: See definition of 
private swimming pool. 

Barrier: A fence, a wall, a building wall or a 
combination thereof which completely surrounds 
the swimming pool and obstructs access to the 
swimming pool. (Refer to M.GcL. c 140^ § 206 
for required enclosure of public or semi-public, 
outdoor, inground swimming pools.) 
Hot tub (special purpose pool): A unit designed 
for recreational and therapeutic use which is 
shallow in depth and not meant for swimming or 
diving. These pools are not drained, cleaned or 
refilled for each user. It may include, but not be 
limited to hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold 
water mineral baths, air induction bubbles, or any 
combination thereof. Industiy terminology for 
such a pool includes but is not limited to, 
therapeutic pool, hydrotherapy pool, whirlpool, 
hot spa, hot tubs, fioat tanks, etc. This standard 
excludes residential units and facilities used or 
under the direct supervision and control of 
licensed medical personnel. 
In-ground pool: See definition of private 
swimming pool. 

Private swimming pool: Any structure that 
contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) in depth 
and which is used, or intended to be used, for 
swinmiing or recreational bathing in connection 
with an occupancy in Use Group R-3 or £-4 and 
which is available only to the family ^d guests of 
the householder. This includes in-ground, above- 
ground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs 
and spas. 

Private swimming pool, indoor: Any private 
swimming pool that is totally contained within a 
private structure and surrounded on all four sides 
by walls of said structure. 
Private swimming pool, outdoor: Any private 
swimming pool that is not an indoor pool 



Public outdoor, Ing^omid smimmmg pool: Any 
swimming pool which is used, or intended to be 
used, for swimming or recreational bathing by 
the general public Refer to M,G.L c 146, § 206 
for requirements pertaining to public or semi- 
public, outdoor, inground swimming pool 
enclosures, safety equipment, inspection, and 
penalties for violations. 

Public swimming pool, outdoor,' Any public 
swimming pool that is not defined as an outdoor, 
inground swimming pool 
Semi-public outdoor, inground swimming poot 
(as defined by M,G,L c 140, § 206) any 
swimming or wading pool on the premises of, or 
used in connection with, a hotel, motel, trailer 
court, apartment house, country club, youth 
club, school, camp, or similar establishment 
where the primaty purpose of the establishment 
is not the operation of the swimming facilities^ " 
Semi-public outdoor, inground swimming pool 
shall also mean a pool constructed and 
maintained by groups for the purposes of 
providing bathing facilities for members and 
quests only. Refer to M.G.L, c 140, § 206 for 
requirements pertaining to public or semi-public, 
outdoor, inground swimming pool enclosures, 
safety equipment, inspection, and penalties for 
violations. 

Semi-public swimming pool, outdoor: Any semi- 
public swimming pool that is not defined as a 
semi-public outdoor, inground swimming pool 
Spa: See definition of private swimming pool. 
Wading Pool: Aa poo! of water in a basin having 
m maximum depth of less than two feet intended 
chiefly as a wading place for children. It does 
not include any residential pool as herein 
defined, 

4213 Permits and coastruetion documents: A 
swimming pool or appurtenances thereto shall not be 
constructed, installed, enlarged or altered imtil 
construction documents have been submitted and a 
pemiit has been obtained firam the code official. The 
approval of all city, county and state authorities 
having jurisdiction over swimming pools shall be 
obtained before applying to the code official for a 
permit Certified copies of these approvals shall be 
filed as part of the supporting data for the permit 
application. 

421 J.i Construction documents: Construction 
documents shall accurately show dimensions and 
construction of the pool and appurtenances and 
properly established distances to lot lines, 
buildings, walks and fences, as well as details of 
the water supply system, drainage and water 
disposal systems, and all appurtenances pertaining 
to the swimming pool. Detailed construction 
documents of structures, vertical elevations and 
sections through the pool showing depth shall be 
included. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



421.4 Locations: Private swimming pools shall not 
encroach on any front or side yard required by 
780 CMR or by the governing zoning law, unless in 
accordance with specific rules of the jurisdiction in 
which the pool is located. A wall of a swimming 
pool shall not be located less than six feet (1829 
mm) from any rear or side property line or ten feet 
(3048 nun) from any street property line, unless in 
accordance with specific rules of the jurisdiction in 
which the pool is located. 

42L5 Structural design: The pool structure shall be 
engineered and designed to withstand the expected 
forces to which the pool will be subjected. 

42L5.1 Wall slopes: To a depth up to two feet 
nine inches (838 mm) from the top, Ac wall slope 
- shall not be more than one unit horizontal in five 
units vertical (1:5). 

421.5.2 Floor slopes: The slope of the floor on 
the shallow side of the transition point shall not 
exceed one unit vertical to seven units horizontal 
(1:7). For public pools greater than 1,200 square 
feet (111.6 m^), the slope of the floor on the 
shallow side of the transition point shall not 
exceed one unit vertical to ten units horizontal 
(1:10). The transition point between shallow and 
deep water shall not be more than five feet (1524 
mm) deep. 

421.53 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 for private pools, there 
shall be at least one skimming device for each 
1,000 square feet (93 m^) of surface area or 
fraction thereof For public pools where water 
skimmers are used, there shall be at least one 
skinuning device for each 500 square feet (55.8 
m^)ofsurface area or fraction thereof Overflow 
gutters shall not be less than three inches (76 mm) 
deep and shall be pitched to a slope of one unit 
vertical to 48 units horizontal (1:48) toward 
drains, and constructed so that such gutters are 
safe, cleanable and that matter entering the gutters 
will not be washed out by a sudden surge of 
entering water. 

421.5.4 Walkways: All public and semi-public 
swimming pools shall have walkways not less than 
four feet (1219 mm) in width extending entirely 
around the pool. Curbs or sidewalks around any 
swimming pool shall have a slip-resistant surface for 
a width of not less than four foot (305 mm) at the 
edge of the pool, and shall be so arranged as to 
prevent return of surface water to the pool. 



421.5.5 Steps and ladders: At least one means of 
egress shall be provided from private pools. All 
public and semi-public pools shall provide 
ladders to other means of egress at both sides of 
the diving section and at least one means of egress 
at the shallow section; or at least one means of 
egress in the deep section and the shallow section 
if diving boards are not provided. Treads of steps 
and ladders shall have slip-resistant surfaces and 
handrails on both sides, except that handrails are 
not required where there are not more than four 
steps or where the steps extend the full width of 
the side or end of the pool. (Refer to 521 CMR 
19.00, the Architectural Access Board's rules 
and regulations, for requirements pertaining to 
the accessibility of all public and semi-public 
swimming pools,) 

421.6 Water supply: All swimming pools shall be 
provided with a potable water supply, free of cross 
connections with the pool or its equipment. 

421.6.1 Water treatment: See 105 CMR 935.000 
Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools. 

421.6.2 Drainage systems: The swimming pool 
and equipment shall be equipped to be emptied 
completely of water and the discharged water 
shall be disposed of in an approved manner that 
will not create a nuisance to adjoining property. 

421.7 Appurtenant structures: All appurtenant 
structures, installations and equipment, such as 
showers, dressing rooms, equipment houses or other 
buildings and structures, including plumbing, 
heating and air conditioning systems, shall comply 
with all applicable requirements of 780 CMR, 
applicable zoning laws and requirements, 105CMR 
435.000: Minimum Standards for Swimming 
Pools (State Sanitary Code: Chapter V), 248 CMR 
2.00 : the State Plumbing Code, and 527 CMR 
12.00: the State Electrical Code. 

421.7.1 Accessories: All swimming pool 
accessories shall be designed, constructed and 
installed so as not to be a safety hazard. 
Installations or structures for diving piuposes 
shall be properiy anchored to insure stability. 

421.8 Equipment installations: Pumps, filters and 
other mechanical and electrical equipment for public 
swimming pools shall be enclosed in such a manner 
as to provide access only to authorized persons and 
not to bathers. Construction and drainage shall be 
arranged to avoid the entrance and accumulation of 
water in the vicinity of electrical equipment. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



421.9 Enclosures for outdoor, inground pubiic and 
semi-pubik swimming pools: Outdoor^ Inground 
public and semi-public swimming pools shall be 
provided with an enclosure In accordance with 
M.ai. a 140, § 206, 

421.9 J Enclosure for public and seml-puMk 
outdoor, inground swimming pools: Eveiy public 
and semi-public outdoor, Inground swimming 
pool shall be enclosed by a fence six feet in 
height and firmly secured at ground level 
provided that any board or stockade fence or 
structure shall be at least five feet in height, but 
if over five feet in height, the fence shall be 
chain link. Such enclosure, including gates 
therein, shall not be less than six feet above the 
ground, and any gate shall be self-latching with 
latches placed four feet above ike ground or 
otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to 
children up to eight years of age. Suck 
enclosure shall be constructed of such material 
and maintained so as not to permit any opening 
In said enclosure, other than a gate, wider than 
three inches at any point along the enclosure. 
Any such pool shall be equipped with at least 
one life ring and rescue hooL 

42L9.1.1 Enclosure for all other public and 
semi-public swimming pools: The enclosure 
shall extend not less than four feet (1219 mm) 
above the ground. All gates shall be self- 
closing and self-latching with latches placed 
at least four feet (1219 mm) above the 
ground. 

421.9.2 Constryctiora of enclosure for allothep 
public and semi-public swimming pools: 
Enclosure fences shall be constructed so as to 
prohibit the passage of a sphere larger than four 
inches (102 mm) in diameter through any opening 
or under the fence. Fences shall be designed to 
withstand a horizontal concentrated load of 200 
pounds (91 kg) applied on a one-square=foot 
(0.093 m2) area at any point of the fence. 

421.10 Enclosures for private swimming pools, 
spas and foot tubs: In lieu of any zoning laws or 
ordinances to the contrary, private svidmming pools, 
spas and hot tubs shall be enclosed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 42 1 .10.1 through 42 1 . 1 0.4 or by other 
approved barriers. 

421.10.1 Outdoor private swimming pool: An 
outdoor private swimming pool, including an in- 
ground, above ground or on-ground pool, hot tub 
or spa shall be provided with a barrier which shall 
comply with the following. 

1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 
inches (1219 mm) above finished ground level 



measured on the side of the barrier which faces 
away from the swimming pool. The maximum 
vertical clearance between finished ground 
level and the barrier shall be two inches (51 
mm) measured on the side of the barrier which 
faces away from the swimming pool. Where 
the top of the pool structure is above finished 
ground level, such as an above-ground pool, 
the barrier shall be at finished ground level, 
such as the pool structure, or shall be mounted 
on top ofthe pool structure. Where the barrier 
is mounted on top of the pool structure, the 
maximum vertical clearance between the top of 
the pool structure and the bottom ofthe barrier 
shall be four inches (102 mm). 

2. Openings in the barrier shall not allow 
passage of a four-inch (102 mm) diameter 
sphere. 

3. Solid barriers shall not contain indentations 
or protrusions except for normal construction 
tolerances and tooled masonry joints. 

4. Where the barrier is composed of 
horizontal and vertical members and the 
distance between the tops of the horizontal 
members is less than 45 inches (1 143 mm), the 
horizontal members shall be located on the 
swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing 
between vertical members shall not exceed \Va 
inches (44 mm) in width. Decorative cutouts 
shall not exceed VA inches (44 mm) in width. 

5. Where the barrier is composed of 
horizontal and vertical members and the 
distance between the tops of the horizontal 
members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, 
spacing between vertical members shall not 
exceed four inches (102 mm). Decorative 
cutouts shall not exceed 1% inches (44 mm) in 
width. 

6. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences 
shall be a 1 Vi-inch (32 mm) square unless the 
fence is provided with slats fastened at the top 
or the bottom which reduce the openings to not 
more than VA-mches (44 mm). 

7. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal 
members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum 
opening formed by the diagonal members shall 
be not more than VA inches (44 mm). 

8. Access gates shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 421.10.1 items 1 
through 7, and shall be equipped to 
accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian 
access gates shall open outwards away from 
the pool and shall be self-closing and have a 
self-latching device. Gates other than 
pedestrian access gates shall have a self- 
latching device. Where the release mechanism 
of the self-latching device is located less than 



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. 780 CMR - Sixth.Edition 



91 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate: 
(a) the release mechanism shall be located on the 
pool side of the gate at least three inches (76 mm) 
below the top of the gate; and (b) the gate and barrier 
shall not have an opening greater than V^ inch (13 
mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release 
mechanism. 

9. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of 
the barrier, one of the following shall apply: 

9. 1 . All doors with direct access to the pool 
through that wall shall be equipped with an 
alarm which produces an audible warning 
when the door and its screen, if present, are 
opened. The audible warning shall 
conmience not more than seven seconds 
after the door and screen door, if present, are 
opened and shall sound continuously for a 
minimum of 30 seconds. The alarm shall 
have a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 
dB A at ten feet (3048 mm) and the sound of 
the alarm shall be distinctive from other 
household sounds such as smoke alarms, 
telephones and door bells. The alarm shall 
automatically reset under all conditions. 
The alarm shall be equipped with manual 
mean's, such as touchpads or switches, to 
deactivate temporarily the alarm for a single 
opening from either direction. Such 
deactivation shall last for not more than 15 
seconds. The deactivation touchpads or 
switches shall be located at least 54 inches 
(1372 mm) above the threshold of the door. 

9.2. The pool shall be equipped with an 
approved power safety cover. 

10. Where an above-ground pool structure is 
used as a barrier or where the barrier is 
mounted on top of the pool structure, and the 
means of access is a fixed or removable ladder 
or steps, the ladder or steps shall be surrounded, 
by a barrier which meets the requirements of 
780 CMR 421.10.1 items 1 through 9. A re- 
movable ladder shall not constitute an accept- 
able alternative to enclosure requirements. 

421.10.2 Indoor private swimming pool: All 

walls surrounding an indoor private swimming 
pool shall comply with 780 CMR 421.10.1, item 
9. 

421.10.3 Prohibited locations: Barriers shall be 
located so as to prohibit permanent structures, 
equipment or similar objects from being used to 
climb the barriers. 

421.10.4 Exemptions: The following shall be 
exempt from the provisions of 780 CMR 421.0. 

1. A spa or hot tub with an approved safety 
cover. 

2. Fixtures which are drained after each use. 

421.11 Diving boards: Minimum water depths and 
distances for diving hoppers for pools, based on 
board height above water, shall comply with Table 
. 42.1 . 1 1 ( 1 ) for public pools andTable 42 1 . 1 1 (2) for 



private pools. 

The maximum slope permitted between point Dj 
and the transition point shall not exceed one unit 
vertical to three units horizontal (1:3) in private and 
public pools. D, is the point directly under the end 
of the diving boards. Dj is the point at which the 
floor begins to slope upwards to the transition point. 
See Figure 421.11. 

Figure 421.11 

MINIMUM WATER DEPTHS AND 

DISTANCES BASED ON BOARD HEIGHT 

FOR ALL PUBLIC, SEMI PVBUC AND 

PRIVATE POOLS 



>= 



/ 



TYPICAL POSITION OF TIP 

OF BOARD RELATIVE TO PT. A 



PT. B 



I 



WATER LINE 

PT. C PT. D 




TRANSITION POINT 



Table 421.1 1(1) 

MINIMUM WATER DEPTHS AND 

DISTANCES BASED ON BOARD 

HEIGHT FOR ALL PUBLIC POOLS 



Board height 


Minimum depth at 

Dj directly under 

end of board 


Distance 

between 

Dj and D2 


Minimum 

depth at 

D2 


2'2" (% meter) 
2*6" (% meter) 
1 meter 
3 meter 


7'0" 
7"6" 
8'6" 

iro- 


S'O" 

9'0" 
lO'O" 
lO'O" 


8'6" 

9'0" 

10"0" 

12'0" 



Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 

Table 421.11(2) 

MINIMUM WATER DEPTHS AND 

DISTANCES BASED ON BOARD HEIGHT 

FOR PRIVATE POOLS 



Board height 


Minimum 
depth atD] 
directly under 
end of board 


Distance 

between Dj 

and D2 


Minimum 
depth* at D2 


1 '8" ('-4 meter) 


6'0" 


7'0" 


7'6" 


2"2" (% meter) 
2'6" (% meter) 


6' 10" 
7'5" 


7'6" 

S'O" ■ 


8'0" 
8*0" 


3'4"(1 meter) 


8'6" 


9'0" 


9-0" 



Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 

780 CMR 422,0 EXISTING BUILDINGS 

422.1 Existing Buildings: See 780 CMR 34. 

422.2 Places of assembly 

422.2.1 Change of use: An existing building or 
structure or part thereof shall not be altered or 



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1 1/27/98 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE'AND OCCUPANCY 



converted into a place of assembly unless it 
complies with the provisions of 780 CMR 34 
applicable to places of assembly. 

780 CMR 423.0 GROUP RESIDENCE 

423.1 Scope: Except as may otherwise be 
specifically provided for in 780 CMR 423.0 , the 
requirements of 780 CMR, in its entirety, and as 
applicable, shall apply. 

423.1.1 Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) 
Group Homes: 780 CMR 423. shall not apply to 
premises operated or licensed by the Department 
of Mental Retardation (DMR) pursuant to 
115 CMR 7.00 and 8.00, upon the completion of 
a DMR safety assessment for each individual and 
an approved safety plan for each location where 
services and supports are provided. Such 
premises shall be treated as conventional R-4, R- 
3, R-2 andR-1 use as applicable. 

423.2 Definition: A group residence is a premise 
licensed by or operated by an agency of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts or subdivision 
thereof, as a special residence for those who are 
capable of self-preservation in the following 
categories: 

1. not more than 12 unrelated persons between 
the ages of seven and 15 years of age inclusive; or 

2. not more than 25 unrelated persons, 16 years 
of age or over; or 

3. a combination of 780 CMR 423.2 category 1 
and 2 above consisting of not more than 18 
unrelated persons over seven years of age 
calculated at the rate of two such persons, or 
portion thereof, fi-om Category 2 being equal to 
one such person in Category 1 all in accordance 
with Table 423.2. 

Note: In determining the classification for 
proposed use, group residence shall not be 
construed as being similar in any way to a multi- 
family dwelling, two-family dwelling, boarding 
home, 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 423.2 

Group Residence - Maximum Capacity, 

Combination of Categories 



Category 
Number 



Number of Residents per Category 

TIT 




423.2.1 Special definitions: For the purpose of 
780 CMR 423.0, the following terms shall be defined 
exclusively for use with group resi<knces: 



Self preservation: Having the capability, both 
mentally and physically, to take action to preserve 
one's own life. Specifically, to egress the building 
within 2Vi minutes. (Reference inspection 
procedures in 780 CMR 423.8 and 423.9.) 

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 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 780 CMR 423.6 and 423.9. 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 feet of grade, ramps, 
fire escapes, balcony evacuation systems, etc. 

AidSkorized inspectors: The state or local building 
official having jurisdiction and a representative of 
the licensing or operating agency having 
jurisdiction. 

Room: See definition of "Habitable space" and 
"Occupiable room" in 780 CMR 201.0. 

423.3 Existing buiiSngs: The requirements of 
780 CMR 423.0, shall also apply to existing 
dwelling units which are to be converted to a 
group residence and alternative requirements set 
forth in 780 CMR 34 that conflict with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 423.0 shall not apply. 

423.3.1 Height Unutations: Existing buildings, 
of Type 5B construction, greater than 2V2 
stories, or 35 feet in height may be allowed to 
be used (as an exception to Table 503) as a 
^oup residence. 

423.4 Hans and specifications: Plans shall be filed 
with the building official having jurisdiction in 
accordance with 780 CMR 110. Ofor any building to 
be constructed as, or altered for use as, a group 
residence under 780 CMR 423. 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. 

423. S Hazmdous contents: Any contents which 
represent a fire hazard ^eater than that which 
could be expected of ordinary household 
furnishings, shall not be allowed Storage shall not 
be allowed above the second floor. 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



93 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



423.5.1 Interior finish: Only Class I and Class II 
interior finish materials shall be allowed in the 
principal means of egress. In refinishing any 
other area, material having a Class III flame 
spread rating shall be allowed provided it does 
not ^crease the existing rating. The smoke 
contribution rating of any material shall not 
exceed 450 (see 780 CMR 704.0). 

423.5.2 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 fiame spread rating than permitted 

423.6 Egress: In existing buildings there shall be 
one means ofe^ess and one escape route serving 
eachfioor, remote as possible fiom each other and 
leading to grack. The stairway between the first and 
secoTid floors, ifunenclosed, may remain unenclosed 
to preserve functional and aesthetic requirements. 
In new construction, two 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 hour 
fireresistive construction. 

Exception: 

L Where the Group Residence is protected with 

a fire suppression system according to NFiPA 

1 3D or better as listed in Apperuiix A only one 

means of egress shall be required from floors 

above the grade floor in existing buildings and 

new construction. 

2. Where the Group Residence is protected with 

a fire suppression system according to NFiPA 

I3D or better as listed in Appendix A the 

enclosure of stairways is not required 

423. 7 Fire protection systems 

423. 7.1 Hazardous vertical openings: Openings 
to such spaces as laundry chutes, dumbwaiters, 
heating plenums or combustible concealed spaces 
shall be permanently blocked with one hour 
construction, as regulated by the provisions of 
780 CMR 7. 

423. 7.2 Automatic fire warning systems: An 
approved automatic fire warning system shall be 
provided in accordance with 780 CMR 9. 

423.8 Inspections: There shall be three mandatory 
types of inspections as described below. The results 
of such inspections s^l 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. 

423.8.1 Temporary certificate: The building 
official shall perform plan review and 
post-construction inspection to ensure that the 
building conforms to 780 CMR He shall issue a 



temporary certificate of occupancy effective for 
90 days only. 

423.8,2 Final certificate: Before issuance of the 
final certificate of occupancy, the authorized 
inspectors shall mutually conduct a test (see 
780 CMR 423.9.1) to ensure that the occupants 
are capable of self-preservation. 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 780 CMR 106.5 for 
purposes ofrecertijying both the building and the 
occupants. 

423.9 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. Therefore, 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 system. 

423.9.1 Direct test/fire drill: Afire drill shall be 
conducted as the direct test required by 780 CMR 
423.9. 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 
namefs) ofany occupants who failed to egress the 
building within 2V2 minutes, the date, time and 
place where said fire drill was held During the 
conduct of the drill, all staff personnel of the 
ff-oup residerwe shall isolate themselves from the 
occupants. The authorized inspector(s), when 
present, shall then cause to be blocked any one 
point in an egress route where the choice of an 
alternate route is possible, to simulate a 
hazardous condition, and the internal alarm 
system shall be activated for 2V2 minutes. 

423.9.2 Evaluation: Any occupant who fails to 
escape from the building and achieve egress 
outside the building at ground level within the 2V2 
minute period shall not be permitted to remain 
living in the residence. 

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. 

423.9.3 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 



94 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



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. 

423 JO Certificate of occupancy: Any certificate of 
occupancy issued for a building intended to be used 
as a group residence, as defined in 780 CMR 423.2, 
shall become invalid if the premises have not been 
licensed or authorized by an agency of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts within 90 days of 
the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy. 

780 CMR 424.0 DAY CAME CENTERS 

424.1 General: Day care centers in new or existing 
buildings shall be subject to the applicable 
provisions of 780 CMR and the special requirements 
of 780 CMR 424,0. 

424.2 Definitions: 

Day Care Center: Special occupancies in which 
clients receive care, maintenance, and 
supervision by other than relatives or legal 
guardians for less than 24 hours per day. Such 
day care centers include both child day care 
centers and adult day care centers licensed by the 
office for children or other state agencies or 
otherwise functioning as a day care center. 

Child Day Care Centers: Falling under the 
requirements of 780 CMR 424 and being a 
sub-set of day care centers, shall be those child 
day care centers so defined in 780 CMR 202. 

Smoke Stop Partion: For purposes of 780 CMR 
424.0, a smoke stop partion shall satisfy the 
requirements of 780 CMR 7 11.0 for a fire partion. 

424.3 Use Group Oassificmiom: 

424.3.1 Less than two years and nine months m 
age: Buildings and portions thereof licensed by 
the Office for Children as child day care centers 
for children two years and nine months in age or 
younger shall be classified as 1-2 use group. 

424.3.2 More than two years and nine months in 
age: Buildings or portions thereof licensed by the 
Office for Children as child day care centers for 
children more than two years and nine months in 
age shall be classified as E-use group. 

424.3.3 Adult Day Care Centers: Buildings or 
portions thereof licensed by agencies of the state 
or otherwise operating as day care centers and 
otherwise not classified 1-2 use or E-use shall be 
classified as B-use. • • 

Exception: In adult day care centers in which 
clients and staff" cannot evacuate the building 
with or without assistance in three minutes, 
such adult day care centers shall be classified 



in the 1''2 category and subject to 1-2 use 
provisions of 780 CMR 424.0. 

424.4 General Provisions: 

424.4.1 Means of Egress: Day Care Centers in 
new and existing buildings or portions thereof 
shall conform to the means of egress requirements 
as set forth in 780 CMR 10 and 780 CMR 34 as 
applicable and otherwise noted below in 
780 ChM 424.0. 

424.4.1.1 Exit Signs and Means of Egress 
Mghiing: Exit signs and means of egress 
lighting shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1023.0 and 1024.0 as applicable. 

424.4.1.2 Roof Egress: Where the roof of a 
building is used as part of the day care center, 
required means ofe^essfrom the roof shall 
consist of two enclosed stairways: complying 
as exits and providing two separate protected 
ways of travel to exit discharges; or the 
required means of egress from the roof shall 
consist of one enclosed stairway complying as 
an exit providing a protected way of travel to 
an exit discharge and a protected stairway 
from the roof leading to a corridor on the 
floor Erectly below the roof and such corridor 
shall lead to two remote and independent exits. 
Stairways shall comply with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 10 except as noted on 780 CMR 
424.4.2. 

424.4.L2.1 Additionai Roof Space 
Requirements: Where a roof is used by a 
day care center, there shall be a solid, 
smooth non-<:limbable fence or barrier a 
minimum of seven feet high on all sides and 
separating the day care center area from 
any other uses. Fences shall be set back at 
least three feet from the outside edge of the 
exterior wall below. A waterproof telephone 
or equivalent means of communication shall 
be located on the roof for use in 
emergencies and shall be openable without 
keys, coins, or special knowledge. 

424.4.1.3 Doors: All required means of egress 
doors shall be at least 36 inches in width. All 
other doors shall be at least 32 inches in width. 

Exception: Where the occupant load, as 
calculated in accordance with 780 CMR 
1008, requires door widths in excess of 36 
inches; door widths shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 ChM 1017.3 

424. 4.1.4 Handrails: Handrails shall conform 
to the requirements of 780 CMR 1022.0 and 
when the day care center clients include 
children, in addition to an upper handrail, a 
lovi'er handrail shall be installed between 20" 
and 24" above the nosing of the stair tread. 



^Iimi (Efiective llimi) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



95 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



424.4.1.5 Guards: Guards shall conform to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 1021. 0. 

424.4.1.6 Stairways: Stairways, whether 
required means of egress interior or 
exterior stairways or supplemental 
stairways, shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1014.0 and 
780 CMR 34.0 as applicable. 

Exception: Existing stairways shall not 
be required to satisfy the requirements of 
780 CMR 1014.6 unless so required by 
the Building Official in accordance with 
780 CMR 3400.4 or 3400.5. 

424.4.2 Mixed Use- New and Existing Buildings: 

424.4.2.1 Mixed Use- New Construction: In 
new construction mixed use buildings, day care 
centers shall conform to the separation 
requirements of 780 CMR 313.0. 

424.4.2.2 Mixed Use- Existing Buildings: In 

mixed use existing buildings the day care 
center walls shall conform to the separation 
requirements of 780 CMR 313.0 except that the 
floor - ceiling assemblies of the day care center 
for the 780 CMR 313.1.2 separation option 
shall, as a minimum, conform as follows: 

(a) For day care centers located above any 
usable space - the floor of the day care 
center shall have a minimum of a one hour 
fireresistance rating in buildings of Type 
2C, 3B and 5 construction; and a minimum 
of a two hour fireresistance rating in 
buildings of type 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 4 
construction. 

(b) For day care centers located below 
usable space, the ceiling of the day care 
center shall have at least a one hour 
fireresistance rating or the floor above shall 
be equipped with smoke detectors 
interconnected to the day care center fire 
warning system such that smoke detector 
activation on the floor above will initiate 
alarm in the day care center. 

424.4.2.3 Mixed Day Care Use: When a day 
care center contains children or adults of 
mixed ages such that it would be classified in 
both 1-2 and B or E and B use groups, the 
provisions for the most restrictive use shall 
apply unless the building or portion thereof 
satisfies the requirements set forth in 780 CMR 
313.0. 

424.4.3 Elevator Doors: In buildings with 
elevators, the day care center: 

(1) shall not be exposed directly to the 
elevator doors opening from the elevator shaft, 

(2) at least one of the required means of 
egress shall not be exposed to the elevator 
openings. 

Elevator door openings may be separated by two 
hour fireresistance rated construction creating 



elevator lobbies and where such lobbies exist, of 
780 CMR 424.4.3(1) and (2) are deemed satisfied. 

424.4.4 Fire Protective Signaling Systems: Fire 
protective signaling systems shall be installed in 
all day care centers and shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 917.0. 

Exception: Residential occupancies identified 
in 780 CMR 424.4.5, Exception 1. 

424.4.5 Automatic Fire Detection Systems: An 
automatic fire detection system shall be designed 
and installed in accordance with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 918.0; 780 CMR 424.4.2.2(b); 
780 CMR 424.4.5 and 780 CMR 424.5 as 
applicable. 

Exception I: Residential occupancies that 
incorporate day care center 1-2 or E- or B-Use 
and otherwise comply with all applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR 424, have a day care 
occupancy not exceeding 24 clients and 
otherwise do not have, nor are required to 
have, fire protection systems complying with 
780 CMR 917 and 780 CMR 918 shall be 
permitted to utilize single and multiple station 
smoke detectors in accordance with 780 CMR 
919. In such instances the requirements of 
780 CMR 923.2 shall not apply. 
Exception 2: Single story buildings or portions 
thereof with day care occupancies not 
exceeding 24 clients and which otherwise 
comply with all applicable requirements of 
780 CMR 424, specifically and 780 CMR 
generally, shall be required to utilize fire 
protection systems complying with 780 CMR 
91 7 and 780 CMR 918, but the requirements of 
780 CMR 923.2 shall not apply unless the 
building fire protection systems are otherwise 
required to conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 923. 

(Note to Exception 2: If the basement or 
cellar of such a building is used as a portion 
of the day care center, Exception 2 of 
780 CMR 424.4.5 shall not apply). 

424.4.5,1 Location of Detectors: Smoke 
detectors shall be installed to ensure total 
coverage of the day care center and also 
located in front of the doors to the stairways 
and in the corridor providing required means 
of egress on allfioors of the day care center, 
and comply with the smoke detector 
manufacturers listed requirements. 

424.4.5.1.1 Zoning: Specific smoke 
detector zoning shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 917.7.3 with smoke detectors 
spacing no greater than 30' unless 
otherwise allowed via manufacturer's 
listing requirements. 

424.4.5.2 Compatibility: Fire protection 
signaling systems and/or automatic fire 
detection systems that are interfaced shall 



96 



780.CMR- Sixth Edition 



11/27/98 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUELDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



be listed for such mechanical and electrical 
interfacing, 

424.4. 6 Story Height Limitations: The allowed 
basement and story locations of day care centers 
in new and existing buildings shall be limited by 
the provisions of 780 CMR 424.5, as applicable to 
the use group classification of the day care 
center, and Table 780 CMR 424.4.6. 

Table 424.4.6 

PERMITTED LOCATIONS AND REQUIRED 

SPRINKLER PROTECTION FOR 

DAY CARE CENTERS 

1-2 Child Care Occupancy Children Under Two Years Nine 
Months of Age 



Floor Level of 
Child Day Care 
Center 



Basement /Cellar 



1st Story 



2ndStory 



3rd Story 



4th Story and 
Hii 



figher 
•Child I 



Building Construction Type 



lA IB U 2B 2C 3A 3B 4 5A SB 



PS 



PS 



NP 



PS 



PS 



NP 



PS 



PS 



NP 



NP 



S NP 



NP 



NP NP 



NP 



S NP 



NP NP NP 



NP 



NP 



NP 



NP 



NP 



E Child Care Occupancy /Children Over Two Years Nine 
Months of Age 



Floor Level of 
Child Day Care 
Center 


Building Construction Type 


lA 


IB 


2A 


2B 


2C 


3A 


3B 


4 


5A 


SB 


Basement /Cellar 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


1st Story 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


2nd Story 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


P 


3rd Story 


PS 


PS 


PS 


S 


NP 


S 


NP 


S 


NP 


NP 


4th Story 


PS 


PS 


PS 


S 


NP 


s 


NP 


S 


NP 


NP 


5th to 7th Story 


PS 


PS 


PS 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


8th Story and 
Higher 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 


NP 



B - Day Care Occupancy /Adult (Elder) Day Care 



B-Use day care 
Facilities are not 
limited in where 
they may be 
located in a 
building 



Exception (1): 

Adullt day care centers falling under 
the "Exception" to 780 CMR 424.3.3 



'•f^^-"tin»' 



£m.mi: 



Exception (2): 

Adult day care centers of mixed-care 
use as described in 780 CMR 424.4.2.3 



KeytQT<^bk 

P = Permitted 

NP = Not Permitted 

S = Sprinklers Required / See 780 CMR 424.5 for 

Special Provisions 
PS = Partial Sprinklers Required / See 780 CMR 

424.5 for Special Provisions 

424.4.7 Meadng System: Any portable or 
permanent heater in spaces occupied by clients 
shall be separated from the occupied space by 
partitions, guards, screens, or other means. 
Space and unit heaters using combustible faels 
shall be prohibited (Also see 424.4.8) 

424.4.8 BoUer Rooms: Boilers, furnaces or other 
fire units shall be enclosed as required in the 
BOCA National Mechanical Code listed in 
Appendix A. Boiler room doors shall not open 
into occupied areas. 



424.4.9 High Hazard Restrictiom: A day care 
center shall not occupy the same building with, or 
be located within 200 feet of a high hazard 
occupancy. 

424.4.10 Accessibility for Persons with 
Disabilities: Accessibility requirements shall be 
in accordance with 521 CMR as listed in 
Appendix A. 

424. S Special Provisions: 

424.4.5.1 Application: Special provisions for 1-2, 
E and B use day care centers and relating to 
allowed location, special egress and special 
alarm requirements are found in 780 CMR 424.5 

424.5.2 1-2 VseAOtmeiBasemmS/C^laF/Stmy 

SjfcaSwns: In new and existing buildings, day 

care centers which are classified in the 1-2 use 

group shall comply with one of the following 

compliance options listed below. All required 

means of egress for day care centers classified in 

use group h2 shall lead directly So grade. 

L The location of the day care center shall 

be limited to the first floor, cellar and/or 

basement; or 

2 In buildings of Type 2E, 3A or 4 
comSmction which are fully sprinklered and 
comply with the special provisions of 
780 am 424.5.4.4, the day care center shall 
he located no higher than the third floor; or 
3. In buildings of Types lA, IE or 2A 
construction and are either fully sprinklered, 
or in which She day care center and all floors 
below are sprinklered, She day care center 
shall be located no higher than the third 
floor. 

NoSm: 

(1) Also see 780 CMR Table 424.4.6. 

(2) See special egress requirements of 
780 CMR 424.5.4. 

424.5.3 E-Use Allowed Basement/Cellar/Ssoty 
Mjge&tiom: In new and existing buildings, day 
cme centers which are classified in She E use 
group shall comply with one of the following 
compliance options listed below. All required 
means of egress for day care centers classified in 
mse group E shall lead directly So grade. 

1. The location of the day care center shall 
be limited So She second floor; first floor or 
cellar and/or basement, or; 

2. In buildings of Type 2B, 3A or 4 
consSmcUon which are fully sprinklered and 
comply with She special provisions of Section 
780 CMR 424.5.4.4, the day care center shall 
be healed no higher than She fourth floor; 
or; 

3. In buUdings of Types lA, IB or 2A 
construction which comply wish the special 
provisions of 780 CMR 424.5.4.4 and are 
either fully sprinklered, or in which She day 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) = corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



97 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



care center and all floors below are 
sprinklered, the day care center shall be 
located no higher than the seventh floor. 

Notes: 

(1) Also see 780 CMR Table 424.4. 6. 

(2) See special egress requirements of 
780 CMR 424.5.4. 

424.5.4 B-Use Allowed Basement/Cellar/Story 
Locations: In day care centers classified in the 
B-Use category and where staff and clients in an 
emergency can exit the building in no more than 
three minutes, with or without assistance, there 
is no restriction on locating of the day care 
center within any basement/cellar or story. 

Exception: In adult day care centers 
classified as day care 1-2 use see 780 CMR 
424.3.3. 

424.5.4 1-2 andE Use Egress Requirements Far 
Basement and Cellar Use: 

424.5.4.1 Basement or Cellar Use: A 
basement or cellar, as defined in 780 CMR 2, 
of a building of Type 3B or 5B construction 
may be used for a day care center in 
accordance with the following requirements: 

1. There shall be two separate and 
independent means of egress, remote from 
each other and leading directly to grade, 
or; 

2. there shall be two separate and 
independent means of egress, remote from 
each other and leading to two one hour 
fire-rated endosedsttdrways not more than 
four feet in height vertically which lead 
directiy to grade and are separated from 
any other use as an egress by one hour 
fire-rated partitions and self-closing doors, 
or; 

i. A combination of I and 2. 

424.5.4.2 Fire Protective Systems: Fire 
protection systems shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 424.4.4 and 
424.4.5; additionally in basement or cellar 
use, regardless of building construction type, 
smoke detectors shall be located in the first 
story above the basement or cellar location 
and in any story below grade that may exist 
below the basement or cellar day care 
location. Such smoke detectors shall be 
connected to the day care automatic fire 
detection system. 

424.5.4.3 Common Corridor Exit Access in 
Bml£ngs of Types 1, 2A and 2B 
Construction: In buildings equipped with a 
fire suppression system in conformance with 

780 CMR 9, a common exit access corridor 
shall be acceptable for providing access to two 
means of egress required in 780 CMR 
424.4,1, such common corridors used for 



exitway access may be subdivided, to provide 
separate and independent exitway access by 
using smoke stop portions complying, as 
applicable, with the provisions of 780 CMR 
711.0 for fire partitions. Access through 
interconnected rooms to either side of the 
smoke stop partition, as provided in 780 CMR 
424.4, shall be allowed as a method of 
complying with 780 CMR 424.5.4.3. If the 
doors in the smoke stop partitions are 
normally open, such doors shall be equipped 
with an automatic hold open device, actuated 
by either the building fire protective signaling 
system and/or the building automatic fire 
detection system to close automatically. 

424.5.4.4 1-2 and E use Day Care Centers 
Located in Upper Stories of a Building: In 
new and existing buildings containing 1-2 day 
care occupancies where the day care center is 
located above the first floor, and in new and 
existing buildings containing E use day care 
occupancies and where the day care center is 
located above the third floor, the day care 
center shall meet also the requirements of 
780 CMR 424.5.4.5 thru 780 CMR 424.5.4. 7. 

424.5.4.5 Telephone communication: The 
day care center shall have telephones located 
in every occupied room of the day care center 
and directiy connected to the building fire 
command center or to a constantly attended 
station within the building, if such exists, or 
otherwise such telephones shall utilize 
standard phone service with such phones 
having the capability of retaining, and upon 
manual selection, automatically dialing the 
emergency number of the fire department 
having jurisdiction. 

424.5.4.6 Alarm requirements: In addition to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 424.4.4 and 
424.4.5, on thefioor of the day care center 
and/or the floor below, the operation of any 
•water flow device, manual pull station, smoke 
or heat detector will initiate a special 
announcement for the day care center to 
evacuate or proceed to a specific area. The 
language of the announcement shall be 
acceptable to the building official and head of 
the fire department Smoke detectors shall be 
installed on the ceiling of thefioor below the 
day care center. Manual pull stations shall be 
required on thefioor located below the care 
center. 

424.5.4.7 Areas of refuge: In new and 
existing buildings containing E use care oc- 
cupancies where the day care center is located 
on the fourth through seventh floors, the day 
care center shall have direct access to a sepa- 
rate area which shall have a minimum of two 
hourfireresistance rated construction separa- 
ting it from the rest of the building. The area 
shall adjoin an enclosed stairway with afire 



98 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 .(Efifective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



resistance rating of at least two hours. The 
area shall be sized at nine square feet per 
person to accommodate the licensed client 
capacity and staff of the day care center. This 
provision shall apply to all centers located on 
the sixth or seventh floors of a building and to 
those centers on the fourth or fifth floors 
whose licensed capacity exceeds SO clients. 
(Also see Table 424.4.6.) 

780 CMR 425.0 SUMMER CAMm FOR 
CHEDREN 

425.1 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 accommodations for purposes of 
inspection, certification and inspection fees shall 
be considered as being similar to a dormitory in 
Use Group R-2 and subject to the following 
provisions of 780 CMR 425.9 

425.2 New and existing occupancies: 780 CMR 
425.0 shall apply to existing and new summer 
camps for children as defined in 780 CMR 425.1. 

425.3 Means of egress: All one-story, one-room 
buildings having 1,000 square feet or less and 
having 25 occupants or less shall require only one 
means of egress provided that: 

J. the length of travel does not exceed 50 feet 
from any point in the building to the outside at 
grades and, 

2. the minimum width for aisles and corridors 
shall be three feet 

425.3.1 Emergency escape: Every sleeping mom 
shall have at least one 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 36 
inches above the finish floor and with a 
maximum six foot drop from the window sill 
to grade below the window; and 

3. pronde a minimum net clear opening area 
5. 7 square feet The minimum net clear 
opening height dimension shall be 24 inches. 
The minimum net clear opening width 
dimension shall be 20 inches. 

425.4 Fire protection: Smoke detectors shall be 
required for existing and new residential units in 
accordance with 780 CMR 918.0 (919.0) of 
780 CMR. 

Excep&fn: Tents and other temporary shelters 
which are designed to sleep less than eight 

persons and which have an open side consisting 
ofgreato' than 1/6 of the perimeter of the shelter 



or which have built-in provisions for emergency 
escape. 

425.5 Mechanical: If camps are heated, then the 
building must conform to all applicable code 
sections and specialized codes, notwithstanSng any 

of the provisions in 780 CMR 425. 0. 

425. 6 Enforcement snd inspections: Enforcement 
shall be by the local building official who shall 
inspect and certify the summer camps yearly, prior 
So season opening. Fees charged shall be in 

accordance with 780 CMR 

780 CMR 426.0 BULK MERCHANDISING . 
RETAIL BUILDINGS 

426.1 General: Bulk Merchandising Retail 
Buildings have different fire and life safety risks 
than traditional retail buddings. This difference 
requires special attention to fire protection and life 

safety. The purpose of 780 CMR 426.0 is to 
provide standards to adequately deal with these 
differences, and to reduce the risk of life loss, 
injury, and excessive property damage from fire. 

426.2 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 426.0 
shall apply to buildings or structures defined 
h&'dn as Bulk Merchandising Retail Buildings or 
portions thereof containing high piled combustible 
storage as defined in 780 CMR 426. 2. L Unless 
otherwise noted in 780 CMR 426.0, the 
requirements for Bulk Merchandising Retail 
Bmildings shall be in accordance with the 
requirements set forth for Use Group M, 
Mercantile as defined in 780 CMR 309.0 or 
780 CMR 41 7. (if applicable). 

426.2.1 Definitions: Terms used in 780 CMR 
426. shall have the following meanings: 

Aerosol: A product that is dispensed from a metal 
can, up to a maximum size of 33.8 fl oz (1000 
ml) or a glass or plastic battle, up to a maximum 
size of four fl oz (118 ml) that is designed and 
intended to dispense an aerosol by a propellant 
Aerosols shall be classified by means of ike 
calculation of their chemical heats of 
combustion and shall be designated Level 1, 
Level 2, or Level 3 in accordance with Table 
426.2. 

Table 426.2 
AEROSOL CLASSIFICATION 



Chemical Heai of Combustion 



., ,, 0-8,600 BTUMjp'20kJ/^^^^^ .. 



Aerosol 
Level 



Group A Plastics: Products that utilize plastic, or 
Bon plastic products that utilize significant 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



99 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



plastic packaging materials, that have a high 
BTU content; ABS (acrylonitrile-hutadiene- 
styrene copolymer), Acetal (poly formaldehyde), 
Acrylic (polymethylmethacrylate), Butyl rubber, 
EPDM (ethylene-propylene rubber), FRP 
fiberglass reinforced polyester). Natural rubber 
(expanded), Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile' 
butadiene rubber), PET or PETE (polyethylene 
terephthalate), Polybutadiene, Polycarbonate, 
Polyester elastomer, Polyethylene, 
Polypropylene, Polystyrene (expanded and 
unexpanded), Polyurethane (expanded and 
unexpanded), PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater 
than 15% plasticized, e.g., coated fabric 
unsupported film), SAN (styrene acrylonitrile), 
SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber). 

Bulk Merchandising Retail Buildings: A building 
where sales areas contain high piled combustible 
commodities, or high piled, high hazard 
commodities as defined by 780 CMR 4 and 
780 CMR 3. 

Combustible Liquids: Any liquids having a 
flashpoint at or above 100 "F (38 "Q shall be 
known as Class II or III liquids. Combustible 
liquids shall be divided into the following 
classification: 

Class II ' Liquids with a flash point at or above 
100 "F (37.8 "Q and below 140 "F (60 X). 
Class UI-A - Liquids with a flash point at or 
above 140 "F (60 "Q and below 200 "F (93.3 T). 
Class III-B - Liquids with a flash point at or 
above 200 "F (93.3 'Q. 

Control Area: Is a buHSng or portion of a building 
within which the exempted amounts of 
hazardous materials are allowed to he stored, 
dispensed^ used, or handled. 

Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible 
destruction of, or irreversible alterations in 
tissue by chemical action at the site of contact 
A chemical is considered to be a corrosive if, 
when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits 
by the method described in Appendix A ofCFR 
49, Part 1 73, it destroys or changes irreversibly 
the structure of the tissue at the site of contact 
following an exposure period of four hours. 
This term does not refer to action on inanimate 
surfaces. [Source: Uniform Fire Code] 

Flammable Liquids: Any liquids having a flash 
point below 100 "F (38 "Q, and having a vapor 
pressure not exceeding 40 psia (276 kPa) at 
100 "F (38 "Q. Flammable liquids shall be 
known as Qass I liquids and shall be divided 
into the following classification: 
I'A Liquid - A liquid with a flash point below 
73 "F (218 "Q and a boiling point below 100 "F 
(37.8 'Q. 



I-B Liquid - A liquid with a flash point below 
73 "F (22.8 "C) and a boiling point at or above 
100 "F (37.8 "Q. 

I-C liquid - A liquid with a flash point at or 
above 73 'F (21 S/'Qand below 100 "F (3 7. 8 "C). 

High Piled Combustible Commodity: Storage of 
combustible materials in piles greater than 12 
feet (3.658 m) in height or combustible materials 
on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top 
of storage is greater than 12 feet (3.658 m) in 
height 

High Piled, High Hazard Commodity: Storage of 
combustible materials such as rubber tires, 
Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets 
and commodities with similar heat release 
characteristics where the top of storage is 
greater than six feet (1.829 m) in height 

Highly Toxic: Material which produces a lethal 
dose or lethal concentration which falls within 
any of the following categories. 

1. A chemical or substance that has a median 
lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per 
kilograms of body weight when administered 
orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 
300 grams each. 

2. A chemical or substance that has a median 
lethal dosage of more than 200 milligrams or 
less per kilogram of body weight when 
administered by continuous contact for 24 
hours, or less if death occurs within 24 hours, 
with bare skin of albino rabbits weighing 
between two and three kilograms each, 

3. A chemical or substance that has a median 
lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts 
per million by volume of gas or vapor, or two 
milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or dust, 
when administered by continuous inhalation for 
one hour, or less if death occurs within one 
hour, to albino rats weighing between 200 and 
300 grams each. 

Mixtures of these materials with ordinary 
materials, such as water, might not warrant 
classification as highly toxic While this system 
is basically simple in application, any hazard 
evaluation which is required for the precise 
categorization of this type of material shall be 
performed by experienced, technically competent 
persons. 

Oxidizer: A chemical other than a blasting agent 
or explosive that initiates or promotes 
combustion in other materials, thereby causing 
fire either of itself or through the release of 
oxygen or other gases. 

Qass I: An oxidizer whose primary hazard is a 
slight increase in the burning rate but which 
does not cause spontaneous ignition when the 



100 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



oxidim' comes in contact wish combustible 
matenah. 

Qass 2: An. oxidizer thai mil cause a moderate 
increase in the burning rate or that is capable of 
causing spontaneous ignition of combustible 
materials with which the oxidizer comes in 
contact 

Qass 3: An ojddizer that wiM cause a severe 
increase in the burning rate of combustible 
maierials with which the osdMzer comes in 
contact or that will undergo vigorous self- 
sustained decomposition due to coniaminaiion 
or ejqiosure to heat 

Qass 4: An oxidizer that is capable of an 
explosive reaction due to contamination or 
closure to thermal or physical shock 
Additionally, the oxidizer will enhance the 
burning rate and is capable of causing 
spontaneous ignition of combustibles. [Source: 
BOCA] 

Rack Storage: Combination of vertical, hortwrntal 
and diagonal members that ._ support stored 
materials infixed or portable racks. 

Shelf Storage: Storage on structures less than SO 
in. (76.2 cm) deep with shelves usually two ft 
(0.6 m) apart vertically and separated by 
approximately 30 in. (76.2 cm) aisles. 

Toxics: A material which produces a lethal dose or 
kthal concentration within any qfthefoUmving 
categories: 

1. A chemical or substance that has a median 
lethal dose (LDS0) of more than §0 milligrams 
per kilograms but not more than S0& milligrams 
per kilograms of body weight when administered 
orally to albino rats weighing between 20§ and 
300 grams each. 

2. A chemical or substance that has & median 
lethal dosage of more than 200 milligrams per 
Mlogram hut not more than 1, 000 milligmms per 
kilogram of body weight when administered by 
condnuoMs contact for 24 hours , or less if death 



occurs witMn 24 hours, with bare skin of albino 
rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms 
each. 

J. A chemical or substance thai has a median 
lethal concentration (LCSO) in air more than 
200 parts per million but not more than 2,000 
parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or 
more than two milligrams per liter but not more 
than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or 
dust, when administered by continuous 
imhalationfor one hour, or less if death occurs 
within one hour, to albino rats weighing between 
200 and 300 grams each. 

Unstable (Reactive): A chemical which in the pure 
state, or as produced or transported, will 
vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or 
become self-reactive under conditions of shock, 
pressure or temperature. 

Water Reactive Material: Material which explodes; 
violently reacts; produces flammable, toxic or 
other hazardous gases; or evolves enough heat 
to cause self-ignition or ignition of nearby 
combustibles upon exposure to water or 
moisture, 

426.3 Commodity Qassificadom Commods^es in 
storage and display shall be classified in 
accordance with the following NFPA Standards as 
listed in Appendix A 

13: Insialiaiion of Sprinkler Systems 

30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code 

SOB: Aerosol Products, Manufacture and 

Storage 

231: General Storage 

2S1C: Rack Storage of Materials 

231B: Storage of Rubber Tire 

430: Storage of Uquid and Solid Oxtdizers 

426.4 Fire Protection Requirements: Fire 
protection requirements shall be in accordance 
with Table 426.4. 



Table 4264. 
FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS 



Commodity 



Si&tofHigk- 

PUed Display 

Area (sqft) 

X 0.0929 form 



Fire Projection Reqmremmis 



Fke Suppression 

S^tem 
(780 CMR 426.S) 



Fire 
Alarm/NoUfieation 
(780 CMR 426.14) 



Fwe Deparlmeisi 

Access Doors 
(780 CMR 426.8) 



Hose Connections 
(780 CMR 426.7) 



Manual Smoke 

and Heei Vents 

(780 CMR 426.16 



d- 2,500 



NR 



NR 



NR 



NR 



NR 



MV 



2,501 " 12,000 



Yes 



NR 



NR 



NR 



NR 



■12.000 



Yes 



Yes 



Yes 



Yes 



Yes 



0-S00 



NR 



NR 



NR 



NR 



NR 



High 
Hozofd 



SO1-2J0O 



Yes 



NR 



NR 



NR 



NR 



2,501-12,000 



Yes 



NR 



Yes 



Yes 



NR 



'^'^ ^^■^*'f' 



Yes 



Yes 



M. 



Yfx 



NR = Not required 

1. For commo^ classifications definitions, see 426.3. 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected - 780 CMR -> Sixth Edition 



101 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

2. Areas that are separated by 60 ft of display area with suck areas not used for high piled storage, or that are 
separated with a one-hour fireresistance-rated separation barrier, can he considered as separated high piled areas. 

3. Jfthe buiMng is required to be sprinklered under 780 CMR, then the sprinkler system protecting the high piled 
storage area and 15 ft beyond shall be designed in accordancewith the appropriate NFPA Standard(s). 



426.5 Fire Suppression Systems: Fire sprinkler 
design and installation shall be provided in 
accordance with the applicable requirements set 
forth by NFPA 13, 30, 30B, 231, 231C, 231D, 430, 
as listed in Appendix A, or other nationally 
recognized codes and standards, or tests conducted 
in test laboratories as defined in 527 CMR 49.03, 
Appendix C as listed in Appendix A 

426.6 Storage Arrangement: Storage arrangements 
for fire protection purposes shall comply with 
requirements set forth by NFPA 13, 30, 30B, 231, 
231Q 231D, 430, as listed in Appendix A, or other 
nationally recognized codes and standards, or tests 
conducted in test laboratories as defined in 527 
CMR 49. 03, Appendix Q as listed in Appendix A 

426. 7 Hose Connections: A Class I automatic, 
wet-standpipe system shall be provided in 
accordancewith NFPA 14. Hose connections shall 
be located around the interior perimeter of the 
building within five ft of all required fire 
department access doors, adjacent to the latch side 
of the door. Hose connections shall be installed to 
accommodate 200ft of travel Stance to any point 
in the building. Where the most remote portion of 
the building exceeds 200 ft of travel distance from 
the required access doors, additional hose 
connections shall be provided in locations 
approved by the head of the fire department Hose 
connections shall be readily accessible and marked 
for fire department use only. When approved by 
the head of the fire department, the following 
exceptions shall be permitted 

Exception 1: Hose connections may be omitted 
when the following fire department building 
access and fire hydrant coverage is provided: 
minimum IS ft wide, unobstructed access 
roadways located within 20 ft of the building on 
at least three sides; minimum ten ft wide, 
unobstructed access route between the access 
roadway and the fire department access doors; 
and, fire hydrants in locations approved by the 
head of the fire department 

Exception 2: In lieu of a Class I standpipe 
system, a Class U automatic, wet'Standpipe 
system in accordance with NFPA 14 shall be 
permitted when the following fire department 
building access and fire hydrant coverage is 
provided: minimum 18 ft wide, unobstructed 
access roadways located within 50 ft of the 
buiMng on at least three sides; minimum ten ft 
wide, unobstructed access route between the 
access roadway and the fire department access 
doors; and, fire hydrants in locations approved 
by the head of the fire department The hose 



connections shall be located as described above 
for the Class I standpipe system. Occupant hose 
shall not be required, and the hose connections 
shall be marked for fire department use only. 

426.8 Fire Department Access Door: Fire 
department access doors shall be provided for fire 
department emergency access. Access doors shall 
be: 

1. located adjacent to fire department access 
roadways, 

2. provided with an approved exterior fire 
department accessible key cylinder operable lock 
device, 

3. provided with approved fire department 
identification signs, and 

4. provided such that all points of the floor 
area are accessible within 200 feet of travel 
distance 

Fire department access doors may be used as 
occupant egress doors. 

426.9 Fire Department Access Roadways: Fire 
department access roadways shall be provided on at 
least two sides of the building with such access to 
be approved by the head of the fire department 
prior to any construction. Fire hydrants shall be 
provided in locations approved by the head of the 
fire department 

426.10 Means of Egress: Means of egress shall be 
in accordance with the requirements set forth in 
780 CMR 10 for Use Group M, Mercantile unless 
otherwise modified herein: 

Exception: Exit access travel distance shall be 
limited to 200 feet 

If the only means of customer entrance is through 
one exterior wall of the building, two thirds of the 
required egress width shall be located in this wall 
At least one half of the required exits shall be 
located so as to be reached wititout passing through 
checkout stands. In no case shall checkout stands 
or associated railings or barriers obstruct exits, 
required aisles, or approaches thereto. 

426.11 Flammable/Combustible Liquids: The 
display, storage, protection, and maximum 
alhwable quantities offlammable and combustible 
liquids permitted in mercantile display areas shall 
be in accordance with NFPA 30, as listed in 
Append A 

426.12 Aerosols: The display, storage, protection, 
and maximum allowable quantities of aerosols 
permitted in mercantile occupancies shall be in 
accordance with of NFPA 30B. 



102 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/1 9/97 (Efifective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 

Table 426.13. 
DENSITY FACTOR FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EXEMPTION CALCULATIONS. 



Material 


ChM 


Solids pounds 
(cubicfeet) 


Liquid gallons 
(pounds) 


Gas cubicfeet^ 






X 0.4536 for kg 
(X 28.32 for liters) 


X 3.78 for liters 
(X 0.4536 forks) 


X 28.32 for liters 


Oxidiz/ers 


4 
3 
2 

1 


Notpermitted 
0.7 S 

LS 
12 


Not Permitted 

(0.75) 
. (U) 
(12i 


Not Permitted 
112.5 

9 
4.5 


Umtahle (reacdve) 


4 
3 
2 

1 


Not Permitted 

0.375 

0.3 

Unlimited 


Not Permitted 

(0.375) 

(0.3) 

Unlimited 


NotPermitted 
3.75 
1.5 

2.25 


Toxics 


AU 


0.6S 


(0.65) 


1.053 


Corrosives 


AU 


6.5 


0.65 


1.053 


Highly Toxic 


AU 


0.0013 


(0.0013) 


0.026 


Water Reactive 


3 
2 

1 


0.375 
0.3 

(Lm 


(0.0375) 
(0.3) 

— mm — _ 


Not Applicable 



I. Quantities may be increased by 100% in sprmklered buildings 



426.13 Non-flammable and non-combusiible 
hazardous materials: Non-flammable and non- 
combustible hazardous materials such as: 
Oxidizsrs, Unstable Materials, Toxics, Highly 
Toodcs, Corrosives, and Water Reactives shall meet 
theflfllowing requirements: 

Q = FxA 

where: 

Q = the maximum quantity in m single control 

ssreafiir mercantile display. 

F = the density factor as indicated in Table 

426.13. 

A = the area occupied flfr mercantile display. 

For computation purposes, the area shall not 

exceed 1,500 square feet (139.39 m^) per control 

me(L 

426.14 Fire Alarm or Notification Systems: Either 
a fire alarm system or emergency notification 
system, as described below and approved by the 
head of the fire department, shall be provided: 

1, Fire Alarm System: Thefire alarm system 

shall include the following: 

& Afire alarm system required for life safety 
shall be installed, tested, and maintained in 
accordance with applicable requirements of 
NFPA 70 and 72, as listed in Appendix A 
k AM systems and components shall be 
approved for the purpose for which installed, 
and all installation wiring or other 
transmission paths shall be monitored for 
integrity in accordance with NFPA 72, as 
listed in Appendix A 

c Manual fire alarm stations shall be 
provided in the natural path of escape near 
each required exit from an area. Each 
manual fire alarm station shall be accessible, 
unobstructed, visible, and of the same general 
type. 



d. Notification signals for occupants to 
evacuate shall be by audible and visible 
signals in accordance with NFPA 72 and 
CABO/ANSIAll 7. 1, as listed in Appendix A 
The general evacuation alarm signal shall 
operate throughout the entire building. 

e. Thefire alarm s^em shall be arranged to 
transmit the alarm automatically via any of 
the following means acceptable to head of the 
fire department and in accordance with 
NFPA 72: 

i Auxiliary Alarm System 
il Central Station Connection 
liL Proprietary System, or 
iVo Remote Station Connection. 

f. Thefire alarm control pand location shall 
be located in an area acceptable to the head 
of the fire department Where required, us 
remote annunciator shall be located in an 
area acceptable to the head of the fire 
department 

g. Other control systems intended to make 
the protected premises safer for building 
occupants including, but not limited to, duct 
smoke detectors, fire/smoke dampers, smoke 
management systems, fire door controls, shall 
be installed and monitored for integrity in 
accordance with NFPA 72, as listed im 
Appendix A, and a distinctive supervisory 
signal shall be provided to indicate a 
condition that would impair the satisfactory 
operation of the equipment 

k Supervisory attachments including, but 
not limited to, control valves, fire pump 
running conditions, float valves, shall be 
installed and monitored for integrity in 
accordance with NFPA 72 as lisetd w 
Appendix A, and a distinctive supervisory 
signal shall be provided to indicate a 



211 m (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR " Sixth Edition 



103 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



condition that would impair the satisfactory 
operation of the equipment 
L All building HVACfans shall be arranged 
to automatically shut down on any general 
alarm condition. Duct smoke detectors shall 
not be required. 

j. Waterflow initiating devices shall be 

arranged to initiate an alarm condition within 

one minute of being activated In addition, 

provisions shall be made to control and 

prevent false alarms due to water surges. 

2. Emergency Notification System: During a 

fire emergency, the emergency notification 

system shall sound an audible alarm in a 

continuously attended location for the purpose 

of initiating the evacuation plan required under 

780 CMR 426.15. 

426.15 Evacuation Planning and Training: An 
evacuation plan shall be submitted at the time of 
application for a building permit as part, of the 
required documentation pursuant to 780 CMR 1. 
lite Certificate of Use and Occupancy shall not be 
issued until the evacuation plan has been reviewed 
and approved by the head of the fire department 
Any changes to the evacuation plan shall not be 
effected until a revised plan has been submitted to 
and approved by the head of the fire department 
The evacuation plan shall detail procedures, define 
roles and responsibilities of employees, and shall 
include an egress plan indicating routes of travel to 
all exits. The evacuation plan shall be used to 
ensure the safe evacuation of all customers and 
employees. All employees shall be instructed and 
periodically trained with respect to their duties, as 
required by 527 CMR 10.25, as listed in 
Appendix A 

426.16 Smoke and Heat Venting: Adequate 
methods of manual heat and smoke venting shall 
be provided The method of operation, vent area, 
spacing layout, construction of vents and curtain 
boards or other acceptable means of addressing 
methods of heat and smoke venting shall be 
determined by an engineering evaluation and 
analysis. The analysis shall be reviewed and 
approved by the head of the fire department and 
shall contain sufficient detail to evaluate the 
hazard and effectiveness of the venting system. 

780 CMR 427.0 LIMITED GROUP 
RESIDENCE 

427.1 General: A building licensed by or operated 
by the Department of Mental Health or the Office 
for Children, Commonwealth of Massachusetts as 
a limited group residence: this is a special 
residence to include residents not capable 
self-preservation. 

427.1.1 Scope: A limited group residence shall 
have a maximum of 12 residents who are at least 
four years of age. Not more than four of the 



residents shall be impaired; provided, however, 
that more than four such residents may be 
impaired if the structure complies with 780 CMR 
427.2. A limited group residence shall be 
classified in the R-5 use category for code 
purposes. 

427. L 1.1 Department of Mental Retardation 
(DMR) Group Homes: 780 CMR 427.0 shall 
not apply to premises operated or licensed by 
the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) 
pursuant to 115 CMR 7.00 and 8.00, upon the 
completion of a DMR safety assessment for 
each individual and an approved safety plan 
for each location where services and supports 
are provided. Such premises shall be treated 
as conventional R-4, R-3, R-2 andR-1 use as 
applicable. 

427.1.2 Definitions: The following terms shall 
have the meaning indicated for the purpose of 
780 CMR 427.0: 

Existing building or structure: Any completed 
building or structure which has been legally 
occupied and/or legally used for a period of at 
least five years. Structures which fail to 
qualify with this definition shall comply with 
780 CMR 427.2. 

Resident: A client in need of care who resides in 
the Unuted group residence of the licensing or 
operation agency. Staff are not considered as 
residents under the provisions of 780 CMR 
427. 0. The licensing agency shall classify all 
residents in one of the following three 
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 years of age shall be 
classified as impaired 

Partialfy 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 without physical assistance 
and/or supervision or instruction by staff 
personnel and capable of negotiating any 
exitway of the limited group residence. 

427.1.3 Application of building code and 
reference: Except as may otherwise be 
specifically provided for in 780 CMR 427.0, the 
Massachusetts State Building Code shall apply 
in its entirety. 

Exception: Chapter 34 shall not apply. 

427.1.4 Mixed use occupancy: A limited group 
residence shall not be housed in a building used 



104 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



for any occupancy other than a limited group 
residenc& 

Excepihn: DwdUng umt(s) meeting the 
requirements of 780 CMR 427,0 may he 
incorporated within a building in residential 
use provided unit separation walk and 
floor-idling assemblies shall serve to 
completely separate the limited group 
residence and provided thai one of the limited 
group residence exitways is separate from the 
other uses. 

427.LS Plans and spedfieatiom: Plans shall be 
filed with the buUding official having 
prisdiction in accordance with 780 CMR 1W.9 

far any building to be constructed as, of altered 
for use as, a limited group residence under 
780 CMR 427.0. 

427.L6 Temporary certificate of occupancy: 
Upon satisfactory compliance with the code 
sections pertaining to building requirements, the 
building officiai shali issue a temporary 
certificate of occupancy in accordaBice with 
780 CMR 120.3 for a period not to exceed 90 
days. This temporary certificate of. occupancy 
specifically prohibits residents as defined in 
780 CMR 427.L2from inhabiting the building 
overnight until the building official issues the 
certificate of occupancy under 780 CMR 
427.L8. 

427.L7 Rules and reguiatiom of the Uceming or 
operating agency pertaining to and including, 
but not Umited to, smoking regulations, staffing 
ratios, and resident classifications skidS be 
provided to ike building officUd by ike licensing 
or operadng agency prior to the issuance of a 
certificaSe of occupancy. 

427.1.8 Certificate ofmxmpancy: Certificates of 
occupancy shall only be issued when a iiceme, if 
appropriate, and an affidavit from the 
Department of Mental Health or the Office for 
Children, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
have been accepted by the building official 
attesting to the satisfactory compliance with the 
applicable rules and regulations referenced in 
780 CMR 427.1.7. 

427.L9 Certificate &fin^ee£on: Certificates of 
inspection shall be issued by the builMng official 
in accordance with 780 CMR 106.0 and Table 
1§6. 

427.1.10 Failure to comply: The building officio! 
immediatdy upon bdng informed by written 
report or otherwise that a building or structure 
or anything attached therdo or connected 
therewith is bdng occupied m violation of 
780 CMR may revoke or suspend any permit, 
license^ certificate or other permission regulated 
by 780 CMR and granted by him, and m such 
building or structure shall be continued to be 



operated after such revocation or suspension. 
Suck revocation or suspension shall not 
preclude the building official from instituting 
appropriate action in accordance with 780 CMR 
118.0. 

427.2 New structures: All new structures shall be 
constructed, equipped, and maintained to the 
requirements of the One- and TwO'Family 
Dwdling Code and 780 CMR 427.0, shall be 
limited to two stories in height, and shall have 
dweOing unit(s) limited to one. story in height with 
direct access to grade without steps or changes in 
elevation other than ramps in accordance with 
780 CMR 11. Corridors shai! be of one hour fire 
resistive construction. 

427.Z1 Other requirements: New structures 
shall also satisfy the general requirements 
contained in 780 CMR 427.1 and 427.3. 

4273 Existing structures: Existing structures of 
any construction up to three stories or 40 feet in 
hdght may be converted and used for limited group 

residence occupancies. All residents classified as 
impaired as defined in 780 CMR 427.1.2 are 
restricted to those stories having direct access to 
grade without steps or changes in elevation other 
than ramps in accordance with 780 CMR 11. 

427.3.1 nird-stofy utilization: The third story of 
bmlMngs permitted by 780 CMR 427.3 may be 
omly occupied by staff. Other use of the third 
story is restricted to heating, ventilation units 
ami ordinary storage. All doors leading to ston" 
resident areas shall be maintained locked 

427.5.2 Vertical openings: Openings to such 
spm^ as laundry chutes, dumb-waiters, heating 
plenums or combustible concealed spaces shall 
be permanently blocked with one hour 
fireresistancc'-rated construction, in accordance 
with the provisions of 780 CMR 7, unless such 
imtaUadon is in compliance with the pertinent 
provisions of other sections of 780 CMR 

427.I.Z1 Firestopping and draftstopping: 

Firestopping and draftstopping shall be 
provided in accordance with 780 CMR 720. 

and the One- and Two^Family Dwelling Code 
or as approved by the building official 

427.3 J Bdtmsy Betasls: 

427.3.3.1 Corndor width: The minimum clear 
width of an exitway access corridor shali be 
three feet. 

Exception: In new structures the minimum 
clear width shall be four feet 

42733.2 Dead ends: In no case shall dead 
end corners exceed 30 feet Existing dead 

end corridors, wherever possible, shali be 
altered so that exitways shall be accessible in 
iM least two different directions from all points 
& corridors. 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



105 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



427.3.33 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. 

427.3.3.4 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 780 CMR 
1017.0. 

2. Hollow core doors shall not be 
permitted. 

427.3.3.5 Means of Egress: AU habitable 
floors shall be provided with at least two 
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 exposed to an unprotected open 
stairway. 

Exceptions: 

1. Open stairs may be used as one of the 
required means of egress when permitted 
by 780 CMR 427.3.3.6, Exception 3. 
However, in no case may both required 
means of egress traverse the unprotected 
open space. 

2. Access to one of the required exitways 
on sleeping room floors may be through 
adjoiidng rooms. 

427.3.3.6 Interior exitway stairs: Every story 
shall be provide with at least one enclosed 
interior stairway which discharge direcdy 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 hour, properly 
firestopped. Spaces below the stmrway(s) 
shall be enclosed to maintain the integrity of 
the one hourfireresistive construction of the 
stairway enclosure. Sttunvay(s) openings 
shall be protected by at least Gass "B" label 
one hour fire door assemblies. 

New stair construction shall comply with 
780 CMR 1014.0. Existing stairs shall 
comply with the One- and Two-Family 
Dwelling Code or as approved by the building 
officiaL 
Exc^idons: 

1. Secondary stairs not considered an 
exitway component may have door 
openings protected by a minimum 1 % 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 20 
minute fire rated, self-closing door or 
equivalent 

3. One stairway may be allowed to remain 
unenclosed to preserve functional and 
aesthetic requirements. 

427.3.3.7 Door widths: No single egress door 
in a doorway shall be less than 28 inches 
wide. 

Exceptions: 

1. Exitway door leaves shall not be less 
than 34 inches wide. 

2. Door leaves to resident bedrooms 
occupied by residents who are classified as 
"Impaired" shall not be less than 34 
inches wide. 

427.3.3.8 Basement/cdlar: Basements/cellars 
shall be provided with at least two acceptable 
exitways, one of which shall discharge 
directly to the outside of the building. 

Exception: Basement/Cellar areas with 
only one existing entrance from the outside 
only, and used solely as a mechanical 
space shall be permitted to maintain only 
one doorway which shall be maintained 
locked as an entrance/exitway. 

427.3.3.9 Emergency escape: All sleeping 
rooms shall have at least one 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 780 CMR 1010.4. 

427.3.3.10 Means of egress lighting: Means 
of egress lighting systems shall be provided in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1024. ft 

427.3.3.11 Locks: Locks installed in resident 
sloping 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. 

427.3.4 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 780 CMR 805. except that 
carpet type floor coverings shall possess a 
critical radiant flux of 0.22 w/cm? or greater. 

427.3.5 Fire suppression systems: Automatic fire 
suppression systems shall be provided and 



106 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



imtalM m accordance wiih NFiFA Standard 
No. 13D. 

Additions: 

I Exceptions listed in NFiPA Standard No. 

13D appUcable 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 
through 6; Exception 1 shall not apply. 

4. ■ The control valve(s) shall be secured in 
the open position. 

427.3.6 Fire alarm system: A manual fire alarm 
system shall be provided and installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 917.0 and specifically 
NFiPA Standard No, 72 as listed in Appendix A. 

427.3.7 Automatic protection alarm system: 
Approved smoke detectors shall be installed in 

accordance with 780 CMR 918,0 and specifically 
NFiPA Standard No. 72 as listed in Appendix A 
in the following locations: 

1. exitway access corridors not more than 30 
feet on center; 

2. congregate living areas other, than 
kitchens; 

3. at least one detector in all basement/cellar 
areas; and 

4. all sleeping rooms. 

Exception: Smoke detectors used in 
combination with automatic dosing 
devices may be substituted in each area 
aforementioned for the protection herein 
required. 

427.3.8 Supervision: All automatic and manual 

fire alarm systems shall be supervised in 
accordance with 780 CMR 923.1 or 923.2 

427.3.9 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 appuHenances. 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 at the combustion 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 
equipment 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 
equipped with the safety devices specified in 
780 CMR 427.3.9. 

2. Fireplaces which comply with 780 CMR 
2114,0 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 *F. A 
lock on the enclosure shall be required, 

427,3.10 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 or egress, 

427.3.10.1 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 havingjurisdiction. 

427.3.10.2 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. 

780 CMR 428,0 DEmXIFICATiON 
FACniriES 

428.1 General: A detoxification facility is a facility 
licensed or operated by the DepuHment of Public 
Health, Division of Alcoholism in accordance with 
the Rules and 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, 

428.2 Scope: Detoxification facilities shall be 
subject to the requirements of 780 CMR 428.0 for 
new and existing buildings which are to be used or 
operated as licensed facilities. 780 CMR 428,0 
shall establish the requirements appUcable to such 
facilities. Where specific reference is made to other 
sections of 780 CMR, to reference standards or 
other regulations, those requirements cited shall 
apply. Where no reference is specifically made, 
780 CMR, including 780 CMR 34, shall apply. 

428.3 Classification of Residents: All residents 
enrolled in the detoxification program shall he 
identified according to one of the following 



11/27/98 



• 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



107 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



classifications when evaluated by the facility 
personnel in accordance with the Rules and 
Regulations for Detoxification Facilities of the 
Division ofAlcoht^m of the Department of Public 
Health: 

1. Impaired 

2. Partially Impaired 

3. Unimpaired 

428.4 Definitions: The following terms shall have 
the meaning indicated for the purpose of 780 CMR 
428.0 only: 

Impaired: Anyone who will require assistance to 
egras the building 

Partially Impaired: Anyone who may require 
assistance to egress the building. 

Unimpaired: Anyone who appears able to egress 
the building without assistance. 

428.5 Use group classification: Detoxification 
facilities licensed and approved in accordance with 
these provisions shall be classified in the R'l use 
group. 

428.6 Mixed use occupancy: A portion of a 
building may be used for a detoxification facility 
provided that it is completely separated from the 
rest of the building by both horizontal and vertical 
fire separation assemblies of at least one hour 
fireresistance rating. 

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-1. 

428.7 Submission of plans: Plans shall be filed 
with the building official in accordance with 
780 CMR 110. Ofor any building to be constructed 
as, or altered for use as, a detoxification facility 
under 780 CMR 428.0. The plans shall also 
identify those rooms which comply with 780 CMR 
428.0 for use by the impaired. 

4288 Inspection and certification: The building 
official shall inspect and certify detoxification 
facilities once every two years. Fees shall be 
applied in accordance with Table 106 for the R-I 
Use Group. 

428.9 Resident location limitations: In buildings 
used as detoxification facilities in accordance with 
780 CMR 428.0, resident locations shall be limited 
according to the use and type of construction as 
provided in Table 428.9. All heights are in stories 
above grade. All buildings used as detoxification 
facilities in accordance with 780 CMR 428.0 shall 
be accessible to the Fire Department wherever 
escape windows are required 



Table 428.9 

RESIDENT SLEEPING ROOM LOCA TION 

UMITATIONFOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF 

CONSTRUCTION 



Classification 
ofResident 


Type of Building Construction 




lA 


JB 


2A 


2B 


2C 


3A 


3B 


4 


5A 


SB 


Impaired 


No 
limit 


8st 


4 
sL 


2 

St 


1 

St 


2 

St 


J 

St 


2 

St 


I 

St 


1 

St 


Partially 
impaired 


No 
limit 


No 
limit 


8 

St 


3 

St 


1 

St 


3 

St 


2 

St 


3 

St 


2 

St 


1 

St 


Unimpaired 


No 

limit 


No 
Smk. 


9 


4 


3 


4 


3 

SL. 


4 
SL. 


3 


2 



Note: * Impaired sleeping rooms in SB construction 
require either fitU building sprinklering or one hour fire 
rated separation for floor and ceiling of sleeping room 
walls. 

428.9.1 SprinMered buildings: Buildings which 
are completely sprinklered may have resident 
locations one story higher than allowed in Table 
428.9. 

428.9.2 Sleeping room limitations: Sleeping 
facilities in building licensed for use as 
detoxification facilities shall not be located 
below the first story. 

42810 Egress: At least two exitways located as 
remote as practicable from each, other shall be 
provided from eachfioor of the building. 

428.10.1 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 780 CMR 1 014. 0. 

428.10.2 All other sleeping rooms: All other 
sleeping rooms shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 10 in accordance with 
the provisions for the R-1 use group. 

42810.3 Corridors shall provide at least 36 
inches minimum nominal width. 

428.10.4 All means of egress doonvays shall be 
32 inches minimum nominal width. 

Exception: Egress doonvays from impaired 
sleeping rooms shall 36 inches' minimum 
nominal width. 

428.10.5 Every required exitway access corridor 
shall have a one hour fire-resistance rating and 
shall provide access to at least two approve 
exitways without passing through any 



108 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



intervening rooms or spaces other than corridors 
and lobbies. 

Exception: In buildings with a complete 
sprinkler system, exitway access corridors not 
required for the impaired or partially 
impaired may be separated from other use 
areas by non-fire rated partitions 

428.10.6 Stairways: Where not otherwise 
specified in 780 CMR 428.2, a stairway required 
as a means of egress shall be subject to these 
requirements: 

428.10.6.1 Stairways required to provide 
egress for the impaired shall be at least 36 

inches minimum nominal width. The total 
capacity of the stairways shall be adequate for 

the occupancy load served. 

428.10.6.2 Stairway enclosures shall have a 
fireresistance rating of one hour for buildings 
not exceeding three stories in height, and two 

hours for buildings exceeding three stories in 
height. 

428.10.6.3 Doors to the required exiiway 
stairways shall be fire doors complying with 
780 CMR 716.0 . Labeled fire doors shall 
have a maximum transmitted temperature 

end point of not more than 450 T (232 V) 
above ambient at the end of 30 minutes of 
standard fire test exposure. 

428.11 Interiorflnish: Interiorfinish requirements 
shall comply with Table 428.11. 

Exceptions: 

1. In buildings which are completely 
sprinklered, the interiorfinish requirements may 
be reduced one level except in sleeping rooms for 
the impaired. 

2. The interiorfinish classifications in existing 
buildings may be improved one level by the use 
of fire retardant coatings which have been 
approved when tested in accordance with ASTM 
E-84. 

TABLE 428.11 
INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS 



Location 


Walls 


Floor 


Ceiling 


Sleeping rooms, Impaired 


n 


II" 


n 


Corridors, Impaired 


I 


l" 


I 


Sleeping rooms. Partially 
impaired 


I 


/ 


i 


Corridors, Partially impaired 


1 


/ 


I 


All other exitway access 
corridors 


J I 


/i^ 


M 


Stairways 


I 


/ 


I 



Note I: Carpet type floor coverings shall withstand 
a test exposure of 0.45 watts per square centimeter 



when tested in accordance with 780 CMR 805.0. 

Note 2: Carpet type floor coverings shall withstand 
& test exposure of 0.22 watts per square centimeter 
when tested in accordance with 780 CMR 805.0. 

428.12 Fire alarm systems: Manual and automatic 
fire alarm systems shall be provided in accordance 

with 780 CMR 917,0 and 918.0 as they apply to 
Use Group R-L 

Exceptions: 

1, In rooms for the impaired and partially 
impaired the heat detectors required by 
780 CMR 918.0 shall be replaced with approved 
smoke detectors. 

2. Ail buildings or portions thereof regardless 
of the number of beds shall incorporate manual 
pull stations in conformance with 780 CMR 
917.0. 

428.12.1 Supervision: AM automatic and 
manualfire alarm systems shall be supervised in 
accordance with 780 CMR 923.1 or 923.2. 

428.13 Means of egress lighting: Means of egress 
lighting including an emergency lighting system 
shall be provided throughout the facility in 

accordance with 780 CMR 917.0. 

428.14 Smoke enclosure doors: Smoke enclosure 

doors shall be tight-fitting with approved hardware. 

428.15 Heating apparatus: The me of portable 
heaters, solid fuel burning room heaters and 
fireplaces shall be prohibited. 

428.16 Sprinkler systems: Where a complete 
building sprinkler system is installed it shall 
comply with the provisions of NFiPA Standard 
No. 13, as listed in Appendix A. 

428.16.1 All rooms used for sleeping for the 
impaired shall be sprinklered. 

Exception: A partial system required for 
sleeping rooms housing impaired individuals 
may he provided with u sprinkler system 
serving no more than six sprinklers, which 
may be connected directly to a domestic water 
supply system having 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 the domestic 
water supply. 

780 CMR429.0 GROUP DWEUING UNIT^ 

429.1 General: A Group Dwelling Unit is a 
dwelling unit licensed by or operated by the 



1 1/27/98 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



109 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Department of Menta! Retardation or the 
Department of Mental Health as special residence 
for up to four persons who may or may not be 
capable of self preservation from fire or other 
related hazards. Note, however, 780 CMR 429.1, 
Exceptions 1 and 2. The provisions of 780 CMR 
429.0 shall apply to both new and existing Group 
Dwelling Units. 

Exception 1: 780 CMR 429.0 shall not apply to a 
group dwelling unit operated or licensed by the 
Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) 
pursuant to US CMR 7.00 and 8.00, upon the 
completion of a DMR safety assessment for each 
individual and an approved safety plan for each 
location where services and supports are 
provided Such premise shall be treated as 
conventional R-4, R-3, R'2 and R-J use as 
applicable. 

Exception 2: Apartment programs as defined in 
104 CMR 17.13(2)(c) in which residents therein 
are also capable of self preservation (unimpaired) 
shall be exempt from all requirements of 
780 CMR 429.0. Such apartment programs shall 
be classified as R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4, as 
applicable. 

429.1.1 Classification of Use: Group Dwelling 
Units shall be classified as follows: 

Use Group R-2 - The Group Dwelling Unit(s) 
is (are) one or more of three or more dwelling 
units contained in the building. 
Use Group R-3 or R-4 - The Group Dwelling 
Unit(s) is (are) contained in a one or two 
family dwelling. 

429.1.2 Classification of Residents: Persons 
other than staff of the facility who occupy or 
intend to occupy Group Dwelling Units shall be 
classified by the Licensing or Operating Agency 
in one of the following three categories 
according to their capabilities for self 
preservation: 

Impaired: Any resident who is incapable of 
self preservation through physical, mental or 
developmental disability, so as to require 
physical, assistance from the staff of the 
Group Dwellihg Unit to exit the building or to 
reach an area of refuge within 2V2 minutes. 

Partially Impaired: Any resident who is 
capable with either supervision or instruction 
from the staff of the Group Dwelling Unit but 
without physical assistance; of eating the 
. building or reaching an area of refuge within 
2^3 minutes. 

Unimpaired: Any resident who is capable of 
exiting the building or reaching an area of 
refuge within 2V2 minutes without physical 
assistance, supervision or instruction. 



429.1.3 Application of building code and 
reference: Except as may otherwise be 
specifically provided in 780 CMR 429.0, 
780 CMR shall apply in its entirety. 

Exception: 780 CMR 34 shall not apply 
However, existing buildings may be used to 
house group dwelling units, provided thai 
they comply with the applicable portions of 
780 CMR 429.0, and have no outstanding 
violations of 780 CMR or the specialized 
codes. 

429.1.4 Plans and spedfieations: Plans shall be 
filed with the building official having 
jurisdiction in accordance with 780 CMR 110.0 
for any building to be constructed as, or altered 
for use as a Group Dwelling Unit under 

780 CMR 429.0. 

429.1.5 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: 
Upon satisfactory compliance with the code 
sections pertaining to building requirements, the 
building official shall issue a temporary 
certificate of occupancy in accordance with 
780 CMR 120.3 for a period not to exceed 90 
days. This temporary certificate of occupancy 
specifically prohibits residents as defined in 
780 CMR 429.1.2 from inhabiting the building 
overnight until the building official issues the 
certificate of occupancy under 780 CMR 
429.1.8. 

429.1.6 Corresponding Rules and Regulations: 
115 CMR (the Department of Mental 
Retardation) or 104 CMR 17.13 (the Department 
of Mental Health) as listed in Appendix A, 
pertaining to and including, but not limited to, 
smoking regulations, staffing ratios, and 
resident classifications shall be provided upon 
request to the building official by the Licensing 
or Operating Agency prior to the issuance of a 
certificate of occupancy. Note, however, 
780 CMR 429.1, Exceptions 1 and 2. 

429.1.7 Certification of Residents: The 
Licensing Agency shall certify the classification 
of each resident prior to application for a 
Certificate of Occupancy and shall regularly 
re-examine and, . where necessary, reclassify 
residents in accordance with Department of 
Mental Retardation or Department of Mental 
Health regulations as listed in Appendix A. 
Copies of the current certification of each 
resident shall be kept on file at the Group 
Ihvelling Unit, and shall be made available to 
the building official upon request Note, 
however, 780 CMR 429.1, Exceptions 1 and 2. 

429.1.8 Certificate of Occupancy: Certificates of 
occupancy shall be issued only when a license 
and/or affidavit from the Department of Mental 
Retardation or the Department of Mental Health 
have been provided to the building official 
attesting to the satisfactory compliance with the 



110 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY 



applicable rules and regulations referenced in 
780 CMR 429. L 6, the capabilities for self 
preservaiion of all residents, and, if appropriate, 
the intent to license the facility^ Upon 
compliance with all building requirements of 
780 CMR 429.0 and receipt of the Licensing 
Agency's affidavit, the building official shall 
issue a cerHficate of occupancy within 72 hours. 
In addition to the contents specified in 780 CMR 
120.4, the certificate shall indicate the category 
of Group Dwelling Unit for which the building 
has been constructed or altered, as defined in 
780 CMR 429.2. Note, however, 780 CMR 
429.1, Exceptions 1 and 2. 

429.2 Category ofUnit/CompUanee Optsom: Ne%v 
and existing building containing Group Dwelling 
Units shall be required to satisfy at least one 
compliance option presented for the appropriate 
category of residency as defined in 780 CMR 
429.2: 

Category A Group Dwelling Umi ~ May contain 

any or all of the resident classificatiopss. 

Category B Group DwelUng Umi - May contain 

onlypar^ally impaired or unimpaired residents. 

Category C Group Dwelling Umi = Shall contain 
only unimpaired residents. _ 

429.Z1 Category A Unit Compliance Options: 
Buildings housing Group Dwelling Units dossed 
as "Category A" shall comply with any one of 
the following compliance options: 

L The entire building shall be equipped with 
afire suppression system; or 
2. The building shall he of « protected 
construction type (Type I, 2A, 2B, 3A, 4 or 
SA). All interior stairways shall be enclosed 
to comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 
for interior exit%my stairways and shall 
discharge directly to the exterior of the 
building or into a code complying grade 
passageway or lobby. The building shall also 
be equipped with fire alarms complying with 
780 CMR 9 for the appropriate use group 
classification; or 

J. The Building shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 427.0; or 
4. If of unprotected construction (Types 2C, 
3B or SB), the building shall be equipped with 
fire alarms complying with 780 CMR 9 for the 
appropriate use group classification. No 
Group Dwelling Unit(s) shall utilize portions 
of the building above the second story. AM 
stories in the building shall be equipped with 
two approved, Independent esdtways (even if 
the building is classified in Use Group R-S). 
Interior exitway stairways shall be enclosed to 
comply with the requirements of 780 CMR for 
interior exitway stairways and ska!! discharge 
directly to the exterior of the building or into 



a code complying grade passageivay or lobby; 

or 

§. In those buildings of unprotected 
constructed (Types 2C, 3B or SB) where 
enclosure of interior exitway stainmys is 
impractical due to physical limitations of 
configuration of the building (e.g. split entry 
type stairways), the stairway(s) may be 
permitted to remain unenclosed, provided that 
all sleeping rooms are segregated from the 
open stairway by a minimum of one hour fire 
resistive construction and the exitways are 
arranged so thai a second means of egress is 
availablefrom each sleeping area which does 
not pass through the open stairway area. The 
building shall also be equipped with fire 
alarms complying with 780 CMR 9 for the 
appropriate use group classification. No 
Group Dwelling Unit shall utilize portions of 
the building above the second story. All 
stories in the building shall be equipped with 
' two approved, independent exitways (even if 
the building is classified in Use Group R-3). 

429.Z1.1 Limitation on location of 
impmred residents: All sleeping rooms of 

impaired residents shall either be located 
on the first story or on a story containing a 
horizontal exit complying with 780 CMR 
1019.0. 

429.Z2 Category 3 Unit Compliance Options: 
Buildings housing Group Dwelling Units 
classified as "Category B" shall comply with any 
one of the following compliance options: 

1. Any Category A compliance option; or 

2. All stories in the building shall be 
provided with two approved, independent 
exitways (even if the building is classified in 
Use Group R'-3). All interior stairways shall 
be enclosed to comply with the requirements 
of 780 CMR for interior exitway stairways 
and shall discharge directly to the exterior of 
the building or into m code complying grade 
passageway or lobby. The building also shall 
be equipped with fire alarms complying with 
780 CMR 9 for the appropriate me group 
classification. 

429.Z3 Category C Unit Compliance Options: 
Buildings housing Group Dwelling Units 
classified as "Category C" shall comply with any 
one of the following compliance options: 

1. Any Category A compliance option; or 

2. Any Category B compliance option; or 

3. The building shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 423.0. 

4293 Special Fire Saf^ Items: 

429.3.1 Hazfirdous Contents: No contents which 
represent afire hazard greater than that which 
could be expected of ordinary household 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



in 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



furnishings shall be permitted within a Group 
Dyvelling Unit 

. 429,3.2 Interior Finish: Interior finish in 
exitways and exitway access corridors shall be a 
minimum of Oass II, unless the building is 
equipped with a fire suppression system. 
Approved fire retardant paints may be used to 
improve the interior finish classification of 
existing construction to satisfy this requirement 

429.3.3 Locks: Double cylinder deadbolt locks 
which require a key operation on the side from 
which egress is to be made are not permitted in 
Group Dwelling Units. Locks of any type are 
prohibited on sleeping room doors of impaired or 
partially impaired residents or on any door which 
provides access to an exitway. 

429.4 Special inspection/fire drill: Prior to 
occupancy of the group dwelling unit the Licensing 
Agency shall conduct a fire drill to test the 
capability of residents to exit according to their 
residency classification. At least once every 90 
days, the Operating Agency shall also conduct a 
fire drill to test the capability of residents to exit 
according to their residency classification. Drills 



shall be held at unexpected times under varying 
conditions to simulate the unpredictable nature of 
fire emergencies. The building official may, at his 
option, participate in or witness the fire drill, or 
may accept an affidavit from the Operating Agency 
attesting to the performance of each resident or 
prospective resident The affidavit shall also 
specify the date, time and conditions of the drill, 
and shall list all participants and witnesses. 

429.4.1 Conduct of the Fire Drill:. During the 
conduct of the drill, one exit shall be blocked to 
simulate a hazardous condition and the alarm 
system shall be activated Successful 
performance for each resident shall be defined 
as his/her ability to exit the building, or where 
horizontal exits are provided to reach an area of 
refuge within 2V2 minutes of the activation of the 
fire alarm system. Only those staff members 
who are normally on duty shall be allowed to 
assist residents, and the only assistance 
permitted shall be that which is provided by the 
staff of the Group Dwelling Unit consistent with 
the classification of each individual resident 



112 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 5 



GENERAL BUILDING LIMITATIONS 



780 CMR 501.0 GENERAL 

SOLI Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 5 control 
the height and area of all structures hereafter 
erected, and additions to existing structures based on 
the type of construction, use group, frontage on open 
space providing exposure protection and access to 
structures for fire-fighting purposes, and the 
presence of an automatic sprinkler system . 

780 CMR 502.0 DEFUNTIIONS 

502.1 General: The following v\^ords and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 5 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Area, bmiiding: 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 such areas are included within the 
horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. 

Basement: That portion of a building which is partly 
or completely below grade (see "Story above 
grade"). 

Grade plane: A reference plane representing the 
average of finished ground level adjoining the 
building at all exterior walls. Where the finished 
ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, 
the reference plane shall be established by the 
lowest points within the area between the building 
and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 
six feet (1829 mm) from the building, between the 
building and a point sbc feet (1829 mm) from the 
building. 

Height 
BuUding-. The vertical distance from grade plane 
to the average height of the highest roof surface. 
Sitory: The vertical distance from top to top of 
two successive tiers of beams or finished floor 
surfaces; and, for the topmost story, from the top 
oiiht floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, 
where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof 
rafters. 

Mezzanme: An intermediate level or levels between 
the floor and ceiling of any story with an 
aggregate floor area of not more than Va of the 
area of the room in which the level or levels are 
located (see 780 CMR 505.0). 

Story: That portion of a building included between 
the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface 
of the floor or roof next above (also see 
"Mezzanine"). 



Story above grade. Any story having its finished 
floor surface entirely above grade except that a 
basement shall be considered as a story above 
grade where the finished surface of the floor 
above the basement is: 

1. More than six feet (1829 mm) above grade 
plane; 

2. More than six feet (1829 mm) above the 
finished ground level for more than 50% of the 
total building perimeter; or 

3. More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the 
finished ground level at any point. 

780 CMR 503.0 GENERAL HEIGHT 
AND AREA LIMITATIONS 

503.1 General; The heights and areas 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 780 CMR 3 and 6 
and shall not exceed the limitations fixed in Table 
503, except as specifically modified by 780 CMR 5 
and the following sections: 

.Esction Subject 

402.7 Covered mall buildings 

403 .3.3.1 High-rise buildmgs 

414.2 Airport traffic control towers 

416.3 HPM facilities 
418.3.1.1 Grain elevators 
426,& Bulk Merchandizing 

Retail Buildings 
3 1 03 . 3 . 5 Membrane structures 

503.1.1 Special - industrial occmpaincies: All 
buildings and structures designed to house low- 
hazard industrial processes that require large 
areas and unusual heights to accommodate 
craneways or special machinery and equipment, 
including, among others, rolling mills, structural 
metal fabrication shops and foundries, or the 
production and distribution of electric, gas or 
steam power, shall be exempt from the height and 
area limitations of Table 503. 

503.1.2 Opein parking structures: Open parking 
structures shall conform to the height and area 
limitations specified in 780 CMR 406.4. 

5§3,1,3 BuUdings on sasne lot: Two or more 
buildings on the same lot shall be regulated as 
separate buildings or shall be considered as 
portions of one building if the height of each 
building and the aggregate area of all buildings 
are within the limitations of Table 503 as 
modified by 780 CMR 504.0 and 506.0. The 
provisions of 780 CMR applicable to the aggre- 
gate building shall be applicable to each building. 



2/7797 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



113 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table 503 
HEIGHT AND AREA LIMITATIONS OF BUILDINGS^ 

Height limitations of buildings (shown in upper figure as stories and feet above grade plane) , and area limitations of 
one- or two-stoiy buildings facing on one street or public space not less than 30 feet wide (shown in lower figure as 
area in square feet per floor ). See Note a. 

Table notes appear immediately following table. 
N.P. = Not Permitted; N.L. = Not Limited 



=^^=-' ^ — . 

USE GROUPS 

Note a 


Type of Construction H 


Noncombustible 


Noncombustible/ 
Combustible 


Combustible 


Tvpel 


Type 2 


Types 


Type 4 


Type 5 


Protected 
Noteb 


Protected 


Unpro- 
tected 


Pro- 
tected 


Unpro- 
tected 


Heavy 
timber 


Pro- 
tected 


Unpro- 
tected 


lA 


IB 


2A 


2B 


2C 


3A 


3B 


4 


5A 


5B 


A-1 Assembly; theaters 


N.L. 


NX. 


5 St 65' 
19,950 


3 St. 40' 
13,125 


2 St. 30' 
8,400 


3 St. 40' 
11,550 


2 St. 30' 
8,400 


3 St 40' 
12,600 


1 St. 20' 
8,925 


I St 20' 
4,200 


A-2 Assembly; night clubs and 
similar uses 


N.L. 


N.L. 
7,200 


3 St. 40' 
5,700 


2 St. 30' 
3,750 


I St. 20" 
2,400 


2 St. 30' 
3,300 


1 St. 20' 
2,400 


2 St. 30' 
3,600 


1 St. 20' 
2,550 


1 St. 20' 
1,200 


A-3 Assembly; lecture halls, recre- 
ation centers, teraiinals, restaurants 
other than night clubs 


N.L. 


N.L. 


5 St 65' 
19.950 


3 St 40- 
13,125 


2 St 30' 
8,400 


3 St 40' 
11,550 


2 St. 30' 
8,400 


3 St 40' 
12,600 


1 St 20' 
8,925 


1 St. 20' 
4,200 


A-4 Assembly; churches 

Notec 


N.L. 


NX. 


5 St. 65' 
34,200 


3 St 40' 
22,500 


2 St 30' 
14.400 


3 St. 40' 
19,800 


2 St 30' 
14,400 


3 St 40' 
21,600 


1 St. 20' 
15,300 


1 St. 20' 
7,200 


B Business 


N.L. 


N.L 


7 St. 85' 
34.200 


5 St 65' 
22,500 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


4 St 50' 
19,800 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


5 St 65' 
21,600 


3 St 40' 
15,300 


2 St. 30' 
7,200 


E Educational Notec 


N.L. 


N.L. 


5 St. 65- 
34,200 


3 St 40- 
22,500 


2 St 30' 
14,400 


3 St 40' 
19,800 


2 St. 30' 
14,400 


3 St. 40' 
21,600 


1 St 20' 
15,300 
Noted 


1 St 20' 
7,200 
Noted 


F-1 Factory and industrial 
Moderate 


N.L. 


NX. 


6 St 75' 
22,800 


4 St. 50' 
15,000 


2 St 30' 
9,600 


3 St. 40' 
13,200 


2 St 30' 
9,600 


4 St. SO' 
14,400 


2 St. 30" 
10,200 


1 St. 20' 
4,800 


F-2 Factory and Industrial 

low Note h 


NX. 


N.L 


7 St 85' 
34,200 


5 St 65' 
22,500 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


4 St 50' 
19.800 


3 St. 40' 
14,400 


5 St 65' 
21,600 


3 St 40' 
15,300 


2 St 30' 
7.200 


H-1 High hazard, 

detonaton hazards Notes e,i,k,l 


lSt,20' 
16.800 


1 St 20* 
14,400 


1 St. 20' 
11,400 


1 St 20' 
7,500 


1 St 20' 
4,800 


1 St 20' 
6,600 


1 St 20' 
4,800 


1 St. 20' 
7,200 


1 St 20' 
5,100 


N.P 


H-2 High Hazard 

deflagration hazards Notee,i,jJ 


5 St 65' 
16,800 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


3 St 40' 
11,400 


2 St 30' 
7,500 


1 St 20- 
4,800 


2 St. 30' 
6,600 


1 St 20' 
4.800 


2 St. 30* 
7,200 


I St 20' 
5,100 


N.P. 


H-3 High Hazard 

physical hazards Notee,l 


7 St 85' 
33,600 


7 St. 85' 
28,800 


6 St 75' 
22,800 


4 St 50' 
15,000 


2 St 30' 
9,600 


3 St 40' 
13.200 


2 St 30' 
9.600 


4 St 50' 
14,400 


2 St 30' 
10.200 


I St. 20' 
4,800 


H-4 High Hazard 

health hazards Note e,l 


7 St 85' 
N.L. 


7 St 85' 
N.L. 


7 St 85' 
34.200 


5 St. 65' 
22,500 


3 St. 40' 
14,400 


4 St 50' 
19,800 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


5 St 65' 
21,600 


3 St 40* 
15,300 


2 St. 30' 
7.200 


I-l Institutional, residential care 


N.L. 


NX. 


9 St 100' 
19.950 


4 St 50' 
13.125 


3 St 40" 
8.200 


4 St 50' 
11.550 


3 St 40' 
8,400 


4 St50' 
12,600 


3 St 40' 
8.925 


2 St 35' 
4.200 


1-2 Institutional, incapacitated 

Notem 


N.L 


N.L. 


4 St 50* 
17,100 


2 St 30' 
11.250 


1 St 20' 
7,200 


1 St 20' 
9.900 


N.P. 


1 St. 20' 
10,800 


1 St 20* 
7.650 


N.P. 


1-3 Institutional, restrained 


N.L 


N.L. 


4 St 50- 
14.250 


2 St 30' 
9,375 


1 St 20' 
6,000 


2 St 30' 
8,250 


I St 20' 
6,000 


2 St 30' 
9,000 


1 St 20' 
6,375 


N.P. 


M Mercantile 


N.L. 


N.L. 


6 St 75' 
22.800 


4 St 50' 
15,000 


2 St 30' 
9.600 


3 St 40' 
13,200 


2 St 30' 
9.600 


4 St. 50' 
14,400 


2 St 30' 
10,200 


1 St. 20' 
4,800 


R-1 Residential, hotels 


N.L. 


N.L 


9 St 100' 
22,800 


4 St 50' 
15,000 


3 St 40' 
9,600 


4 St 50' 
13,200 


3 St 40* 
9,600 


4 St 50' 
14,400 


3 St 40' 
10,200 


2 St. 35' 
4,800 


R-2 Residential, multi-family 


N.L. 


NX. 


9 St 100' 
22,800 


4 SL 50' 
15,000 
Notef 


3 St 40' 
9.600 


4 St 50' 
13.200 
Notef 


3 St 40' 
9,600 


4 St. 50' 
14,400 


3 St 40' 
10,200 


2 St. 35' 
4.800 


R-3 Residential, 

multiple single family 


N.L 


NX. 


4 St 50- 
22.800 


4 SL 50' 
15,000 


3 St 40' 
9.600 


4 St 50' 
13,200 


3 St 40' 
9,600 


4 St 50' 
14,400 


3 St 40' 
10,200 


2 St. 35' 
4,800 


S-1 StoTJ^e, moderate 


N.L 


N.L 


5 St 65' 
19.950 


4 St 50' 
13,125 


2 St 30' 
8.400 


3 St 40' 
11.550 


2 St. 30' 
8,400 


4 St. 50' 
12.600 


2 St 30' 
8,925 


1 St 20' 
4,200 


S-2 Storage, low Noteg 


N.L 


N.L 


7 St 85' 
34.200 


5 St 65' 
22,500 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


4 St 50' 
19,800 


3 St 40' 
14,400 


5 St 65' 
21.600 


3 St 40' 
15,300 


2 St 30' 
7,200 


U Utility, miscellaneous 


NX. 


N.L. 



















Notes applicable to Table 503: 

Note a. See the following sections for 
780 CMR 504.2 AUowable height 



general exceptions to Table 503: 

increase due to automatic sprinkler system installation. 



114 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Eflfective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

GENERAL BUILDING LIMITATIONS 

780 CMR 506.2 Allowable area increase due to street frontage. 

780 CMR 506,3 Allowable area increase due to automatic fire suppression system' installation. 

780 CMR 506.4 Allowable area reduction for multi-story buildings. 

780 CMR 507.0 Unlimited area one-story buildings. 
Note b. Buildings of Type 1 construction permitted to be of unlimited tabular heights and areas are not subject to 
special requirements that allow increased heights and areas for other types of construction (see 780 CMR 503. 1 .4). 
Note c. For height exceptions for auditoriums in occupancies in JJst Groups A-4 and E, see 780 CMR 504.3. 
Note do For height exceptions for day care centers in buildings of Type 5 construction, see 780 CMR 504.4. 
Note e. For exceptions to height and area limitations of buildings for Use Group H, see 780 CMR 4 governing the 
specific use groups. 

Note f. For exceptions to height of buildings for Use Group R-2 of Types 2B and 3A construction, see 780 CMR 
504.6 and 504.7. . 

Note g. For height and area exceptions for open parking structures, see 780 CMR 406.0. 
Note h. For exceptions to height and area limitations for special industrial occupancies, see 780 CMR 503. l.L 
Note 1. Occupancies in Use Groups H-I and H-2 shall not be permitted below grade. 

Note J. Rooms and areas of Use group H-2 containing pyrophoric materials shall not be permitted in buildings of 
Type 3, 4, or 5 construction. 

Note k. Occupancies in Use Group H-I are required to be detached one-story buildings (see 780 CMR 707.1.1). 
Note L For exceptions to height for buildings with occupancies in Use Group H, see 780 CMR 504.5 
Note iM. Hospitals, other than college or school infirmaries, shall be constructed of Type I-B or higher 
construction. 
Note n. I foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 m^ 

503.1.4 Type 1 construction: Buildings of Type 1 Table 503 shall be increased one story and 20 feet 
construction which are permitted to be of (6096 mm). This increase shall not apply to 
unlimited tabular heights and areas by Table 503, buildings of Types 2C, 3 A, 4 and 5A construction 
are not subject to the special requirements that with an occupancy in Use Group 1-2, or to buildings 
allow increased heights and areas for other types with an occupancy in Use Group H-1, H-2 or H-3. 
of construction. The building height limitations for buildings with an 

occupancy in Use Group R specified in Table 503 
shall be increased one story and 20 feet (6096mm) 
where the building is equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 906.2.2 and the system is supervised 
in accordance with 780 CMR 923.1, method 1, 2 or 
3, but not to exceed a height of four stories or 60 feet 
(18288 mm). 

5M3 Auditoriums: The maximum height of 
auditoriums in Use Groups A-4 and E shall be 65 
feet (19812 mm) in buildings of Type 2B, 3 A, 4 or 
5A construction and 45 feet (13716 nun) in 
buildings of Type 2C, 3B or 5B construction. 

5M.4 Day care centers: The height limitations of 
Table 503 for day care centers classified as Use 
Group E, in buildings of Type 5 construction, shall 
be increased one story and 20 feet (6096 mm) 
provided that the total occupant load is less than 50 
persons. 

504.5 Higli-hazard use groups: Buildings and 
structures with an occupancy in Use Group H that 
requires unusual heights necessary to accommodate 
special manufacturing processes and equipment shall 
be exempt from the tabular height limitations, in 
feet, of Table 503. 



503.2 Area limitations: The area limitations 
specified in Table 503 shall apply to the maximum 
horizontally projected area of all buildings fronting 
on a street or a public space not less than 30 feet 
(9144 mm) i,n width with access from a public street, 

503.3 Height JimltaSJons: The height in feet and the 
number of stories above grade specified in Table 
503 shall apply to all buildings and to all separate 
parts of a building that are enclosed within/?re walls 
complying with the provisions of 780 CMR 7. A 
basement shall be considered as a story above grade 
where the finished surface of the floor above the 
basement is more than six feet (1829 mm) above 
grade plane; or more than six feet (1 829 mm) above 
the finished ground level for more than 50% of the 
total building perimeter; or more than 12 feet (3658 
mm) above the finished ground level at any point. 

780 CMR 504.0 HEIGHT 
MODIFICATIONS . 
504.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 504.0 
shall modify the height limitations of Table 503 as 
herein specified. 

504J? Automatic sprinkler systems: . Where a 
buDding is equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1, the building height hmitation specified in 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



115 



780 GMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



504.6 Type 3A construction: The height limitation 
for buildings of Type 3A construction with 
occupancies in Use Group R-2 shall be increased to 
six stories and 75 feet (22860 mm) where the first 
floor above the basement has a fireresistance rating 
of not less than three hours and the floor area is 
subdivided by two-hour fireresistance rated fire 
walls into fire areas of not more than 3,000 square 
feet (279 m^). 

504.7 Type 2B construction: The height limitation 
for buildings of Type 2B construction with 
occupancies in Use Group R-2 shall be increased to 
nine stories and 100 feet (30480 mm) where the 
building is separated by not less than 50 feet (15240 
mm) from any other building on the lot and from 
interior lot lines, the exits are segregated in nfire 
area enclosed by a two-hour fireresistance ratedy?re 
wall and the first floor construction has a 
fireresistance rating of not less than Wi hours. 

780 CMR 505.0 MEZZANINES 

505.1 General: A mezzanine or mezzanines in 
compliance with 780 CMR 505.0 shall be considered 
a portion of the floor below. Such mezzanines shall 
not contribute to the building area as regulated by 
780 CMR 503.2, Such mezzanines shall not 
contribute to the number of stories as regulated by 
780 CMR 503.3. The area of the mezzanine shall be 
included in determining Xh^fire area. 

505.2 Area limitation: The aggregate area of a 
mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall not 
exceed Vs of the area of that room. The enclosed 
portions of rooms shall not be included in a 
determination of the size of the room in which the 
mezzanine is located. In determining the allowable 
mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanine shall not 
be included in the area of the room. 

Exception: The aggregate area of mezzanines in 
buildings and structures of Type 1 or 2 
construction for special industrial occupancies in 
accordance with 780 CMR 503.1.1 shall not 
exceed % of the area of that room. 

5053 Egress: Each occupant of a mezzanine shall 
have access to at least two independent means of 
egress where such spaces require two means of 
egress in accordance with 780 CMR 1017.2. Where 
a stairway provides a means of exit access from a 
mezzanine, the maximum travel distance required by 
780 CMR 1017.2 shall be measured to the bottom of 



the stairway, 

505.4 Openness: A mezzanine shall be open and 
unobstructed to the room in which such mezzanine 
is located except for walls not more than 42 inches 
(1067 mrn) hi^, columns and posts. 
Exceptions 

1 . Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required 
to be open to the room in which the mezzanines 
are located, provided that the occupant load of the 
aggregate area of the enclosed space does not 
exceed ten. 

2. A mezzanine having two or more means of 
egress is not required to be open to the room in 
which the mezzanine is located, if at least one of 
the means of egress provides direct access to an 
exit from the mezzanine level. 

780 CMR 506.0 AREA MODIFICATIONS 

506.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 506.0 
shall modify the area limitations of Table 503 as 
herein specified. 

506.2 Street frontage increase: Where a building or 
structure has more than 25% of the building 
perimeter fronting on a street or other unoccupied 
space, the area limitations specified in Table 503 
shall be increased 2% for each 1% of such excess 
frontage. The unoccupied space shall be on the same 
lot or dedicated for public use, shall not be less than 
30 feet (9144 mm) in width and shall have access 
from a street by a posted fire lane not less than 18 
feet (5486 mm) in width. 

506.3 Automatic sprinkler system: Where a 
building, other than those with an occupancy in Use 
Group H-1, H-2 or H-3, is equipped throughout with 
an automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, the area 
limitation specified in Table 503 shall be increased 
200% for one-and two-story buildings and 100% 
for buildings more than two stories in height. 

506.4 Multistory buildings: The area limitations 
for buildings two stories in height shall be the same 
as the area limitations provided in Table 503 for one- 
story buildings. In buildings over two stories in 
height, the area limitations of Table 503 for one- 
story buildings shall be reduced as specified in Table 
506.4. 



116 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

GENERAL BUE.DING LIMITATIONS 



Table 506.4 
REDUCTION OF AREA LIMITATIONS 





lA&lB 

None 
None 


Type of Construclion 


Number of 
stories 


2A 

None 
None 


2B. 2C, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 
5B 


1 

2 


None 
None 


3 

4 


None 
None 


5% 
10% 


20% 
20% 


5 
6 


None 
None 


15% 
20% 


30% 
40% 


7 
8 


None 
None 


25% 
30% 


50% 
60% 


9 
10 


None 
None 


35% 
40% 


70% 
80% 



780 CMR 507.0 UNLIMITED AREAS 

S07.1 Oiie=story buildings: For all occupancies 
other than Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-4, A-5, E, H, I-l, 
1-3 and R, the area of buildings that do not exceed 
one story and 85 feet (25908 mm) in height, other 
than buildings of Type 5 construction, shall not be 
limited, provided that the building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 ; and the building 
is isolated as specified in 780 CMR 507.2. Buildings 
with an occupancy in Use Group 1-2 shall not be 
constructed of Type 3B construction. Except as 
modified by 780 CMR 9, fire areas of Use Group E 
are permitted in unlimited area buildings in 
accordance with 780 CMR 507.1.1. Except as 
modified by 780 CMR 9, fire areas of Use Groups H- 
2, H-3 and H-4 are permitted in unlimited area 
buildings in accordance with 780 CMR 507.1.2. 
Bulk Merchandising Retail Buildings designed, 
constructed and operated in accordance with 780 
CMR 426.0 shall be permitted to be constructed of 
unlimited area," 
Exceptions: 

1 . Buildings and structures of special industrial 
occupancies in accordance with 780 CMR 503. 1 . 1 
shall be exempt from the above height limitations 
and/ire separation distance requirements, and the 
automatic fire suppression system shall not be 
provided where such installations will be 
detrimehtal or dangerous to the specific 
occupancy as approved by the code official. 
Where located with afire separation distance of 
less than 30 feet (9144 mm), the exterior walls of 
such buildings shall be pro/ecferf or constructed to 
provide a fireresistance rating of not less than two 
hours. 

2. An automatic fire suppression system-&h2ill not 
be required for buildings of Type 2 or Type 4 
construction which are occupied exclusively for 
the storage of noncombustible materials that are 
not packed or crated in combustible materials: 



3. Buildings and structures of Types I and 2 
construction for rack storage facilities which do 
not have access by the public shall not be limited 
in height provided that such buildings conform to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 507.1 and NFiPA 
231 C listed in Appendix A. 

4. The automatic sprinkler system shall not be 
required in areas occupied for indoor participant 
sports, such as tennis, skating, swimming and 
equestrian activities, in occupancies in Use Group 
A-3 provided that: 

4.1.. Exit doors directly to the outside are 
provided for all occupants of the participant 
sport areas: and 

4.2. The building is equipped with a fire 
protective signaling system with manual fire 
alarm boxes installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 917.0. 

507.1.1 School buildings: For occupancies in Use 
Group E, one-story buildings of Type 2, 3 A or 4 
construction shall not be limited in area where a 
direct exit to the outside of the building is 
provided from each classroom and the building is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 
Exterior wails on all sides of such buildings shall 
comply with 780 CMR 507.2. 

507.1.2 Migh-Mz&rd use groups: Use Group H- 
2, H-3 and H-4 fire areas shall be permitted in 
occupancies in Use Groups F and S except as 
modified by 780 CMR 9, and in lecture halls and 
laboratories in Use Groups A-3, B, E and 1-2 in 
accordance with the limitations of 780 CMR 

507. 1 . Fire areas located at the perimeter of the 
building shall not exceed the area limitations 
specified in Table 503 as modified by 780 CMR 

506.2, based upon the percentage of the perimeter 
of the fire area that fronts on a street or other 
unoccupied space. Interior ^re areas shall not 
exceed 25% of the area limitations specified in 
Table 503. Fireresistance rating requirements of 
fire separation assemblies shall be in accordance 
with Table 3 13. 1.2. 

507,2 Exterior walls: The minimum fireresistance 

rating of exterior walls of one-story buildings of 

unlimited area shall be determined by the use group 

and the fire separation distance as specified in Table 

507.2, but shall not be less than the fireresistance 

rating required by Table 602 for the type of 

construction. The entire perimeter of one-story 

unlimited area buildings shall have a minimum/ire 

separation distance of 30 feet (9144 mm). 

Exception; The minimum fire separation 

distance of 30 feet (9144 mm) shall not apply to 

a wall facing another building on the same lot, 

provided that: 



11/27/98 



7S0 CMR - Sixth Edition 



117 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1. Such wall is constnicted as a^re wall in 
accordance with 780 CMR 707.0; 

2. The length of the^re wall does not exceed 
25% of the total perimeter of the unlimited area 
building; 

3. The adjacent building has a minimum ^re 
separation distance of 30 feet (9144 mm) on 
all sides, except for the side that faces the 
unlimited area building; and 

4. The adjacent building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 . 

507.2.1 Opening protective: Openings in 
exterior walls required by Table 507.2 to have a 
fire resistance rating of three hours or more shall 
be protected \^dth fire assemblies having a fire 
resistance rating of not less than three hours. 



Openings in exterior walls required by Table 
507.2 to have a fire resistance rating of two hours 
shall be protected with fire assemblies having a 
fire protection rating of not less than I'/z hours. 

Table 507.2 

MINIMUM FDIE RESISTANCE RATING 

OF EXTERIOR WALLS 



Use Group 


Fireresistance rating (hours) based on 
fire separation distance 


30 Feet or greater but 
less than 50 feet 


50 feet or 
greater 


E 
A-3.B.F-2.I-2.S-2 
FdJ^LSJ 


l'/2 

2 
3 







Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 



118 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 6 



TYPES OF'CONSTRUCTION 



780 CMR 601.0 GENERAL 

601.1 Scope: The provisions 780 CMR 6 shall 
control the classification of all buildings as to type 
of construction. 

601.2 Application of other laws: The provisions of 
780 CMR 6 shall not be deemed to nullify any 
provisions of the zoning law or any other statute of 
the jurisdiction pertaining to the location or type of 
construction of buildings, except as is specifically 
required by the provisions of 780 CMR. 

60L3 Hospitals.' Pursuant to MM.L & 111, § 51, 
hospitals other than college and school infirmaries 
shall he constructed of at least Type IB 
construction. 

780 CMR 602.0 CONCTRUCIION 
CLASSIFICATION 

602.1 General: All buildings and structures erected 
or to be erected, altered or extended In height or 
area shall be classified in one of the five 
construction types defined in Table 602 and 
780 CMR 603.0 through 606.0. 

602.2 False designation: A building shall not be 
designated as a given type of construction unless it 
conforms to the minimum requirements for that type. 

6023 Mimimum requirements: Where a type of 
construction is used that is superior to the minimum 
herein required for any specified use, height and area 
of the building, nothing in 780 CMR shall be 
construed to require full compliance with the 
specifications for the higher type; but the designated 
construction classification of the building shall be 
that of the lesser type, unless all of the requirements 
for the higher type are fulfilled. 

602.4 Noncombustibiiity requirements: Where a 
structure or a part of a structure is required to be 
constructed of noncombustible construction, the use 
of combustible elements, shall be permitted subject 
to the limitations of 780 CMR 602.0 without altering 



the construction classification. 

602.4.1 Roofs, floors and walls: Combustible 
elements in roofs, floors and walls are permitted 
to be used for the following components: 

1. Interior finish and trim materials as 
regulated by 780 CMR 803.0, 804.0 and 806.0. 

2. Light-transmitting /7/crj/i« as permitted by 
780 CMR 26. 

3. Fireretardant-treated wood complying with 
780 CMR 2310.0 as permitted by Table 602. 

4. Mastics and caulking materials applied to 
provide flexible seals between components of 
exterior wall construction. 

5. Roof covering materials as regulated by 
780 CMR 15. 

6. Thermal and sound insulation as permitted 
by 780 CMR 707.4.722.0. 1509.0. 2309.4 and 
2603.0. 

7. Exterior veneer and trim as permitted by 
780 CMR 1406.0. 

8. Nailing or furring strips as permitted by 
780 CMR 804.0. 

9. Windows and doors as permitted by 
780 CMR 706.4. 

10. Heavy thnber as permitted by 780 CMR 
1006.3.1, 714.2 and 714.4. 

1 1 . Partitions as permitted by 780 CMR 603.2. 

12. Roof structures as permitted by 780 CMR 
1510.0. 

13. Platforms as permitted by 780 CMR 
412.4.1. 

602.4.2 Ducts: The use of nonmetallic ducts is 
. permitted in accordance with the mechanical code 

listed in Appendix A . 

602.4 J Piping: The use of combustible piping 
materials is permitted in accordance with the 
mechanical and plumbing codes listed in 
Appendix A. 

602.4.4 Electrical: The use of insulated electrical 
wiring and related components is permitted in 
accordance with 527 CMR listed in Appendix A. 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



119 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDrNG REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table 602 
FIRE RESISTANCE RATINGS OF SIFRUCTURE ELEMENTS 





- ■- - 


Type of construction 780 CMR 602.0 




Noncombustible 


Noncombustible/Combustible 


Combustible 




Typel 

780 CMR 

603.0 


Type 2 
780 CMR 603.0 


Type 3 
780 CMR 604.0 


Type 4 

780 CMR 

605.0 


Types 
780 CMR 606.0 


Structure element 


Protected 


Protected 


Unprotected 


Protected 


Unprotected 


Heavy timber 
Notec 


Protected 


Unprotected 


Note a 


lA 


IB 


2A 2B 


2C 


3A 


38 


4 


5A 


5B 


1 Exterior walls 


Loadbearing 


' 


3 


21 0|2|2|2|1|0' 
Not less than the rating based on fire separation distance (see 780 CMR 705.2) - 




Nonloadbearing 


- Not less than the rating based on fire separation distance (see 780 CMR 705.2) - 


2 Fire walls and party walls 
(780 CMR 707.0) 


4|3|2|2| 2 |2| 2 j 2 | 2 ) 2 
-Not less than the fireresistance rating required bv Table 707. 1 - 




Fire enclosure of 
exits (780 CMR 
1014.11,709.0 
and Note b) 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


3 Fire separation 
assemblies (780 
CMR 709.0) 


Shafts (other than 
exits) & elevator 
hoistway(780 
CMR 709, 7 10.0 
&Noteb) 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


2 


1 


1 




Mixed use & fire 
area separations 
r780CMR313.0) 


- Not less than the fireresistance rating required by Table 313.1.2- 




Other Separation 
assemblies 
(Note i) 


1111 I 
-Note d - 


1 


1 


I 


1 


1 


4 Fire partitions 

asocMR 

711.0) 


Exit access 
comdors 
(Note g) 


- Not less then the fir 
-Noted- 


eresistano 


i rating requir 


edby780CMI 


i 10 11,4- 




Tenant spaces 
separations (Note 



1111 
-Noted- 


I 





1 


1 





5 Dwelling unit separations 

(780 CMR 71 1.0, 713.0 & Notes f 
&j) 


1111 1 
-Noted - 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


6 Smoke barriers (780CMR 71 2.0 & 
Note g) 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


7 Othernonloadbearing partitions 










-N( 



jted- 




















8 Interior load- 
bearing walls, 
loodbearing par- 
titions, col- 
umns, girders. 


Supporting more 
than one Soor 


4 


3 


2 


1 





1 





See 

. 780 CMR 

605.0 


1 





trusses (other 
than roof truss- 
es) & framing 
(780 CMR 
715.0) 


Supporting one 
floor only or a 
roof only 


3 


2 


I'/i 


1 





1 





See 

780 CMR 

605.0 


1 





9 Structural members supporting wall 
(780 CMR 715.0 & Note g) 


3 


2 


I'/a 


1 



-Not less th£ 


1 
infireresis 



tance rating o 


1 
'wall supportet 


1 





1 Floor construction including beams 
(780 CMR713.0& Notch) 


3 


2 


!'/« 


1 





1 





See 780 

CMR 

605.0. Notec 


1 





1 1 Roof construc- 
tion, including 
beams, trusses 


15' or less in 
height to lowest 
member 


2 


V/i 


1 


1 
-N 



oted- 


1 





See 780 

CMR 

605.0. Note c 


1 





and framing, 
arches & roof 
deck (780 CMR 
714.0 & Notes 


More than 15' but 
less than 20' in 
height to lowest 
member 


1 


1 


1 

-N 



ited- 











See 

780 CMR 

605.0 


1 





e.i) 


20' or more in 
height to lowest 



-Noted- 








See 
780 CMR 









120 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION 



Note a. For flreresistance rating requirements for structural membranes and assemblies which support other 

fireresistance rated members or assemblies, see 780 CMR 715. 1. 

Note b. For reductions in the required fu'eresistance rating of exit and shaft enclosures, see 780 CMR 1014.11 and 

710.3 

Note c. For substitution of other structural materials for timber in Type 4 construction, see 780 CMR 2304,2. 

Note d. For fu^e retardant-treated wood permitted in roof construction and nonloadbearing walls where the required 

fireresistance rating is one hour or less, see 780 CMR 603.2 and 23 10.0. 

Note e. For permitted uses of heavy timber in roof construction in buildings of Types 1 and 2 construction, see 

780 CMR 7 14.4. 

Note £ For reductions in required fireresistance ratings of tenant separations and dwelling unit separations, see 

780 CMR 1011.4 and 1011.4.1. 

Note g. For exceptions to the required fureresistance rating of construction supporting exit access corridor walls, tenant 

separation walls in covered mall buildings, and smoke barriers, see 780 CMR 71 1.4 and 712.2. 

Note h. For buildings having habitable or occupiable stories or basements below grade, see 780 CMR 1006.3.1. 

Note i. Not less than the rating required by 780 CMR 

Note j. For Use Group R-3, see 780 CMR 3 10.5. 

Note k. Fireresistance ratings are expressed in hours. 

Note L 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 



780 CMR 6(B«0 TYPES 1 AND.2 
CONSTRUCTION 

603.1 Gesieral: Buildings and structures of Tjrpes 1 
and 2 construction are those in which the walls, 
partitions, structure elements, floors, ceilings, roofs 
and exits are constructed of approved 
noncombustible materials. Each structure element 
shall not be less than the required Rreresistance 
rating specified in Table 602, except as otherwise 
specifically provided for in 780 CMR. Buildings of 
Types 1 and 2 construction shall be further classified 
as Type lA, IB, 2A, 2B or 2C. Fireretardant= 
treatedwood shall only be used as specified in Table 
602 and 780 CMR 23 10.0. 

603.2 Interior paititlons: In buildings or structures 
of Types 1, 2 A and 2B construction, partitions of a 
single thickness of wood or approved composite 
panels, and glass or other approved materials of 
similar combustible characteristics, are permitted to 
subdivide rooms or spaces into offices, entries or 
other similar compartments in all occupancies other 
than Use Groups I and R, provided that such 
partitions neither establish a corridor serving an 
occupant load of more than 30 in areas occupied by 
a single tenant nor exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m^ 
between^re separation assemblies or fire walls. The 
maximum allowable compartment size shall be 
increased to 7,500 square feet (700 m^) where 
subdivided with Sreretardant-treated wood that 
complies with 780 CMR 23 10.0. 

780 CMR 604.0 TYPE 3 CONSTRUCTION 

604,1 General: Buildings and structures of Type 3 
construction are those in which: the exterior walls 



are constructed of masonry or other approved 
noncombustible materials; the interior structure 
elements, loadbearing walls, partitions, floors and 
roofs are constructed of any approved materials. 
Each structure element shall have not less than the 
required fireresistance rating specified in Table 602, 
except as otherwise specifically provided for in 
780 CMR. Buildings of Type 3 construction shall be 
further classified as Type 3 A or 3B. 

780 CMR 605,0 TYPE 4 CONSTRUCTION 

60S.1 General: Buildings and structures of Type 4 
construction are those in which the exterior walls are 
constructed of approved noncombustible materials 
and the interior structural members are of solid or 
laminated wood without concealed spaces or the 
loadbearing wails, partitions, fioors and roofs are 
constructed of any noncombustible materials 
permitted by 780 CMR. Each structure element 
shall have not less than the required fireresistance 
rating specified in Table 602. The elements of 
Type 4 construction shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 2304.0. 

780 CMR 606.0 TYPE S CONSTRUCnON 

606.1 General: Buildings and structures of Type 5 
construction are those in which the exterior walls, 
loadbearing walls, partitions fioors and roofs are 
constructed of any approved materials. Each 
structure element shall have not less than the 
required fireresistance rating specified in Table 602. 
Buildings of Type 5 construction shall be further 
classified as Type 5 A or 5B. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CIvIR = Sixth Edition 



121 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



122 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 7 



FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



780 CMR 70L0 GENERAL 

701.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 7 shall 
govern the design and installation 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 fireresistive elements of the building; and the 
instaUation of safeguards against the spread of fire to 
and fi-om adjoining structures. 

70L2 Performance standards: The requirements of 
780 CMR 7 shall constitute the minimum functional 
performance standards for fire protection purposes; 
and shall not be deemed to decrease or waive any 
strength provisions or m any other manner decrease 
the requirements of 780 CMR in respect to structural 
safety. 

701.3 Combustible materials: All materials and 
forms of construction which develop the 
fireresistance ratings required by 780 CMR shall be 
acceptable for fireproofing and structural purposes, 
except that combustible component materials in 
structural units or structural assemblies shall be 
limited in the types of construction specified in 
780 CMR 603.0,604.0 and 605.0, and in 780 CMR 
701.3.1. 

7§i3.1 Combustible componieets: Combustible 
aggregates are permitted in gypsum concrete 
mixtures approved for fireresistance rated 
construction. Any approved component material 
or adnuxture is permitted in assemblies that meet 
the fireresistive test requirements of 780 CMR. 

780 CMR 702.0 DEFlNmONS 

702,1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 7 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Bamper,fire: A damper arranged to seal off air fiow 
automatically through part of an air duct system, 
so as to restrict the passage of heat. The fire 
damper shall not be used as a smoke damper 
unless the location lends itself to the dual purpose 
(see 780 CMR 717.0). 

Door assembly f fire: A combination of thej5re door, 
frame, hardware and other accessories which 
together provide a specific degree of fire 
protection to the opening (see 780 CMR 716.0). 



Door, fire: A door and its assembly, so constructed 
and assembled in place as to give protection 
against the passage of fire (see 780 CMR 716.0). 

Braftstoppmg: Building materials installed to 
prevent the movement of air, smoke, gases and 
flame to other areas of the building through large 
concealed passages such as attic spaces and floor 
assemblies with suspended ceilings or openweb 
trusses (see 780 CMR 720.0). 

Fire area: The aggregate floor area enclosed and 
bounded by fire walls, exterior walls or fire 
separation assemblies of a building (see 
780 CMR 709.2). 

Fire partition: A vertical assembly of materials 
having protected openings and designed to restrict 
the spread of fire (see 780 CMR 711.0). 

Fire protection rating: The time in hours, or 
fractions thereof, that an opening protective 
assembly will resist fire exposure as determined 
by the test standard specified in 780 CMR (see 
780 CMR 706.0,716.0 and 718.0). 

Fire separation assembly: A horizontal or vertical 
fireresistance rated assembly of materials having 
protected openings, and designed to restrict the 
spread of fire (see 780 CMR 709.0). 

Fire separation distance: The distance in feet 
measured from the building face to the closest 
interior lot line, to the center-line of a street or 
public way or to an imaginary line between two 
buildings on the same property. 

Fire window: A window constructed and glazed to 
give protection against the passage of fire (see 
780 CMR 718.0). 

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 fi-actions 
thereof that materials or their assemblies will 
resist fire exposure as determined by the fire test 
specified in 780 CMR (see 780 CMR 704. 1. 1). 

Firestopping: Building materials installed to prevent 
the movement of flame and gases to other areas 
of a building through small concealed passages in 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



123 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



building components such as floors walls and 
stairs (see 780 CMR 720.0). 

Protected construction: That in which all structural 
members are constructed, chemically treated, 
covered or protected so that the individual unit or 
the combined assemblage of all such units has the 
required fireresistance rating specified for its 
particular application in Table 602; and includes 
protected combustible and protected 
noncombustible construction. 

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 
(see 780 CMR 716.5). 

Shaft: An enclosed space extending through one or 
more stories of a building, connecting vertical 
openings in successive floors, or floors and the 
roof(see 780 CMR 710.0). 

Single membrane penetration: An opening through 
a single membrane (one side) of a fireresistance 
rated wall, roofi'ceiling or floor/ceiling assembly 
made to accommodate pipes, tubes, conduits, 
vents, wires, cables, electrical outlet boxes and 
similar items (see 780 CMR 709.6.5). 

Smoke barrier: A continuous membrane that will 
resist the movement of smoke (see 780 CMR 
712.0). 

Smoke compartment: A space within a building 
enclosed by smoke barriers or fire separation 
assemblies on all sides, including top and bottom 
(see 780 CMR 712.0). 

Through-penetration protection system: Specific 
building materials or assemblies of materials that 
are designed and installed to prevent the spread of 
fire through openings that are made in 
fireresistance rated floors and wails to 
accommodate through-penetrating items such as 
pipes, tubes, conduits, vents, wires, cables and 
similar items. The F rating indicates the period of 
time that the through-penetration protection 
system is capable of preventing the passage of 
flame to the unexposed (nonfire) side of the 
assembly in conjunction with an acceptable hose 
stream test performance. The T rating indicates 
the period of time that the through-penetration 
protection system is capable of preventing the 
passage of flame and a maximum individual 
temperature rise of 325*'F (163 "C) above ambient 
temperature on the unexposed (nonfire) side of 
the assembly in conjunction with acceptable hose 
stream test performance (see 780 CMR 707.7.2, 
709.6.1 and 713.4.1). 



Vertical opening: An opening through a floor or 
roof 

Wall 

Fire separation wall: A fireresistance rated 
assembly of materials having protected 
openings which is designed to restrict the 
spread of fire (see 780 CMR 709.0). 
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 (see 
780 CMR 707.0). 
Party wall: Kfire wall on an interior lot line 
used or adapted for joint service between 
two buildings (see 780 CMR 707.0). 

780 CMR 703.0 CONSTTRUCTION 
DOCUMENTS 

703.1 General: Construction documents for all 
buildings shall designate the type of construction 
and the fireresistance rating of all structure elements 
as required by 780 CMR. The construction 
documents shall include documentation or 
supporting data substantiating all required 
fireresistance ratings. 

703.2 Penetrations: Construction documents for 
buildings more than two stories in height shall 
indicate where penetrations will be made for 
electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication 
conduits, pipes and systems, and shall also indicate 
the materials and methods for maintaining the 
required stiuctural integrity, fireresistance rating and 
firestopping. 

780 CMR 704.0 FIRE TESTS 
704.1 General: Building elements and assemblies 
including loadbearing and nonloadbearing walls and 
partitions, columns, girders, beams, slabs and floors 
and roof assemblies, shall provide the minimum 
fireresistance ratings specified in Table 602 for the 
type of construrtion unless otherwise required by the 
provisions of 780 CMR. 

704.1.1L Fireresistance ratings: The 

fireresistance ratings of building assemblies and 
structural elements shall be determined in 
accordance with the test procedures set forth in 
ASTM El 19 listed in Appendix A, specific 
methods as provided for herein, or shall be 
determined in accordance with an approved 
analytical method. Where an approved 
analytical method is utilized to establish the 
fireresistance rating of a structural element or 
building assembly, the calculations shall be 
based upon the fire exposure and acceptance 
criteria specified in ASTM E 119 listed in 
Appendix A. 

Exception: In determining the fireresistance 
rating of exterior loadbearing walls. 



124 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



compliance with the ASTM Ell 9 criteria for 
unexposed surface temperature rise and 
ignition of cotton waste due to passage of 
flame or hot gases, is required only for a 
period of time corresponding to the required 
fireresistance rating of an exterior 
nonloadbearing wall with the same fire 
separation distance, and in a building of the 
same use group. Where the fireresistance 
rating determined in accordance with this 
exception exceeds the fireresistance rating 
determined in accordance with ASTM El 19 
listed in Appendix A, the fire exposure time 
period, water pressure and application 
duration criteria for the hose stream test of 
ASTM El 19 listed in Appendix A, shall be 
based upon the fireresistance rating 
determined in accordance with this 
exception. 

704.2 Alternative protectioE: Where 
documentation is submitted to the code ofQcial and 
approved, fireresistive coverings or insulating 
enclosing materials are not required for structural 
framing elements. Such documentation shall show 
that the structural integrity of structural fi-araing 
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 
installation of heat shields, separations or other 
approved means of protection. 

7043 Opening protectives: Opening protectives 
shall include the^re door, fire shutter, ^re window 
ox fire damper and all requbed hardware, anchorage, 
fi"ames and sills necessaiy for the assembly. 

704.4 Combustibility tests: Where the behavior of 
materials under exposure to fire is specified iii 
780 CMR, the characteristics of materials shall be 
determined by the tests and criteria set forth in 
780 CMR 704.4.1, 704.4.1.1 and 704.4.1.2. 

704.4.1 Tests: The tests indicated in 780 CMR 
704.4.1.1 and 704.4.1.2 shall serve as criteria for 
acceptance of buOding materials as set forth m 
780 CMR 603.0, 604.0 and 605 governing the 
combustibility of buildmg materials in Types 1, 
2, 3 and 4 construction. The term 
"noncombustible" does not apply to the flame 
spread characteristics of interior finish or trim 
materials. A material shall not be classified as a 
noncombustible building construction material 
which is subject to an increase in the 
combustible or fiame spread rating beyond the 
limitations herein established through the effects 
of age, moisture or other atmospheric conditions. 

704.4.1.1 Elementary materials: Materials 
which are intended to be classified as 
noncombustible shall be tested in accordance 



with ASTM E136 listed in Appendix A. 
Such materials shall be acceptable as 
noncombustible materials when at least three 
of four specimens tested conform to all of 
the following criteria: 

1 . The recorded temperature of the 
surface and interior thermocouples shall 
not at any time during the test rise more 
than 54°F (30°C) above the fiimace 
temperature at the bediming of the test. 

2. There shall not be flaming fi-om the 
specimen after the first 30 seconds. 

3. If the weight loss of the specimen 
during testing exceeds 50%, the recorded 
temperature of the surface and interior 
thermocouples shall not at any time 
during the test rise above the furnace air 
temperature at the beginning of the test, 
and there shall not be flaming of the 
specimen. 

704.4,1,2 Composite materials: Materials 
having a structural base of noncombustible 
material as defined in 780 CMR 704.4.1.1. 
with a surfacing not more than V6 inch thick 
which has a flame spread rating not greater 
than 50 when tested in accordance wth 
ASTM E84 listed in, Appendix A shall be 
acceptable as noncombustible materials. 

780 CMR 70SL0 EXTERIOR WALLS 

705.1 General: All exterior walls shall comply with 
the applicable provisions of 780 CMR and with the 
fireresistance rating requirements of 780 CMR 705.0 
and 780 CMR 602.0. 

Exception: The provisions of 780 CMR 705.2 
and 705.3 shall not apply to exterior wails which 
face buildings on the same lot where the 
buildings are such that, if combined into one 
structure, the resulting building will otherwise 
comply with the hei^t and area limitations of 
780 CMR 503.0 (see 780 CMR 503.1.3). 

705.1.1 Omission of exterior walls: The 
provisions of 780 CMR shall not be deemed to 
prohibit the omission of exterior walls for all or 
part of a story where the provisions of 780 CMR 
705.2 do not require a nonloadbearing exterior 
wall to provide a fireresistance rating, and where 
the provisions of 780 CMR 705.3 and 705.4 do 
not limit the maximum percentage of 
unprotected openings. Except as otherwise 
specifically permitted in 780 CMR 715.5, the 
piers, columns and other structural elements 
within the open portion shall be constructed with 
the fireresistance rating required for exterior 
loadbearing walls in Table 602. 

705.1.2 Combustible eMerior wall finish and 
trim: In addition to the requirements of 
780 CMR 705.0, combustible materials installed 
as exterior wall finish, half-timbering, balconies 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



125 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



and similar appendages, bay and oriel windows 
and light-transmitting plastic panels, shall meett 
the applicable requirements of 780 CMR 1406.0, 
2604.0, 2605.0 and 2606.0. 

705.2 Fireresistance ratings: The fireresistance 
rating of exterior walls shall comply with Table 
705.2. Loadbearing exterior walls shall also comply 
with the fireresistance rating requirements of 
780 CMR 602.0. The fireresistance rating of 
exterior walls with a fire separation distance of 
greater than five feet (1524 mm) shall be rated for 
exposure to fire fi-om the inside. The fireresistance 
rating of exterior walls with a fire separation 
distance of five feet (1524 mm) or less shall be rated 
for exposure to fire firom both sides. 

Table 705.2 

exterior wall fireresistance 
ratings'^ 





a 

UseGroiq) 


Fire Separation 
distance (feet)'^ 


H-2 


F-l.H-3, 
M.S-1 


R-2 


R-3 


A.B,E.F-2, 

H-4,I.R-1, 

S-2 


Oto5 


4 


3 


1 


1 


2 


Greater than 5 to 10 


3 


2 


1 





1 


(Greater lba& 10 to 15 




■■■ 


mm 





iiiiiilpiilpl?;; 


<^?isatera»wi lSto30 


mm 




mm 


i 


iilliiiPl 


Greater than 30 


















Note a. For requirements for Use Group H-1, sec 
780 CMR 705.2. L 

Note b. Fireresistance ratings are expressed in hours. 
Notec 1 foot - 304.8 nun. 

705.2.1 Use Group H-1: Buildings and 
structures with an occupancy in Use Group H-1 
shall be located in accordance with the 
requirements for the storage oi explosives in the 
fire prevention code listed in Appendix A. The 
allowable quantities of Use Group H-1 materials 
shall be based on the TNT equivalency of the 
materials. The exterior finish surface of all 
exterior walls in an occupancy in Use Group H-1 
shall be of approved noncombustible materials 



or fireretardant-treated wood complying with 
780 CMR 2310.0 for exterior installation. 

705.2.2 Wall support: The wall shall extend to 
the height required by 780 CMR 705.6, and shall 
be supported such that the wall will remain in 
place for the duration of time indicated by the 
required fireresistance rating. 

705.2.3 Automatic fire suppression: In 

buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1, the required fireresistance 
rating of nonloadbearing exterior walls shall be 
reduced by one hour, except that where ihtfire 
separation distance is five feet (1524 mm) or 
less, the fireresistance rating shall not be reduced 
to less than one hour. This reduction shall not 
apply to occupancies in Use Group H. 

705.2.4 Unexposed surface temperature: 

Where protected openings are not limited by 
Table 705.3, the limitation on the rise of 
temperature on the unexposed surface of exterior 
walls as required by ASTM El 19 listed in 
Appendix A shall not apply. Where protected 
openings are limited by Table 705.3, the 
limitation on the rise of temperature on the 
unexposed surface of exterior walls as required 
by ASTM E119 Hsted in Append A shall not 
apply provided that a correction is made for 
radiation fi'om the unexposed exterior wall 
surface in accordance with the following 
formula: 

Ag = Equivalent area of protected openings. 
A = Actual area of protected openings. 
Ay = Area of exterior wall surface in the story 
under consideration exclusive of openings, on 
which the temperature limitations of ASTM 
£1 19 listed in Appendix A for walls is exceeded. 
Fgp = An "equivalent opening factor" 
derived firom Figure 705.2.4 based on the 
average temperature of the unexposed wall 
surface and the fireresistance rating of the wall 
required by 780 CMR 705.2. 



126 



780 CMR - Sbrth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (EfiFective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR; STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 

Figure 705.2.4 
EQUIVALENT OPENING FACTOR 



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705.3 Openings: The maximum area of unprotected 
or protected opem'ngs permitted in an exterior wall 
in any story shall not exceed the values set forth in 
Table 705.3. Where both unprotected and protected 
openings are located in the exterior wall in any 
story, the total area of the openings shall comply 
with the following formula: 

A A 

£ 4- -i' ^ 1.0 



where: 

A = Actual area of protected operangs, or the 
equivalent area of protected openings Ag (see 
780 CMR 705.2.4). 

gs = Allowable area of protected openings. 

A„ = Actual area of unprotected openings. 

(Sg, = Allowableareaof unprotected operangs. 

Table 7053 

MAXIMUM AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL 

OPENINGS*^ 



Qassifi- 




Fire separation distance (feetf 




cation of 
opening 


Oto 
3 


>3 
to 5 


>5to >10to 


>i5 
10 20*" 

25% 


>20 
to 25"^ 

45% 

No 
Limit 


>25 
to30' 


>30 


Un- 
protected 


NP 


Np'' 


10% 15% 


70% 

No 
Limit 


No 
limit 


Protected 


NP 


15% 


25% 45% 


75% 


No 
Limit 



Note a. Values given are percentages of the area of the 
exterior wall. This table assumes that the openings are 
reasonably umformly distributed. Where openings are 
not reasonably uniformly distributed, the portion of the 
wail utilized to calculate compliance with table 705.3 
shall be approved. 

Note Ij. For occupancies in Use Group R-3, the 
maximum percentage of unprotected exterior wall 
openings shall be 5%. 

Note e. The area of openings in an open parking 
structure with a fire separation distance of greater than 
ten feet shall not be limited. 

Note d. For occupancies an Use Group H°2 or H-3, 
umprotected openings shall not be permitted for openings 
with a fire separation distance of 15 feet or less. 
Note®. One foot = 304.8 mm. 

705.3.i Automatic fire suppression: In 
■buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1, the maximum allowable area 
of unprotected openings in all occupancies other 
than Use Groups H=l, H-2 and H-3 shall be the 
same as the tabulated limitations for protected 
openings. 

705.3.2 First story: In all occupancies other 
than Use Group H, unlimited unprotected 
openings are permitted in the first story of 
exterior walls facing a street which have 2ijire 
separation distance of greater than 15 feet (4572 
mm). 



NP (Not permitted) 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



127 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



705.4 Vertical separation of openings: Openings in 
exterior walls in adjacent stories shall be separated 
vertically to protect against fire spread on the 
exterior of the buildings where the openings are 
within five feet (1524 mm) of each other 
horizontally and the opening in the lower story is not 
a protected opening in accordance with 780 CMR 
706.0. Such openings shall be separated vertically 
at least three feet (914 mm) by spandrel girders, 
exterior walls or other similar assemblies which 
have a fireresistance rating of at least one hour or by 
flame barriers which extend horizontally at least 30 
inches (762 mm) beyond the exterior wall. Flame 
barriers shall also have a fireresistance rating of at 
least one hour. The unexposed surface temperature 
limitations specified in ASTM El 19 listed in 
Appendix A shall not apply to the flame barriers or 
vertical separation unless otherwise required by the 
provisions of 780 CMR. 

Exceptions: 

1 . 780 CMR 705.4 shall not apply to buildings 
that are three stories or less in height. 

2. 780 CMR 705 .4 shall not apply to buildings 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

705.5 Vertical exposure: Approved protectives 
shall be provided in every opening that is less than 
15 feet (4572 mm) vertically above the roof of an 
adjoimng building or adjacent structure which is 
within a horizontal ^re separation distance of 15 
feet (4572 mm) of the wall in which the opening is 
located, unless such roof construction aifords a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour. 

705.6 Continuity of exterior walls: Exterior walls 
required to be fireresistance rated by 780 CMR 
705.2 because oifire separation distance, shall be 
continuous fi-om the foundation to not less than 30 
inches (762 mm) above the roof surface. 

Exceptions: 

1. Where the roof deck or sheathing is 
constructed of approved noncombustible 
materials or of fireretardant-treated wood or of 
%-inch Type X gypsum board supported directly 
beneath the underside of the roof sheathing or 
deck, using minimum two-inch ledgers attached 
to the sides of the roof fi-aming members for a 
minimum distance of four feet (1219 mm) fi-om 
the exterior wall, and where the roof covering 
has a minimum of a Class C rating, the exterior 
wall shall be permitted to stop at the underside 
of the roof deck or sheathing. 

2. Exterior walls in buildings not exceeding 
1,000 square feet (93 m') in area. 

3 . Exterior walls of occupancies in Use Group 
R-3. 

4. Exterior walls of a building where the roof 
has an angle of more than 20 degrees (0.35 rad) 
with the horizontal. 



780 CMR 706.0 EXTERIOR OPENING 
PROTECIIVES 

706.1 Where required: Exterior opening 
protectives shall be provided in all exterior wall 
openings that are required to be protected by 
780 CMR 705.0. 

706.2 Amtomatic protection: Approved fire 
protective assemblies shall be fixed, self-closing or 
equipped with approved automatic-closing devices 
and shall conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 

706.0 and 780 CMR 702.0, 716.0, 717.0, 718.0 and 
719.0. 

Exception: Fire protective assemblies are not 
required where outside automatic sprinklers are 
installed for the protection of the exterior 
openings. The sprinklers shall be installed in 
accordance withNFiPA 13 listed in Appendix A, 
and shall have an automatic water supply and be 
provided with a fire department connection. 

706.3 Fireresistance rating: Exterior openings 
required to be protected by 780 CMR 705.3, when 
located in a wall required by 780 CMR 705.2 to 
have a fireresistance rating of greater than one hour, 
shall be protected with an assembly having Zifire 
protection rating of not less than 1 '/4 hours. Exterior 
openings required to be protected by 780 CMR 
705.3, when located in a wall required by 780 CMR 
705.2 to have a fireresistance rating of one hour, 
shall be protected with an assembly having afire 
protection rating of not less than Vt hour. Exterior 
openings required to be protected by 780 CMR 

705.4 or 705.5 shall be protected with an assembly 
having a fire protection rating of not less than Va 
hour. 

706.4 Unprotected openings: Where protected 
openings are not required by 780 CMR 705.0, 
windows and doors shall be constructed of any 
approved materials. Glazing shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 14, 24 and 26. 

780 CMR 707.0 HRE WALLS 
AND PARTY WALLS 

707.1 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 that provide the required 
strength and fireresistance rating specified in Table 
602 for the type of constniction, but not less than the 
fireresistance rating of the use group specified in 
Table 707.1. Strength and stability shall comply 
with the provisions of 780 CMR 14 and 16. 



128 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (EflFective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



Table 707ol 

FIRE AND PARTY WALL 

FIRERESISTANCE RATINGS 



Use Group 


Minimum Fireresistance 
rating" (hours) 


A-3, A-4, A-5, B, E, F-2, 
H-4,I-I,I-2,R,S-2 


2 


A-1,A-2,F-1.H-3J-3,M. 

S-J 


3 


H-2 


4 



Note a. For requirements for Use Group H-1, see 780 
CMR 707.1.1. 

707.1.1 Use Group H=l: Occupancies in Use 
Group H-1 shall not be located in a building that: 
is more than one story in height, has a basement; 
or is attached to another building. An occupancy 
in any use group other than H-1 shall not be 
located in a building with an occupancy in Use 
Group H-l. 

Exception: The story above grade, where 
provided with barricaded construction in 
accordance with the fire prevention code 
listed in Appendix A, shall not be considered 
a basement. 

7®7,2 Cutting walls: A wall that is eight inches or 
less in thickness shall not be cut for chases or 
socketed for insertion of structural members 
subsequent to erection (see 780 CMR 2109.1.1). 

707.3 Hollow walls: The wall shall not be less than 
the minimum thickness specified in AC! 530/ASCE 
5/TMS 402 listed in Appendix A, 

7©7.4 Combustible Insulation: The code official 
shall permit the application of cork, fiberboard or 
other combustible insulation where laid up without 
intervening air spaces and attached directly to the 
face of the wall, and where protected on the exposed 
surface as provided for in 780 CMR 722.0 and 
2309.1. 

707.5 Continuity of walls: In all buildings or 
structures, walls shall be continuous from foundation 
to two feet eight inches (813 mm) above the roof 
surface, except as provided for in 780 CMR 707.5.1 
through 707.5.3, Fire walls shall be made smoke 
tight at their junction with exterior walls. In exterior 
wall construction employing studs, the wall shall 
extend through the stud space to the exterior 
sheathing. 

707.5.1 Noncombustible roofs: The wall is 
permitted to terminate at the underside of the 
roof deck where the roof is of approved 
noncombustible construction and is properly 
firestopped at the wall. 

707.5.2 Combustible roofs: The wall is 
permitted to terminate at the underside of the 
roof deck in Types 3, 4 and 5 construction where 
all of the following conditions are met: 

L The wall is piopcily firestopped at the 



deck. 

2. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed 
of approved noncombustible materials or of 
fireretardant-treated wood, for a distance of 
four feet (1219 mm) on both sides of the 
wall, or such roof sheathing or deck is 
constructed with %-inch Type X gypsum 
board supported directly beneath the 
underside of the roof sheathing or deck, 
using minimum two-inch ledgers attached to 
the sides of the roof framing members, for a 
minimum distance of four feet (1219 mm) on 
both sides of th&fire wall 

3. Combustible material does not extend 
through the wall. 

4. The roof covering has a minimum of a 
Class C rating. 

707.S.3 Noncombustible frame: The wall shall 
not be supported on the structural frame in 
buildings of noncombustible construction unless 
such supporting frame and all members, which 
under fire conditions provide lateral support for 
the frame, have a fire resistance at least equal to 
that required for the wall. 

707.6 Offset fire walls: Where fire walls are offset 
at intermediate floor levels in protected skeleton- 
frame construction, the offset floor construction and 
the intermediate wall supports shall be constmcted 
of approved noncombustible materials with a 
fireresistance rating not less than that required for 
the fire wall. 

707.7 Penetrations: Penetrations through fire walls 
shall meet the limitations specified in 780 CMR 
707.7.1 through 707.7.4. 

707.7.1 Combustible framing: In addition to 
the provisions of 780 CMR 2305.6, adjacent 
combustible members entering into a masonry 
fire wall from opposite sides shall not have less 
than a four-inch (102 mm) distance between 
embedded ends. Where 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 inches (102 mm) above, below and 
between the structural members, with 
noncombustible materials approved for 
firestopping in accordance with 780 CMR 720.0. 

707.7.2 Noncombustible penetrations: Cables 
and wires without combustible jackets or 
insulation, and noncombustible pipes, tubes, 
conduits and vents which penetrate afire wall 
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM El 19 
listed in Appendix A as part of a rated assembly, 
or shall be protected by an approved through- 
penetration protection system that has been 
tested in accordance with ASTM E814 listed in 
Appendix A, or the annular space around the 
penetrating item shall be protected in accordance 
with 780 CMR 707.8. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



129 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



The through-penetration protection system 
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E814 
listed in Appendix A, with a minimum positive 
pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water 
column (2.5 P) and shall have an "F" rating of 
not less than the required rating of the wall 
penetrated. 

707.7.3 Combustible penetrations: Cables and 
wires with combustible jackets or insulation, and 
combustible pipes, tubes and conduits which 
penetrate zfire wall shall be tested in accordance 
with ASTM El 1 9 listed in Appendix A as part of 
a fireresistance rated assembly or shall be 
protected by an, approved through-penetration 
protection system that has been tested in 
accordance with ASTM E814 listed in 
Appendix A. 

The through-penetration protection system 
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E814 
listed in Appendix A, with a minimum positive 
pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water 
column (2.5 P) and shall have an "F" rating of 
not less than the required rating of the assembly 
penetrated. 

707.7.4 Electrical outlet boxes: Openings for 
steel electrical outlet boxes that do not exceed 16 
square inches (10323 mm^ in area are permitted 
provided that the area of such openings does not 
exceed 100 square inches (64516 mm^) for any 
100 square feet (9.3 m^) of wall area. Outlet 
boxes on opposite sides of the wall shall be 
separated by a horizontal distance of not less 
than 24 inches (610 mm). 

Exception: Openings for electrical outlet 
boxes of any material are permitted provided 
that such boxes are tested for use in 
fireresistance rated assemblies and installed 
in accordance Avith the tested assembly. 

707.8 Annular space protection: Where permitted 
by 780 CMR 707.7.2 for noncombustible penetrating 
items, the annular space between the penetrating 
item and the foeresistance rated assembly being 
penetrated shall be protected as specified in 
780 CMR 707.8.1 and 707.8.2. 

707.8.1 Material: The material used to fill the 
annular space shall comply with 780 CMR 
707.8.1.1 or 707. 8. 1.2. 

707.8.1.1 Concrete or masonry assemblies: 

Penetrations of concrete or masoiuy 
assemblies by a maximum six-inch nominal 
diameter copper, iron or steel pipe, tube, 
conduit or wires and cables with steel jackets 
shall be permitted provided that the 
maximum opening size is 144 square inches 
(0.09 m^ and the penetration is protected 
with concrete, grout or mortar for the fiill 
thickness of the assembly or the thickness 
required to provide a fireresistance rating 



equivalent to the required fireresistance 
rating of the assembly penetrated. 

707.8.1.2 AU assemblies: In all assemblies 
the material shall prevent the passage of 
flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite 
cotton waste when subjected to the time- 
temperature fire conditions of ASTM El 19 
listed in Appendix A, under a minimum 
positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of 
water column (2.5 P) at the location of the 
penetration for the time period equivalent to 
the required fireresistance rating of the 
assembly penetrated. 

707.8.2 Sleeves: Where sleeves are installed, the 
sleeves shall be noncombustible and shall be 
securely fastened to the assembly penetrated. 
All space between the item contained in the 
sleeve and the sleeve itself, and any space 
between the sleeve and the assembly penetrated, 
shall be filled with a material that complies with 
780 CMR 707.8.1. 

780 CMR 708.0 FBRE WALL OPENINGS 

708.1 General: Openings in fire walls shall not 
exceed the limitations in size and area herein 
prescribed. 

708.2 Size of opening: Each opening through ?ifire 
wall shall not exceed 120 square feet (11.16 m^). 
The aggregate width of all openings at any floor 
level shall not exceed 25% of the length of the wall. 

Exception: Openings shall not be limited to 120 
square feet (11.16 m^) where both buildings are 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system installed in accordance with780 CMR 9. 

708.2.1 First story: Where the entire first-story 
floor areas on both sides of a fire wall are 
equipped throughout with an approved 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, the 
maximum allowable size of openings on the first 
story of the building shall not exceed 240 square 
feet (22.32 m^ with a minimum distance of three 
feet (914 mm) between adjacent openings. 

708.3 Opening protectives: All opening protectives 
in fire walls shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 704.0 and shall have the minimum /re 
protection rating as set forth in 780 CMR 716.0. 

780 CMR 709.0 FIRE SEPARATION 
ASSEMBLIES 

709.1 .General: Fire separation assemblies installed 
for purposes of the enclosure of exits, floor 
openings, shafts, areas of refijge and for subdividing 
purposes shall be constructed of approved materials 
consistent with the limitations for the building type 
of construction and shall have not less than the 
fireresistance rating prescribed by Table 602. 



130 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



709.2 Fire area: kfire separation assembly which 
separates adjacent fire areas shall have a 
fireresistance rating of not less than the 
fireresistance rating required by Table 3 13.1.2 based 
on the use group of the fire areas which are 
separated. 

709.3 Openings: Openings located in a fire 
separation assembly shall be limited to a maximum 
aggregate width of 25% of the length of the wall, 
and the maximum area of any single opening shall 
not exceed 120 square feet (1 1 m^). Openings in exit 
enclosures, other than unexposed exterior openings, 
shall be limited to those necessary for exit access to 
the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for 
egress from the enclosure. 

Exception: Openings shall not be limited to 120 
square feet (11 m^) where adjoining /re areas 
are equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 9. 

709.3.1 Frotectives: All opening protectives in 
fire separation assemblies shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 704.0 and shall have the 
minimum fire protection rating as set forth in 
780 CMR 716.0. 

709o4 Continuity: All vertical fire separation 
assemblies shall extend from the top of the 
fireresistance rated floor/ceiling assembly below to 
the underside of the floor or roof slab or deck above 
and shall be securely attached thereto. These walls 
shall be continuous through all concealed spaces 
such as the space above a suspended ceiling. The 
supporting construction shall be protected to afford 
the required fireresistance rating of the fire 
separation assembly supported. All hollow vertical 
spaces shall be firestopped at every floor level as 
required in 780 CMR 720.0. 

709.5 Eaterior walls: Except as provided for in 
780 CMR 1014.11.1 and 1014.12.2, where exterior 
walls serve as a part of a required fireresistance rated 
enclosure, such walls shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 705.0 for exterior walls 
and the fireresistance rated enclosure requirements 
shall not apply. 

709.6 Fenetratioiis: Penetrations through 
fireresistance rated wall assemblies shall meet the 
limitations specified in 780 CMR 709.6.1 through 
709.6.5. Penetrations through floor/ceiling and 
roofi'ceiling assemblies shall comply mih 780 CMR 
713.0. Penetrations of an exit enclosure shall also 
comply with 780 CMR 1014. 1 1.2. 

709.6.1 Noncombustible penetrations: Cables 
and wires without combustible jackets or 
insulation, and noncombustible pipes, tubes, 
conduits and vents which penetrate an assembly 
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM El 19 



listed in Appendix A as part of a rated assembly, 
or shall be protected by an approved through- 
penetration protection system that has been 
tested in accordance with ASST. E814 listed in 
Appendix A, or the annular space around the 
penetrating item shall be protected in accordance 
with 780 CMR 709.7. 

The through-penetration protection system 
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E814, 
with a minimum positive pressure differential of 
0.01 inch of water column (2.5 P) and shall have 
an "F" rating of not less than the required rating 
of the assembly penetrated. 

709.6.2 Combustible penetrations: Cables and 
wires with combustible jackets or insulation, and 
combustible pipes, tubes, conduits and vents 
which penetrate an assembly shall be tested in 
accordance with ASTM El 19 listed in Appendix 
A as part of a fireresistance rated assembly or 
shall be protected by an approved through- 
penetration protection system that has been 
tested in accordance with ASTM E814 listed in 
Appendix A. 

The through-penetration protection system 
shall be tested in accordance v«th ASTM E814 
with a minimum positive pressure differential of 
0.01 inch of water column (2.5 P) and shall have 
an "F rating of not less than the required rating 
of the assembly penetrated. 

709.6.3 Electrical outlet boxes: Openings for 
steel electrical outlet boxes that do not exceed 16 
square inches (10323 mm^) in area are permitted 
provided that the area of such openings does not 
exceed 100 square inches (64516 mm^) for any 
100 square feet (9.3 m^ of enclosure wall area. 
Outlet boxes on opposite sides of the assembly 
shall be separated by a horizontal distance of not 
less than 24 inches (610 mm). 

Exception: Openings for electrical outlet 
boxes of any material are permitted provided 
that such boxes are tested for installation in 
fireresistance rated assemblies and installed 
in accordance with the tested assembly. 

709.6.4 Ducts: Ducts that penetrate an assembly 
shall be provided with approved /re dampers 
that comply with 780 CMR 717.0. 

Exception: Fire dampers are not required: 

1 . In steel exhaust air subducts extending at 
least 22 inches (559 mm) vertically in an 
exhaust shaft and where there is a continuous 
airfiow upward to the outside. 

2. In penetrations tested in accordance with 
ASTM El 19 listed in Appendix A&s^ part 
of the fireresistance rated assembly. 

3. In penetrations of walls with a required 
one-hour fireresistance rating or less by a 
ducted HVAC system in areas of other than 
Use Group H where the building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



131 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2. L 

4. In garage exhaust or supply shafts which 
are separated from all other building shafts 
by not less than a two-hour fireresistance 
rated f re separation assembly. 

709.6.5 Single membrane penetrations: 

Openings to accommodate noncombustible 
conduits, pipes and tubes through a single 
membrane that is an integral component of a 
fireresistance rated wall assembly shall be 
permitted provided that the aggregate area of all 
such openings does not exceed 100 square 
inches (64516 mm^) in any 100 square feet (9.3 
m^ of wall area and the openings ziefirestopped 
with approved noncombustible materials. 

709.7 Annular space protection: Where permitted 
by 780 CMR 709.6.1 for noncombustible penetrating 
items, the annular space between the penetrating 
item and the fireresistance rated assembly being 
penetrated shall be protected as specified in 
780 CMR 709.7.1 through 709.7.3. 

709.7.1 Materials: The material used to fill the 
annular space shall comply with 780 CMR 
709.7.1.1 or 709.7.1.2. 

709.7.1.1 Concrete or masonry assemblies: 

Penetrations of concrete or masonry 
assemblies by a maximum sbc-inch nominal 
diameter copper, iron or steel pipe, tube, 
conduit or wires and cables with steel jackets 
shall be permitted provided that the 
maximum opening size is 144 square inches 
(0.09 m^) and the penetration is protected 
with concrete, grout or mortar for the fiill 
thickness of the assembly or the thickness 
required to provide a fireresistance rating 
equivalent to the required fireresistance 
rating of the assembly penetrated. 

709.7.1.2 AU assemblies: In all assemblies, 
the material shall prevent the passage of 
flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite 
cotton waste when subjected to the time- 
temperature fire conditions of ASTM E119 
listed in Append A under a minimum 
positive pressure diflferential of 0.01 inch of 
water column (2.5 P) at the location of the 
penetration for the time period equivalent to 
the required fireresistance rating of the 
assembly penetrated. 

709.7.2 Sleeves: Where sleeves are installed, the 
sleeves shall be noncombustible and shall be 
securely fastened to the assembly penetrated. 
All space between the item contained in the 
sleeve and the sleeve itself and any space 
between the sleeve and the assembly penetrated 
shall be filled with a material that complies with 
780 CMR 709.7.1. 



709.7.3 Insulation: Insulation and coverings on 
the penetrating item shall not pass through the 
assembly unless these materials maintain the 
required fireresistance rating of the assembly in 
accordance with 780 CMR 709.6.2. 

780 CMR 710.0 VERTICAL SHAFTS 

710.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 710.0 
shall apply to all vertical shafts where such shafts 
are required to protect openings and penetrations 
through fioor/ceiling and roofi'ceiling assemblies as 
required by 780 CMR 713.3 and 713.4. 

710.2 Construction: The shaft and the shaft 
enclosure shall be constructed of materials permitted 
by 780 CMR 602.0 for the type of construction of 
the building. Shaft walls which are exterior walls 
shall be constructed of materials approved for 
exterior walls in accordance with 780 CMR 14. 

710.3 Fireresistance rating: A shaft shall be 
enclosed vAihfire separation assemblies complying 
with 780 CMR 709.0 having a fireresistance rating 
of not less than two hours where a shaft connects 
four stories or more and one hour where connecting 
less than four stories. A shaft enclosure shall have 
a fireresistance rating of not less than the required 
rating of the floor assembly penetrated but shall not 
be required to exceed two hours. 

Eicepition: The fireresistance rating of interior 
stairway enclosures shall comply with 780 CMR 
1014.11. 

710.3.1 Openings in shaft enclosures: 

Openings other than those necessary for the 
purpose of the shaft shall not be permitted in 
shaft enclosures. Openings in shaft enclosures 
shall be protected with approved opening 
protectives in accordance with 780 CMR 706.0, 
716.0, 717.0 and 718.0. 

710.4 Top enclosure: A shaft that does not extend 
to the underside of the roof deck of the building shall 
be enclosed at the top with a ftre separation 
assembly having a fireresistance rating of not less 
than that required for the shaft enclosure walls. 

710.5 Bottom enclosure: Shafts which do not 
extend to the bottom of the building shall be 
enclosed at the lowest level with difire separation 
assembly having a fireresistance rating of not less 
than that required for the shaft enclosure walls, or 
shall terminate in a room having an occupancy 
related to the purpose of the shaft. The room shall 
be separated from the remainder of the building by 
fire separation assemblies having a fireresistance 
rating with opening protectives of not less than that 
required for the shaft enclosure. 



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FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



Exceptions: 

1 . The fireresistance rated room separation is 
not required provided that there are not any 
openings in or penetrations through the shaft 
enclosure to the remainder of the building except 
at the bottom. The bottom of the shaft shall be 
closed ofif around the penetrating items with 
materials permitted by 780 CMR 720.3 for 
draftstopping, or the room shall be equipped 
throughout with ah automatic sprinkler system 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 9. 

2. The fireresistance rated room separation and 
protection at the bottom of the shaft are not 
required where there are not any combustible 
materials in the shctft and where there are not any 
openings in or other penetrations through the 
shaft enclosure to the remmnder of the building. 

780 CMR 71L0 FIRE PARTITIONS 

711.1 General: Fire partitions shall be constructed 
of the types of materials and have the minimum 
fireresistance rating as prescribed by Table 602 for 
the type of construction. 

Esception: Dwelling unit separations in 
buildings of Types 2C, 3B and 5B construction 
shall have fireresistance ratings of not less than 
Vi hour in buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 or 780 CMR 906.2.2, 
provided that sprinklers are installed in all 
closets located against tenant separation walls 
and in aii bathrooms. 

711.2 Corridor walls arad ttn&nt and dwelling 
wmt separations: Wail assemblies that are installed 
as required by Table 602 for corridor walls, to 
separate tenant spaces and to separate dwelling units, 
shall be ft re partitions. 

711.3 Protectives: All opening protectives in^re 
partitions shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 704.0 and shall have the minimum 
fireresistance rating as set forth in 780 CMR 716.0. 

711.4 Comtinuity: M ftre partitions shall extend 
fi"om the top of the floor assembly below to the 
underside of the floor/roof slab or deck above or to 
the fireresistance rated floor/ceiling or rooi/ceiling 
assembly above, and shall be securely attached 
thereto. The supporting construction shall be 
protected to afford the required fireresistance rating 
of the wall supported, except for exit access corridor 
walls in buildings of Types 2C, 3B and 5B 
construction and tenant separation walls in covered 
mall buildings of Type 2C construction. All hollow 
vertical spaces shall be ftrestopped at eveiy floor 
level as required in 780 CMR 720.0. 

711.5 Exterior walls: Where exterior walls serve as 
a part of a required fireresistance rated enclosure, 



such walls shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 705.0 for exterior walls and the 
fireresistance rated enclosure requirements shall not 
apply. 

711.6 Penetrations: Penetrations through 
assemblies shall comply with 780 CMR 709.6 
through 780 CMR 709.7.3. 

Esceptaon: In occupancies in other than Use 
Group H,ftre dampers are not required: 

1. At penetrations of tenant separation and 
corridor walls in buildings equipped throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1. 

2. At penetrations of corridor walls where the 
ducts are constructed of steel and do not have 
openings which communicate the corridor with 
adjacent spaces or rooms. 

780 CMR 712.0 SMOKE BARRIERS 

712.1 Where required: Smoke barriers shall be 
provided as required in 780 CMR 409.4 for 
occupancies in Use Group 1-2 and 780 CMR 410.6 
for occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

712.2 Construction: Smoke barriers shall have a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour. Such 
barriers shall form an effective membrane 
continuous fi-om outside wall to outside wall and 
fi-om floor dab to floor or roof deck above, including 
continuity through all concealed spaces, such as the 
space above suspended ceilings, and including 
interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. 
Transfer grilles, whether equipped with fiisible link- 
operated dampers or not, shall not be installed in 
these partitions. The supporting construction shall 
be protected to afford the required fireresistance 
rating of the wall supported in buildings of other 
than Types 2C, 3B and SB construction. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Smoke barriers are not required in interstitial 
spaces where such spaces are designed and 
constructed with ceilings that provide resistance 
to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to 
that provided by the smoke barriers. 

2. Smoke barriers in occupancies in Use Group 
1-3 are permitted to be constructed of nominal 

. 0. 1 0-inch-thick steel plate. 

712.3 Doors: Doorways separating corridors in 
adjoining smoke compartments shall be equipped 
with a pair of swinging-type doors, each swinging in 
a direction opposite from the other, and the 
minimum wdth of each door leaf shall be 44 inches 
(1118 mm) for corridors utilized for the movement 
of beds and 34 inches (864 mm) for other corridors. 
Other doors in smoke barriers shall be of the 
swinging type of required width. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Exceptions: 

1 . Horizontal sliding doors that comply with 
780 CMR 410.0 are permitted in smoke barriers 
in occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

2. Horizontal sliding doors that comply with 
780 CMR 1017.4.4. 

712.4 Opening protectives: Doors in smoke barriers 
shall have i. fire protection rating of not less than 20 
minutes in accordance with 780 CMR 716.0. 
Double means of egress corridor doors shall have 
vision panels of Vi-inch-thick labeled wired glass 
mounted in approved steel frames in accordance 
with 780 CMR 716.0. The doors shall close the 
openings with only the clearance necessary for 
proper operation under self-closing or automatic- 
closing operations and shall be without undercuts, 
louvers or grilles. Rabbets or astragals are required 
at the meeting edges of double means of egress 
doors, and stops are required on the head and jambs 
of all doors in smoke barriers. Positive latching 
devices are required on double means of egress 
corridor doors. 

Exceptions: 

1 . In occupancies in Use Group 1-2, double 
means of egress cross-corridor doors shall be 
P/i-inch solid core wood or steel doors. Positive 
latching devices are not required on double 
means of egress cross-corridor doors, and center 
mullions are prohibited. 

2. Security glazing protected on both sides by 
an automatic sprinkler system shall be permitted 
in doors and windows in smoke barriers in 
occupancies in Use Group 1-3. Individual panels 
of glazing shall not exceed 1,296 square inches 
(0.84 m^, shall be in a gasketed firame and 
installed in such a manner that the framing 
system will deflect without breaking (loading) 
glazing before the sprinkler system operates. 
The sprinkler system shall be designed to wet 
completely the entire surface of the affected 
glazing when actuated. 

712.4.1 Door closers: Doors in smoke barriers 
shall be provided with approved door hold-open 
devices of the failsafe type which shall release 
the doors, causing them to close upon the 
actuation of smoke detectors as well as upon the 
application of a maximum manual pull of 50 
pounds (244 N) against the hold-open device. 

Exception: Doors in smoke barriers in 
occupancies in Use Group 1-3 shall be self- 
closing or automatic-closing by smoke 
detection. 

712.5 Smoke damper: An approved damper 
designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be 
provided at each point a duct penetrates a smoke 
barrier. The damper shall close upon detection of 
smoke by an approved smoke detector located 
within the duct. 



Exceptions: 

1. In lieu of an approved smoke detector 
located within the duct, ducts that penetrate 
smoke barriers above smoke barrier doors that 
are required by 780 CMR 712.4 shall have the 
approved damper arranged to close upon 
detection of smoke by the local device designed 
to detect smoke on either side of the smoke 
barrier door opening. 

2. Dampers at the smoke barrier in a fully 
ducted system are not required. 

780 CMR 713.0 FLOOR/CEILING AND 
ROOF/CEBUNG ASSEMBLIES 

713.1 General: All floor and roof assemblies shall 
comply with the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 
and shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 
the fireresistance rating required in 780 CMR 602.0. 

Exception: Dwelling unit separations in 
buildings of Types 2C, 3B and 5B construction 
shall have fireresistance ratings of not less than 
Vi hour in buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 or 780 CMR 906.2.2, 
provided that sprinklers are installed in all 
closets located against tenant separation walls 
and in all bathrooms. 

713.1.1 Ceiling panels: Where the weight of 
lay-in ceiling panels, used as part of 
fireresistance rated floor/ceiling or rooCceiling 
assemblies, is not adequate to resist an upward 
force of 1 psf (5 kg/m^), wire or other approved 
devices shall be installed above the panels to 
prevent vertical displacement under such upward 
force. 

713.1.2 Unusable space: In an assembly 
required to have a one-hour fireresistance rating, 
the ceiling membrane of a fireresistance rated 
assembly is not required to be installed where 
unusable space occurs below the assembly, or 
the flooring is not required to be installed where 
unusable space occurs above the assembly. 

713.2 Continuity: All floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling 
assemblies shall be continuous without openings or 
penetrations except as permitted by 780 CMR 713.0. 
Floor assemblies which are required to be 
fireresistance rated shall extend to and be tight 
against exterior walls, or other provisions shall be 
made for mdntaining the fireresistance rating of the 
assembly at such locations. Penetrations through a 
roof deck to the outside are permitted provided that 
the required fireresistance rating of the roof 
construction is maintained. All concealed spaces 
and openings shall ht firestopped and draftstopped 
in accordance with 780 CMR 720.0. 

713.3 Floor opening enclosure: All floor openings 
connecting two or more stories shall be protected by 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



a shaft enclosure that complies with 780 CMR 
710.0. 

Exceptions: A shaft enclosure is not required for 
any of the following floor openings: 

1 . A floor opening serving and contained within 
a single dwelling unit and connecting four stories 
or less. 

2. A floor opening which: 

2.1. Is not part of the required means of 
egress; 

2.2. Is not concealed within the buildmg 
construction; 

2.3. Does not connect more than two stories; 

2.4. Is separated from other floor openings 
serving other floors by construction 
conforming to 780 CMR 710.3; and 

2.5. Is not open to a eomffor in occupancies 
in Use Groups I and R, or is not open to a 
corridor on a floor not equipped throughout 
with an approved automatic fire suppression 
system in other use groups. 

3. A floor opening in a mall that complies with 
780 CMR 402.0. 

4. A floor opening between a mezzanine that 
complies with 780 CMR 505.0, and the floor 
below. 

5. An atrium that complies with 780 CMR 
404.0. 

6. A floor opening in an open parking structure 
that complies with 780 CMR 406.0. 

7. An approved masonry chimney where 
annular space protection is provided for in 
accordance with 780 CMR 720.6.4. 

8. A shaft enclosure for an escalator floor 
opening is not required where a shaft enclosure 
is not required for floor openings in accordance 
with 780 CMR 713.3 or where the building is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 and 
the escalator opening is protected in accordance 
with 780 CMR 713,4.3.4 or 713.4.3,5. 

9. A floor opening that complies with 
780 CMR 410.5 in an occupancy in Use Group 
1=3. 

10. Noncombustible shafts connecting 
communicating floor levels in an occupancy in 
Use Group 1-3 where the area complies with 
780 CMR 410.5. Where additional stories are 
located above or below, the shaft shall be 
permitted to continue with fire and smoke 
damper protection provided at the flreresistance 
rated floor/ceiling assembly between the 
noncommunicating stories. 

11. A single floor opening containing a 
stairway which is not a required means of egress 
in an occupancy in Use Group B and complying 
with the following parameters: 

11 . 1 . The stairway does not connect more 
than six floor levels. 

1 1 .2. The stairway does not connect with 
an exit access corridor. 



11 .3. The stairway floor opening shall not 
exceed 160 square feet (15 m^). 

1 1 .4. The stairway floor opening shall be 
protected in the same manner as an escalator 
floor opening complying with 780 CMR 
713.3 Exception 8, and 524 CMR. 

1 1 .5. The building is equipped throughout 
with an approved automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 906,2.1. 

713.4 Penetration protection: All penetrations of a 
floor/ceiling assembly or the ceiling membrane of a 
roofi'ceiling assembly shall be protected by a shaft 
enclosure that complies with 780 CMR 710.0. 

£2[€eptions: 

1. Penetrations within and through a floor 
opening permitted to be unenclosed by 
780 CMR 713.3, 

2. Penetrations through assemblies required to 
be flreresistance rated and complying with 
780 CMR 713.4.1 or 780 CMR 713.4.2. 

3. Penetrations through assemblies without a 
required flreresistance rating and complying 
with 780 CMR 713.4.1 or 780 CMR 713.4.3. 

713.4.1 Tfaroiigh^peaetration system: A shaft 
enclosure shall not be required where cables, 
cable trays, conduits, tubes or pipes penetrate a 
floor assembly and are protected with an 
approved through-penetration protection system 
tested in accordance with ASTM E814 listed in 
Appendix A. The positive pressure differential 
between the exposed and unexposed surfaces of 
the test assembly shall not be less than 0.01 -inch 
water gage (2.5 P). The system shall have an 
"F" rating and a "T" rating of not less than 1 
hour but not less than the required flreresistance 
rating of the assembly being penetrated. All 
penetrations through a ceiling that is an integral 
component of a flreresistance rated floor/ceiling 
or roofi'ceiling assembly, shall comply v^th 
780 CMR 713.4.2. 

Exceptions: 

1 . A "T" ratmg shall not be required for 
floor penetrations that are contained and 
located within the cavity of a wall. 

2. A "T" rating shall not be required for 
floor penetrations by pipe, tube and conduit 
that are not in direct contact with 
combustible material. 

713.4.2 Flreresistance rated assemblies: The 
required flreresistance rating of floor/ceiling and 
roof/ceiling assemblies shall be determmed in 
accordance with ASTM El 19 listed in 
Appendix A. Except where permitted by 
780 CMR 713.4.2.1 through 713.4.2.3, 
penetrations for electrical, mechanical, plumbing 
and communication conduits, pipes and systems 
shall be installed in accordance with the 
approved ASTM El 19 rated assembly. In the 



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135 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



case of ceilings that are an integral component of 
a fireresistance rated floor/ceiling or roofi'ceiling 
assembly, all penetrations shall be installed in 
accordance with the approved ASTM El 19 rated 
assembly or 780 CMR 713.4.2.3. 

Exceptions: 

1. Outlet boxes and fittings are permitted, 
provided that such devices are listed for 
installation in fireresistance rated assemblies 
and are installed in accordance with the 
listing. 

2. Ceiling dampers shall not be required 
where fire tests have shown that such 
dampers are not necessary in order to 
maintain the fireresistance rating of the 
assembly, 

713.4.2.1 Noncombustible penetrations: 

Penetrations by noncombustible vents, 
chimneys, conduits, pipes and tubes through 
a fireresistance rated floor assembly which 
connect not more than two stories are 
permitted. Penetrations by noncombustible 
conduit, pipe and tubes through a fireresis- 
tance rated floor assembly which connect 
more than two stories are permitted provided 
that the aggregate area of the penetrating 
items shall not exceed one square foot (0.09 
m^) in any 100 square feet (9.3 m^) of floor 
area. In all cases, the annular space between 
the penetrating item and the assembly shall 
be protected in accordance with 780 CMR 
707.8. 

713.4.2.2 Air ducts: Penetrations by an air 
duct or plenum through a fireresistance rated 
floor assembly, which connect not more than 
two stories, are permitted where a fire 
damper that complies with 780 CMR 717.0 
is installed at the floor line. Kfire damper is 
not required at penetrations of a roo&ceiiing 
assembly where ducts are open to the 
atmosphere. 

713.4.2.3 Ceiling penetrations: In the case 
of ceilings that are an integral component of 
a fireresistance rated floor/ceiling or 
roo£^ceiling assembly, openings to accom- 
modate noncombustible conduits, pipes, 
tubes, electrical outlets or air ducts shall be 
permitted provided that the aggregate area of 
such openings does not exceed 100 square 
inches (0.065 m^ in any 100 square feet (9.3 
m^) of ceiling area. The space around 
noncombustible conduits, pipes, tubes and 
electrical outlet boxes at the ceiling 
penetration shall be firestopped in 
accordance with 780 CMR 720.6.4 or shall 
be protected in accordance with 780 CMR 
709.7 or 780 CMR 713.4.1. For 



noncombustible air duct penetrations, an 
approved ceiling damper shall be installed at 
the ceiling line. Ceiling dampers shall be 
constructed in accordance wi^ the details 
listed in a fireresistance rated design or shall 
be labeled to function as a heat barrier for 
air-handling outlet/inlet penetrations in the 
ceiling of a fireresistance rated assembly. 

713.4J Nonfireresistance rated assemblies: 

Penetrations of floor assemblies without a 
required fireresistance rating shall conform to 
780 CMR 713.4.3.1 through 713.4.3.3. All 
penetrations through the ceiling mfembrane of a 
roof assembly without a required fireresistance 
rating shall be protected m accordance with 
780 CMR 720.6.4. 

713.4.3.1 Noncombustible penetrations: 

Penetrations by noncombustible vents, 
chimneys, conduits, pipes and tubes through 
unprotected floor assemblies which connect 
not more than three stories are permitted 
provided that the annular space between the 
penetrating item and the floor is protected in 
accordance with 780 CMR 720.6.4. 

713.4.3.2 Air ducts: Penetrations by 
noncombustible air ducts through unprotect- 
ed floor assemblies which connect not more 
than three stories are permitted provided that 
z-fire damper complying with 780 CMR 
717.0 is installed at each floor line. 

713.4 J J Noncombustible or combustible 
penetrations: Penetrations by vents, 
cMmneys, cables, wires, air ducts, conduits, 
pipes and tubes through an unprotected floor 
assembly which connect not more than two 
stories are permitted provided that the 
aimular space is protected in accordance 
with 780 CMR 720.6.4. 

713.43.4 Escalators/automatic fire 
shutter: Escalators shall be equipped with a 
power-operated automatic shutter at every 
floor pierced thereby, constructed of 
approved noncombustible materials with a 
fire protection rating of not less than 1 Vz 
hours. The shutter shall close immediately 
upon the automatic detection of fire and 
smoke by an approved device and shall 
completely shut off the well opening. The 
shutter shall operate at a speed of not more 
than 30 feet per minute (0. 1 5 m/s) and shall 
be equipped with a sensitive leading edge to 
arrest the shutter's progress when in contact 
with any obstacle, and to continue the 
shutter's progress on release therefi'om. 
Refer to 780 CMR 713.3, Exception 8. 



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FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



713.4.3,5 Escalators/water cmrtain: The 
area of the floor opening shall not exceed 
twice the horizontal projected area of the 
escalator and the opening shall not connect 
more than four stories in occupancies in 
other that Use Groups B and M and the 
opening shall be protected by a draft curtain 
and a closed sprinkler water curtain 
conforming to NFiPA 13 listed in 
Appendix A. Refer to 780 CMR 713.3, 
Exception 8 

780 OVIR 714.0 ROOF CONSTRUCnON 

714.1 General: Roofs shall be constructed of 
materials or assemblies of materials designed to 
afford the fireresistance rating required by Table 602 
as herein modified. 

714.2 Stadiums: The roof construction, including 
beams, trusses, framing, arches and roof decks, 



enclosing stadiums of Type 1 or Type 2 
construction, shall be of approved noncombustible 
materials without a specified fireresistance rating or 
of Type 4 construction. 

7143 Roofs 20 feet or higher: Where every part of 
the structural framework of roofs in buildings of 
Type 1 or Type 2 construction is 20 feet (6096 mm) 
or more above the floor immediately below, 
omission of all fire protection of the structural 
members is permitted, including the protection of 
trusses, roof framing and decking. 

714.4 Roof slabs, arches asid decking: Where the 
omission of fire protection from roof trusses, roof 
framing and decking is permitted, roofs in buildings 
of Types 1 and 2 construction shall be constructed of 
noncombustible materials, or of fireretardant- treated 
wood as permitted in Table 602, without a specified 
fireresistance rating, or of Type 4 construction in 



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136.1 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



136.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



buUdings not over five stories or 65 feet (19812 mm) 
in height. 

714,5 Firestopping: Firestopping of ceiling and 
attic spaces shall be provided as required by 
780 CMR 720.0. 

780 CMR 715.0 FIRERESISTANCE 
RATING OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS 

715ol Requirements: The fireresistance rating of 
structural members and assemblies shall comply 
with the requirements for the type of construction 
and shall not be less than the rating required for the 
fireresistance rated assemblies supported, except as 
provided for in 780 CMR 71 1.4 for support of exit 
access corridor walls and tenant separation walls m 
covered mall buildings, and in 780 CMR 712.2 for 
support of smoke barriers. The maximum required 
fireresistance rating of structural members 
supporting^re separation assemblies of tank storage 
areas as provided for in 780 CMR 418.3.2. 1 shall be 
two hours, but not less than required by Table 602 
for the building construction type. 

715^ Protection of structural members: Columns, 
girders, trusses, beams, lintels or other structural 
members which are required to have a fireresistance 
rating and which support more than two floors or 
one floor and roof, or support a loadbearing wall or 
a nonloadbearing wall more than two stories high, 
shall be individually protected on all sides for the 
full length or height with materials having the 
required fireresistance rating. All other structural 
members required to have a fireresistance rating 
shall be protected by individual encasement, by a 
membrane or ceiling protection as specified in 
780 CMR 713.0, or by a combination of both. 

7153 Embedments and enclosures: Pipes, wires, 
conduits, ducts or other service facilities shall not be 
embedded in the required fire protective covering of 
a structural member that is required to be 
individually encased. 

716.4 Impact protection: Where the fire protective 
covering of a structural member is subject to impact 
damage fi-om moving vehicles, the handling of 
merchandise or other activity, the fire protective 
covering shall be protected by comer guards or by a 
substantial jacket of metal or other noncombustible 
material to a height adequate to provide full 
protection, but not less than five feet (1524 mm) 
fi"om the finished floor. 



715.5 Exterior structural members: Structural 
members located in exterior walls or along the outer 
lines of a building or structure shall be protected as 
required by Table 602 for exterior loadbearing walls 
for the type of construction involved and shall be 
protected against corrosion in accordance with 
780 CMR 2210.1. The interior faces of exterior 
structural members shall ht protected "wixh. coverings 
of not less than the required fireresistance rating 
specified for interior structural members in Table 
602. Where a fireresistance rating is required in 
Table 602 for exterior loadbearing walls in buildings 
of Types 2C, 3B and 5B construction, the interior 
faces of any exterior structural member of such 
buildings shall be protected to provide a 
fireresistance rating not less than that required for 
exterior load- bearing walls. 

715.6 Bottom flange protection: Fire protection is 
not required for the bottom flange of lintels, shelf 
angles and plates which are not a part of the 
structural frame or which have a span of six feet 
(1829 mm) or less. 

715.7 Stone lintels: Stone lintels on spans exceeding 
four feet (1219 mm) shall not be permitted, unless 
supplemented by fireresistance rated structural 
members or masonry arches of the required strength 
to support the superimposed loads. 

im CMR 716.0 FIRE IMX)R ASSEMBLIES 

716.1 Fire door assemblies: Approved fire door 
assemblies as defined in 780 CMR shall be 
constructed of any material or assembly of 
component materials which conforms to the test 
requirements of ASTM El 52 listed in Appendix A 
and the fire protection rating herein required in 
Table 716.1, unless otherwise specifically provided 
for in 780 CMR. 

716.1.1 Twenty-minite doors: Fire doors 
having a fire protection rating of 20 minutes 
shall be tested in accordance with ASTM El 52 
listed in Appendix A without the hose stream 
test. 

716.1.2 Boors in exit enclosures: All doorway 
opening protectives for exit enclosures shall be 
labeled means of egress fire doors and shall 
have a maximum transmitted temperature end 
point of not more than 450 °F (232 °C) above 
ambient at the end of 30 minutes of standard fire 
test exposure. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 716.1 

OPENING PROTECTIVE FIRE 

PROTECTION RATING 



Type of assembly 


Required 

assembly 

rating (hour) 


Minimum 

opening 

protection 

assembly 

(hour) 


Fire walls and fire separation 
assemblies having a required 
fireresistance rating greater than 
one hour 


4 
3 
2 

V/2 


3 

3 
114 

V/2 


Fire separation assemblies: 
Shaft and exit enclosure walls 
Other fire aeparation assemblies 


1 

1 


1 


Fire partitions: 

Exit access corridor enclosure 

wall 

Other fire partitions 


1 

V2 

1 





Note a. For testing requirements, see 780 CMR 7 1 6. 1 . 1 . 

716.2 Labeled protective assemblies: AHJire door 
assemblies shall be labeled by an approved agency. 
Labeled protective assemblies that conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 716.0 or UL lOA, 14B 
and 14C for tin-clad fire door assemblies, and 
NFiPA 80 listed in Appendix A, shall be approved 
for use as provided for in 780 CMR. 

716.2.1 Labeling requirements: Fire doors 
shall have a label or other identiJScation showing 
the name of the manufacturer, the^re protection 
rating and, where required for fire doors in exit 
enclosures by 780 CMRs 716. L2 or 1014.8.3, 
the maximum transmitted temperature end point. 
Such label shall be approved and shall be 
permanently afiBxed. The label shall be applied 
at the iactoiy where fabrication and assembly are 
done. Inspection shall be made by an approved 
agency. 

716.2.2 Oversized doors: Approval of doors 
\^ch cannot be labeled because of size shall be 
based on a certificate of inspection fiimished by 
an approved testing agency for such oversized 
doors. The certificate shall state that the door 
conforms to the requirements of design, 
materials and construction, but has not been 
subjeaed to the fire test. 

7163 Multiple doors in fire walls: Two doors, each 
with d^fire protection rating of Wz hours, installed 
on opposite sides of the same opening in afire wall, 
shall be deemed equivalent m. fire protection rating 
to one three-hour^re door. 

716.4 Glass panels: Wired glass panels shall be 
permitted in fire doors within the limitations of 



780 CMR 719.0 and as herein specifically 
prescribed. 

716.5 Door closing: Fire doors shall be self-closing 
or automatic-closing in accordance with the 
requirements of NFiPA 80 listed in Appendix A and 
the requirements of 780 CMR 716.5.1 through 
716.5.4. 

716.5.1 Smoke-activated doors: Fire doors 
which are not self-closing and which protect 
openings in horizontal exits, exits or exit access 
corridors required to be of fireresistance rated 
construction shall be automatic-closing by the 
actuation of smoke detectors or by loss of power 
to the smoke detector or the hold-open device. 

716.5.2 Doors in pedestrian ways: Vertical 
sliding or vertical rolling steel fire doors in 
openings through which pedestrians travel shall 
not be automatic-closing by actuation of smoke 
detectors. 

Exception: Doors that are activated by 
smoke detectors arranged on an alarm 
verification circuit in accordance with 
780 CMR 918.7. 

716.5.3 Swinging fire doors: The door closers 
for swinging ^re doors that are not required to 
be automatic-closing by smoke detector 
activation in accordance with 780 CMR 716.5. 1, 
shall be permitted to be activated by a single 
fiisible link incorporated in the hold-open arm of 
an ^proved door closer where the ceiling is less 
than three feet (914 mm) above each side of the 
door opening. 

716.5.4 Closing time: Doors that are automatic- 
closing by automatic fire detectors or are self- 
closing shall not have a delay in the initiation of 
closing or reclosing of more than ten seconds. 

780 CMR 717.0 FIRE DAMPERS 

717.1 Approval: Fire dampers shall comply with 
the requirements of UL 555 listed in Appendix A 
and shall bear the label of an approved testing 
agency. Fire dampers shall be classified and 
identified in accordance with UL 555. Fire dampers 
installed in systems that continue to operate when 
smoke or heat fi-om a fire is detected shall be labeled 
for installation in dynamic systems as required by 
UL 555. Fire dampers shall be installed in 
accordance with manufiicturer's installation 
instructions. Fire dampers shall have the mimmum 
fire protection ra//«^ specified in Table 717. 1 for the 
type of penetration. 



138 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BmLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION 



Table 717.1 
FIRE DAMPER RATING 



. = J-ar U.J 1 

Type of Penetration 


Minimum 

damper rating 
Oiour) 


Fire partitions less than 1 hour 




Unprotected floor assemblies (see 
780 CMR 7 13. 4.3.2) 


Vz 


Single membrane of a 1 -hour 
fireresistance rated assembly 




1 -hour fireresistance rated assemblies 


1 


2-hour fireresistance rated assemblies 


l'/2 


3-hour or greater fireresistance rated 
assemblies 


3 



717.2 Where required: Fire dampers shall be 
provided at locations required by 780 CMR where 
air distribution system penetrate assemblies required 
to have a fireresistance rating. Where the 
installation of ajire damper mil interfere with the 
operation of a required smoke control system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 921.0 or the operation of 
an exhaust system conveying hazardous materials as 
defined in the mechanical code listed in Appendix A, 
approved alternative protection shall be utilized. 

717.3 Access: Access shall be provided to Jire 
dampers for inspection and servicing. 

780 CMR 7ia0 EIRE WINDOWS 
ANBSMJTIERS 

715.1 Fireresistance ratimg: Approved assemblies 
of fire windows and fire shutters shall meet the test 
requirements of ASTM El 63 listed in Appendix A. 
Fire windows shall be m the fixed closed position or 
be automatic-closing. 

71S.1.1 Exception: Steel window fi-ame 
assemblies of Vfe-inch (3 mm) minimum solid 
section or of not less than nominal 0.048-inch- 
thick formed sheet steel memh&rs fabricated by 
pressing, mitering, riveting, interlocking or 
welding and having provision for gla^ng with 
V4-inch wired glass as required in 780 CMR 
719.0 where securely installed in the building 
construction and glazed with V4-inch labeled 
wired glass, shall be deemed to meet the 
requirements for a %-hour^re window assembly. 

715.2 Window mullions: All metal muUions which 
exceed a nominal height of 12 feet shall be protected 
with materials to aSbrd the same fireresistance 
rating as required for the wall construction in which 
the protective is located. 

718.3 Swinging fire shutters: Where fire shutters of 
the swinging type are installed in exterior openings, 
not less than one row in every three 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 inches (152 mm) 
high. 

71S.4 Rolling fire shitters: Where fire shutters of 
the rolling type are installed, such shutters shall be 
of approved counter-balanced construction and 
capable of being readily opened fi-om the outside. 

780 CMR 719.0 WIRED GLASS 

719.1 Geiseral: Wired glass installed as an opening 
protective shall be tested in accordance with ASTM 
E163 Med in Appendix A, shall bear the label of an 
approved agency and shall be installed in approved 
fi-ames. Wired glass panels shall conform to the size 
limitations set forth in Table 719. 1. 

Table 719.1 

LBVOTING SIZE® OF WIRED GLASS 

PANELS 



Opening fire 
protection rating 


Maximum area 
(square inches) 


Maximum 
height 
(inches) 


Maximum 

width 

(inches) 


3 hour 

1 '/4-hour doors in 

exterior walls 

1; and l*/il»urs 

Va hour 
Bre_windQws 





m 

1:296 

not limited 
1.296 





54 

not limited 
54 






10 

54 

not hmited 
54 



Note a. 



I Inch = 25.4 mm: 1 square inch = 0.0006452 



719.1.1 Fire walls: Wired glass in Jire doors 
located in^re walls shall be prohibited except 
that where serving as a horizontal exit, a self- 
cloang swinging door shall be permitted to have 
a vision panel of not more than 100 square 
inches (0.065 m^) without a dimension 
exceeding ten inches (254 mm). 



719.1.2 Fire separation assemblies: Wired 
glass vision panels shall not be installed in fire 
doors having a VA-hour fire protection rating 
intended for installation in fire separation 
assemblies, unless the glass panels are not more 
than 100 square inches (0.065 m^ in area. 

719.2 Exit Effid elevator protectives: Except where 
fire doors are specifically requh-ed by 780 CMR 4 to 
be solid in such locations where unusually hazardous 
conditions prevail, approved wired glass vision 
panels used in fire doors in elevator and stairway 
shafi enclosures shall be so located as to furnish 
clear vision of the passageway or approach to the 
elevator or stairway and shall not exceed the size 
limitations specified m Table 719.1. 



719 J Fire separation assembiiies: Panels of '/4-inch 
wired glass shall not be installed in fire separation 
assemblies intended for subdividing purposes as set 
forth in 780 CMR 709.1 where the required 
fireresistance rating of the wall exceeds one hour. 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



139 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



The maximum size of such panels shall not exceed 
the limitations for a %-hour door. 

780 CMR 720.0 FIRESTOPPING 
AND DRAFTSTOPPING 

720.1 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 firesiops or 
draftstops as herein specified. 

720.2 Firestopping materials: All flrestopping 
shall consist of approved noncombustible materials 
securely fastened in place. Firestops of approved 
noncombustible materials or of materials of two 
thicknesses of one-inch lumber with broken lap- 
joint, or one thickness of 23/32-inch wood structural 
panel with joints backed by 23/32-inch wood 
structural panel, or of two-inch lumber installed with 
tight joints, shall be installed in open spaces of wood 
framing. 

720.3 Draftstopping materials: Draftstopping 
materials shall not be less than Vi -inch gypsum 
board, %-inch plywood or other approved materials 
adequately supported. 

720.4 Integrity: The integrity of a\\ firestopping and 
draftstopping shall be continuously maintained. 

720.5 Required inspection: Firestopping and 
draftstopping shall not be concealed from view until 
inspected and approved. 

720.6 Firestopping required: Firestopping shall be 
installed in the locations specified in 780 CMR 
720.6.1 through 720.6.7. 

720.6.1 Concealed wall spaces: Firestopping 
shall be installed in concealed spaces of stud 
walls and partitions, including furred or studded- 
ofiT spaces of masonry or concrete walls, and at 
the ceiling and floor or roof levels. Firestopping 
is not required at the ceiling level of walls, 
partitions and furred spaces constructed of 
noncombustible materials as defined by 
780 CMR 704.4. 

720.6.2 Connections between horizontal and 
vertical spaces: Firestopping shall be installed 
at all interconnections between vertical and 
horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits over 
cabinets, drop ceilings, cove ceilings and similar 
locations. 

720.6.3 Stairways: Firestopping shall be 
installed in concealed spaces between stairway 
stringers at the top and bottom of the run. 

720.6.4 Ceiling and floor openings: Where 
permitted by Exception 7 of 780 CMR 713.3, or 
by 780 CMR 713.4.2.3 or 713 A3, firestopping 
shall be installed at openings around vents. 



pipes, ducts, chimneys and fireplaces at ceiling 
and floor levels, with approved noncombustible 
materials. Factory built chimneys and fireplaces 
shall hefirestopped in accordance with UL 103 
and UL 127 listed in Appendix A. Where 
ceilings or floors are required to be fireresistance 
rated, the openings around vents, pipes, ducts, 
chimneys and fireplaces shall be protected in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
713.4 tkough 713.4.2.3. 

720.6.5 Architectural trim: Firestopping shall 
be installed in exterior cornices and other 
exterior architectural elements where permitted 
of combustible construction in 780 CMR 1406.0, 
or where erected with combustible frames, at 
maximum intervals of 20 feet (6096 mm). If 
noncontinuous, such elements shall have closed 
ends, with at least four inches (102 mm) of 
separation between sections. 

720.6.6 Combustible finish and trim: 

Firestopping shall be installed in the space 
behind combustible trim and finish where 
permitted under 780 CMR and all other hollow 
spaces where permitted in fireresistance rated 
construction at ten-foot (3048 mm) intervals; or 
the space shall be solidly filled with approved 
noncombustible materials. 

720.6.7 Concealed sleeper spaces: Firestopping 
shall be installed in concealed spaces formed by 
floor sleepers in areas of not more than 100 
square feet (9.30 m^); or the space shall be 
solidify filled with approved noncombustible 
materials. 

720.7 Draftetopping required: Draftstopping shall 
be installed in buildings of Types 3, 4 and 5 
construction in the locations specified by 780 CMR 
720.7.1 and 720.7.2. 

720.7.1 Floors: 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 draftstopping as 
specified in 780 CMR 720.7.1.1 through 
720.7.1.3. 

720.7.1.1 Use Groups R-1 and R-2: In 
occupancies in Use Groups R-1 and R-2, 
draftstopping shall be installed in line with 
tenant and dwelling unit separation walls 
where the walls do not extend to the 
underside of the floor sheathing above. 

Exception: Draftstopping is not required 
in buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
906.2.2, provided that automatic 
sprinklers are also installed in the 
combustible concealed space. 



140 



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2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRERESISTANT MATERL^LS AND CONSTRUCTION 



720.7.1.2 Use Group R-3: In occupancies in 
Use Group R-3, the space shall be divided 
into approximately equal areas not greater 
than 500 square feet (46.5 m^). The 
draftstopping shall be installed parallel to the 
main framing members. 

Esception: Draftstopping is not required 
in buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
906.2.2, provided that automatic 
sprinklers are also installed in the 
combustible concealed space. 

720.7.1.3 Other use groups: In all other use 
groups, draftstopping shall be installed so 
that horizontal areas do not exceed 1,000 
square feet (93 m^. 

Esception: Draftstopping is not required 
in buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
906.2.2, provided that automatic 
sprinklers are also installed in the 
combustible concealed space above the 
ceiling. 

720.7.2 Attics and concealed spaces: Attics and 
concealed roof spaces shall be provided with 
draftstopping as specified in 780 CMR 720 7.2. 1 
and 720.7.2.2. 

720,7.2.1 Use Group R: In occupancies in 
Use Group R, in attics^ mansards, overhangs 
or other concealed roof spaces, draftstopping 
shall be installed above, and in line with, 
tenant and dwelling unit separation walls that 
do not extend to the underside of the roof 
sheathing above. 

Esceptioiis: 

1. Where corridor walls provide a tenant 
or dwelling unit separation, draftstopping 
shall only be required above one of the 
corridor walls. 

2. Flat roofs with solid joist construction 
are not required to be provided with 
draftstopping over tenant and dwelling 
unit separation walls if the joists form a 
draftstop. 

3. Draftstopping is not required in 
buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
906.2.2, provided that automatic 
sprinklers are also installed in attics, 
mansards, overhangs and other 
concealed roof spaces of combustible 
concealed space. 

4. Draftstopping is not required in 
detached one- and two-family dwellings. 

5. In occupancies in Use Group R-2 
which do not exceed four stories in 



height, the attic space shall be 
subdivided by draftstops into areas not 
exceeding 3,000 square feet (279 m^) or 
above every two dwelling units, 
whichever is smaller. 

720.7.2.2 Other me groups: Draftstopping 
shall be installed in attics and concealed roof 
spaces, such that any horizontal area does 
not exceed 3,000 square feet (279 m^). 

Exceptions: 

1 . Eat roofs with solid joist construction 
are not required to be provided with 
draftstopping over tenant separation 
walls if the joists form a draftstop. 

2. Draftstopping is not required in 
buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
906.2.2, provided that automatic 
sprinklers are also installed in attics and 
other concealed roof spaces of 
combustion construction. 

720.S Ventilation: Ventilation of concealed roof 
spaces shall be maintained in accordance with 
780 CMR 1210.0. 

780 CMR 72L0 FIMERESISTIVE 
REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTER 

72L1 Tliilckiiiess of plaster: The required thickness 
of fireresistance rated plaster protection shall be 
determined by the prescribed fire tests for the 
specified use group and type of construction and in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 2505.0 
for interior plastering and 780 CMR 2506.0 for 
exterior plastering. The thickness in all cases shall 
be measured fi"om the face of the lath where applied 
to gypsum lath or metal lath. 

721.2 Plaster equivalents: For fireresistive 
purposes, Vz inch (13 mm) of unsanded gypsum 
plaster shall be deemed equivalent to % inch (19 
mm) of one-to-three sanded gypsum or one inch (25 
mm) of Portland cement sand plaster. 

721.3 Noncombustible furring: In buildings of 
Types 1 and 2 construction, plaster shall be applied 
directly on masonry or on approved noncombustible 
plastering base and furring. 

721.4 Bouble reinforcement: Except in solid 
plaster partitions, or where otherwise determined by 
the prescribed fire tests, plaster protection more than 
one inch (25 mm) in thickness shall be reinforced 
with an additional layer of approved lath embedded 
at least Va inch (19 mm) fi-om the outer surface and 
fixed securely in place. 

72 LS Plaster alternatives for concrete: In 
reinforced concrete construction, gypsum or portland 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



141 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



cement plaster is permitted to be substituted for V2 
inch (13 mm) of the required poured concrete 
protection, except that a minimum thickness of % 
inch (ten mm) of poured concrete shall be provided 
in all reinforced concrete floors and one inch (25 
mm) in reinforced concrete columns in addition to 
the plaster finish. The concrete base shall be 
prepared in accordance with 780 CMR 2506.0. 

780 CMR 722.0 THERMAL- AND 
SOUND-ENSUIATING MATERIALS 

722.1 General: Insulating batts, blankets, fills or 
similar types of materials — other than fiberboard and 
foam plastic insulation — including vapor retarders 
and breather papers or other coverings which are 
incorporated in construction elements, shall be 
installed as required by 780 CMR 722.0. Fiberboard 
insulation shall be installed as required by 780 CMR 
2309.0, and foam plastic insulation shall be installed 
as required by 780 CMR 2603.0. 

722.2 Exposed installations: Such materials, where 
exposed as installed in rooms or spaces, including 
attics and crawl spaces of buildings of any type 
construction, shall have a flame spread rating of 25 
or less and a smoke-developed- rating of 450 or less 
when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 listed in 
Appendix A. Plenum installations shall comply with 



the requirements of 780 CMR 2805.0 and the 
mechanical code listed in Appendix A. 

111,Z Concealed installations: Insulating materials, 
where concealed as installed in buildings of any ty^Q 
of construction, shall have a flame spread rating of 
75 or less and a smoke-developed rating of 450 or 
less when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 
listed in Appendix A. 

722.3.1 Facings: All vapor retarders, whether 
integral or applied separately, shall be installed 
on the warm side of the building element, and 
shall have a permeance not exceeding one perm. 
Where insulation materials are installed in 
concealed spaces (such as wall, floor or ceiling 
cavities), attics or crawl spaces in buildings of 
Types 3, 4 and 5 construction, the flame spread 
and smoke-developed rating limitations do not 
apply to facings, provided that the facing is 
installed behind and in substantial contact with 
the unexposed surface of the ceiling, floor or 
wall finish. 

722.4 Cellulosic Insulation: Cellulosic insulation 
shall meet the requirements of CPSC 16 CFR, Parts 
1 209 and 1404, listed in Appendix A . 



142 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER S 



INTERIOR FINISHES 



780 CMR SOLO GENERAL 

801.1 Scope: Interior finish and trim of buildings 
shall conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 8. 
Interior finish shall include all wail, ceiling zvA floor 
finishes and wainscoting and paneling or other finish 
applied structurally or for acoustical treatment, 
insulation, decoration or similar purposes. 

80L2 Installation and classification: All materials 
which are required to restrict the spread of flame or 
to be flameresistant under the provisions of 
780 CMR - including, but not limited to, interior 
finish materials, fireretardant-treated wood, tents and 
tarpaulins, and interior hangings and decorations 
shall meet the requirements for installation and 
classification as determined by the applicable test 
procedures listed in 780 CMR 8. 

780 CMR 802»0 DEFlNniONS 

802.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 8 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

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 the tests specified in 
780 CMR (see 780 CMR 803.0). 

Flameresistance: That property of materials or 
combinations of component materials which 
restricts the spread of flame as determined by the 
flameresistance tests specified in 780 CMR (also 
see 780 CMR 807.2). 

Floor fimsh: The finish placed on top of the floor, 
slab or other structural floor element. 

780 CMR 803.0 INTERIOR FINISM 
ANBTRIM 

S®3,1 Exposed constnactlon: These requirements 
shall not be considered as requiring the installation 
of interior finish, but where construction or fire 
protection materials are exposed in the me groups 
specified in 780 CMR 803.4, the hazard fi-om rate of 
flame spread of such exposed materials shall not be 
greater than that of the interior finish permitted for 
such occupancy. 

803.1.1 Faper finish: The use of a surface finish 
of paper or of material that does not have a greater 
fire hazsrd than paper shall not be prohibited, 



provided that such finish does not exceed 1/28 
inch (1 mm) in thickness and is applied directly to 
a noncombustible base or substrate that conforms 
to the requirements of 780 CMR 2310.0. 

803.1,2 Type 4 construction: Exposed portions 
of structural members complying with the 
requirements for buildings of Type 4 construction 
in 780 CMR 605.0 and 2304.0, shall not be 
subject to interior finish regulations. 

S03.U Window exception: Show windows in 
the first story of buildmgs are permitted to be 
constructed of any approved materials. 

803.2 Classification: All materials used for interior 
finish and trim shall be classified in accordance with 
ASTM E84 listed in Appendix A. The 
classifications of interior finishes referred to herein 
correspond to flame spread ratings determined by 
ASIM E84 listed in Appendix A as follows: Class I 
flame spread, 0-25; Class II flame spread, 26-75; 
Class m flame spread, 76 - 200. 

803J Materiais: Materials shall only be installed as 
interior finish and trim as specificaUy provided for 
in 780 CMR for the occupancy of the space in which 
the material is installed. Installation of any material 
ioT floor finish, interior finish and trim in a building 
of Type 1 or 2 construction within the scope 
permitted in 780 CMR 803.0 or in 780 CMR 806.0 
shall not declassiiy the building with respect to the 
type of construction classification. 

W3J,1 Foam plastics: Foam plastics shall not be 
installed as interior trim or finish except in 
compliance with 780 CMR 803.0 and 780 CMR 
2603.0. 

8033.2 Smoke development: Interior wall and 
ceiling finish materials that have a smoke- 
developed rating greater than 450 when tested in 
accordance vwth ASTM E84 listed in Appendix A 
shall not be permitted. 

803.4 Required flame spread rating: Interior finish 
of walls and ceilings shall have a flame spread rating 
not greater than that designated by the class 
prescribed for the various use groups listed in Table 
803.4, when tested in accordance with 780 CMR 
803.2. 

803.4.1 Basements: In occupancies other than 
Use Group R-3, Class I or II interior finish shall 
be required in all basements or other underground 
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. 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Skth Edition 



143 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



803.4.2 Maximum flame spread: Interior finish 
materials Avith flame spread classifications greater 
than 200 shall not be installed in any room or 
space subject to human occupancy, except to such 
extent as specifically approved on the basis of a 
finding that such installation does not 
significantly increase the life hazard. 

803.4.3 Rooms and enclosed spaces. 

Requirements for rooms or enclosed spaces are 
based upon spaces enclosed in partitions of the 
building or structure, and where a fireresistanceis 
required for the structural elements, the enclosing 
partitions shall extend fi-om the floor to the 
ceiling. Partitions that do not comply with this 
shall be coni^dered as enclosing spaces and rooms 
or spaces on both sides thereof shall be counted as 
one. In determining the applicable requirements 
for rooms or enclosed spaces, the specific 
occupancy thereof shall be the governing factor, 
regardless of the use group classification of the 
building or structure. Where an automatic 
sprinkler system installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2 is installed 
throughout a building, Class n or HI interior 
finish shaU be permitted where Class I or 11 
materials, respectively, are required in Table 
803.4. 

Table 803.4 
INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS^ 





Required 








vertical 


Corridors 


Rooms or 


Use Group 


exits and 


providing 


enclosed 




pas.sage- 


exit access' 


spaces 




ways 






A-1. A-2,A-3 


I 


f 


n'' 


A-4,B.E»F.I*i, 


,J 


> s- 


m 


H ' 


I 


u 


■1.^ 




,h 


,h 


»h 


1-2 


I 


1 


r 


1-3 


I 


I 


m 


Mtvms 


J 


. . n 


^^ 


^^m^ 


i 


H 


H 


R-3 


ffl 


m 


m 


S 


— a — 


n_- 


m 



Note a. For requirements applicable to rooms and 
enclosed spaces, see 780 CMR 803.4.3. 

Note b. Class III interior finish materials are permitted 
in places of assembly with a capacity of 300 persons or 
less. 

Note c. Class III interior finish materials are permitted 
for wainscoting or paneling for not more tiian 1,000 
square feet (93m^ of applied surface area in the grade 
lobby where applied directly to a noncombustible base or 
over furring strips applied to a noncombustible base and 
firestopped as required by 780 CNfR 804.0. 

Note d. Class m interior finish materials are permitted 
in mercantile occupancies of 3,000 square feet (279m ) 
or less gross area occupied for sales purposes on the 
street floor only (balcony permitted). 

Note e. Lobby areas shall not be less than Class 11. 



Note f. Where building height is over two stories. 
Class n shall be required. 

Note g. For the classifications of interior finishes 
referred to herein, see 780 CMR 803.2. For interior 
finish requirements for exposed insulation, see 780 CMR 
722.2. 

Note h. Walls and ceilings shall be a minimum of 
Class 11 materials in individual rooms of not more than 
four persons in capacity Where a building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed 
in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 the minimum 
requirement for interior fmish shall be Class 11. 

Note i. hi Use Groups A, 1-2 and 1-3, Class II interior 
wall finish material shall be permitted as wainscoting 
extending not more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the 
floor in corridors providing exit access. 

803.5 Interior trim: Baseboards, chair rails, 
moldings, trim around openings and other interior 
trim, not in excess of 10% of the aggregate wall and 
ceiling areas of any room or space, shall be of Class 
I, n or in materials. 

803.6 Carpet and carpet-like wall coverings: 

Textile wall coverings having a napped, tufted, 
looped, woven, nonwoven or similar surface, shall 
comply with the following: 

\. Such materials shall have a Class I flame 
spread classification and be installed only in 
rooms or areas protected by an automatic 
sprinkler system installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 9; or 

2. Such materials shall be tested in accordance 
with an eight-foot by 12-foot by eight-foot high 
(2438 mm by 3658 mm by 2438 mm) room/comer 
fire test procedure utilizing a product-mounting 
system, including adhesive, representative of 
actual installation. Prior to testing, the sample 
shall be conditioned at 70"? (21 "C) ± 5% and at 
a relative humidity of 50% ± 5% until the sample 
reaches a rate of weight change of less than 0. 1% 
per day. The product shall be exposed to a flame 
fi-om a gas difiusion burner for 15 minutes. The 
fire exposure shall be 40 kW for the first five 
minutes, followed by an exposure of 150 kW for 
an additional ten minutes. Such tests shall 
demonstrate that a product will not spread fire to 
the edge of the specimen or cause flashover in the 
test room. 

803.7 Design load: Interior wall finish materials 
shall be capable of resisting the horizontal load 
specified in 780 CMR 1615.4. 

780 CMR 804.0 APPUCATION OF 
INTERIOR FINISH 

804.1 Attachment: Where interior finish is 
regulated by the requirements of 780 CMR 8, 
interior finish materials shall be applied or otherwise 
fastened in such a manner that such materials will 
not readily become detached when subjected to 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

INTERIOR FINISHES 



room temperatures of 200°F (93 "C) for not less than 
30 minutes. 

S04.2 Fireresistlve and noncombsistible 
construction: Interior finish materials installed on 
wails, ceilings or structural elements which are 
required to provide a fireresistance rating or to be of 
noncombustible construction, shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 804.2.1 or 804.2.2. 

S04.2.i Application to structural elements: 
Interior finish materials applied to walls, ceilings 
or structural elements shall be applied directly 
against the exposed surface of such structural 
elements or to furring attached to such surfaces. 
In concrete or masonry construction, furring of 
wood or any other material of similar combustible 
characteristics is permitted. All concealed spaces 
created by furring shall htfirestopped at not more 
than ten-foot (3048 mm) intervals in any direction 
(see 780 CMR 720.6.6). 

804.2.2 Set-out construction: Where the interior 
finish is set out or dropped distances greater than 
1% inches (44, mm) fi^om the surface of such 
elements, only material of which both faces 
qualify as Class I shall be installed. 
Exceptions: 

i. In buildings equipped throughout v^nth an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 or 906.2.2, 
Class U finish materials shall be permitted 
provided that automatic sprinklers are also 
installed in combustible concealed spaces 
behind the interior Snish. 
2. Class II or III materials shall be permitted 
where attached to a backing that complies with 
780 CMR 804.3 or to furring applied directly 
to such backing as provided for in 780 CMR 
804.2. L 

S04J Class n and HI materials: Class II and HI 
interior finish materials which are less than V^ inch 
in thickness shall be applied directly against a 
noncombustible backing or a backing that complies 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 2310.0, unless 
the tests under which such material has been 
classified were made with the materials suspended 
from the noncombustible backing. The backing 
material shall provide a continuous surface 
completely behind the finish. Where the backing 
does not constitute an integral part of the structural 
elements or system, the backing shall be attached 
directly to the structural elements or to the furring as 
required for the application of finish in 780 CMR 
804.2, or shall be suspended firom the structural 
members at any distance and all concealed spaces 
created thereby shall he firestopped m accordance 
with 780 CMR 720.0. 

804.4 Type 4 construction: Interior finish materials 
shall be applied directly to the wood members and 



decking of buildings of Type 4 construction, or to 
furring strips applied to such members or wood 
decking as provided for in 780 CMR 804.2.1. 

780 CMR 80S.0 FLOOR FINISH 

805.1 General: Finished floors or floor covering 
materials of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, 
linoleum, terrazzo and other resilient floor covering 
materials, are exempt from the requirements of 
780 CMR 805.0. Floor coverings judged by the 
code official to represent an unusual hazard shall 
meet the requirements of 780 CMR 805.0. 

805.2 Classification: Intenor floor finish required 
by 780 CMR 805.3 to be of Class I or Class 11 
materials shall be classified in accordance with 
ASTM E648 listed in Appendix A. The 
classifications referred to herein correspond to the 
classifications determined by ASTM E648 listed in 
Appendix A as follows: Class I, 0.45 watts/cm^; 
Class n, 0.22 watts/cm^. 

805.2.1 Test report: All carpet required by 
780 CMR 805.0 to meet critical radiant flux 
limitations in accordance with 780 CMR 805.2 
shall be tested by an approved agency. A copy of 
the test report identifying and representing the 
style to be installed shall be provided to the code 
ofBcial upon request. The test report shall 
identify the carpet by manufacturer (or supplier) 
and style name, and shall be representative of the 
current construction of the carpet. 

The carpet shall be identified as to 
manufacturer (or supplier) and style by a hang tag 
or other suitable method, which shall indicate the 
classification of the material based upon the 
limitations specified in 780 CMR 805.2. 

805.3 Required classification: InterioT floor finish 
in vertical exits, exit passageways and exit access 
corridors shall not be less than Class I in Use Group ■ 
1-2 and not less than Class 11 in Use Groups A, B, E, 
lA, 1-3, M, R4 and R-2. In all other areas, the 
mi^OT floor finish shall comply with the DOC FF-1 
"pill test'' (CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1630) listed in 
Appendix A. 

Exception: Where a building is equipped 
throughout vwth an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2, 
Class II materials are permitted in any area where 
Class I materials are required and materials 
complying with the DOC FF-1 "pill test" (CPSC 
16 CFR, Part 1630) listed in Appendix A are 
permitted in any area where Class II materials are 
required. 

805.4 Rooms and enclosed spaces: Requirements 
for rooms or enclosed spaces are based upon the 
spaces being enclosed vwth partitions extending from 
the floor to the ceiling. Where partitions do not 
satisfy this criterion, the room or space is considered 



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part of the corridor. 

805.5 Other materials: All carpet manufactured for 
sale in the United States is required by federal 
regulations to pass the DOC FF-1 "pill test" (CPSC 
16 CFR, Part 1630) listed in Appendix A. If a 
material other than carpet is installed, the material 
shall be shown to be at least as resistant to flame 
propagation as a material which passes DOC FF-1 
(minimum critical radiant flux of 0.04 watts/cm^). 

780 CMR 806.0 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS 

PERMrriED IN FLOORS OF TYPES 1 AND 2 

CONSTRUCTION 

806.1 General: Except as provided for in 780 CMR 
1014.0 for stairways, and in 780 CMR 412.0 for 
stages snA platforms, combustible materials installed 
in or on floors of buildings of Types 1 and 2 
construction shall be as herein specified. 

806.2 Sleepers, bucks and grounds: Floor sleepers, 
bucks, n^ling blocks and grounds shall not be 
constructed of combustible materials, unless the 
space between the fireresistance rated floor 
construction and the flooring is either solidly filled 
with approved noncombustible materials or 
firestopped in accordance with 780 CMR 720.6.7, 
and provided that such open spaces shall not extend 
under or through permanent partitions or walls. 

806.3 Flooring: Wood finish flooring is permitted to 
be attached directly to the embedded or firestopped 
wood sleepers, and shall be permitted where 
cemented directly to the top surface of approved 
fireresistance rated construction or directly to a 
wood subfloor attached to sleepers as provided for in 
780 CMR 806.2. Combustible insulating boards not 
more than Vi inch thick and covered with approved 
finished flooring are permitted for sound deadening 
or heat insulating where attached directly to a non- 
combustible floor assembly or to wood subflooring 
attached to sleepers as provided for in 780 CMR 
806.2. 



780 CMR 807.0 INTERIOR HANGINGS 
AND DECORATIONS 

807.1 Decorative material restrictions: In 

occupancies in Use Groups A, E, 1-2, 1-3 and R-1, all 
curtains, draperies, hangings and other decorative 
materials suspended fi'om walls or ceilings shall be 
noncombustible or be maintained flameresistant in 
accordance v/ith 780 CMR 807.2 as herein specified 
and 527 CMR 21, 00 as listed in Appendix A. 

807.1.1 Noncombustible: The permissible 
amount of non-combustible decorative hangings 
shall not be limited. 

807.1.2 Flameresistant: The permissible amount 
of flameresistant decorative hangings shall not 
exceed 10% of the total wall and ceiling area. 

807.2 Acceptance criteria: Where required to be 
flameresistant under the provisions of 780 CMR, all 
materials used for artistic enhancement, decorations, 
draperies, curtains, scenery and hangings shall 
comply with 780 CMR 807.0. If treated to be 
flameresistant, these materials shall not generate 
smoke more dense than that given off by untreated 
wood or paper burning under comparable conditions 
when tested in accordance with both the small-scale 
and large-scale tests in NFiPA 701 listed in 
Appendix A. 

807.2.1 Limitation of approval: All approvals of 
organic decorative material shall be limited to one 
year. The owner or the owner's authorized agent 
shall file an affidavit with the code official which 
certifies that the process and materials utilized 
comply with 780 CMR and which states the date 
of treatment and the warranted period of 
effectiveness of the process. 

807.2.2 Field test for decorative materials: 

Where documented certification of 
flameresistance is not provided, the code official 
shall subject decorative materials that are required 
to be flameresistant to a field test in accordance 
with Chapter 10 of NFiPA 701 listed in 
Appendix A. 

807.2.3 Replacement of defective materials: All 

treated hangings, draperies, canvas and other 
decorative and tent materials which fail to 
conform to the field test requirements shall be 
retreated or replaced by an approved installation. 



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CHAPTER 9 



FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 
(This Chapter is Entirely Umque to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 901,0 GENERAL 

901.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 9 shall 
specify where ^re protection systems are required 
and shall apply to the design, installation, 
maintenance and operation of all fire protection 
systems in all buildings and structures. 

901.L1 Seismic Requirements: All "required" 
and "non-required" fire' protection systems shall 
be installed in accordance with the Seismic 
Criteria requirements of 780 CMR 1612.7, 
Architectural, Mechanical and Electrical 
Components and Systems. 

905.2 Required systems: Ml fire protection systems 
required by 780 CMR shall be installed, repaired, 
operated and maintained in accordance with this 
code and the applicable reference standards listed in 
Appendix A. All required fire suppression and 
standpipe systems shall be provided with at least one 
automatic supply of fu:e-extinguishing agent of 
adequate pressure, capacity and reliability to 
perform the function intended. 

9013 Noiirequired systems: Any fire protection 
system or portion thereof not required by 780 CMR 
shall be permitted to be finished for partial or 
complete protection provided that such installed 
system meets applicable requirements of 780 CMR. 
A building permit shall be required for systems 
installed pursuant to 780 CMR 901.3 

90L4 Maintenance: Ail water based fire protection 
systems shall be maintained in accordance with 
NFPA 25 as listed in Appendix A. All o^etfire 
protection systems shall be maintained in accordance 
with the requirements of the applicable reference 
standards and standards listed in Appendix A. The 
owner, tenant or lessee of eveiy building or structure 
shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of 
all &re protection systems, including equipment and 
devices, to ensure the safety and welfare of the 
occupants. Fire protection systems shall not be 
disconnected or otherwise rendered unserviceable 
without first notifying the local fire department in 
accordance with M.G.L. c. 148 § 27A. 

When installations of fire protection systems are 
interrupted for repairs or other necessary reasons, 
the owner, tenant or lessee shall immediately advise 
the local fire department and shall diligently 
prosecute the restoration of the protection. 

90LS Threads: All threads provided for fire depart- 
ment connections to sprinkler systems, standpipes, 



yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall 
be compatible vwth the connections used by the local 
fire department. 

901.6 Signs: All signs requured to identify fire 
protection equipment, equipment rooms and 
equipment locations shall be constructed of durable 
materials, be permanently installed and be readily 
visible. Letters and mmibers shall contrast wlHo. the 
sign background, shall be at least two inches in 
height and shall have an appropriate vtadth-to-height 
ratio to permit the sign to be read easily from a 
distance often feet. The sign and location shall be 
approved by the local fire department. 

Eseeption: See also 780 CMR 906.8 for entrance 
doors to sprinkler control valve rooms and 
780 CMR 915.8 for fire department connections. 

780 CMR 9010 DEFINITIONS 

902.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 9 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Alarm verification: A feature of automatic fire 
detection systems to reduce imwanted alarms 
wherein automatic fire detectors report alarm 
conditions for a minimum period of time, or 
confirm alarm conditions witfiin a given period, 
after being automatically reset to be accepted as a 
valid alaim initiation signal (see 780 CMR 918.0). 

Approval/Permit To Install: The term refers to 
permits outside the jurisdiction of the building 
official, issued under authority of M.G.L. c. 148, 
§10Aor527CMR. 

Authority Having Jurisdiction: The term 
"Authority Having Jurisdiction" as used in the 
NFPA Standards as referenced in 780 CMR 9, 
shall mean the building official for enforcement of 
780 CMR and the BBRS for interpretation, waiver 
or variences (see 780 CMR 122.0; see official 
interpretation number 35-94 listed in Appendix B) 

Automatic: As applied to fire protection devices, 
automatic refers to a device or system that pro- 
vides an emergency function without the necessity 
of human intervention and activated as a result of 
a predetermined temperature rise, rate of tempera- 
ture rise or increase In the level of combustion 
products - such as incorporated in an automatic 
sprinkler system, automatic fire door, etc. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Automatic fire suppression system: An engineered 
system using carbon dioxide (CO2), foam, wet or 
dry chemical, a halogenated extinguishing agent, 
or an automatic sprinkler system to detect 
automatically and suppress a fire through fixed 
piping and nozzles (see 780 CMR 904.0). 

Construction Documents: As defined in 780 CMR 2. 

Deluge system: An automatic sprinkler system 
consisting of open sprinklers with water supply 
valves activated by a separate automatic detection 
system (see 780 CMR 908.0). 

Detector, heat: An alarm-initiating device that 
detects abnormally high temperature or rate of 
temperature rise (see 780 CMR 918.0). 

Detector, smoke: An alarm-initiating device that 
detects the visible or invisible particles of 
combustion (see 780 CMR 918.0). 

Emergency Voice/alarm signaling system: A 
system that provides, to the occupants of a 
building, dedicated manual or automatic facilities, 
or both, for originating and distributing voice 
instructions, as well as alert and evacuation 
signals that pertain to a fire emergency (see 
780 CMR 917.0). 

Fire alarm box, manual: A manually operated 
alarm-initiating device that activates a fire 
protective signaling system (see 780 CMR 917.0). 

Fire command station ( Fire command center): 

The principal location where the status of the 
detection, alarm, communications and control 
systems is displayed, and from which the 
system(s) has the capability for manual control 
(see 780 CMR 403.7 and 917.9). 

Fire Department Designee: An individual 
authorized by the chief of the fire department to 
review and approve fire protection system plans 
and installation. 

Fire detector^ automatic: An alarm-initiating device 
that automatically detects heat, smoke or other 
products of combustion (see 780 CMR 918.0). 

Fire Protection Construction Documents: 

Documents containing the requirements of 
780 CMR 903.1.1, 903.1.2, 903.1 .3. 

Fire protection system: Devices, equipment and 
systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, 
suppress or control a fire, or any combination 
thereof. 

Fire Protective Signaling System (Fire Alarm 
System): A system or portion of a combination 



system consisting of components and circuits 
arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of 
fire alarm or supervisory signal initiating devices 
and to initiate appropriate response to those 
signals. 

Household Fire Warning System: A household 
fire warning system consists of single or multiple 
station detectors or a listed control unit with 
automatic fire detectors and occupant notificafion 
appliances. The hoiisehold fire warning system 
serves only one dwelling unit, patient room, hotel 
room or other single area depending on use group 
requirements in 780 CMR 919.1 through 919.3 

Installing Contractor:An individual or firm duly 
licensed to install fire protection systems. (See 
780 CMR 903.3) 

• Automatic Sprinklers Systems - M.G.JL. 
c, 146, §§ 81 through 85A, 528 CMR 11.00 
and 12.00 

• Fire Extinguishing systems - M. G.L. c. 148, 
§§ 58,527 CMR 23.00 

• Fire Alarm Systems - M.G.L. c 141, §§ I 
through 10, 237 CMR 1.00 through 6.00 

Maintenance of Fire Protections Systems: 

Replacement or repair of any component or 
components of a fire protection system, where 
such does not affect system performance and 
compatibility. (Also see Modifications, 
Alterations, Additions or Deletions to Fire 
Protection Systems). No building permit is 
required for maintenance. Other permits, 
however, may be required pursuant to M.G.L. 
c.l48,§27Aand527CMR. 

Modifications, Alterations, Additions or Deletions 
to Fire Protection Systems: Any changes which 
affect the performance of the fire protection 
system. (Also see maintenance). Such changes 
requure a building permit and are subject to other 
permitting requirements pursuant to M.G.L. 
c. 148, § 27A. 

Master Box: A municipal fire alarm box that may 
also be operated by remote means. 

Municipal Fire Alarm System: A system of alarm 
initiating devices, receiving equipment, and 
connecting circuits (other than a public telephone 
network) used to transmit alarms fi-om street 
locations to the public fire service 
communications center. 

Preaction system: A fire sprinkler system employing 
automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system 
containing air with a supplemental fire detection 
system installed in the same areas as the 
sprinklers. Actuation of the fire detection system 
automatically opens a valve that permits water to 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



flow into the sprinkler piping system and to be 
discharged from any open sprinklers (see 
780 CMR 906.9.6). 

Proprietary supervising station: Refer to the 
definition in chapter 1 of NFPA-72 and to 
further details as identified in chapter 4 of 
NFPA-72 as listed in Appendix A. 

Registered Professional Engineer: A Registered 
Professional Engineer registered by the Board of 
Registration of Professional Engineers and of 
Land Surveyors in accordance with M.G.L. c. 1 12, 
§§ 8 ID through 8 IT and 250 CMR (see 780 CMR 
903.L3 and 903.5). 

Remote station fire alarm system supervising 
station: Refer to the definitions in chapter 1 of 
NFPA-72 and to further details as identified in 

chapter 4 ofNFPA'?! as listed in Appendix A. 

Shop Drawings: Scaled detailed working drawings 



(system layout) and equipment specifications (cut 
sheets) indicating all information in accordance 
with requirements of the applicable NFPA 
Standards for the specific fire protection systems 
to be installed in accordance with the Registered 
Professional Engineer's plans and specifications. 

Smoke detector, multiple station: Single-station 
smoke detectors that are capable of being 
interconnected such that actuation of one causes 
all integral or separate audible alarms to operate 
(see 780 CMR 919.0). 

Smoke detector, single station: An assembly 
incorporating the detector, the control equipment 
and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, which 
is operated from a power supply either in the unit 
or obtained at the point of installation (see 
780 CMR 919.0). 



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NON-TEXT PAGE 



148.2 780 CMR -Sixth Edition . 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUtt-DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



Smoke detector, system type: A smoke detector 
designed to be conneted to a fire alarm control 
panel. 

Sprinkler: A device, connected to a water supply 
system, that discharges water in a specific pattern 
for extinguishment or control of fire (see 
780 CMR 906.0). 

Sprinkler sysiem, automatic: A sprinkler system, for 
fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of 
underground or overhead piping designed in 
accordance with fire protection engineering 
standards. The system includes a suitable water 
supply. The portion of the system above the 
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 
(see 780 CMR 906.0). 

Sprinkler system, limited area: An automatic 
sprinkler system consisting of not more than 20 
sprinklers within a fire area (see 780 CMR 
907.0). 

Standpipe system: A standpipe system is afire 
protection system consisting of an arrangement of 
piping, valves, hose outlets and allied equipment 
installed in a building or structure (see 780 CMR 
914.0). 

Supervisory device: An initiating device used to 
monitor the conditions that are essential for the 
proper operation of automatic fire-protection 
systems (i.e., switches used to monitor the 
position of gate valves, a low air-pressure switch 
on a dry-pipe sprinkler system, etc.) (see 
780 CMR 923.0). 

U.L. Listed or FM appro ved central station service: 
Central station service as defined in Chapter 1 of 
NFPA-72 and as further identified in chapter 4 
ofNFPA 72 as listed in Appendix A. 

Water supply, automatic: A water supply that is not 
dependent on any manual operation, such as 
making connections, operating valves or starting 
pumps (see 780 CMR 914.5). 

780 CMR 903.0 FIRE PROTECHON 
SYOTEMS APPROVAL/ACCEPTANCE . 

903.1 Required: Complete fire protection 
construction documents shall be submitted iti 
accordance with 780 CMR 1 1 and a building permit 
obtained prior to the installation of all "required" or 
"non required" fire protection systems, including 
modifications, alterations, additions or deletions to 



an existing fire protection system. The fire 
protection construction documents shall contain 
sufficient information to completely describe the fire 
protection systems, including operational features. 
The information required pursuant to 780 CMR 
903.0 shall include, where required, the items listed 
in 780 CMR 903.1.1: 

Excepllois 1: Maintenance; no building permit 
required. 

Exception 2: For modifications, alterations, 
additions or deletions which do not affect system 
performance or compatibility; no building permit 
is required unless otherwise directed by the 
Building Official (Note also refer to M.G.L. 
C.148, § 27 A). 

903.1,1 Fire Protection ConstriBctlom 
Documents: 

1. a. Basis (methodology) of design for the 
protection of the occupancy and hazards for 
compliance with 780 CMR and applicable 
NFPA Standards, in the form of a narrative 
report. 

b. Sequence of operation of all fire 
protection systems and operation in the form 
of a narrative report. 

c. Testing criteria to be used for final 
system acceptance in the form of a narrative 
report. 

2. Building and site access for fire fighting 
and/or rescue vehicle(s) and personnel. 

3. Fire hydrant(s) location and water supply 
information. 

4. Type/description and design layout of the 
automatic sprinkler system(s). 

5. Automatic sprinkler system(s) control 
equipment location. 

6. Type/description and design layout of the 
automatic standpipe system(s). 

7. Standpipe system hose valve(s) type and 
location. 

8. Fire department Siamese connection type(s) 
and location. 

9. Type/description and design layout of the 
fire protective signaling system(s). 

10. Fire protective signaling system(s) control 
equipment and remote annunciator location. 

1 1 . Type/description and design layout of the 
smoke control or exhaust system(s). 

12. Smoke control or exhaust system(s) 
control equipment' location. 

13. Building life safety system features 
(auxiliary functions) required to be integrated 
as part of the fire protective signaling 
system(s). 

14. Type/description and design layout of the 
fire extinguishing system(s). 

15. Fire extinguishing system(s) control 
equipment location. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1 6. Fire protection system(s) equipment room 
location. 

17. Fire protection system(s) equipment 
identification and operation signs. 

18. Fire protection system(s) alarm/ 
supervisory signal transmission method and 
location. 

903.1.2 Plans: All fire protection system plans 
shall contain sufficient information to identify the 
occupancy, hazards, system and equipment 
arrangements, system and equipment sizing, 
systems specifications, systems sequence(s) of 
operation and design/engineering calculations. 

903.1.3 Design: All fire protection systems and 
fire protection system operation including 
building and site features as identified in 
780 CMR 903.1 1 shall be designed and specified 
by a qualified Registered Professional Engin- 
eer(s)QXcept as provided in M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A 
and any profession or trade as provided in M.G.L, 
c. 1 12, § 60L and M.G.L. c. 1 12, § 81R All plans 
shall bear the original seal and signature of the 
Registered Professional Engineer(s), except as 
provided in M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A and any 
profession or trade as provided in M.G.L. c. 1 12, 
§ 60L and M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R Specifications 
shall include requirements for the preparation of 
shop drawings when required by 780 CMR or 
applicable NFPA Standards. The Registered 
Professional Engineer(s) or other legally 
recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 112, § SIR) 
shall be responsible for the review and certify that 
all shop drawings conform to the approved fire 
protection construction documents as submitted 
for the building permit and approved by the 
building official. 

903.1.4 As-built plans: In accordance with the 
applicable referenced standards, as-built plans 
shall be prepared by the contractor responsible for 
the installation of the fire protection system for 
the following occupancies: 

(a) High-rise buildings 

(b) Buildings and structures of Use Group A 
with a total occupant load exceeding 1000. 

(c) Buildings and structures of Use Group H. 

(d) Use Group 1-2 and 1-3 except 1-2 Uses 
provided for in 780 CMR 424. 

(e) Bulk Merchandising/Retail occupancies 
(See 780 CMR 416.0). 

As-built plans shall be provided to the owner 
upon completion. 

903.1.5 Safeguarding Construction: The fire 
protection construction documents shall provide 
specifications for conformance to 780 CMR 33 
and NFPA-241 listed m Appendix A in order to 
safeguard against fires during construction, 
alterations and demolition of all buildings and 
structures regulated by 780 CMR. 



903.2 Authority: In accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1 10 and 780 CMR 903.1 
the building of official shall transmit one set of the 
fire protection construction documents (780 CMR 
903.1.1 ) and building construction documents to the 
head of the fire department or his designee for 
review and approval of the items specified in 
780 CMR 903.1.1. 

Note: 

1. M.G.L. c. 148 §§ 26G, 26H and 261, when 
adopted by a city or town, will impact the fire 
protection requirements of 780 CMR 9. A 
building official shall consult Official 
Interpretation Number 45-96, listed in 
Appendix B, for guidance, where commimities 
have adopted M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26G, 26H, and/or 
261. 

2. In addition to the building permit requirements 
for fire protection systems in 780 CMR, M.G.L. 
c. 148 § lOA and 527 CMR may impose 
additional installation permitting requirements. 

903.2.1 Alternative Fire Protection Design 
Methodologies - Independent Engineering 
Review: Where alternative design methodologies 
are utilized and where such methodologies result 
in designs which vary from any prescriptive 
requirement of 780 CMR, the owner shall engage 
an independent registered professional engineer to 
review said altemative design methodologies. 
The scope of the independent registered 
professional engineer review shall include, but not 
be limited to the following; 

(a) Review of the design assumptions, 
methodologies and resulting proposed system 
designs, to determine whether the proposed fire 
protection system designs and any other 
systems which are affected by the design 
assumptions, are consistent with the general 
objectives and prescriptive provisions of this 
code and to determine whether or not the 
methodologies and assumptions conform to 
accepted engineering practice; 

(b) Preparation of a written report to the 
building official as to the appropriateness of 
the proposed design, specifically listing any 
variances from the prescriptive provisions of 
780 CMR and describing, in detail, the design 
provisions used to achieve compliance. 

If :the reviewing engineer . concurs with the 
proposed design, the owner shall make 
application for a variance, to the State Building 
Code Appeals Board as provided in 780 CMR 
122. In addition to all supporting information and 
materials, tlie reviewing engineer's report 
required in 780 CMR 903.2.1(b) shall be included 
in the application for variance. 

A building permit shall not be issued until the 
variance, if required, has been granted, or unless 
the building permit is issued in part, as provided 
for in 780 CMR 11 1.13. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 

When a variance is granted under 780 CMR hear the appeal. Each such applicability to a future 

903.2 for a bulk merchandising retail building as building will be subject to determination as 

defined in 780 CMR 426.2.1, and when the prescribed in 780 CMR 110.8 by the building 

condition appealed is common to future buildings official in conjunction with the head of the local 

of the owner, the State Building Code Appeals fire department that its use is in conformity with 

Board, upon request of the owner, may provide the terms of the vaiiance. 
that the vai'iance shall be applicable to such future 
buildings. If such request is made, the Board shall 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



903.3 Fire Protection Systemis Installation: Fire 
protection systems shall be installed by contractors 
and personnel appropriately licensed in the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts {licensed 
installing contractor). Shop drawings required for 
submittals and reviews by the Registered 
Professional Engineer, or other legally recognized 
professional CM.G.L. c. 1 12,§ SIR), by 780 CMR 
903. 1 ,3 or by applicable NFPA Standards shall note 
the name(s), license number(s) and license 
expiration date(s.) of the contractor(s) installing the 
fire protection systems. 

903.4 Acceptance: In accordance with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 120, a Certificate of 
Occupancy shall not issue until the building official 
and the head of the fire department or their designees 
have witnessed a satisfactory functional test of all 
fire protection systems, installed in accordance with 
the appro ved/ire protection construction documents. 
All fire protection systems shall be tested in 
accordance with the applicable provisions of 
780 CMR and NFPA Standards and approved testing 
criteria and operational sequence as submitted in 
780 CMR 903. 1 . 1 , items 1 .b and c. In addition, the 
following documents and/or information shall be 
simultaneously submitted to the building official and 
head of the fire department or their designees prior 
to the witnessing of the operational fire protection 
syriciiuCi) testing: 

1. Certification, from the Registered 
Professional Engineer or other legally recognized 
professional (M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R) responsible 
for the design in accordance with 780 CMR 
903.1.3 stating that the fire protection systems 
have been installed in accordance with the 
SLpproved fire protection construction documents 
and that he has reviewed the shop drawings for 
conformance to 780 CMR 903,3 and has 

■ identified deviations if any," from the approved^ire 
protection construction documents. 

2. Confirmation by the building owner/developer 
or authorized representative that they have 
received the as-built fire protection system shop 
drawings from the installing contractor and that 
the Registered Professional Engineer or other . 
legally recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 112, 

§ SIR) has certified their reasonable accuracy. 

3. Material, Test, Performance and Completion 
. Certificates, properly executed by the installing 

contractor in accordance with the applicable 
NFPA Standards. 

Exception: In lieu of witnessing a satisfactory 
functional test, the building official and head of 
the fire department or their designees may accept 
a final performance acceptance test report from a 
Registered Professional Eng ineer or other legally 
recognized professional (M.G.L c. 112, § 81R). 
Said report shall certify that a complete 
satisfactory functional test of all fire protection 
systems in accordance with the approved testing 



criteria and operational sequence have been 
witnessed. 

903.4.1 Conditional Acceptance: The 
requirements of 780 CMR 903.4 shall not 
preclude the issuance of a temporary Certificate of 
occupancy by the Building Official in accordance 
with 780 CMR 120.3. 

780 CMR 904.0 FERE SUPPRESSION 
SYSTEMS 
904.1 Where required: Automatic fire suppression 
systems shall be installed where required by 
780 CMR and in the locations indicated in 780.CMR 
904. 1 through 904.9. 

Exceptions: 

1 . An automatic fire suppression system shall not 
be required in portions of buildings that comply 
with 780 CMR 406.0 for open parking structures 
less than 70 feet in height above mean grade, 

2. In telecommunications equipment buildings, an 
automatic fire suppression system shall not be 
required in those spaces or areas occupied 
exclusively for telecommunications equipment, 
associated electrical power distribution 
equipment, batteries and standby engines, 
provided that those spaces or areas are equipped 
throughout with an automatic fire detection 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 918.0 and 
are separated from the remainder of the building 
with fire separation assemblies consisting of one- 
hour fireresistance rated walls and two-hour 

- fireresistance rated floor/ceiling assemblies. 

3. Automatic sprinkler protection is precluded in: 
(a) all new construction elevator machine rooms . 
of traction/drum elevators; (b) all new 
construction elevator machine rooms of hydraulic 
elevators; (c) all new construction elevator 
hoistways and elevator pits. *(Note that capped, 
Inactive sprinkler pipiiig would be allowed) 

Such elevator machine rooms and hoistway/pit 
enclosures shall be constructed to afford at least 
the fireresistance rating specified in Table 602 and 
otherwise as required/allowed by the applicable 
portions of 780 CMR 7.0 (typically, but not 
always, the hoistway/pit and machine room will 
have a minimum fireresistance rating of two hours 
with elevator opening protect! ves rated at IV^ 
hours but ratings of one hour for hoistway/pit and 
machine rooms and V* hour for elevator opening 
prolectives may be allowed). 

Where Table 602 requires a fireresistance 
rating for elevator niachine roonis, hoistways 
and/or pits, such rating must be provided unless 
such ratings are governed by other Buildini; Code 
Sections . 

For elevator installation within atriums also see 
780 CMR 404 for additional fireresistance rating 
guidance. 

Where the elevator machine room is 
determined to be a true penthouse roof structure. 



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also refer to 780 CMR 1510 for additional 
fireresistance rating requirements. 

Note: Also Refer to M.G.L. c. 148, § 26A and 
26G 

904.1.1 Additional requirements: When a 
building or structure is provided with a fire alarm 
system, all extinguishing systems installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 904 
through 914, shall be connected to the fire alarm 
system in accordance with the requirements of 
NFPA 72 as listed in Appendix A. 

904.1.1.1 Fire pump requirements: Refer to 
780 CMR 924. 

904.2 Use Groups A-1, A-3, A-4, B, E, M, S-1, F-1 
in buildings of 12,000 sf or greater in aggregate 
floor area: An automatic fire suppression system 
shall be provided throughout all portions or uses of 
all buildings of 1 2,000 sf or greater in aggregate area 
when any of the following uses are located within 
the building; 

A-1, A-3, A-4, B, E, M, S-1, F-1 

780 CMR 904.2 shall apply whether or not the use is 
separated from any other use within the building by 
fire separation assemblies. 

Exceptions: 

1. Existing buildings: Existing buildings which 
qualify as such in accordance with 780 CMR 
3400.3.1 and which undergo a partial change in 
use to a use or uses specified in 780 CMR 904.2 
or are mixed use buildings which undergo renova- 
tion of a use or uses specified in 780 CMR 904.2, 
shall be provided with automatic fire suppression 
systems in accordance with the following: 

(a) only in those portions of the building which 
have been changed in use and only when such 
space or spaces exceed 12,000 sf in aggregate 
floor area. 

(b) only in those portions of the building 
which have been altered or renovated provided 
that such renovation constitutes substantial 
alterations or substantial renovations, in 
accordance with 780 CMR 3401 and only when 
such space or spaces exceed 12,000 sf in 
aggregate floor area. 

2. Public Garages: Public Garages shall conform 
to 780 CMR 408.0. 

Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 26G. 

904.3 Use Group A-2: An automatic fire 
suppression system shall be provided throughout all 
buildings with an occupancy in use group A-2 when 
the occupant load of the A-2 use is 50 or greater. 

904.3.1 A>2 and residential mixed use 
buildings: Where a building contains one or more 
residential dwelling units and also contains an A-2 
Use and where the A-2 Use has an occupant load 
of 50 or greater, an automatic fire suppression 
system shall be provided throughout the building 
including any common areas connecting the A-2 



Use and the residential use (see St. 2004, c. 304, 
§4A). 

Exception: 

1. Existing buildings: Existing buildings which 
qualify as such in accordance with 780 CMR 
3400.3. 1 which undergo a partial change in use to 
an A-2 use or partial renovation of an existing A-2 
use shall be provided with an automatic fire 
suppression system only in those portions of the 
building which have been changed to an A-2 use 
or those existing A-2 uses which have been 
renovated when such renovation constitutes 
substantial alterations or substantial renovations, 
in accordance with 780 CMR 340 1 and only when 
the proposed or existing A-2 use exceeds 5,000 sf 
in aggregate floor area. 

2. Existing mixed use buildings of A-2 and R 
occupancy (per St. 2004, c. 304): Existing 
mixed use buildings of A-2 and R occupancies 
which qualify as such in accordance with 
780 CMR 3400.3.1 which undergo a partial 
change in use, in which A-2 and R uses result, or 
partial renovation of an existing mixed use 
building of A-2 and R occupancy shall be 
provided with an automatic fire suppression 
system in all portions of the building, including, 
but not limited to, residential dwellings and in any 
common areas connected thereto when such 
renovation constitutes substantial alterations or 
substantial renovations in accordance with 
780 CMR 3401. 780 CMR 9.04.3 shall apply to 
substantial renovation/alteration of buildings and 
structures approved by building permit on or after 
December 1,2004. 

904.4 Use Group H: An automatic fire suppression 
system shall be provided throughout all buildings of 
Use Group H. 

Exception: Magazines used for the storage of Use 
Group H-1 materials which are constructed and 
located in accordance with NFPA 495 and 
527 CMR listed in Appendix A. 
Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 26G. 

904.5 Use Group I: An automatic fire suppression 
system shall be provided throughout all buildings of 
Use Group I. 

Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 26G. 

904.6 Use Group R-1: An automatic fire 
suppression system shall be provided throughout all 
buildings or spaces of Use Group R-1 in accordance 
with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 

904.7 Use Group R-2: An automatic fire 
suppression system shall be provided throughout all 
buildings with an occupancy in Use Group R-2 in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 

Exception: Buildings having no more than three 
dwelling units shall be permitted to have an 
automatic fire suppression system installed in ac- 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



cordance with NFPA-13D, "SPRINKLER 
SYSTEMS", listed in Appendix A, subject to the 
following conditions: 

a. Every automatic sprinkler system shall have 
at least one automatic water supply or a stored 
water supply source in accordance with NFPA- 
13D where the minimum quantity of stored 
water shall equal the water demand rate times 
20 minutes. 

b. 780 CMR 919.3.2, Exception 2, and 780 
CMR 919.5, Exception, shall not apply when 
the automatic fire suppression system installed 
is installed in accordance with NFPA-13D. 

This Exception shall apply to new construction or 
substantial renovation, or substantial alteration as 
defined in 780 CMR, Chapter 34 
Note: See also M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26A and 261. 

904,8 Windowless story: An automatic fire sup- 
pression system shall be provided throughout every 
story or basement of all buildings where there is not 
provided at least one of the following types of 
openings: 

1. An exterior stairway that conforms to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1014.0, or an outside 
ramp that conforms to the requirements of 
780 CMR 10 16.0, leading directly to grade in each 
50 linear feet (15240 mm) or fraction thereof of 
exterior wall in the story or basement, on at least 
one side of the building. 

2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground 
level totaling 20 square feet (1.9 m ) in each 50 
linear feet (15240 mm) or fraction thereof of 
exterior wall in the story or basement, on at least 
one side of the building. Openings shall have a 
least dimension of not less than 22 inches (559 
mm), and shall have a minimum net clear opening 
of five square feet (0.5m ). Access to such 
openings from the exterior shall be provided to the 
fire department and such openings shall be 
unobstructed to allow fire-fighting and rescue 
operations from the exterior. 

When openings in a story are provided on only 
one side and the opposite wall of such story is more 
than 75 feet (22860 nmi) from such openings, the 
story shall be equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system, or openings as specified 
herein shall be provided on at least two sides of the 
exterior walls of the story. If any portion of a 
basement is located more than 75 feet (22860 mm) 
from the openings required in 780 CMR 904.0, the 
basement shall be provided with an automatic 
sprinkler system. 

Exception: Occupancies in Use Group R-3. 

904.9 Other required suppression systems: In 
addition to the requirements of 780 CMR 904.2 
through 904.8, automatic fire suppression systems 
for certain buildings and areas shall be provided in 
accordance with Table 904.9. 



Table 904.9 

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED SUPPRESSION 

SYSTEMS^^^ 



780 CMR Section 


Subject 


302.1.1 


Specific occupancy areas 


402.10; 402.15.2 


Covered mall buildings 


403.2 


High-rise buildings 


404.2 


Atriums 


408.3.1 


Public garages 


408.4 


Fuel-dispensing areas 


426.0 


Bulk MerchandizingAVarehouse 




Occupancies 


780 CMR Section 


Subject 


411.7 


Sound stages 


412.6 


Stages and enclosed platforms 


413.4 


Special amusement buildings 


416.4 


HPM facilities 



419.3 



507.1 
1020.3 
2806.4 
2807.6 



2808.4 



Paint spray booths and storage 

rooms 

Open parking structures more than 
70 feet in height above the mean 
grade (M.G.L. c. 148, § 26A) 

Unlimited area buildings 

Exit lobbies 

Drying rooms 

Waste and linen chutes and 

termination and incinerator 

rooms 
Refuse vaults 



Note (1) See also M.G.L. c. 143, § 97A, M.G.L. c. 148, 
§§ 26A, 26G, 26G'/2, 26H, 261 and M.G.L. c. 148A. 

780 CMR 905.0 SUPPRESSION SYSTEM 
AGENT COMPATIBILITY 

905.1 Ageot compatibility: The extinguishing agent 
for each suppression system shall be compatible with 
the type of hazard and fire. Each fixed fire 
suppression system shall be of an approved type and 
shall be designed and installed in accordance with 
the requirements of 780 CMR. 

905.1.1 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) that are 
incompatible with water as an extinguishing 
agent, other extinguishing agents shall be utilized. 

780 CMR 906.0 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM 

906.1 Geoeral: Automatic sprinkler systems shall be 
approved and shall be designed and installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR. 

906.2 Equipped throughout: Where the provisions 
of 780 CMR require that a building or portion 
thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system, the system shall be designed and 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, 
906.2.2 or 906.2.3. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



Exception: Where water as an extinguishing 
agent is not compatible with the fire hazard (see 
780 CMR 905. 1) or is prohibited by a law, statute 
or ordinance, the affected area shall be equipped 
with an approved automatic fire suppression 
system utilizing a suppression agent that is 
compatible with the fire hazard. 

906.2.1 NFiPA 13 systems: The system shall be 
designed and installed in accordance with NFiPA 
13 hsted in Appendix A. 

906.2.2 NFiPA 13R systems: In buildings four 
stories or less in height, systems designed and 
installed in accordance with NFiPA 13R listed in 
Appendix A shall be permitted in Use Group I-l 
buildings with not more than 16 occupants and in 
Use Group R buildings. 

906.2.3 NFiPA 13D systems: In Use Group R-3 
buildings with at least two-hour fireresistance 
rated fire separation assemblieshetwetn dwelling 
units, or in Use Group I- 1 buildings with not more 
than eight occupants, systems designed and 
installed in accordance with NfiPA 13D listed in 
Appendix A shall be permitted. 

906.3 Design: Design documentation shall be in 
accordance with 780 CMR 903. 

906.4 Actuation: Water sprinkler systems shall be 
automatically actuated unless otherwise specifically 



provided for in 780 CMR. 

906.5 Sprinkler alarms: Approved audible and 
visual alarm devices shall be connected to every 
water sprinkler system. Such alarm devices shall be 
activated by water flow and shall be located in an 
approved location on the exterior of the building and 
throughout the building in accordance with the 
requirements of NFPA-72 listed in Appendix A. 

906.6 Water-control valve identification: All 
valves controlling water io fire protection systems 
shall be provided with permanently attached 
identification tags indicating the valves' function and 
what is controlled. 

906.7 Sprinkler riser: A sprinkler system riser 
which also serves as the wet standpipe riser in 
buildings required to have or having both systems, 
shall conform to 780 CMR 914.6. 

906.8 Signs: Where sprinkler control valves are 
located in a separate room or building, a sign shall 
be provided on the entrance door. The lettering shall 
be at least IVi inches (63.5 mm) in height and shall 
otherwise conform to 780 CMR 901 .6 and shall read 
"Sprinkler Control Valves." 

906.9 Acceptance tests: All sprinkler systems shall 
be tested in accordance with the applicable NFPA 



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Standards used for sprinkler system design and 
Installation and listed in Appendix A. 

906.9.1 Underground connections: Underground 
mains and lead-in connections shall be flushed 
and tested in accordance with NFiPA 13 and 24 
listed in Appendix A. 

906.9.2 Hydrostatic test: All sprinkler systems shall 
be tested hydrostatically in accordance with the 
applicable NFPA Standards listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 907.0 UMITED AREA SPRINKLER 
SYSTEMS 

907.1 General: A limited area sprinkler system shall 
be of an approved type and shall be installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 907.0. 
Complete fire protection construction documents 
shall be provided. (See 780 CMR 903.0.) 

907.2 Where permitted: Where the provisions of 
780 CMR require the installation of a fire 
suppression system, and a water sprinkler 
extinguishing system is used with a limited number 
of sprinklers, a limited area sprinkler system that 
complies with the requirements of 780 CMR 907.0 
is permitted to be installed. 

907.2.1 Special occupancy areas: A limited area 
sprinkler system shall be permitted within special 
occupancy areas as designated in 780 CMR 4 or 
within specific occupancy areas as designated in 
780 CMR 302.1.1, provided that the area is 
enclosed within fire separation assemblies as 
required by 780 CMR, and 20 sprinklers or less 
are required to protect each separately enclosed 
area. Where nonfireresistance rated separation 
walls are permitted by Table 302.1.1 to enclose 
contiguous specific occupancy areas on one floor, 
the areas shall be considered to be one separately 
enclosed area for the purposes of determining the 
number of sprinklers based on the spacing 
limitations of NFPA 13 listed in Appendix A. 

907.2.2 Unenclosed floor openings, waste and 
linen chutes, and kitchen and hazardous 
exhaust systems: A limited area sprinkler system 
shall be permitted to protect unenclosed escalator 
floor openings that comply with 780 CMR 
907.2.2,1, chutes used for waste or linen collec- 
tion, commercial kitchen exhaust systems and 
duct systems that exhaust hazardous materials. 

907.2.2.1 Water curtain: The area of the floor 
opening shall not exceed twice the horizontal 
projected area of the escalator and the opening 
shall not connect more than four stories in 
occupancies in other than Use Groups B and M 
and the opening shall be protected by a draft 
curtain and a closed sprinkler water system 
conforming to NfiPA 13 listed in Appendix A. 

Note: Relative to escalator floor openings, 
also see 780 CMR 713.3. 



907.3 Design: Except as otherwise provided for in 
780 CMR 907.0, a limited area sprinkler system 
shall be designed and installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.0. 

907.4 Actuation: A limited area sprinkler system 
shall be automatically actuated. 

907.5 Sprinkler alarms: Alarms and alarm 
attachments shall be required and shall be located 
and installed in accordance with the requirements of 
780 CMR 906.5. 

907.6 Standpipe connection: The water supply for 
the limited area sprinkler system shall be from the 
building standpipe system where the building is 
equipped with a standpipe system that is sized for a 
500-gallon-per-minute (0.032 m Is) minimum flow 
and has an automatic water supply (see 780 CMR 
914.5). 

907.6.1 Domestic supply: Where limited area 
sprinkler systems are supplied from the domestic 
water system, the domestic water system shall be 
designed to support adequately the design flow of 
the largest number of sprinklers required to be 
hydraulically calculated by NFiPA 13 listed in 
Appendix A in any one of the enclosed areas plus 
the domestic demand. 

907.6.2 Cross connection: The potable water 
supply shall be protected against backflow in 
accordance with the requirements of the Plumbing 
and Gas Code (248 CMR), and the Department of 
Envirormiental Protection Regulations, 310 CMR 
as listed in Appendix A as well as any cross- 
connection protection criteria legally set forth by 
the water supplier/purveyor having local 
jurisdiction. 

907.6.3 Domestic connection: Shutoff valves 
shall not be permitted in the suppression system 
piping. Water supply shall be controlled by the 
riser control valve to the domestic water piping. 

Exception: Shutoff valves in the sprinkler 
system piping are permitted provided that such 
valves are supervised in accordance with 
780 CMR 923.0. 

907.7 Acceptance tests: All limited area sprinkler 
systems shall be tested as stipulated in 780 CMR 
906.9. 

780 CMR 908.0 WATER-SPRAY FIXED 

SYSTEMS 

908.1 General; Water-spray fixed systems for fire 
suppression shall be of an approved type and shall 
be installed in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR and NFiPA 15 listed in Appendix A. A 
water-spray fixed system is a system cormected to a 
reliable source of water supply and equipped with 
normally open water-spray nozzles for specific 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



discharge and distribution over the surface or area to 
be protected. 

908.2 Design: CompkXt fire protection construction 
documents and hydraulic calculations shall be 
submitted for review prior to installation. The 
submittal shall include nozzle layouts, friction loss, 
calculations, water supply data and a detailed layout 
of the entire area to be protected. (See 780 CMR 
903.0.) 

908.3 Actuation: Water-spray systems shall be 
automatically actuated and shall be provided with a 
manual means of actuation. 

908.4 Acceptance tests: All new system piping shall 
be flushed and tested in accordance with the 
provisions ofNFiPA 15 listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 909.0 CARBON DIOXIDE 
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 

909.1 General: Carbon dioxide extinguishing 
systems shall be of an approved type and shall be 
installed in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR and NFiPA 12 listed in Appendix A. A 
carbon dioxide extinguishing system is a system 
which supplies COj from a pressurized vessel 
through fbced pipes and nozzles. 

909.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on 
the fire protection construction documents shall 
include information and calculations of the amount 
of carbon dioxide; the location and flow rate of each 
nozzle including equivalent orifice area; and the 
location and size of the carbon dioxide storage 
facility. Information shall be submitted pertaining to 
the location and function of detecting 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 shall be 
adequately explained. (See 780 CMR 903.0.) 

909.3 Actuation: Carbon dioxide extinguishing 
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall be 
provided with a manual means of actuation. 

909.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will 
enter or be trapped in atmospheres made hazardous 
by carbon dioxide discharge, warning signs and 
discharge alarms shall be provided. 

909.5 Acceptance tests: All carbon dioxide 
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance 
with NFiPA 12 listed in Appendix A. A completed 
^tem 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 shall 
be conducted on all devices except cylinder valves 



in multicylinder high-pressure systems. Where 
conditions prevail that make it difficult to determine 
adequately the system requirements or design, a 
suitable discharge test and concentration analysis 
shall be made. 

780 CMR 910.0 DRY-CBEMCAL 
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS, 

910.1 General: Dry-chemical extinguishing systems 
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and 
NFiPA 17 listed in Appendix A. A dry=chemical 
extinguishing system is 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 to a specific fire 
hazard or into an area of potential fire. 

910.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on 
the fire protection construction documents shall 
include su£5cient information and calculations of the 
amount of dry chemical; the size, length and 
arrangement of connected piping, or piping and 
hose; and a 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 detecting devices, operating 
devices, auxiliary equipment and electrical circuitry, 
if used. Sufricient information shall be indicated to 
identify properly the apparatus and devices used. 
Any special features shall be adequately explained. 
(See 780 CMR 903.0.) 

910.3 Actuation: Dry-chemical extinguishing 
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall be 
provided with a manual means of actuation. 

910.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will be 
exposed to a dry-chemical discharge, warning signs 
and discharge alarms shall be provided. 

910.5 Acceptance tests: All dry-chemical 
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance 
with NFiPA 17 listed in Appendix A. A completed 
system shall be tested by a discharge of expellant 
gas through the piping and nozzles. Observations for 
gas leakage and for continuity of piping vAth 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 instructions shall be checked. After 
testing, all piping and nozzles shall be blown clean 
using compressed air or nitrogen, and the system 
shall be properly charged and placed in the normal 
"set" condition. 

910.5,1 Discharge test: All systems shall be 
tested by a discharge of expellant gas through the 
piping and nozzles with observations being made 
of the flow of expellant gas through all nozzles as 



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well as observing for leakage and continuity of 
piping with free unobstructed flow. 

910.6 Range hoods: In addition to the requirements 
of 780 CMR 910.0 and the applicable NFPA 
standards listed in Appendix Ay range hood dry- 
chemical systems shall bear the label of an approved 
agency. 

The system shall be installed in accordance with 
the manufacturer's installation instructions. The dry- 
chemical agent of the system shall be nontoxic. 

780 CMR 911.0 FOAM-EXTINGUISHING 
SYSTEMS 

911.1 General: Foam-extinguishing systems shall be 
of an approved type and shall be installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and 
NFiPA 11, 11 A and 16 listed in Appendix A. A 
foam-extinguishing system is a special system 
designed to discharge, either mechanically or 
chenucally, a foam made from concentrates, over the 
area to be protected. 

911.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on 
the fire protection construction documents shall 
include complete computations show-testing 
pressure drop in all system piping, friction loss 
calculations of liquid lines and a detailed layout of 
the entire hazard area to be protected. Hydraulic 
characteristics of foam proportioners and foam 
makers as determined by tests shall be supplied by 
the manufacturer to the department (including the 
range of operating conditions required for the 
proposed installation) to permit determination of the 
adequacy of the hydraulics of the proposed 
protection. (See 780 CMR 903.0.) 

911.3 Actuation: A foam-extinguishing system shall 
be automatically actuated and shall be provided with 
a manual means of actuation. 

911.4 Safety requirements: In any proposed use of 
a medium- or high-expansion foam where persons 
will be exposed to the foam discharge, warning signs 
and discharge alarms shall be provided. 

91 1.5 Acceptance tests: All foam-extinguishing 
systems shall be tested in accordance with NFiPA 
11,1 HA and 16 listed in Append A. The system 
shall be subjected to a flow test to insure that the 
hazard area is fully protected in compliance vnth the 
design specifications, and to determine flow 
pressures, actual discharge capacity, foam quality, 
consumption rate of foam-producing materials. 



manpower requirements and other operating 
characteristics. 

780 cmr 912.0 halogenated 
exunguishing systems 

912.1 General: Halogenated extinguishing systems 
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and 
NFiPA 12A and 12B listed in Appendix A. A 
halogenated extinguishing system is a system 
consisting of pipes, open nozzles and a container of 
halogenated agent under pressure. 

912.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on 
the fire protection construction documents shall 
include information and calculations of the amount 
of extinguishing agent; the 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 function of detecting 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 shall be adequately explained. 
(See 780 CMR 903.0.) 

912.3 Actuation: Halogenated extinguishing 
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall 
also be provided with a manual means of actuation. 

912.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will 
enter or be trapped in atmospheres made hazardous 
by a halogenated system discharge, warning signs 
and discharge alarms shall be provided. 

912.5 Acceptance tests: All halogenated 
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance 
with NFiPA 12 A and 12B listed in Appendix 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 shall 
be conducted on all devices except cylinder valves 
in multicylinder systems. Where conditions prevail 
that make it dif^cult to determine adequately the 
system requirements or design, a suitable discharge 
test and concentration analysis shall be made. 



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780 CMR 913.0 WET-CHEMICAL RANGE 
HOOD EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 

913.1 General: Wet-chemicaJ extinguishing systems 
shall be installed in accordance with the provisions 
of 780 CMR 913.0, and the BOCA Mechanical Code 
and NFiPA 17 A listed in Appendix A. The system 
shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall 
be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's 
installation instructions. A wet-chemical system is a 
solution of water and potassium-car-bonate-based 
chemical, potassium-acetate-based chemical or a 
combination thereof which forms the extinguishing 
agent. 

913.2 Design: The details of the system indicated on 
the fire protection construction documents shall 
include sufficient information and calculations on 
the amount of wet chemical; the size, length and 
arrangement of connected piping; and a 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 
detecting 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 
shall be adequately explained. (See 780 CMR 
903.0.) 

913.3 ActaatioBi: Wet-chemical extinguishing 
systems shall be automatically actuated and shall be 
provided with a manual means of actuation. 

913.4 Safety requirements: Where persons will be 
exposed to a wet-chemical discharge, warning signs 
and discharge alarms shall be provided. 

913.5 Acceptance tests: All wet-chemical 
extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance 
with NFiPA 11 Alist&d in Appendix A. A completed 
system shall be tested by discharge of wet chemical 
in sufficient amounts to veriiy that the system is 
properly installed and functional. Tests shall include 
a check of the detection systems, the alarms and the 
releasing devices, including manual stations, fuel 
and power shutoff devices and other associated 
equipment. 

913.S.1 Discharge test: AU systems shall be 
tested by a discharge of expellant gas through the 
piping and nozzles with observations being made 
of the flow of expellant gas through all nozzles as 
well as observing for leakage and continuity of 
piping with free unobstructed flow. 

780 CMR' 914.0 STANDPIPE SYSTEMS 

914.1 General: Standpipe systems shall be designed, 
installed and maintained in accordance with the 
provisions of 780 CMR and NFPA-I4 listed in 
Appendix A. Where standpipe systems are required 
by 780 CMR, such systems shall be automatic wet 



systems. Automatic dry and semi-automatic dry 
standpipe systems shall be permitted only in areas 
subject to freezing. Complete fire protection 
construction documents shall be provided. (See 
780 CMR 903.0.) 

914.2 Where required: Class I standpipe systems 
shall be installed where required by 780 CMR 
914.2.1 through 914.2.11 and shall be located in 
accordance with the provisions of NFPA 14, listed in 
Appe?tdixA. 

914.2.1 Use Group A: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group A 
when: 

1 . Two or more stories in height of Use Group 
A-1 , A-2, or A-3, and having an occupant load 
or more than 300; or; 

2. Three or more stories in height regardless 
of the area per floor; or; 

3. . Having an auditorium seating over 500. 
Standpipes shall be located one on each side of 
the auditorium in each tier, one in each 
mezzanine, one in each tier of dressing rooms, 
and protecting each property, store and work 
room; or; 

4. Having a stage, Standpipes shall be located 
on each side of the stage. 

Such standpipes shall be not less that 2V2-inch 
diameter, equipped with approved IV2 inch hose 
station. 

914.2.2 Use Group B: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group B 
when: 

1 . Three or more stories in height, and more 
than 3,000 square feet in area per floor; or; 

2. Four or more stories in height regardless of 
the area per floor. 

914.2.3 Use Group E: In buildings or structures 
or portions thereof of Use Group E when three or 
more stories in height regardless of the area per 
floor or when having a stage or auditorium in 
accordance with 780 CMR 914.2.1(3) and 
914.2.1(4). 

914.2.4 Use Group F: hi all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group F 
when: 

1. Three or more stories in height, and more 
than 3,000 square feet in area per floor, or; 

2. Four or more stories in height regardless of 
the area per floor. 

914.2.5 Use Group H: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group H 
when: 

1. Three or more stories in height, and more 
than 10,000 square feet in area per floor; or; 

2. Four or more stories in height, regardless of 
the area per floor. 



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914.2.6 Use Group I: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group I, 
three or more stories in height, regardless of the 
area per floor. 

914.2.7 Use group M: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group M 
when: 

1 . Three stories or more in height, and more 
than 3,000 square feet in area per floor, or; 

2. Four or more stories in height regardless of 
the area per floor, or; 

3. Classified as a covered mall building within 
the mall portions (see 780 CMR 4). 

4. Classified as a bulk/merchandising 
warehouse. (See 780 CMR 4.) 

914.2.8 Use Group R-1 and R-2: ]n all buildings 
or structures or portions thereof of Use Group R- 1 
and R-2 when: 

1 . Three or more stories in height and of Use 
Group R-1 regardless of the area per floor; or; 

2. Three or more stories in height and more 
than 10,000 square feet in area per floor, or; 

3. Four or more stories in height regardless of 
the area per floor. 

914.2.9 Use Group S: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group S, 
other than public garages which shall conform to 
780 CMR 914.2.10 when: 

1. Three or more stories in height of Use 
Group S-1, and more than 3,000 square feet in 
area per floor; or; 

2. Three or more stories in height. Use Group 
S-2, and more than 10,000 square feet in area 
per floor; or; 

3. Four or more stories in height of Use 
Groups S-1 or S-2 regardless of the area per 
floor. 

914.2.10 Use Group U: In all buildings or 
structures or portions thereof of Use Group U 
when: 

1 . Three or more stories in height and more 
than 10,000 square feet in area per floor; or; 

2. Four or more stories in height regardless of 
the area per floor. 

914.2.11 Public Garages: In all Group I and 11 
public garages and open parking structures when: 

1. More than 10,000 square feet in area per 
floor; or; 

2. More than 7,500 square feet in area per 
floor and more than one story in height; or; 

3. More than 5,000 square feet in area per 
floor, and more than two stories in height; or; 

4. More than three stories in height; or; 

5. Located in buildings where the upper 
stories are designed for other uses: or; 

6. When located in any story that is more than 
50% below grade. 



Exception: Standpipe systems can be 
"Class I Manual Dry Type" as defined by 
NFPA-14 for open parking structures less 
than 70' in height. 

914.3 Standpipe system piping sizes: The riser 
piping, supply piping, and the water service piping 
shall be hydraulically sized in accordance with the 
provisions of NFPA-14 listed in Appendix A. 

Exception: The residual pressure(s) as noted in 
NFPA-14 are not required to be maintained in 
buildings less than 70 feet in height which are 
equipped throughout with an approved automatic 
fire suppression system. However the system 
shall be designed to acconmiodate the outlet 
pressures and water flows in accordance with 
NFPA 14 and inlet pressures consistent with local 
fire department equipment.. 

914.4 High-rise buildings: All buildings more than 
70 feet in height above the mean grade shall have 
each floor supplied by a minimum of two 
combination standpipe/sprinkler risers installed in 
accordance with the requirements of NFPA-14, 
listed in Appendix A. 

914.5 Outlets: Standpipe system outlets shall 
comply with the provisions for, Class in Systems of 
NFPA-14 as listed in Appendix A. 

914.6 Acceptance Tests: All Standpipe systems 
shall be tested in accordance with NFPA listed in 
Appendix A. 

914.6.1 Underground Connections: 

Underground mains and lead-in connections shall 
be flushed and tested in accordance with NFPA 14 
and NFPA 24 listed in Appendix A. 

914.7 Standpipe system requirements for 
buildings under construction or demolition: 

914.7.1 General: Standpipes required by 780 
CMR 914.7 are to be either temporary or perma- 
nent in nature, with or without a water supply, 
provided, however, that such standpipes conform 
to the requirements of 780 CMR 914.0 as to 
number of risers, capacity, outlets and materials. 

914.7.2 Buildings under construction or 
demolition: Standpipe requirements for buildings 
under construction or demolition shall be in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 
3305.3 and NFPA 241 as listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 915.0 FIRE DEPARTMENT 
CONNECTIONS 

915.1 Required: All required water fire- 
extinguishing and standpipe systems shall be 
provided with a fire department connection in 
accordance with the applicable NFPA standards. 
Standpipes in buildings under construction or 



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demolition shall conform to 780 CMR 3305.3 and 
NFPA 241 listed in Appendix A. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Limited area sprinkler systems supplied from 
the domestic water system. 

2. Where the local fire department approves a 
single connection for large diameter hose of at 
least four inches. 

3. An automatic sprinkler system with less than 
20 sprinklers. 

915.2 Connections: Fire department connections 
shall be arranged in such a manner that the 
attachment to any one water sprinkler connection 
will serve all sprinklers, and the attachment to any 
one standpipe connection will serve all standpipes 
within the building. 

915.3 Location: Fire department connections shall 
be located and shall be visible on a street front or in 
a location approved by the fire department. Such 
connections shall be located so that immediate 
access is provided to the fire department. Fire 
department connections shall not be obstructed by 
fences, brushes, trees, walls or any other similar 
object. 

915.4 Height; Fire department connections shall not 
be less than 18 inches (457 mm) and not more than 
42 inches (1067 mm) in elevation, measured from 
the ground level to the centerline of the inlets. 

915.5 Projection: Where the fire department 
connection will otherwise project beyond the 
property line or into the public way, a flush-type fire 
department connection shall be provided. 

915.6 Hose thread: Hose thread in the fire 
department connection shall be uniform with that 
used by the local fire department. 

915.7 Fittings: Fire department inlet connections 
shall be fitted with check valves, ball drip valves and 
plugs with chains or frangible caps. 

915.8 Signs: A metal sign with raised letters at least 
one inch (25 mm) in height shall be mounted on all 
fire department connections serving sprinklers or 
standpipes. Such signs shall read "Automatic 
Sprinklers" or "Standpipe," or both, as applicable. 

780 CMR 916.0 YAM) HYDRANTS/ 
UNDERGROUND FIRE MAINS 

916.1 Fire hydrants: Fire hydrants and underground 
fire mains 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 the jurisdiction and 
the fire department. Hydrants shall not be installed 
on a water main less than six inches in diameter. 
Standards of construction shall be in accordance 
with NFPA 24 as listed in Appendix A. 



780 CMR 917.0 FIRE PROTECIWE 

SIGNALING SYSTEMS 

( Fire Alanu System ) 

917.1 General: Fire protective signaling systems 
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and 
NFPA 72 hsted in Appendix A. 

917.2 Fire Protection Construction documents: 
Where a fire protective signaling system is required 
by 780 CMR, the fire protection construction 
documents shall show the location and number of all 
alarm-initiating devices and alarm notification 
appliances, and shall provide a description of all 
equipment to be used, proposed zoning, a list of 
auxiliary control functions (i.e., elevator capture), 
location of the control panel(s) and annunciator(s), 
and a complete sequence of operation for the system. 
(Also see 780 CMR 903.0) 

917.3 Approval: AJl devices, combinations of 
devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved 
for the fire protective signaling purpose for which 
such equipment is used. 

917.4 Where required: A fire protective signaling 
system shall be installed and maintained in ftill 
operating condition in the locations described in 
780 CMR 917.4.1 through 917.4.6. 

917.4.1 Use Group A or E: A fire protective 
signaling system shall be installed and maintained 
in all occupancies in Use Group A or E. 

917.4.1.1 Special requirements - A=2 use: hi 
addition to the requirements specified in 
780 CMR 9 17.4. 1 , for A-2 use occupancies and 
where the occupant load is 50 or greater also 
refer to 780 CMR 917.8.2.3. 

917.4.2 Use Group B: A fire protective signaling 
system shall be installed and maintained in all 
occupancies in Use Group B where such buildings 
have occupied floors which are two or more 
stories above the lowest level of exit discharge or 
which have floors two or more stories below the 
highest level of exit discharge. 

917.4.3 Use Group H: A fire protective signaling 
system shall be installed and maintained in all 
occupancies in Use Groups H. 

917.4.4 Use Group I: A fire protective signaling 
system shall be installed and maintained in all 
occupancies in Use Group I. 

917.4.5 Use Group M4: A fire protective 
signaling system shall be installed and maintained 
in all occupancies in Use Group R-1. 

917.4.6 Use Group R-2: A fire protective 
signaling system shall be installed and maintained 
in all occupancies in Use Group R-2 containing 13 
or more dwelling units or where any dwelling unit 
is located more than three stories above the 
lowest level of exit discharge or more than one 



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story below the highest level of exit discharge of 
exits serving the dwelling unit. 

917.5 Location: Manual fire alarm boxes shall be 
located not more than five feet (1524 mm) from the 
entrance to each exit. Manual fire alarm boxes shall 
be located in each story including basements. In 
buildings of use group A where a stage is provided, 
a manual fire alarm box shall be located next to the 
lighting control panel. For fire alarm systems 
employing automatic fire detection or water flow 
devices, at least one manual fire alarm box shall be 
provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. This manual 
fire alarm box shall be located where required by the 
Head of the Fire department or his or her designee. 

Exception: 

1 . In buildings of use group A, assembly occu- 
pancy, and where approved by the local fire de- 
partment, manual fire alarm boxes may be omitted 
at exits and any other required locations, but shall 
be provided at constantly attended locations such 
as ticket booths, refreshment facilities, bars, etc. 
Where the building official determines that it is 
impractical to have a constantly attended location 
in an assembly occupancy other than a theater, 
manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided at each 
required building exit. 

2. Except as provided in 917.5, manual fire alarm 
boxes are not required in an occupancy in Use 
Group B where the height of the building is 70 
feet or less above the lowest level of fire 
department vehicle access and the building is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system, and/or an automatic fire detection system 
or combination thereof, in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.0 knd 780 CMR 918.0. 

917.5.1 Manual fire alarm boxes: The height of 
the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum 
of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 54 
inches (1372 nrni) measured vertically, from the 
floor level to the activating handle or lever of the 
box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in 
color. In all occupancies in Use Group 1-3, the 
manual fire alarm boxes shall be permitted to be 
locked in areas where staff is present whenever 
such areas are occupied and keys are readily 
available to unlock the boxes, or the boxes shall 
be located in a manned staff location which has 
direct supervision of the sleeping area. 

Exception: Where 521 CMR, Architectural 
Access Board regulations apply, manual fire 
alarm box height shall be as prescribed in 
521 CMR. 

917.6 Power supply: The primary and secondary 
power supply for the fire protective signaling system 
shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 listed 
in Appendix A. 

917.7 Wiring: All wiring shall conform to the 
requirements of NFPA 72 and 527 CMR 12.00: 



Massachusetts Electrical Code listed in Appendix A. 
Wireless systems utilizing radio frequency 
transmitting devices shall comply with the special 
requirements for supervision of low-power wireless 
systems in NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A. 

917.7.1 Activation: The alarm notification 
appliances shall be automatically activated by all 
of the following where provided: 

1. Smoke detectors, other than single- and 
multiple-station smoke detectors, as required 
by 780 CMR 919.0; 

2. Sprinkler water-flow devices; 

3. Manual fire alarm boxes; and 

4 Other approved types of automatic fire 
detection devices, extinguishing, or 
suppression systems. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Smoke detectors in an occupancy in Use 
Group 1-3 are permitted to actuate an audible 
alarm-indicating appliance at a constantly 
attended location and are not required to 
activate a general alarm. 

2. Audible alarms in buildings of Use 
Group A with an occupant load greater than 
300 persons shall sound only in a constantly 
attended receiving station within the 
building for purposes of initiating emergen- 
cy action. Occupant notification shall be by 
means of either voice or prerecorded mes- 
sage announcement initiated by the person in 
the constantly attended receiving station and 
in accordance with 780 CMR 917.9. In 
buildings of Use Group A utilizing reduced 
lighting levels on a regular basis, lights 
providing normal lighting levels shall be 
activated simultaneously with the beginning 
of the voice or prerecorded message an- 
nouncement. Where the building official 
determines that it is impractical to have a 
constantly attended location in an assembly 
occupancy the fire alarm system shall be 
arranged to automatically provide 
prerecorded evacuation instructions. 

3. For mixed use group occupancies that 
contain an A use group the use group A area 
shall be in accordance with 780 CMR 
917.7.1 exception 2. 

917.7.1.1 Length of evacuation signal: 

Automatic deactivation of audible and visible 
alarms shall not be allowed. 

Exception: Automatic deactivation of 
audible alarms after a period of operation of 
15 minutes shall be permitted when ap- 
proved by the local fire department. Auto- 
matic deactivation of audible alarms shall 
only be permitted when the fire alarm system 
is supervised in accordance with 780 CMR 
923.2 or by an approved auxiliary fire alarm 
system in accordance with NFPA 72. 

917.7.2 Presignal or positive alarm sequence 
system: Presignal or positive alarm sequence 



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FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



system is installed, 24-hour supervision by trained 
personnel shall be provided at a location approved 
by the local fire department, in order that the 
alarm signal can be actuated in the event of fire or 
other emergency. 

917.7.3 Zones: Each floor shall be zoned 
separately and a zone shall not exceed 20,000 
square feet (1860 m^). The length of any zone 
shall not exceed 300 feet (91440 nun) in any 
direction. A zoning indicator panel and the 
associated controls shall be provided in a location 
approved by the local fire department. Where 
individually addressable alarm initiating devices 
are used, a single circuit ( or pathway ) shall not 
exceed the above size limitations unless the circuit 
is a Class A circuit, and the style and device 
loading meets the requirements for proprietary 
systems as listed in NFPA 72, Where individually 
addressable alarm initiating devices are logically 
combined into groups for annunciation purposes, 
the above zone size limitations shall apply to the 
group. The local fire department shall approve all 
zone and point descriptions. The visual zone 



indication shall lock in until the system is reset 
and shall not be canceled by the operation of an 
audible alarm - silencing switch. In buildings that 
have floors located more than 70 feet above mean 
grade, a separate zone by floor shall be provided 
for the following types of alarm-initiating devices 
where provided: 

1 . Smoke detectors; 

2. Sprinkler water-flow devices; 

3. Manual fire alarm boxes; and 

4. Other approved types of automatic fire 
detection devices, extinguishing, or 
suppression systems. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Automatic sprinkler system zones shall not 
exceed the area permitted by NFPA 1 3 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2. Duct type smoke detectors shall be 
separately identified with a remote test/ 
indicator station. The location of the remote 
test/indicator shall be approved by the local fire 
department. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



917.8 Alarm notification appliances: Alarm 
notification appliances of the approved type shall be 
provided. 

917.8.1 Visible alarms: Visible alarm notification 
appliances shall be provided in accordance with 
NFPA 72 and 521 CMR in public and common 
areas of all buildings and areas of buildings 
housing the hearing impaired and where required 
by 521 CMR. In occupancies in Use Groups I-l 
and R-1, all required accessible sleeping rooms 
and suites plus an additional number of sleeping 
rooms or suites in accordance with Table 917.8.1 
shall be provided with a visible alarm notification 
appliance, activated by both the in-room smoke 
detector and the building fire protective signaling 
system. In hospital intensive care units, special 
care units and operating rooms, the audible signal 
need not be sounded; however a visual alarm shall 
be displayed with an approved device. 

917.8.1.1 Visible alarm synchronization: 
Where more than one visible signal can be 
viewed from one location the visible signals 
shall be synchronized. 

Table 917.8.1 
VISffiLE AND AUDIBLE ALARMS 



Number of sleeping 
rooms or suites 


Sleeping rooms or suites with 
visible and audible alarms 


6 to 25 
26 to 50 




1 

2 


51 to 75 
76 to 100 




3 
4 


101 to 150 
151 to 200 
201 to 300 




5 
6 
7 


301 to 400 
401 to 500 




8 
9 


501 to 1,000 
1.001 and over 


20 plus 


2% of total 
1 for each 100 over 
1.000 



917.8.2 Audible alarms: Audible alarm 
notification appliances shall be provided and shall 
sound a distinctive sound which shall not be used 
for any purpose other than that of a fire alarm. 



The audible alarm notification appliances shall 
provide a sound pressure level of 15 dBA above 
the average ambient or 5 dBA above the maxi- 
mum sound level having a duration of at least 60 
seconds ( whichever is greater ) sound level in 
every occupied space within the building. The 
minimum sound pressure levels shall be: 70 dBA 
in occupancies in Use Groups R and I-l ; 90 dBA 
in mechanical equipment rooms; and 60 dBA in 
all other use groups. The maximum sound 
pressure level for audible alarm notification 
appliances shall be 120 dBA at the minimum 
hearing distance from the audible appliance. 

917.8.2.1 All audible evacuation signals shall 
have a synchronized three - pulse temporal 
pattern in accordance with NFPA 72. 

917.8.2.2 A-2 Use - entertainment system 
response: The activation of any fire protection 
system element (signaling system, detection, 
sprinklering, etc.) shall automatically: 

1. Cause immediate illumination of all 
areas and components of the required means 
of egress, and additionally; 

2. Cause immediate full activation of all 
other house lighting; and 

3. Cause immediate stopping of any and all 
sounds and visual distractions (public 
address systems, entertainment and dance 
lighting, music, etc.) that conflict/compete 
with the fire protective signaling system. 

917.9 Voice/alarm signaling system: A voice/alarm 
signaling system shall be provided where required by 
other sections of 780 CMR. When activated in 
accordance with 780 CMR 917.7.1, the voice/alarm 
signaling system shall automatically sound an alert 
signal to all occupants within the building on a 
general or selective basis to the following terminal 
areas: elevators, elevator lobbies, corridors, exit 
5tai)-ways, rooms and tenant spaces exceeding 1,000 
square feet (93 m^) in area; dwelling units in 
occupancies in Use Group R-2; and guestrooms or 
suites in occupancies in Use Group R-1. The^ire 
command station shall contain controls to transmit 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



manually an evacuation signal and voice instractions 
on a selective and all-call basis to the terminal areas 
indicated herein. The voice/alarm system shall be 
designed and installed in accordance with the 
provisions of 780 CMR, 527 CMR and NFPA 72 
listed in Appendix A . 

Exceptions: 

1 . A distinctive signal in lieu of a voice alarm is 
permitted in an occupancy in Use Group F or S. 

2. Where the head of the fire department or 
his/her designee determines that partial or 
selective evacuation is not desired, but rather total 
evacuation is required, then a distinctive signal, in 
lieu of a voice alarm, is permitted. 

917.9.1 The sequence of operation of the voice 
alarm signaling system shall be as follows: 

1 . Soimd an alert (pre-signal) tone (the alert 
tone shall be a 900 hertz tone pulsed to 
produce one round of code 4 at approximately 
one second intervals. 

2. Activate the recorded message regarding 
the evacuation procedure. The alarm and com- 
mimications system shall provide a pre-record- 
ed message to all required areas. The message 
shall contain the following information. " 
attention please. The signal tone you have just 
head indicated a report of an emergency in this 
building. If your floor evacuation signal sounds 
after this message, walk to the nearest stairway 
and leave the floor. While the report is being 
verified, occupants on other floors should 
await further instructions." 

This message shall be transmitted three 
times. 

A female voice shall be used for this 
message. 

3. Activate the evacuation signal on the floor 
of incident and the next floor above and below 
(the evacuation signal shall be in accordance 
with 780 CMR 917.8.2.1 

917.10 Acceptance tests: Upon completion of the 
fire protective signaling system, all alarm 
notification devices and circuits, alarm indicating 
appliances and circuits, supervisory-signal initiating 
devices and circuits, signaling line circuits, and 
primary and secondar}' power supplies shall be 
subjected to a 100% acceptance test in accordance 
with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A and 780 CMR 
903.0. 

780 CMR 918.0 AUTOMATIC FIRE 

DETECTION SYSTEMS 

(FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS) 

918,1 General: Automatic fire detection systems 
shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR and 
NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A. 



918.2 Fire Protection Construction documents: 

Where an automatic fire detection system is required 
by 780 CMR, the fire protection construction 
documents shall show the location and number of all 
automatic fire detectors with specifications of the 
type of fire detector, proposed zoning and a 
complete sequence of operation for the system. The 
system shall be installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 918.0 and shall be part of and be subject 
to the requirements of a fire protective signaling 
system specified in 780 CMR 917.0. (Also see 
780 CMR 903.0) 

918.3 Approval: All devices, combinations of 
devices, appliances and equipment shall be approved 
for the fire signaling purpose for which such 
equipment is used. The automatic fire detectors 
shall be smoke detectors, except an approved 
alternative type of detector shall be installed in 
spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal 
operation, products of combustion are present in 
sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector. 

918.4 Where required: An automatic fire detection 
system shall be installed and maintained in fiill 
operating condition in the locations described in 
780 CMR 918.4.1 through 918.4.7. 

918.4.1 Use Group A-4: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed in all 
occupancies of use group A-4. 

918.4.2 Use Group E: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed in all 
occupancies of use group E. 

918.4.3 Use Group I-l: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed and maintained - 
in all occupancies in Use Group I-l. 

918.4.4 Use Group 1-2: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed and maintained 
in all occupancies in Use Group 1-2. 

Exception: Occupancies that are equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 906.0 and that 
comply with 780 CMR 409.0. 

918.4.5 Use Group 1-3: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed and maintained 
in all resident housing areas of Use Group 1-3. 
Smoke detectors shall be arranged and positioned 
to prevent damage or tampering provided that the 
function and speed of detecting a fure is equivalent 
to that provided by the spacing and arrangement 
requirements of NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A. 

918.4.6 Use Group R-1: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed and maintained 
throughout all occupancies in Use Group R-1 and 
in accordance with Table 918. 



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FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



TABLE 918 
RESIDENTIAL FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS 



Use 
Group 


Number 
of Units 


Unit Occupant 
Protection 


Other Occupant 
Protection 


Standby 
Power 


Manual 
Stations 


Zoned 


Provision for Fire 
Department Notification 


R-3 


lor2 


Yes 
919.3.2 


Note a. 


Yes- 
919.5 


.N.A. 


N.A. 


N.A. 


R-1 


3 to 12 


Yes 
919.3.1 


Yes 
918.4.6 


Yes 
917.6 


Yes 
917.4.5 


N.A. 


N.A. 


R-2 


3 to 12 


Yes 
919.3.2 


Yes 
918.4.7 


. Yes 
919.5 


Yes 
917.4.6 


N.A. 


N.A. 


R-1 


1 3 or more 


Yes 
919.3.1 


Yes 
918.4.6 


Yes 
917.6 


.Yes 
917.4.5 


Yes 
917.7.3 


Yes 
923.2 


R-2 


13 or more 


Yes 
919.3.2 


Yes 
918.4.7 


Yes 
919.5 


Yes 
917.4.6 


Yes 
917.7.3 


Yes 
923.2 



Note a: Where common areas exist.. 
Exceptions: 

1. An automatic fire detection system is not 
required in buildings that do not have interior 
corridors serving guestrooms or dwelling units 
and where all guestrooms or dwelling units 
have a means of egress door opening directly to 
an exterior exit access which leads directly to 
the exits. 

2. Guest rooms or dwelling units single or 
multiple station smoke detectors required by 
780 CMR 919.3.1 shall also be annunciated by 
guest room or dwelling unit at a constantly 
attended location from which the fire protective 
signaling system is capable of being manually 
activated. Detector annunciation shall be capa- 
ble of operation from stand-by battery or be 
connected to an emergency electrical system. 
System smoke detectors shall be permitted 
providing they operate as follows: a. Provide 
unit occupant notification; b. Annunciate at a 
constantly attended location from which the 
fire protective signaling system is capable of 
being manually activated; c. Does not automa- 
tically activate the building notification appli- 
ances; d. Does not automatically activate the 
supervision requirements of 780 CMR 923.2; 
e. Be capable of operation including the 
required annunciation from stand-by battery. 

3. A system heat detector shall be required 
within each guest room or dwelling unit located 
not more than six feet from each door way that 
leads to an interior corridor or exit. System 
heat detectors shall not be required where the 
guestroom or dwelling unit is equipped with 
residential sprinklers that when activated will 
activate the fire protective signaling system. 

918.4.7 Use Group R-2: An automatic fire 
detection system shall be installed and maintained 
throughout all occupancies in use group R-2 and 
in accordance with table 918. 

Exceptions: 

1. An automatic fire detection system is not 
required in buildings that do not have interior 
corridors serving guestrooms or dwelling units 
and where all guestrooms or dwelling units 
have a means of egress door opening directly to 
an exterior exit access which leads directly to 
the exits. 



2. System smoke detectors are not required in 
guestrooms or dwelling units. 

3. A system heat detector shall be required 
within each guest room or dwelling unit located 
not more than six feet fi"om each door way that 
leads to an interior corridor or exit. System 
heat detectors shall not be required where the 
guestroom or dwelling unit is equipped with 
residential sprinklers that, when activated, will 
activate the fire protective signaling system. 

918.5 Sprinklered buildings exception: Buildings 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
780 CMR 906.2.2 are not required to be equipped 
with an automatic fire detection system, but are re- 
quired to beequipped with a fire protective signaling 
system that conforms to 780 CMR 917.0. This 
exception does not apply to Use Groups I, R- 1 , R-2, 
to high-hazard use groups in accordance with 
780 CMR 417.5.3, to special amusement buildings 
in accordance with 780 CMR 413.0, or to single-sta- 
tion smoke detectors as required in 780 CMR 919.3, 



Zoning shall be provided in 
accordance with 780 CMR 917.7.3. 

91S.7 Alarm verification: Alarms activated by 
smoke detectors required by 780 CMR 918.0 shall 
be activated by a single smoke detector monitored by 
an alarm verification zone or an approved equivalent 
method. 

S>18.8 LocaJ control fiinctions: Automatic fire 
detectors utilized for the purpose of performing local 
control functions shall be a part of a fire protective 
signaling system. The detector shall, upon actuation, 
perform the intended function and activate the alarm 
notification devices or activate a visible and audible 
supervisory signal at a constantly attended location. 

Exception: In buildings not required to be 
equipped with a fire protective signaling system, 
the automatic fire detector shall be powered by 
normal electrical service and, upon actuation, 
perform the intended function. The detectors shall 
be located in accordance with NFPA 72 listed in 
Appendix A. This exception does not apply to 
smoke detectors required for elevator recall. 



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918.9 Access: Access shall be provided to each 
detector for periodic inspection, maintenance and 
testing. 

780 CMR 919.0 SINGLE. AND MULTDPtE. 
STATION SMOKE DETECTORS 

919.1 General: Single- and multiple-station smoke 
detectors shall be of an approved type and shall be 
installed in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR and NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A . 

919.1.1 A control and associated equipment, 
single or multiple station alarm devices or any 
combination thereof shall be permitted to be used 
as a household fire warning system provided that 
the requirements of NFPA 72 Chapter 2 are met. 

919.2 Fire Protection Construction documents: 

Where single- and multiple station smoke detectors 
are required by 780 CMR, the fire protection 
construction documents shall show the location and 
number with specifications of the type of detector. 
(Also see 780 CMR 903.0.) 

919.3 Where required: Single and multiple station 
smoke detectors or household fire warning systems 
shall be installed and maintained in full operating 
condition in the locations described in 780 CMR 
9 1 9.3 . 1 through 9 1 9.3.3. Any smoke detector located 
within 20 feet of a kitchen or within 20 feet of a 
bathroom containing a tub or shower shall be a photo 
electric type smoke detector. 

919.3.1 Use Group R-1: Single and multiple 
station smoke detectors or household fire warning 
systems shall be installed and maintained. in the 
following locations in Use Group R- 1: 

1. In all sleeping areas; 

2. In every room or hallway in the path of the 
means of egress from the sleeping area to the 
door leading from the guestroom or suite; and 

3. In each story within the guestroom or suite, 
including basements. 

Exception: For suites or guestrooms or 
dwelling unit with split levels and without an 
intervening door between the adjacent 
levels, a smoke detector installed on the 
upper level shall suffice for the adjacent 
lower level provided that the lower level is 
less than one full story below the upper 
level. 

919.3.2 Use Groups R-2, R-3, M-4 and R-5: 

Single and multiple station smoke detectors or 
household fire warning systems shall be installed 
and maintained in all occupancies in Use Groups 
R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 at the following locations: 

1. In the immediate vicinity of bedrooms; 

2. In all bedrooms; and 

3. In each story within a dwelling unit, 
including basements. 



4. In Residential Units of 1200 sq. ft. or more. 
Automatic Fire Detectors, in the form of 
Smoke Detectors shall be provided for each 
1200 square feet of area or part thereof; 

Exceptions: 

1. In dwelling units with split levels and 
without an intervening door between the 
adjacent levels, a smoke detector installed on 
the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent 
lower level provided that the lower level is 
less than one fiill story below the upper 
level. 

2. In buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 , 906.2.2 
or 906.2.3, smoke detectors are not required 
in bedrooms where the bedrooms are 
equipped with residential sprinklers. 

919.3.3 Use Group M: Single and multiple 
station smoke detectors or household fire warning 
systems shall be installed and maintained in all 
sleeping areas in occupancies in Use Group I- 1. 

Exception: Where the building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic detection system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 918.4. 

919.4 Interconnection: Where more than one 
detector is required to be installed within an 
individual dwelling unit in an occupancy in Use 
Group R-2 , R-3 or R4, or within an individual 
guestroom or suite in an occupancy in Use Group R- 
1, the detectors shall be wired in such a manner that 
the actuation of one alarm will actuate all of the 
alarms in the individual unit. 

919.5 Battery backup: In addition to the required 
AC primary power source, required smoke detectors 
in occupancies in Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 
and I-l shall receive power from a battery when the 
AC primary power source is interrupted* 

Exception: In buildings equipped throughout with 
an automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, 906.2.2 or 
906.2.3. 

919.6 Acceptance testing: When the installation of 
the detectors is complete, each detector - and all 
interconnecting wiring for multiple-station detectors 
shall be subject to a 100% acceptance test in 
accordance with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A 

780 CMR 920.0 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 

920.1 Approval: Portable fixe extinguishers shall 
bear the label of an approved agency, be of ,,an 
approved type and be installed in a location visible 
and available to the occupants. 



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FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



920.2 Where required: A portable fire extinguisher 
shall be installed in the following locations in 
accordance with NFiPA 10 listed in Appendix A: 

1 . In all occupancies in Use Group A°l , A-2, A- 
3,B,E,I-2,M,R4orH; 

2. ■ In all areas containing commercial kitchen 
exhaust hood systems; 

3. In ail areas where fuel is dispensed; 

4. In all areas where & flammable or combustible 
liquid is used in the operation of spraying, coating 
or dipping; 

5. In all occupancies in Use Group 1-3 at staff 
locations. Access to portable extinguishers shall 
be permitted to be locked; 

6. On each completed floor of buildings under 
, construction, other than occupancies in Use 

Group R-3. 

. 7. In any laboratory, shop or other room 
occupied for similar purposes; and 
8. Where required by the fire prevention code 
listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 921.0 SMOKE CONTROL 
SYSTEMS 

921.1 General: Smoke control systems required by 
780 CMR shall conform to the provisions of 
780 CMR 921.0 

921.2 Design criteria: The smoke control system 
shall be designed to keep the smoke layer interface 
above the highest of either the highest unprotected 
opening to adjoining spaces, or six feet (1829 mm) 
above the highest floor level of exit access open to 
the atrium for a period of 20 minutes. The limiting 
height for the smoke layer interface for stages shall 
be in accordance with 780 CMR 412.3.8.2. The 
limiting height of the smoke interface above the 
floor of the space required to be provided with 
smoke control is Z„ . Provisions shall also be made 
to provide for smoke removal from the space at a 
rate of not less than two air changes per hour by 
means of natural or mechanical ventilation. 

921.2.1 Passive system: Active smoke control is 
not required where it is shown that the smoke 
interface level requirement will be met without 
operating smoke exhaust. 

92U.1.1 Regular spaces: For spaces with flat 
ceilings, a constant horizontal cross-sectional 
area above the smoke layer interface, and an 
A/I^ ratio between 0.9 and 14, the following 
equation shall be used to estimate the height of 
the interface at 20 minutes 



Z=0.67i?-0.28/f In 



where: 



I Q'^H"^ 



Z - Height from floor to the smoke interface 

(feet). 
t = Time for interface to descent to Z; Use 

1,200 seconds. 
H= Height of the space required to be 

provided with smoke control; floor to flat 

ceiling (feet). 
Q - Steady state heat release rate; Use 4,400 

Btu/sec. where the primary use group is 

M, S-1 or F-1. Otherwise use 2,000 

Btu/sec. 
A - Horizontal cross-sectional area of the 

above ceiling space being filled (square 

feet). Maximum A to be used shall be: A- 

14 if^. 

92L2.L2 Irregular spaces: For spaces with 
sloped or irregular ceilings, A/H^ ratios outside 
the specified range, or varying cross sections, 
the filling time shall be determined using 
numerical integration from the ceiling to the 
critical smoke interface. The following 
equations shall be used to determine the rate of 
smoke production: 

Where the interface level is above the 
limiting elevation (zj) use: 

V = 17.6QJ^Z^^ + 336Q 

Where the interface level is below the 
limiting elevation (z, ) use: 

V = 16.64Qf^Z 

where: 

V = The volumetric rate of smoke production 
(cubic feet per minute). 

Zj = Limiting elevation (ft) = 0.533Qc^^ 

Qc = The convective portion of the heat 
release rate shall be estimated as 70 
percent of the total heat release rate, Q. 

921.2.2 Meciianocal systems: Where the smoke 
filling predicted in 780 CMR 921,2.1 does not 
meet the design criteria of 780 CMR 92 L2, 
mechanical exhaust shall be provided to maintain 
these conditions. 

920.2.1 Exhaust quantities: Sufficient 
mechanical exhaust shall be provided to 
maintain the smoke layer interface at or above 
the critical elevation for the 20-minute period. 
The volumetric rate of smoke production (V) 
shall be determined by the equations in 
780 CMR 92L2.L2. If the rate of smoke 
exhaust is less than the rate of smoke 
production, the minimum exhaust rate to be 
supplied for smoke control shall be determined 
in accordance with Table 921.2.2.1. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 921.2.2.1 

MINIMUM EXHAUST RATE ADJUSTMENT 

FACTOR* 





^^0 


2/H 






Ve/V 








0.25 


0.35 


0.50 


0.70 


0.85 


0.95 


0.2 


1.12 


1.19 


1.30 


1.55 


1.89 


2.49 


0.3 


1.14 


1.21 


1.35 


1.63 


2.05 


2.78 


0.4 


1.16 


1.24 


1.40 


1.72 


2.24 


3.15 


0.5 


1.17 


128 


1.45 


1.84 


2.48 


3.57 


0.6 


1.20 


1.32 


1.52 


2.00 


2.78 


4.11 


0.7 


1.23 


1.36 


1.61 


2.20 


3.17 


4.98 


0.8 


1.26 


1.41 


1.71 


2.46 


?.71 


6.25 



Note a. Notation: 

Z= Design height of smoke layer interface above fire 

source. 
H- Ceiling height above fire source. 
/ = Time for smoke layer interface to descend to Z(with 

exhaust) (seconds). 
/^■= Value of t in absence of smoke exhaust (see 

780 CMR 92 1 2. 1 . 1 or 92 1 .2. 1 .2) (seconds). 
V^ = Smoke control exhaust rate (minus any airflow into 

the smoke layer other than that fit)m the plume). 
V" Volumetric smoke production rate (fi-om the 

equations in 780 CMR 92 1.2. 12). 

921.23 Operation: The smoke control system 
shall be a dedicated system or shall be integrated 
with the mechanical ventilation system of the 
building. Operation of the smoke control system 
shall automatically shut down all systems and 
devices which interfere with the effective 
operation of the smoke control system. Where the 
mechanical ventilation system is designed for 
smoke control, the return air shall be moved 
directly to the outside without recirculation to 
other areas of the building. 

921.2.4 Alternative systems: An engineered 
design which will achieve the same level of 
smoke control as described in 780 CMR 921 is 
permitted in lieu of these requirements and 
otherwise in conformance with the requirements 
of780 CMR 903.2.1. 

9213 Smoke removal: Provisions shall be made to 
provide ventilation at a rate of at least two air 
changes per hour from the space required to be 
provided with smoke control. This ventilation shall 
be through openable vents, separate mechanical ex« 
haust, or through the building mechanical ventilation 
system. The exhaust inlets shall be located a mini- 
mum of six feet (1829 nun) above any exit access 
walkway and above any openings into adjoining 
spaces. The smoke removal system shall be activated 
by manual controls provided for fire department use 
unless it is part of the smoke control system. 

921.4 Activation: The smoke control system shall 
be activated by actuation of the following: 

/. Automatic sprinkler system; 

2. Smoke detectors required by 780 CMR 921 

that comply with NFPA 72 listed in Appendix A; 

and 



3. Manual controls provided for fire department 
use. 

Note: The smoke control system shall not be 
activated by a manual fire alarm system. 

921.4.1 Manual control: Manual controls shall 
be provided at a location approved by the fire 
department. 

921.4.2 Smoke detector activation: Where the 
height of the ceiling of the space required to be 
provided with smoke control exceeds 30 feet 
(9144 mm) above the floor of the space, approved 
smoke detectors shall be provided to detect smoke 
above the highest floor open to an atrium or at the 
highest point of another space required to be 
provided with smoke control. The installation of 
smoke detectors shall comply with 780 CMR 
918.0. 

921.5 Standby power: All equipment required to 
provide smoke control in floor openings connecting 
three or more stories and stage areas in accordance 
with 780 CMR 412.3.8.2 shall be equipped with a 
standby source of power that complies with 
527 CMR 12.00 as listed in Appendix A. 

921.6 Acceptance: Any required smoke control 
design that requires operation of mechanical 
equipment shall be functionally tested in accordance 
with 780 CMR 921.6.2 until proper operation of all 
required mechanical equipment and controls is 
demonstrated. 

921.6.1 System operation report: Prior to 
acceptance testing, a report of the required system 
operations shall be provided to the code official. 
(NOTE: also see 780 CMR 903. 1. 1.1. a., b. and c. 
The following items shall be included in the 
report if part of the required system: 

1. Identify type(s) of smoke control activation 
signal(s), such as sprinkler waterflow, smoke 
detection, manual, etc., and associated smoke 
control system operation(s) that are activated 
by the signals. 

2. Identify building area(s) where maximum 
mechanical exhaust to the outside is 
implemented and supply air is not provided. 

3 . Identify building area(s) where maximum 
air supply is unplemented and exhaust to the 
outside is not provided. 

4. Identify fan(s) which shall be "On" as 
required to implement the smoke control 
system. If multiple speed fans are used, the 
capacity at which the fans shall operate in the 
smoke control mode shall be identified. 

5. Identify fan(s) which shall be "Off" as re- 
quired to implement the smoke control system. 

6. Identify damper(s) which shall be "Open" 
to implement the smoke control system. 

7. Identify damper(s) which shall be "Closed" 
to implement the smoke control system. 



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FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 



8. Identify other functions required to 
implement the smoke control system. 

9. Identify building areas with smoke and 
heat vents and method of operation of vents. 

1 0. If required, identify the type(s) of standby 
power and the equipment that is served. 

921.6.2 Testing procedures: The acceptance test 
procedure shall be approved. Acceptance testing 
shall be conducted in the presence of the Building 
ofBcial and fure official or their designees or shall 
include documentation indicating that all mechanical 
equipment, control sequences, devices and 
components have been operationally tested and are 
functioning properly in accordance with the system 
operation report. Such documentation provided by 
a registered professional engineer or other legally 
recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 1 12, § 81R). All 
documentation from operational testing shall be 
available for inspection. Acceptance testing shall 
include the following: 

1 . Prior to beginning acceptance testing, all 
building smoke control equipment shall be 
placed m the normal operating mode. 

2. Acceptance testing shall demonstrate that 
each initiating device, fan, damper and other 
required equipment is operational and performs 
to the limits and capacity required. 

3. Acceptance testing shall demonstrate that 
correct control outputs are produced for a 
given control input for each control sequence 
specified by the system operation report. 

4. If standby power is required for the 
operation of the smoke control system, 
acceptance tests shall be conducted while on 
both normal building power and standby 
power. 

5. Opening of smoke/heat vents shall be 
demonstrated if the vent is capable of being 
opened in a manner that does not require 
destructive testing. 



921.7 Elevators: Except when otherwise required 
by 524 CMR, where buildings are equipped with a 
mechanical smoke control system that will restrict 
smoke and hot gases from entering the elevator shaft 
in the fire floor, hoistway venting is not required. In 
high-rise buildings equipped with this system and 
equipped throughout with an automatic fire 
suppression system, the one-hour fireresistance rated 
elevator lobby as specified in 780 CMR 403.8 is not 
required. 

780 CMR 9210 SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS 

922.1 Geneiral: Where exit access travel distance is 
increased in accordance with '780 CMR 1006.5.1, 
smoke and heat vents shall be constructed and 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 922.0. 

922.2 Vent size and spacing: The vent area and the 
spacing of the vents shall comply with Table 922.2. 

922JZ.1 Releasing devices: Smoke and heat vents 
shall open automatically by activation of a heat- 
responsive device rated at lOO'F (SS-'C) to 220"? 
(104°C) above ambient The rdeasmg mechanism 
shall be capable of operation such that the vent 
shall fully open when the vent is exposed to a 
time-temperature gradient that reaches an air 
temperature of 500°F (260'C) within five 
minutes. Vents shall be capable of being opened 
by an approved manual operation. 

9223 Cuartain board constniction: Curtain boards 
shall be provided to subdivide a vented building. 
Curtain boards shall be constructed of material that 
will resist the passage of smoke and is consistent 
with the building type of construction. Curtain board 
location and depth shall comply with Table 922.2. 
The bottom of the curtain board shall be level. 



Tabk 922.2 

SMOKE AND HEAT VENT SIZE AND 

SPACING^ 



Use 
Group 


Hazard 

classsification of 

contents 


Vent hei^t 

above the 

floor,// 

(feet) 


Minimum 

curtain board 

depth from 

vent bottom 

(feet) 


Maximum 
area formed 

bycurtab 

boards 
(square feet) 


Vent area to 

floor area 

ratio 


Maximum 

spacing of 

vent centers 

(feet) 


Maximum 

distance 

from wall of 

curtain 
boards (feet) 


Maximum 
distance 
between 
curtain 
boards 


F-1 


= 


- 


0.2XH 
buta4 


50,000 


1:100 


120 


60 


8XH 
but s250 feet 


S-I 


I through IV 


20 or less 


6 


10.000 


1:100 


100 


60 


8XH 


S-I 


I through IV 


Over 20 to 
40 


6 


8,000 


1:75 


100 


55 


8XH 
but i250 feet 


S-1 


I through IV 


20 or less 


4 


3,000 


1:75 


100 


55 


8XH 


S-l 


1 through IV 


Over 20 to 
40 


4 


3,000 


1:50 


100 


50 


8XH 
but i250 feet 


S-1 


V 


20 or less 


6 


6,000 


1:50 


100 


50 


8XH 


S-l 


V 


Over 20 to 
30 


6 


6,000 


1:40 


90 


45 


8XH 


SA 


V 


'30 or more 


4 


2,000 


1:30 


75 


40 


8XH 
but^OO.feet 



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167 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Note a. See NFiPA 23 1 C listed m Appendix A for classification of Contents Class I through IV Class V commodities 
are products that present special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, 111 or IV, such as aerosols, foam plastic, PVC, 
PU, PS and asphalt paper. 
Note b. 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 m . 



780 CMR 923.0 SUPERVISION 

923.1 Fire suppression systems: All automatic 
fire suppression systems required by 780 CMR shall 
be supervised by one of the following methods 
below. 

1 . AUL listed or FM approved Central Station 
Service in accordance with NFPA 72 listed in 
Appendix A, 

2. a* Approved proprietary supervising station 
system, in accordance with NFPA 72 in 
accordance with NFPA 72 as listed in 
Appendic A. 

hi AippTOvedTemois station fire alarm system 
supervising station in accordance with NFPA 
72 as listed in Appendix A. 

3. Alarm signals to an approved Auxiliary Fire 
Alarm System in accordance with NFPA 72, with 
supervisory signals supervised by one or two 
above or at a constantly attended location 
approved by the local fire department, having 
personnel on duty trained to recognize the type of 
signal received and to take prescribed action. This 
shall be permitted to be a location different from 
that at which alarm signals are received. 

Exceptions: 

1. Undergroimd gate valves with roadway 
boxes. 

2. Halogenated extinguishing systems that are 
not an integral part of a required automatic fire 
suppression system. 

3. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems that 
are not an integral part of a required automatic 
fire suppression system. 

4. Dry- and wet-chemical extinguishing 
systems. 

5. Limited area sprinkler systems (see 
780 CMR 907.0). 

6. Occupancies in Use Group R complying 
with 780 CMR 906.2.2 and supervised in 
accordance with NFPA 13R listed in 
Appendix A. 

923.1.1 Re-transmission of alarm signals 
received by central stations: In all cases, central 
stations shall re-transmit alarm signals within 90 
seconds of receipt, to the fire department having 
jurisdiction. 

923.2 Fire protective signaling systems and 
automatic fire detection systems: All fire 
protective signaling systems and automatic fire 
detection systems required by 780 CMR shall be 
supervised by one of the following methods below: 

1 . AUL listed or FM approved Central Station 
Service in accordance with NFPA 72 listed in 
Appendix A. 



2. a. Approved proprietary supervising station 
system, in accordance with NFPA 72 in 
accordance with NFPA 72 as listed in 
Appendic A. 

b. Approved remote station fire alarm system 
supervising station in accordance with NFPA 
72 as listed in Appendix A. 

3. Alarm signals to an approved Auxiliary Fire 
Alarm System in accordance with NFPA 72, with 
supervisory signals supervised by one or two 
above or at a constantly attended location 
approved by the local fire department, having 
personnel on duty trained to recognize the type of 
signal received and to take prescribed action. This 
shall be permitted to be a location different from 
that at which alarm signals are received. 

Exceptions: 

1. For use group R see table 918 

2. Single- and multiple-station detectors as 
required by 780 CMR 919.0. 

3. Smoke detectors m occupancies in Use 
Group 1-3 (see 780 CMR 917.7.1). 

4. Smoke detectors in patient sleeping rooms 
in occupancies in Use Group 1-2 (see 
780 CMR 409.5.1). 

5. Fire protective signaling systems in 
occupancies in Use Groups H. 

923.2.1 Re-transmission of alarm signals 
received by central stations: In all cases, central 
stations shall re-transmit alarm signals within 90 
seconds of receipt, to the fire department having 
jurisdiction. 

780 CMR 924.0 FIRE PUMPS 

924.1 General: Where fire pumps are required to be 
installed as part of a required or non-required 
system(s)„ the fire pump(s) shall be designed and 
installed in accordance with 527 CMR 12.00 and 
NFPA 20 as listed in Appendix A. 

924.2 Rooms: Fire pumps and all related equipment 
shall be located in a dedicated room meeting the 
physical and environmental features of NFPA 20 
listed in Appendix A, and enclosed with not less 
than two hours fire resistive construction. Fire 
pumps rooms shall have either direct access to the 
room fi'om grade or access by a two hour rated 
passageway and shall be properly secured from 
unauthorized entry. 

9243 Emergency power: All fire pumps shall be 
provided with emergency power when installed in 
the following types of buildings or use groups. 
Emergency power equipment installation shall 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 

conform to 527 CMR 12.00 and NFPA 20 as listed 3. Buildings and structures of Use Group E, with 

in Appendix A. a total occupant load of more than 300 occupants. 

1. High-rise buildings as defined by M.G.L. 4. Buildings and structures of Use Group H. 

c. 148 § 26A and 780 CMR. 5. Buildings and structures of Use Group I, 

2. Buildings and structures of Use Group A, with having surgery or treatment areas, 
a total occupant load of more than 300 occupants. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUl-ATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



170 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 10 



MEANS OF EGRESS 



780 CMR lOOLO GENERAL 

1001.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 10 shall 
control the design, construction and arrangement of 
building elements required to provide a reasonably 
safe means of egress from all structures. 

1001o2 ModiOcation of egress reqolremmts: 
Where strict compliance with the provisions of 
780 CMR is not practical, the code official shall 
approve alternative means of egress which will 
accomplish the same purpose, by the procedure 
established in 780 CMR 1 for modification of 
780 CMR, or by adoption of approved rules. 

1001 J Mlroimum requiremesits: It shall be 
unlawjful to alter any building or structure in any 
manner that will reduce the number of exits or the 
capacity of exits below the requirements of 
780 CMR for new buildings of the proposed 
occupancy. 

780 CMR 10010 DEFimiONS 

l§02ol G€n£ral: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 10 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Aisle accessway: That portion of an exit access 
which provides a path of travel to an aisle (see 
780 CMR 1012 0^ . 



780 CMR 1012.0). 



ASiernaiing tread stairway: A stair that has a series 
of steps between 50" and 70* (0.87 and 1.22 rad) 
from horizontal, usually attached to a center 
support rail in an alternating manner so that the 
user of the stairs never has both feet on the same 
level at the same time (see 780 CMR 1014.6.6). 

Bleachers: A grandstand where the seats are not 
provided with backrests (see 780 CMR 1013.0.) 

C&ntmanpoA b/ travel: That portion of exit access 
which the occupants are required to traverse 
before two separate and distinct paths of travel to 
two exits are available. Paths that merge are 
common paths of travel. A common path of travel 
is measured the same as travel distance but 
terminates at that point where two separate and 
distinct routes become available (see 780 CMR 
1011.2.1). 

Cmridor: An enclosed passageway which limits the 
means of egress to a smgle path of travel (see 
780 CMR lOI 1.0). 



Exit. That portion of a means of egress which is 
separated from all other spaces of a building or 
structure by construction and opening protectives 
as required for exits to provide a protected way of 
travel to the exit discharge (see 780 CMR 
1006.0). Exits include exterior exit doors, exit 
stairways (see 780 CMR 1014.0 and 1015.0), exit 
passageways (see 780 CMR 1020.0) and 
horizontal exits (see 780 CMR 1019.0). 

Exk access: Exit access is that portion of a means of 
egress which leads to an entrance to an exit (see 
780 CMR 101 1.0). 

Ems discharge: That portion of a means of egress 
between the termination of an exit and a public 
way (see 780 CMR 1006.3). 

Exit discharge, level of. The horizontal plane 
located by the point at which an exit terminates 
and an exit discharge begins (see 780 CMR 
1006.3.1). 

Exit, honwsttai: A way of passage from one 
building to an area of refuge in another building 
on approximately the same level, or a way of 
passage through or around a wall or partition to an 
area of refuge on approximately the same level in 
the same building, which affords safety from fire 
or smoke from the area of incidence and areas 
communicating therewith (see 780 CMR 1019.0). 

Fhmr area, gross: Gross floor area shall be the floor 
area within the perimeter of the outside walls of 
the building under consideration, vidthout 
deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness 
of walls, columns or other features (see 780 CMR 
1008.0). 

Floor area, net: To determine the number of 
persons for whom exits are to be provided, the net 
floor area shall be the actual occupied area and 
shall not include unoccupied accessory areas or 
thickness of walls (see 780 CMR 1008.0). 

Grade haMway, grade lobby, grade passageway: An 
enclosed hallway or corridor that is an element of 
Sin exit, and terminates at a street or an open space 
or court communicating with a street (see 
780 CMR 1020.0). 

Grmtdstamd: A structure providing tiered or stepped 
seating (see 780 CMR 1013.0). 

Mes&dis of egress: A continuous and unobstructed 
path of travel from any point in a building or 



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171 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



structure to a public way. A means of egress 
consists of three separate and distinct parts: the 
exit access, the exit; and the exit discharge. A 
means of egress comprises the vertical aiid 
horizontal means of travel and shall include 
intervening room spaces, doors, hallways, 
corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, 
enclosures, lobbies, horizontal exits, courts and 
yards (see 780 CMR 1006.0). 

Occupant load: The total number of persons that 
are permitted to occupy a building or portion 
thereof at any one time (see 780 CMR 1008.0). 

Public way. Any street, alley or other parcel of land 
open to the outside air leading to a public street, 
which has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise 
permanently appropriated to the public for public 
use and which has a clear width and height of not 
less than ten feet (3048 mm). 

Slidescape: A straight or spiral chute, erected on the 
interior or exterior of a building, which is 
designed as a means of egress direct to a street or 
othtr public way (see 780 CMR 1026.0). 

Smokeproof enclosure. An enclosed stairway, with 
access from the floor area of the building either 
through outside balconies or ventilated vestibules, 
opening on a street, yard or open court; and with 
a separately enclosed direct exit to the street at the 
grade floor (see 780 CMR 1015.0). 

Stairway: One 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 (see 780 CMR 
1014.0). 

Winder: A step in a winding stairway (see 
780 CMR 1014.6.3). 

780 CMR 1003.0 CONCTRUCTION 
DOCUMENTS 

1003.1 Arrangement of egress: The construction 
documents shall show in sufficient detail the 
location, construction, size and character of all exits, 
together with the arrangement of aisles, corridors, 
passageways and hallways leading thereto in 
compliance with the provisions of 780 CMR. 

1003.2 Number of occupants: In other than 
occupancies in Use Groups R-2, R-3 and I-l, the 
construction documents and the application for a 
permit shall designate the number of occupants to be 
accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms and 
spaces as required by the code official. Unless 
otherwise specified, the minimum number of 
occupants to be accommodated by the exits shall be 
determined by the occupant load prescribed in 
780 CMR 1008.0. The posted occupant load of the 



building shall be limited to that number. The fire 
prevention code official shall be informed in writing 
of the calculated occupant load. 

1003.3 Posted occupant load: Every assembly 
room or space in an assembly occupancy shall have 
the approved occupant load of the room or space 
posted in a conspicuous place, near the main 
entrance to the room or space. Rooms or spaces 
which have multiple-use capabilities shall be posted 
for all such occupancies. All posted signs shall be of 
an approved legible permanent design. 

780 CMR 1004.0 USE GROUP AND 
OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS 

1004.1 New buildings: Every building and 
structure, and part thereof, hereafter erected shall 
have the prescribed number of exits of one or more 
of the approved types defined in 780 CMR 10. 
Exits, in combination with the exit access and exit 
discharge, shall provide safe and continuous means 
of egress to a street or to an open space with direct 
access to a street. 

1004.2 Hazardous Means of Egress: 

1004.2.1 Exit Order/Hazardous Means of 
Egress: In any existing building or structure not 
provided with exit facilities as herein prescribed 
for new buildings and in which the exits are 
deemed hazardous or dangerous to life and limb, 
the building official shall declare such building 
dangerous and unsafe in accordance with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 121.0. 

1004.2.2 Appeal from exit order: Any person 
served with any order pursuant to 780 CMR 
3400.5 shall have the remedy prescribed in 
780 CMR 121. 

1004.3 Multiple occupancies: Where a building is 
occupied by two or more occupancies, the means of 
egress requirements shall apply to each portion of 
the building based on the occupancy of space. 

1004.4 Multiple tenants: Where more than one 
tenant occupies any one floor of a building or 
structure, each tenant shall be provided with direct 
access to approved exits. 

780 CMR 1005.0 GENERAL UMTTATIONS 

1005.1 Exits: An exit shall not be utilized for any 
purpose that interferes with its fiinction as a means 
of egress. 

1005.2 Floor openings: Manholes or floor access 
panels which reduce the clearance to less than 32 
inches (813 mm) shall not be located in the line of 
means of egress. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BmLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



1005.3 Protruding objects: A minimum headroom 
of 80 inches (2032 mm) shall be provided for any 
walking surface, including walks, halls, corridors, 
aisles and passageways. Structural elements, 
fixtures or furnishings shall not project from either 
side more than four inches (102 mm) over any 
walking surface between the heights of 27 (686 mm) 
and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the walking surface. 
A free-standing object mounted on a post(s) or 
pylon(s) shall not overhang that post(s) or pylon(s) 
more than 12 inches (305 mm) where the lowest 
point of the leading edge is more than 27 inches (686 
mm) and less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the 
walking surface. Door closers and stops shall not 
reduce headroom to less than 78 inches (1981 mm). 

1005.4 Floor surface: All floors of corridors and 
lines of means of egress shall have a slip-resistant 
surface. 

1005.5 Open=sided floor areas: Guards shall be 
located along open-sided walking surfaces, 
mezzanines and landings which are located more 
than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade 
below. The guards shall be constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1021.0. 

Exception: Guards are not required on the 
loading side of loading docks and the auditorium 
side of stages and raised platforms. 

1005.6 Elevation change: Where changes in 
elevation exist in exit access corridors, exits or exit 
discharge, ramps shall be used where the difference 
in elevation is less than 12 inches (305 mm). 

Exception: A maximum step height of eight 
inches (203 mm) shall be permitted for buildings 
with occupancies in Use Groups F, H, R and S at 
exterior doors not required to be accessible by 
521 CMR, the Rules and Regulations of the 
Architectural Access Board, referenced in 
780 CMR 11, and listed in Appendix A. 

1005.7 Egress elements for air movement: Exits 
and exit access corridors shall not be used as supply 
or return air ducts or plenums. 

Exceptions: 

1. The restriction on the use of the space 
between the corridor ceiling and the floor or 
roof structure above as a return air plenum 
shall not apply where the corridor is not 
required to be of fireresistance rated 
construction or is separated from the plenum by 
fireresistance rated construction or is located 
within a dwelling unit. 

2. This restriction shall not apply to exit 
access corridors located within tenant spaces 
that are 1,000 square feet (92 m* ) or less in 
area. 



780 CMR 1006.0 TYPES AND LOCATION 
OF MEANS OF EGRESS 

1006.1 General: All approved means of egress, 
including doorways, passageways, corridors, interior 
stairways, exterior stairways, smokeproof 
enclosures, ramps, horizontal exits, bridges, 
balconies, fire escapes and combinations thereof, 
shall be arranged and constructed as provided for in 
780 CMR. 

1006.2 Arrangement: All required exits shall be so 
located as to be discemable with unobstructed access 
thereto, 

1006.2.1 Egress through adjoining spaces: 
Egress from a room or space shall not open into 
an adjoining or intervening room or area, except 
where such adjoining room or area is accessory to 
the area served, is not a high-hazard occupancy 
and provides a direct means of egress to an exit. 
A maximum of one exit access shall be permitted 
to pass through a kitchen, storeroom, restroom, 
closet or similar space provided that passage 
through such space is not the only means of access 
to an exit. An exit access shall not pass through a 
room subject to locking. Means of egress from 
dwelling units, rooming units, guestrooms and 
dormitory units shall not lead through other such 
units, or through toilet rooms or bathrooms. 



.2.2 Assembly buildings: All buildings 
occupied for assembly purposes shall front on at 
least one street on which the main entrance and 
exit discharge shall be located. Where there is a 
single main entrance, the entrance shall be capable 
of serving as the main exit and shall provide an 
egress capacity for at least one-half of the total 
occupant load. In addition to having access to a 
main exit, each level of an occupancy in Use 
Group A shall be provided with additional exits 
which shall provide a means of egress capacity for 
at least one-half of the total occupant load served 
by that level. 

1006.2.2.1 Assembly A-2 minimum main 
entrance/exit door size: The main entrance/ 
exit door shall be a minimum 72 inches 
(nominal) width. This main entrance/ exit door 
shall consist of a pair of side-hinged swinging 
type doors without a center mullion and shall 
be equipped with panic hardware - also see 
780 CMR 1011.3. 

1006.2.3 Skating rinks: Places of assembly used 
for skating rinks shall not be located below the 
floor nearest grade. 

1006.2.4 Foyers and waiting spaces: The term 
"foyer" shall mean an enclosed space surrounding, 
or in the rear of, the auditorium of a theater or 
other place of assembly which is completely 
separated from the auditorium and is used as an 
assembly or waiting space for the occupants. In 



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173 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Use Group A-1, a foyer, waiting space or lobby 
shall be provided with a net floor area, exclusive 
of stairs or landings, of not less than Wi square 
feet (0.14 m^) 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 exits. 

1006.2.4.1 Egress: Where 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 exits. A mirror shall not be 
placed so as to give the appearance of a 
doorway, exit or passageway. 

1006.2.4.2 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 unit 
vertical in eight units horizontal (1:8). 

1006.2.4.3 Construction: In occupancies in 
Use Group A-1, other than motion picture 
theaters, thefire separation assemblies separa- 
ting the foyer from the auditorium and other 
adjoining rooms and spaces shall be con- 
structed with not less than a two-hour fire- 
resistance rating. Where opening protectives 
are constructed of noncombustible materials, a 
fireresistance rating of the opening protectives 
is not required. 

1006.3 Exit Discharge: All exits shall discharge 
directly at a public M>ay 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. 

1006.3.1 Level of exit discharge protection: In 

all buildings having habitable or occupiable 
stories ox basements below grade, the floor/ceiling 
assemblies and supports which are constructed 
below the level of exit discharge shall provide a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour. 
Exceptions: 

1 . Occupancies in Use Group R-3. 

2. Buildings of Type 1 construction. 

3. Where floor/ceiling assemblies and supports 
are constructed of Type 4 construction. 

4. Where the floor areas below the level of 
exit discharge are equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 

5. Occupiable stories or basements below 
grade which have exits that discharge directly 
to grade. 

1006.4 Remote location: Wherever more than one 
exit is required from any room, space or floor of a 
building, such exits shall be placed as remote from 
each other as practicable, and shall be arranged and 



constructed to provide direct access in separate 
directions from any point in the area served so as to 
minimize the possibihty that both exits will be 
blocked by any one fire or other emergency 
condition. 

1006.4.1 Remoteness: Where two exits or two 
exit access doors are required, each shall be 
placed a distance apart equal to not less than one- 
half of the length of the maximum overall 
diagonal dimension of the building or area to be 
served. Where exit enclosures are provided as a 
portion of the required means of egress and are 
interconnected by a corridor conforming to the 
requirements for corridor construction, the exit 
separation distance shall be measured along the 
line of travel within the corridor. In all other 
cases, the separation distance shall be measured in 
a straight line between exits or exit access doors. 
Exception: In buildings equipped throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 OvTR 906.2. 1 or 906.2.2, 
the minimum separation distance shall be 14 of 
the length of the maximum overall diagonal 
dimension. 

1006.4.1.1 Three or more: Where three or 
more exits or exit access doors are required, at 
least two exits or exit access doors shall be 
separated as provided for in 780 CMR 
1006.4.1.. 

1006.5 Length of travel: All exits shall be so 
located that the maximum length of exit access 
travel, measured from the most remote point to an 
approved exit along the natural and unobstructed line 
of travel, shall not exceed the distances given in 
Table 1006.5. 

Table 1006.5 
LENGTH OF EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL^ 





Without 


With 


Use Group 


sprinkler system 


sprinkler system 




(feetf 


(feet)'' 


A,B,E,F-1.M,M, R, 


200 


250 


S-1 






F-2, S-2 


300 


400 


H-1 


25 


75 


H-2 


50 


100 


H-3 


100 


150 


H-4 


125 


175 


1-2, 1-3 


150 


200 



Note a. See the following sections for modification to 
travel distance requirements. 

780 CMR 402.5.1; For the exit access travel distance 

in malls. 

780 CMR 404.7; For the exit access travel distance 

limitadon through an atrium space. 

780 CMR 416.6; For the exit access travel distance 

limitation in HPM use facilities. 

780 CMR 1006.5.1: For increased limitadon in Use 

Groups F-1 and S-1. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 

780 CMR 1006.5.2: For increased limitation in Use Note b. Buildings equipped throughout with an 

Group A-5 . automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 

780 CMR 1010.3: For buildings with one exit. 906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 

780 CMR 3104.9: For the exit access travel distance Note c. 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 

limitation in temporary structures. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



174.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



1006.5ol Roof V€Et iMcrease: In buildings which 
are one story in height, equipped with automatic 
heat and smoke roof vents complying with 
780 CMR 922.0 and equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1, the exit access travel distance 
lunitation in Table 1006.5 for occupancies in Use 
Group F=l or 8=1 shall be increased to 400 feet 
(122 m). 

1006.S,2 Use Group A-5: Occupancies in Use 
Group A-5, where all portions of the means of 
egress are essentially open to the outside, shall 
have an exit access travel distance of not more 
than 400 feet (122 m), except that such 
occupancies in buildings and structures of Type 1 
or 2 construction shall not have an exit access 
travel distance limitation. 

1006.6 Elevators, escalators and moviEg walks: 

Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be 

accepted as a required element of the means of 

egress. 

Exceptioo: An elevator conforming to 780 CMR 

S 007.3 shall be permitted for an accessible means 

of egress. 

1006o7 Common path of travel: The common path 
of exit access travel distance for occupants to reach 
a point where two separate and distinct paths of 
travel are available to two exits shall not exceed 100 
feet (30480 mm) in occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

78© CMR 1007,0 ACCESSIBLE MEANS 
OF EGRESS 

1007.1 General: All spaces required to be 
accessible by 521 CMR, the Rules and Regulations 
of the Architectural Access Boards referenced in 
780 CMR n, and listed in Appendix A shall be 
provided with not less than one accessible means of 
egress that complies with 780 CMR 1007.0. Where 
more than one means of egress is required from any 
required accessible space, each accessible portion of 
the space shall be served by not less than two 
accessible means of egress. Each accessible means 
of egress shall provide a continuous path of travel 
from a required accessible space to a public way 
which is usable by a mobility impaired person and 
shall include accessible routes, ramps, exit 
stairways, elevators, horizontal exits or smoke 
barriers. 

1007.2 Exit stairways: An exit stairway to be 
considered part of an accessible means of egress 
shall have a clear v^dth of at least 48 inches (1219 
mm) between handrails and shall either incorporate 
an area of refuge mHun an enlarged story-level 
ianding or shall be accessed from an area of refuge 
complying with 780 CMR 1007.5 or a horizontal 
exit. 



Exseptmns: 

1. Stairs serving a single dwelling unit or 
guestroom. 

2. Occupancies equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1. 

3. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) 
between handrails is not required for exit 
stairways accessed from a horizontal exit. 

1007.3 Elevators: An elevator, to be considered 
part of an accessible means of egress, shall comply 
with 524 CMR and standby power shall be provided 
in accordance with 527 CMR 12.00 as listed in 
Appendix A. The elevator shall be accessed from an 
area of refuge complying with 780 CMR 1007.5 or 
a horizontal exit. In buildings where a required 
accessible floor is four or more stories above or 
below a level of exit discharge serving that floor, at 
least one elevator shall be provided and shall serve 
as one required accessible means of egress. 

Exceptions: 

L In buildings equipped throughout with an 

automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 

780 CMR 906.2.1, the elevator shall not be 

required to serve floors which are located at or 

above the level of exit discharge and provided 

with a horizontal exit complying with 780 CMR 

1019.0. 

2. Elevators are not required to be accessed from 

an area of refuge or a horizontal exit in 

occupancies equipped throughout with an 

automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 

780CMR906.il. 

1007.4 Platform lifts: Platform (wheelchair) liffe 
shall not serve as part of an accessible means, of 
egress except vidthin a dwelling unit. 

1007.5 Areas of refMg«: Every required area of 
fefiige shall be accessible from the space it serves by 
an accessible means of egress. The maximum travel 
distance from any accessible space to an area of 
refuge shall not exceed the travel distance permitted 
for the occupancy m accordance with 780 CMR 
1006.5. Every required area of refuge shall have 
direct access to an exit stairway complying with 
780 CMR 1007.2 or an elevator complying with 
780 CMR 1007.3. Where an elevator lobby is used 
as an area of refuge, the shaft and lobby shall 
comply with 780 CMR 1015.0 for smokeproof 
enclosures except where the elevators are in an area 
of refuge formed by a horizontal exit or smoke 
barrier. 

Exception: Areas of refiige are not required in 
open parking structures 

1007.5.1 Size: Each area of refuge shall be sized 
to accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 
inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) for 
each 200 occupants or portion thereof, based on 
the occupant load of the area of refuge and all 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



areas served by the area of refuge. Such 
wheelchair spaces shall not reduce the required 
means of egress width. Access to any of the 
required wheelchair spaces in an area of refuge 
shall not be obstructed by more than one 
adjoining wheelchair space. 

1007.5.2 Separation: Each area of refuge shall 
be separated from the remainder of the story by a 
smoke barrier complying with 780 CMR 712.0. 
Each area of refuge shall be designed to prevent 
the intrusion of smoke, except those areas of 
refuge located within a stairway enclosure or 
those areas of refuge where the area of refuge and 
all areas served by the area of refuge are equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

■ 1007.53 Communication system: Every area of 
refuge in buildings more than four stories in 
height shall be provided with a two-way 
emergency communication system between the 
area of refuge and a central control point. 

In each ar«a of refuge provided with a two- 
way emergency communication system, 
instructions on the use of the area under 
emergency conditions shall be posted adjoining 
the communication system. The instructions shall 
include: 

1 . Directions to other means ofegress\ 

2. Advice that persons able to use the exit 
stairs do so as soon as possible unless they are 
assisting others; 

3. Information on how to summon planned 
availability of assistance in the use of stairs or 
supervised operation of elevators; and 

4. Directions for use of the two-way 
emergency communication system. 

1007.5.4 Identincation: Each door providing 
access to an area of refuge from an adjacent floor 
area shall be identified by a sign complying with 
521 CMR and CABO Al 17.4 listed in Appendix 
A stating "Area of Refuge" and the International 
Symbol of Accessibility. The sign shall be 
illuminated as required for "Exit" signs where 
"Exit" sign illumination is required. Additionally, 
tactile signage complying witili 521 CMR listed in 
Appendix A shall be located at each door to an 
area of refuge. 

1007.6 Signage: Signage indicating the location of 
accessible means of egress shall be installed at all 
exits and elevators that serve a required accessible 
space, but which are not an approved accessible 
means of egress. 

780 CMR lOOaO OCCUPANT LOAD 

1008.1 Design occupant load: In determining 
required facilities, the number of occupants for 
whom exit facilities shall be provided shall be 
established by the largest number computed in 



accordance 
1008.1.3. 



with 780 CMR 1008.1.1 through 



1008.1.1 Actual number: The actual number of 
occupants for vi^om each occupied space, floor or 
building is designed. 

1008.1.2 Number by Table 1008.1.2: The 

number of occupants computed at the rate of one 
occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 
1008.1.2. 

1008.13 Number by combination: The number 
of occupants of any space as computed in 
780 CMR 1008.1.1 or 1008.1.2 plus the number 
of occupants similarly computed for all spaces 
that discharge through the space in order to gain 
access to an exit, 

1008.1.4 Increased occupant load: The 

occupant load permitted in any buildmg or portion 
thereof is permitted to be increased from that 
number established for the occupancies in Table 
1008.1.2 provided that all other requirements of 
780 CMR are also met based on such modified 
number. Where required by the code official, an 
approved aisle, seating or fixed equipment 
diagram to substantiate any increase in occupant 
load shall be submitted. Where required by the 
code official, such diagram shall he posted. 

Table 1008.1.2 

MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES 

PER OCCUPANT 





Floor area in 


Occupancy 


square feet per 




occupant 


Assembly with fixed seats See780 CMR 1 008. 1 .6 


Assembly without fixed seats 




Concentrated (chairs only - not fixed) 


7 net 


Standing space 


3 net 


Unconcentrated (tables and chairs) 


15 net 


Bowling centers, allow 5 persons for 




each lane including IS feet of 




nmway, and for additional areas 


7 net 


Business areas 


100 gross 


Courtrooms - other than fixed seating 


40 net 


areas 




Educational 




Classroom area 


20 net 


Shops and other vocational room 


50 net 


areas 




Industrial areas 


100 gross 


Institutional areas 




Inpatient treatment areas 


240 gross 


Outpatient areas 


100 gross 


Sleeping areas 


120 gross 


Library 




Reading rooms 


50 net 


Stack area 


100 gross 


Mercantile, basement and grade floor 


30 gross 


areas 




Areas on other floors 


60 gross 


Storage stock, shipping areas 


300 gross 



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MEANS OF EGRESS 



Occupancy 



Floor area in 

square feet per 

occupant 



Parking garages 

Residential 

Storage areas, mechanical equipment 



200 gross 
200gFoss 
300 gross 



Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 m* 

- 1008.1«5 Maximum occupant load: The 
occupant load of any space or portion thereof 
shall not exceed one occupant per three square 
feet (0.28 m^) of occupiable floor space. 

1008.L5 Fixed seats: The occupant load for an 
assembly or educational area having fixed seats 
shall be detemuned by the number of fixed seats 
installed. The capacity of fixed seats without 
dividing arms shall equal one person per 18 
inches (457 mm). For booths, the capacity shall 
be one person per 24 inches (610 mm). 

1008.2 Mezzanine levels: The occupant load of a 
mezzanine level discharging through a floor below 
shall be added to that floor's occupant load, and the 
capacity of the exits shall be designed for the total 
occupant load thus established. 

1008.3 Roofs: Roof areas occupied as roof gardens 
or for assembly, educational, storage or other 
purposes, shall be provided with exit facilities to 
accommodate the required occupant load, but there 
shall not be less than two approved means of egress 
fi*om roof areas of Use Groups A and E. 

780 CMM 1009.0 CAPACITY OF EGKESS 
COMPONENT 

1009.1 General: The capacity of means ofe^ess 
for a floor, balcony, tier or other occupied space 
shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof. 

1009.2 Minimum width: The width of each means 
of egress component shall not be less than the width 
computed in accordance with Table 1009.2 for the 
required capacity of the component, but not less than 
the minimum width as prescribed by 780 CMR for 
each such component. 

Table 1009.2 
EGRESS WIDTH PER OCCUPANT 





Without sprinkler 

system (inches per 

person) 


With sprinkler 
system . 
(inches per person) 


Use group 


Stairways 


Doors 
ramps and 
corridors 


Stairways 


Doors 
ramps and 
corridors 


A,B.E.F.M. 

R.S 

H 

T-1 


0.3 
0.7 

' oi 


0.2 
0.4 

02 '' 

0.7 

0.2 


0.2 
0.3 


0.15 
0.2 

0.2 ^ 
0.2 



Note a. Buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 

Note b. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 

1009.3 Exit design per floor: Where exits serve 
more than one floor, only the occupant load of each 
floor considered individually shall be used in 
computing the required capacity of the exits at that 
floor, provided that the exit capacity shall not 
decrease in the direction of means of egress travel. 

1009.4 Egress convergence: Where means of 
egress fi-om floors above and below converge at an 
intermediate floor, the capacity of the means of 
egress firom the point of convergence shall not be 
less than the sum of the two. 

780 CMR 1010.0 NUMBER OF EXTIS 

1010.1 General: The general requirements of 
780 CMR 1010.0 apply to buildings of all use 
groups. Where more restrictive requirements are 
provided in 780 CMR, such requirements shall take 
precedence over the general provisions of 780 CMR 
1010.0. 

1010.2 Minimum number: Every floor area shall 
be provided with the minimum number of approved 
independent exits as required by Table 1010.2 based 
on the occupant load, except as modified in 
780 CMR 1010.3. 

Exception: In buildings with occupancies in Use 
Group R having multistory dwelling units, the 
means of egress fi-om a dwelling unit to the 
required exits is permitted to be provided fi-om 
one level only. Within the dwelling unit access to 
the means of egress fi-om the unit shall conform to 
the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 10. 

TaWe 1010.2 

MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS FOR 

OCCUPANT LOAD 



Occupant load 


Minimum number of exits 


500 or less 

501 - 1.000 
over 1.000 


2 
3 

4 



11110.3 Buildings with owe ®xlt: Only one exit shall 

be required in: 

1. Occupancies in the use groups shown in Table 
1010.3, provided that the building has not more 
than one level below the level of exit discharge. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 1010.3 
BUILDINGS WITH ONE EXIT 



Use Group 


Maximum 
height 
above 
grade 


Max. 
Size 


Max. 
Exit 
access 
travel 
distance 


Minimum fire- 
resistance 
rating of exit 
enclosure" 


Min. Fire- 
resistance 
rating of 
opening 
protection 


B^ 

S-2" 


2 Stories 


3.500 

sq.ft. 

per 

floor 


75 ft. 


1 hour 


1 hour 



Note a. For the required number of exits for open 
parking structures, see 780 CMR 1010.5. 

Note b. For the required number of exits for air traffic 
control towers, see 780 CMR 414.0. 

Note c. 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 

1010.4 Emergency escape: Every sleeping room 
below the fourth story in occupancies in Use Groups 
R and I-l shall have at least one operable window or 
exterior door approved for emergency egress or 
rescue. The units shall be operable from the inside 
without the use of special knowledge, separate tools 
or force greater than that which is required for 
normal operation of the window. Where windows 
are provided as a means of egress or rescue, the 
windows shall have the bottom of the clear opening 
not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. 
All egress or rescue windows from "Sleeping rooms 
shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 
square feet (0.53 m^. The minimum net clear 
opening height dimension shall be 24 inches (610 
mm). The minimum net clear opening width 
dimension shall be 20 inches (508 mm). 

Bars, grilles or screens placed over emergency 
escape windows shall be releasable or removable 
from the inside without the use of a key, tool or 
force greater than that which is required for normal 
operation of the window. 

Exceptions: 

1. The minimum net clear opening for grade floor 
windows shall be five square feet (0.47 m^. 

2. An outside window or an exterior door for 
emergency escape is not required in buildings 
where the sleeping room is provided with a door 
to a corridor having access to two remote exits in 
opposite directions. 

3. An outside window or an exterior door for 
emergency escape is not required in buildings 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 
906 2.2 

1010.5 Open parking structures: Parking 
structures shall not have less than two exits from 
each parking tier, except that only one exit is 
required where vehicles are mechanically parked. 
Unenclosed vehicle ramps shall not be considered as 
required exits unless pedestrian facilities are 
provided. Interior exit stairways are not required to 
be enclosed. 



780 CMR 1011.0 EXrr ACCESS 
PASSAGEWAYS AND CORRIDORS 

1011.1 Access passageway: Direct exit access shall 
be provided to required exits through continuous 
passageways, aisle accessways, aisles or corridors 
which are conveniently available to all occupants 
and maintained free of obstruction. In every area 
containing seating, displays, exhibits, counters, 
shelving and other furnishings or fixtures, a path of 
travel that connects with each of the means of egress 
doorways serving the area and which complies with 
the minimum v^dth requirements of aisles, shall be 
provided. 

1011.1.1 Use Groups 1-2 and 1-3: Every 
sleeping room in occupancies in Use Group 1-2 or 
1-3 shall have an exit access door leading directly 
to an exit access corridor. 

Exception: Direct corridor access is not 
required: 

1. Where there is an exit door opening directly 
to the outside from the room at ground level. 

2. In occupancies in Use Group 1-2, where one 
adjacent room, such as a sitting room or 
anteroom, intervenes and all doors along the 
means of egress are equipped with nonlockable 
hardware in accordance with 780 CMR 
409.3.2, and the intervening room is not used 
as an exit access for more than eight patients. 

3. In occupancies in Use Group 1-2, where a 
patient sleeping room is subdivided with 
nonfireresistance rated, noncombustible 
partitions, provided that the arrangement 
allows for direct and constant visual 
supervision by nursing personnel and the suite 
complies with 780 CMR 101 1. 1 and 780 CMR 
1017.0. Such rooms which are so subdivided 
shall not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m^). 

4. In occupancies in Use Group 1-3, where a 
dayroom or group activity space intervenes 
between an in dividual occupant sleeping room 
and the access to an exit, provided that the 
sleeping room opens directly to the day space 
and is not separated in elevation by more than 
one story. 

1011.1.2 Turnstiles and gates: Access through 
turnstiles, gates, rails or similar devices shall not 
be permitted unless such a device is equipped to 
swing readily in the direction of exit travel under 
a total force of not more than 15 pounds (73.23 
N). 

1011.1.3 Restrictions: The required width of 
passageways, aisle accessways aisles and 
corridors shall be maintained free of projections 
and restrictions; except that the minimum clear 
width resulting from doors opening into such 
spaces shall be one-half of the required width. 
When fully open, the door shall not project more 
than seven inches (178 mm) into the required 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



width. Handrail projections are permitted in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1 022.2. L 

1011.2 Dead ends: exit access passageways and 
corridors in all stories which serve more than one 
exit shall provide direct connection to such exits in 
opposite directions from any point in the passageway 
or corridor insofar as practicable. The length of a 
dead-end passageway or corridor shall not be more 
than 20 feet (6096 mm). 
Exceptions: 

1 . In occupancies in Use Group 1-3 of Occupancy 
Conditions H, HI or IV (see 780 CMR 308.4), the 
dead end in a corridor, hallway or aisle shall not 
exceed 50 feet (15240 mm). 

2. In occupancies in Use Group B where 
passageways are bounded by furniture, counters, 
partitions or similar dividers not more than six 
feet (1829 ram) in height, the length of a dead-end 
passageway shall not be more than 50 feet (15240 
mm). 

3. Passageways or corridors within spaces with 
one means of egress. 

4. A dead-end passageway or corridor shall not 
be limited in length where the length of the dead- 
end passageway or corridor is less than 2.5 times 
the least width of the dead-end passageway or 
corridor. 

.1011.2.1 Common path of travel: In 
occupancies in Use Group B, the length of a 
common path of travel shall not exceed 75 feet 
(22860 mm). 
Exceptions: 

1 . The length of a common path of travel in an 
occupancy in Use Group B shall not be more 
than 100 feet (30480 mm), provided that the 
building is equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

2. Where a tenant space in an occupancy in 
Use Group B has an occupant load of not more 
than 30, the length of a common path of travel 
shall not be more than 100 feet (30480 mm). 

1011.3 Width: The minimum required width of 
passageways, aisle accessways, aisles and corridors 
shall be determined by the most restrictive of the 
following criteria: 

\. AA inches (1118 mm) where ser\'ing an 

occupant load of greater than 50. 

2. 36 inches (914 mm) where serving an occupant 
load of 50 or less, 

3. 96 inches (2438 mm) in an occupancy in Use 
Group 1-2 used for the movement of beds. 

4. 72 inches (1829 mm) in an occupancy in Use 
Group E with more than 100 occupants. 

5. The width required for capacity as determined 
by 780 CMR 1009.0. 

6: At least 72 inches (1829 mm) for the main 
entrance/exit access in an occupancy in use group 
A-2 with an occupant load of 50 or more - also 
see 780 CMR 1006.2.2.1. 
Aisles and aisle accessways shall conform to the 



requh-ements of 780 CMR 1011.0 or 780 CMR 
1012.0. 

1011.3.1 Capacity: The required capacity of a 
corridor shall be determined by dividing the 
occupant load that utilizes the corridor for exit 
access by the number of exits to which the 
corridor connects, but not less than the capacity of 
the exit element to which the corridor leads. 

1011.4 Enclosure: All corridors shall be fireresis- 
tance rated in accordance with Table 1011. 4 based 
on the use group of the space and the total required 
capacity of all of the exits from the corridor. The 
corridor walls shall comply with 780 CMR 7 1 1 .0. 
Exceptions; 

1. A fireresistance rating is not required for 
corridors in an occupancy in Use Group E where 
each room that is occupied for instruction or 
assembly purposes has at least one-half of the 
required means of egress doors opening directly to 
the exterior of the building at ground level. 

2. A fireresistance rating is not required for 
corridors contained within a dwelling unit or a 
guestroom in an occupancy in Use Group R. 

Table 1011.4 
CORRIDOR FIRERESISTANCE RATING 





Total required 

capacity of all 

exits from 

corridor 


Required fireresistance rating 
(hours) 


zUse Group 


Without 

sprinkler 

system 


With sprinkler 
system 


H-l,H-2,H-3 
H-4 

A, B, E, F, M, 
S 

1-2 
1-3 


All 
>30 

>30 

>10 
All 
All 


Not permitted 


1 

1 

Vi . 



Note a. For a reduction in the fireresistance rating for 
occupancies in Use Group R, see 780 CMR 1011.4, 
Exception 2. 

Note b. For requirements for occupancies in Use 
Group 1-2, see 780 CMR 409.3. 

Note c. For a reduction in the fireresistance rating for 
occupancies in Use Group 1-3, see 780 CMR 410.7. 

Note d. buildings equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 

1011.4.1 Corridor walls as separation walls: 
Tenant and dwelling unit separation walls which 
are also corridor walls shall comply with 780 
CMR 101 1.0 and the requirements of Table 602. 
Exception: Tenant separation and dwelling 
unit separation walls which are also corridor 
walls shall not be required to have a fireresis- 
tance rating greater than that required by Table 
1 1 1 .4 where the building is equipped through- 
out with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or 906.2.2. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUI.ATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1011.4.2 Opening protectives: All door 
assemblies from rooms opening onto a corridor 
that is required to be of fireresistance rated 
construction shall be fire doors complying with 
780 CMR 716.0. 

1011.5 Exterior balconies: Exterior exit access 
balconies shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1011.0 for corridors and shall be 
protected to prevent the accumulation of snow and 
ice in climates subject to those elements. 

1011.5.1 Wall separation: Exterior exit access 
balconies shall be separated from the interior of 
the building by walls and opening protectives as 
required by 780 CMR 1011.4. A fireresistance 
rating for the wall is not required where the 
balcony is provided with not less than two 
■ approved stairways or other approved means of 
egress elements and a dead end does not require 
travel past an unprotected opening for access to 
the stairway or means of egress element. 

780 CMR 1012.0 ASSEMBLY AISLES 
AND AISLE ACCESSWAYS 

1012.1 "Where required: In occupancies in Use 
Group A which contain seats, tables, displays, 
equipment or other material shall be provided with 
aisle accessways and aisles in accordance with 
780 CMR1012.0. These provisions shall also apply 
to tiered or stepped seating facilities except as 
modified by 780 CMR 1013.0. 

1012.2 Aisle and aisle accessway width: The width 
of aisle accessways and aisles shall provide 
sufficient means of egress capacity for the number of 
persons accommodated by the catchment area served 
by the aisk accessway or aisle (see 780 CMR 
1012.2.5). The catchment area served by an aisle 
accessway or aisle is the portion of the total space 
which is naturally served by that section of the aisle 
accessway or aisle. In establishing catchment areas 
the assumption shall be made that there is a balanced 
use of all means of egress, with the number of 
persons in proportion to means of egress capacity. 

1012.2.1 Measurement of required minimum 
width of aisles and aisle accessways: Where 
seating is located at a table or counter and is 
adjacent to an aisle or aisle accessway, the 
measurement of required clear width of the aisle 
or aisle accessway shall be made to a line 19 
inches (483 mm) away from the edge of the table 
or counter. The 19-inch (483 mm) distance shall 
be measured perpendicular to the side of the table 
or counter. In the case of other side boundaries 
for aisles or aisle accessways the clear width shall 
be measured to walls, edges of seating and tread 
edges, except that handrail projections are 
permitted. 



1012.2.2 Converging aisles and aisle 
accessways: Where aisle accessways or aisles 
converge to form a single path oi means of egress 
travel, the required means of egress capacity of 
such path shall not be less than the combined 
required capacity of the converging aisle 
accessways or aisles. 

1012.2.3 Uniform width of aisles: Those 
portions of aisles where means of egress is 
possible in either of two directions shall be 
uniform in required width. 

1012.2.4 Uniform width of aisle accessways: 

Those portions of aisle accessways having a 
required width exceeding 12 inches (305 mm), 
where means of egress is possible in more than 
one direction, shall be uniform in required width. 

1012.2.5 Capacity of aisles and aisle 
accessways: The width of aisles and aisle 
accessways shall provide sufficient capacity in 
accordance with the following criteria where clear 
width is measured in accordance with 780 CMR 
1012.2.1. 

1. At least 0.3 inch (7.5 mm) of width for each 
person served shall be provided on stairs 
having riser heights of seven inches (178 mm) 
or less and tread depths of 1 1 inches (279 mm) 
or greater, measured horizontally between 
tread nosings. 

2. At least 0.005 inch (0.1 mm) of additional 
stair width for each person shall be provided 
for each 0.10 inch (2,5 mm) of riser height 
above seven inches (178 mm). 

3. Where a means of egress requires stair 
descent, at least 0.075 inch (2 mm) of 
additional width for each person shall be 
provided on those portions of stair width not 
having handrails within a horizontal distance of 
30 inches (762 mm). 

4. Level or ramped means of egress with 
slopes less than one unit vertical in eight units 
horizontal (1:8), shall have at least 0.2 inch (5 
mm) of clear width for each person served. 

1012.2.6 Minimum width of aisles: The 

minimum clear width of aisles shaU be: 48 inches 
(1219 mm) for stairs having seating on each side; 
36 inches (914 mm) for stairs having seating on 
only one side; 23 inches (584 mm) between a stair 
handrail or guardrail and seating where the aisle 
is subdivided by a handrail (see 780 CMR 
1012.5); 42 inches (1067 mm) for level or ramped 
aisles having theater-style seating on both sides; 
36 inches (914 mm) for all other level or ramped 
aisles; and 23 inches (584 mm) between a stair 
handrail and seating where an aisle does not serve 
more than five rows on one side. 

1012.2.7 Minimum width of aisle accessways: 

Aisle accessways shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1012.6 in the case of 
theater-type seating and to the requirements of 



180 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



780 CMR 1012.7 in the case of all seating at 
tables or counters. 

1012.3 Termination: Each end of a cross aisle shall 
terminate at an aisle, foyer, doorway or vomitory 
giving access to an exit. Dead-end aisles which 
terminate only at one end with a cross aisle, foyer, 
doorway or vomitory giving access to an exit shall 
not be greater than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length. 

Exception: A longer dead-end aisle is permitted 
where seats served by the dead-end msle are not 
more than 24 seats from another aisle, measured 
along a row of seats having a minimum clear 
width of 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15 
mm) for each additional seat above seven in the 
row. 

1012.4 Walking surfaces: Aisles with a gradient of 
one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (1:8) or 
less shall consist of a ramp having a slip-resistant 
walking surface. Aisles with a gradient exceeding 
one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (1:8) shall 
consist of a series of risers and treads which extend 
across the full width of aisles and comply with 
780 CMRs 1012.4.1 and 1012.4.2. 

1012.4.1 Treads: Tread depths shall be a 
minimum of 1 1 inches (279 mm) and be uniform 
within each aisle. "" 

Exception: Nonuniformities shall not exceed 
3/16 inch (5 mm) between adjacent treads. 

1012.4.2 Risers: Where the gradient of aisle 
stairs is to be the same as the gradient of adjoining 
seating areas, the riser height shall not be less 
than 4 inches (102 mm) nor more than eight 
inches (203 mm) and shall be uniform within each 
flight. 

Exception: Riser height nonuniformity shall 
be limited to the extent necessitated by changes 
in the gradient of the adjoining seating area to 
maintain adequate sightlines. Where 

nonuniformities exceed 3/16 inch (5 mm) 
between adjacent risers, the exact location of 
such nonuniformities shall be indicated with a 
distinctive marking stripe on each tread at the 
nosing or leading edge adjacent to the non- 
uniform risers. Such stripe shall be a minimum 
of one inch (25 mm) wide and a maximum of 
two inches (5 1 mm) wide. 

1012.S Handrails: Ramped aisles having a gradient 
exceeding one unit vertical in 15 units horizontal 
(1:15) and aisle stairs shall be provided with 
handrails located either at the side or within the aisle 
width. 
Exceptions: 

1. Handrails are not required if, at the side of the 
msle, there is a guardrail that complies with the 
requirements for handrails. 

2. Handrails are not required for aisles with 
seating on both sides unless there is more than 



one riser per row of seating. The single riser shall 
be indicated by a distinctive marking stripe on the 
leading edge of the tread. 

1012.5.1 BiscontiniEOus rails: Where there is 
seating on both sides of the aisle, the handrails 
shall be discontinuous with gaps or breaks at 
intervals not exceeding five rows to facilitate 
access to seating and to permit crossing from one 
side of the aisle to the other. These gaps or breaks 
shall have a clear width of at least 22 inches (559 
mm) and not greater than 36 inches (914 mm), 
measured horizontally, and the handrail shall have 
rounded terminations or bends. 

1012.5.2 Intermediate rails: Where handrails 
are provided in the middle of aisle stairs, there 
shall be an additional intermediate handrail 
located approximately 12 inches (305 nmi) below 
the main handrail. 

1012.6 Row width: The minimum clear row width 
shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) measured 
as the clear horizontal distance from the back of the 
row ahead and the nearest projection of the row 
behind. Where chairs have automatic or self-rising 
seats, the measurement shall be made with the seats 
in the raised position. Where any chair in the row 
does not have an automatic or self-rising seat, the 
measurement shall be made with the seat in the 
down position. Where tablet-arm chair seating is 
used, the measurement shall be made with the tablet- 
arm in the usable position. 

1012.6.1 Dual access: For rows of seating served 
by aisles or doorways at both ends, there shall not 
be more than 100 seats per row. The minimum 
clear width of 12 inches (305 mm) between rows 
shall be increased by 0.3 inch (7.5 mm) for every 
additional seat beyond 14 seats, but the minimum 
clear width is not required to exceed 22 inches 
(559 mm). 

1012.6.2 Single access: For rows of seating 
served by an aisle or doorway at only one end of 
the row, the minimum clear width of 12 inches 
(305 mm) between rows shall be increased by 0.6 
inch (15 mm) for every additional seat beyond 
seven seats, but the minimum clear width is not 
required to exceed 22 inches (559 mm). 
However, the path of travel shall not exceed 30 
feet (9144 mm) from any seat to a point where a 
person has a choice of two paths of travel to two 
exits, 

1012.7 aisle accessways for tabies and seating: 
Aisk accessways serving arrangements of seating at 
tables or counters, shall have sufficient clear width 
to conform to the capacity requirements of 780 CMR 
1012.2.5, but shall not have less than the appropriate 
minimum clear width specified in 780 CMR 
1012.7.1. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1012.7.1 Width: In addition to the width required 
by 780 CMR 1012.2, aisle accessways shall 
provide a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) plus 
0.5 inch (13 mm) of width for each additional 1 
foot (305 mm), or fraction thereof, beyond 12 feet 
(3660 mm) of aisle accessway length measured 
from the center of the seat farthest from an aisle. 

Exception: Portions of an aisle accessway 
having a length not exceeding six feet (1830 
mm) and used by a total of not more than four 
persons. 

1012.7.2 Length: The length of travel along the 
aisle accessway shall not exceed 36 feet (10973 
mm) from any seat to the closest aisle. The path 
of travel shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from 
any seat to the point where a person has a choice 
of two or more paths of travel to separate exits. 

1012.8 Railings: Railings shall be provided on 
balconies and galleries in accordance with 780 CMR 
1021.4. 

780 CMR 1013.0 GRANDSTANDS 

1013.1 Scope: 780 CMR 1013.0 shall apply to all 
structures with an occupancy in Use Group A which 
provide permanent, temporary or portable tiered or 
stepped seating facilities, such as grandstands, 
bleachers, folding and telescopic seating. Except as 
modified by 780 CMR 1013.0, 780 CMR 1012.0 
shall apply to all such structures. 

1013.2 Smoke-protected assembly seating: 
Assembly seating which is served by a means of 
egress that is not subject to blocking by smoke 
accumulation within or under a structure shall be 
considered smoke protected and shall comply with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 1013.2.1 through 
1013.2.3. 

1013.2.1 Roof height: A smoke-protected 
assembly seating area with a roof shall have the 
lowest portion of the roof not less than 15 feet 
(4572 mm) above the highest aisle or aisle 
accessway. 

1013.2.2 Automatic sprinklers: All areas 
enclosed with walls and ceilings in structures 
containing smoke-protected assembly seating 
shall be equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.0. 

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is 
not required for either of the following: 

1. The floor area used for a contest, 
performance or entertainment provided that the 
roof construction is more than 50 feet (15240 
mm) above the floor level and the use of the 
floor is restricted to low fire-hazard 
occupancies. 

2. Press boxes and storage facilities less than 
1,000 square feet (9.3 m^) in area in 
conjunction with outdoor seating facilities 



where all means of egress in the seating area 
are essentially open to the outside. 

1013.2.3 Smoke control: All means of egress 
serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area 
shall be provided with a smoke control system 
complying with 780 CMR 921.0 or natural 
ventilation designed to maintain the smoke level 
at least six feet (1829 mm) above the floor of the 
means of egress. 

1013.3 Travel distance: The exit access travel 
distance shall comply with 780 CMR 1006.5 except 
that in a smoke-protected assembly seating area, the 
travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance 
to an egress vomitory portal or egress concourse 
shall not exceed 200 feet (60960 mm). The travel 
distance from the entrance to a vomitory portal or 
egress concourse to an approved egress stair, ramp 
or walk at the building exterior shall not exceed 200 
feet (60960 mm). Where aisles are required, the 
distance shall be measured along the aisles and aisle 
accessways without travel over or on the seats. 

1013.4 Minimum egress widths: The minimum 
clear width of stairways, passageways, doorways, 
ramps and other means of egress shall provide 
sufiBcient capacity in accordance with the provisions 
of 780 CMR 10, except as modified by Table 
1013.4. 

Table 1013.4 

MINIMXJM EGRESS WIDTHS 

SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY 

SEATING 





Inches 


of clear width per seat served 








Aisles, 




Number of 
seats in the 


Stairs 
with 


Stairs 
without 


accessways, 
doorways 


Ramps 


space 


handrails 


handrails 


and ramps 


.than I in 
10 slope 




within 30 
inches 


within 30 
inches 


not steeper 
than 1 in 10 








slope 




2.000 or less 


0.300 


0.375 


0.200 


0.220 


5,000 


0.200 


0.250 


0.150 


0.165 


10,000 




0.163 


0.100 


0.U0 


15,000 




0.120- 


Q.070 


0.077 


20,000 


0.076 


0.095 


0.056 


0.066 


25.000 or more 


0.060 


0.075 


0.044 


0.048 



Note a. If risers exceed 7 inches in height, the 
minimum clear width of stairs determined from the table 
shall be multiplied by factor A where A = 1 + [(Riser 
Height- 7.0) -5]. 

Note b. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 

1013.5 Aisles: Aisles shall be provided in all 
seating facilities except that an aisle is not required 
where all of the following conditions exist. 

1. Seats are without backrests. 

2. The rise from row to row does not exceed six 
inches (152 mm) per row. 



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MEANS OF EGRESS 



3. The row spacing does not exceed 28 inches 
(711 mm) unless the seatboards and footboards 
are at the same elevation. 

4. The number of rows does not exceed 16 in 
height. 

5. The first seatboard is not more than 12 inches 
(305 mm) above the ground, floor surface or cross 
aisle below. 

6. Seatboards have a continuous flat surface. 

7. Seatboards provide a walking surface with a 
minimum width of 11 inches (279 mm). 

8. Egress from seating is not restricted by rails, 
guards or other obstructions. 

1013J.1 Termination: Where seats are without 
backrests dead ends in vertical dsles shall not 
exceed a distance of 16 rows. For smoke- 
protected assembly seating, the dead ends in 
vertical aisles shall not exceed a distance of 21 
rows. For smoke-protected assembly seating, a 
longer dead-end aisle is permitted where seats 
served by the dead-end aisle are not more than 40 
seats from another aisle, measured along a row of 
seats having an aisle accessway with a minimum 
clear width of 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.3 inch 
(8 mm) for each additional seat above seven in the 
row. 

1013.5,2 Row width: For smoke protected 
assembly seating, the maximum number of seats 
in a row that has a minimum clear aisle accessway 
width of 12 inches (305 mm) shall be as specified 
in Table 1013.5.2. 

Where the number of seats per row exceeds 
that specified in Table 1013.5.2, the minimum 
clear aisle accessway width for rows served by 
aisles or doorways at both ends shall be 12 inches 
(305 mm) plus 0.3 inch (7.5 mm) for every 
additional seat beyond that specified in Table 
1013.5.2 and there shall be not more than 100 
seats per row; and for rows served by an aisle or 
doorway at only one end of the row, the minimum 
clear aisle accessway width shall be 12 inches 
(305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15 mm) for every 
additional seat beyond that specified in Table 
1013.5.2. 

Table 1013.S.2 

ROW LENGTH WITH 12-INCH AISLE 

ACCESSWAY SMOKE-PROTECTED 

ASSEMBLY SEATING 





No. Ofseats 


per row permitted to have a 


Total number of 


minimum 


I2'inch dear width aisle 


seats in the 




accessway 




space 


Aisle or doorway at 


Aisle 


or doorway at 




both ends of row 


one 


end of row 


Less than 4.000 


14 






7 


4.000 


15 






7 


7,000 


16 






8 


. 10,000 " 


17 


111111 




S 


13,000 


18 


iiSi 




9 


16.000 


19 






9 


19,000 


20 






10 


22.000 or more 


2L„ 






_ 11 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 

1013.5.3 Single access row: For rows of seating 
served by an aisle or doorway at only one end of 
the row in smoke-protected assembly seating, the 
common path of travel from any seat to a point 
where a person has a choice of two directions of 
egress travel shall not exceed 50 feet (15240 mm). 

1013.6 Bleacher footboards: Bleacher footboards 
shall be provided for all rows of seats above the 
third row or beginning at such a point where the 
seatboard is more than two feet (610 mm) above the 
ground, floor surface or cross aisle below. A 
separate footboard is not required where the same 
platform is used for both seating and the footboard, 
provided that each level or platform is not less than 
24 inches (610 mm) v>nde. On a horizontally 
projected plane, horizontal gaps between footboards 
and seatboards shall not exceed % inch (6 mm). 
Openings between footboards and seatboards which 
are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the 
floor or grade below shall be provided with 
intermediate construction such that a sphere with a 
diameter of four inches (102 mm) cannot pass 
through the opening. 

i§13.7 Spaces uBdemeath 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 exiis\ except that 
where enclosed in not less than one-hour 
fireresistance rated construction, the code official 
shall approve the use of such spaces for other 
purposes, provided that the ^ety of the public is not 
endangered. 

780 CMR 10140 STAIRWAYS 

1014.1 General: All stairways shall comply with 
the provisions of 780 CMR 1014.0. 780 CMR 
1014.11 shall be applicable only to interior 
stairwc^s. 780 CMR 1014.12 shall be applicable 
only to exterior stairways. 

1014.1,1 Walking surface: The maximum slope 
of the walking surface of treads and landings shall 
be one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (1:48). 

1§14<,2 Egress capacity: The egress capacity of 
stairways and doors shall be computed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1009.0. 

1014.3 Width: All means ofe^ess stairways shall 
not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width. 
Exceptions: 

1. Stairways serving buildings of single-exit 
construction where permitted by 780 CMR 1010.3 
shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in 
width. 

2. Spiral stairways as provided for in 780 CMR 
1014.6.4. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



3. Stairways serving an occupancy in Use Group 
R-3 shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in 
width. 

4. Stairways serving and contained within a 
single residential dwelling unit shall not be less 
than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. 

5. Stairways serving buildings having a total 
occupant load of 50 or less shall not be less than 
36 inches (914 mm) in width. 

6. Where a stairway lift is installed on stairways 
serving occupancies in Use Group R-3 or within 
dwelling units in occupancies in Use Group R-2, 
a clear passage width not less than 20 inches (508 
mm) shall be provided. 

1014.3.1 Restrictions: Means of egress stairways 
shall not reduce in width in the direction of egress 
travel. Projections into a required stairway width 
are prohibited, except at and below handrail 
height where, at each handrail, the projections 
shall not exceed 314 inches (89 ntmi) into the 
required width. 

1014.3.2 Landing width: The least dimension of 
landings and platforms in means of egress 
stairways shall not be less than the required width 
of the stairwayy except that the landing dimension 
in the direction of egress travel is not required to 
exceed four feet (1219 mm) where the travel from 
one stair flight to the next stair flight is a straight 
run. 

1014.4 Headroom: The minimum headroom in ail 
parts of a stairway shall not be less than 80 inches 
(2032 mm) measured vertically from the tread 
nosing or from the floor surface of the landing or 
platform. 

1014.5 Vertical rise: A means of egress stairway 
shall not have a height of vertical rise of more than 
12 feet (3658 mm) between landings and 
intermediate platforms. 

1014.6 Treads and risers: Maximum riser height 
shall be seven inches (178 mm) and nunimum riser 
height shall be four inches (102 mm). Minimum 
tread depth shall be 1 1 inches (279 mm), measured 
horizontally between the vertical planes of the 
foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right 
angle to the tread's leading edge. 

Exceptions: 

1. Winders in accordance with 780 CMR 
1014.6.3. 

2. Spiral stairways in accordance with 780 CMR 
1014.6.4. 

3. Circular stairways in accordance with 
780 CMR 1014.6.5. 

4. Alternating tread stairways in accordance with 
780 CMR 1014.6.6. 

5. Stairways serving as aisles in assembly seating 
areas where the stairway pitch or slope is set, for 



sightline reasons, by the slope of the adjacent 
seating area. 

6. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway 
within a space where, because of existing 
construction, the pitch or slope cannot be reduced. 

7. EidsXmg stairways. 

8. In occupancies in Use Group R-3 and within 
dwelling units in occupancies in Use Group R-2, 
the maximum riser height shall be ZV* inches (210 
mm) and the minimum tread depth shall be nine 
inches (229 mm). A one-inch (25 mm) nosing 
shall be provided on stairways with solid risers. 

9. Stairways in penal facilities serving guard 
towers, observation stations and control rooms not 
more than 250 square feet (23 m^ ) in area shall be 
permitted to have risers not exceeding eight 
inches (203 mm) in height and treads not less than 
nine inches (229 mm) in depth. 

1014.6.1 Profile: The radius of curvature at the 
leading edge of the tread shall not be greater than 
54 inch (13 mm). Bevelling of nosings shall not 
exceed V2 inch (13 mm). Risers shall be solid and 
vertical or sloped from the underside of the 
leading edge of the tread above at an angle not 
more than 30° (0.52 rad) from the vertical. The 
leading edge of tread shall not project more than 
VA inches (38 mm) beyond the tread below. 

Exception: Solid risers are not required for 
stairways serving dwelling units which are not 
required to be accessible or adaptable in 
accordance with 521 CMR, the Rules and 
Regulations of the Architectural Access 
Board, referenced in 780 CMR 11, and listed 
in Appendix A, provided that the opening 
between treads does not permit the passage of 
a sphere with a diameter of four inches (102 
mm). 

1014.6.2 Dimensional uniformity: There shall 
not be variation exceeding 3/16 inch (5 mm) in the 
depth of adjacent treads or in the height of 
adjacent risers. The tolerance between the largest 
and smallest riser or between the largest and 
smallest tread shall not exceed % inch (10 mm) in 
any flight of stairs. 

Exceptions: 

1. Where the bottom riser adjoins a sloping 
public way, walk or driveway which has an 
established grade and serves as a landing, a 
variation in the height of the bottom riser shall 
not exceed three inches (76 mm) in every three 
feet (914 mm) oi stairway width. 

2. On stairways serving as aisles in assembly 
seating, where necessitated by changes in the 
gradient of adjoining seating areas to maintain 
adequate sightlines, the maximum 
nonuniformity of riser heights within a flight 
and the nonuniformity between adjacent risers 
shall not apply. Where a nonuniformity 
exceeds 3/16 inch (5 mm) between adjacent 
risers, the exact location of the nonuniformity 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



shall be indicated with a distinctive marking stripe 
on each tread at the nosing or leading edge 
adjacent to the nonuniform risers. 

1014.6.3 Winders: Winders shall not be 
permitted in required means of egress stab-ways 
except in occupancies in Use Group R-3 and 
stah-ways serving a single dwelling unit. Such 
winders shall have a tread depth of not less than 
nine inches (229 mm) at a point not more than 12 
inches (305 mm) from the side where the tread is 
narrower and the minimum tread depth shall not 
be less than six inches (152 mm). 

1014.6.4 Spiral stairways: Spiral staii-ways shall 
not be used as an element of a means of egress 
except: in occupancies in Use Group R-3; within 
a single dwelling unit; from a mezzanine area not 
more than 250 square feet (23.25 m^) in area 
which serves not more than five occupants; and in 
penal facilities from a guard tower, observation 
station or control room not more than 250 square 
feet (23 m^) in area. The minimum width of all 
spiral stairways shall be 26 inches (660 mm) with 
each tread having a TVi-inch (191 mm) minimum 
tread depth at 12 inches (305 mm) from the 
narrow edge. All treads shall be identical and the 
rise shall not be more than 9V2-inches (241 mm). 
A minimum headroom of six feet six inches (198 1 
mm) shall be provided. 

1014.6.5 Circular stairways: Circular stairways 
shall have a minimum tread depth and a 
maximum riser height in accordance with 
780 CMR 1014.6 and the smaller radius shall not 
be less than twice the width of the stairway. The 
minimum tread depth measured 12 inches (305 
mm) from the narrower end of the tread shall not 
be less than 1 1 inches (279 mm). 

1014.6.6 Alternating tread stairways: 
Alternating tread stairways are permitted as an 
element of & means of egress in buildings from a 
mezzanine area not more than 250 square feet (23 
m^) in area and which serves not more than five 
occupants; and in penal facilities, from a guard 
tower, observation station or control room not 
more than 250 square feet (23 m^) in area. 
Alternating tread stairways are also permitted for 
access to roofs as provided for in 780 CMR 
1027.0. 



L6.6.1 Handrails of alternating tread 
stairways: Handrails shall be provided on 
both sides of alternating tread stairways and 
shall conform to 780 CMR 1022.0. 

1014.6.6.2 Treads of alternating tread 
stairways.- Alternating tread stairways shall 
have a minimum projected tread of five inches 
(127 mm), a minimum tread depth of 8'/2 
inches (216 mm), a minimum tread width of 
seven inches (178 mm) and a maximum riser 
to the next surface of the alternating tread of 
9V2 inches (241 mm). The initial tread of the 
stairway shall begin at the same elevation as 



the platform, landing or floor surface. 
Exception: Alternating tread staii-waysus&d 
as an element of a means of egress in 
buildings from a mezzanine area not more 
than 250 square feet (23 m^) in area which 
serves not more than five occupants shall 
have a minimum projected tread of 8'/2 inches 
(216 mm) with a minimum tread depth of 
IOV2 inches (267 mm). The rise to the next 
alternating tread surface shall not be more 
than eight inches (203 mm). 

1014.7 Stairway guards and handrails: Stairways 
shall have continuous guards and handrails on both 
sides. Intermediate handrails are required so that all 
portions of the required width of stairs are within 30 
inches (762 mm) of a handrail. On monumental 
stairs, handrails shall be located along the most 
direct path of egress travel. Handrails shall be 
provided for alternating tread stairways in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1014.6.6. 1 . Guards shall 
be constructed in accordance with 780 CMR 1 02 1 .0. 
Handrails shall be constructed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1022.0. 
Exceptions: 

1 . Stairv^>ays with fewer than three risers are not 
required to have handrails where serving a single 
dwelling unit or where such stairways are not in 
an exit access corridor or aisle, exit or exit 
discharge. 

2. Aisle stairs provided with a center handrail or 
serving seating on one side shall be equipped with 
a minimum of one handrail. 

3. Stairways within a dwelling unit shall be 
equipped with a minimum of one handrail. 

4. Spiral stairways shall be equipped with a 
minimum of one handrail. 



1.8 Egress doors: Means of egress stairway 
doors shall provide an egress capacity of not less 
than the required capacity of the stairway which 
serves the floor or area from which the egress door 
leads. 

1014.8.1 Width: The minimum requu-ed width of 
every door to or from a means of egress stairway 
shall be determined by the most restrictive of the 
following criteria: 

1 . 29%-inch (756 mm) clear width within a 
dwelling unit that is not required to be 
accessible or adaptable. 

2. 36-inch (914 mm) minimum width of door 
leaf in an occupancy in Use Group 1-2. 

3. 32-inch (813 mm) clear width in all other 
cases. 

Exception: When applicable for A-2 use 
groups with an occupant load of 50 or greater 
also see 780 CMR 1006.2.2.1 and 101 1.3 

1014.8.2 Direction of swing: All means of egress 
doors shall swing on a landing in the direction of 
egress travel. When opening, egress doors shall 
not reduce the width of landings to less than one- 



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185 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



half of the required width. When fully open, means 
of egress doors shall not project more than seven 
inches (1 78 mm) into the required width. 

Exception; Doors leading from a room or 
tenant space to a stairway in buildings in which 
only one exit is required are not required to 
swing in the direction of egress travel. 

1014.8.3 Door construction: AH doorway 
opening protectives shall he fire doors complying 
with 780 CMR 716.0. Labeled means of egress 
fire doors shall have a maximum transmitted 
temperature end point of not more than 450°F 
(232 °C) above ambient at the end of 30 minutes 
of standard fire test exposure. 

1014.9 Stairway construction: All stairways shall 
be built of materials consistent with the types of 
materials permitted for the type of construction of 
the building; except that wood handrails shall be 
permitted for all types of construction. Such 
stairways shall have solid treads and landing 
platforms, and all finish floor surfaces shall be of 
slip-resistant materials. 

1014.9.1 Strength: All stain\'ays, platforms and 
landings in other than occupancies in Use Group 
R-3 shall be adequate to support a live load of 1 00 
pounds per square foot (488.20 kg/m^) and a 
concentrated load of 300 pounds (136:20 kg). 

1014.10 Discharge identification: Exit staim'ays 
which continue beyond the level of exit discharge 
shall be interrupted at the level of exit discharge by 
partitions, doors or other effective means of 
preventing persons from continuing past the floor of 
discharge while egressing. 

1014.11 Interior stairway enclosures: Interior ex/7 
stairn'ays shall be enclosed with fire separation 
assemblies having a fu"eresistance rating of not less 
than two hours except that such stairways in 
occupancies in Use Group A, B, E, F, H-4, 1, M, R 
or S which connect less than four stories shall be 
enclosed v^ith fire separation assemblies having a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour. An 
exit stairway enclosure shall not be used for any 
purpose other than means of egress. Openings in 
exit enclosures, other than unexposed exterior 
openings, shall be limited to those necessary for exit 
access to the enclosure from normally occupied 
spaces and for egress from the enclosure. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Stairways are not required to be enclosed in 
occupancies in Use Group A-5 in which all 
portions of the means of egress are essentially 
open to the outside. 

2. Stairwa)^s serving and contained within a 
single residential dwelling unit in occupancies in 
Use Group R-2 or R-3 are not required to be 
enclosed. 



3. StairM'oys that are not a required means of 
egress element are not required to be enclosed 
where such stairways comply with 780 CMR 
713.3. 

4. Stairways in open parking structures which 
serve only the parking structure are not required 
to be encloed. 

5. Stairways in occupancies in Use Group 1-3 as 
provided for in 780 CMR 410.3.7. 

1014.11.1 Exterior walls: Exterior walls of an 
enclosed exit stairway shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 705.0 for exterior 
walls. Where nonrated walls or unprotected 
openings enclose the exterior of the stairway, the 
building exterior walls within ten feet (3048 mm) 
horizontally of the nonrated wall or unprotected 
opening shall be constructed as required for 
stairway enclosures, including opening 
protectives, but are not required to exceed a one- 
hour fireresistance rating with y4-hour opening 
protectives. This construction shall extend 
vertically from a point ten feet (3048 mm) above 
the topmost landing of the stairway or to the roof 
line, wliichever is lower, and down to the ground. 

1014.11.2 Penetrations: Penetrations into and 
openings through an exit enclosure assembly are 
prohibited except for required exit doors, 
ductwork and equipment necessary for 
independent stair pressurization, required 
ventilation sprinkler piping, standpipes and 
electrical conduit serving the stairway and 
terminating at a steel box that does not exceed 16 
square inches (10323 mm^) in area. There shall 
not be any penetrations or communicating 
openings, whether protected or not between 
adjacent stairway enclosures. 

1014.11.3 Door locks: All interior stairway 
means of egress doors shall be openable from 
both sides without the use of a key or special 
knowledge or effort. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Stairway discharge doors shall be operable 
from the egress side and shall only be locked 
from the opposite side. 

2. 780 CMR 1014.0 shall not apply to doors 
arranged in accordance with 780 CMR 403.10 
and 1017.4. 

1014.11.4 Exit signs: Each door to an enclosed 
exit stairway shall be equipped with tactile 
signage reading "Exit" complying with 521 CMR 
listed in Appendix A and installed on the side of 
the door from which egress is to be made. 

1014.11.5 Stairway floor number signs: A sign 
shall be provided at each floor landing in all inter- 
ior exit stairways connecting more than three stor- 
ies designating the floor level above and below 
the level of exit discharge, the identification of the 
stairway and the availability of roof access from 
that stairway. The sign shall be located 



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approximately five feet (1524 mm) above the 
floor landing in a position which is readily visible 
when the doors are in the open and closed 
positions. 

1014„12 Exterior stairways: Exterior stairways 
shall have openings on at least one side facing an 
outer court, yard or public way. The openings shall 
have an aggregate width of not less than 20% of the 
stairway perimeter and an aggregate area on each 
level of not less than 12% of the total perimeter wall 
area of each level. In other than occupancies in Use 
Group R-3, treads, platforms and landings which are 
part of exterior stairways in climates subject to snow 
or ice shall be protected to prevent accumulation of 
same. Exterior stairways shall not be accepted as an 
exit in the following cases: 
. 1 . Occupancies in Use Groups 1-2 and 1-3 in 

buildings that exceed four stories or 50 feet 

(15240 mm) in height, 

2. Floors that exceed five stories or 65 feet 

(19812 mm) in height above the level of exit 

discharge. 

1014,12.1 Loeatioii: Exterior exit stairways shall 
not project beyond the street lot line. Exterior 
exit stairways shall be located at least ten feet 
(3048 mm) from adjacent lot lines and from other 
buildings on the same lot unless openings in such 
buildings are protected by %-hour opening 
protectives. 

Exception: Noncombustible exterior 

stairways constituting not more than 50% of 
the required means of egress shall be exempt 
from die ten=foot (3048 mm) j?re separation 
distance requirement. 

WUA22 Protection: Exterior exit stairs shall be 
separated from the interior of the building by 
walls v^th a fireresistance rating of not less than 
one hour, with fixed or self-closing opening 
protectives as required in 780 CMR 1014.11. 
This protection shall extend vertically from a 
point ten feet (3048 mm) above the topmost 
landing or the roof line, whichever is lower, down 
to the ground, and shall extend horizontally ten 
feet (3048 mm) from each side of the stairway. 
Openings vrithin the horizontal ten-foot (3048 
mm) extension of the protected walls beyond the 
stairway shall be equipped with fixed '/i-hour 
opening protective assemblies. 
Exseptions: 

1 . Occupancies, other than those in Use Group 
R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are two stories or 
less above grade where the level of exit 
discharge is the first story above grade. 

2. Separation from the interior of the building 
is not required where the exterior stairway is 
served by an exterior exit access balcony that 
connects two remote exterior stairways or 
other approved exits, with a perimeter which is 
not less than 50% open. To be considered 



open, the opening shall be a minimum of 50% 
of the height of the enclosing wall, with the top 
of the openings not less than seven feet (2134 
mm) above the top of the balcony. 
3. Separation from the interior of the building 
is not required for an exterior stairway located 
in a building or structure that is permitted to 
have unenclosed interior exit stairways in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1014.1 1. 

780 CMR lOlS J SMOKEPROOF 
ENCLOSURES 

lOlSol General: A smokeproof enclosure shall 
consist of an enclosed interior exit stairway that 
conforms to 780 CMR 1014.0 and an outside 
balcony or a ventilated vestibule meeting the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1015.0. Where access to 
the roof is required by 780 CMR 1027.0, such access 
shall be from the smokeproof enclosure where a 
smokeproof enclosure is required. 

1101S.2 Where reqisired: In buildings having a 
height of 70 feet above the grade plane, at least one 
exit stafrwell shall be protected by a smokeproof 
enclosure serving all floor levels. In buildmgs 
having exit stairwells more than 30 feet below the 
level of exit discharge, at least one exit stairwell 
shall be protected by a smokeproof enclosure 
serving all floor levels located below the level of exit 
discharge. 
EsceptloBi: Occupancies in Use Group 1-2. 

101S3 Access: Access to the stair shall be from 
every stoiy and shall be by way of a vestibule or by 
way of an open exterior balcony. The minimum 
dimension of the vestibule shall not be less than the 
required vwdth of the corridor leading to the 
vestibule but shall not have a width of less than 44 
inches (1118 mm) and shall not have a length of less 
than 72 inches (1829 mm) in the direction of egress 
travel. 

1015.4 Coiastructioffi: The smokeproof enclosure 
shall be separated from the remainder of the building 
by not less than a two-hour fireresistance rated fire 
separation assembly without openings other than the 
required means of egress doors. The vestibule shall 
be separated from the stairway by not less than a 
two°hour fireresistance rated Jire separation 
assembly. The open exterior balcony shall be 
constructed in accordance vwth the fireresistance 
rating requirements for floor construction. 

1015.4.1 Door closers: All doors in a smokeproof 
enclosure shall be self-closing or shall be 
automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke 
detector installed at the floor side entrance to the 
smokeproof enclosure in accordance with 
780 CMR 716.5. .The actuation of the smoke 
detector on any door shall activate the closing 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



at all levels. Smoke detectors shall be installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 918.8. 

1015.5 Natural ventilation alternative: The 

provisions of 780 CMR 1015.5.1 through 1015.5.3 
shall apply to ventilation of smokeproof enclosures 
by natural means. 

1015.5.1 Balcony doors: Where access to the 
stairway is by way of an open exterior balcony, 
the door assembly into the enclosure shall be a 
fire door in accordance with 780 CMR 716.0. 

1015.5.2 Vestibule doors: Where access to the 
stairway is by way of a vestibule, the door 
assembly into the vestibule shall be afire door 
complying with 780 CMR 716.0. The door 
assembly from the vestibule to the stairway shall 

. have not less than a 20-minute fire protection 
rating complying with 780 CMR 716.0. 

1015.5J Vestibule ventilation: Each vestibule 
shall have a minimum net area of 16 square feet 
(1.49 m^ of opening in a wall facing an outer 
court, yard or public way which is at least 20 feet 
(6096 mm) in width. 

1015.6 Mechanical ventilation alternative: The 

provisions of 780 CMR 1015.6.1 through 1015.6.4 
shall apply to ventilation of smokeproof enclosures 
by mechanical means. 

1015.6.1 Vestibule doors: The door assembly 
from the building into the vestibule shall be afire 
door complying with 780 CMR 716.0. The door 
assembly from the vestibule to the stairway shall 
have not less than a 20-minute fire protection 
rating in accordance with 780 CMR 716.0. The 
door from the building into the vestibule shall be 
provided with gaskets or other provisions to 
minimize air leakage. 

1015.6.2 Vestibule ventilation: The vestibule 
shall be supplied with not less than one air change 
per minute, and the exhaust shall not be less than 
150% of supply. Supply air shall enter and 
exhaust air shall discharge from the vestibule 
through separate, tightly constructed ducts used 
only for that purpose. Supply air shall enter the 
vestibule within six inches (152 nun) of the floor 
level. The top of the exhaust register shall be 
located at the top of the smoke trap but not more 
than six mches (152 mm) down fVom the top of 
the trap, and shall be entirely within the smoke 
trap area. Doors in the open position shall not 
obstruct duct openings. Diict openings with 
controlling dampers are permitted where 
necessary to meet the design requirements, but 
dampers are not otherwise required. 

1015.6.2.1 Engineered ventilation system: 

Where a specially engineered system is used. 



the systems shall exhaust a quantity of air 
equal to not less than 90 air changes per hour 
from any vestibule in the emergency operation 
mode and shall be sized to handle three 
vestibules simultaneously. Smoke detectors 
shall be located at the fioor side entrance to 
each vestibule and shall activate the system for 
the affected vestibule. Smoke detectors shall 
be mstalled in accordance with 780 CMR 
918.8. 

1015.63 Smoke trap: The vestibule ceiling shall 
be at least 20 inches (508 mm) higher than the 
door opening into the vestibule to serve as a 
smoke and heat trap and to provide an upward 
moving air column. The height shall not be 
decreiised unless approved and justified by design 
and test. 

1015.6.4 Stair shaft air movement system: The 

stair shaft shall be provided with a dampered 
relief opening and supplied with sufficient air to 
maintain a minimum positive pressure of 0.10 
mch of water column (24.88 P) in the shaft 
relative to the vestibule with all doors closed. 

1015.7 Ventilating equipment: The activation of 
ventilating equipment required by the altematives in 
780 CMR 1015.6 shall be by smoke detectors 
installed at each floor level at an approved location 
at the entrance to the smofxproof enclosure. When 
the closing device for the stair shaft and vestibule 
doors is activated by smoke detection or power 
failure, tlie mechanical equipment shall activate and 
operate at the required performance levels. Smoke 
detectors shall be installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 918.8. 

1015.7.1 Ventilation systems: Smokeproof 
enclosure ventilation systems shall be 
independent of other building ventilation systems. 
The equipment and ductwork shall comply with 
one of the following: 

1. Equipment and ductwork shall be located 
exterior to the building and shall be directly 
coimected to the smokeproof enclosure or 
connected to the smokeproof enclosure by 
ductwork enclosed by two-hour fu'eresistance 
rated fire separation assemblies. 

2. Equipment and ductwork shall be located 
witliin the smokeproof enclosure with intake or 
exhaust directly from and to the outside or 
through ductwork enclosed by two-hour 
fireresistance rated fire separation assemblies. 

3. Equipment and ductwork shall be located 
within the building if separated from the 
remainder of the building, including other 
mechanical equipment, by two-hour 
fireresistance rated //re separation assemblies. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 

IOIS.7.2 Standby power: Mechanical vestibule 
and stair shaft ventilation systems and automatic 
fire detection systems shall be powered by an 
approved standby power system conforming to 
780 CMR 403.9.1 and 527 CMR UM, She 
Massachusetts Electrical Code, referenced m 
780 CMR 2 7, and listed In Appendix A . 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 780 CMR = Sixth Edition 188.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



188.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



1015.7,3 Acceptance and testing: Before the 
mechanical equipment is approved, the system 
sha]] be tested in the code official's presence to 
confirm that the sj'stem is operating in compliance 
with these requirements. 

780 CMR 1016.© RAMPS 

1016.1 Capacit}': The capacity of a ramp used as a 
means of egress component shall be computed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1009.0. 

Note: For ramp design requirements related to 
building access issues, refer to 780 CMR 1 1 .00 

1016.2 Minimum dimensions: The minimum 
dimensions oi means of egress ramps shall comply 
with 780 CMR 1016.2.1 through 1016.2.3. 

1016.2.1 Width: The minimum width of a means 
of egress ramp shall not be less than that required 
for corridors by 780 CMR 1011.3. 

1016.2.2 Headroom: The minimum headroom in 
all parts of the means of egress ramp shall not be 
less than 80 inches (2032 mm). 

1016.2.3 Restrictions: Means of egress ramps 
shall not reduce m width in the direction of egress 
travel. Projections into the required ramp and 
landing width are prohibited except at and below 
handrail height where, at each handrail, the 
projections shall not exceed ZVi inches (89 mm) 
into the required width. Doors opening onto a 
landing shall not reduce the clear width to less 
than 42 inches (1067 mm). 

1016.3 Maximum slope: The maximum slope of 
means of egress ramps in the dkection of travel shall 
be one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1:12); 
except the maximum slope shall be: one unit 
vertical in eight units horizontal (1:8) if the rise is 
limited to three inches (76 mm); one unit vertical in 
ten units horizontal (1 : 1 0) if the rise is limited to six 
inches (152 rmci). The maximum slope across the 
direction of travel shall be one unit vertical in 48 
units horizontal (1:48). 

Exception: Aisles in areas of Use Group A shall 
comply with 780 CMR 1012.0. 

1016.4 Landings: Ramp slopes of one unit vertical 
in 12 units horizontal (1:12) or steeper shall have 
landings at the top, bottom, all points of turning, 
entrance, exit and at doors. Ramps shall not have a 
vertical rise greater than 30 inches (762 mm) 
between landings. The maximum slope of landings 
shall be one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal 
(1 :48). The least dimension of a landing shall not be 
less than the required width of the ramp except that 
the landing dimension in the direction of travel is not 
required to exceed four feet (1219 mm) where the 



travel from one ramp to the next ramp is a straight 
run. 

Exception: Aisles in areas of Use Group A shall 

comply with 780 CMR 1012.0. 



.5 Guards and handrails: Guards shall be 
provided on both sides of the ramp and shall be 
constructed m accordance with 780 CMR 1021.0. 
Handrails conforming to 780 CMR 1022.0 shall be 
provided on both sides of every ramp having a slope 
greater than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal 
(1 :20). Handrails are not required on ramps where 
the vertical rise between landings is six inches (152 
mm) or less. 
Exception: Handrails in aisles in occupancies in 
Use Group A shall comply with 780 CMR 1012.0. 

1016.5.1 Drop-offs: The sides of ramps and 
landings with a drop-off shall have a curb with a 
minimum four-inch (102 mm) height above the 
walking surface or shall be provided with a 
guardrail. 

1016.6 Ramp construction: Ramps used as an exit 
shall conform to the applicable requirements of 
780 CMR 1014.9 as to materials of construction and 
enclosure. 

1016.6.1 Surface: For all slopes exceeding one 
unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (1:20) and 
where the use is such as to involve danger of 
slipping, the ramp shall be surfaced with approved 
slip-resistant materials. 

1016.6.2 Exterior ramps: Exterior ramps and 
landings shall be designed and constructed to 
prevent water from accumulating on the walking 
surface. 

im CMR 1017.0 MEANS OF EGRESS 
BOORWAYS 

1017.1 General: The requirements of 780 CMR 
1017.0 shall apply to all doorways serving as a 
component or element of a means of egress, except 
as provided for in 780 CMR 1014.8, 1014.12.2, 
1015.5.1.1015.5.2 and 1015.6.1. 

1017.1.1 Floor surface: The floor surface on 
both sides of a door shall be at the same elevation. 
The floor surface over which the door swings 
shall be at the same elevation as the floor level at 
the threshold and shall extend from the door in the 
closed position a distance equal to the door width. 

Exception: This requirement shall not apply 

to: 

1 . Exterior doors, as provided for in 780 CMR 
1005.6, which are not on an accessible route. 

2. Variations in elevation due to differences in 
finish materials, but not more than Vi inch (13 
mm). 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed Va inch 
(19 mm) in height above the finished floor surface 
for exterior residential sliding doors or V2 inch (13 
mm) for all other doors. Raised thresholds and floor 
level changes greater than Va inch (6 mm) at 
doorways shall be beveled with a slope not greater 
than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (1:2). 

1017.2 Number of doorways: Each occupant of a 
room or space shall have access to at least two exits 
or exit access doors from the room or space where 
the occupant load of the space exceeds that listed in 
Table 1017.2, or where the travel distance from any 
point within the space to an exit or exit access door 
exceeds that listed in Table 1017.2. Where the 
occupant load of a room or space is between 501 and 
1,000, a minimum of three exits or exit access doors 
shall be provided. Where the occupant load of a 
room or space exceeds 1 ,000, a minimum of four 
exits or exit access doors shall be provided. 
Exceptions: 

1 . Boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms shall be 
provided with two egress doorways where the area 
exceeds 500 square feet (47 m^) and individual 
fuel-fired equipment exceeds 400,000 Btuh (117 
kW) input capacity. Door ways shall be separated 
by a horizontal distance equal to not less than one- 
half of the diagonal dimension of the room. 
Where two doorways are required by this 
exception, a fixed ladder access out of the room 
shall be permitted in lieu of one doorway. 

2. In an occupancy in Use Group 1-2, any room 
and any suite of rooms as permitted in 780 CMR 
1011.1.1, Exception No. 3, of more than 1,000 
square feet (93 m^), shall have at least two exit 
access doors remote from each other. 





Table 1017.2 




SPACES WITH ONE MEANS OF EGRESS 


Use Group 


Maximum 


Maximum travel 


occupant load 


distance (feet) 


A, B, E, F, M 


50 


75 


H-l^H-2,H-3 


3 


25 


H-4 


10 


75 


I.R 


10 


75 


s 


30 


100 



Note a. For requirements for areas and spaces in Use 
Group H-1, see 780 CMR 418.2.2. 
Note b. 1 foot = 304.8 nun. 

1017.2.1 Entrance and egress doorways: Where 
separate doors are provided for entrance and 
means of egress, the entrance door shall be clearly 
marked "Entrance Only" in letters not less than six 
inches (152 mm) in height and legible from both 
inside and outside. 

1017.2.2 Location of doors: The required door- 
ways opening from a room or space within a 
building and leading to an exit access shall be lo- 
cated as remote as practicable from each other and 
shall conform to 780 CMR 1006.4.1. The 



distance of exit access travel from any point in a 
room ,or space to a required exit door shall not 
exceed the limitations of 780 CMR 1006.5. 

1017.2.3 Door arrangement: The space between 
doors in series shall not be less than seven feet 
(2134 mm) as measured when the doors are in the 
closed position. 

Exception: Power-operated doors and 
occupancies in Use Groups I-l and R-3. 

1017.3 Size of doors: The minimum width of each 
door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant 
load thereof and shall provide a clear width of not 
less than 32 inches (813 mm). Where 780 CMR 
1017.0 requires a minimum clear width of 32 inches 
(813 mm) and a door opening includes two door 
leaves without a mullion, one leaf shall provide a 
clear opening width of 32 inches (813 mm). The 
maximum width of a swinging door leaf shall be 48 
inches nominal. Means of egress doors in an occu- 
pancy in Use Group 1-2 used for the movement of 
beds shall be at least 44 inches (1118 mm) wide. The 
height of doors shall not be less than 80 inches (2032 
mm). For A-2 occupancies where the occupant load 
is 50 or greater refer to 780 CMR 1006.2.2. 1 
Exceptions: 

1. A means of egress door serving a storage area 
of not more than 800 square feet (74 m^) and 
which is normally unoccupied shall have a 
maximum width of ten feet (3048 mm). 

2. The minimum and maximum width shall not 
apply to doors that are not required for means of 
egress in occupancies in Use Groups R-2 and R-3. 

3. Door openings to resident sleeping rooms in 
occupancies in Use Group 1-3 shall have a clear 
width of not less than 28 inches (711 mm). 

4. Door openings to storage closets less than ten 
square feet (0.93 m^) in area shall not be limited 
by the minimum width. 

5. Width of door leafs in revolving doors that 
comply with 780 CMR 1018.0 shall not be 
limited. 

6. Door openings within a dwelling unit shall not 
be less than 78 inches (1981 mm) in height. 

7. Exterior door openings in dwelling units, other 
than the required exit door, shall not be less than 
76 inches (1930 mm) in height. 

8. Interior egress doorways within sl dwelling unit 
not required to be adaptable or accessible shall 
have a minimum clear width of 29%-inches (755 
mm). 

1017.4 Door hardware: Door handles, pulls, 
latches, locks and other operating devices shall be at 
a maximum height of 48 inches (1219 mm) above 
the finished floor. The operating devices shall be 
capable of operation with one hand and shall not 
require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of 
the wrist to operate. All means of egress doors shall 
be of a side-swinging type. All doors shall swing in 
the direction of egress where serving an occupant 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



load of 50 or more persons or where serving a high- 
hazard occupancy. The opening force for interior 
sideswinging doors without closers shall not exceed 
a five-pound (24 N) force. For aU other side- 
sv\nn^g, sliding and folding doors, the door latch 
shall release when subjected to a 15-pound (73 N) 
force. The door shall be set in motion when 
subjected to a 30-pound (146 N) force. The door 
shall swing to a fiill-open position when subjected to 
a 15-pound (73 N) force. Forces shall be applied to 
the latch side. 
Exceptions: 

1. Doors to private garages, factory and storage 
areas with an occupant load often or less. 

2. Horizontal sliding-type doors complying with 
780 CMR 410.4.2 shall be permitted in a means of 
egress in occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

3. Doors witWn or serving a single dwelling unit 
which is not required to be accessible or adaptable 
by 780 CMR 11, are not required to be provided 
with lever handled operating devices. 

4. Revolving doors conforming to 780 CMR 
1038.0. 

5. Horizontal sliding doors complying with 
780 CMR 1017.4.4 shall be permitted in a means' 
of egress in areas of refuge as described in 
780 CMR 1007.5 and areas, other than high- 
hazard occupancies, that serve an occupant load 
oflessthaaSO. 

WllAA Locks and latches: All means of egress 
doors shall be readily openable fi-om the side from 
which egress is to be made without the use of a 
key or special knowledge or qSoU. Refer to 
MM.L & 143 § SRfor locking devices m the 
exSenor doors of apartment houses. 
Exceptions 

1. Key operation shall be permitted Srom a 
dwelling unit provided that ^e key cannot be 
removed from the lock when the door is locked 
from the side from which egress is to be made. 

2. Locking devices conforming to 780 CMR 
409.3.2 shall be permitted in occupancies in 
Use Group 1-2. 

3 . Locks conforming to 780 CMR 4 1 0.4 shall 
be permitted in occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

4. Means of e^ess doors from individual 
dwelling units and guestrooms of occupancies 
in Use Group R having an occupant load often 
or less shall be permitted to be equipped with 
a night latch, dead bolt or securi^ chain, 
provided that such devices are openable from 
the inside without the use of a key or tool and 
are mounted at a height not to exceed 48 inches 
(1219 mm) above the finished floor. 

5. Special locking arrangements conforming 
to 780 CMR 1017.4.1.2 or 780 CMR 
1017.4.1.3. 

6. In occupancies in Use Groups B^ F, M and 
S, the main exterior means of egress door is 
permitted to be equipped with a key°operated 
locking device from the egress side where in 



compliance with the following three 
conditions: 

6. 1 . The locking device is of a type that is 
readily distinguishable as locked. 

6.2. A readily visible, durable sign is posted 
on the egress side on or adjacent to the door 
stating "This Door To Remain Unlocked 
When This Building Is Occupied." The sign 
shall be in letters not less than one inch (25 
mm) high on a contrasting background. 

6.3. The main exterior door is a single door 
or a pair of doors which, when unlocked, the 
door or both leafs of a pair of doors swing 
free. 

7- Locking arrangements conforming to 

780 CMR 1017.4.5. 

8. In occupancies in Use Group I-l and 1-2 

locks shall be permitted under the following 

conditions: 

a. Patient sleeping room doors may be 
provided with key locking devices that 
restrict access to the room from the 
corridor and thai are openable only by 
staff from the corridor side, provided such 
device shall not restrict egress from the 
sleeping room. 

k AH other means of egress doors may be 
provided with key locking devices where 
the cUnicaS needs of the patients require 
specialized security measures for their 
safety, or for the protection of the public, 
provided keys are carried 24 hours per day 
by staffing at all limes, who have been 
trained in emergency evacuation 
procedures. 

I0i7o4.i.i Bush and surface bolts: Manually 
operated edge or surface-mounted flush bolts 
and surface bolts are proMbited. Where means 
of egress doors are used in pairs and approved 
automatic flush bolts are used, the door leafs 
having the automatic flush bolts shall not have 
a door knob or surface-mounted hardware. 
The unlatching of any leaf shall not require 
more than one operation. 

1017 Ai.2 Special locking arrangements: In 
buildings that are equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 or with an 
automatic fire detection ^stem, doors in a 
means of egress serving occupancies in Use 
Group B, E, F, I, M, S or R, shall be unlocked 
or shall be equipped with ^proved egress 
control devices which shall unlock in 
accordance with items 780 CMR 1017.4.1.2.1 
through 7. A building occupant shall not be 
required to pass through more than one door 
equipped with a special locking device before 
entering an exit. 

1. Actuation of the automatic sprinkler 
system or automatic fire detection system. 



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2. Loss of power to the egress control 
device. 

3. Loss ofpower to the building. 

4. Capability of being unlocked manually 
by a signal from an emergency control 
station. 

5. The initiation of an irreversible and 
automatic process that will release the latch 
within 15 seconds when a force of not more 
than 15 pounds (73 N) is applied for one 
second to the release device and not relock 
until the door has been opened and returned 
to the closed position for not less than 30 
seconds. Any reopening of the door shall 
restart the 30-second relocking cycle. Any 
attempt to exit which exceeds one second 
shall render the door openable. The time 
delay and the minimum relocking cycle time 
shall not be field adjustable. 

Exceptions: 

1 . An increase in the time delay to 30 
seconds shall not be permitted except as 
approved by the code official. 

2. An increase in the relocking cycle 
time to 45 seconds shall not be permitted 
except as approved by the code official. 

3. In Use Group B buildings where one 
tenant occupies the entire floor and the 
building has a security station staffed 24 
hours each day, the installation of a 
door release device described in 
780 CMR 1017.4.1.2, item S, may be 
omitted on egress doors in elevator 
lobbies provided thai all other items in 
780 CMR 1017.4.1.2 are met, and in 
addition, the following items are met: 

a. The building is equipped 
throughout with both a supervised 
automatic fire sprinkler system and a 
supervised automatic fire alarm 
system. 

b. The supervised automatic fire 
sprinkler system and the supervised 
fire alarm system shall interface with 
the access control system to unlock the 
doors automatically upon activation of 
either system. 

c The elevator lobby shall be 
equipped with a telephone connected 
directly to the staffed security station 
and a sign having block letters one 
inch in height shall be provided 
directly above the telephone and shall 
state: "In case of emergency, pick up 
telephone. You will be connected 
directly to security personnel". 

6. Initiation of the irreversible process shall 
activate an audible alarm in the vicmity of 
the door. 

7. A sign having block letters of one inch 
(25 mm) in height shall be provided on the 



door above and within 12 inches (305 mm) 
of the release device stating "Push until 
alaiTO sounds. Door can be opened in 15 
seconds." 

1017.4.1^ Security locking arrangements in 
penal facilities: In occupancies in Use Groups 
A-3, A-4, B, E, F, 1, M and S within penal 
facilities, doors in means of egress serving 
rooms or spaces occupied by persons whose 
movements must be controlled for security 
reasons shall be permitted to be locked if 
equipped with egress control devices which 
shall unlock manually and by at least one of 
the following means. 

1. Actuation of an automatic fire 
suppression system required by 780 CMR 
904.1. 

2. Actuation of a key-operated manual 
alarm station required by 780 CMR 917.4. 

3. A signal from a central control station. 

1017.4.2 Panic hardware: All doors equipped 
with latching devices in occupancies in Use 
Groups A and E or portions of buildings occupied 
for assembly or educational purposes and serving 
rooms or spaces with an occupant load greater 
than 100, shall be equipped with approved panic 
hardware. Acceptable panic hardware shall be a 
door latching assembly incorporating a device 
which causes the door latch to release and the leaf 
to open when a force of 15 pounds (73 N) is 
applied in the direction of egress to a bar or panel, 
the activating portion of which extends not less 
than one-half of the width of the door leaf, and is 
applied at a height greater than 30 inches (762 
mm) but less than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the 
floor. The force shall be applied at the lock side 
of the door or 30 inches (762 mm) from the 
hinged side, whichever is farther from the hinge. 
Where ^re door assemblies are required to have 
panic hardware, approved fire exit hardware shall 
be used. 

1017.4.3 Power-operated doors: Where means 
of egress doors are operated by power, such as 
doors with a photoelectric-actuated mechanism to 
open the door upon the approach of a person, or 
doors with power-assisted manual operation, the 
design shall be such that in the event of power 
failure, the door is capable of being opened 
manually to peirmit means of egress travel or 
closed where necessary to safeguard means of 
egress. The forces required to open these doors 
manually shall not exceed those specified in 
780 CMR 1017.4 except that the force to set the 
door in motion shall not exceed 50 pounds (244 
N). The door shall be capable of swinging from 
any position to the foil width of the opening in 
which such door is installed when a force is 
applied to the door on the side from which egress 
is made. 



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MEANS OF EGRESS 



Esceptions: 

1 . Occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

2. Horizontal sliding doors complying with 
780 CMR 1017.4.4. 

1017.4.4 Horizontal sliding doors: In other than 
occupancies in Use Group H, horizontal sliding 
doors that are considered a component of & means 
of egress shall comply with aU of the following 
criteria: 

1 . The door serves an occupant load of less 
than 50; 

2. The door shall be power operated and be 
capable of being operated manually in the 
event of power failure; 

3. The door shall be openable from both sides 
without special knowledge or effort; 

4. The force required to operate the door shall 
not exceed 30 pounds (146 N) to set the door in 
motion and 15 pounds (73 N) to close the door 
or to open such door to the minunum required 
width; 

5. The door shall be openable with a force not 
to exceed one ounds (73 N) when a force of 
250 pounds (12220 N) is applied perpendicular 
to the door adjacent to the operating device; 

6. The door assembly shall comply with the 
applicable fire protection rating and, where 
rated, shall be self-closing or automatic°closing 
by smoke detection, shall be installed in 
accordance with NFiPA 80 listed in Appendix 
A, and shall comply with 780 CMR 716.0; 

7. The door assembly shall have a standby 
power supply; 

8. The door shall open to the minimum 
required width within ten seconds after 
activation of the operating de^ce; and 

9. The door assembly power supply shall be 
electrically supervised at a constantly attended 
location. 

1017.4.5 Accessocontrolled egress doors: The 
entrance doors in a means of egress In buildings 
ith an occupanQr in Use Group A, B, E, M, R-1 or 
R-2 and entrance doors to tenant spaces in 
occupancies in Use Groups A, B, E, M, R-1 and 
R°2 are permitted to be equipped with an 
approved entrance and egress access control 
system which shall be installed in accordance 
with items 780 CMR 1017.4.5. 1. through 6. 

1. A sensor shall be provided on the egress 
side arranged to detect an occupant 
approaching the doors. The doors shall be 
arranged to unlock by a signal from or loss of 
power to the sensor. 

2. Loss of power to that part of the access 
control system which loclb the doors shall 
automatically unlock the doors. 

3. The doors shall be arranged to unlock from 
a manual unlocking device located 40 inches 
(1016 mm) to 48 inches (1219 mm) vertically 
above the floor and mthm five feet (1524 mm) 



of the secured doors. Ready access shall be 
provided to the manual unlocking device and 
the device shall be clearly identified by a sign. 
When operated, the manual unlocking device 
shall result in direct interruption of power to 
the lock - independent of the access control 
system electronics - and the doors shall remain 
unlocked for a minimum of 30 seconds. 

4. Activation of the building fire protective 
signaling system, if provided, shall 
automatically unlock the doors, and the doors 
shall remain unlocked until the fire protective 
signaling system has been reset. 

5. Activation of the building automatic 
sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, 
shall automatically unlock the doors. The 
doors shall remain unlocked until the fire 
protective signaling system has been reset. 

6. Entrance doors in buildings with an 
occupancy in Use Group A, B, E or M shall not 
be secured from the egress side during periods 
that the building is open to the general public. 

1017.5 Security grilles: Horizontal sliding or 
vertical security grilles which are part of a required 
means of egress shall be openable from the inside 
without the use of a key or special knowledge or 
effort during periods that the space is occupied. The 
grilles shall remain secured in the fiill-open position 
during the period of occupancy by the general 
public. Grilles shall not be brought to the closed 
position when there are more than ten persons 
occupying spaces served by a single exit or 50 
persons occupying spaces served by more than one 
exit. Where two or more exits are required, not more 
than one-half of the exits shall be equipped with 
horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles. 

1017.6 Level of exit discharge doors: Where 
glazed, doors at the level of exit discharge shall be 
glazed with approved safety glazing. Approved 
doors having one or more unframed edges shall be 
constructed of safety glazing not less than Vz inch 
thick. (Also see 780 CMR 2405) 

780 CMR 1018.0 REVOLVING BOOKS 

WU.l Geaeral: All revolving doors shall comply 
with 780 CMR 1018.2 throug^h 1018.5. In other than 
occupancies in Use Group H, revolving doors that 
are considered a component of the means of egress 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1018.2 through 1018.6. 

WMJl Collapse: Each revolving door shall be 
capable of collapsing into a book-fold position with 
parallel egress paths having an aggregate width of 
not less than 36 inches (914 mm). The revolving 
door shall collapse when a force of not more than 
180 pounds (880 N) is appEed withm 3 inches (76 
mm) of the outer edge of a wing. 



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is reduced to not more than 130 pounds (635 N) 
when: 

1. There is a power failure or power is 
removed to the device holding the wings in 
position. 

2. There is an actuation of the automatic 
sprinkler system where such system is 
provided. 

3. There is an actuation of an automatic fire 
detection system installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 918.0 for all areas within the 
building which are within 75 feet (22860 mm) 
of the revolving doors. The collapse of the 
door(s) shall not be delayed by the alarm 
verification required by 780 CMR 918.7. 

4. There is an actuation of a manual control 
switch which reduces the holding force to not 
more than the 130-pound (635 N) force level. 
Such switch shall be in an approved location 
and shall be clearly identified. 

1018.3 Dispersal area: A revolving door shall not 
be located within ten feet (3048 mm) of the foot or 
top of stairwc^s or escalators. A dispersal area shall 
be provided between the stairways or escalators and 
the revolving doors. 

1018.4 Speed control: The revolutions per minute 
for a revolving door shall not exceed the speeds 
indicated in Table 1018.4. 

Table 1018.4 
REVOLVING DOOR SPEED 



Inside diameter 


Power-driven type 

speed control 

(rpm) 


Manual-type speed 
control (rpm) 


6'6" 


11 


12 


7'0" 


10 


11 


7'6" 


9 


11 


B'^" 


ilsi'lipiliiii 


iiiiiiiiiiiii 


B'fi" 


111111111111 


liiiiiiBi 


9'0" 


8 


9 


9'6" 


7 


8 


lO'O" 


7 


8 



Note a. 1 foot = 304.8 nun; 1 inch = 25 4 mm. 

1018.5 Adjacent area: Each revolving door shall 
have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the 
same wall as, and within ten feet (3048 mm) of, the 
revolving door. 

Exception: The adjacent s^^dnging door is not 
required for street floor elevator lobbies if a 
stainvqy, escalator or door from other parts of the 
building does not discharge through the lobby and 
the lobby does not have any occupancy other than 
as a means of travel between the elevators and 
street. 

1018.6 Means of egress: A revolving door to be 
considered as a component of a means of egress 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1018.2 through 1018.5 
and the following conditions: 



1. Revolving doors shall not be given credit for 
more than 50% of the required exit capacity of the 
building. 

2. Each revolving door shall not be credited with 
more than a 50-person capacity. 

3. Each revolving door shall be capable of being 
collapsed when a force of not more than 130 
pounds (635 N) is applied within three inches (76 
mm) of the outer edge of a wing. 

780 CMR 1019.0 HORIZONTAL EXITS 

1019.1 General: Horizontal exits shall be accepted 
as an approved exit element of a required means of 
egress. The connection between an area of a 
building which the horizontal exit serves and the 
area of refuge as herein required shall be 
accomplished by protected openings in a 
fireresistance rated wall, or by an open-air balcony 
or bridge. 

1019.2 Separation: The separation between 
buildings or areas of refuge connected by a 
horizontal exit shall be provided by at least a two- 
hour fireresistance rated ^re wall or fire separation 
assembly with approved opening protectives 
complying with 780 CMR 7 and Table 602. 

1019.2.1 Doors: All doors shall swing in the 
direction of egress travel. Where the horizontal 
exit serves as an exit from both sides of the wall, 
there shall be adjacent openings with swinging 
fire doors opening in opposite directions. 

Exception: Horizontal sliding doors 
complying with 780 CMR 1017.4.4 where 
serving an occupant load of less than 50. 

1019.3 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 hold the total occupant 
load of both connected areas. The capacity of areas 
of refiige shall be computed on a minimum net floor 
area allov^ance for each occupant to be 
accommodated therein, not including areas of 
stairways, elevators and other shafts or courts, as 
follows: 

1 . 30 square feet (2.8 m^ per patient for hospitals 
and nursing homes. 

2. Six square feet (0.56 m^) per occupant on 
stories not housing patients confined to a bed or 
litter in an occupancy in Use Group 1-2. 

3. Sue square feet (0.56 m^) per occupant in an 
occupancy in Use Group 1-3. 

4. Three square feet (0.28 m^) in all other cases. 

1019.4 Egress from area of refuge: The path of 
egress travel from the horizontal exit through the 
area of refuge to another exit shall be continuously 
available. In other than occupancies in Use Group 
1-3, there shall be at least one exit on each side of the 
horizontal exit which is not a horizontal exit. Any 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



area of refuge not having access to an exit, other 
than a horizontal exit, shall be considered as part of 
an adjoining area of refuge wnth such exit. In the 
area(s) served by the horizontal exit, the length of 
exit access travel distance to the horizontal exit or 
another exit shall not exceed the requirements of 
780 CMR 1006.5. Occupancies in Use Group 1-3 
shall conform to 780 CMR 410.3.3. 

780 OVm 1020.0 LEVEL OF EXIT 

DISCHARGE PASSAGEWAYS USED 

AS AN EXIT ELEMENT 

1020.1 Passageways: Every required interior and 
exterior exit element which does not adjoin ^public 
way shall be directly connected to the public way or 
to an open court leading to the public way by an 
enclosed passageway at the level of exit discharge, 
constructed in accordance with the requirements for 
the enclosure of the exit it serves, or through lobbies 
or vestibules as provided for in 780 CMR 1020.0. 
Building areas below the level of exit discharge 
shall be separated from the passageway in 
accordance with the requirements for the enclosure 
of exits. 

1020.2 Vestibule: Where an exit discharges into an 
interior vestibule, the vestibule shall be used for 
ingress and means of egress only, and the vestibule 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1020.2.1 and 1020.2.2. 

1020.2.1 Depth and width: The vestibule depth 
from the exterior of the building shall not be 
greater than ten feet (3048 mm) and the width 
shall not be greater than 20 feet (6096 mm). 

1020.2.2 Separation: The vestibule shall be 
separated from the remainder of the level of exit 
discharge by self-closing doors and the equivalent 
of Vi-inch-thick wired glass in steel frames. 

1020.3 Lobby: Where an exit discharges into an 
interior lobby located at the level of exit discharge, 
the story containing the lobby shall be equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 or 
906.2.2. Opening protectives shall be required in 
accordance with Table 716. 1 at the point in which an 
enclosed exit stairway discharges into a lobby. 

Exceptiom: An automatic sprinkler system is not 
required in areas that are separated &om the lobby 
by fire separation assemblies (see 780 CMR 
709.0) having a fireresistance rating of not less 
than that required for exit enclosures. 

1020.4 Width and height: The clear width of the 
passageway shall not be less than the width required 
for the capacity of the exit stairways leading thereto 
and all required exit doorways opening into the 
passageway. Such passageway shall have a 
minimum width of 44 inches (1118 mm) and a 



minimum clear ceiling height of eight feet (23438 
mm). 

1020.S Masioium stairway limitations: Not more 
than 50% of the required stairways shall discharge 
through the same passageway. Multiple lobbies 
constructed in accordance with 780 CMR 1020.3 
located adjacent to one another shall be separated 
from each other in accordance with the requirements 
for enclosure of exits. 

780 CMR 1021.0 GUARDS 

1021.1 General: Where required by the provisions 
of780 CMR 406.5, 408.3.2, 1005.5, 1014.7, 1016.5 
and 1825.5, guards shall be designed and 
constructed in accordance wth the requirements of 
780 CMR 1021.0 and 780 CMR 1615.5. A guardrail 
system is a system of building components located 
near the open sides of elevated walking surfaces for 
the purpose of minimizing the possibility of an 
accidental fall from the walking surface to the lower 
level. 

1021.2 Height: The guards shall be at least 42 
inches (1067 mm) in height measured vertically 
above the leading edge of the tread or adjacent 
walking surface. 

Esceptions: 

1. In other than occupancies in Use Group E, 
guards shall not be less than 34 inches (864 mm) 
in height above the leading edge of the tread 
along stairs v^ch are not more than 20 feet (6096 
mm) in height or which reverse direction at an 
intermediate landing with 12 inches (305 mm) or 
less measured horizontally between successive 
flights. 

2. Guards along open-sided floor areas, 
mezzanines and landings in occupancies in Use 
Group R-3 shaU not be less than 36 inches (914 
mm) in height. 

10213 Opening limitations: In occupancies in Use 

Groups A, B, E, H-4, I-l, 1-2, M and R, and in 

public garages and open parking structures, open 

guards shall have balusters or be of solid material 

such that a sphere with a diameter of four inches 

(102 nmi) cannot pass through any opening. Guards 

shall not have an ornamental pattern that would 

provide a ladder effect. 

Esception: The triangular openings formed by 

the riser, tread and bottom rail at the open side of 

a. stairway shall be of a maximum size such that a 

sphere sk inches (152 mm) in diameter cannot 

pass through the opening. 

In occupandes in Use Groups 1-3, F, H-1, H-2, H- 

3 and S, other ihsn public garages and open parking 

structures, balusters, horizontal intermediate rails or 

other construction shall not permit a sphere with a 

diameter of 21 inches (533 mm) to pass through any 

opening. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1021.4 Railings: Metal or other approved 
noncombustible railings shall be provided on 
balconies and galleries as prescribed in 780 CMR 
1021.4.1 through 1021.4.3. 

1021.4.1 At fascia: Railings shall be provided: 
at the fascia of boxes, balconies and galleries and 
shall not be less than 26 inches (660 mm) in 
height; at the end of aisles extending to the fascia 
for the full width of the aisle and shall not be less 
than 36 inches (914 mm) in height; and at the foot 
of steps for the full width of the steps and shall 
not be less than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height. 

1021.4.2 At cross aisles: Railings shall be 
provided along cross aisles, and shaU not be less 
than 26 inches (660 mm) in height except that 
railings are not required where the backs of the 
seats along the front of the aisles project 24 inches 
(610 mm) or more above the floor of the aisle. 

1021.4.3 Successive tiers: Where seatings are 
arranged in successive tiers, and where the height 
of rise between platforms exceeds 18 inches (457 
mm), railings not less than 26 inches (660 mm) in 
height shall be provided along the entire row of 
seats at the edge of the platform. 

780 CMR 1022.0 HANDRAILS 

1022.1 General: Where required by the provisions 
of 780 CMR 1012.5, 1013.0, 1014.6.6.1, 1014.7 and 
1016.5, handrails shall be designed and constructed 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1022.0 and 780 CMR 
1615.5. A handrail is a horizontal or sloping rail 
grasped by hand for guidance or support, and for 
arresting falls on the adjacent walking surface. 

1022.2 Handrail details: Handrail-gripping 
sur&ces shall be continuous, without interruption by 
newel posts, other structure elements or 
obstructions. A handrail and any wall or other 
surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any 
sharp or abrasive elements. The clear space between 
the handrail and the adjacent wall or sur&ce shall 
not be less than VA inches (38 mm). Edges shall 
have a minimum radius of ^/fe inch (3 mm). 

1022.2.1 Projection: Handrails shall not project 
more than 3 'A inches (89 mm) into the required 
passageway, aisle, corridor, stair or ramp width. 

\mi.l.l Height: Handrails shall not be less than 
34 inches (864 mm) nor more than 38 inches 
(965 mm), measured vertically, above the leading 
edge of the treads or above the finished floor of 
the landing or walking surfaces. 
Exceptions: 

1. Handrails that form part of a guard shall 
have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) 
and not more than 42 mches (1067 mm). 

2. Handrails within individual dwelling units 
shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) nor 
more than 38 inches (965 jnm), measured 



vertically, above the leading edge of the treads 
or above the finished floor. 

1022.2.3 Handrails in guards: Handrails that 
form part of a guard shall comply with 780 CMR 
1021.3. 

1022.2.4 Handrail ends: At locations where 
handrails are not continuous between stairway 
flights, including the top and bottom of a 
stairway, the handrails shall extend horizontally 
at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the top riser 
and continue to slope for the depth of one tread 
beyond the bottom riser. The handrail ends shall 
be returned to a wall or post. 

Where handrails are not continuous between 
ramp segments, including the top and bottom of a 
ramp, the handrails shall extend at least 12 inches 
(305 mm) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp 
segment and shall be parallel with the floor or 
ground surface. The handrail ends shall be 
returned to a wall or post. 

Exception: Within a dwelling unit, the 
horizontal extension beyond the top riser of the 
jtoinvqy flight or top of the ramp segment, and 
the extension beyond the bottom riser of the 
5toffwqv flight or bottom of the ramp segment, 
is not required. 

1022.2.5 Handrail grip size: All stairway 
handrails shall have a circular cross section with 
an outside diameter of at least 1 '^-inches (32 mm) 
and not gj'eater than two inches (5 1 mm). 

Exceptions: 

1. Any other shape with a perimeter dimension 
of at least four inches (100 mm), but not 
greater than &A inches (158 mm) with the 
largest cross-sectional dimension not 
exceeding IV* inches (57 mm). 

2. Approved rails of equivalent graspability. 

1022.2.6 Handrails of alternating tread 
stairways: Stair handrails of alternating tread 
stairways shall be of such a configuration as to 
provide an adequate hand-hold for a person 
grasping the handrail to avoid falling. A 
minimum distance of sbc inches (152 mm) shall 
be provided between the stair handrail and any 
other object. A minimum distance of 12 inches 
(305 mm) shall be provided between the stair 
handrails of adjacent alternating tread stairways. 
Handrails on alternating tread stairways shall be 
spaced a minimum width of 17 inches (432 mm), 
not to exceed 24 inches (610 mm), between the 
handrails. 

780 CMR 1023.0 EXIT SIGNS AND UGHTS 

1023.1 Location: In all buildings, rooms or spaces 
required to have more than one exit or exit access, 
all required means of egress shall be indicated with 
approved signs reading "Exit," visible from the exit 
access and, where necessary, supplemented by 
directional signs in the exit access corridors 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MEANS OF EGRESS 



indicating the direction and way of egress. AH 
"Exit" signs shall be located at exit doors or exit 
access areas, so as to be readily visible. Sign 
placement shall be such that any point in the exit 
access shall not be more than 100 feet (30480 mm) 
from the nearest visible sign. 
Exceptions: 

1. "Exit" signs are not required in sleeping room 
areas in occupancies in Use Group 1-3. 

2. Main exterior exit doors which are obviously 
and clearly identifiable as exits are not required to 
have "Exit" signs where approved. 

1023.2 Size and color: "Exit" signs shall have red 
or green letters at least six inches (152 mm) high and 
the minimum width of each stroke shall be % inch 
(19 mm) on a white background or in other approved 
distinguishable colors. The word "Exit," except the 
letter I, shall have letters having a width of not less 
than two inches (51 nmi) and the minimum spacing 
between letters shall not be less than % inch (10 
mm). Signs larger than the minimum size herein 
required shall have letter widths and spacing in the 
same proportions to the height as indicated in 
780 CMR 1023.0. 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 
word "Exit" shall be clearly discernible when the 
sign illumination means is not energized. 

Exception: All exit signs tested and listed to 
UL-924 as listed in Appendix A and satisfying 
the power source requirements of 780 CMR 
1023.4 shall be permitted. 

1023.3 Illumliiatlon: Each sign shall be illuminated 
by a source providing not less than five footcandles 
(54 lux) at the illuminated surface and shall have a 
contrast ratio of not less than 0.5. 

Exception: Approved self-luminous signs which 
provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a 
minimum luminance of 0.06 foot lamberts (0.21 
cd/m^). 

1023.4 Power source: All "Exit" signs shall be 
illuminated at all times that the building is occupied. 
To assure continued illumination for a duration of 
not less than IVz hours in case of primary power loss, 
the "Exit" signs shall be connected to an emergency 
electrical system that complies with 527 CMR 12.00, 
the Massachusetts Electrical Code, referenced in 
780 CMR 27, and listed in Appendix A. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Approved self-luminous signs which provide 
continuous illumination independent of external 
power sources are not required to comply with 
780 CMR 2706.0. 

2. All exit signs tested and listed to 171^924 as 
listed in Appendix A and satisfying the power 



source requirements of 780 CMR 1023.4 shall be 
permitted. 

7m CMR 1024.0 MEANS OF EGRESS 
LIGHTING 

1024.1 Artificial lighting: All means of egress in 
other than occupancies in Use Group R-3 shall be 
equipped with artificial lighting facilities to provide 
the intensity of illumination herein prescribed 
continuously during the time that conditions of 
occupancy of the building require that the exits be 
available. Lighting shall also be provided to 
illuminate the exit discharge. Means of egress 
lighting in occupancies in Use Group R-2, other than 
lighting within a dwelling unit, shall be wired on a 
circuit independent of circuits within any dwelling 
unit. The disconnecting means and overcurrent 
protection device shall not be located within a 
dwelling unit or such that access to such devices 
must be obtained by going through a dwelling unit. 

1024.2 Intensity of Illumination: The intensity of 
floor lighting shall not be less than one footcandle 
(1 1 lux) except as provided for in 780 CMR 1024.3. 

1024.3 Use Groups A and £: In occupancies in 
Use Groups A and E for the exhibition of motion 
pictures or other projections by means of directed 
light, the minimum required illumination of aisles 
during such period of projection shall be 0.2 
footcandle (2 lux). 

1024.3.1 Control; The lighting of exits, aisles 
and auditoriums shall be controlled from a 
location that does not provide access to 
unauthorized persons. Supplementary control 
shall be provided as specified in 780 CMR 411 .4 
in the motion picture projection room. 

1024.4 Power source: Means of egress lighting in 
all buildings, rooms or spaces required to have more 
than one exit or exit access shall be connected to an 
emergency electrical system that complies with 
527 CMR 12.00, the Massachusetts Electrical 
Code, referenced in 780 CMR 27, and listed in 
Appendix A to assure continued illumination for a 
duration of not less than Wt hours in case of 
emergency or primary power loss. 

780 CMR 1025.0 FERE ESCAPES 

1025.1 Where permitted: Fire escapes shall be 
permitted only as provided for in 780 CMR 1 025. 1 . 1 
through 1025.1.4. 

1025.1.1 New buildings: Fire escapes shall not 
constitute any part of the required means of egress 
in new buildings. 



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1025.1.2 Existing fire escapes: Existing fire 
escapes shall be continued to be accepted as a 
component in the means of egress in existing 
buildings only. 

1025.1.3 New fire escapes: New fire escapes for 
existing buildings shall be permitted only where 
exterior stairs cannot be utilized due to lot lines 
limiting stair size or due to the sidewalks, alleys 
or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not 
incorporate ladders or access by windows. 

1025.1.4 Limitations: Fire escapes shall comply 
with 780 CMR 1025.0 and shall not constitute 
more than 50% of the required number of exits 
nor more than 50% of the required exit capacity. 

1025.2 Location: Where located on the fi-ont of the 
building and where projecting beyond the building 
line, the lowest landing shall not be less than seven 
feet (2134 mm) or more than 12 feet (3658 mm) 
above grade, and shall be equipped with a 
counterbalanced stairway to the street. In alleyways 
and thoroughi^es less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, 
the clearance under the lowest landing shall not be 
less than 12 feet (3658 nmi). 

1025.3 Construction: The fire escape shall be 
designed to support a live load of 100 pounds per 
square foot (488.20 kg/m^ and shall be constructed 
of steel or other approved noncombustible materials. 
Fire escapes constructed of wood not less than 
nominal two inches thick are permitted on buildings 
of Type 5 construction. Walkways and railings 
located over or supported by combustible roofs in 
buildings of Types 3 and 4 construction are 
permitted to be of wood not less than nominal two 
inches thick. 

1025.3.1 Dimensions: Stairs shall be at least 22 
inches (559 mm) wide with risers not more than, 
and treads not less than, eight inches (203 mm) 
and landings at the foot of stairs not less than 40 
inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 mm) 
long, located not more than eight inches (203 mm) 
below the door. 

1025.3.2 Opening protectives: Doors and 
windows along the fire escape shall be protected 
with '/i-hour opening protectives. 

780 CMR 1026.0 SLIDESCAPES 

1026.1 Where permitted: Existing slidescapes and 
safety chutes shall be permitted in existing 
occupancies in Use Groups E, H and I where 
approved. Slidescapes and safety chutes shall be 
permitted in occupancies in Use Groups H-1 and H- 
2 where constructed in an approved manner. 

1026.2 Location: The arrangement and location of 
slidescapes shall conform to 780 CMR 10 for means 



of egress and shall be designated by "Exit" signs and 
lights as provided for in 780 CMR 1023.0. 

1026.3 Construction: All chutes shall be 
constructed of approved noncombustible materials 
with a pitch in the line of travel of not less than 24 
nor more than 42° (0.42 rad to 0.73 rad), measured 
on the developed circumference of spiral chutes. 
Straight chutes shall not be less than 24 inches (610 
mm) and spiral chutes shall not be less than 28 
inches (711 mm) in clear width; nor more than 44 
inches (1118 mm) wide in any case. Where erected 
on the interior of a building, the chutes shall be 
enclosed as required in 780 CMR 1014.11 for 
interior stairways with direct means of egress to a 
street or other public way. 

1026.4 Capacity: Slidescapes shall have a rated 
egress capacity of 60 occupants per slide. 
Slidescapes, except as permitted for occupancies in 
Use Groups H-1 and H-2, shall not constitute more 
than 25% of the required means of egress capacity 
fi-om any building or structure or any individual 
story. 

780 CMR 1(127.0 ACCESS TO ROOF 

1027.1 By stairway or ladder: In buildings more 
than three stories in height except those with a roof 
slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units 
horizontal (4:12). access to the roof shall be 
provided by means of a stairway, an alternating 
tread stair in accordance with 780 CMR 1014.6.6 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, 
sufl^cient stairways shall extend to the roof to 
provide the necessity exit facilities from the roof as 
required for such occupancy. Roof trap doors shall 
be constructed to comply wth 780 CMR 1510.2. 

1027.1.1 Optional stairway or ladder: In 

buildings not required to have a stairway, 
alternating tread stair or ladder to the roof, such 
devices, if provided, shall conform to the 
provisions of 780 CMR 1027.0. Ladders placed 
on the exterior of the building shall be of metal 
and, if exceeding 20 feet (6096 mm) in height, 
shall have a protective cage or other safety device. 
The siderails of exterior ladders shall be carried 
over the coping or parapet to serve as handrails. 
Other design details of such exterior ladders are 
subject to approval. 

1027.2 Roof enclosures: stairways extending 
through roofs shall be enclosed in roof structures of 
fireresistance rated construction which conform to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 1510.0. 



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MEANS OF EGRESS 



780 CMR 1028.0 MAINTENANCE OF EXITS 

1028.1 Obstnictioas: It shall be unlawfiil to 
obstruct, or reduce in any manner, the clear width of 
any doorway, hallway, passageway or other means 
of egress required by the provisions of 780 CMR. 

1028.2 Maintenance: All exterior stairways and 
fire escapes shall be kept free of snow and ice. 
Exterior stairways and fire escapes constructed of 
materials requiring the application of weather 
protecting products, shall have these products 
applied in an approved manner and shall be applied 
as often as necessary to maintain the stairways and 
fire escapes in safe condition where corrodible 
structural parts of such stairways and fire escapes 



tie directly into the building structural system, all 
joints shall be sealed, as necessary, to prevent 
water from damaging or corroding structural 
elements, 

1028 J Testing, and Certificaiiom 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 years, by a Massachusetts registered 
professional engineer, or others qualified and 
acceptable to the building official,' said engineer or 
others shall then submit an affidavit to the building 
official 



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CHAPTER 11 

ACCESSIBILITY' 
(780 CMR 11 is Entirely Unique to Massachusetts) 

780 CMR llOLO MG.L c 22, § 13 A provides that Architectural Access Board, Executive Office €>/ 

all public buildings shall he designed to be Public Safety. 

accessible to, fiinctional for and safe for the use by In accordance with M.G.L c 143, §3 and 

physically handicapped persons, in. conformance 780 CMR 106.1, said regulations shall be enforced 

with the Massachusetts Architectural Access by the municipal building code enforcement 

Board's Rules and Regulations (521 CMR 1.00) official or state inspector, as applicable 

listed in Appendix A and promulgated by the 



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CHAPTER 12 



INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT 



780 CMR 1201.0 GENERAL 

12§L1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 12 shall 
govern the means of light, ventilation, sound 
transmission control and rat-proofing required in all 
buildings. 

1201.2 Buildings on same lot: Where more than one 
building is hereafter placed on a lot, or where a 
building is placed on the same lot with existing 
buildings and the several buildings are treated as a 
single structure for the purposes of 780 CMR 12, 
equivalent uncovered lot area or other adequate 
sources of light and ventilation shall be provided for 
all occupied buildings. 

780 CMR 12010 DEHNinONS 

1202ol General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 12 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shovm 
herein, 

Attic: The space between the ceiling beams of the 
top story and the roof rafters. 

Court: An open, uncovered and unoccupied space 
on the same lot as a buOding where such space is 
enclosed wholly or partly by buildings, walls or 
other enclosing de\dces (see 780 CMR 1212.0), 
Inner: Any court enclosed wholly by buildings, 

walls or other enclosing devices. 
Outer: A court extending to and opening upon a 

street, public alley or other approved open 

space that is not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) 

wide, or upon a required yard. 

Court height: The vertical distance firom the lowest 
level of the court to the mean height of the top of 
the enclosing walls. 

Court width: As applied to an inner court, means 
the least horizontal dimension. As applied to an 
outer court, means the shortest horizontal 
dimension measured in a direction substantiaUy 
parallel with the principal open end of such court. 

Habitable space: Space in a structure for living, 
sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet 
compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility 
spaces and similar areas are not considered 
habitable spaces. 

Occuplable space: A room or enclosed space 
designed for human occupancy in which 
individuals congregate for amusement. 



educational or similar purposes, or in which 
occupants are engaged at labor; and which is 
equipped with means of egress and light and 
ventilation facilities meeting the requirements of 
780 CMR. 

Vapor retarder: A material having a perm rating of 
1.0 or less, such as foil, plastic sheeting, or 
insulation facing, installed to retard the passage of 
water vapor or moisture through the exterior 
envelope. 

Ventilffltion: The natural or mechanical process of 
supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or 
removing such air &om, any space. 

Yard: An unoccupied open space other than a court 
(see 780 CMR 1212.0 and 1213.0). 

780 CMR 120S.0 CONSTRUCTION 
DOCUMENTS 

1203.1 General: Construction documents for all 
buildings and structures that are designed for human 
occupancy, other than buildings with occupancies in 
Use Groups I-l, R-2 and R-3, shall designate the 
number of occupants to be accommodated in the 
various rooms and spaces; where means of artificial 
lighting and ventilation are required, the application 
shall include sufficient details and description of the 
mechanical system to be installed as herein required 
or as specified in the mechanical code listed in 
Appendix A. 

780 CMR 1204.0 ROOM DIMENSIONS 
1204ol Ceiling heights: Habitable (spaces) rooms 
other than kitchens shall have a ceiling height of not 
less than seven fest six inches (2286 mm). 
Hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms, 
kitchens, laundry rooms and habitable basements 
that are only used as recreation rooms shall have a 
ceiling height of not less than seven feet (2134 mm) 
measured to the lowest projection fi-om the ceiling. 

Exceptiora; In occupancies in Use Group R-3, the 
maximum projection below the required ceiling 
height of beams and girders spaced not less than 
four feet (1219 mm) on center shall be six inches 
(152 mm). 

-1204.1,1 Use Groups A, B, E and M: A clear 
height from the finished floor to the finished 
cdling or lowest projection of not less than seven 
feet six inches (2286 mm) shall be provided in all 
exit access and occupiable rooms of structures of 
Use Groups A, B, E and M. 



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1204.1.2 Sloping ceilings: If any room in a 
building has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed, 
ceiling height for the room is required in one-half 
the area thereof. Any portion of the room 
measuring less than five feet (1524 mm) from the 
finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be 
mcluded in any computation of the minimum area 
thereof. 

1204.13 Furred ceilings: If any room has a 
furred ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height is 
required in two-thirds of the area thereof, but the 
height of the furred ceiling shall not be less than 
seven feet (2134 mm). 

1204.2 Floor area: Habitable rooms, except 
kitchens, shall have an area of not less than 70 
square feet (6.51 m*). 

1204J Width: A habitable room other than a 
kitchen shall not be less than seven feet (2134 mm) 
in any dimension. 

780 CMR 1205.0 UGHT AND VENTILATION 
REQUIRED 

1205.1 Light required: Every room or space 
intended for human occupancy shall be provided 
with natural or artificial light. 

1205.1.1 Bathroom and toilet room lighting: 

Every badiroom and toilet room shall be provided 
v^th artificial light. The illumination shall have 
an average intensity of three footcandles (32.29 
lux) measured at a level of 30 inches (762 mm) 
above the floor. 

1205.2 Ventilation required: Every room or space 
intended for human occupancy shall be provided 
with natural or mechanical ventilation. 

1205.2.1: Every bathroom containing a bathtub 
and/or shower shall be equipped with a 
mechanical exhaust fan and associated 
ductwork with the fan exhausting, at such rates 
as specified in the BOCA National Mechanical 
Code/1993 as referenced in Appendix A. Passive 
ventilation methods such as openable windows 
shall not substitute for ventilation. Such 
bathroom exhaust shall vent directly to the 
outside and no exhaust vent shall terminate in 
attics or other interior portions of the building. 

Note: See also 105 CMR 410.000 

780 CMR 1206.0 NATURAL UGHT 

1206.1 General: Should natural lighting be chosen 
as a lighting option^ in the application of the 
provisions of 780 CMR 12, the standard of natural 
light for all habitable and occupiable rooms, unless 
otherwise specifically required by the provisions of 
780 CMR 4 for special occupancies, shall be based 
on 250 footcandles (2691 lux) 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 
footcandles (64.58 lux) over the area of the room at 
a height of 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor 
level. 

1206.2 Minimum glazing area: Every room or 
space intended for human occupancy shall have an 
exterior glazing area of not less than 8% of the floor 
area. Natural light shall be provided by glazing 
areas that open onto courts or yards which comply 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 1212.0, or by 
other approved means. 

1206.2.1 Adjoining spaces: Where natural light 
for rooms or spaces without exterior glazing areas 
is pro^nded through an adjoining room, the 
unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall 
be at least 8% of the floor area of the mterior 
room or space, but not less than 25 square feet 
(2.33 m^). The exterior glazing area shall be 
based on the total floor area being served. 

1206.3 Stairways: Interior stairways shall be 
provided with an exterior glazing area of not less 
than ten square feet (0.93 m^) on every floor through 
which the stairway passes. 

1206.4 Hallways: Natural light shall be capable of 
penetrating the full length of the hallway. 

780 CMR 1207.0 ARTIFICIAL UGHT 

1207.1 General: Should artificial lighting be 
chosen as a lighting option, artiflcial light shall be 
capable of providing the minimum illumination 
specifled ibr natural light. 

780 CMR 120&0 NATURAL 
VENTILATION 

1208.1 General: Should natural ventilation be 
chosen as a ventilation option, natural ventilation of 
an occupied space shall be through windows, doors, 
louvers or other natural openings to the outdoor air. 

Exception: All occupancies shall have 
mechanical ventilation in bathrooms and toilet 
rooms as specified in 780 CMR 1205.2.1. 

1208.2 Ventilation area required: The minimum 
openable area to the outdoors shall be 4% of the 
floor area being ventilated. 

1208.2.1 Adjoining spaces: Where rooms and 
spaces without openings to the outdoors are 
ventilated through an adjoining room, the 
unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall 
be at least 8% of the floor area of the interior 
room or space, but not less than 25 square feet 
(2.33 m^). The ventilation openings to the 
outdoors shall be based on the total floor area 
being ventilated. 



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1208,2.2 Opeaifflgs beSow grade: Openings 
below grade shall be acceptable for natural 
ventilation provided that the outside horizontal 
clear space measured perpendicular to the opening 
is 1 '/2 times the depth below the average adjoining 
grade. 

12083 Contammants exhausted: Contaminants in 
the breathmg atmosphere shall be exhausted to the 
outdoor air in accordance with the mechanical code 
listed in Appendix A. 

1208.4 Openings onto yards or courts: Natural 
ventilation shall be provided by openings onto yards 
or courts which comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 1212.0, or by other approved means. 

780 CMR 1209.0 MECHANICAL 
VENTILATION 

1209.1 General: Should mechanical ventUaiion-be 
chosen as the ventilation option, mechanical 
ventilation shall conform to the requirements of the 
mechanical code listed \n Appendix A. 
Note: Also see 780 CMR 1205.2.1 

780 CMR ni0.0 VENTBLATION OF 
SPECIAL SPACES 

1210.1 Roof spaces: Enclosed attics and enclosed 
rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied 
directly to the imderside of roof rafters, shall have 
cross ventilation for each separate space by 
ventilation openings that are protected against the 
entrance of rain and snow. The openings shall be 
covered with corrosion-resistant mesh not less than 
% inch (6 mm) nor more than Vz inch (1 3 mm) in any 
direction. 

1210,1.1 VeQfllafiQg area: The minimum 
required net free ventilating area shall be 1/150 of 
the area of the space ventilated, except that the 
minimimi required area shall be reduced to 1/300, 
provided that: a vapor retarder having a 
permeance not exceeding one perm Is installed on 
the warm side of the ceiling; or at least 50%, and 
not more than 80%, of the required ventilating 
area is provided by ventilators located in the 
upper portion of the space to be ventilated at least 
three feet (914 mm) above eave or cornice vents, 
with the balance of the required ventilation 
provided by eave or cornice vents. 

1210.2 Crawl spaces: Crawl space areas, other than 
those used as an underfloor plenum, shall be 
ventilated by an approved mechanical means or by 
openings in extmot foundation walls. Openings 
shall be located as close to comers as practicable and 
shall provide cross ventilation on at least two 
approximately opposite sides. The openings shall be 
covered with corrosion-resistant mesh not less than 
% inch (6 mm) nor more than V^ inch (13 mm) in any 
direction. 



1210.2,1 Opening sis@: Openings shall have a net 
area of not less than one square foot (0.093 m^) 
for each 150 square feet (13.95 m^) of foundation 
space. Where an approved vapor retarder is 
installed over the ground surface, the required net 
area of openings shall be reduced to 0.1 square 
foot (0.093 m^) for each 150 square feet (13.95 
m^) and vents shall have manually operable 
louvers. 

1210.3 Alternative mechanical . ventilation: 
Enclosed attic, rafter and crawl spaces which are not 
ventilated ds herein required shall be equipped with 
a mechanical ventilation system conforming to the 
requirements of the mechanical code listed in 
Appendix A. 

78© CMR 1211,0 ACCESS TO CRAWL 
SPACES AND ATnCS 

1211,1 Access to crawl spaces: Access shall be 
provided to crawl spaces by an opening not less than 
18 inches (457 mm) by 24 inches (610 mm). Suck 
accesSi if common to conditioned space, shall be 

weatherstripped and shall close tightly, 

1210 Access to attics: An opening not less than 22 
inches by 30 mches (559 mm by 762 mm) with 
ready access thereto shall be provided to any attic 
area having a clear height of over 30 inches (762 
nmi). Such access, if adjoining conditioned space, 
shall be weatherstripped, and dose tightly. AH 
such access opening framing Joints shall be 
caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped, foamed or 
otherwise sealed to limit infiliration/exjiltration. 
Where doors or other openings are installed in attic 
draftstopping, such doors shall be self-closing and 
be of approved materials as specified in 780 CMR 
121 1.0, and the construction shall be tightly fitted 
aroimd all pipes, ducts or other assemblies piercing 
the draftstopping. 

780 CMR 1212,0 COURTS AND YARDS 

1212.1 General: All courts and yards required to 
serve rooms for natural light or ventilation purposes 
shall comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1212.0. 

1212 J Mmimum width: Every such court or yard 
shall have a minhnum width of three inches (76 mm) 
for each one foot (305 mm) of height or fraction 
thereof, but not less than five feet (1524 mm) for 
outer courts and twice these values for inner courts. 

1212.2.1 Irregular court or yard width: In the 
case of irregular or gore-shaped courts or yards, 
the average width shall not be less than the 
required width of a court in accordance with 
780 CMR 1212.2, but shall not be less than five 
feet (1524 mm) at any point. 



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1212 J Area of court: The cross-sectional area of a 
required court shall not be less than Wi times the 
square of its width; nor shall the length of any court 
be more than twice its width. 

1212.4 Access to court: A door or other means of 
access shall be provided at the bottom of every court 
that is not otherwise provided with convenient 
access for purposes of cleaning. 

1212.5 Air intakes: Every court which serves one or 
more habitable rooms and which does not open for 
its full height on one 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 fireresistance rated construction. Such 
intake or passage shall have a cross-sectional area of 
not less than 21 square feet (1.95 m^) and shall 
remain fully open at both ends and unobstructed for 
its &11 size and length, except that grilles of 
noncombustible construction are permitted at the 
ends of the intake. 

1212.5.1 Fireresistance rating: The walls, floors 
and ceilings of such intakes or passages shall have 
a fireresistance rating of not less than two hours in 
buildings of Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 construction and not 
less than a one-hour fireresistance rating in 
buildings of Type 5 construction. 

1212.6 Court walls: Where, in the opinion of the 
code ofiGcial, windows facing on courts do not 
receive adequate direct light by reason of peculiar 
arrangement or orientation, the code official shall 
require the walls to be constructed of light-colored 
masonry, or to be painted and maintained a light 
color to furnish additional reflected light, or shall 
require other approved means of providing 
additional light. 

1212.7 Court drainage: The bottom of every court 
shall be properly graded and drmned to a public 
sewer or other approved disposal system complying 
with the plumbing code listed in Append A\ and 
shall be paved v^th concrete or other non-absorbent 
material where required by the code official. 

780 CMR 1213.0 OBCTRUCnON OF 
COURTS AND YARDS 

1213.1 Permissible projections: Every required 
court and yard shall remain unobstructed for its 
required area and fiill height, except for the 
projections permitted in 780 CMR 1213.2 through 
1213.7. 

1213.2 Maximum encroachment: A part of any 
building or structure shall not extend into side 
courts, inner courts or yards required for light and 
ventilation oihabitahle and occupiahle rooms by the 
zoning law or other statutes controlling building 



construction. The encroachment shall not exceed 
20% of the legal area of the yard or court which is 
required for light and ventilation purposes. 

1213J Accessories: In Use Groups R and I, clothes 
poles, arbors, garden trellises and other such 
accessories shall not be prohibited in the open 
spaces at ground level. 

1213.4 Roof eaves: Roof eaves shall not project 
more than three feet (914 mm) beyond the face of 
the wall. 

1213.5 Steps and architectural features: Steps, 
window sills, beh courses and similar architectural 
features, as well as rain leaders and chimneys, shall 
not project more than two feet (610 mm) beyond the 
face of the wall, 

1213.6 Exterior stairways and fire escapes: 

Outside stairwo)^, smokeproof tower balconies, fire 
escapes or other required elements of a means of 
egress shall not projea more than four feet (1219 
mm) beyond the face of the wall. 

1213.7 Motor vehicle parking: Where approved, 
required court and yard areas for automobile parking 
spaces or private garages not exceeding one story in 
hei^t where accessory to and only for the occupants 
of a Use Group R occupancy are permitted, provided 
that required windows for light and ventilation are 
not obstructed thereby. 

780 CMR 1214.0 SOUND TRANSMISSION 
CONTROL IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

1214.1 Scope: 780 CMR 1214.0 shall apply to all 
common interior walls, partitions and floor/ceiling 
assemblies between adjacent dwelling units or 
between dwelling units and adjacent public areas 
such as halls, corridors, stairs or service areas in all 
occupancies in Use Group R. 

1214.2 Air-bome noise: Walls, partitions and 
floor/ceiling assemblies separating dwelling units 
fi'om each other or fi'om public or service areas shall 
have a sound transmission class (STC) of not less 
than 45 for air-bome noise when tested in 
accordance with ASTM E90 listed in Appendix A. 
This requirement shall not apply to dwelling unit 
entrance doors; however, such doors shall be tight 
fitting to the fi-ame and sill. 

1214.3 Structure-borne sound: Floor/ceiling 
assemblies between dwelling units or between a 
dwelling unit and a public or service area within the 
structure shall have an impact insulation class (IIC) 
rating of not less than 45 when tested in accordance 
with ASTM E492 listed in Appendix A . 



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780 CMR 1215.0 RATPROOFING 

1215.1 Eatproofing: All buildings or structures and 
the wails enclosing habitable or occupiable rooms 
and spaces in which persons live, sleep or work, or 
in which feed, food or foodstuffs are stored, 
prepared, processed, served or sold, shall be 
constructed in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR 1215.0. 

1215.2 Grade protection: Buildings not provided 
with a continuous foundation shall be provided with 
protection against rodents at grade in accordance 
with either 780 CMR 1215.2.1 or 1215.2.2. 

1215.2.1 Apron: Where an apron is pro^aded, the 
apron shall not be less than eight inches (203 mm) 
above, nor less than 24 inches (610 mm) below 
grade. In all cases the apron shall not terminate 
below the lower edge of the siding material. The 
apron shall be constructed of an approved 
nondecayable, water-resistant and ratproofing 
materia! of required strength and shall be installed 
around the entire perimeter of the building. 
Where constructed of masonry or concrete 
materials, the apron shall not be less than four 
inches (102 mm) in thickness. 

1215.2.2 Grade floors; Where continuous 
concrete grade floor slabs are provided, open 



spaces shall not be left between the slab and 
walls, and all openings in the slab shall be 
protected. 

1215.3 Opening protection: Openings shall be 
protected in accordance with 780 CMR 1215.3.2 
through 1215.3.3. 

1215.3.1 Wall openings: Openings in the wall or 
apron required for ventilation or other purposes 
shall be guarded with corrosion-resistant ratproof 
shields of not less than nominal 0.034-inch 
perforated steeJ sheets, or No. 20 B&S Gage 
aluminum (0.032 inch) or nominal 0.064-inch 
expanded steel or wire mesh screens, with not 
more than V^-inch (13 mm) mesh opemngs. 

1215.3.2 Slab openings: Access openings in 
grade floor slabs shall be protected with concrete, 
masonry, metal or other corrosion-resistant 
noncombustible cover of adequate strength to 
support the floor loads. 

1215.J.3 Pipe and conduit openings: All openings 
for pipe, conduit, cable and similar purposes at or 
near grade shall have snugly fitted collars to 
eliminate all open spaces. 



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NON-TEXT PAGE 



208 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 13 



ENERGY CONSERVATION 
(This Chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 

NOTE; The provisions of Chapter 13 specified herein apply to projects for which pennit applications are made after 
January 1,2001. 

Exception 1: Between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2001, projects may utilize either the provisions of Chapter 13 as 
specified herein, or the provisions of Chapter 13 specified in 780 CMR Sixth Edition effective 2/28/97. 
Exception 2: Tables i305.3.3a through f (HVAC equipment performance requirements) do not take effect until 
October 29, 2001- 



780 CMR 1301.0 ADMIMSTRATCON 

1301.1 Scope: 780 CMR 13 sets forth requirements 
for the effective use of energy in structures other 
than low rise residential buildings, which shall be 
designed and constructed to comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR APPENDIX J. 

ExceptioE: For the purposes of energy 
conservation, Use Group R-1 buildings are to be 
treated as commercial buildings. 

1301.2 Compliance: Buildings shall be deemed to 
be in compliance with 780 CMR 13 when built to 
the provisions of 780 CMR 1301 and 1303, and 
either: 

1. 780 CMR 1303 through 1308; or 

2, 780 CMR 1309. 

Exceptloii: As an alternative to the provisions 
of 780 CMR 1304, buildings with total floor 
area not greater than 10,000 square feet may be 
designed and constructed using the envelope 
requirements of 780 CMR APPENDIX J. 

1301^.1 Heating, Piiinpimg, Process Piping and 
Refrigeration Systems: Heating, pumping, 
process piping and refrigeration systems shall be 
installed by contractors and personnel 
appropriately licensed in the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts (Installing Contractor). Engineered 
designs and specifications prepared by Registered 
Professional Engineers shall identify systems 
requiring compliance with appropriate sections of 
M.G.L. c. 146 and 528 CMR. Shop drawings and 
design layout prepared by licensed installing 
contractors shall note the name(s), license 
number(s) and license expiration date(s) of the 
contractor(s) installing the heating, pumping, 
process piping and refrigeration systems. (See 
Installing Contractor Definition 780 CMR 202.0). 

13013 Other Regulations: 780 CMR 23 is not 
intended to abridge any safety or health provisions 
required under any other applicable codes or 
ordinances. 

1301,4 Existing Biuldings: Nothing in 780 CMR 13 
shall require the removal, alteration, or abandon- 
ment, or prevent the continuance of the use and 
occupancy of, a lawfully existing building, unless 



provided othenvise specifically by 780 CMR 13. 

1301J Additions to Existing Buildings: Additions 
to existing buildings or structures shall be made 
without making the entire building or structure 
comply. The new construction shall conform to the 
provisions of 780 CMR 13 as they relate to the 
addition only. 

13©lo6 Alterations to Existing Buildings: See 
780 CMR 3407. 

1301o7 Exempt BiiiMlngs: The following buildings 
are exempt from the further provisions of 780 CMK 
13, with the exception of 780 CMR 1308,0 dealing 
with lighting requirements: 

1. Buildings and structures or portions thereof 
whose peak design rate of energy usage is less 
than one watt per square foot or three and four 
tenths (3.4) Btu/h per square foot of floor area for 
all purposes; 

2. Buildings and structures or portions thereof 
which are neither heated nor cooled; 

3. Greenhouses that arc 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 100 square feet of 
gross floor area. 

5. Portions of aircraft hangars where aircraft are 
housed or stored and/or aircraft servicing, repairs 
or alterations may occur. Such hangars are also 
exempt from the lighting requirements of 
780 CMR 1308. 

BOlog Plans and Specifications 

130U.1 General: Plans, specifications and 
necessary computations shall be submitted to 
indicate conformance with 780 CMR 1301.8 and 
other applicable sections of 780 CMR. Submittals 
shall include Mandatory Checklist approved by 
the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. 

1301,82 Constructloia Details: Compliance 
documents shall show all pertinent data and 
features of the buildings equipment, and systems in 
sufficient detail to permit a determination of the 
con^liance by the building official and to indicate 



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compliance with the requirements of this standard. 
Supplemental information necessary to verify 
compliance with this standard, such as 
calculations, worksheets, compliance forms, 
vendor literature, or other data, shaU be made 
available when required by the building official 

1301.SJ Calculation Procedures: Calculation 
procedures shall be in accordance with the 
ASHRAE Handbook, 1997 Fundamentals Volume 
or as otherwise specified in 780 CMR 13. 

1301.8.4 Approval and Acceptance of Heating, 
Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAQ; 
Lighting; and Electric Distribution Systems: 

1301.8.4.1 Construction Documents: The 

constraction documents shall contain sufficient 
information to completely describe the heating, 
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); 
lighting; and electric power distribution 
systems, including operational features and 
controls. The information required for each 
system shall include a summary of: 

1. A description of the design intent 
providing a detailed explanation of the ideas, 
concepts and criteria that are defined by the 
owner to be important. 

2. A description of the basis of design of 
the systems including all information 
necessary to prepare a design to accomplish 
the design intent. 

3. A description of the sequence of 
operation of the systems and their interaction 
with other systems, including fire prevention 
and fire protection systems. 

4. A description of the systems including 
the capacities of the equipment or systems. 

5. A description of the testing requirements 
and the criteria for passing to be used for 
final systems acceptance. 

6. A requirement for submittal of operation 
manuals and maintenance manuals as a 
condition of final acceptance, and a 
description of their format and content The 
operation manual shall provide all relevant 
information needed for day-to-day operation 
and management of each system. The 
maintenance manual shall describe 
equipment inventory and support the 
maintenance program. 

7. A requirement for submittal of record 
drawings and control documents as a 
condition of final acceptance, per 780 CMR 
116.0. 

1301.8.4^ Approval: Approval by the 
building official of the design concepts, testing 
procedures, and acceptance criteria of 



780 CMR 1301.8.4.1, 1. through 7., is not 
required, but the building official shall reject 
the construction documents if these sections are 
incomplete, or if they specify any design 
elements that violate other requirements of 
780 CMR. 

1301.8.4 J Design: All HVAC, lighting, and 
electric power distribution systems including 
sequence of operation, controls and supporting 
documentation shall be designed and specified 
by a qualified Registered Professional Engineer 
except as provided in M.G.L. c. 143, § 54A and 
any profession or trade as provided in M.G.L. 
c, 112, § 60L and M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R. The 
Registered Professional Engineer(s) or other 
legally recognized professional (M.G.L. c. 1 12, 
§ 81R) shall be responsible for the review and 
certification that all submittals and shop 
drawings conform to the approved HVAC, 
lighting, and electric power distribution 
construction documents as submitted for the 
building permit and approved by the building 
official, per 780 CMR 11 6.0. 

1301.8.4.4 Acceptance: hi accordance with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 120, a certificate of 
occupancy shall not issue until the building 
official or his designees have witnessed a 
satisfactory test of all HVAC, lighting control, 
and electric power distribution systems 
installed in accordance with the construction 
documents. All systems shall be tested in 
accordance with the applicable standards of 
780 CMR and documents. In addition, the 
following documents shall be simultaneously 
submitted to the building official prior to the 
issuance of a permanent certificate of 
occupancy. 

1. Certification from the Registered 
Professional, as allowed in 780 CMR 1 16.2. 
stating that the HVAC, lighting, and electric 
power distribution systems have been 
installed in substantial accord with the 
approved construction documents. 

2. Confirmation by the building owner/ 
developer or authorized representative that 
they have received all HVAC, lighting, and 
electric power distribution system record 
drawings irom the installing contractors and 
that the Registered Professional Engineer or 
other legally recognized professional 
(M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R) has reviewed their 
reasonable accuracy. 

3. Confinnation by the building owner/ 
developer or authorized representative that 
they have received all construction 
documents required in 780 CMR 1301 .8.4. 1 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



including reports, controls documentation, 
operation manual(s) and maintenance 
manual(s). 

Exceptiou: In lieu of witnessing a 
satisfactory functional test, the building 
official or their designees may accept a final 
performance acceptance test report from a 
Registered Professional Engineer or other 
legally recognized professional (M.G.L. 
c. 112, § 81R). Said report shall certify that 
the systems have been tested and 
satisfactorily meet their performance 
requirements. 

1301<,8.4.5 Unsafe Lighting and Yentilatloiffi: 
The building official may require or accept the 
documentation required in 780 CMR 
1301.8.4.4 in enforcing the provisions of 
780 CMR 3400.6. 

1301.8.4.6 Conditional Acceptance: The 
requirements of 780 CMR 1301.8.4.4 shall not 
preclude the issuance of a temporary certificate 
of occupancy by the Building Official in 
accordance with 780 CMR 120.3 as long as it 
can be demonstrated that compliance can be 
accomplished with the building occupied. 

1301.9 Materials and Eqisipment 

1301.9.1 Identification: Where practicable, all 
materials and equipment referenced in 780 CMR 
1301.8 shall be marked in order to show 
compliance with 780 CMR 13. 

1301.9.2 Maintenance Information: Service 
systems which require preventive maintenance to 
maintain efficient operation shall be furnished 
with complete necessary maintenance 
information. Required routine maintenance 
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. 

1301.9.3" Fenestration and Doors: Product 
samples used for determining fenestration 
performance shall be production line units or 
representative of units as purchased by the 
consumer or contractor. 

1301.9.3.1 U-Factor; U-factors shall be 
determined in accordance with AAMA 1 503 or 
NFRC 100. U-factors for skylights shall be 
determined in accordance with NFRC 100. 
U -factor shall be determined by an independent 
laboratory accredited by a nationally 
recognized accreditation organization and shall 
be certified by the manufacturer. 

Exceptions; If a manufacturer of windows, 
window systems, skylights, glazed or unglazed 
door has, not determined product U-value in 
accordance with 1301.9.3.1, compliance with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 13 shall be 
determined only by assigning such products- a 
default U-value in accordance with Table 
1301.9.3.1a or 1301.9.3,1b. Product features 
must be verifiable for the product to qualify for 
the default value associated with those features. 
Where existence of a particular feature cannot 
be determined with reasonable certainty, the 
product shall not receive credit for that feature. 
Where a composite of materials from two 
different product types is used, the product 
shall be assigned the higher U-vaiue. 

For garage doors, NAGDM 105 shall be an 
acceptable alternate for determining U Factor. 



Table 1301.93.1a 
U-Value Default Table for Windows, Curtain Walls, and Skylights* 



Frame Material and Product Type'* 


Single 
Glazed 


T,^ ., Double 

„„ , Glazed 
Glazed , 

Low-e' 


Triple 
Glazed 


Triple 
Glazed 
Low-e' 


Meta! withoal Thermal Break 

Windows 

Curtain Walls 

Skylight 

Site-assembled sloped/overhead glazing 


1.27 
1.22 
1.98 
1.36 


0.87 
0.79 
1.31 
0.82 


0.79 
0.70 
1.20 
0.71 


0.72 
0.63 

1.12 
0.64 


0.69 
0.59 
1.08 
0.60 


Metal with Thermal Break 

Windows 

Curtain Walls 

Skylight 

Site-assembled sloped/overhead glazing 


1.07 
1.11 
1.89 
1.25 


0.63 
0.68 
1. 11 
0.70 


0.54 
0.59 
1.00 
0.60 


0.48 
0.52 
0.89 
0.53 


0.44 
0.48 
0.85 
0.49 


WoodA'inyl/Fiberglass 

Windows 

Skylight 


0.98 
1.47 


0.56 0.48 0.41 
0.84 0.74 0.64 


0.37 
0J9 



Certain values in this table do not meet the limits of 780CMR 1304.2, Prescriptive Building Envelope Criteria, or 
780 CMR 1305, Building Envelope Trade-Off Option, and may be used only when demonstrating compliance using 
780CMR 1 309, Building Design by Systems Analysis. 

"' Glass block assemblies with mortar but without reinforcing or framing shall have a default value of 0.60. 
' Presence of low-e coating must be certified in writing by the manufacturer. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 1301.93.1b 
U-value Default Table for Doors 



Door Type 


Opaque 


0.70 


Glass 


0.92 


Air Lock Entry 


0.50 


Revolving 


0.50 


Overhead 


L45 



1301.9.3.2 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: 

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for the 
overall fenestration area shall be determined in 
accordance with NFRC 200. Solar heat gain 
coefficient shall be determined by an 
independent laboratory accredited by a 
nationally recognized accreditation 
organization and shall be certified by the 
manufacturer. 

Exception: If a manufacturer of windows, 
window systems, skylights, glazed or unglazed 
door has not determined product Solar Heat 
Gain Coefficient in accordance with 780 CMR 
1301.9.3.2, compliance with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 13 shall be determined only by 
assigning such products a default SHGC in 
accordance with Table 1301.9.3.2. Credit for 



low-e coating may be taken only if presence of 
such coating is certified in writing by the 
manufacturer. 

1301.9.3.3 Visible Light Transmittance: 

When 780 CMR 1304.5 is used with 
daylighting credit, visible light transmittance 
shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 
200. Visible light transmittance shall be 
determined by an independent laboratory 
accredited by a nationally recognized 
accreditation organization and shall be certified 
by the manufacturer. 

Exception: If a manufacturer of windows, 
window systems, skylights, glazed or unglazed 
door has not determined product Visible Light 
Transmittance in accordance with 780 CMR 
1301.9.3.3, compliance with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 13 shall be determined only by 
assigning such products a default VLT in 
accordance with Table 1301.9.3.2. Credit for 
low-e coating may be taken only if presence of 
such coating is certified in writing by the 
manufacturer. 



Table 1301.9.3.2 
SHGC and VLT Default Table for Fenestration" 





Glass Type 


Metal Frame 


Non-Metal Frame 


SHGC VLT 


SHGC VLT 


Single Glazed i 


Clear 

Tinted 

Reflective 


0.78 
0.67 
0.53 


0.80 
0.61 
0.37 


0.76 
0.65 
0.52 


0.78 1 

0.59 

0.36 I 


Double Glazed || 


Clear 

Tinted 

Reflective 


0.68 
0.57 
0.46 


0.72 
0.55 
0.32 


0.66 
0.56 
0.45 


0.70 II 

0.54 

0.31 1 


Double Glazed L 


ow-e 


fl 


Clear 

Tinted 

Reflective 


0.64 
0.59 
0.46 


0.68 
0.50 
0.32 


0.63 
0.58 
0.45 


0.66 
0.49 
0.31 1 


Triple Glazed | 


Clear 

Tinted 

Reflective 


0.61 
0.42 
0.36 


0.66 
0.22 
0.25 


0.60 
0.41 
0.35 


0.64 
0.22 
0.25 


Triple Glazed Lo 


w-e 


8 


Clear 

Tinted 

Reflective 


0.57 
0.42 
0.36 


0.61 
0.33 
0.25 


0.56 
0.41 
0.35 


0.59 
0.32 
0.25 



'Presence of low-e coating must be certified in writing by the manufacturer. 



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ENERGY CONSERVATION 



780 CMR 13010 DEFINITIONS 

1302,,1 Meanmg: Unless otherwise expressly stated, 
the following terms shall, for the purpose of 
780 CMR Chapter 13, have the meaning indicated 
below. 

1302.2 TcMse, Gender and Number: Words used 
in the present 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. 

1302.3 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 electrical wiring shall 
have their terms as defined by the Regulations of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts pertaining to 
plumbing and electrical wiring. 

Accessible (as Applied to Equipment): Admitting 
close approach because not guarded by locked doors, 
elevation or other effective means (see "Readily 
accessible"). 

Air Conditioning, Comfort: The process of 
treating air so as to control simultaneously its 
temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution 
to meet requirements of the conditioned space. 

Air Transport Factor: The ratio of the rate of 
useful sensible heat removal from the conditioned 
space to the energy input to the supply and return fan 
motor(s), expressed in consistent units and under the 
designated operating conditions. 

Automatic: Self-acting, operating by its own 
mechanism when actuated by some impersonal 
influence, as, for example, a change in current 
strength, pressure, temperature or mechamcal 
configuration (see "Manual"). 

Ballast: A device used in conjunction with an 
electric-discharge lamp to cause the lamp to start and 
operate under the proper circuit conditions of 
voltage, current, wave form, electrode heat, etc. 

Electronic Ballast: A ballast constructed using 

electronic circuitry. 

HybrM Ballast: A ballast constructed using a 

combination of magnetic core and insulated wire 

winding and electronic circuitry. 

Magnetic Ballast: A ballast constructed with 

magnetic core and a winding of insulated wire. 

Below-grade Wall: The opaque portion of a wall 
which encloses one side of a basement and is 
partially or totally below grade. 

Boiler: An appliance designed to heat water or 
generate steam (see "Packaged boiler".) 



Building Area: The greatest horizontal area of a 
building above grade within the outside surface of 
exterior walls or within the outside surface of 
exterior wall and the center line of fire walls. 

Building Envelope: The elements of a building 
which enclose conditioned spaces through which 
thermal energy may be transferred to or from the 
exterior or to or from unconditioned spaces or other 
spaces exempted by the provisions of 780 CMR 
1301.7. 

Building Entrance: Any doorway, set of doors, 
turnstiles, or other form of portal that is ordinarily 
used to gain access to the building by its users and 
occupants. 

Building Grounds Lighting: Lighting provided 
through a building's electrical service for parking lot, 
site, roadway, pedestrian pathway, loading dock, and 
security appUcations. 

Building Project: A building or group of buildings, 
including on-site energy conversion or 
electric-generating facilities, which utilize a single 
submittal for a construction permit or are within the 
boundary of a contiguous area under one ownership. 

Coefficient of Performance (COP) = Heat Pump ° 
Heating: The ratio of the rate of heat delivered to 
the rate of energy input, in consistent units, for a 
complete heat pump system under designated 
operating conditions. 

Comfort: The physical conditions represented in the 
area on a psychometric chart enclosing all those 
conditions described in Figure 1 in ASHRAE 55, as 
listed in Appendix A, as being comfortable. 

Commercial BulWing: For purposes of energy 
conservation, a conmiercial building is any building 
other than a low-rise residential building, as defined 
in 780 CMR J2.0. 

ConditloBned Floor Area: The horizontal projection 
of that portion of interior space which is contained 
within exterior walls and which is conditioned 
directly or indirectly by an energy-using system, 

Conditlomed Face: Space within a building which 
is provided with positive heat supply (see definition), 
or which has heated and/or cooled air or surfaces, or 
where required, with humidification or 
dehumidification means so as to be capable of 
maintaining a space condition falling within the 
comfort zone set forth in ASHRAE 55, as listed in 
Appendix A. 



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Continuous Insulation (ci): Insulation that is 
continuous across all structural members without any 
thermal bridges, excluding fasteners and service 
openings. It is installed on the interior, exterior, r 
integral to any opaque surface of the building 
envelope. 

Control Device: A specialized device used to 
regulate the operation of equipment. 

Dead Band: The temperature range in which no 
heating or cooling is used. 

Degree Day, Cooling (CDD): A unit, based upon 
temperature difference and time, used in estimating 
cooling energy consumption. For any one day, when 
the mean temperature is more than 65 °F, there are as 
many degree days as degrees Fahrenheit temperature 
difference between the mean temperature for the day 
and 65 °F. Annual Cooling Degree Days (CDD) are 
the sum of the degree days over a calendar year. 

Degree Day, Heating (HDD): 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 temperature is less than 50°F, there exists 
as many degree days as there are Fahrenheit degrees 
difference in temperature between the meai? 
temperature for the day and 50°F. Annual Heating 
Degree Days (HDD) are the sum of the degree days 
over a calendar year. 

Design Conditions: Specified environmental 
conditions, such as temperature and light intensity, 
required to be produced and maintained by a system 
and under which the system must operate. 

Direct Digital Control (DDC): A type of control 
where controlled and monitored analog or binary 
data (e.g., temperature, contact closures) are 
converted to digital format for manipulation and 
calculations by a digital computer or microprocessor, 
then converted back to analog or binary form to 
control physical devices. 

Distribution System: Conveying means, such as 
ducts, pipes, and wires, to bring substances or energy 
from a source to the point of use. The distribution 
system includes such auxiliary equipment as fans, 
pumps, and transformers. 

Door: All operable opening areas (which are not 
fenestration) in the building envelope, including 
swinging and roll-up doors, fire doors, and access 
hatches. Doors that are more than one-half glass are 
considered fenestration. (See Fenestration.) For the 
purposes of determining building envelope 
requirements, the classifications are defined as 
follows: 



Non-swinging: Roll-up, sliding, and all other 
doors that are not swinging doors. 
Swinging: All operable opaque panels with 
hinges on one side and opaque revolving doors. 

Door Area: Total area of the door measured using 
the rough opening and including the door slab and 
the frame. (See "Fenestration area.") 

Economizer, Air: A duct and damper arrangement 
and automatic control system that together allows a 
cooling system to supply outside air to reduce or 
eliiTiinate the need for mechanical coojing during 
mild or cold weather. 

Economizer, Water: A system by which the supply 
air of a cooling system is cooled indirectly with 
water that is itself cooled by heat or mass transfer to 
the environment without the use of mechanical 
cooling. 



Efficiency: 

conditions. 



Performance at specified rating 



Efficiency, HVAC System: The ratio of useful 
energy output (at the point of use) to the energy input 
in consistent units for a designated time period, 
expressed in percent. 

Emergency Power System: A system that operates 
in the event of primary system failure or provides 
power to essential loads during power supply 
outages. 

Enclosed Space: A volume substantially 
surrounded by solid surfaces such as walls, floors, 
roofs, and openable devices such as doors and 
operable windows. 

Enclosure: The case or housing of an apparatus, or 
the fence or walls surrounding an installation, to 
prevent personnel from accidentally contacting 
energized parts or protect equipment from physical 
damage. 

Energy: The capacity for doing work taking a 
number of forms which may be transformed from 
one into another, such as thermal (heat), mechanical 
(work), electrical and chemical in customary units, 
measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal 
units (Btu). 

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): The ratio of net 
equipment cooling capacity in Btu/h to total rate of 
electric input in watts (W) under designated 
operating conditions. If the output capacity in Btu/h 
is converted to watts (to create consistent units) the 
result is equal to the cooling COP (EER 3.41 = 
COP.) See also Coefficient of Performance. 



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ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Energy, Recovered: (See "Recovered energy.") 

Exfiltratlon: The uncontrolled outward air leakage 
through cracks and interstices in any building 
element and around windows and doors of abuilding 
caused by the pressure effects of wind and/or the 
effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air 
density. 

Existing Buildiiigs: For purposes of energy 
conservation, and existing building which has been 
legally occupied and/or used for a period of at least 
five years. (Also see 780 CMR 2.0 and 780 CMR 
3400.3.1.) 



Exterior Lightmg Power AMowamce: 
"Lighting power allowance,") 



(See 



Facade Area, Vertical: Area of the facade, 
including nonhorizontal roof area, overhangs, and 
cornices, measured in elevation in a vertical plane 
parallel to the plane of the face of the building. 

.F-facton The perimeter heat loss factor for 
slab-on-grade floors, expressed in Btu/h*ft*°F. 

Fail System Energy Demand (or Fam System 
power): The sum of the nominal power demand 
• (nameplate horsepower ) of motors of all fans that 
are required to operate at design conditions to supply 
air from the heating or cooling source to the 
conditioned space(s) and return it to the source or 
exhaust It to the outdoors. 

Fenestration: AH areas (including the frames) in 
the building envelope that let in light, including 
windows, plastic panels, clerestories, skylights, glass 
doors that aie more than one-half glass^ and glass 
block walls. (See Building envelope and Door.) 
Skylight: A fenestration surface having a slo|^ of 
less than 60" from the horizontal plane. Other 
fenestration, even if mounted on the roof of a 
building, is considered vertical fenestration. 
Vertical Fenestratloii: All fenestration other 
than sl^llghts. 

Fenestratioffi Area: Total area of the fenestration 
measured usmg the rough opening and including ^e 
glazing, sash, and frame. For doors where the glazed 
vision area is less than 50% of the door area, the 
fenestration area is the glazed vision area. For all 
other doors, the fenestration area is the door area. 
(See "Door area.") 



Fenestratloii, Vertical: 
"SkyUght.") 



(See "Fenestration" and 



Fixture: The component of a luminaire that houses 
the lamp or lamps, positions the lamp, shields it 



from view, and distributes the light The fixture also 
provides for connection to the power supply, which 
may require the use of a ballast. 

Floor: That lower portion of the building envelope, 
including opaque area and fenestration, that has 
conditioned or semiheated space above and is 
horizontal or tilted at an angle of less than 60 
degrees from horizontal but excluding slab-on-grade 
floors. For the purposes of determining building 
envelope requirements, the classifications are 
defined as follows: 
Mass Floor: A floor with a heat capacity that 
exceeds (1) sevenBtu/ft^+'For (2) fiveBtu/ft^* T 
provided that the floor has a material unit weight 
not greater than 120 lb/ft'. 
Steel Joist Floor: A floor that (1) is not a mass 
floor and (2) which has steel joist members 
supported by structural members. 
Wood Framed and Other Floors: All other 
floor types, including wood joist floors. 
(See "Building envelope", "Fenestration", "Opaque 
area", and "Slab-on-grade floor.") 

Floor Area, Gross: The sum of the floor areas of 
the spaces within the building including basements, 
mezzanine and intermediate-floored tiers, and 
penthouses with headroom height of 7.5 ft (2.3 m) or 
greater. It is measured from the exterior faces of 
exterior walls or from the centerline of walls 
separating buildings, but excluding covered 
walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and 
smular spaces, pipe trenches, exterior terraces or 
steps, chimneys, roof oveAangs, and similar 
features. 

Gross Building Envelope Floor Area: The gross 

floor area of the building envelope, but excluding 

slab-on-grade floors. 

Gross Conditioned Floor Area: The gross floor 

area of conditioned spaces. 

Gross Lighted Floor Area: The gross floor area 

of lighted spaces. 

Gmss Semiheated Floor Area: The gross floor 

area of semiheated spaces. 
(See "Buildmg envelope", "Floor", "Slab-on-grade 
floor," and "Space.") 

Floe Damper: A device in the flue outlet or in ILhe 
inlet of or upstream of the draft control device of an 
individual, automatically operated, fossil fiiel-fired 
appliance that is designed to automatically open the 
flue outlet during appliance operation and to 
automatically close the flue outlet when the 
appliance is in a standby condition. 

Fossil Fed: An organic material, other than wood, 
used as a fuel. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Footcandle (fc): The illuminance on a surface one 
ft^ in area on which there is a uniformly distributed 
flux of one Im, or the illununance produced on a 
surface all points of which are at a distance of one ft 
from a directionally uniform point source of 1 cd. 
(For SI users, one footcandle equals 10.76 lux.) 

Furnace^ Duct: A furnace normally installed in 
distribution ducts of air conditioning systems to 
supply warm air for heating and which depends on a 
blower not furnished as part of the duct furnace for 
air circulation. 

Furnace, Warm Air: A self-contained, 
indirect-fired or electrically heated fumace that 
supplies heated air through ducts to spaces that 
require it. 

Glazed Wall System: A category of site assembled 
fenestration products used in the NFRC 100 and 
NFRC 200 rating procedures which includes, but is 
not liinited to, curtainwalls and solariums. 

Grade: The finished ground level adjoining a 
building at all exterior walls. ' 

Glazing Area: Interior surface area of all glazed 
surfaces (such as windows, sliding glass doors, 
skylights, etc.), sash, curbing, jambs, or other 
framing elements that enclose conditioned spaces. 

Gross Area of Exterior Walls: The normal 
projection of the building envelope wall area 
bounding interior space which is conditioned by an 
energy-using systeih including opaque wall, window 
and door area. 

The gross area of exterior walls consists of all 
opaque wall areas, including between floor 
spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and 
basement knee waUs, walls enclosing a mansard 
roof, window areas including sash, and door areas 
when such surfaces are exposed to outdoor air, 
unconditioned spaces, or mechanically cooled space, 
including interstitial areas between two such spaces. 
For each basement wall that encloses heated space, 
if the average below-grade area is less than 50% of 
the total area for that wall, including openings, the 
entire wall, including the below-grade portion is 
included as part of the gross area of exterior walls. 
Non-opaque areas (windows, doors, etc.) of all 
basement walls are included in the gross area of 
exterior walls. (Note: if the basement is not heated 
space, and if the basement ceiling is insulated, then 
the basement walls are not included in the gross area 
of exterior walls. 



Gross floor area: The sum of the areas of the 
several floors of the building, including basements, 
cellars, mezzanine and intermediate floored tiers and 
penthouses of headroom height, measured from the 
exterior faces of exterior walls or from the center 
line of walls separating buildings, but excluding: 

1. covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, 
porches and similar spaces. 

2. pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, 
chimneys, roof overhangs and similar features. 

Heat: The form of energy that is transferred by 
virtue of a temperature difference or a change in 
state of a material. 

Heated Space: Space within a building which is 
provided with a positive heat supply. Space within 
a basement with registers or heating devices 
designed to supply heat to a basement space shall 
automatically define that space as heated space. 

Humidistat: An automatic control device used to 
maintsiin humidity at a fixed or adjustable set point. 

BTVAC: Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. 

HTVAC System: The equipment, distribution 
network, and terminals that provide either 
collectively or individually the processes of heating, 
ventilating, or air conditioning to a building. 

HVAC System Components: HVAC system com- 
ponents provide, in one or more factory-assembled 
packages, means for chilling and/or heating water 
with controlled temperature for delivery to terminal 
units serving the conditioned spaces of the building. 
Types of HVAC system components include, but are 
not limited to, water chiller packages, reciprocating 
condensing units and water source (hydronic) heat 
pumps (See "HVAC system equipment"). 



HVAC System EfGciency: 

HVAC system.") 



(See "Efficiency, 



HVAC System Equipment: HVAC system 
equipment provides, in one (single package) or more 
(split system) factory-assembled packages, means for 
air circulation, air cleaning, air cooling with control- 
led temperature and dehumidification, and, option- 
ally, either alone or in combination with a heating 
plant, the functions ofheating and humidifying. The 
cooling function may be either electrically or heat 
operated and the refrigerant condenser may be air, 
water or evaporatively cooled. Where the equipment 
is provided in more than one package, the separate 
packages shall by designed by the manufacturer to be 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



used together. The equipment may provide the 
heating function as a heat pump or by the use of 
electric or fossil-fuel-fired elements. (The word 
"equipment" used without modifying adjective may, 
in accordance with common industry usage, apply 
either to HV AC system equipment or HV AC system 
components.) 

Indirectly Conditioned Space: (See "Space.") 

In^ltratlon: 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 outdoor air 
density. 

Installed Interior Lighting Power: The power in 
watts of all permanently-installed general, task, and 
fbmiture lighting systems and luminaires as 
indicated on plans and specifications. 

Integrated Part-load Value (IPLV): A single 
number figure of merit based on part-load EER or 
COP expressing part-load efficiency for 
air-conditioning and heat pump equipment on the 
basis of weighted operation at various load 
capacities for the equipment. 



Interior Lighting Power Alowance: 
"Lighting power allowance.") 



(See 



Isolation Devices: Devices that Isolate HVAC 
zones so that they can be operated independently of 
one another. Isolation devices include, but are not 
limited to, separate systems, isolation dampers, and 
controls providing shutoff at terminal boxes. 

Lighting Power Alowance: 
Interior Lighting Power Alowance: The 
maximum lighting power in watts allowed for the 
interior of a building. 

E3£terior Lighting Power Allowance: The 
maximum lighting power in watts allowed for the 
exterior of a building. 

Llglitlng Power Density (LFB): The maximum 
lighting power per unit area of a building 
classification of space function. 

Low-rise Residential Buildings: Residential 
occupancy buildings (R-2, R-3, R-4, or R-5) three 
stories or less in height (Exception: For purposes of 
energy conservation, R-1 use group buildings shall 
be treated as commercial buildings as defined in 
780CMRJ2.0.) 

Lumen (Im): The luminous flux emitted within a 
unit solid angle (one steradian) by a point source 
having a uniform Imninpus intensity of one cd. 



Lumlnalre: A complete lighting unit consisting of 
a lamp or lamps together with the housing designed 
to distribute the light, position and protect the lamps, 
and connect the lamps to the power supply. 

Manufacturer: The company engaged in the 
original production and assembly of products or 
equipment or a company that purchases such 
products and equipment manufactured in accordance 
with company specifications. 

Manual: Capable of being operated by personal 
intervention (See "Automatic") 

Multi-family dwelling: A building containing three 
or more dwelling units. 

Net Area of Exterior Walls: The gross area of 
exterior walls, minus the total rough openmg area of 
all windows and doors set in the exterior walls. 

Nondepletable Energy Sources: Sources of energy 
(excluding minerals and solid fuels) derived from 
incoming solar radiation, including natural 
daylighting and photosynthetic processes; from 
phenomena resulting therefrom, including wind, 
waves and tides, lake or pond thermal differences; 
and from the internal beat of the earth, including 
nocturnal thermal exchanges. 

Nonredroilatlng System: A domestic or service 
hot water distribution system that is not a 
recirculating system. 

Occupant Sensor: A device that detects the 
presence or absence of people within an area and 
causes lighting, equipment, or appliances to be 
regulated accordingly. 

Opaq[ise Areas: All exposed areas of a building 
envelope which enclose conditioned space, except 
openings for windows, skylights, doors and building 
service systems. 

Outdoor Air: Air taken from the outdoors, (i.e. - 
not previously circulated through the HVAC 
system.) 

Packaged BoOen A boiler that is shipped complete 
with heating equipment, mechanical draft 
equipment, and automatic controls; usually shipped 
in one or more sections. 

Plenum: An enclosure that is part of the air 
distribution system and is distinguished by having 
almost uniform air pressure. A plenum often is 
formed in part or in total by portions of the building. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Pool: A body of non-potable water contained in a 
human-made stracture intended and large enough for 
substantial immersion of one or more people. The 
term includes but is not limited to swimming pool, 
whirlpool, spa, hot tub. 

Positive Heat Supply: Heat deliberately supplied to 
a space by design, such as a supply register, radiator 
or heating element Also, heat indirectly supplied to 
a space through uninsulated surfaces of service water 
heaters and space heating components, such as 
furnaces, boilers and heating and cooling distribution 
systems which continually maintain air temperature 
within the space of 50°F. or higher during normal 
operation. 

Projection Factor (PF): The ratio of the horizontal 
depth of the external shading projection divided by 
the sum of the height of the fenestration and the 
distance from the top of the fenestration to the 
bottom of the farthest point of the external shading 
projection, in consistent units. 

Proposed Design: A description of the proposed 
building design used to estimate annual energy costs 
for determining compliance based on 780 CMR 
1309. 

Rated R-value of Insulation: The theimal 
resistance of the insulation alone as specified by the 
manufacturer according to recognized trade and 
engineering standards in units of h*ft2*'*F/Btu at a 
mean temperature of 75 *F. Rated R-value refers to 
the thennal resistance of the added insiilation in 
framing cavities or insulated sheathing only and does 
not include the thermal resistance of other building 
materials or air films. (See "Thennal resistance.") 

Readily Accessible: Capable of being reached 
quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, 
without requiring those to whom ready access is 
requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to 
resort to portable ladders or access equipment (see 
"Accessible.") 

RecooUng: The removal of heat by sensible cooling 
of the supply air (directly or indirectly) that has been 
previously heated above the temperature to which 
the air is to be supplied to the conditioned space for 
proper control of the temperature of that space. 



Record Drawings: Drawings that record the 
conditions of the project as constructed. These 
include any refinements of the construction or bid 
documents. 

Recovered Energy: Energy utilized which would 
otherwise be wasted (i.e., not contribute to a desired 
end use) from an energy utilization system. 

Reheat: The application of sensible heat to supply 
air that has been previously cooled below the 
temperature of the conditioned space by either 
mechanical refrigeration or the introduction of 
outdoor air to provide cooling. 

Reset: Adjustment of the set point of a control 
instrument to a higher or lower value automatically 
or manually to conserve energy. 

Roof Assembly: A roof assembly shall be 
considered as all components of the roofi'ceiling 
envelope through which heat flows, thus creating a 
building transmission heat loss or gain, where such 
assembly is exposed to outdoor air and encloses a 
heated or mechanically cooled space. 

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. 

Sequence: A consecutive series of operations. 

Service Systems: All energy-using systems in a 
building that are operated to provide services for the 
occupants or processes housed therein, including 
HVAC, service water heating, illumination, 
transportation, cooking or food preparation, 
laundering and similar functions. 

Service Water Heating: Supply of hot water for 
purposes other than space heating. 

Setback: Reduction of heating (by reducing the set 
pomt) or cooling (by increasing the setpoint) during 
hours when a bmlding is unoccupied or during 
periods when lesser demand is acceptable. 

Slab-on-grade: A floor slab for which the top edge 
of the perimeter is above the finished grade or 12 
inches or less below the finished grade. 



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ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Solar Energy Source: Source of natural daylighting 
and of thermal, chemical or electrical energy derived 
directly from conversion oif incident solar radiation. 

Solar Heat Gam Coefficient (SHGC): The ratio of 
the solar heat gain entering the space through the 
fenestration area to the incident solar radiation. 
Solar heat gain includes directly transmitted solar 
heat and absorbed solar radiation, which is then 
reradiated, conducted, or convected into the space. 
(See fenestration area.) 

Standard Design: A version of the proposed design 
that meets the minimum requirements of 780 CMR 
1300 and is used to determine the annual energy 
usage for determining compliance based on 
780 CMR 1309. 

System: A combination of central or terminal 
equipment or components and/or controls, 
accessories, interconnecting means, and terminal 
devices by which energy is transformed so as to 
perform a specific function, such as HVAC, service 
water heating or illumination. 

Thermal Conductance (C): Time rate of heat flow 
through a body (frequently per unit area) from one of 
its bounding surfaces to the other for a unit 
temperature difference between the two surfaces, 
under steady conditions (Btu/h*ft*2*°F). 

Thermal Resistance (R): The reciprocal of thermal 
conductance (h*fl*2*°F/Btu). 

Thermal Resistance, Overall (Ro): The reciprocal 
of overall thermal conductance (h*ft*2*°F /Btu) 
[(m2.k)AVJ. The overall thermal resistance of the 
gross area or individual component of the exterior 
building envelope (roof/ceiling, exterior wall, floor, 
crawl space wall, foundation, window, skylight, 
door, or opaque wall, etc.) which includes the 
weighted R-values of the component assemblies 
(such as air-film, insulation, drywall, framing, 
glazing, etc.). 

Thermal Transmittance (U): The coefficient of 
heat transmission (air to air). It is the time rate of 
heat flow per unit area and unit temperature 
difference between the warm side and cold side air 
films (Btu/ h*ft*2*''F). The U-value applies to 
combinations of different 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. 
The term F-value applies to U properties for concrete 
slabs. 

Thermal Transmittance, Overall (Uo): The 
overall (average) heat transmission of a gross area of 



the exterior building envelope (Btu/ h*fl*2*°F.) 
The Uo value applies to the combined effect of the 
time rate of heat flow through the various parallel 
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^ceilings. 

Thermostat: An automatic control device actuated 
by temperature and designed to be responsive to 
temperature. 

Thermostatic Control: An automatic control 
device or system used to maintain temperature at a 
fixed or adjustable set point. 

Transformer: A piece of electrical equipment used 

to convert electric power from one voltage to another 

voltage. 

Dry-type Transformer: A transformer in which 

the core and coils are in a gaseous or dry 

compound. 

Liquid-Immersed Transformer: A transformer 
in which the core and coils are immersed in an 
insulating liquid. 

Unitary Cooling and Heating Equipment: One or 
more factory-made assemblies which include an 
evaporator or cooling coil, a compressor and 
condenser combination, and may include a heating 
function as well. When heating and cooling 
equipment 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 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. 
When heat pump equipment is provided in more 
than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be 
designed to be used together. 

VariaWe Air Volume (VAV) System: HVAC 
system that controls the dry-bulb temperature within 
a space by varying the volumetric flow of heated or 
cooled supply air to the space. 

Vent Damper: A device intended for installation in 
the venting system of an individual, automatically- 
operated, fossil fuel fired appliance in the outlet or 
downstream of the appliance draft. control device 
which is designed to automatically open the venting 
system when the appliance is in operation and to 
automatically close off the venting system when the 
appliance is in a standby or shutdown condition. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Ventilation: The process of supplying or removing 
air by natural or mechanical means to or from any 
space. Such air may or may not have been 
conditioned. 

Ventilation Air: That portion of supply air which 
comes from outside (outdoors) plus any recirculated 
air that has been treated to maintain the desired 
quality of air within a designated space. (See BOCA 
Mechanical Code, as listed in Appendix A, 780 CMR 
J3, and definition of "Outdoor air.") 

Voltage Drop; A decrease in voltage caused by 
losses in the lines connecting the power source to the 
load. 

"Wall: That portion of the building envelope, 
including opaque area and fenestration, that is 
vertical or tilted at an angle of 60° from horizontal 
or greater. This includes above- and below-grade 
walls, between floor spandrels, peripheral edges of 
floors, and foundation wails. For the purposes of 
determining building envelope requirements, the 
classifications are defined as follows: 
Above-grade Wall: A wall that is not a 
below-grade wall. 

Below-grade Wall: That portion of a wall in the 
building envelope that is entirely below the finish 
grade and in contact with the ground. 
Metal Building Wall: a wall whose structure 
consists of metal spanning members supported by 
steel structural members (i.e., does not include 
spandrel glass or metal panels in curtain wall 
systems). 

Steel Framed Wall: A wall with a cavity 
(insulated or otherwise) whose exterior surfaces 
are separated by steel framing members (i.e., 
typical steel stud walls and curtain wall systems). 
Wood Framed and Other Walls: All other wall 
types, including wood stud walls. 

Wall Area, Gross: The area of the wall measured 
on the exterior face from the top of the floor to the 
bottom of the roof. 

Water Heater: Closed vessel in which water is 
heated by the combustion of fuels, electricity, or any 
other source and is withdrawn for use external to the 
system at pressures not exceeding 160 psig, 
including the apparatus by which heat is generated 
and all controls and devices necessary to prevent 
water temperatures from exceeding 210°F. 

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. 



780 CMR 1303.0 DESIGN CONDITIONS 

1303.1 Scope: 780 CMR 1303.0 applies to all 
buildings. 

1303.2 General: The criteria of 780 CMR 1303.0 
establishes the minimum requirements for the 
thermal design of the exterior envelope of buildings 
and for HYAC systems and equipment. 

1303.3 Design Parameters: The design parameters 
listed in Tables 1303.1 and 1303.2 shall be used for 
calculations required under 780 CMR 13. 

1303.3.1 Interior Design Conditions: Indoor 
design temperature and relative humidity shall be 
determined in accordance with ASHRAE 
Standard 55-92 listed in Appendix A, and shall be 
selected for mimmum total HYAC system energy 
use in accordance with accepted practice. 

Exception: Buildings or portions of buildings 
which require different temperatures and 
humidity, such as, but not limited to, hospitals, 
laboratories, museums, art galleries, supermarkets, 
thermally sensitive equipment rooms, archival 
storage facilities, and facilities for the elderly, may 
require the use of alternative indoor design 
conditions. Any such use of alternative indoor 
design conditions shall be documented by a 
licensed professional. 

1303.4 Ventilation: Ventilation air shall conform to 
the requirements specified in 780 CMR 2801.0. 

Table 1303.1 
CLIMATE ZONE BY COUNTY 



County 


Climate 
Zone# 


Barnstable 


12a 


Berkshiire 


14a 


Bristol 


12a 


Dukes 


12a 


Essex 


13a 


Franklin 


14a 


Hampden 


14a 


Hampshire 


14a 


Middlesex 


13a 


Nantucket 


12a 


Norfolk 


13a 


Plymouth 


12a 


Suffolk 


13a 


Worcester 


14a 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Table 1303.2 

CXIMATE ZONE THERMAL 

DESIGN CRITERIA 



Climate Zone # 


12a 


, s 

13a 


14a 


Heating Degrees (°F) 

Winter 


9 


7 


-1 


Cooling Degrees (°F) 
Dry Bulb 
Summer 


86 


87 


86 


Cooling Degrees (*F) 
Wet Bulb 
Summer 


74 


74 


73 


Heating Degree Days 
Base 65 


5884 


5641 


6894 


Heating Degree Days 
Base 50 


2553 


2399 


3448 


Cooling Degree Days 
Base 65 


606 


678 


507 


Cooling Degree Days 
Base 50 


2743 


2897 


2525 


Cooling Degree Hours 
Base 80 


939 


1299 


409 



780 CMR 1304.0 BUILDING ENVELOPE 
SEQIHREMENIS 
1304.1 General: Walls, roof assemblies, floors, 
glazing, and floor slabs which are part of the 
building envelope shall meet the requirements of 
780 CMR 1304.1, 1304.3, 1304.4 and either. 

1. 780 CMR 1304.2, Prescriptive Building 
Envelope Criteria, provided that: 

iL the building is less than four stories in 
height above grade; 

b. the vertical fenestration area does not 
exceed 50% of the gross wall area for each 
space conditioning category; and, 

c. the skylight fenestration area does not 
exceed 3% of the gross roof area for each 
space-conditioning category; or, 

2. 780 CMR 1304.5, Building Envelope 
Trade-off Option. 

1304.1.1. aassiflcafion ®f Walls: WaUs 
associated with the building envelope shall be 
classified In accordance with 780 CMR 
1304.1.L1, 1304.1.1.2 or 1304.1.13. 

1304.1.1.1 Above-grade Walls: Above-grade 
walls are those walls covered by 780 CMR 
1304.2,1 oa the exterior of the building and 
completely above grade or the above-grade 
portion of a basement or first-story wall that is 
more than 15% above grade. 

1304.1.1.2 Below»grade Walls: Below-grade 
walls covered by 780 CMR 1304.2.9 are 
basement or first-story waUs associated with 
the exterior of the building that are at least 85% 
below grade. 

1304.1.13 Interior Walls: Interior walls 
covered by 780 CMR 1304.2.10 are those walls 
not on the exterior of the building and that 



separate conditioned and unconditioned space. 

1304.1.2 Moisture Control: The design of 
buildings for energy conservation shall not create 
conditions of accelerated deterioration from 
moisture condensation. 

A vapor barrier having a maximum 
permeability of zero point one (0.1) perm or less, 
per Chapter 24 in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals 
Handbook, (equivalent to a 4 mil polyethylene 
sheet) shall be installed on the winter warm side 
of walls, ceilings and floors enclosing a 
conditioned space. Batt/blanket insulation with a 
vapor barrier attached shall be attached to the 
winter warm sides or faces of wall studs, sole 
plates, top plates, lintels and headers at intervals 
of eight inches on center to prevent convection 
loops through the insulation. Where batt/blanket 
insulation is of a "fiiction fit" design and a sheet 
vapor barrier is employed, the vapor barrier shall 
be affixed to the interior face of the wall smds, 
sole plates, top plates, lintels and headers winter 
warm side in accordance with the vapor barrier 
manufacturer's recommendations. All joints, 
holes, imperfections and penetrations of the vapor 
barrier shall be taped tight with a vapor barrier 
tape recommended by the vapor barrier 
manufacturer. 

AH other envelope building materials and 
finishes installed towards the cooler, exterior side 
of the wall shall have water vapor permeability at 
least ten times greater than the interior vapor 
barrier material. 

Exception 1: Materials to the exterior of a 
ventilated rainscreen cavity may have any 
permeability. 

Exception 2: Envelope systems that maintain the 
temperature of potential condensing surfaces 
(typically the interface of exterior sheathing with 
cavity insulation) above the dewpoint temperature 
of the interior air. For calculation purposes use 
Chapter 22 in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals 
Handbook, "Steady State Design Tools." Assume 
steady-state heat transfer, interior air temperature 
and humidity specified in 780 CMR 1303.3, and 
exterior air temperature indicated as "Heating 
Degrees Winter" in Table 1303.2. 

Exception 3: Envelope systems that noamtain the 
moisture content of all building materials that 
comprise the assembly below the equilibrium 
moisture content the materials would achieve 
when exposed to relative humidity of 80%. For 
calculation purposes use Chapter 22 in 1997 
ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, 
"Mathematical Models". Assimie interior air 
temperature and humidity specified in 780 CMR 
1303.3. 

Exception 4: Pre-engineered metal buildings 
need not satisfy the requirement for ten times 
greater permeability on the exterior side of vapor 
retarders. 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



221 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Buildings with unusual interior design 
conditions (such as continually refrigerated 
buildings, ice rinks, cold storage) shall 
demonstrate compliance by the method in 
Exception 3. 

1304.2 Prescriptive Building Envelope Criteria: 

The building envelope components shall meet each 
of the applicable requirements in Tables 
1304.2.1-12, based on the climate zone and the 
percentage of wall that is glazed. The climate zone 
shall be determined based on the county in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1302, Tables 1302.1 and 
1302.2. The percentage of wall that is glazed shall 
be determined by dividing the aggregate area of 
rough openings or unit dimensions for fenestration 
(windows and glazed doors) in all the above grade 
walls associated with the building envelope by the 
total gross area of all above grade exterior walls that 
are part of the building envelope. In buildings with 
multiple types of building envelope construction, 
each building envelope consuuction type shall be 
evaluated separately. 

1304.2.1 Above Grade Walls: The minimum 
thennal resistance (R-value) of the insulating 
material installed in the wall cavity between the 
framing members and continuously on the walls 
shall be as specified in Tables 1304.2.1-12 based 
on framing type and construction materials used in 
the wall assembly. Where both cavity and con- 
tinuous insulation values are provided in Tables 
1304.2.1-12, both requirements shall be met. 
Masonry walls shall be considered "framed walls" 
when weighing less than 35 psf of wall area. 

1304.2.2 Non-glazed Doors: When the total area 
of non-glazed doors is greater than 5% of the total 
opaque wall area, the area of non-glazed doors 
above 5% shall be insulated as an opaque wall or 
an adjustment shall be made in the thermal 
resistance of the wall to address any thermal 
deficiency created by the doors. 

1304.2.3 Windows and Glass Doors: The 

maximum solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and 
thermal transmittance (U-value) of window 
assemblies and glass doors located in the building 
envelope shall be as specified in Tables 
1304.2.1-12 based on the window projection 
factor. 

The window projection factor shall be 
determined in accordance with equation 1304.2.3. 

Equation 1304.2 J 
PF = Am 



PF= Projection factor (decimal). 

A = Distance measured horizontally from the 

extremity of any overhang, eave, or permanently 

attached shading device to the vertical surface of 

the glazing. 

B = Distance measured vertically from the 

bottom of the glazing to the underside of the 

overhang, eave, or permanently attached shading 

device. 

Where different windows or glass doors have 
different PF values they shall each be evaluated 
separately or an area weighted PF value shall be 
calculated and used for all windows and glass 
doors. 

1304.2.4 Roof Assembly: The minimum thennal 
resistance (R-value) of the insulating material 
installed either between the roof framing or 
continuously on the roof assembly shall be as 
specified in Tables 1304.2.1-12 based on 
construction materials used in the roof assembly. 

1304.2.5 Skylights: Skylights located in the 
building envelope shall be limited to 3% of the 
gross roof assembly area and shall have a 
maximum thennal transmittance (U-value) of the 
skylight assembly as specified in Tables 
1304.2.1-12. 

1304.2.6 Floors Over Outdoor Air or 
Unconditioned Space: The minimum thermal 
resistance (R-value) of the insulating material 
installed either between the floor framing or 
continuously on the floor assembly shall be as 
specified m Tables .1304.2.1-12 based on 
construction materials used in the floor assembly. 

1304.2.7 Slabs on Grade: The minimum 
thennal resistance (R-value) of the insulation 
around the perimeter of the slab floor on grade 
shall be R-5. The insulation shall be placed on the 
outside of the foundation or on the inside of the 
foundation wall. Insulation on the outside of the 
foundation wall shall extend downward from the 
top of the slab for a minimum of 48 in. Insulation 
on the inside of the foundation wall shall extend 
downward to at least the bottom of the slab and 
then horizontally for a minimum total distance of 
48 in. £d addition, the entire area of Uie slab on 
grade shall be insulated with a minimum of R-S 
rigid insulation in the following buildings: 
buildings of use group E, including daycare; 
buildings of use groups R-1, R-2, 1-l and 1-2, and; 
college and university buildings of B and A use 
groups. 



Where: 



222 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Exceptioni For a monolithic slab on grade floor, 
the insulation shall extend from the top of the slab 
on grade to the bottom of the footing. Continuous 
under-slab insulation shall be provided per 
1304.2.8. 

13042.B Slabs Below Grade: The entire area of 
a floor slab which is below grade and is in contact 
with the ground shall be insulated with a 
minimum of R-5 rigid insulation in the following 
buildings: buildings of use group E, including 
daycare; buildings of use groups R-1, R-2, H and 
I-2i and; college and university buildings of B and 
A use groups. 

1304.2.9 Below Grade Walls: The minimum 
thermal resistance of the insulating material 



installed in, or continuously on, below grade walls 
of conditioned spaces shall be R-5, and shall 
extend from the top of the wall to the depth of the 
bottom of the floor slab. 

1304.2.10 Interior Walls: The minimum thermal 
resistance (R-value) of the insulating material 
installed in the wall cavity or continuously on the 
interior walls separating conditioned space from 
unconditioned space shall be as specified in 
Tables 1304.2.1, 1304.2.5, and 1304.2.9 for above 
grade walls, regardless of glazing area, based on 
framing type and construction materials used in 
the wall assembly. 



TABLE 1304.2,1 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIHEMENTS 

Climate Zone 12a 

Glazing Area 10% or less oJ Above Grade Wall Area 



Aljove-Grade Wallsj 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



Condnuous Insulation 
(or average msulatlon value)* 



R-7 



(cJ.> 



Metal Framing 
: continuous insulation) 



R-ll+R-3c.i. 



Wood Framing 



R-ll 



Masonry i. 35 psf. 



R>5 



R-lI+R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximiim) 


U-Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


Any 


Any 


0.25 vsPF< 0.50 


Any 


Any 


PF i 0,50 


Any 


Any 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulatioii Between Framing 


Contimaoias Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-17 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-16 


Metal Purlin with Themial Break 


R-25 


R-17 


Metal Purlin w/o Thennal Break 


X 


R-17 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insolation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Trass 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-16 '■ 1 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade 
Wall 


R- 


•5 



* For masonry walls, average R-value shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothermal planes, using 
methodology in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 22. 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



223 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE 1304J5J2 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Gimate Zone 12a 

Glaring Area Over 10% but not greater than 25% of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(c.i. = continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R.7 



R-ll+R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Masonry i. 35 psf. 



R-5 



R-ll+R-3c.i. 



R-ll 



Window AssembUes: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U- Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.6 


0.6 


0^5 iPF< 0.50 


0.7 


0.6 


PF k 0.50 


Any 


0.6 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


M-Wood Joist/Trass 


R-25 


R-19 


Non-wood Joist/Tniss 


R-25 . . 


R-20 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-30 


R-20 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-20 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Truss : 


R-19 


R-16 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-16 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall R-5 I 



TABLE 1304^3 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 12a 

Glaring Area Over 25% but not greater than 40% of Above grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(ci. g continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-Il+R-3c.i. 



R-ll 



Masonry ^ 35 psf. 



R-5 



R-ll +R-3c.i. 



R-ll 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U-Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.5 


0.5 


QJ25sPF<0^Q 


0.6 


0.5 


PFiO.50 


0.7 


0.5 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-23 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-24 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-23 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


X 


R-24 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-24 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Tniss 


R-19 


R-16 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-16 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R-5 1 



* For masonry walls, average R-vahie shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothermal planes, using 
methodology in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook; Chapter 22. 



224 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUEDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 

TABLE ldM2A 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 12a 

Glazing Area Over 40% hut not greater than 50% of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls; 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(ci. s continuous insuHatiom) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-13 + R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Masonry i. 35 psf. 



R-5 



R-n+R-3c.i. 



R-n 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U° Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.4 


0.4 


0.25 sPF< 0.50 


0.5 


0.4 


PFi0.50 


0.7 


0.4 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


. Continuous Insulation ^ 


All-Wood Joist/Tniss 


R-30 


R-23 1 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-24 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-23 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-30 


R-24 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


R-38 


R-24 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 






All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 1 


Non-wood Joist^niss 


R-19 


R-16 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-16 1 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R-5 1 



TABLE 1304^ J 

BUILDING ENVELOPS REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 13a 

Glaring Area 10% or less of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(cl. = continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



=^ 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-13 + R-3c.i. 



R-ll 



Masonry i 35 psf. 



R.5 



R-ll+R-3c.i. 



R-ll 



Window Assemblies: 




U-Value (maximum) 


bairl, {maximum} 


PF<0.25 


Any 


0.7 


0.25 iPF< 0.50 


Any 


0.7 


PF^0.50 


Any 


0.7 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


AU-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-14 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-15 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-14 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-25 


R-15 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-15 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


AU-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-17 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-17 


Slib, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R.5 1 



*■ For masoruy walls, average R-value shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothermal planes, using 
mediodology in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 22. 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



225 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATTONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE 1304^.6 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 13a 

Glaring Area Over 10% but not greater than 25% of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Wallsj 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(cJ. = continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-13 + R-3c.i. 



R-n 



Masonry i 35 psf. 



R-5 



R-ll+R.3c.i. 



R-11 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U- Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.6 


0.6 


0.25 iPF< 0.50 


0.7 


0.6 


PF i 0.50 


Any 


0.6 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Tmss 


R-25 


R-19 


Non-wood Joist/Tmss 


R-25 


R-20 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-30 


R-20 


Metal Purlin w/o Thennal Break 


X 


R-20 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


AU-Wood JoistA'russ 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-17 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-17 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R.5 1 



TABLE 1304J5.7 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 13a 

Glazing Area Over 25% but not greater tban 40% of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
{cJ. = continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-13 + R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Masonry i 35 psf. 



R-5 



R.Il+R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U-Value (maximum) 


PF<.0;25 


. J 


0.5 


0.25 iPF< 050 


0.6 


0.5 


PF s JO 


0.7 


0.5 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist^russ 


R-30 


R-23 


Non-wood JoistA'russ 


R-30 


R-24 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-23 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


X 


R-24 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-24 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-17 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-17 


Slab,' Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R.5 1 



* For masonry walls, average R-value shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothermal planes, using methodology 
in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 22. 



226 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 

TABLE 1304^ J 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 13a 

Glazing Area Over 40% but not greater than 50% of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 



CoBtiniious Insulation 
(or average Insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(ci, g continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-13 + R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Masomy i 35 psf. 



R.5 



R-ll+R-3c.i. 



R-11 



1 Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U- Value (maximum) j 


PF<0.25 


0.4 


0.4 


0.25 sPF< 0.50 


0.5 


0.4 


PFk0.50 


0.7 


0.4 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-23 


1 Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-24 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-23 


Metal Purlin with Themal Break 


R-30 


R-24 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


R-38 


R-24 1 



• Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation ^ 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-16 1 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R=25 


R-17 


Concrete Slab or Deck . 


NA 


R-17 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


] 


R-5 



TABLE 1304^.9 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

CIlEoate Zone 14a 

Glazing Area 10% or less of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(cJ. = continuous insulatiomi) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R-7 



R-n+R.3c.i 



R-11 



Masonry i 35 psf. 



R-5 



R-I1+R-3C.I. 



R-11 



Window Assemblies: 




U- Value (maximum) 


botyl^ (maxunmn) 


PF<0.25 


Any 


0.7 


0.25 <:PF< 0.50 


Any 


0.7 


PF2O.5O 


Any 


0.7 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuoas Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-19 


R-17 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-2S 


R-18 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-17 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-30 


R-18 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-18 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Tross 


R-25 


R-18 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-19 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R-3 1 



* For masomy walls, average R-value shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothemia] planes, using methodology 
in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 22. 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



227 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STAJTOARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE 1304^.1(11 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 14a 

Glazing Area Over 10% but not greater than 25% of Above Grade Wall Area 



Above-Grade Walls: 


Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)'" 


Metal Framing 
(ci. s continuous insulation) 


Wood Framing 


Framed or Masonry < 35 psf . 


R.7 


R-13 + R-3c.i. 


R-11 


Masonry i 35 psf. 


R-5 


R-n+R-3ci. 


R-11 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximiun) 


U- Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.5 


0.6 


0.25 iPF< 0.50 


0.6 


0.6 


PF2O.5O 


0.7 


0.6 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


-R-25 


R-19 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-20 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-30 


R-20 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-20 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between B'ranung 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-18 


Non-wood JoistTTruss 


R-25 


R-19 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R-5 1 



TABLE 1304.2.11 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Climate Zone 14a 

Glazing Area Over 25% but pot greater than 40% of Above Grade Wall Are^ 



Above-Grade Walls: 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



Metal Framing 
(ci. = continuous insulation) 



Wood Framing 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



R.7 



R-13 + R.3 ci. 



R-n 



Masonry 2 35 psf. 



R-5 



R-ll+R-3c.i. 



R-11 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U* Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.4 


0.5 


0.25 iPF< 0.50 


03 


0.5 


PF2O.5O 


0.6 


0.5 


Skylights - U-Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist^rass 


R.30 


R-23 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-24 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-23 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


X 


R-24 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


X 


R-24 



Floor AssembUes: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-18 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-19 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


1 



* For masonry walls, average R-value shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothermal planes, using methodology 
in 1997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook. Chapter 22. 



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ENERGY CONSERVATION 

TABLE 1304^.12 

BUILDING ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS 

Oimate Zone 14a 

Glazing Area Over 40% but not greater than 50% of Above Grade WalB Area 



Above-Grade Walls.* 



Framed or Masonry < 35 psf. 



Continuous Insulation 
(or average insulation value)* 



R-7 



Metal Framing 
(cJ. s continuous Insulation) 



R-13 + R-3c.i. 



Wood Framing 



R-11 



Masonry s 35 psf. 



R.5 



R-11+R-3C.L 



R-11 



Window Assemblies: 


SHGC (maximum) 


U- Value (maximum) 


PF<0.25 


0.4 


0.4 


0.25sPF<0J0 


OJ 


0.4 


PFi0.50 


0.6 


0.4 


Skylights - U- Value (maximum) 


X 


0.8 



Roof Assemblies^ (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-30 


R-23 


Non-wood Joist/Tniss 


R-30 


R-24 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-23 


Metal Purlin with Thermal Break 


R-38 


R-24 


Metal Purlin w/o Thermal Break 


R-38 


R-24 



Floor Assemblies: (either/or) 


Insulation Between Framing 


Continuous Insulation 


All-Wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-18 


Non-wood Joist/Truss 


R-25 


R-19 


Concrete Slab or Deck 


NA 


R-19 


Slab, Perimeter, and Below-Grade Wall 


R-5 1 



* For masonry walls, average R-value shall be calculated based on the assumption of isothermal planes, using 
methodology in 1 997 ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 22. 



13043 Air Leakage 

13<M3.1 Air Barriers: The building envelope 
shall be designed and constructed with a 
continuous air barrier to control air leakage into, 
or out of the conditioned space. An air barrier 
shall also be provided for interior partitions 
between conditioned space and space designed to 
maintain temperature or humidity levels which 
differ from those in the conditioned space by more 
than 50% of the difference between the 
conditioned space and design ambient conditions. 
The air barrier shall have the following 
characteristics: 

1 . It must be continuous, with all joints made 
air-tight. 

2. It shall have an air permeability not to 
exceed 0.004 cfin/ft^ under a pressure 
differential of 0.3 in. water (1 .57 psf.) (equal to 
OmUs/m^ @ 75 Pa.) . 

3 . It shall be capable of withstaadmg positive 
and negative combined design wind, fan and 
stack pressures on the envelope without 
damage or displacement, and shall tramfer the 
load to the structure. E shal not displace 
adjacent materials under full load. 

4. It shall be durable or maintainable. 

5. The air barrier shall be joined in an air-tight 
and flexible maimer to the air banier material 



of adjacent systems, allowing for the relative 
movement of systems due So thermal and 
moisture variations and creep. Connection 
shall be made between: 

a. Foundation and walls. 

b. Walls and windows or doors. 

c. Different wall systems. 

d. Wall and roof. 

e. Wall and roof over unconditioned space. 

f . Walls, floor and roof across construction, 
control and expansion joints. 

g. Walls, floors and roof to utility, pipe and 
duct penetrations. 

13043^ Air Barrier PenetratJoBis: All 
penetrations of the air barrier and paths of air 
infiltration/exfiltration shall be made air-tight. 

13M33 FenestiraitloB aai Doors: Air leakage 
fot fenestration and doors shall be determined in 
accordance with NFRC 400 or ASTM E 283 @ 
1 .57 psf (75 Pa.). Air leakage shall be determined 
by an independent laboratory accredited by a 
nationally recognized accreditation organization 
and shall be certified by the manufacturer. Air 
leakage shall not exceed 1.0 cfin/ft^ for glazed 
swinging entrance doors and for revolving doors, 
and 0,4 cftn/ft^ for ail other products under a 
pressure differential of 0.3 inches of water (1.57 
psf.) 



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229 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Exceptions: 

1. Field fabncaXQdfenestration and doors that 
are weather-stripped. 

2. For garage doors, air leakage determined by 
test at standard test conditions in accordance 
with NAGDM 105 shall be an acceptable 
alternate for compliance with air leakage 
requirements. 

13043.4 Shaft, Chute, Access Opening, 
Stairwell and Elevator Lobby Doors: Doors 
and access openings leading to shafts, chutes, 
stairwells, and elevator lobbies shall either meet 
the requirements of 780 CMR 1304.3.3 or shall be 
equipped with weatherseals. 

Exception: Weatherseals on elevator lobby 
doors are not required when a smoke control 
system is installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 921.7. 

13043^ Loading Dock Weatherseals: Cargo 
doors and loading dock doors shall be equipped 
with weatherseals to restrict infiltration when 
vehicles are parked in the doorway. 

1304J.6 Vestibules: A ^or that separates 
conditioned space from the exterior shall be 
protected with an enclosed vestibule, with all 
doors opening into and out of the vestibule 
equipped with self-closing devices. Vestibules 
shall be designed so that in passing through the 
vestibule it is not necessary for the interior and 
exterior doors to open at the same time. Interior 
and exterior doors shall have a minimum distance 
between them of not less than seven ft (2.1 m) 
when in the closed position. 

Exceptions: 

1 . doors not intended to be used as a building 
entrance door, such as doors for mechanical or 
electrical equipment rooms; 

2. doors opening directly from a dwelling 
unit, 

3 . doors that open directly from a space less 
than 3000 ft^ m area; 

4. revolving doors or doors adjacent to 
revolving doors; 

5. doors used primarily to facilitate vehicular 
movement or material handling and adjacent 
personnel doors. 

13043.7 Air-tight Dampers: Air-tight operable 
dampers shall be installed where the air barrier is 
penetrated by: 

1. fixed open louvers such as in elevator shafts 
and machine rooms; 

2. mechanical system components which allow 
infiltration or exfiltration of air when the 
systems are inactive, such as atrium smoke 
exhaust systems and make-up air louvers; 

3. outside air intakes, exhaust outlets, relief 
outlets, stair shaft, elevator shaft smoke relief 
openings, and other similar elements. 



Such dampers shall have a leakage no greater than 
3cfrn/ft^ at 1.0 in w.g. when tested in accordance 
with AMCA Standard 500. They shall be set in 
the closed position, and shall automatically open 
upon: 

1. the activation of any fire alarm initiating 
device of the building's fire alarm system; 

2. the interruption of power to the damper. 

130^1.3.8 Recessed Lightmg Fixtures: When 
inst(illed in the building envelope, recessed 
lighting fixtures shall meet one of th& following 
requirements: 

1. Type IC rated, manufactured with no 
penetrations between the inside of the recessed 
fixture and ceiling cavity and sealed or 
gasketed to prevent air leakage into the 
unconditioned space. 

2. Type IC rated, in accordance with ASTME 
283 no more than 2.0 cfin air movement from 
the conditioned space to the ceiling cavity. The 
lighting fixnire shall be tested at 75 Pa or 1.57 
IbsJft.^ pressure difference and shall be 
labeled. 

1304.3.9 Envelope Gaps and Cavities: All gaps 
and cavities between rough framing and door and 
window heads, jambs, and sills shall be made 
air-tight, filled with insulation and covered with a 
vapor barrier meeting the criteria for vapor 
barriers. 

1304.4 Insulation General: Where insulation is 
required in 780 CMR 1304.2 or 780 CMR 1304.5, it 
shall also comply with 780 CMR 1304.4.1 through 
1304.4..5. 

1304.4.1 Insulation Installation: Insulation 
materials shall be mstalled in accordance with 
manufacturer's recommendations as to achieve 
and maintain rated R-value of insulation. 

Where continuous wall insulation is required in 
780 CMR 1304.2 or 780CMR 1304.5 m multi- 
story buildings, the insulation must be continuous 
across floor structures. 

Open-blown or poured loose-fill insulation 
shall not be used in attic roof spaces with eave 
vents when the slope of the ceiling is more than 
tiiree in 12 unless special provisions are made to 
prevent setthng and maintain an air space for 
ventilation above the insulation. Baffling of the 
vent openings shall be provided to deflect the 
incoming air above the surface of the insulation. 

1304.4.2 Substantial Contact Insulation shall 
be installed in a permanent manner in substantial 
contact with adjacent surfaces in a manner which 
will prevent convection of air around the 
insulation. Flexible batt insulation installed in 
floor cavities shall be supported in a permanent 
manner by supports no greater than 24 in. on 
center. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Batt insulation with integral vapor barrier shall be 
attached to the winter warm sides or faces of wall 
studs, sole plates, top plates, lintels and headers at 
intervals of eight inches on center. Where 
batt/blanket insulation is of a "friction fit" design and 
a poly vapor hairier is employed, the vapor barrier 
shall be affixed to the interior face of the wall studs, 
sole plates, top plates, lintels and headers (winter 
warm side) in accordance with the insulation 
manufacturer's recommendations. 

1304.43 Recessed Equipment Lighting 
fixtures; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning 
equipment, including wall heaters, ducts, and 
plenums; and other equipment shall not be 
recessed in such a manner to affect the insulation 
thickness'unless: 

1 . the total combined area affected (including 
necessary clearances) is less than one percent 
of the opaque area of the assembly, or 

2. the entire roof, wall, oi floor is covered with 
insulation to the full depth required or 

3. the effects of reduced insulation are included 
in calculations using an area weighted average 
method and compressed insulation values from 
the ASHRAE 1997 Handbook of 
Fundamentals. In all cases, air leakage through 
the recessed equipment to the conditioned 
space shall be prevented, 

1304.44 Location of Rm)fliis0lagloms The roof 
shall be insulated in a location other than directly 
on a suspended ceiling with removable ceiling 
panels. 

13044J Insulation Protectlosi: Exterior 
insulation shall be covered with a protective 
material to prevent damage from sunlight, 
moisture, landscaping operations, equipment 
maintenance, and wind, ii fl«icjr and mechanical 
rooms, a way to access equipment that prevents 
damaging or compressing the insulation shall be 
provided. Foundation vents shall not interfere 
with the insulation. 

Msulation materials In ground contact shall 
have water absorption no greater than 0.3% when 
tested in accordance with ASTM C272. 

Exceptions Msulatioa materials that have a 
water drainage system included. 

13MS Bmldrng Envelope Trade^Off Optloe: 
The building envelope complies with the standard if 
the proposed building satisfies the provisions of 
780 CMR 1304.1. 780 CMR 1304.3, and 780 CMR 
1304.4, and the envelope performance factor of the 
proposed building is less than or equal to the 
envelope performance factor of the budget building. 
The envelope performance factor considers only the 
building envelope components. Schedules of 
operation, Ughting power, equipment power, 
occupant density, and mechanical systems shall be 
the same for both the proposed building and the 



budget building. Envelope performance factor shall 
be calculated using computer programs accepted by 
the Board of Building Regulations and Standards. 

780 CMR 130SSI HEATING YENTttATEON 
AND AIR CONDraONING 

1305.1 General: 780 CMR 1305.0 covers the design 
and construction of mechanical systems and 
equipment serving the building heating, cooling, or 
ventilating needs. 

1305.1ol CompIIamce: Compliance with 
780 CMR 1305.0 shall be achieved by meeting 
either 780 CMR 1305.2 or 780 CMR 1305.3. 

1305.2 Simple HVAC Systems and Equipmemt: 

130S.2.1 Scope: 780 CMR 1305.2 applies to 
buildings served by unitary or packaged air 
conditioners or heat pumps, packaged terminal air 
conditioners, and packaged liunaces each serving 
one zone and controlled by a single thermostatic 
control in the zone served. It also applies to 
buildings served by packaged boilers and two-pipe 
heating systems serving one or more zones. 

780 CMR 1 305.2 does not apply to non-unitary 
or non-packaged HVAC equipment and systems 
or to chiller systems. 

780 CMR 1305.2 does not apply to buildings in 
which the outside air quantity capable of being 
supplied by any individual fan system exceeds 
3000 cfm or 70% of the total design supply air 
quantity for the fan system. 

13d522 CalculatiosB of Heating and Coolmg 
Loads: Design loads shall be determined in 
accordance with the procedures described in 
Chapters 25 and 26 of the ASHRAE 1997 
Handbook of Fundamentals or an approved 
equivalent computation procedure. 

1305.2^.1 Equipment and System Suing: 
Heating and cooling equipment and systems 
capacity shall not exceed the loads calculated 
m accordance with 780 CMR 1305.2.2. A 
single piece of equipment providing both 
heating and cooling shall satisfy this provision 
for one function with the edacity for the other 
function as small as possible, within available 
equipment options. 

130S.2J HVAC Equipment Performamce 
Mequirenients: Packaged air conditioners and 
heat pumps with capacity greater than 240,000 
Btu/h, ground-source and ground water source 
heat pumps, and duct fumaces and unit heaters 
shall meet the minimum efficiency requirements 
of Tables 1305.3.3a, b, and d, when tested and 
rated in accordance with the referenced test 
procedure. The efficiency shall be verified through 
data furnished by the manufacturer or through 
certification under an approved certification 
progranL Where multiple rating conditions and/or 



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231 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



performance requirements are provided, the 
equipment shall satisfy all stated requirements. 

Other new equipment within the scope of 
780 CMR 1305.2 is required to meet efficiency 
standards administered by the federal government. 
The efficiency of used equipment within the scope 
of the federal standards shall be verified through 
data furnished by the manufacturer. 

Equipment not required to meet efficiency 
standards administered by the federal govermnent, 
and not in Tables 1 305.3.3a, b, and d may be used, 
and have no minimum performance requirements. 

1305.2.4 Temperature and Hmnidity Controls: 

1305.2.4.1 Temperature Controls: Bach 
heating and cooling system shall have at least 
one progranmiable thermostat. The thermostat 
shall have the capability to setback or shut- 
down tiie .system based on day of the week and 
time of day and a readily accessible manual 
override that will return to the pre-setback or 
shutdown schedule without reprogranoming. 
Thermostatic controls shall be capable of 
providing a temperature range or dead band of 
at least 5T within which the supply of heating 
and cooling energy to the zone is shut off or 
reduced to a minimum. 

Exception: Thermostats requiring manual 
changeover between heating and cooling 
modes. 

Where heating and cooling to a zone are 
controlled by separate -zone thermostatic 
controls located within the zone, means (such 
as limit switches, mechanical stops, or, for 
direct digital control (DDC) systems, software 
programming) shall be provided to prevent the 
heating set point from exceeding the cooling 
set point minus any applicable proportional 
band. 

Heat pumps having supplementary electric 
resistance heal shall have controls that, except 
during defrost, prevent supplemental heat 
operation when the heat pump can meet the 
heating load. 

1305.2.4.2 Humidity Controls: When 
himiidistats are Installed they shall prevent the 
use of fossil fuel or electric power to achieve a 
humidity below 60% when the system 
controlled is cooling, and above 30% when the 
system controlled is heating. 

1305.2.5 Hydronic System Controls: Hydronic 
heating systems of at least 300,000 Btu/h design 
capacity suppl3dng heated water to comfort 
conditioning systems shall include controls that 
have the capability to automatically reset the 
supply water temperatures by representative 
building loads (including return water 
temperature) or by outside air temperature. 



Exception: systems which vary water flow in 
compliance with 780 CMR 1305.3.5.4. 

Hydronic heating systems comprised of 

multiple packaged boilers and designed to 

deliver conditioned water or steam into a 

coiranon distribution system shall include 

automatic controls capable of sequencing 

operation of the boilers. 

Hydronic heating systems comprised of asingle 

boiler of greater than 500,000 Btu/h design 

capacity shall include either a multi-staged or 

modulating burner. 

1305.2.6 Ventilation: Natural or mechanical 
ventilation shall be provided in accordance with 
the mechanical code listed in Appendix A. Any 
mechanical ventilation system shall have the 
capability to reduce the outdoor air supply to the 
minimum required by the mechanical code listed 
va Appendix A. 

1305.2.6.1 Distributed Fan Systems: Where 
mechanical ventilation is provided by multiple 
fan systems located in a plenmn or other 
enclosed space, outdoor air shall be ducted 
directly to each individual fan system. 

1305.2.6J& Shutoff Dampers: Outdoor air 
supply ducts and exhaust ducts associated with 
the mechanical ventilation system shall be 
provided with automatic means to reduce and 
shutoff airflow. 

lException: 

1. Systems serving areas designed for 
continuous operation . 

2. Individual systems with an outside air 
Intake or exhaust capacity of 300 cfzn or 
less. 

3. Systems with readily accessible manual 
dampers. 

1305.2.7 Economizers: Each system over 65,000 
Btu/h cooling capacity shall have an economizer 
that will automatically shut off the cooling system 
and allow 100% of the supply air to be outdoor 
air. 

1305.2.8 Duct and Plenum Insulation and 
Sealing: All supply and return air ducts and 
plenums shall be insulated with a minimum of 
R-5 insulation when located in unconditioned 
spaces and with a minimum of R-8 insulation 
when located outside the buUding envelope. When 
locate4 within a building envelope assembly the 
duct or plenum shall be separated from the 
building exterior or unconditioned or exempt 
spaces by a minimum R-5 insulation. Required 
R-values are the "labeled" Revalues for such 
ducts. 

Exception: 

1 . When located within equipment 



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ENERGY CONSERVATION 



2. When the design temperature difference 
between the interior and exterior of the duct or 
plenum does not exceed 1 5 **F. 

3. Exhaust air ducts. 

4. Outside air supply ducts located outside of 
the building envelope. 

All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, 
and connections in duct work, shall be securely 
fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics 
(adhesives), mastic-plus-embedded-fabric 
systems, or tapes. Tapes and mastics used with 
rigid fibrous glass ducts shall be listed and labeled 
In accordance with UL 181 A. Tapes and mastics 
used with flexible air ducts shall be listed and 
labeled in accordance with UL 18 IB. Duct tape is 
not permitted as a sealant on any metal ducts. 

130So2.9- Piping Insuiatlon: All low pressure 
side refidgerant piping shall be insulated with % 
in. of insulation, hot water piping for comfort 
conditioning shall be insulated with one in. of 
Insulation, and steam system piping shall be 
insulated with two in. of insulation. All insulation 
shall have a conductivity not exceeding 0.27 
Btu-inihr-ft^ **F. 

130S3 Complex EVAC Systems aad Eqrapment: 

13053ol Scope: This section applies to all 
HVAC systenas and equipment other than those 
covered in 780 CMR 1305,2. 

1305 J.2 Calculation ojf Heating and Cooling 
Loads: Design loads shall be determined in 
accordance with the procedures described in 
Chapters 25 and 26 of the ASHRAE 1997 
Handbook of Fundamentals or an approved 
equivalent computation procedure. 



13053^.1 Eqmpment and System Sizing: 
Heating and cooling equipment and system 
capacity shall not exceed the loads calculated 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1305.3.2. 

130533 HVAC Eqmpment Ferfformance 
Requirements: Equipment shall be newly 
purchased or shall meet the nunimum efficiency 
requirements of Tables 1305.3.3a. through f., 
when tested and rated in accordance with the 
referenced test procedure. The efficiency shall be 
verified through data furnished by the 
manufacturer or through an approved certification 
program. Where multiple rating conditions and/or 
performance requirements are provided, the 
equipment shall satisfy all stated requirements. 

Other new equipment within the scope of 
780 CMR 13053.3 is required to meet efficiency 
standards administered by the federal government. 
The efficiency of used equipment within the scope 
of the federal standards shall be verified through 
data furnished by the manufacturer. 

Equipment not required to meet efficiency 
standards administered by the federal government, 
and not in Tables 1305.3.3a. through f. may be 
used, and have no minimum performance 
requirements. 

130533.1 Duct Fiaiiiaccs and Unit Heatere: 
Warm air duct furnaces and unit heaters shall 
have an intermittent ignition device, maximum 
jacket losses of 0.75% of the equipment input 
rating, and power venting or a flue damper. 
When combustion air is drawn from the 
conditioned space a vent damper shall be 
permitted to be used in lieu of the required flue 
damper. 



Table 130533a 

Unitary Air Conditioners and Condensing Units, Electrically Operated, 

Mimmum EMciesicy Reqiisirements 



Equipment Type 



Air Conditioners, Air Cooled 



> 240,000 Btu/h and 
^ 760,000 Btu/h 



Size Category 



> 760,000 Btu/h 



Sub-Category or 
Rating Condition 



Split System and 
Single Package 



Split System and 
Single Package 



Minimum 
Efficiency 



PJEER** 
9.7 IPLV 



9.2 EER'' 
9.4IPLV^ 



11.0 EER" 
103IPLV* 



Test Procedure 



ARI 210/240 



Air Conditioners, Water and 
Evaporatively Cooled 



> 240,000 Btu/h 



ARI 340/360 



Condensing Units, Air Cooled 



^135,000 Btu/h 



Split System and 
Single Package 



10.1 EER 

11.2 IPLV 



ARI 365 



Condensing Units, Water or , , . --^ „^ „ 113.1 EER 

Evaporativdy Coded [^ 135,000 Btu/h [ [^3^^^ 

° IPLVs are only applicable to equipment with capacity modulation. 

^ Deduct 0.2 from the required EERs and PLVs for units with a supplemental beating section other than electric 

resistance. 



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233 



. 780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUEDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STAHE BUILDING CODE 

Table 1305J3b 

Unitary and Applied Heat Pamps, Electrically Operated, 

Mimmum Efficiency Requirements 



Equipment Type 


Size Category 


Sub-Category or Rating 
Condition 


Mimmum 
Efficiency" 


Test 
Procedure 


Air Cooled, 
(Cooling Mode) 


> 240,000 Btu/h 


Split System and Single 
Package 


9.0EER''9.2 
IPLV 


ARI 340/360 


Air Cooled, 
(Heating Mode) 


> 240,000 Btu/h 


47''Fdb/43''Fwb outdoor 
IT'Fdb/lO^Fwb outdoor 


3.1 COP 
2.0 COP 


ARI 340/360 


Groundwater^ Source 
(Cooling Mode) 


< 135,000 Bni/h 


70*F Entering Water 
50°F Entering Water 


13.5 EER 
15.0 EER 


ISO 13256-1 


Ground Source 
(Cooling Mode) 


< 135,000 Btu/h 


77°F Entering Brine 
70°F Entering Brine 


12.4 F.RR 
12.8 BHR 


ISO 13256-1 


Groundwater- Source 
(Heating Mode) 


< 135,000 Btu/h 
(Cooling Capacity) 


70°F Entering Water 
50'*F Entering Water 


3.9 COP 
3.4 COP 


ISO 13256-1 


Ground Source 
(Heating Mode) 


< 135,000 Btu/h 
(Cooling Capacity) 


32**F Entering Brine 
4rF Entering Brine 


2.8 COP 
3,0 COP 


ISO 13256-1 



' IPLVs are only applicable to equipment with capacity modulation. 

^ Deduct 0.2 from the required HERs and IPLVs for units with supplemental heating sections other than 

electric resistance heat. 



Table 130533c 
Water ChiUing Packages, Minimum Efficiency Requirements 


Equipment Type 


Size Category 


Minimum 
Efficiency" 


Test Procedure 


Air Cooled, With Condenser, 
Electrically Operated 


All Capacities 


2.80 COP 
2.80 IPLV 


ARI 550 or ARI 590 as appropriate 


Air Cooled, Without Condenser, 
Electrically Operated 


All Capacities 


3.10 COP 
3.10 IPLV 


Water Cooled, Electrically 
Operated, Positive Displacement 
(Reciprocating) 


All Capacities 


4.20 COP 
4.65 PLV 


ARI 590 


Water Cooled, Electrically 
Operated, Positive Displacement 
(Rotary Screw and Scroll) 


< 150 Tons 


4.45 COP 
4.50 IPLV 




i 150 Tons and < 
300 Tons 


4.90 COP 
4.95 IPLV 


ARI 550 or ARI 590 as appropriate 


i 300 Tons 


5.50 COP 
5.60 IPLV 






< 150 Tons 


5.00 COP 
5.00 IPLV 




Water Cooled, Electrically 
Operated, Centrifugal 


i 150 Tons and < 
300 Tons 


5.55 COP 
5.55 IPLV 


ARI 550 




^300 Tons 


6.10 COP 
6.10 IPLV 




Air Cooled Absorption Single 
Effect 


All Capacities 


0.60 COP 




Water Cooled Absorption Single 
Effect 


All Capacities 


0.70 COP 


ARI 560 


Absorption Double Effect, 
bdirect-Fired 


All Capacities 


1.00 COP 
1.05 PLV 


Absorption Double Effect, 
Direct-Fired 


All Capacities 


1.00 COP 
1.00 PLV 





* The chiller equipment requirements do not apply for chillers used in low temperature applications 
where the design leaving fluid temperature is less than or equal to 35° F. 



234 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



TaWe- 1305.3,3d 
Warm Air Duct Furnaces and Unit Heaters, Minimum Efficiency Requirements 


Equipment Type 


Size Category Sub-Category or Minimum Minimum 
(Input) Rating Condition* Efficiency* Efficiency 


Test Procedure 


Warm Air Duct 
Furnaces, Gas-Fired 


All Capacities 


Maximum Capacity 
Minimum Capacity 


78% Et 80% E, . 
75% E, 


ANSIZ83.9 


Warm Air Unit 
Heaters, Gas-Fired 


All Capacities 


Maximum Capacity 
Minimum Capacity 


78% E, 
74% E, 


80% E, 


ANSIZ83.8 


Warm Air Unit All Capacities 
Heaters, Oil-Fired 


Maximum Capacity 
Minimum (Capacity 


81% E, 
81% El 


80% E, 


UL731 



* Minimum and maximum ratings as provided for and allowed by the unit's controls. 

' Eg = Combustion efficiency (100% less flue losses). See test procedure for detailed discussion. 

"^ E, = Thermal efficiency. See test procedure for detailed discussion. 



Table 1305.3.3® 
Performance Requirements for Heat Rejection Equipment 



Equipment Type 



Total System 

Heat Rejection 

Capacity at Rated 

Conditions 



Sub-Category or Rating 
Condition 



Performance 
Required 



Test 
Procedure'^ 



Propeller or Axial 
Fan Cooling Towers 



All 



Centrifugal Fan 
Cooling Towers 



AH 



95 °F Entering Water 
85 T Leaving Water 
75°Fwb Outdoor Air 



95 °F Entering Water 
85°F Leaving Water 
75°Fwb Outdoor Air 



^38.2 
gpm/hp* 

^20.0 
gpm/hp" 



CTIATC-105 



CTIATC-105 



Air Cooled 
Condensers 



All 



125 °F Condensing Temperature 

R22 Test Fluid 

190°F Entering Gas T 

emperature 

15°F Subcooling 

95 °F Entering Drybulb 



^ 176,000 
Btu/h*hp'' 



ARI460 



" Maximum flow (gpm)/rated motor power (hp) 

^ Heat rejected from the refrigerant (Btu/h)/rated motor power (hp). 



Table 1305.33f 
Boilers, Gas- and OU-Fired, Minimum Efficiency Requirements 



Equipment Type Size Category 


Sub-Category or Rating 
Condition 


Minimum 
Efficiency'' 


Efficiency as of 
l/l/200r 


Test Procedure 


Boilers, Gas-Fired 


i 300,000 Bm/h and 
2: 2.500,000 Bnj/h 


Maximum Capacity" 
Minimum Capacity' 


80% E, 
80% E, 


75% E, 


H-I.Htg Boiler 
Std 86" 




> 2,500,000 Btu/h 


Hot Water 


80% E, 


80% E, 






> 2,500,000 Btu/h 


Steam 


80% E, 


80% E, 




Boilers, Oil-Fired 


i 300,000 Btu/h and 
i 2,500.000 Bm/h 


Maximum Capacity* 
Minimum Capacity* 


83% E, 
83% E, 


78% E, 


H.L Htg Boiler 
Std 86* 


> 2.500;000 Btu/h 


Hot Water 


83% E. 


83% E, 




> 2,500,000 Btu/h 


Steam 


83% E, 


83% E, - 




Oil-Fired 
(Residual) 


s 300,000 Bhi/h and 
^2,500,000 Btu/h 


Maximum Capacity* 
Minimum Capacity* 


83% E, 
83% E, 


78% E, 


HX Htg Boiler 
Std 86" 


> 2,500,000 Btu^ 


Hot Water 


83% E. 


83% E, 




> 2,500,000 Bm/h 


Steam 


83% E, 


83% E, 





' Minimum and maximum ratings as provided for and allowed by the unit's controls. 

'' Eg F Combustion efficiency (1(X)% less flue losses). See reference document for detailed information. 

•^ E,= Thermal efficiency. See reference document for detailed information. 

"• Alternate test procedures used at the manufacturer's option are ASME PTC-4.1 for units over 

5,000,000 Btu/h input, or ANSI Z21.13 for units greater than or equal to 300,000 Btu/h and less than or 

equal to 2,500.000 Btu/h input. 



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235 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1305.3.4 Temperature and Humidity Controls 

1305.3.4.1 Thermostatic Controls: The 

supply of heating and cooling energy to each 
zone shall be individually controlled by 
thermostatic controls capable of responding to 
temperature within the zone. 

Exception: Independent perimeter systems 
that are designed to offset only building 
envelope heat losses and/or gains serving 
one or more zones also served by an interior 
system provided: 

1. the perimeter system includes at least 
one thermostatic control zone for each 
building exposure of the building (face 
within ± 45°) having exterior walls facing 
only one orientation for more than 50. 
contiguous feet and, 

2. the perimeter system heating and cooling 
supply is controlled by thermostatic controls 
located within the zone(s) served by the 
system. 

1305.3.4.2 Zone Thermostatic Control 
Capabilities: 

1305.3.4.2.1 Set point Overlap 
Restriction: Where used to control both 
heating and cooling, zone thermostatic 
controls shall be capable of providing a 
temperature range or dead band of at least 
5°F within which the supply of heating and 
cooling energy to the zone is shut off or 
reduced to a minimum. 

Exception: TTiermostats requiring manual 
changeover between heating and cooling 
modes. 

Where heating and cooling to a zone are 
controlled by separate zone thermostatic 
controls located within the zone, means 
(such as limit switches, mechanical stops, or, 
for direct digital control (DDC) systems, 
software progranmfiing) shall be provided to 
prevent thelieating set point from exceeding 
the cooling set point minus any applicable 
proportional band. 

1305.3.4.2.2 Off-hour Controls: HVAC 
systems shall have setback and automatic 
controls. 

Exception: 

1. Systems that serve areas that operate 
continuously, or 

2. Systems with full load demands not 
exceeding 2 kW when having a readily 
accessible manual shut off switch. 

Thermostatic setback controls shall have 
the capability to setback or temporarily 
operate the system to maintain zone 
temperatures down to 55 °F or up to 85 °F. 

HVAC systems shall be equipped with an 
automatic timeclock or programmable 



control that is capable of starting and 
stopping the system for seven different daily 
schedules per week, retaining progranmiing 
and time setting during loss of power for a 
period of at least ten hours, and has a manual 
override that allows temporary operation of 
the system for up to two hours; a manually- 
operated timer capable of being adjusted to 
operate the system for up to two hours; or an 
occupancy sensor. 

1305.3.4.3 Zone Isolation: Systems that 
serve zones that will have the capability to 
operate non- simultaneously shall include 
isolation devices and controls to shut off or 
set back the supply of ventilation air, heat- 
ing, and cooling to each zone independently. 
For offices, each isolation area shall be no 
larger than 25,000 ft^ of conditioned floor 
area nor include more than one floor. For all 
other occupancies, isolation areas shall be no 
larger than a single zone, a single tenant 
space, or 5000 ft^ of conditioned floor area, 
whichever is larger. 

Exception: exhaust air and outside air 
connections to fan systems of 5,000 cfm 
and smaller. 

1305.3.4.4 Humidifier Preheat: 

Humidifiers with preheating jackets 
mounted in the air stream shall be provided 
with an automatic valve to shut off preheat 
when humidificatidn is not required. 

1305.3.4.5 Humidification and 
Dehumidification: Where a zone is served 
by a system or systems with both humidifi- 
cation and dehumidification capability, 
means (such as limit switches, mechanical 
stops, or, for direct digital control (DDC) 
systems, software programming) shall be 
capable of preventing simultaneous opera- 
tion of humidification and dehumidification 
equipment. 

Exception: 

1. Zones served by desiccant systems, 
used witii direct evaporative cooling in 
series. 

2. Systems serving zones where specific 
humidity levels are required, such as 
computer rooms, museums, and hospitals. 

1305.3.4.6 Simultaneous Heating and 
Cooling: Zone thermostatic and 
humidistatic controls shall be capable of 
operating in sequence the supply of heating 
and cooling energy to the zone. Controls 
shall be capable of preventing reheating; 
recooling; mixing, or simultaneously 
supplying air that has been previously 
mechanically heated and air that has been 
previously cooled either by economizer 
operation or mechanical cooling. 



236 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Exception: 

L Variable air volume systems which, 
during periods of occupancy, are designed 
to reduce the primary air supply to each 
zone to a minimum before reheating, 
recooling, or mixing takes place. 

2. Zones where special pressurization 
relationships or cross-contamination 
requirements are such that variable air 
volume systems are impractical. 

3. At least 75% of the energy for 
reheating or for providing warm air m 
mixing systems is provided from a 
site-recovered or site-solar energy source. 

4. Zones where special humidity levels 
are required to satisfy process needs. 

5. Zones with a peak supply air quantity 
of 300 cfin or less and where the flow rate 
is less than 10% of the total fan system 
flow rate. 

6. Zones where the volume of air to be 
reheated, recooled, or mixed is no greater 
than the volume of outside air required to 
meet the minimum ventilation 
requirements of 780 CMR 1305.3.6. 

13053.4.7 Temperature Reset for Air 
Systems: Air systems supplying heated or 
cooled air to multiple zones shall include 
controls that have the capability to 
. automatically reset the supply airin response 
to measured parameters representative of 
building loads or by outside air temperature. 
Temperature shall be capable of being reset 
by at least 25% of the design supply air to 
room air temperature difference. 

Exceptlosi: Systems that comply with 
780 CMR 1305.3.4.6 without using 
Exceptions 1, 2 or 6. 

13053 J Hydronic System Controls: The 
heating of fluids that have been previously 
mechanically cooled and the cooling of Suids that 
have been previously mechanically heated shall be 
limited in accordance with 780 CMR 1305.3.5.1 
through 1305.3.5.3. 

Hydronic heating systems comprised of 
multiple packaged boilers and designed to deliver 
conditioned water or steam into a common 
distribution system shall include automatic 
controls capable of sequencing operation of the 
boilers. 

Hydronic heating systems comprised of a single 
boiler and greater than 500,000 Btu/h design 
capacity shall include either a multi-staged or 
modulating burner. 

130S3J.1 Three-pipe System: Hydronic 
systems that use a coinumon return system for 
both hot water and chilled water are prohibited, 



13053.5.2 Two°p!pe Changeover System: 
Systems that use a common distribution system to 
supply both heated and chilled water shall: be 
designed to allow a dead band between 
changeover from one mode to the other of at least 
1 5 **? outside air temperature; be designed to and 
provided with controls that will allow operation in 
one mode for at least 4 hours before changing 
over to the other mode; and be provided with 
controls that allow heating and cooling supply 
temperatures at the changeover point to be no 
more than 30 "F apart 

130S3J3 Hydronic (Water Loop) Heat 
Pump Systems: Hydronic heat pumps 
connected to a common heat pump water loop 
with central devices for heat rejection and heat 
addition shall have controls that are capable of 
providing a heat pump water supply 
temperature dead band of at least 20''Fbetween 
initiation of heat rejection and heat addition by 
the central devices. If a closed-circuit cooling 
tower is used, either an automatic valve shall 
be installed to bypass all but a minimal flow of 
water around the tower, or low leakage positive 
closure dampers shall be provided. If an 
open-circuit cooling tower is used directly in 
. the heat pump loop, an automatic valve shall be 
installed to bypass all heat pump water flow- 
around the tower. If an open-circuit cooling 
tower is used in conjunction with a separate 
heat exchanger to isolate the cooling tower 
&om the heat pump loop, then heat loss shall 
be controlled by shutting down the circulation 
pump on the cooling tower loop. Each 
hydronic heat pump on the hydronic system 
having a total pump .system power exceeding 
ten hp shall have a two-position valve. 

Exception: Where a system loop temper- 
ature optimization controller is installed and 
can determine the most efficient operating 
temperature based on real time conditions of 
demand and capacity, dead bands of less 
than 20'F shall be permitted. 

130S3.5.4 Hydronic Variable Mow 
Systems: HVAC pumping systems that include 
control valves designed to modulate or step 
open and closed as a function of load shall be 
designed for variable fluid flow and be capable 
of reducing pump Sow rates to 50% or less of 
the design flow rate. 

130535.5Maxiisnim Power Use: Individual 
pumps serving variable flow systems having 
pump motors greater than 50 hp shall include 
controls that are capable of limiting pump 
motor demand to no more than 30% of design 
power input at 50% of design water flow. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



237 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1305.3.6 VentUation: Ventilation, either natural 
or mechanical, shall be provided in accordance 
with the mechanical code listed in Appendix A. 
Where mechanical ventilation is provided the 
system shall provide the capability to reduce the 
outdoor air supply to the minimum required by the 
mechanical code listed in Appendix A. 

1305J.6.1 System Controls: Mechanical 
ventilation systems shall be provided with 
manual or automatic controls Uiat will allow 
the fan system to operate whenever the spaces 
served are occupied Air conditioning systems 
that supply required ventilation ah: shall be 
provided with controls designed to 
automatically maintain the required outdoor ah: 
supply rate during occupancy. 

13053.6.2 Ventilation Controls for 
High-Occupancy Areas: Systems with design 
outside air capacities greater than 3000 cfin 
serving areas having an average design 
occupancy density exceeding 100 people per 
1000 ft^ shall include means to automatically 
reduce outside air mtake below design rates 
when spaces are partially occupied. 
Ventilation controls shall be in compliance 
with the mechanical code listed in Appendix A. 

Exception: fan systems with energy 
recovery. 

13053.63 Distributed Fan Systems: Where 
mechanical ventilation is provided by multiple 
fan systems located m a plenum or other 
enclosed space, outdoor air shall be ducted 
directly to each individual fan system. 
13053.6.4 Outdoor Air Intake Control: 
Variable au: volume systems shall have 
controls that are capable of maintaining total 
system outdoor airflow at not less than 90% of 
the outdoor air supply rates required by 
780 CMR 13053.6. 

13053.63 Zone Mlnlmnm Air Flow: 

Variable air volume zone controls shaU 
maintain the hourly average outdoor supply air 
rate at not less than the minimum supply rate 
required by 780 CMR 1305.3.6 under any 
thermal load condition expected to occur when 
the spaces served are occupied. 

13053.6.6 Shutoff Damper Controls: Bdth 
outdoor air supply and exhaust ducts associated 
with the mechanical ventilation system shall be 
equipped with motorized dampers that will 
automatically shut when the systems or spaces 
served are not in use. 

Exception: 

1. Gravity (non-motorized) dampers 
installed in buildings less than three stories 
in height above grade. 

2. Individual supply systems with an 
outside an: intake or exhaust capacity of 300 



cfm or less. 

13053.7 Economizers: Each coolmg system 
including the fan with a total cooling capacity of 
at least 65,000 Btu/h shall have an air or water 
economizer. 

Cooling fan systems with a total cooling 
capacity less than 65,000 Btu/hr shall have an air 
or water economizer in buildings three stories and 
taller where the total cooling capacity of all such 
systems exceeds 2,400,000 Btu/h or 10% of the 
total installed cooling capacity, whichever is 
larger. 
Exception: 

1 . Systems that include gas phase air cleaning 
in order to meet ventilation requirements. 
■ ■ 2. Where more than 25% of the air designed 
to be supplied by the system is to spaces that 
are designed to be humidified above 35 °F 
(2°Q dewpoint temperature in order to satisfy 
process needs. 

3., Systems that include a condenser heat 
recovery system complying with 780 CMR 
13053.12. 

4. Systems that serve residential spaces where 
the system capacity is less than 325,000 cfin. 

5. Systems ^at serve spaces whose sensible 
cooling load at design conditions, excluding 
transmission and infiltration loads, is less than 
or equal to transmission and infiltration losses 
at an outdoor temperature of 60°F. 

6. Systems expected to operate less than 20 
hours per week. 

7. Where the use of outdoor air for cooling 
will affect supermarket open refrigerated 
casework systems. 

13053.7.1 Air Economizers: Air economizers 
shall be designed to modulate outside air and 
return air dampers to provide up to the design 
supply air quantity as outside air. 

Economizer dampers shall be capable of 
bemg sequenced with the mechanical cooling 
equipment and shall be controlled by other than 
mixed air temperature alone. The use of mixed 
air temperature limit control shall be permitted 
for systems controlled fiom space temperature 
. (such as singlcrzo/ie systems). 

Air economizers shall be designed to 
automatically reduce the minimum supply of 
outside air to the minimum quantities required 
by 780 CMR 13053.6 when the use of outside 
ah- will no longer reduce cooling energy usage. 
Means shaU be provided to relieve or exhaust 
excess return air during air economizer 
operation. The relief air outlet shall be located 
to avoid reintroduction of exhaust air into the 
building. 

Controls shall be permitted to be installed to 
reduce the quantity of outdoor air to prevent 
coil frostmg at the lowest stage of compressor 
unloadmg. 



238 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUttDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



13053.8 Duct and Flenrnn Insolation smd 
Sealing: All supply and return air ducts and 
plenums shall be insulated with a minimum of 
R-5 insulation when located in unconditioned 
spaces and with a minimum of R-8 insulation 
when located outside the building envelope. 
When located within a building envelope 
assembly the duct or plenum shall be separated 
from the building exterior or unconditioned or 
exempt spaces by a minimum R-5 insulation. 
Required R-values are the "labeled" R-values 
for such ducts. 

Exception: 

1. When located within equipment. 

2. When the design temperature difference 
between the interior and exterior of the duct 
or plenum does not exceed 1 5 °F. 

3. Exhaust air ducts. 

4. Outside air supply ducts located outside 
of the building envelope. 

All joints, longitudinal and trmisverse 
seams, and connections in duct work, shall be 
securely fastened and sealed with welds, 
gaskets, mastics (adhesives), mastic-plus- 
embedded-fabric systems, or tapes. Tapes and 
mastics used with rigid fibrous glass ducts shall 
be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 
1 8 1 A. Tapes and mastics used with flexible air 
ducts shall be listed and labeled in accordance 
with UL 18 IB. Duct tape is not permitted as a 
sealant on any metal ducts. 

Ducts designed to operate at static pressures 
in excess of three in. w.c. shall be leak-tested in 



accordance with the SMACNA HVAC air duct 
leakage test manual with the rate of air leakage 
less than or equal to 6.0 as determined in 
accordance with Equation 1305.3.8. 

Where: 

h^^ =: the maximum permitted leakage in cfm 
per 100 ft^ duct surface 
Q = 6 for square/rectangular sheetmetal or 
fibrous ducts, three for round/oval sheetmetal, 
' fibrous or flexible ducts 
P = test pressure which shall be equal to the 
design duct pressure class rating in inches w.c, 

1305.3.9 Piping Insulation: All piping serving 
as part of a heating or cooling system shall be 
thermally insulated in accordance with Table 
1305.3.9. 

Exception: 

1. Factory-installed piping within HVAC 
equipment tested and rated in accordance with 
780 CMR 1305.3.3. 

2. Piping that conveys fluids that have a 
design operating temperature range between 
55''Fandl05°F 

3. Piping that conveys fluids that have not 
been heated or cooled through the use of fossil 
fuels or electrical power. 

4. Hot water runout piping not exceeding 4 ft. 
in length and 1 in. in diameter or less between 
the control valve and HVAC coil. 



Table 13053 J 
Minimum Pipe Insulation Thickness" 



Fluid Design Operating 
Temp. Range ("F) 


Insulation Conductivity 


Nomina 


Pipe or Tube Size (in.) 






Conductivity 
Btu*in./(h*ft2*°F) 


Mean Rating 
Temp. CD 


<1 


lto<m 


l'/2tO<4 


4to<8 


^8 


Heating Systems (Steam, Steam Condensate and Hot Water) 


>350 


0.32-0.34 250 


2.5 


3.0 


3.0 


4.0 


4.0 


251-350 


0.29-0.32 200 


L5 


2.5 


3.0 


3.0 


3.0 


201-250 


0.27-0.30 150 


1.5 


1.5 


2.0 


2.0 


2.0 


141-200 


0.25-0.29 125 


1.0 


1.0 


1.0 


1.5 


1.5 


105-140 


0.22-0.28 100 


0.5 


0.5 


1.0 


1.0 


1.0 


Domestic and Service Hot Water Systems 


105 and Greater |0.22-0.28 flOO 


0.5 


0.5 


1.0 


1.0 


1.0 


Cooling Systems (Chilled Water, Brine, and Refrigerant) 


40-60 


0.22-0.28 


100 


0.5 


0.5 


1.0 


1.0 


1.0 


Below 40 


0.22-0.28 


100 


0.5 


10 


1.0 


1.0 


1.5 



" For insulation outside the stated conductivity range, the minimum thickness (T) shall be determined as follows: 

T=rf(l + t/rf/k 
Where: 

7= minimum insulation thickness (in.), 
r = actual outside radius of pipe (in.), 

t = insulation thickness listed in this table for applicable fluid temperature and pipe size, 
K = conductivity of alternate material at mean rating temperature indicated for the applicable fluid temperature 
[Btu*in.(h*ft^*''F)];and 
k ^ the upper value of the conductivity range listed in this table for the applicable fluid temperature. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



239 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1305.3.10 Fan System Power: The ratio of the 
nameplate^n system power to the supply fan air 
flow rate of each HVAC system at design 
conditions shall not exceed the requirements 
shown in Table 1305.3.10. Fan system power 
shall be adjusted in accordance with Equation 
1305.3.10 for the additional power required by 
process loads, air treatment or filtering systems 
with design pressure drops over one in. w.c. when 
filters are clean, heat recovery coils or devices, or 
direct evaporative humidifiers/coolers. 

Equation 13053.10 

Adjusted fan system power = Fan systempower- HP 
Credit 

HP Credit (hp) = Sum of [CFM„ x (SP„ - 1 .0)737 1 8] 
+ Sum of [CFM X SPhr/37 18] 

Where: 

CFM„ =Supply air volume of the unit with the 

filtering system, cfm 

SP„ = Air pressure drop of the filtering system 

when filters are clean, in, w.c. 

SPhr = Air pressure drop of heat recovery coils or 

direct evaporative humidifier/cooler, in. w.c. 

Table 1305.3.10 
Fan Power Limitation 



Supply Air 


Allowable Nameplate Motor Power 


Volume 


Constant Air Volume Variable Air Volume 


< 20,000 cfm 


1 .2 hp/1 ,000 cfm 1 .7 hp/1 ,000 cfm 


> 20,000 cfm 


1 . 1 hp/1 ,000 cfm 1 .5 hp/1 ,000 cfm 



1305.3.10.1 Variable Air Volume (VAV) 
Fan Control; Individual VAV fans with 
motors 25 hp and larger shall have controls or 
devices that will result in fan motor demand of 
no more than 30% of design wattage at 50% of 
design air volume when static pressure set 
point equals Vs of the total design static 
pressure, based on manufacturer's certified fan 
data. 

Static pressure sensors used to control 
variable air volume fans shall be placed in a 
position such that the controller set point is not 
able to exceed Vb the total design fan static 
pressure. If this results in the sensor being 
located downstream of splits in primary duct 
runs, multiple sensors shall be installed in each 
major duct. 

For systems with direct digital control at the 
zone level, static pressure set points shall be 
capable of being reset based on the zone 
requiring the most pressure. 

1305.3.10.2 Fan-Powered VAV Boxes: 

Fan-Powered VAV boxes shall be capable of 
being controlled to shut off when the primary 
system is off except as required to maintain the 
zone at setback temperatures. 



13053.11 Heat Rejection Equipment: 

13053.11.1 General: 780 CMR 1305.3.11 
applies to heat rejection equipment used in 
comfort cooling systems covered in Table 
1305.3.3e. 

1305.3.11.2 Fan Speed Control: Each fan 
associated with a heat rejection device covered 
in Table 1305.3.3e and powered by a motor of 
7.5 hp or larger shall have a fan speed control 
with the capability to operate that fan at 
two-thirds of full speed or less, and shall have 
controls that are capable of automatically 
changing the fan speed to control the leaving 
fluid temperature or condensing temperature/ 
pressure of the heat rejection device. 

Exception: 

1. Condenser fans serving multiple 
refrigerant circuits. 

2. Condenser fans serving flooded 
condensers. 

3. Up to Va of the fans on a condenser or 
tower with multiple fans where the lead fans 
comply with the speed control requirement 

1305.3.12 Exhaust Air Energy Recovery: 

HVAC fan systems that have both a design supply 
air capacity of 5000 cfm or greater and have a 
minimum outside air supply of 70% or greater of 
the design supply air quantity shall have an energy 
recovery system that is capable of providing a 
change in the enthalpy or dry-bulb temperature of 
die outdoor air supply equal to at least 50% of the 
difference between the outdoor air and return air 
at design conditions. A heat recovery system 
bypass shall be provided to permit air economizer 
operation as required by 780 CMR 1305.3.7. 

Exception: 

1. Laboratory systems meeting 
780 CMR 1305.3. 13.2. 

2. Systems serving spaces which are not 
cooled and which are heated to less than 60°F. 

3. Systems exhausting toxic, flammable, paint 
exhaust, corrosive fumes, or dust which makes 
the installation of heat recovery equipment 
impractical. 

4. Commercial kitchen hoods (grease) 
classified as Type 1 hy NFPA 96. 

5. Where more than 60% of the outdoor 
heating energy is provided from site-recovered 
or site solar energy 

13053.13 Exhaust Hoods: 

1305.3.13.1 Kitchen Hoods: Individual 
kitchen exhaust hoods larger than 5000 cfm 
shall be provided with make-up air sized for at 
least 50% of exhaust air volume that is 

(a) heated to no more than 60 °F and 

(b) uncooled or cooled without the use of 
mechanical cooling. 



240 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



. Exception: 
1. Where hoods are used to exhaust ventil- 
ation air which would otherwise exfiltrate or 
be exhausted by other fan systems. 
2. Certified grease extractor hoods that 
require a face velocity no greater than 
60 fpm. 

130S.3 .13.2 Fume Hoods: Buildings with 
fume hood systems having a total exhaust rate 
greater than 15,000 cfin shall include at least 
one of the following features; 

1. Variable air volume hood exhaust and 
room supply systems capable of reducing 
exhaust and make-up air volume to 50% or 
less of design values. 

2. Direct make-up (auxiliary) air supply 
equal to at least 75% of the exhaust rate, 
heated no warmer than 2^*? below room set 
point, cooled to no cooler than 3°F above 
room set point, no humidification added, and 
no simultaneous heating and cooling used 
for dehumidification control. 

3. Heat recovery systems to precondition 
make-up air from fume hood exhaust in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1305.3.12 
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery, without using 
any exception. 

780 CMR 1306.0 SERVICE 
WATER HEATING 

1306.1 General: 780 CMR 1306.0 covers 
installation of service hot water piping and controls 
for service water heating equipment. 

1306.2 Temperature Controls: Service water 
heating equipment shall be provided with controls to 
allow a set point of 110°F for equipment serving 
dwelling units and 90 °F for equipment serving other 
occupancies. The outlet temperature of lavatories in 
public facility restrooms shall be limited to 1 10°F. 

1306.3 Heat Traps: Water heating equipment not 
supplied with integral heat traps and serving non - 
circulating systems shall be provided with heat traps 
on the supply and discharge piping associated with 
the equipment. 

1306.4 Service Hot Water Piping InsulatioM: 
Piping on return circulation hot water systems, shall 
be insulated with 1 inch of insulation having a 
conductivity not exceeding 0.28 Btu per 
inch/h*ft^*°F. The first eight feet of piping in 
nonrecirculating systems served by equipment 
without integral heat traps shall be insulated with 1 
inch of insulation having a conductivity not 
exceeding 0.28 Btu per inch/h*ft^ *°F. 

1306.5 Hot Water System Controls: Circulating 
hot water systems or heat trace shall have automatic 



time switches that are capable of being set to turn off 
the system. 

1306.6 Swfmming pools: 

1306.6.1 Pool Covers: Heated pools shall be 
equipped with a vapor retardant pool cover on or 
at the water surface. 

Exception: Pools deriving over 60% of the 
energy for heating from site-recovered energy 
or solar energy source. 

1306.6.2 Pool Heaters: Pool heaters shall meet 
the efficiency requirements for boilers. Pool 
heaters fired by natural gas shall not have 
continuously burning pilot lights. 

1306.6.3 On-off Switch: Pool heaters shall be 
equipped with a readily accessible on-off switch 
to allow shutting off the heater without adjusting 
the thermostat setting. 

1306.6.4 Time Switches: Time switches shall be 
installed on swimming pool heaters and pumps. 

Exceptions: 

1. Where public health standards require 
24-hour pump operation. 

2. Where pumps are required to operate solar 
and waste heat recovery pool heating systems. 

1306.6.5 Temperature Controls: Heated 
swinmiing pools shall be equipped with conUrols 
to limit heating water temperatures to not more 
than 80°F. 

Exception: Pools used for therapeutic 
purposes are exempt when approved by the 
building official, 

1306.7 Space Heating and Water Heating: The 
use of a gas-fired or oil-fired space heating boiler 
system to provide the total space heating and water 
heating for a building is allowed when one of the 
following conditions is met: 

1. The single space heating boiler, or the 
component of a modular or multiple boiler system 
that is heating the service water, has a standby loss 
in Btu/h not exceeding 

(13.3 xpmd + 400) /n 
where pmd is the probable maximum demand in 
gal/h determined in accordance with the 
procedures described in generally accepted 
engineering standards and handbooks and n is the 
fraction of the year when the outdoor daily mean 
temperature is greater than 64.9 ''F. 

The standby loss is to be determined for a test 
period of 24-hour duration while maintaining a 
boiler water temperature of at least 90 ''F above 
ambient, with an ambient temperature between 
60''F and 90'*F. For a boiler with a modulating 
burner, this test shall be conducted at the lowest 
input. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



241 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILEliNG REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2. It can be demonstrated that the use of a single 
heat source will provide energy savings compared 
to separate units. 

3. The energy input of the combined boiler and 
water heater system is less than 150,000 Btu/h. 

780 CMR 1307.0 ELECTRIC POWER 
DlSTRIBUnON 

1307.1 Scope: Electrical distribution systems shall 
be designed for the efficient distribution of electrical 
energy from the service entrance to the points of use. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Buildings in use groups R-3 and R-4 (one-and 
two-family dwellings). 

2. Emergency power systems. 

1307.2 Electrical Metering: In all multi-family 
dwellings, each dwelling unit shall be separately 
metered. Also see 527 CMR 12.00. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Publicly financed housing for the elderly with 
fuel fired heating systems, with centrally operated 
air conditioning systems, or without air condition- 
ing 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. 

1307.3 Voltage Drop: 

1307.3.1 Feeders: Feeder conductors shall be 
designed for a maximum voltage drop of 2% at 
the design load calculated in accordance with 
780 CMR 2701.0. 



1307.3.2 Branch Circuits: Branch circuit 
conductors shall be designed for a maximum 
voltage drop of 3% at the design load calculated 
in accordance with 780 CMR 2701.0. 

1307.4 Transformers: Single-phase and 
three-phase dry-tyi)e and liquid-filled distribution 
transformers first installed after December 3 1 , 1 999 
shall be selected based on rating as described in 
780 CMR 1307.4.1 and.1307.4.2. 

Exceptions: 

1 . liquid-filled transformers below ten kVA or 
dry-type transformers below 15 kVA 

2. drive transformers, both AC and DC 

3. all rectifier transformers and transformers 
designed for high harmonics 

4. autotransformers 

5. non-distribution transformers, such as UPS 
(Uninterruptible Power Supply) transformers 

6. special impedance, regulation, and harmonic 
transformers 

7. sealed and non-ventilated transformers 

8. retrofit transformers, machine tool transfor- 
mers, or welding transformers 

9. transformers with tap ranges greater than 15% 
or frequency other than 60 Hz 

10. grounding or testing transformers. 

1307.4.1 Liquid-Immersed Transformers: 

Liquid-immersed transformers shall comply with 
the minimum efficiencies in Table 1307.4.1 as 
tested and rated in accordance with Section 3 1 3 of 
the Electric Utility Industry Restracturing Act of 
November 25, 1997 ("NEMA TPl.") 



Table 1307.4.1 
NEMA Class 1 Efficiency Levels for Liquid-Filled Distribution Transformers 



Reference Condition 

Load Loss 

No Load Loss 



Temperature 
85 *C 
20''C 



% of Nameplate Load 
50% 
50% 



kVA 


Single Phase Efficiency 


kVA 


Three Phase Efficiency 


10 


98.3 


15 


98.0 


15 


98.5 


30 


98.3 


25 


98.7 


45 


98.5 


37.5 


98.8 


75 


98.7 


50 


98.9 


112.5 


98.8 


75 


99.0 


150 


98.9 


100 


99.0 


225 


99.0 


167 


99.1 


300 


99.0 


250 


99.2 


500 


99.1 


333 


99.2 


750 


99.2 


500 


99.3 


1000 


99.2 


667 


99.4 


1500 


99.3 


883 


99.4 


2000 


99.4 






2500 


99.4 



1307.4.2 Dry-Type Transformers:. Dry-type 
transformers shall comply with the minimum 



efficiencies in Table 1307.4.2 as tested and rated 
in accordance with NEMA TP 1 : 



242 



780 CMR - Sixth EdiUon 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BIOLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 

Table 1307.4.2 
NEM A Class 1 Efficiency Levels for Dry-Type Distribution Transfo rmers 



Reference 


Temperature 


% of Nameplate 


Condition 




Load 


Low Voltage 


IS'C 


35% 


Medium Voltage 


75°C 


50% 



Single 


Phase Efficiency 


Three Phase Efficiency 


kVa . 


Low 
Voltage 


Medium 
Voltage 


kVa 


Low 
Voltage 


Medium 
Voltage 


15 


97.7 


97.6 


15 


97.0 


96.8 


25 


98.0 


97.7 


30 


97.5 


97.3 


37.5 


98.2 


98.1 


45 


97.7 


97.6 


50 


98.3 


98.2 


75 


98.0 


97.9 


75 


98.5 


98.4 


112.5 


98.2 


98.1 


100 


98.6 


98.5 


150 


98.3 


98.2 


167 


98.7 


98.7 


225 


98.5 


98.4 


250 


98.8 


98.8 


300 


98.6 


98.5 


333 


98.9 


98.9 


500 


98.7 


98.7 


500 


99:0 


750 


98.8 


98.8 


667 


~ 


99.0 


1000 


98.9 


98.9 


833 


~ 


99.1 


1500 


— 


99.0 




2000 


— 


99.0 


' 




2500 


- 


99.1 



780 CMR 1308.0 UGHTING SYSTEMS 

1308.1 General: The lighting criteria in 780 CMR 
1308.0 shall apply to lighting for the following: 

1. interior spaces of Z^MiWm^j; 

2. exterior building features, including facades, 
illuminated roofs, architectural features, entrances, 
exits, loading docks, and illuminated canopies; 
and, 

3. exterior building grounds lighting provided 
through the building's electrical service. 

Exceptions: 

1. emergency lighting that is automatically off 
during normal building operation and is 
powered by battery, generator, or other 
alternate power source; and, 

2. lighting within living units of residential 
buildings; 

3. lighting that is specifically designated as 
required by. a health or life safety statute, 
ordinance, or regulation; 

4. decorative gas lighting systems. 

1308.2 LIgfetIng Control: • 

- 1308.2.1 Automatic Lighting Shutoff : Interior 

lighting in buildings larger than 5000 ft^ shall be 

controlled with an automatic control device to 

shut off building lighting in all spaces. This 

automatic control device shall function on either: 

1. a scheduled basis using a time of day 

operated control device that turns lighting off at 

specific progranuned times. An independent 

program schedule shall be provided for areas of 

no more than 25,000 ft^ but not more than one 

floor; or 



2. an occupant sensor that shall turn lighting 
off within 30 minutes of an occupant leaving a 
space; or 

3. an unscheduled basis by occupant 
intervention. 

Exception 1: Lighting intended for 24 hour 
operation shall not require an Automatic 
Control Device. 

Exception 2: Automatic Control Devices 
are not required in the following spaces: 
corridors, hallways, stairways and lobbies 
which are part of a required means of egress; 
resU^ooms; mechanical rooms, and; electrical 
rooms. If automatic control devices are used 
in the spaces listed, they shall not reduce 
illumination below the levels prescribed in 
780 CMR 1024.0 (Means of Egress 
Lighting.) 

1308.2.2 Space ControL- Each space enclosed by 
ceiling-height partitions shall have at least one 
control device to independently control the 
general lighting within the space. Each control 
device shall be activated either manually by an 
occupant or automatically by sensing an occupant. 
Each control device shall: 

1 . control a maximum of 2,500 ft^ area for a 
space 10,000 ft^ or less, and a maximum of 
10,000 ft^ area for a space greater than 10,000 

2. be capable of overriding the shutoff con/ro/ 
required in 1308.2.1 for no more than two 
hours, and 

3. be readily accessible and located so the 
occupant can see the controlled lighting. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



242.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Exception 1: Remote location shall be 
permitted for reasons of safety or security 
when the remote control device has an 
indicator pilot light as part of or next to the 
control device and it shall be clearly labeled 
to identify the controlled lighting. 

Exception 2: Means of egress lighting 
which provides the minimum illumination 
identified in 780 CMR 1308.2.1 Exception 
2 shall be controlled in accordance with 
780 CMR 1024. 

1308.2.3 Uniform Reduction: Each perimeter 
office space enclosed by ceiling-height partitions 
shall have a manual control to allow the occupant 
to uniformly reduce the connected lighting load by 
at least 50% 

Exception: Spaces with automatic daylighting 
controls. 

1308.2.4 Additional Control: 

1 . Display/Accent Lighting - display or accent 
lighting shall have a separate control device. 

2. Case Lighting - lighting in cases used for 
display purposes shall be equipped with a 
separate control device. 

3. Hotel and Motel Guest Room Lighting - 
hotel and motel guest rooms and guest suites 
shall have a master control device at the main 
room entry that controls all permanently 
installed luminaires and switched receptacles. 

4. Task Lighting - supplemental task lighting 
including permanently installed undershelf or 
undercabinet lighting shall have a control 
device integral to the luminaires or shall be 
controlled by a wall- mounted control device 
provided the control device complies with 
780 CMR 1308.2.2. 

5. Nonvisual Lighting - lighting for nonvisual 
applications, such as plant growth and 
food-warming, shall be equipped with a 
separate control device. 

6. Demonstration Lighting - lighting 
equipment that is for sale or for demonstrations 
in lighting education shall be equipped with a 
separate control device. 

1308.2.5 Exterior Lighting Control: Lighting 
for all exterior applications not exempted in 
780 CMR 1308. 1 or 1308.7 shall be controlled by 
a photosensor or astronomical time switch that is 
capable of automatically turning off the exterior 
lighting when sufficient daylight is available or 
the lighting is not required. 

Exception: Lighting for covered vehicle 
entrances or exits irom buildings or parking 
structures where required for safety, security or 
eye adaptation. 

1308.3 Tandem Wiring: Luminaires designed for 
use with one or three linear fluorescent lamps greater 



than 30 W each shall use two lamp tandem-wired 
ballasts in place of single lamp ballasts when two or 
more luminaires Jire in the same space and on the 
same control device. 

Exceptions: 

1. recessed luminaires more than ten ft apart 
measured center to center, 

2. surface mounted or pendant luminaires which 
are not continuous, 

3. luminaires using single lamp high-frequency 
electronic ballasts, 

4. luminaires using three lamp high-frequency 
electronic ballasts or three lamp electromagnetic 
ballasts, 

5. luminaires on emergency circuits, 

6. luminaires with no available pair. 

1308.4 Exit Signs: Exit sign luminaires operating at 
greater than 20 watts shall have a minimum source 
efficacy of 35 ImAV. 

1308.5 Exterior Building Grounds Lighting: All 

exterior building grounds luminaires which operate 
at greater than 100 watts shall contain lamps having 
a minimum efficacy of 60 Im/W unless the luminaire 
is controlled by a motion sensor or qualifies for one 
of the exceptions under 780 CMR 1308.1 or 1308.7. 

1308.6 Interior Lighting Power: The installed 
interior lighting power idtntified in accordance with 
780 CMR 1308.6.1 shall not exceed the interior 
lighting power allowance developed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1308.6.2. 

1308.6.1 Installed Interior Lighting Power: 

The installed interior lighting power shaH include 
the power of all lighting. The installed interior 
lighting power includes all power used by the 
luminaires, including lamps, ballasts, current 
regulators, and control devices. 

Exceptions: 

1. If two or more independently operating 
lighting systems in a space are capable of being 
controlled to prevent simultaneous user 
operation, the installed interior lighting power 
shall be based solely on the lighting system 
with the highest wattage. 

2. The following lighting equipment and 
applications shall not be considered when 
determining the interior lighting power 
allowance developed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1308.6.2, nor shall the wattage for 
such lighting be included in the installed 
interior lighting power. However, any such 
lighting shall not be exempt unless it is an 
addition to general lighting and is controlled by 
an independent control device. 

a. Lighting in spaces specifically designed 
for use by the visually impaired. 



242.2 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



b. Lighting in retail display windows, 
provided the display area is enclosed by 
ceiling-height partitions. 

c. Lighting in interior spaces that have been 
specifically designated as a registered 
interior historic landmark. 

d. Athletic playing areas with permanently 
installed lighting for television broadcasting. 

e. Casino gambling areas. 

3. The following lighting equipment shall noi 
be included in the installed interior lighting 
power. However, any such lighting shall not 
be exempt unless it is an addition to general 
lighting and is controlled by an independent 
control device. 

a. Display or accent lighting that is an 
essential element for the function performed 
in galleries, museums, and monuments. 

b. Lighting that is integral to equipment or 
instrumentation and is installed by its 
manufacturer. 

c. Lighting specifically designed for use 
only during medical or dental procedures 
and lighting integral to medical equipment. 

d. Lighting integral to both open and glass 
enclosed refrigerator and freezer cases. 

e. Lighting integral to food warming and 
food preparation equipment. 

f. Lighting for plant growth or 
maintenance. 

g. Lighting that is an integral part of 
advertising or directional signage. 

h. Exit signs. 

L Lighting that is for sale or lighting 

educational demonstration ^y^remj. 

j. Lighting for theatrical purposes, 

including, performance, stage, and film and 

video production. 

I3O8.60U Luminaire Wattage: Luminaire 

wattage incorporated into the installed interior 

lighting power shall be determined in 

accordance with the following criteria: 

1. the wattage of incandescent or 

tungsten-halogen luminaires with medium 

screw base sockets and not containing 

permanently installed ballasts shall be the 

maximum labeled wattage of the luminaire. 

Exceptions: 

1. Luminaires for which lower wattage 
lamps are specified in construction 
documents, maintenance and operating 
manuals, and reports specified in 
780 CMR 1301.8.4. 

2. the wattage of luminaires with 
permanently installed or remotely installed 
ballasts shall be the operating input 
wattage of the specified lamp/ballast 



combination based on values firom 
manufacturers catalogs or values from 
independent testing lab reports. 
3. the wattage of line voltage lighting 
track and plug-in busway that allow the 
addition and/or relocation of luminaires 
without altering the wiring of the system 
shall be the lower of: 

a. the specified wattage of the 
luminaires included in the system with 
a minimum of 30 W/lin ft. 

b. the specified wattage of the circuit 
protection device. 

4, the wattage of low- voltage lighting track, 
cable conductor, rail conductor, and other 
flexible lighting systems that allow for the 
addition and/or relocation of luminaires 
without altering the wiring of the system 
shall be the specified wattage of the 
transformer supplying the system. 

5. the wattage of all other miscellaneous 
lighting equipment shall be the specified 
wattage of the equipment. 

1308.6.2 Interior Lighting Power AlJowance: 
The interior lighting power allowance for a 
building or a separately metered or permitted 
portion of a building shall be determined by either 
the building area method described in 780 CMR 
1308.6.2.1 or the Space-by-Space method 
described in 780 CMR 1308.6.2.2. Trade-offs of 
interior lighting power allowance among portions 
of the building for which a different method of 
calculation has been used are not permitted. 

1308.6.2.1 Building Area Metbod of 
CalcolatSiig Interior Lighting Power 
Allowance: The Building Area Method shall 
be used only in the following cases: a) projects 
involving the entire building, or b) projects 
involving a single, independent, and separate 
occupancy in a multi-occupancy building. Use 
the following steps to determine the interior 
lighting power allowance by the Building Area 
Method: 

1 . Determine the appropriate building type 
from Table 1308.6.2.1 and the allowed 
lighting power density (watts/unit area) from 
the building area method column. For 
building types not listed, selection of a 
reasonably equivalent type shall be 
permitted. 

2. Determine the gross lighted floor area 
(square feet) of the building. 

3 . The interior lighting power allowance is 
the product of the lighted floor area of the 
building times the lighting power density. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



242.3 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 1308.6.2.1 
Lighting Power Densities Using the Building Area Method 




Building Type 


Lighting Power Density 

(W/ft^) 


Automotive Facility 


1.5 


Convention Center 


1.4 


Courthouse 


1.4 


Dining: Bar Lounge/leisure 


1.5 ■ 


Dining: Cafeteria/fast Food 


1.8 


Dining: Family 


L9 


Dormitory 


1.5 


Exercise Center 


1.4 


Gymnasium 


1.7 


Hospital/healthcare 


1.6 


Hotel 


1.7 


Library 


1.5 


Manufacturing 


2.2 


Motel 


2.0 


Motion Picture Theatre 


1.6 


Multi-family 


1.0 


Museum 


1.6 


Office 


1.3 




Parking Garage 


0.3 


Penitentiary 


1.2 


Performing Arts Theater 


1.5 


Police/fire Station 


1.3 


Post Office 


1.6 


Religious Buildings 


2.2 


Retail 


1.9 


School/university 


1.5 


Sports Arena 


1.5 


Town Hall 


1.4 


Transportation 


1.2 


Warehouse 


1.2 


Workshop 


1.7 



1308.6.2.2 Space-by-Space Method of 
Calculating Interior Lighting Power 
Allowance: Use the following steps to determine 
the interior lighting power allowance by the 
space-by-space method: 

1 . For each space enclosed by partitions 80% 
or greater than ceiling height, determine the 
gross interior floor area by measuring to the 
center of the partition wall. Include the floor 
area of balconies or other projections. Retail 
spaces do not have to comply with the 80% 
partition height requirements. 

2. Determine the interior lighting power 
allowance for each space from Table 



1308.6.2.2. Multiply the floor area(s) of the 
space(s) times the allowed lighting power 
density for the space type that most closely 
represents the proposed-use of the space(s). 
The product is the lighting power allowance 
for the space(s). For space types not listed, 
selection of a reasonable equivalent category 
shall be permitted. 

3. The interior lighting power allowance is 
the sum of lighting power allowances of all 
spaces. Trade-offs among spaces are permitted 
provided that the total installed interior 
lighting power does not exceed the interior 
lighting power allowance. 



242.4 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



Table 1308.6^.2 
Lighting Power Densities Using the Space-by-Space 


Method 


Building Type 


LPD 
(W/ft2) 


Area/Space Type 




Common Space Types 




Active Storage 


LI 




Atrium - First Three Floors 


1.3 




Atrium - Each Additional Floor 


0.2 




Classroom/Lecture/Training 


1.6 




Conference/Meetmg/Multipurpose 


1.5 




Corridor/Transition 


0.7 




Dining Area 


1.4 




Electrical/Mechanical 


1.3 




Food Preparation 


2.2 




Inactive Storage 


0.3 




Lobby . •- 


1.8 




Lounge/Recreation 


1.4 




Office - Enclosed 


1.5 




Office - Open Flan 


1.3 




Restroom 


1.0 




Stairway 


0.9 




Laboratory 


1.8 


Athletics 




Audience/Seating Area 


0.5 




Court Sports Area 


4:3 




Dressing/Loeker/Fitting Room 


0.8 




Exercise Area 


1.1 




Indoor Playing Field 


1.9 




Playing Area 


1.9 




Ring Sports Area 


3.8 


Transportatioii 




Baggage Area 


1.3 




Terminal Concourse 


0.7 




Ticket Counter 


1.8 




Transportation Seating Area 


1.0 


Hospitality & Food Service . . 




Bar Lounge^isme Dining Area ,. 


1.2 




Cafeteria/Fast Food Dining Area 


1.4 




Family Restaurant Dming Area 


2.2 




Hotel Lobby 


1.7 


Goyernment & Public Safety 




Confinement Cell 


1.1 




Court House/Police Station 
Audience/Seating Area 


1.6 




_, '" 






Courtroom 


2.1 




Fire Station Engine Room 


0.9 




Fire Station Sleeping Quartess 


LI 




Judges Chamber 


LI 




Penitentiary Audience/Seating Area 


L9 




Penitentiaiy Classroom/Lecture/Tiaining 


1.4 




Post Office Sorting Area 


1.7 


Hospital & Healthcare 




Active Storage - Hospital 


2.9 




Corridors w/ Patient Waitings Exam 


1.6 




Emergency 


3.2 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



242.5 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Building Type 



Area/Space Type 



Retail & Banking 



Banking Activity Area 



General Retail Sales Area 



Mall Concourse 



Religious 



Religious Audience/Seating Area 



Fellowship Hall 



Worship - Pulpit, Choir 



Warehouse & Parking 



Fine Material Storage 



Garage Parking Area - Attendant Only 



Garage Parking Area - Pedestrian 



Medium/Bulky Material Storage 



LPD 
(W/ft2) 



Hospital & Healthcare continued 






Exam/Treatment 


1.6 




LaundryAVashing 


0.7 




Medical Supplies 


3.0 




Nurse Station 


1.8 




Nursery 


1.0 




Operating Room 


7.6 




Patient Room 


1.2 




Pharmacy 


2.3 




Physical Therapy 


1.9 




Radiology 


0.4 




Recovery 


2.6 



Industrial & Auto Service 






Automobile Garage Service/Repair 


1.4 




Detailed Manufacturing 


6.2 




Manufacturing Control Room 


0.5 




Manufacturing Corridor/Transition 


0.5 




Manufacturing Equipment Room 


0.8 




Manufacturing General - High Bay 


3.0 




Manufacturing General - Low Bay 


2.1 




Workshop 


2.5 



Library 


' & Museum 






Library Card File & Cataloguing 


1.4 




Library Reading Area 


1.8 




Library Stacks 


1.9 




Museum Active Storage 


1.4 




Museum General Exhibition 


1.6 




Museum Inactive Storage 


1.4 




Museum Restoration 


2.5 



2.4 



2.1 



1.8 



Public Assembly 






Convention Center Audience/Seating Area 


0.5 




Convention Center Exhibit Space 


3.3 




Motion Picture Audience/Seating Area 


1.3 




Motion Picture Theatre Lobby 


0.8 




Perfonning Arts Audience/Seatmg Ai-ea 


1.8 




Performing Arts Theatre Lobby 


1.2 



3.2 



2.3 



5.2 



1.6 



0.1 



0.2 



LI 



24^6 



780 CMR - Sixtii Edition 



6/8/01 (Effective 4/26/01) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION 



1308.6.23 Additional Interior Lighting 
Power: When using the Space-by-Space Method, 
an • increase in the interior lighting power 
allowance is allowed for specific lighting 
functions. Additional lighting power shall be 
allowed only if the specified lighting is installed, 
shall be used only for the specified luminaires, 
and shall not be used for any other purpose or in 
any other space. 

An increase in the interior lighting power 
allowance is permitted in the following cases: 

1 . for spaces in which lighting is specified to 
be installed in addition to the general lighting 
for the purpose of decorative appearance, such 
as chandelier-type luminaries or sconces or for 
highlightmg art or exhibits, provided that the 
additional lighting power shall not exceed 1 .0 
W/ft^ of such spaces. 

2. for lighting equipment installed in retail 
spaces that is specifically designed and 
directed to highlight merchandise provided that 
the additional lighting power shall not exceed: 

a. 1.6 W/ft^ times the area of specific 
display, or 

b. 3.9 W/ft^ times the ares of specific 
display for valuable merchandise such as 
jewehy, fine apparel and accessories, china, 
crystal and silver, art, and similar items 
where the detailed display and examination 
of merchandise are important 

1308o7 Exterior Building Lightimg Power: The 
exterior lighting power allowance is the simi of 
lighting power allowances for all of the applicable 
exterior applications permitted, other than buOding 
facades, provided that the total installed exterior 
lighting power does not exceed the exterior lighting 
power allowance. Exterior lighting for all other 
applications (except those included in the Exceptions 
to 780 CMR 1308,7) shaH comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1308.5. 

Table 130S.7 
Lightiag Power Limits for Building Exteriors 



Applications 



Building entrance with 
canopy or free standing 
^SEL 



Bailding entrance without 
canopy 



Building exit 



Building facades 



rOwer JLiliuiS 

3 W/fe of canopied! 



33 W/lin ft of door width' 



20 W/lin ft of door width 



0.25W/ft*ofiDuminated 
facade area 



Exceptions: Lighting used for the following 



exterior applications is exempt when equipped 
with an independent control device: 

1. specialized signal, directional, and marker 
lighting associated with transportation; 

2. lighting used to highlight features of public 
monuments and registered historic landmark 
structures or buildings; 

3 lighting that is integral to advertising 
signage. 

780CMR1309i) BUILDING DESIGN 

BY SYCTEMS ANALYSIS 

1309.1 General: 780CMR 1309.0 establishes design 
criteria in terms of total energy use by. a building 
including all of its systems. 

A building designed in accordance with 780CMR 
• 1309.0 will be deemed as complying with 780CMR 
13 if the annual energy consumption is not greater 
than, if the building were designed with enclosure 
elements and energy consuming systems in 
compliance with 780CMR 1304.0 through 1308.0. 

1309o2 Analysis Procedure: The analysis of the 
annual energy usage of the standard and the 
proposed alternative building and system design 
shal meet the following criteria; 

L Energy Analysis: The calculation procedure 
used to simulate the operation of the building and 
its service systems through a Ml 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. 
The calculation procedure shall be based upon 
8760 hours of operation of the building and its 
service systems and shall utilize techniques 
recommended in the ASHRAE Handbook, 1997 
Fundamentals Volume. 

2. Climatic data: Coincident hourly data for 
temperatures, solar radiation, wind and humidity 
of typical days in the year representing seasonal 
variation, in accordance with Tables 1303.1 and 
1303.2. 

3. Energy Sources: Identical energy sources must 
serve the same purpose in both the standard and 
the proposed alternative design. If the proposed 
alternative design faults in an increase in con- 
sumption of one 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 eneigy used. Consumption of 
electricity shall be converted at the rate of 10,000 
Btu^Wh for the purpose of this comparison. 



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242.7 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



4. Nondepletable Energy Sources: Energy 
collected on site from nondepletable sources shall 
be omitted from the comparison of total energy 
used. Energy collected off site from nondeplet- 
able sources shall be included in the comparison 
of total energy used. 

5. Building Operation: Building operation shall 
be simulated for a full calendar year. Operating 
schedules shall include hourly profiles for daily 
operation and shall account for variations between 
weekdays, weekends, holidays, and any seasonal 
operation. Schedules shall model the time- 
dependent variations of occupancy, illumination, 
receptacle loads, thermostat settings, mechanical 
ventilation, HVAC equipment availability, service 
hot water usage, and any process loads. 

Exception: Operating schedules shall be 
permitted to differ between the proposed 
design and the standard design to allow 
simulation of the impact of any automatic 
control provided in the proposed design beyond 
the minimum requirements in 780 CMR 1304 
through 1309. 

6. Simulated Loads: The following systems and 
loads shall be modeled in determining total 
building performance: heating systems; cooling 
systems; fan systems; lighting power, receptacle 
loads; and process loads that exceed 1.0 watts per 
square foot of floor area of the room or space in 
which the process loads are located. 

Exception: Systems required for emergency 
power only. 

7. Sendee Water Heating Systems: Service 
water heating systems that are other than 
combined service hot water/space heating systems 
shall be permitted to be omitted from the energy 
analysis provided all requirements of 780 CMR 
1306 have been met. 

8. Exterior Lighting: Where included in the 
analysis the exterior lighting systems shall be the 
same in the standard and proposed designs. 

13093 Proposed Design: Building systems and 
loads shall be simulated in the proposed design as 
follows: 

1. HVAC and Service Water Heating 
Equipment: All HVAC and Service Water 
Heating Equipment shall be simulated in the 
proposed design using capacities, rated 
efficiencies, and part-load performance data for 
the proposed equipment as provided by the 
equipment manufacturer. 

2. Features Not Documented at Time of Permit: 
Any feature of the proposed design not included in 
the construction documents shall be assumed to be 
equal to the corresponding feature in the standard 



design. 

3. Mandatory Requirements: The proposed 
design shall meet the requirements of 'fe 
following without exception: 

£L 780 CMR 1304.1.2 Moisture Control 

b. 780 CMR 1304.2.7 Slabs on Grade 

c. 780 CMR 1304.2.8 Slabs Below Grade 

d. 780 CMR 1304.3 Air Leakage 

e. 780CMR 1304.4 Insulation General 

f. 780 CMR 1305.3.4 Temperature and 
Humidity Controls 

g. 780 CMR 1305.3.8 & 9 Distribution System 
Constiuction and Lisulation 

L 780 CMR 1307.0 ELECTRIC POWER 

DISTRIBUTION 

i. 780 CMR 1308.2 Lighting Control 

1309.4 Stendard Design: The standard design, 
confoiming to the criteria of 780 CMR 1309, and the 
proposed design, shall be designed on a conmion basis 
as specified herein. The comparison shall be expressed 
as Btu input per square foot of gross floor area per year. 
The heating and cooling system zoning, orientation 
of each building feature, number of floors, and the 
gross enivelope areas of the standard design shall be the 
same as those of the proposed design. 

Exception: Pemoanent fixed or movable external 
shading devices for windows and glazed doors shall 
be excluded from the standard design. 

1309 JI Documentation: Proposed alternative das%:a!t, 
submitted as requests for exception to the standard 
design criteria, shall be accompanied by an energy 
analysis comparison report prepared by a professing -J! 
registered engineer or registered architect The rep»>;* 
shall provide sufficient technical detail on the two 
buildings and systems designs, and on the data used in 
and resulting from the comparative analysis, to verify 
that both the analysis and the designs meet the criteria 
of 780 CMR 13. The documentation shall demonstrate 
that the analysis used is consistent with ASHRAE 
calculation procedures and accepted engineering 
practice. 

. Exception: Proposed alternative designs for 
buildings having an area of 5,000 square feet or less 
and having the indoor ten^rature controlled from 
a single point are exempted from the full year energy 
analysis as described above. A comparison of energy 
consumption between the alternative design and the 
standard design shall be provided in a repoit 
prepared by a registered professional engineer or 
architect Such analysis shall follow the bin or 
degree day methods or other simplified analysis 
procedures in ASHRAE 1997 Handbook of 
Fundamentals. 



242.8 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



CHAPTER 14 



EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 



780 CMR 1401.0 GENERAL 

1401.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 14 shall 
establish the minimum requirements for exterior 
walls. Exterior walls shall be designed and 
constructed in accordance with ^780 CMR. 

780 CMR 1402.0 DEFINniONS 

1402.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 14 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Exterior wall finish: A material or assembly of 
materials applied on the exterior side of exterior 
walls for the purpose of providing a weather- 
resisting barrier, insulation or for aesthetics, 
including veneers, siding, exterior insulation and 
finish systems, architectural trim and 
embellishments such as cornices, soffits, facias, 
gutters and leaders. 

Wall 
Apron wall: That portion of a skeleton wall 

below the sill of a window. 
Skeleton or panel wall: A nonbearing wall 

supported by each story on a skeleton frame. 
Spandrel wall: That portion of a skeleton wall 

above the head of a window or door. 
Veneered wall: A wall having a facing of 

masonry or other weather-resistant 

noncombustible material that is securely 

attached to the backing, but not so bonded as to 

exert common action under load. 

780 CMR 1403,0 PERFORMANCE 
REQUIREMENTS 

1403.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 1403.0 
shall apply to exterior walls and components thereof 

1403.2 Durability: All exterior walls and 
components thereof shall be of approved materials 
which maintain the performance characteristics 
required herein for the duration of use. 

1403.3 Weather resistance: The exterior walls shall 
be faced with an approved weather-resistant 
covering that is 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 an approved interior 
noncorrodible vapor retarder^ or other approved 
means to avoid condensation and leakage of 
moisture. 



1403.4 Structural: Exterior walls shall be designed 
and constructed to resist safely all superimposed 
loads as required by 780 CMR 16. 

1403.4.1 Structural strength against wind 
forces: In all buildings required to resist the wind 
pressures described in 780 CMR 1611.0, glazmg 
in exterior window openings shall be designed to 
resist the wind loads specified in 780 CMR 
1 6 11. for components and cladding. 

1403.4.2 Structural strength of sash or frames: 
Mullions, sash and frames of glazed exterior 
window openings shall be designed to resist the 
wind loads specified in 780 CMR 1611.0 for 
components and cladding. 

1403.5 Fireresistance: All exterior walls shall 
comply with the fireresistance rating requirements of 
780 CMR 705.0. 

1403.5.1 Fireresistance raited openings: 
Openings in exterior walls, where required to 
have a fire protection rating, shall comply with 
the provisions of 780 CMR 7. 

1403.6 Hood-resistant construction: Exterior walls 
of structures that are erected in areas prone to 
flooding shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 3 107.0. 

1403.7 Ratproofing: Exterior walls of buildings that 
are required to be ratproofed shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 1215.0. 

780 CMR 1404,0 MATERIALS 

1404.1 Wood: Exterior walls of wood construction 
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with 

780 CMR 23. 

1404.2 Masonry: Exterior walls of masonry 
construction shall be designed and constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 21 . 

1404.3 Metal: Exterior walls of formed steel 
construction structural steel or lightweight metal 
alloys shall be assigned in accordance with 
780 CMR 22 and 780 CMR 20, respectively. 

1404.4 Concrete: Exterior walls of concrete 
construction shall be designed and constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 19. 

1404.5 Structural glass: Exterior walls of structural 
glass block shall be designed and constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 21 15.0. 



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243 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1404.6 Plastics: Plastic panel, apron or spandrel 
walls as defined in 780 CMR shall not be limited in 
thickness, provided that such plastics and their 
assemblies conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 
26 and are constructed of approved weather-resistant 
materials of adequate strength to resist the wind 
loads specified in 780 CMR 1611.0. 

1404.7 Other: Materials not prescribed herein shall 
be permitted provided that any such alternative has 
been approved. Exterior walls constructed of 
alternative materials shall be shown to be durable, 
weather resistant, structurally adequate, fireresistant, 
flood resistant and ratproof as required herein. 

780 CMR 1405.0 VENEERS 

1405.1 General: All veneers consisting of 
nonstructural facing of brick, concrete, stone, tile, 
metal, plastic, synthetic stucco or other approved 
exterior coverings attached to a backing, shall be 
designed and constructed in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of 780 CMR 1405. 

1405.2 Structural support: Surfaces to which 
veneer is attached shall be designed to support the 
additional loads imposed by the veneer. 

1405.2.1 Backing surfaces for veneers: Veneers 
for other than buildings of Type 5 construction 
shall be attached only to substantial, rigid and 
noncombustible surfaces which are plumb, 
straight and of true plane. Wood backing surfaces 
shall not be used, except in buildings of Type 5 
construction. The backing shall provide sufficient 
rigidity, stability and weather resistance, and the 
veneer shall be installed and anchored as required 
in 780 CMR for the specific material. 

1405.3 Materials: The materials of the minimum 
nominal thickness specified in Table 140S.3 shall be 
acceptable as approved weather coverings. 

Table 1405.3 

MINIMUM THICKNESS OF WEATHER 

COVERINGS 



Covering type 



Minimum 
thickness 



Aluminum siding 0.019 inch 

Asbestos cement boards Yo i^ch 

Asbestos shingles 5/32 inch 

Brick and concrete masonry veneers 2 inches 

Ceramic veneer (architeclur^t terr& cotta^ 1 uttch 

anchored type) 

Clay tile (flatslab) V4 to 1 jhch 

Clay tile (structural ^y^ ^,^^ 



Exterior plywood (with sheathing) 
Exterior plywood (without sheathing) 
Glass fiber reinforced concrete panels 
Hardboard siding 



5/16 inch 

See 780 CMR 2307.0 

% inch 

'/« inch 



Covering type 



Minimum 
thickness 



■P{Bttcleb6ar$.0wth sheafiiingjiivf ;| 
l^art^Iebo^jl^lwit^^ 

Precast stone facing 

Protected fiber board siding 

Rigid PVC siding*^ 

Steel (approved corrosion-resistive) 

SttSQe (cast arliiicial) 
Stone (natural) 
Structural glass 

Stucco or exterior portland cement plaster 
three-coat work over 
metal plaster base 
unit masonry 
cast-in-place or precast concrete 

Two-coai" work over 
unit masonry 
cast-in-placc or precast concrete 

Wood shingles 

Wood siding (without sheathing) 



■:':rKv./ :.;:-Aiyiivch- 
:5ee:78d%IR.23|b8;5; 

%inch 

Vz inch 

0.035 inch 

0.017 inch 



I VS inches 

2 inches 

iiminch 

Vs inch 
%inch 
%inch 

Hinch 

%inch 

%inch 
Viinch 



Note a. For wood siding of a lesser thickness, see 
780 CMR 1405.3.5. 
Noteb. Exclusive of texture 

1405.3.1 Basic hardboard: Basic hardboard shall 
conform to the requirements of AHA A135.4 
listed \n Appendix A. 

1405.3.2 Hardboard siding: Hardboard siding 
shall conform to the requirements of AHA A 
135.6 listed in Appendix A and, where used 
structurally, shall be so identified by an approved 
agency. 

1405.3.3 Rigid PVC siding: Rigid PVC siding 
shall conform to the requirements of ASTM 
D3679 listed in Appendix A. 

1405.3.4 Aluminum siding: Aluminum siding 
shall conform to the requirements of AAMA 1402 
listed in Appendix A. 

1405.3.5 Wood siding: Wood siding of 
thicknesses less than V2 inch shall be placed over 
sheathing which conforms to 780 CMR 2305.13. 

1405.3.6 Building paper: Where veneers of 
brick, clay tile, concrete or natural or artificial 
stone are used, 14-pound felt or paper shall be 
attached to the sheathing with flashing wherever 
necessaiy to prevent moisture penetration behind 
the veneer. 

1405.3.7 Nailing: All weather boarding and wall 
coverings shall be securely nailed with aluminum, 
copper, zinc, zinc-coated or other approved 
corrosion-resistant nails in accordance with the 
nailing schedule in Table 2305.2 or the approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 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 where 



244 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 



sheathing is of wood not less than one-inch 
nominal thickness or of wood structural panels 
not less than 5/16 inch thick. Where wood 
shingles or shakes are applied over fiberboard 
shingle backer and fiberboard sheathing, such 
shingles or shakes shall be attached with approved 
corrosion-resistant annular-grooved nails and the 
installation shall be done in accordance with the 
approved manufacturer's installation instructions. 
Where wood shingles or shakes and asbestos 
shingles or siding are nailed directly to nail base 
fiberboard sheathing, the sheathing shall not be 
less than '/s-inch nominal thickness, the shingles, 
shakes and siding shall be attached v^th approved 
corrosion-resistant annular-grooved nails, and the 
installation shall be done in accordance with the 
approved manufacturer's installation instructions. 

1405 J.8 Metal siding: Exposed metal siding or 
sheathing shall be protected from corrosion at the 
ground level by supporting the foundation channel 
at sufficient height above grade on the concrete 
apron or other approved water-resistant 
foundation. 

140S3.9 Exterior waO pockets: In exterior walls 
of all buildings or structures, wall pockets or 
crevices in which moisture can accumulate shall 
be avoided or protected with adequate caps or 
drips, or other approved means shall be provided 
to prevent water damage. 

140SJ.10 FlashiHgs: Approved corrosion- 
resistant flashings shall be provided at the top and 
sides of all exterior vraidow and door openings in 
such a manner as to be leakproof Approved 
conosion-resistant flashings shall be installed: at 
the intersection of chinmeys or other masonry 
construction with frame or stucco walls, with 
projecting lips on both sides under stucco 
copmgs; under and at the ends of masonry, wood 
or metal copings and sills; continuously above ail 
projecting wood trim; at the intersection of 
exterior walls and porches and decks; at wall and 
roof intersections; and at built-in gutters. 

Exception: When approved, flashing is not 
required where an approved water-resistant 
sheathing is installed and an approved water- 
resistant caulking is applied at the top and 
sides of all window and door openings in such 
& manner as to be leakproof. 

1405o4 Metal vexieers: Veneers of metal shall be 
fabricated from approved corrosion-resistant 
materials or shall be protected front and back with 
porcelain enamel or shall otherwise be treated to 
render the metal resistant to corrosion. Such veneers 
shall not be less than 0.017-inch nominal thickness 
galvanized sheet steel mounted on wood or metal 
furring strips or approved sheathing on the wood 
construction. 



1405.4.1 Constnactlon: Metal veneer for 
buildings of other than Type 5 construction shall 
be: securely attached to masonry; supported on 
approved metal framing protected by painting, 
galvanizing or other approved protection; or 
supported by wood furring strips treated with an 
approved preservative process that complies with 
780 CMR 2311.3. 

1405.4.2 Waterproofeg: 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. 

1405.43 Grounding metal veneers: Grounding 
of metal veneers on all buildings shall comply 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 27 and 
527 CMR listed in Appendix A. 

1405.5 Ancljored masonry veneer: Anchored 
veneer is veneer secured with approved mechanical 
fasteners to an approved backing. All masonry 
units, mortar and metal accessories used in anchored 
veneer shall meet the physical requirements of 
780 CMR 21. Anchored veneer units shall not be 
less than 1% inches (41 mm) in actual thickness for 
solid masonry units and not less than 2% mches (67 
mm) in actual thickness for hollow masonry units. 

1405.5.1 Height ©f anchored veneer: Anchored 
veneer shall be supported on footings, foundation 
wails or other approved noncombustible structural 
supports or on wood foundations meeting the 
requirements of780 CMR 1808.3. The weight of 
all anchored veneer installed on structures more 
than 30 feet (9144 mm) in height above the 
noncombustible foundation or support, with the 
exception of concrete masonry veneers, shall be 
supported by noncombustible construction. The 
construction shall have horizontal supports 
located at each story height above the initial 30 
feet (9144 mm). 

Exception: Height mcreases are permitted 
where an engineering analysis is prepared by a 
registered design professional and approved. 

1405.5.2 Horizontal supports: Noncombustible 
lintels and noncombustible supports shall be 
provided over all openings. Beams and lintels 
supporting unreinforced masonry veneer shall not 
exceed 1/600 of the span nor 0.3 inches (8 mm). 

1405.53 Wood frame: Masonry veneer anchored 
to wood framing shall be attached with corrosion- 
resistant corrugated sheet metal not less than 
0.029 inch (No. 22 gage) by Vs inch v*dde, or 
corrosion-resistant ties of strand wire not less than 
0.148-inch (No.9 W&M gage) wire with the ends 
of the wire bent to a 90-degree (1.57 rad) angle to 
form a hook not less than two inches (5 1 mm) 
long. The metal ties shall be embedded in the 
mortar joint a minimum of one-half the veneer 



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245 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



thickness. Each metal tie shall support not more 
than three square feet (0.28 m^) of wall area with 
a maximum spacing of 16 inches (406 mm) 
vertically and 32 inches (813 mm) horizontally. 
Where anchored veneer is applied over wood 
frame, the studs shall be spaced a maximum of 24 
inches (610 mm) on center and be faced with 
sheathing on both sides. A one-inch (25 mm) 
minimum air space shall be maintained between 
the anchored veneer and the sheathing. Moisture 
protection shall be provided as required by 
780 CMR 1405.3.6. 

1405.5.4 Steel frame: Masonry veneer anchored 
to corrosion-resistant steel framing shall be 
attached with corrosion-resistant ties of strand 
wire not less than 0. 148-inch (No. 9 W&M gage) 
wire with the ends of the wire bent to a 90-degree 
(1.57 rad) angle to form a hook not less than two 
inches (51 mm) long. The wire ties shall be 
embedded in the mortar joint a minimum of one- 
half the veneer thickness. Each metal tie shall 
support not more than 2.67 square feet (0.25 m^ 
of wall area with a maximum spacing of 16 inches 
(406 mm) vertically and 24 inches (610 mm) 
horizontally. Where anchored veneer is applied 
over steel frame, the studs shall be spaced a 
maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center and be 
faced v^th sheathing on both sides. A one-inch 
(25 mm) minimum air space shall be maintained 
between the anchored veneer and the sheathing. 
Moisture protection shall be provided as required 
by 780 CMR 1405.3.6. 

1405.5.5 Masonry or concrete walls: Masonry 
veneer anchored to masonry or concrete walls 
shall be attached with corrosion-resistant ties of 
strand wire not less than 0. 148-inch (No. 9 W&M 
gage) wire with the ends of the wire bent to a 90- 
degree (1.57 rad) angle to form a hook not less 
than two inches (51 mm) long. The metal ties 
shall be embedded in the mortar joint a minimum 
of one-half the veneer thickness. Each metal tie 
shall support not more than three square feet (0.28 
m^ of wall area vnth a maximum spacing of 16 
inches (406 mm) vertically and 32 inches (813 
mm) horizontally. A one-inch (25 mm) 
minimum air space shall be maintained between 
the anchored veneer and the supporting masonry 
or concrete walls. 

1405.5.6 Stone veneer: Stone veneer units not 
exceeding ten inches in thickness are permitted to 
be anchored directly to masonry, concrete or to 
stud construction by one of the folloAving 
methods. 

1 . With concrete or masonry backing, anchor 
ties shall not be less than No. 12 gage 
corrosion-resistant wire formed beyond the 
base of the backing. The legs of the loops shall 
not be less than six inches (153 mm) in length 
bent at right angles and laid in the mortar joint 
and spaced so that the eyes or loops are 12 



inches (305 mm) maximum on center in both 
directions. There shall be provided not less 
than a No. 12 gage corrosion-resistant wire tie 
threaded through the exposed loops for every 
two square feet (0.186 m^) of stone veneer. 
This tie shall be a loop having legs not less 
than 15 inches (381 mm) in length bent so that 
the tie will lie in the stone veneer mortar joint. 
The last two inches (51 mm) of each wire leg 
shall have a right-angle bend. One inch (25 
mm) of cement grout shall be placed between 
the backing and the stone veneer. 
2. With stud backing, a two-inch by two-inch 
No. 16 gage corrosion-resistant wire mesh with 
two layers of waterproof paper backing shall 
be applied directly to wood studs spaced a 
maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) on center. 
On studs, the mesh shall be attached with two- 
inch-long (51mm) corrosion-resistant steel 
wire furring nails at four inches (102 mm) on 
center providing a minimum 1 Vfe-inch (28 mm) 
penetration into each stud and with 8d common 
nails at eight inches (200 mm) on center into 
top juid bottom plates. The corrosion-resistant 
wire mesh is permitted to be attached to steel 
studs with equivalent wire ties. There shall not 
be less than a No. 12 gage corrosion-resistant 
wire, looped through the mesh for every two 
square feet (0. 186 m^ of stone veneer. This tie 
shall be a loop having legs not less than 15 
inches (38 mm) in length, so bent that the tie 
will lie in the stone veneer mortar joint. The 
last two inches (51 mm) of each wire leg shall 
have a right-angle bend. One-inch (25 mm) 
minimum thickness of cement grout shall be 
placed between the backing and the stone 
veneer. 

1405.5.7 Slab-type veneer: Slab-type veneer 
units not exceeding two inches (51 mm) in 
thickness are permitted to be anchored directly to 
masonry, concrete or stud construction. For 
veneer units of marble, travertine, granite or other 
stone units of slab form, ties of corrosion-resistant 
dowels in drilled holes shall be located in the 
middle third of the edge of the units spaced a 
maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) apart around the 
perimeter of each unit with not less than four ties 
per veneer unit. Units shall not exceed 20 square 
ifeet ( 1 . 86 m^ in area. 

If the dowels are not tight fitting, the holes are 
permitted to be drilled not more than 1/16 inch 
(1.6 mm) larger in diameter than the dowel with 
the hole countersunk to a diameter and depth 
equal to twice the diameter of the dowel in order 
to provide a tight-fitting key of cement mortar at 
the dowel locations when the mortar in the joint 
has set. All veneer ties shall be corrosion- 
resistant metal capable of resisting in tension or 
compression a force equal to two times the weight 
of the attached veneer. 



246 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 



Sheet metal veneer ties shall not be smaller in 
area than No. 22 gage by one inch. Wire veneer 
ties shall not be smaller in diameter than No. 9 
gage wire, 

1405.5.S Terra cotta or ceramic veneer: 
Anchored terra cotta or ceramic units not less than 
Wb inches thick are permitted to be anchored 
directly to masonry, concrete or stud construction. 
Tied terra cotta or ceramic veneer units shall not 
be less than 1% inches thick with projecting 
dovetail webs on the back surface spaced 
approximately eight inches (203 mm) on center. 
The facing shall be tied to the backing wall v^dth 
corrosion-resistant metal anchors of not less than 
No. 8 gage wire installed at the top of each piece 
in horizontal bed joints not less than 12 inches 
(305 mm) nor more than 18 inches (457 mm) on 
center. These anchors shall be secured to %=inch 
corrosion-resistant pencil rods which pass through 
the vertical aligned loop anchors in the backing 
wall. The veneer ties shall have sufficient 
strength to support the full weight of the veneer in 
tension. The facing shall be set with not less than 
a two-inch (51 mm) space from the backing wall 
and the space shall be filled solidly with portland 
cement grout and pea gravel. Immediately prior 
to setting, the backing wall and the facing shall be 
drenched with clean water and shall be damp 
when the grout is poured. 

140S.6 Adhered masonry vemeer: Adhered veneer 
is a veneer secured and supported through the 
adhesion of an approved bonding material applied to 
an approved backing. All masonry units used in 
adhered veneer walls shall meet the physical 
requirements of 780 CMR 2 1 . Adhered veneer units 
shall be less than 1% inches thick and the units shall 
not support any super-imposed loads. With the 
exception of ceramic tile, adhered veneer and 
backing shall be designed to provide a bond to the 
supporting element sufficient to withstand a shearing 
stress of 50 psi (344 kPa) after curing 28 days, 

1405.6.1 Bacidng surface: Backing permitted for 
adhered veneer shall be continuous and shall be of 
any approved material. The backing shall have 
surfaces prepared to secure and support the 
imposed loads of the adhered veneer. 

1405.6.2 Height of adhered veiseer: Exterior 
adhered veneer shall not be attached to wood 
frame construction at a point more than 30 feet 
(9144 mm) in height above the noncombustible 
foundation. Height increases are permitted where 



an engineering analysis is prepared by a 
registered design professional and approved. 

1405.6.3 Sizing of adhered veneer: Adhered 
veneer units shall not exceed 36 inches (914 mm) 
in the greatest dimension nor more than 720 
square inches (0.46 m^ in total area and shall not 
weigh more than 15 pounds per square foot (73 
kg/mm^) unless approved. 

Exception: Adhered veneer units weighing 
less than three pounds per square foot (15 
kg/mm^ shall not be limited in dimension or 
area. 

1405.6.4 Construction: Adhered veneer units 
shall be adhered directly to the backing by one of 
the following methods. 

1. A paste of neat portland cement shall be 
brushed on the backing and the back of the 
veneer unit. Type S mortar shall then be 
applied to the backing and the veneer unit. 
Sufficient mortar shall be used to create a 
slight excess to be forced out the edges of the 
units. The units shall be tapped into place so 
as to fill completely the space between the 
units and the backing. The resulting thickness 
of mortar in back of the units shall not be less 
than /4 inch (13 mm) nor more than 1 % inches 
(32 mm). 

2. Units of masonry, stone or terra cotta, not 
over one inch in thickness shall be restricted to 
81 square inches (0.052 m^) in area unless the 
back side of each unit is ground or box 
screened to true up any deviation from plane. 
Those units not over two inches by two inches 
by % inch in size are permitted to be adhered 
by means of portland cement. Backing shall be 
of masonry, concrete or portland cement 
plaster on metal lath. Metal lath shall be 
fastened to the supports in accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 25. Mortar that 
complies with Table 1405.6.4 shall be applied 
to the backing as a setting bed. The setting bed 
shall be a minimum of % inch (9 mm) thick 
and a maximum of % inch (19 mm) thick. A 
paste of neat portland cement or half portland 
cement and half graded sand shall be applied to 
the back of the exterior veneer units and to the 
setting bed and the veneer pressed and tapped 
into place to provide complete coverage 
between the mortar bed and veneer unit. A 
Portland cement grout shall be used to point the 
veneer. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



247 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 1405.6.4 
ADHERED VENEER SETTING MORTAR 



Wall 


Coat 


Volume 
Type I 
Portland 
cement 


Volume 
Types 
Portland 
hydrated 
lime 


Volume 
sand 


Maximum 

thickness 

of coat 

(inches) 


Maximum 

interval 

between 

coats 

(hours) 


Area 


Dry 


Damp 


Walls 
over 


Scratch 


1 
1 


'/2 




4 
3 


5 
4 


% 


24 
24 


10 sq. 
ft. 


Float or 
level- 
ing 


1 
1 


1 


4 
6 


5 
7 


% 
% 


24 
24 


Walls 
10 sq. 
ft. or 
less 


Scratch 
& float 


1 


Vz 


2'/2 


3 


% 

Va 


24 



Note a. one inch = 25.4mm; one sq. Ft. = 0.093m^ 

1405.6.5 Adhered ceramic tile: Adhered veneer 
of ceramic tile shall be bonded to the backing as 
provided for in 780 CMR 2105.10. 

1405.6.6 Building paper: Adhered veneer over 
wood frame construction shall be backed by solid 
sheathing covered with 14-pound felt building 
paper as required by 780 CMR 1405.3.6. 

1405.7 Structural glass veneers: The minimum 
thickness of glass veneer shall be 11/32 inch and the 
area of individual panels shall not exceed ten square 
feet (0.93 m^), with a maximum length of four feet 
(1219 mm). The edge of each unit shall be ground 
square with a slight arise. All exposed external 
comers and angles shall he rounded to a radius of 
not more than 3/16 inch (5 mm). 

1405.7.1 Backing surface: The glass veneer shall 
be set in mastic cement on a float coat of 1 -inch- 
thick (25 mm) cement mortar reinforced with wire 
lath attached to noncombustible furring spaced 
not more than 12 inches (305 mm) on center. 

1405.7.2 Support of veneer: The base course of 
glass units shall be supported on a corrosion- 
resistant metal frame anchored to the backing and 
caulked with a waterproof compound at grade. 

1405.7.3 Reinforcement: Metal reinforcing of 
cold-formed corrosion-resistant angles of not less 
than 0.064-inch nominal thickness galvanized 
sheet steel or other approved reinforcement shall 
be provided in all horizontal joints anchored into 
the masonry wall with expansion or toggle bolts. 

1405.7.4 Expansion joints: Expansion joints 
shall be provided at ends and at intermediate 
sections which are caulked with an approved 
waterproofing compound. Where necessary for 
water tightness, exposed edges shall be protected 
with corrosion-resistant metal or other approved 
noncombustible flashing. 

1405.7.5 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 contact with the glass. 

780 CMR 1406.0 COMBUSTIBLE 

MATERIALS ON THE EXTERIOR SIDE 

OF EXTERIOR WALL 

1406.1 General: 780 CMR 1406.0 shall apply to 
exterior wall finish, half-timbering, balconies and 
similar appendages, and bay and oriel windows 
constructed of combustible materials including light- 
transmitting /j/as//c panels and foam plastic. 

1406.2 Combustible exterior wall fmish: 

Combustible exterior wall finish shall be tested and 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 1406.2.1 
through 1406.2.4. 

Exceptions 

1. Light-transmitting plastic panels shall be 
constructed and installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 26. 

2. Foam plastic installed in or on the exterior 
side of walls of buildings in accordance with 
780 CMR 2603.6 shall not be required to comply 
with 780 CMR 1406.2.1 provided that the foam 
plastic is protected on the out side by: 

2.1. A thermal barrier complying with 
780 CMR 2603.4; 

2.2. A minimum one-inch (25 mm) thickness 
of masonry or concrete; 

2.3. A minimum %-inch (22 mm) thickness 
of stucco complying with 780 CMR 2506.0; 

2.4. A minimum 0.019-inch thickness of 
aluminum; or 

2.5. A minimum 0.016-inch thickness or 
corrosion-resistant steel. 

1406.2.1 Radiant heat exposure: Combustible 
exterior wall finish shall be tested for exposure to 
radiant heat. Test specimens shall be prepared in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1406.2.1.1 and tested 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1406.2.1.2. The 
criteria for acceptance shall be as given by 
780 CMR 1406.2.1.3. 

Exceptions: The testing shall not be required 
for: 

1 . Wood or wood-based products. 

2. Other combustible materials covered with 
a material listed in Table 1405.3. 

3. Aluminum having a minimum thickness of 
0.019 inch. 

4. Exterior wall finish on exterior walls of 
Type 5 construction. 

1406.2.1.1 Test specimen: The test specimen 
shall be constructed to reflect the end-use 
configuration. Where a material is intended to 
be installed in more than one thickness, tests of 
the minimum and maximum thickness intended 
to be used shall be performed. Test specimens 
shall consist of a minimum four-foot-wide by 



248 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARDOF BUILDMG REGULATIONS AND STAI^tt^ARDS 

EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS 



eight-foot-high assembly which shall be 
mounted in a vertical position. 

1406212 Test exposure and apparatus: The 
test exposure and apparatus shall conform to 
780 CMR 1406.2.1.2.1 through 1406.2.1.2.4. 

1406.2.1.2.1 Apparatus: A three-foot by 
three-foot propane-fired radiant panel shall 
be provided and shall operate at a constant 
temperature of 1,600°F (87rC) ± 50°F 
(28X). 

1406.2.1.2.2 Configuration: The radiant 
panel and the test specimen shall be 
configured in a parallel plate orientation 
such that the axis perpendicular to, and 
running through, the center of the radiant 
panel face and the test specimen are 
concurrent. 

1406.2.1.2.3 Heat flux: The temperature of 
the radiant heat panel shall be fixed to 
produce an average heat flux of 12.5 ± 5% 
kW/m^ over the center square foot of the test 
assembly. Average heat flux shall be 
determined as the average of four 
calorimeter readings located at the comers 
of the center square foot of the test 
assembly. 

1406.2.1.2.4 Exposure: The four-foot by 
eight-foot test specimen shall be exposed to 
a "square wave" exposure for a period of 20 
minutes. A spark igniter shall be installed 
and located at a point 18 inches vertically 
above the center point of the test specimen 
and % inch off the face of the test 
specimen. The spark igniter shall be 
operated throughout the 20-minute test 
period. If the spark igniter is operated in an 
intermittent mode, the "off* portion of the 
cycle shall not be longer than two seconds 
and the "on" portion of each cycle shall be 
at least five seconds in duration. 

1406.2.1.3 Conditions of acceptassce: 
Materials shall qualify for installation under 
the provisions of 780 CMR 1406.2. L3. 1 or 
1406.2.1.3.2. 

1406.2.1.3.1 Unrestricted installation: For 
any Jfre separation distance, an assembly 
shall be acceptable for installation in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1406.0 and 
780 CMR 1405.0 and 2603.6 if, during the 
exposure described in 780 CMR 1406.2.1.2, 
continuous flaming ignition does not occur 
for a time period greater than five seconds. 
Continuous flaming ignition shall be judged 
to occur when continuous flaming is 
visually observed by laboratory personnel 
for greater than five seconds. 

1406.2.1.3.2 Restricted Installation: For 
Jire separation distances greater than five 
feet (1524 mm), an assembly shall be 



permitted with increased Jire separation 
distance if a test specimen in accordance 
v^nth 780 CMR 1406.2.1.1, while being 
exposed to a reduced level of incident 
radiant heat energy in accordance with 
780 CMR 1406.2.1.2, meets the conditions 
of acceptance in 780 CMR 1406.2.1. 3. L 
The minimum Jire separation distance 
required for the assembly shall be 
determined fi-om Table 1406.2.1.3.2 based 
on the maximum tolerable level of incident 
radiant heat energy determined by 780 CMR 
1406.2.1.3.2 

1406.2.2 Construction requirements: 
Combustible exterior wall finish^ other than 
fireretardant-treated wood complying with 
780 CMR 2310.0 for exterior installation, shall 
not exceed 10% of an exterior wall surface area 
where ihtfire separation distance is five feet or 
less. In buildings of Types 1, 2, 3 and 4 
construction, all architectural trim v^i'hich exceeds 
40 feet (12192 mm) in height above grade plane 
shall be constructed of approved noncombustible 
materials and shall be secured to the wall with 
metal or other approved noncombustible brackets. 

Esception: Foam plastics, installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2603:6, as required, 
shall not be subject to these limitations. 

Table 1406.2.1.3.2 

MINIMUM FDRE SEPARATION DISTANCE 

FOR COMBUSTIBLE VENEERS BASED 

ON MAXIMUM TOLERABLE LEVEL OF 

INCIDENT RADIANT HEAT ENERGY 



Fire Separation 

a 

Distance (feet) 


Tolerable level 

incident radient 

heat energy 

(kW/m^) 


Fire separation 
a 
distance (feet) 


Tolerable level 

incident radiant 

heat energy 

(kW/ml 


5 
6 
7 


12.5 
ll.S 
11.0 


16 
17 
18 


5.9 
5.5 
5.2 


9 


'iA3' '■■ 

89 
8.3 

7.7 




4.6. : ,- 


10 
11 
12 


21 
22 
23 


4.4 
4.1 
3.9 




7J2-' 




,'"7 


15 


6.3 







Note a. one foot = 304. Snun. 

1406.2.3 Locatlom: Where combustible exterior 
wall finish is located along the top of exterior 
walls, such trim shall be completely backed up by 
the exterior wall and shall not extend over or 
above the top of exterior walls. 

1406.2.4 Firestopplng: Continuous exterior wall 
finish constructed of combustible materials shall 
hcfirestopped as required in 780 CMR 720.0. 

1406.3 Combustible Jjalf-tiimberlng: In buildings 
of Types 3 and 4 construction which do not exceed 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



249 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUEDING REGULATIONS A^fD STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



three stories or 40 ft (12192 mm) in height above 
grade plane, exterior half-timbering and similar 
architectural decorations are permitted to be 
constructed of wood or other equivalent combustible 
material, provided that such trim is backed up solidly 
with approved noncombustible materials. 

1406.4 Balconies and similar appendages: All 

balconies, porches, decks and suppleiriental exterior 
stairways attached to or supported by buildings of 
Types 1 and 2 constmction shall be constructed of 
approved noncombustible materials. Such 
appendages attached to or supported by buildings of 
Types 3, 4 and 5 construction shall be of either 
noncombustible or combustible construction. Such 
appendages of combustible construction, other than 
fireretardant-treated wood, shall afford the 
fireresistance rating required by Table 602 for floor 
construction or shall be of Type 4 construction as 
described in 780 CMR 2304.0 and the aggregate 
length shall not exceed 50% of the building 
perimeter on each floor. 



Exceptions: 

1. Untreated wood is permitted for pickets and 
rails, or similar guardrail devices which are 
limited to 42 inches ( 1 067 mm) in height. 

2. Balconies and similar appendages on buildings 
of Types 3, 4 and 5 construction shall be 
permitted to be of Type 5 construction, and shall 
not be required to have a fireresistance rating 
where sprinkler protection is extended to these 
areas. 

1406.5 Bay and oriel wfaidows: A bay window is a 
window that projects beyond the wall line of a 
building and extends down to the foundation. All 
bay and oriel windows attached to or supported by 
walls in other than buildings of Type 5 construction, 
shall be of noncombustible construction and be 
framed with brackets of steel, concrete or other 
approved noncombustible materials. 



250 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



CHAPTER 15 



ROOFS AND ROOF STRUCTURES 



780 CMR 1501,0 GENERAL 

1501.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 15 shall 
govern the materials, design, construction and 
quality of roofs and roof coverings. 

1501.2 Applicability: All roofs and roof coverings 
shall meet either the performance requirements of 
780 CMR 1505.0 or the prescriptive requirements of 
780 CMR 1507.0. 

780 CMR 1SQ2.0 DEFINITIONS 

1S02.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 15 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Penthouse: An enclosed structure above the roof of 
a buDding, other than a roof structure or bulkhead, 
occupying not more than 33V3% of the roof area 
(see 780 CMR 1510.3). 

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 stnictiire: An enclosed structure on or above 
the roof of any part of a building (see 780 CMR 
1510.0). 

780 CMR 1503.0 CONSriRUCTION 
DOCUMENTS 

1503.1 General: For all roofs and roof coverings 
required by 780 CMR, the construction documents 
shall illustrate, describe and clearly delineate the 
type of roofing system, materials, fastening 
requirements and flashing requirements which are to 
be installed. 

780 CMR 1504.0 WEATBER PROTECTION 

1504.1 General: All roofs shall be covered with 
approved roof coverings properly secured to the 
building or structure to resist wind and rain. Roof 
coverings shall be designed, installed and 
maintained in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instmctions such that the 
roof covering shall serve to protect the building or 
structure. 

780 CMR 1505.0 PERFORMANCE 
REQUIREMENTS 

1S05.1 Ferformanee requirements: AU roofs and 
roof coverings approved under 780 CMR 1505.0 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1505.2 through 1505.5. 



1505.2 Wind resistance: All roofs' and roof 
coverings shall be secured in place to the building or 
structure to withstand the wind loads of 780 CMR 
1611.0 in accordance with the requirements of 
780 CMR 1505.2.1 through 1505.2.3. 

1505.2.1 Ballasted systems: All loosely laid 
ballasted roof coverings shall be designed to resist 
the v^d pressures as determined by 780 CMR 
1611.0. 

I50S.2.'2 Low-slope systems other than 
ballasted: The low-slope roof systems 
(coverings) described in 780 CMR 1507.3 which 
are mechanically attached or adhered to the roof 
deck shall be designed to meet the design wind 
load of 780 CMR 1611.0 and shall be tested in 
accordance with ¥M 4450, FM 4470 or UL 580 
listed in Appendix A. 

ISOS.2.3 Steep-slope systems: The steep-slope 
roof coverings described in 780 CMR 1507.2 
which are mechanically attached to the roof slab 
or deck in accordance with 780 CMR 1507.2.1 
through 1507.2.9 shall resist the basic wind 
speeds of Figure 1611.3, adjusted for building 
height above grade and building exposure. 

Exception: Asphalt shingles shall be tested in 
accordance with ASTM D3161 or UL 997 

listed in Appendix A. 

1505.3 Bwr&Mlity: All roofs and roof coverings 
shall be of approved materials such that those 
properties which establish fire classification, wind 
resistance and weather protection shall be 
maintained in accordance with 780 CMR 1505.3.1 
and 1505.3.2. 

1505.3.1 Physical properties: Roof coverings 
shall demonstrate physical integrity over the 
working life of the roof based upon 2,000 hours of 
exposure to accelerated weathering tests 
conducted in accordance with ASTM E838, G23, 
G26 or G53 listed in Appendix A. Those roof 
coverings which are subject to cyclical flexural 
response due to wind loads shall not demonstrate 
any significant loss of tensile strength for 
unreinforced membranes or breaking strength for 
reinforced membranes when tested as herein 
required. 

15053.2 Impact resistaiace: Roof coverings shall 
resist impact damage based on the results of tests 
conducted in accordance with ASTM D3746 or 
D4272, or CGSB 37-GP-52M or FM 4470 listed 
m Appendix A. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMK - Sbcth Edition 



251 



780 CMR. STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1505.4 Compatibility of materials: All roofs and 
roof coverings shall be of materials that are 
compatible with each other and with the building or 
structure to which the materials are applied. 

1505.5 Material specifications and physical 
characteristics: All materials for roofs and roof 
coverings shaU conform to the applicable standards 
listed in 780 CMR 15. In the absence of applicable 
standards or where materials are of questionable 
suitability, testing by an approved testing agency 
shall be required by the code official to determine 
the character, quality and limitations of application 
of the materials. 

780 CMR 1506.0 FIRE CLASSIFICATION 

1506.1 Classification: Roof covering materials shall 
be classified in accordance with 780 CMR 1506. 1 . 1 
through 1506.1.4 when tested in accordance with 
ASTM EI08 listed in Appendix A. 

1506.1.1 Class A roof coverings: Class A roof 
coverings are those which are effective against 
severe fire test exposure. Class A roof coverings 
shall include the following: masonry, concrete, 
slate, tile, cement-asbestos or assemblies listed 
and identified as Class A by an approved testing 
agency. Class A roof coverings shall be permitted 
for use in buildings or structures of all types of 
construction. 

1506.1.2 Class B roof coverings: Class B roof 
coverings are those which are effective against 
moderate fire test exposure. Class B roof 
coverings shall include metal sheets and shingles 
or assemblies listed and identified as Class B by 
an approved testing agency. Class B roof 

. coverings shall be permitted as the minimum for 
use in buildings or structures of Type 1 
construction. 

1506.1.3 Class C roof coverings: Class C roof 
coverings are those which are effective against 
light fire test exposure. Class C roof coverings 
shall include assemblies listed and identified as 
Class C by an approved testing agency. Class C 
roof coverings shall be permitted as the minimum 
for use in buildings or structures of Types 2, 3, 4 
and 5A construction. 

1506.1.4 Nonclassified roof coverings: 

Nonclassified roof coverings shall not be 
permitted. 

Exceptions: 

1. Buildings and structures of Type 5B 
constniction with Sifire separation distance of 
not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) fi-om the 
leading edge of the roof 

2. Occupancies in Use Group R-3 located in 
detached buildings and accessory buildings 
thereto which have difire separation distance 
of not less than sbc feet (1829 mm) fi-om the 
leading edge of the roof 



1506.2 Testing: When testing wood shingles and 
shakes in accordance with ASTM E 108 (including 
the rain test) and ASTM D2898 listed in 
Appendix A, the fire tests shall include the 
intermittent flame test, spread of flame test, burning 
brand test and fl>dng brand test; additionally, at the 
conclusion of the rain test, test panels shall be 
subjected to the intermittent flame test, burning 
brand test and flying brand test. 

15063 Fireretardant-treated shingles and shakes: 

Fireretardant-treated wood shakes and shingles shall 
be treated by impregnation with chemicals by the 
fijU-cell vacuum-pressure process, in accordance 
with AWPA CI listed in Appendix A. Each bundle 
shall have two labels: one identifying the 
manufactured unit and the manufacturer, and the 
other identifying the classification of the material in 
accordance with the testing required in 780 CMR 
1506.2 (Class B or C), the treating company and the 
quality control agency. 

780 CMR 1507.0 PRESGRIFITVE 
REQUIREMENTS 

1507.1 Prescriptive requirements: The 

requirements of 780 CMR 1507.2 and 1507.3 shall 
apply to all roofs and roof coverings unless 
specifically approved in accordance with 780 CMR 
1505.0. Unless otherwise noted, all required 
underiayment shall be of Type 15 asphalt-saturated 
felt. 

1507.2 Steep-slope roof coverings: Steep-slope roof 
covering materials and installations shall comply 
with 780 CMR 1507.2.1 through 1507.2.9. Where 
there is a possibility of ice forming along the eaves 
causing a backup of water, an ice shield that consists 
of at least two layers of underiayment cemented 
together or of a waterproofing membrane, shall 
extend fi'om the eave's edge to a point at least 24 
inches (610 nun) inside the exterior wall line of the 
building. 

1507.2.1 Asbestos-cement shingles: Asbestos- 
cement shingles shall conform to ASTM C222 
listed in Appendix A. Asbestos-cement shingles 
shall not be installed on roof slopes below four 
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4:12). 
Single-layer underiayment is required for all roof 
applications. Asbestos-cement shingles shall be 
secured to the roof with two fasteners per shingle. 

1507.2.2 Asphalt roU roofing: Asphalt roll 
roofing shall conform to ASTM D224, D249, 
D371 or D3909 listed in Appendix A. Asphalt 
roll roofing shall not be installed on roof slopes 
below one unit vertical m 12 units horizontal 
(1 : 12), and shall not be installed on roof slopes 
below three units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(3:12) unless applied parallel to the eaves. 
Single-layer underiayment is required or all roof 



252 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ROOFS AND ROOF STRUCTURES 



slopes. Asphalt roll roofing shall be secured to 
the roof in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 

1507.2.3 Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles shall 
conform to ASTM D225 or D3462 listed in 
Appendix A. Asphalt shingles shall not be 
installed on roof slopes below two units vertical in 
12 units horizontal (2:12). Double-layer 
underlayment shall be required on roof slopes 
below four units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(4:12). Single-layer underlayment is required on 
all other roof slopes. Asphah shingles shall be 
secured to the roof with not less than four 
fasteners per strip shingle, or not less than two 
fasteners per individual shingle. Shingle headlap 
shall not be less than two inches (51 mm). 

1507.2.4 InteHocking clay or cement tile: 
Intedocking clay or cement tile shall be installed 
only over solid sheathing or spaced structural 
sheathing boards. Interlocking clay or cement tile 
shall not be installed on roof slopes below four 
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4:12). 
Horizontal battens shall be required on roof slopes 
over seven units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(7:12). Single-layer underiayment is required 
over solid sheathing on all roof slopes. 
Reinforced underlayment shall be required where 
spaced sheathing is installed. Regardless of roof 
slope, the first three tile courses and all tile within 
three feet (914 mm) of roof edges, changes in roof 
slope or changes in slope direction, shall be 
fastened to the roof For the field of the roof, 
fastening is not required on roof slopes below five 
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (5:12); every 
tile course shall be fastened on roof slopes five 
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (5:12) to less 
than 12 units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(12:12); and every tile shall be fastened on roof 
slopes 12 units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(12:12) and over. Tile overlap shall be in 
accordance with approved manufacturer's 
installation instructions. 

1507.2.5 Noninterlocking clay or cement tile: 
Noninterlocking clay or cement tile shall not be 
installed on roof slopes below two and one-half 
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2'/2:12). 
Double-layer underlayment is required on roof 
slopes below three units vertical in 12 units 
horizontal (3:12). Single-layer underlayment is 
required on all other roof slopes. Noninteriocking 
clay or cement tile shall be secured to the roof 
with two fasteners per tile. The minimum tile 
overiap shall be three inches (76 mm). 

1507.2.6 Metal shingles: Metal shingles shall not 
be installed on roof slopes below four units 
vertical in 12 units horizontal (4: 12). Single-layer 
underiayment is required for all metal shingles 
other than flat metal shingles on all roof slopes. 
Metal shingles shall be secured to the roof in 



accordance with approved 
installation instructions. 



manufacturer's 



1507.2.7 Slat® shingles: Slate shingles shall 
conform to ASTM C406 listed in Appendix A. 
Slate shingles shall not be installed on roof slopes 
below two units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(2:12). Double-layer underiayment shall be re- 
quired on roof slopes below four units vertical in 
12 units horizontal (4:12). Single-layer 
underlayment shall be required on all other roof 
slopes. Slate shingles shall be secured to the roof 
with two fasteners per slate. The minimum slate 
headlap shall be three inches (76 mm). 

1507.2.8 Wood shingles: Wood shingles shall be 
identified by a label and subject to a quality 
control program administered by an approved 
agency. Wood shingles shall not be installed on 
roof slopes below three units vertical in 12 units 
horizontal (3 : 12). A single layer of underiayment 
is required at eaves, ridges, hips, valleys and all 
other changes of roof slope or direction. Wood 
shingles shall be secured to the roof with a 
maximum of two approved fasteners per shingle. 
The maximum weather exposures for wood 
shingles shall be in accordance with Table 
1507.2.8. 

Table 1507.2.8 

MAXIMUM WEATHER EXPOSURES 

FOR WOOD SHINGLES 



Grade 


Shingle 

length 

(inches) 


Exposure (inches) based on slope 
(units vertical:units horizontal) 




3:12 to 4:12 


4:12 and sleeper 


No. 1 grade 


16 
18 
24 


3V4 

5V, 


5 

5'/2 

VA 


No. 2 grade 


16 
18 

24 


3'/2 

4 

5'/2 


4 

4'/2 
6'/2 


No. 3 grade 


16 
18 
24 


3 

3'/2 

5 


3'/2 

4 
5Vi 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm 

1507.2.9 Wood shakes: Wood shakes, other than 
preservative-treated southern yellow pine taper 
sawn shakes, shall be identified by a label and 
subject to a quality control program administered 
by an approved agency. Preservative-treated 
southern yellow pine taper sawn shakes shall be 
identified by a label and subject to the TFS 
Grading Rules for Preservative Treated Southern 
Yellow Pine Tapersawn Shakes, listed in 
Appendix A, administered by an approved 
agency. Wood shakes shall not be installed on 
roof slopes less than four units vertical in 12 units 
horizontal (4:12). A single layer of felt 
interiayment shall be shingled between each 
course of wood shakes on all roof slopes. Wood 
shakes shall be secured to the roof with a 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



maximum of two fasteners per shake. The maxi- 
mum weather exposure shall be iVz inches (191 
mm) for 18-inch-long shakes and ten inches (254 
mm) for 24-inch-long shakes. 

1507 J Low -Slope roof coverings: Low slope roof 
covering materials and installation shall conform to 
roofing material/roofing system manufacturer's 
written installation and warranty requirements and 
otherwise comply with 780 CMR 1507.3.1 through 
1507.3.7. In the absence of manufacturer's written 
installation and warranty requirements, roofs shall 
have a design slope of a minimum of one-fourth unit 
vertical in 12 units horizontal (14:12) for drainage 
except for coal-tar built-up roofs which shall have a 
design slope of a minimum one-eighth unit vertical 
in 12 units horizontal (V8:12). The attachment of 
insulation above the roof deck, the weight and 
distribution of ballast, the fastener type and fastening 
pattern, and the bitumen or adhesive application 
utilized in the installation of low-slope roof 
coverings shall meet the wind resistance 
requirements of 780 CMR 1505.2. 

1507.3.1 Built-up roofing: Built-up roof covering 
materials shall comply with the standards in Table 
1507.3. 1 . Provisions shall be made at deck edges, 
terminations and penetrations for mechanical 
fastening of the built-up roof covering and flash- 
ing materials. On slopes greater than two units 
vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12), provisions 
shall be made for blind nailing the built-up roof 
covering to the roof to prevent slipping. 
Aggregate surfacing shall not be installed, and 
plies shall be applied parallel to the slope of the 
deck (strapping method) on roof slopes above 
three units vertical in 12 units horizontal (3:12). 
Built-up roof coverings shall be installed in 
accordance with approved manufacturer's 
installation instructions. 

Table 1507.3.1 

BUILT-UP ROOFING MATERIAL 

STANDARDS 



Material 


Standard 


Aggregate surfacing 


ASTMD1863 


Asphalt-coated glass fiber venting base 


ASTM D460I 


sheet 


ASTM D2178 


Asphalt glass felt 




Asphalt-saturated and asphalt-coated organic 


ASTM D2626 


fell base sheet 




Asphalt-saturated organic felt (perforated) 


ASTM D226 


Asphalt used in roofing 


ASTM D312 


Coal-tar saturated organic felt 


ASTM D227 


Coal-tar used in roofing 


ASTM D450 




TVpes I or III 


Mineral-surfaced inorganic cap sheet 


ASTM D3909 


Venting, asphalt-saturated and asphalt- 




coated inorganic felt based sheet 


ASTM D3672 



Note a. Specific standards referenced are those listed 
in Appendix A 

1507.3.2 Thermoset single-ply roof coverings: 

Thermoset single-ply roof coverings shall comply 



with RMA RP-I, RP-2 or RP-3, or ASTM D4637 
or CGSB 37-GP-52M listed in Appendix A. 
Provisions shall be made at deck edges, 
terminations and penetrations for mechanical 
fastening of the thermoset single-ply roof covering 
and flashing materials. Ballasted roof coverings 
shall not be installed on roof slopes above two 
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12). 
Thermoset single-ply roof coverings shall be 
installed in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 

1507.3.3 Thermoplastic single-ply roof 
coverings: Thermoplastic single-ply roof 
coverings shall comply with ASTM D4434 or 
CGSB 37-GP-54M listed in Appendix A. 
Provisions shall be made at deck edges, 
terminations and penetrations for mechanical 
fastening of the thermoplastic single-ply roof 
covering and flashing materials. Ballasted roof 
coverings shall not be installed on roof slopes 
above two units vertical in 12 units horizontal 
(2:12). Thermoplastic single-ply roof coverings 
shall be installed in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 

1507.3.4 Modified bitumen roof coverings: 

Modified bitumen roof coverings shall comply 
with CGSB 37-GP-56M listed in Appendix A. 
Provisions shall be made at deck edges, 
terminations and penetrations for mechanical 
fastening of the modified bitumen roof covering 
and flashing materials. Modified bitumen roof 
coverings shall be installed in accordance with 
approved manufacturer's installation instructions, 

1507.33 Spray-applied polyurethane-foam roof 
covering systems: Spray-applied polyurethane- 
foam insulation shall comply with ASTM C1029 
listed in Appendix A. A liquid-applied roof 
coating that complies with 780 CMR 1507.3.6 
shall be applied to the top surface of the cured 
foam insulation in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. Foam 
plastics shall also conform to 780 CMR 2603.0. 

1507.3.6 Liquid-applied roof coatings: Liquid- 
applied roof coatings shall comply with ASTM 
C836, C957, D1227 or D3468 listed in 
Appendix A. Liquid-applied roof coatings shall 
be applied in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 

1507.3.7 Metal-sheet roof coverings: Metal- 
sheet roof covering systems which incorporate 
supporting structural members shall be designed 
in accordance with 780 CMR 2206.0. Metal-sheet 
roof coverings installed over structural decking 
shall comply with ASTM A361, A755 or BlOl 
listed in Appendix A . Metal-sheet roof coverings 
shall be installed in accordance with approved 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 

780 CMR 1508.0 FLASHINGS 

1508.1 General: Flashings shall be installed: at wall 
and roof intersections; at gutters; wherever there is a 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ROOFS AND ROOF STRUCTURES 



a change in roof slope or direction: and around all 
roof openings. 

780 CMR 1509,0 ROOF INSULATION 

1509. 1 General: Rigid combustible roof insulation 
shall be permitted, provided that the insulation is 
covered v«th approved roof coverings directly 
applied thereto (see 780 CMR 2603.4.1.5). 

780 CMR 1510.0 ROOF STRUCTURES 

ISlOol General: All construction, other than aerial 
supports, clothes dryers and siriiilar structures less 
than 12 feet (3658 mm) high, water tanks and 
cooling towers as hereinafter provided and flag poles 
erected above the roof of any part of any building or 
structure more than 40 feet (12192 mm) in height, 
shall be constructed of approved noncombustible 
materials. 

1510.2 Scuttles: Trap doors and scuttles as required 
by 780 CMR 1027.0 shall not be less than two feet 
by three feet (610 mm by 914 mm) in size. In 
buildings of Types 1 and 2 construction, trap doors 
and scuttles shall be of approved noncombustible 
materials. 

1510.3 PeiBthouises: Penthouses shall be considered 
a part of the next lower story, and ihc enclosure shall 
conform to the requirements for exterior walls of the 
building type as regulated by Table 602 and 
780 CMR 14 except as modified herein. 

ISlOJ.l Recessed walls: Where the exterior wall 
of & penthouse is recessed five feet (1524 mm) 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 Sreresistance rating of 
greater than 1 Vz hours, the penthouse exterior wall 
shall be: constructed with a fireresistance rating of 
not less than IY2 hours; covered on the outside 
vnth noncombustible, weatherproof material; and 
supported on protected steel or reinforced 
concrete construction. 

i5103o2 Unprotected openings: Where 
protected opemngs are not required by 780 CMR 
705.0, windows and doors shall be constructed of 
any approved materials. Glazing shall conform to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 14, 24 and 26. 

1510.4 Other enclosed roof structures: Enclosed 
roof structures, other than penthouses, shall be 
considered a story of the building and shall conform 
to the requirements for the building type as regulated 
by Table 602 and 780 CMR 14. 

1510.5 Mansards and other sloping roofs: 
Mansards and other sloping roofs shall comply with 
780 CMR 1510.5.1 and 1510.5.2. 

1510.5ol High-slope roofs: Every mansard roof 
or other sloping roof having a pitch of more than 



60 degrees (1.05 rad) to the horizontal hereafter 
erected on any building or structure of other than 
Tj^e 5 construction which is more than three 
stories or 40 feet (12192 mm) in height, shall be 
constructed of noncombustible materials with a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour. 
Where the building is more than seven stories or 
85 feet (25908 mm) in height, such roofs shall 
afford the same fireresistance rating required for 
the exterior walls of the building, but are not 
required to exceed a IVS-hour fireresistance rating. 

1510.5,2 Low-slope roofs: Where the pitch is 60 
degrees (1.05 rad) or less to the horizontal, the 
mansard or other sloping roof located on any 
building shall be constructed of not less than the 
same materials as required for the roof of the 
building. 

1510.6 Dormers: The sides and roofs of dormers 
shall be of the same type of construction as the main 
roof, except that where a side of the dormer is a 
vertical extension of an exterior wall, that side of the 
dormer 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 
780 CMR 1506.0. The sides of dormers shall be 
protected with approved roof coverings or with 
material permitted for covering the exterior walls of 
the building. 

1510.7 Water tanks: Water tanks shall be 
constructed and installed in accordance ^N\th 
780 CMR 1510.7.1 through 1510.7.5. 

SS10,7,1 Supports: Water tanks having a capacity 
of more than 500 gallons (1.90 m') placed in or on a 
building shall be supported on masonry, reinforced 
concrete, steel or other approved noncombustible 
framing or on timber conforming to Type 4 
construction; provided that, where such supports are 
located in the building above the lowest story, the 
support shall be fireresistance rated as required for 
Type I A construction. 

1510.7.2 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 
that complies with the 24S CMR 2.00: the 
Massachusetts State Plumbing Code listed in 
Append A. 

1510.7.3 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. 

1510.7.4 Tank cover: All TooftSLtks exposed to 
the weather shall have approved covers sloping 
towards the outer edges. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1510.7.5 Hoop and strap protection: Where 
metal hoops are utilized in the construction of 
wood tanks, such hoops shall be protected with 
approved corrosion-resistant coatings or 
manufactured from approved corrosion-resistant 
alloys. 

1510.8 Cooling towers: Cooling towers erected on 
the roofs of buildings where the base of the tower is 
more than 55 feet (16764 mm) above grade plane 
shall be constructed of approved noncombustible 
material or fireretardant-treated wood except that 
drip bars are not required to be of noncombustible 
material or fireretardant-treated wood 

1510.9 Miscellaneous roof structures: Except as 
here in specifically provided for, all towers, spires, 
dormers or cupolas shall be erected of the type of 
construction and fireresistance rating required for 
the building to which such structures are accessory 
as regulated by Tables 503 and 602. Where the 
height of such appurtenant structures exceeds 85 
feet (25908 mm) above grade plane or where the 
area at any horizontal section of the tower, spire, 
dormer or cupola exceeds 200 square feet (19 m^, or 
where utilized for any purpose other than as a belfiy 
or architectural embellishment, the structure and the 
associated supports shall be of Type 1 or 2 
construction, or of fireretardant-treated wood 
complying with 780 CMR 2310.0. Radio and 
television towers and antennas shall be constructed 
to comply with 780 CMR 3108.0 and 3109.0. 

780 CMR 1511.0 ROOFTOP HELIPORTS 

1511.1 General: 780 CMR 1511.0 governs the 
design and construction of rooftop facilities intended 
to accommodate the landing of helicopters. The 
utilization of a roof for landing shall be subject to 
the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration. 

1511.2 Structural loads: The roof and all pertinent 
building components shall be designed for the dead 
loads, live loads, impact loads and vibrations 
imparted to the structure due to helicopter landing, 
including the single-slcid point landing. 

1511.3 Referenced standard: All rooftop heliports 
shall comply with NFiPA 418 listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 1512.0 REROOFING 

1512.1 General: Materials and methods of 
application used for recovering or replacing an 



existing roof covering shall comply with the 
requu-ements of 780 CMR 1505.0 or 1507.0. The 
repair of existing roofs and roof coverings shall 
comply with the provisions of 780 CMR 34, but 
more than 25% of the roof covering of any building 
shall not be removed and replaced within any 12- 
month period unless the entire roof covering is made 
to conform to the requirements for new roofing. 

1512.2 Structural and construction loads: The 

structural roof components shall be capable of 
supporting the roof covering system and the material 
and equipment loads that will be encountered during 
installation of the roof covering system. 

1512.3 Recovering vs. replacement: New roof 
coverings shall not be installed without first 
removing existing roof coverings where any of the 
following conditions occur: 

1. Where the existing roof or roof covering is 
water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that 
the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate 
as a base for additional roofing. 

2. Where the existing roof covering is wood 
shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile. 

3. Where the existing roof has two or more 
applications of any type of roof covering. 

Exception: Complete and separate roofing 
systems, such as standing-seam metal roof 
systems, which are designed to transmit all 
roof loads directly to the buildmg's structural 
system and which do not rely on existing roofs 
and roof coverings for support, shall not 
requue the removal of existing roof coverings. 

1512.4 Reinstallation of materials: Existing slate, 
clay or cement tile shall be permitted for 
reinstallation, except that damaged, cracked or 
broken slate or tile shall not be reinstalled. Existing 
vent flashings, metal edgings, drain outlets, collars 
and metal counterflashings shall not be reinstalled 
where rusted, damaged or deteriorated. Aggregate 
surfacing materials shall not be reinstalled. 

1512.5 Flashings: Flashings shall be reconstructed 
in accordance with approved manufacturer's 
installation instructions. Metal flashings to which 
bituminous materials are to be adhered shall be 
primed prior to installation. 



256 



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CHAPTER U 



STRUCTURAL LOADS 
(This Chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 160L0 GENERAL 

1601,1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 16 shall 
control the structural design of all buildings and 
structures, or portions thereof, hereafter erected. 

780 CMR 16010 ©EFTNTOONS 

1602.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 16 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herem. 

Load: Forces or other actions that arise on structural 
systems from the weight of all permanent 
construction, occupants and their possessions, 
environmental effects, differential settlement and 
restrained dimensional changes. 
Bead load: The weight of all permanent structural 
and nonstructural components of a building, such 
as walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, stairways and 
fixed service equipment. 

Duration of load: The period of continuous 
application of a given load, or the aggregate of 
periods of intermittent applications of the same 
load. 

Earthquake load: The assumed lateral load acting 
in any horizontal direction on the structural frame 
due to the dynamic action of earthquakes. 
Impact load: The load resulting from moving 
machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and 
other smular forces and kinetic loads. 
Internal had: The forces resulting from the 
restraint of movement of construction materials or 
differential movement of a combination of 
materials caused by the effects of expansion or 
contraction due to temperature changes, 
shrinkage, moisture changes, creep, differential 
settlement or combinations thereof 
Lateral soil load: The lateral pressure in pounds 
per square foot (psf) (kilograms per square meter 
[kg/m^]) due to the weight of the adjacent soil, 
including due allowance for hydrostatic pressure 
and possible surcharge from Sxed or moving 
loads. 

Live load: Those loads produced by the 
occupancy of the building, not including 
environmental loads such as wind loads, snow 
loads, earthquake loads or dead loads. 
Mndload: The lateral pressure on the building or 
structure in pounds per square foot (psf) 
(kilograms per square meter [kg/m^) due to wind 
blowing in any direction. 



Fanel (part of a structure): The section of a floor 
or wall comprised between the supporting frame 
of two adjacent rows of columns and girders or 
column bands of floor construction. 

Wall 
Loadbearing wall: A wall supporting any vertical 
load in addition to its own weight. 
Nonloadbearing wall: A wall which does not 
support vertical loads other than its own weight. 

780 CMR 16(B.O CONSIRUOION 
DOCUMENTS 

1603.1 General: Construction documents shall show 
the size, and relative locations of all structural 
members with foundation, floor and roof levels, 
column centers and ail offsets dimensioned. The 
design loads and other information pertinent to the 
structural design required by 780 CMR 1603.2 
through 1603.7 shall be clearly indicated on the 
construction documents for all parts of the building 
or structure. 

1603.2 Floor live load: The uniformly distributed 
floor live load utilized in the design shall be 
indicated for all floor areas (780 CMR1606.0). Live 
/ooff reduction (780 CMR 1608.0), if utilized, shall 
be indicated. 

1603.3 Roof live load: The toot live /oacf utilized in 
the design shall be indicated for all roof areas 
(780 CMR 1609.0). 

1603.4 Roof snow load: The basic snow load shall 
be indicated. 

1603.5 Wind load: The following information 
related to windlcxids shall be indicated, regardless of 
whether wind loads govern the lateral design of the 
building: 

1. Wind Load Zone. If more than one wind 
direction is exposed, the applicable wind direction 
shall be indicated 

2. Wind pressure, P. 

3. Special exposures 

1603.6 Earthquake design data: Where earthquake 
loads are applicable, the following earthquake 
design data shall be indicated on the construction 
documents: 

1. The Seismic Hazard Exposure Group in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.2.5; 

2. The Seismic Performance Category in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.2.7; 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



3 . The soil-profile type in accordance with Table 
1612.4.1; 

4. The basic structural system and seismic- 
resisting system in accordance with Table 
1612.4.4; 

5 . The response modification factor (R) and the 
deflection amplification factor (CJ in accordance 
with Table 1612.4.4; and 

6. The analysis procedure utilized in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1612.5 or 1612,6 as applicable. 

1603.7 Other loads: Concentrated loads (780 CMR 
1613.0), impact loads (780 CMR 1614,0) and 
special loads (780 CMR 1615.0) which are 
applicable to the design of the building or structure 
shall he indicated. 

780 CMR 1604.0 DESIGN SAFE LOAD 

1604.1 Safe support required: Buildings or other 
structures, and all parts thereof, shall be designed 
and constructed to support safely all loads, including 
dead loads, without exceeding the allowable stresses 
(or specified strengths when appropriate load factors 
are applied) for the materials of construction in the 
structural members and connections. 

1604.2 Progressive collapse: Buildings and 
structural systems shall provide such, structural 
mtegrity that the hazards associated with progressive 
collapse are reduced to a level consistent with good 
engineering practice. Structures shall be able to 
sustain local damage or failure, with the structure as 
a whole remaining stable. Compliance with the 
applicable provisions of ASCE 7 listed in 
Appendix A shall be deemed to meet the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1 604,0. 

1604.3 In-situ load tests: The code ofHcial is 
authorized to require an engineering analysis or a 
load test, or both, of any construction whenever 
there is reason to question the safety of the 
construction for the intended occupancy. 
Engineering analysis and load tests shall be 
conducted in accordance with 780 CMR 1707.0 or 
1709.0, 

780 CMR 1605.0 DESIGN DEAD LOAD 

1605.1 Weights of materials and construction: In 

estimating dead loads for the purposes of structural 
design, the actual weights of materials and construc- 
tions shall be utilized, but not less than the unit dead 
loads prescribed in Appendix G, or ASCE 7 listed in 
Appendix A. In the absence of definite information, 
any values assumed by the designers shall be subject 
to the approval of the code official, 

1605.2 Weight of fixed service equipment: In 

estimating dead loads for the purposes of design, the 
weight of fixed service equipment such as plumbing 
stacks and risers, electrical feeders, heating. 



ventilating, air conditioning and fire protection 
systems, shall be included, 

160S3 Partition load: In of^ces and other buildings 
in which subdividing partitions are subsequently 
erected, rearranged or relocated, provisions shall be 
made to support the actual weight of such partitions 
where the partitions occur, or for an equivalent 
uniform load, which shall be assumed to be not less 
than 20 psf (97,64 kg/m^ of floor area in addition to 
the specified uniformly distributed live load. 
Provisions for partition weight shall be made 
whether or not partitions are shovm on the 
construction documents, unless the specified live 
load exceeds 80 psf (390.56 kg/m^), 

780 CMR 1606.0 UNIFORMLY 
DISTTRIBUrED LIVE LOADS 

1606.1 Uniform live load: The mmimum uniformly 
distributed live load in pounds per square foot shall 
be as provided for in Table 1606.1, and for all 
concentrated loads wherever such loads occur as 
provided for in 780 CMR 1613.0. The live loads in 
Table 1606.1 are the minimum loads to be used for 
the occupancies listed. Where the building will be 
subjected to greater live loads, such loads shall be 
utilized for design. 

1606.1.1 Trucks and buses: Minimum live loads 
for garages having trucks or buses shall be in 
accordance with lane loads of AASHTO HB- 15 
listed in Appendix A, but shall not be less than 50 
psf(244kg'm^). 

1606.1.2 Residential attics: All live load shall be 
applied to joists or to bottom chords of trusses or 
trussed irafters only in those portions of attic space 
having a clear height of 42 inches (1067 mm) or 
more between joist and rafter in conventional 
rafter construction; and between bottom chord and 
any other member 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 
psf (49 kg/m^), whichever is greater, uniformly 
distributed over the entire span. 

A further ceiling dead-load reduction to a 
minimum of five psf (24 kg/m^) or the actual dead 
load, whichever is greater, applied to joists in 
conventional rafter construction or to the bottom 
chords of trusses or trussed rafters is permitted 
under either or both of the following conditions: 

1. Where the clear height is not over 30 
inches (762 mm) between joist and rafter in 
conventional construction and between the 
bottom chord and any other member for trusses 
or trussed rafter construction. 

2. Where a clear height of greater than 30 
inches (762 mm), as defined in 780 CMR 
1606,1 item 1, does not exist for a horizontal 
distance of more than 12 inches (305 mm) 
along the member. 



258 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



Table Umi 
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED 
LIVE LOADS . 



Occupancy 



Live load 
ipsff 



Occupancy 



Live load 



Apartments (see Residential) 
Armories and drill rooms 
Assembly areas & theafrfcs^ 
XFixedseats/^; ; j: 
, I Movable seats./-; 



150 



;; ■: Platforms (asSembljOiiillMl^l^pp^^HlB^^ 
^I: ;Stage 'fl(k)rs^ ;;i ;i^j.^i^;^||:||^|^^^ 

Balcony, decks (exterior) 100 

One-and two-family dwellings only 60 

Bowling centers, poolrooms and billiard rooms 75 

Cornices 60 

Gorridors, excepVas btfienwsejndS 

Dwellings (see Residential)^f|^|||;^||^^^:^^i|i|;| 

Fire escapes' ^ ■ • .':■ ■ -'i - JiSl|t|5S|l;-WiM^j^ld(|te| 

^ Single-family residential j)uildiDigs|!OT^ 

Garages: 

Passenger cars 50 

Trucks and buses - see also 780 CMR 1 606. 1,1 50 

Grandstands (see Reviewing stands) 

Gymnasiums, main floors and balconies 100 

Operating Rooms,Lab<*at6rMM^vfi3|lTO 

Private Rooms. •-. ' :'-v"'-6 1^- f iS^i|X€|;|iir; 
Wards . ';/. \'- :■■ :^:;.;.-^'' ''■"'■' 



Reviewing stands, grandstands and bleachers - see 

780 CMR 1615.5 
Schools 

Classrooms 

Corridors 

Flexible open plan areas 



100 

50 
80 
100 







Corridors above first floor 
Hotels (see Residential) 
Institutional - residential care (see Residential) 
Libraries: 

Reading Rooms 

Stack rooms (books and shelves @ 40 pcf but 

not less than) 
Manufacturing'.'- .: V, ^? :-/;,i\ixjj,&-fe;:^i^'4l5^ 
■ Light; ■■•.■; 
Heavy 

Marquees 
Office buildings: 
Offices 
Lobbies 

Corridors, above first floor 
File and computer rooms require heavier 
loads based upon anticipated occupancy 
Penal Institutions: 
: Cell Blocks 
r Corridors \i 
Residential: ; ?: 

Attics -see780CMItI<5(>6:ljZ 
Multiple - family dwellings: 
Dwelling units 
Public rooms 
Corridors 
One-and two-family dwellings (areas other than 
sleeping rooms) 
Sleeping rooms 
Decks, balconies, etc. 
Hotels: •■ 

■ Guestrooms' 
;; Public rooms; ;vv 

■ Corridors serving 
Corridors ' ;' 






60 
150 



75 

50 
100 
80 



. . ^ ^____ ._^ -s'spi; 







^m^mmom 



40 
100 
80 
40 

30 
60 



Note a. 1 psf = 4.882 kg/ml 

; 78© CMR 1607.0 DESIGN OVE IjOAD 

1607.1 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 
occupancy, but not less than the minimum uniformly 
distributed unit loads required in 780 CMR 1606.0 
for specific use groups. 

1607.2 Loads not specified; The code official shall 
approve the required live load for any occupancy not 
specifically provided for in Table 1 606. 1 . 

1607.3 Partial loading: The full intensity of the 
appropriately reduced live load applied only to a 
portion of the length of a structure or member shall 
be considered if such applied load produces a more 
unfavorable effect than the same intensity applied 
over the full length of the structure or member. 

780 CMR 1608.0 LIVE LOAD REDUCnON 

1608.1 General: The design live loads specified in 
780 CMR 1607.0 may be reduced as permitted and 
specified herein, except that the design live load 
shall not be reduced on the following types of 
structure members: 

1. One-way precast or cast-in-place solid, ribbed 

and hollow core concrete slabs. 









jg)|^| 



Ribs of ribbed or hollow core 
slabs may be treated as individual beams, and 
live load may be reduced on the ribs the same 
as for beams. 

2. Two-way concrete flat slabs and grid slabs, 
with or without capitals or drop panels. 

Esceptlom: live load may be reducted on slab 
panels if there are beams on all sides of the 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



259 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUIATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



panels, and load is transferred to the columns 
from these beams entirely by "beam shear". 

3, Hangers 

1608.2 Design live loads of 100 psf or less: Except 
for places of public assembly (as defined in 
780 CMR 210.) garages, and open parking 
structures, a structural member having a tributary 
area Aj that is greater than A^ may be designed for 
a reduced live load determined by the foUowmg 
formulas: 

L = NLo 

N = the largest of the following: 

1. 1 -0.0008 (At -Ab) 

2. 0.75 - 0.20 (D„/L^) 

3. 0.50 for members supporting load from 
more than one floor, or 0.60 for members 
supporting load from one floor only, in which: 

L = reduced design live load for the member 

Lq = basic design live load 

Dp = dead load on the member 

Aj = loaded area tributary to the member, square 

feet 

Ag = basic tributary area, square feet, defined as 

follows: 

Ab = 100 square feet for members supporting 

load from more than one floor 

Ag = 250 square feet for members supporting 

load from one floor only 

1608.3 Design live loads greater than 100 psf and 
design live loads for garages and open parking 
structures: Structrual members supporting load from 
more than one floor may be designed for a reduced 
live load equal to 80% of the design live load. 

1608.4 For determination of the number of floors 
supported by a member in 780 CMR 1608.1, 1608.2 
and 1608.3 a roof may be considered to be a floor if 
the design live load of the roof is equal to or greater 
than the design live load of the floor below. 

780 CMR 1609.0 ROOF LOADS 

1609.1 General: The structural supports of roofs and 
marquees shall be designed to resist wind (see 
780 CMR 1611.0) and, where applicable, snow (see 
780 CMR 1610.0) and- earthquake loads (see 
780 CMR 1612.0) in addition to the dead load of 
construction and the appropriate live loads as 
prescribed in 780 CMR 1609.0, or in Tablel 606.1 

1609.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 1609.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meam'ngs 
shown herein. 

Fabric awning: A fabric awning is an architectural 
projection that provides weather protection, iden- 
tity or decoration and is wholly supported by the 
building to which it is attached. An awning is 



comprised of a lightweight, rigid or retractable 
skeleton structure over which a fabric cover is 
attached. 

Fabric canopy: A fabric canopy is an architectural 
projection that provides weather protection,, 
identity or decoration and is ground supported in 
addition to being supported by the building to 
which the canopy is attached. A canopy is 
comprised of a lightweight skeleton structure over 
which a fabric cover is attached. A fabric canopy 
is not a primary structure or a roof. 

16093 Minimum roof loads: Ordinary roofs, either 
flat, pitched or curved, shall be designed for the live 
loads as specified in Table 1609.3 or the snow load, 
whichever is greater. 

1609.4 Overhanging eaves: In other than occupan- 
cies in Use Group R-3, and except where the over- 
hang framing is a continuation of the roof framing, 
overhanging eaves, cornices and other roof pro- 
jections shall be designed for a minimum uniformly 
distributed live load of 60 psf (292.92 kg/m^. 

Table 1609 J 
MINIMUM ROOF LIVE LOADS^ 





Tributary.loaded area in 

square feet 
for any structural member 


Roof slope 




to 200 


201 to 600 


Over 600 


FlapSriife^l^ Siad 4;^ ^ " 


;™; :;''■.■■■•■: 






ArcHlordbfiie wjtfi nse!less - 


.:-;-ia.:- 


16 


12 


^:^itifen%afspan^^h 5^^:. ■ 








Rise 4 inches per foot (1 :3) 
to less than 12 inches per 








foot (1:1) 
Arch or dome with rise Vb of 


16 


14 


12 


span or less than % of 








span 








rS? 12 incfes per' foot (1:1) 


:■>■ •' ^■: 






Arch or dbine with iise:% of 


-■'.M'' 


12 


\T 


=, jspari OT greEfteri:-^' W * V 


"' ■' ■ "'■■■_ 


■-■.■■•:." - • 





Note a: loads are expressed in pounds per square foot of 

horizontal projection 

Note b: 1 square foot = 0.093 m^i psf = 4.882 kg/m^ 

1609.5 Ponding: Roofs shall be designed for the 
maximxmi possible depth of water that would pond 
thereon as determined by the relative levels of roof 
deck and overflow weirs, scuppers, edges or 
serviceable drains in' combination with the deflected 
structural elements. In determining the maximimi 
possible depth of water, all primary roof drainage 
means shall be assumed to be blocked. 

1609.6 Special purpose roofs: Where occupied for 
incidental promenade pmposes, roofs shall be 
designed for a minimum live load of 60 psf (292.92 
kg/m^); and 100 psf (488.20 kg/m^) where designed 
for roof gardens or assembly or educational 
occupancies. 



260 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



1609.6.1 Landscaped roofs: Where roofs are to 
be landscaped, the uniform design live load in the 
landscaped area shall be 20 psf (97.64 kg/m^). The 
weight of the landscaping materials shall be 
considered as dead load and shall be computed on 
the basis of saturation of the soil. 

1609.6.2 Fabric smmngs and canopies: Where 
awnings and canopies are covered with 2l fabric 
material, such awnings and canopies shall be 
designed for a uniform live load of 5 psf (24.4 
kg/m^) as well as for snow loads and wind loads 
as specified in 780 CMR 1610.0 and 161 1.O. 

1609.6.3 Special purpose roofs: Roofs to be 
utilized for other special purposes shall be 
designed for appropriate loads, or as otherwise 
approved. 

780 CMR 1610.0 SNOW LOADS 

1610.1 General: Design snow loads shall be 
determined in accordance with 780 CMR 1610.0 and 
shall be applied to the roof and open decks of all 
buildings and other structures. 

1610.1.1 Application of loads: Buildings and 
other structures shall be designed for the greater 
of the effects from either a uniform snow load 



over the whole roof or open deck (balanced snow 
load) or an unbalanced snow load on the roof or 
open deck (partial snow load). Buildings and 
other structures shall also be designed for the 
additional effects of drifting snow at changes in 
roof elevation and at roof projections, and for the 
additional effects of sliding snow. Snow loads 
acting on a sloping surface shall be considered to 
act on the horizontal projection of that surface. 
When establishing unbalanced snow loads or 
drifting snow loads, the effects of wind from any 
direction shall be considered. 



snow load: Figures 1610.1 A, 
161 0. IB, 16 10.1 C, and 1610. ID define four snow 
load zones in the state. The basic snow load for each 
zone shall be a uniformly distributed load, Py, in 
pounds per square foot of horizontal projection, as 
follows: 



Snow Load Zone 


P^ 


1 


25 psf 


2 
3 


30 psf 
35 psf 


4 


40 psf 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



261 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Figure 1610.1A 
SNOW LOAD MAP - ZONE 1 




C3 tS^a4i7iJCK£r- 




List of Towns in Minimum Uniform 
Snow Load Zones Zone I 



Barnstable 


Gay Head 


Sandwich 


Bourne 


Gosnold 




Brewster 




Tisbuiy 




Harwich 


Truro 


Qiatham 






Chilmark 


Mashpee 


Vineyard Haven 


Dennis 


Nantucket 


Welifleet 
West Tisbuiy 


Eastham 


Oak Bluffs 




Edgartown 


Orleans 


Yarmouth 


Falmouth 


Provincetown 





262 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Eflfective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDrNG REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

. STRUCTURAL LOADS 

Figure 161§,iB 
SNOW LOAD MAP -= ZONE 2 











Sum 


r Load Zon^j? 


Zsm2 






Abington 


Cambridge 


Freetown 


Lawrence 


Milton 


Randolph 


Taunton 


Acushnet 


Carlisle 




Lexington 




Raynham 


Tewksbury 


Amesbury 


Carver 


Georgetown 


Lowell 


Nahant 


Reading 


Topsfield 


Andover 


Chemlsford 


Gloucester 


Lynn 


New Bedford 


Rehoboth 


Tyngsborough 


Arlington 


Chelsea 


Groveland 


Lynnfield 


Newbuiy 


Revere 




Attleboro 


Cohasset 






Newbuiyport 


Rochester 


Wakefield 






Halifax 




Newton 


Rockland 


Waltham 


ISedford 


Danvers 


Hamilton 


Maiden 


N. Andover 


Rockport 


Wareham 


Belmont 


Dartmouth 


Hanover 


Manchester 


N. Attleboro 


Rowley 


Watcrtown 


Berkley 


Dighton 


Hanson 


Mansfield 


N. Reading 




Wenham 


Beverly 


Dracut 


Haverhill 


Marblehead 


Norton 


Salem 


W. Bridgewater 


Billerica 


Duxbury 


Hingham 


Marion 


Norwell 


Salisbury 


W. Newbuiy 


Boston 




Holbrook 


Marshfield 




Saugus 


Wcstpoit 


Boxford 


E. Bridgewater 


Hull 


Mattapoisett 


Peabody 


Scituate ° 


Weymouth 


Braintrec 


Easton 




Medfoid 


Pembroke 


Seekonk 


Whitman 


Bridgewater 


Essex 


Ipswich 


Melrose 


Plymouth 


Somerset 


Wilmington 


Brockton 


Everett 




Merrimac 


Plympton 


Somerville 


Winchester 


Brooktine 




Kingston 


Methuen 




Stoneham 


Winthrop 


Burlington 


Fairhaven 




Middleborough 


Quincy 


Swampscott 


Wobum 




Fall River 


Lakeville 


Middteton 




Swansea 





2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR " Sixth Edition 



263 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Figure 1610.1C 
SNOW LOAD MAP - ZONE 3 




•:^^ 



, £>Han>.crt»STCri 




sQK&offgJstM 



List of Towns in Minimum Uniform 

Snow T,nad Zones Zone 3 



Acton 


Chicopee 


Greenfield 


Lunenburg 


Oakham 


Sunderland 


WendeU 


Agawam 


Clinton 


Groton 




Orange 


Suttton 


West Boylston 


Amherst 


Concord 




Marlborough 


Oxford 


Sharon 


West Brookfield 


Ashbumham 




Hadley 


Maynard 




Sherbom 


W. Springfield 


Ashby 


Dedham 


Hampden 


Medfield 


Palmer 


Shirley 


Westborough 


Ashland 


Deerfield 


Hardwick 


Millbury 


Paxtoe 


Shrewsbury 


Westfield 


Athol 


Douglas 


Harvard 


MillviUe 


Pelham 


Shutesbury 


Westford 


Auburn 


Dover 


Hatfield 


Medway 


Pepperell 


S. Hadley 


Westminster 


Avon 


Dudley 


Holland 


Mendon 


Petersham 


Southampton 


Weston 


Ayer 


Dunstable 


HoUiston 


Milford 


Phillipston 


Southborough 


Westwood 






Holden 


Millis 


Plainville 




Wilbraham 


Barre 


E. Brookfield 


Holyoke 


Monson 


Princeton 


Templeton 


Winchendon 


Belchertown 


Easthampton 


Hopedale 


Montague 




Townsend 


Whately 


Bellingham 


E. Longmeadow 


Hopkinton 




Royalston 




Worcester 


Berlin 


Erving 


Hubbardston 


Natick 


Rutland 


Upton 


Wrentham 


Bemardston 




Hudson 


Needham 




Uxbridge 




Blackstone 


Fitcbburg 




New Braintree 


Southbridge 






Bolton 


Foxborough 


Lancaster 


New Salem 


Southwick 


Wales 




Boylston 


Framingham 


Leicester 


Norfolk 


Spencer 


Walpole 




Boxborough 


Franklin 


Leominster 


North Brookfield 


Springfield 


Ware 




Brimfield 




Leverett 


Northampton 


Sterling 


Warren 




Brookfield 


Gardner 


Lincoln 


Northborough 


Stoughton 


Warwick 






Gill 


Littleton 


Northbridge 


Stow 


Wayland 




Canton 


Grafton 


Longmeadow 


Northfield 


Sturbridge 


Webster 




Charlton 


Granby 


Ludlow 


Norwood 


Sudbury 


Wellesley 





264 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



Figure Ml®. 
LOAD 



ZONE 4 












ListjCtoms™ 


in Mmimum Uniform 








SoQw LQad Zones Zone 4 






Adams 


Cokain 


Hancock 


Monterey 


Plainfield 


Tolland 


Alford 


Conway 


Hawley 


Montgomery 




Tyringham 


Ashfield 


Cummington 


Heath 


Mount Washington 


Richmond 








Hinsdale 




Rowe 


Washbgton 


lecket 


Balton 


Huntington 


New Ashford 


Russell 


W. Stockbridge 


Blandford 






New Marlborough 




Westhampton 


Buckland 


Egremont 


ILanesborough 




Sandisfield 


Williamsburgh 






Lee 


North Adams 


Savoy 


Williamstown 


Charlemont 


Florida 


Lenox 




Sheffield 


Windsor 


Cheshire 




L^den 


Otis 


Shelboume 


Worthmgton 


Chester 


Goshen 






Stockbridge 




Chesterfield 


Granville 


Middlefield 


Peru 






Clarksburg 


Great Barrington 


Monrcw 


Pittsfield 







Symbols and notations: The following 
symbols and notations apply to the provisions of 
780 CMR 1610.0. 
a = roof slope expressed in degrees 
A = coefScient for amount of sliding snow 
A^ crossectional area of drift surcharge, 

expressed in square feet 
Cs = slope factor (See 780 CMR 1610.5) 
D = density of snow, expressed in pounds per 

cubic foot (pcf) 
hjj =height of uniform snow load on lower roof 
or deck, expressed in feet 
h^ =maximum height of drift surcharge, 
expressed in feet 



h^^ = reduced height of drift surchargfe, 

expressed in feet 
/f^/ = potential height of drift surcharge fi-om 

snow blown from lower roof, expressed in 

feet 
if^/^=reduced height of drift surcharge fi-om snow 
blown from lower roof, expressed in feet 
^du ^potential height of drift surcharge from 

snow blown from upper roof, expressed in 

feet 
/f^^=reduced height of drift surcharge from snow 

blown from upper roof, expressed in feet 
hj. = difference in height between the upper and 

lower roof or deck, expressed in feet 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



265 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Zj. =the dimension of an upper roof or 

projecting element perpendicular to the wind flow 

(perpendicular to (W bu and W bl), expressed in 

feet 

Pj= basic uniform snow load, expressed in 

pounds per square foot (psf) 
Py= intensity of sloped roof snow load, 

expressed in pounds per square foot (psf) 
P^g - maximum intensity of surcharge load from 

sliding snow, expressed in pounds per 

square foot (psf) 
S = horizontal separation between adjacent 

structures, expressed in feet (See Figure 

1610.7) 
W^ = horizontal dimension, in feet, of upper 

sloping roof ( See Figure 1610.10) 
Wjjj^ =horizontal dimension, in feet, of upper roof 

normal to the line of change in roof level 

(See Figure 1610.4) 
Wfjl =horizontal dimension, in feet, of lower roof 
normal to the line of change in roof level (See 
Figure 1610.4) 
W^ = width of snow drift, expressed in feet (See 

Figure 1610.4) 
Wg = width of sliding snow drift, expressed in 

feet (See Figure 1610.10) 

1610.4 Uniform Snow Loads 

1610.4.1 Uniform snow load for flat and iow- 
sloped roofs with planar panels: the snow load 
on a flat roof or on a roof with planar panels 
which have a slope less than 30 degrees shall be 
equal to the basic snow load, Py 

1610.4.2 Uniform snow load for sloped roofs 
with planar panels: The sloped roof snow load 
on roofs having a slope greater than 30 degress 
shall be calculated using the following formula: 



p. = c/> 



(Equation 1) 



where "Cj" is determined by the following 
formula: 



C - 1 - (g - 30) 
40 



(Equation 2) 



and "a" is the slope of the roof expressed in 
degrees. 

1610.43 Uniform snow load for convex curved 
roofs: Where the tangents to the surface of a 
convex curbed roof have slopes greater than 70 
degrees, the point at which the slope of the 
tangent exceeds 70 degrees shall be considered 
the effective eave. The surface of a convex 
curved roof below the effective eave shall be 
considered free of snow. The snow load on a 



convex curved roof shall be determined by 
Equation 1, with "a" equal to the effective roof 
slope in degrees. The effective roof slope is 
equal to the slope of a chord from the eave or 
effective eave to the crown of the roof 

1610.4.4 Uniform snow load for concave 
curved roofs: The effective loaded area of a 
concave curved roof shall be that area of the 
surface of the roof where the tangents to the 
surface have a slope of 50 degrees or less. The 
total load on a concave curved roof shall be the 
basic snow load, Py, multiplied by the total 
horizontal projected area of the roof This total 
load shall be applied uniformly over the effective 
loaded area of the roof 

1610.4.5 Uniform Snow Loads for multiple 
roofs. For multiple folded-plate, sawtooth, and 
barrel vault roofs, the snov/ load shall be equal to 
the basic snow load, ? x, regardless of the slope of 
the roof 

1610.5 Unbalanced Snow loads: Except as 
otherwise specifically provided in 780 CMR 
1610.5.1 thi-ough 780 CMR 1610.5.3, unbalanced 
snow loads shall be applied in patterns of 100% of 
the uniform snow /oa<i alternating with 50% of the 
uniform snow load. The location and extent of the 
loadings in the patterns shall be such as to maximize 
the various structural effects. 

1610.5.1 Unbalanced snow load for hip and 
gable roofs: For hip and gable roofs with slopes 
between 1 5 degrees and 70 degrees, the structure 
shall be designed to sustain an unbalanced 
uniform snow load on the leeward side of the roof 
equal to 1 SPg, where Pg is determined in accord- 
ance with 780 CMR 1610.4.2. The windward side 
of the roof shall be considered free from snow. 

1610.5.2 Unbalanced snow load for convex 
curved roofs. For convex curved roofs with 
effective roof slopes between ten degrees and 60 
degrees, determined in accordance with 780 CMR 
1610.4.3, unbalanced snow loads shall be 
determined in accordance with the loading 
diagrams of Figure 1610.2. In all cases, the 
windward side shall be considered free of snow, 
and any portion of the leeward side of the roof 
where the slope of the tangent to the roof surface 
is greater than 70 degrees shall also be considered 
free from snow. If the ground or another roof 
abuts a Case-D or Case-Ill (see Figure 1610.2) 
convex curved roof structure at, or within three 
feet of its eave, the snow load distribution shall be 
in accordance with the dashed lines on Figure 
1610.2. 



266 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/1 9/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 

Figwre 1610.2 
UNBALANCED LOADING CONDITIONS FOR CONVEX CURVED ROOFS 

Case 1 - Slope of taagent 
AteaveOO'* 



Owmd 



O.SP 




Have 



Crown 



Have 



Case!!- Slope of tangent 
At eave 30" to70° 



[:>Wlnd 



Eave 



O.SP 



-2P, 




X-30 
40 



30° Eave .Where x = slope of 
PqIjj^ tangent at eave 



Case HI - Slope of 

At eave > 70' 

C>W!nd 



Eav© 




30° 70° 

Point Point 



Eave 



Crowa 
**Bistr!bution of snow loacf where the groiamd or araother roof abuts at or less thaH 3'-0 from eave. 



1610.§o3 Urabalanced snow load for mmltiple 
roofs: For multiple folded-plate, sawtooth, and 
barrel vault roofs, the unbalanced snow load shall be 
as shown on Figure 1610.3. In the figures, P^ is the 
basic snow load intensity. The snow depth above 
the valleys need not exceed the level of the snow 



above the ridges, and the maximum snow load 
intensity in the valleys may be reduced accordingly. 
Snow depth and reduced snow loads shall be 
determined from the assumed density of snow, D, of 
20 pcf 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



267 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULA'nONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Figure 1610.3 
BALANCED AND UNBALANCED LOADS ON A SAWTOOTH ROOF 



BALANCED 
LOAD 



UNBALANCED 
LOAD 



1610.6 Snow Drift loads at changes in roof 
elevation and at roof projections: Multi-level 
roofs, lower roofs and decks of adjacent structures, 
and roofs adjacent to projections shall be designed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1610.6.1 through 
1610.6.6. 

1610.6.1 Design loads at changes in roof 
devation: The drift load on lower roofs or decks 
at changes in roof or deck elevation shall be taken 
as the triangular loading surcharge superimposed 
on the uniform roof snow load, Vj as shown in 
Figure 1610.4 

Two types of drifts shall be considered: 

1. from wind blowing snow from the upper 
roof 

2. from wind in the opposite direction blowing 
snow from the lower roof 




The drift causing the more severe structural effect 
shall be used for design 

The density of snow, Z) in a snowdrift and in 
the uniform layer of snow underlying the drift 
shall be not less than: 



D = 2(ipcf 



(Equation 3) 



The height, h^ , of the uniform snow layer 
underlying the drift shall be: 



* D 



(Equation 4) 



The intensity of snow load at any point shall be 
the total depth, at that point, of the snowdrift and 
the underlying uniform layer of snow, times the 
density, D. 



Figure 1610.4 

DRIFTING SNOW ON LOWER ROOFS AND 

DECKS AT CHANGES IN ROOF OR DECK 

ELEVATIONS 



Wi 



bu 



HIGH ROOF 
r OR DECK 



W 



d . 



DRIFT 
ISURCHARCfE 




1610.6.1.1 Drifting of snow from upper roof: 

The height of drift, h^, and the ^^dth of drift, 

W(], both in feet shall be determined as 

follows: 

a. Compute the potential drift height H^y, in 

feet, and the cross-sectional areas of drift, A^, 

in square feet, as: 



H^ = L15(FFJ°-^' - 1.5 (Equations) 

(Alternately, H^jy may be determined from 
Figure 1610.5) 

A^ = Zn^ (Equation 6) 



268 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/1 9/97 (EflFective llizm) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



difference in roof elevations, hj. , then: 



H, 


= «.. 


(Equation 


7) 


^4 


= WJ 


(Equation 


8) 


c: If(Hj„ + 


hjj) is greater than hj.: 




''.■ 


-K-h, 


(Equation 


9) 


^, 


h. L. 


(Equation 10) 



W^ need not exceed \0 (h^-hf^ 

1610.6.1.2 Drifting of snow from lower roof: 
The height of drift, h^j , and the width of drift, 
W^ , both in feet shall be determined as follows: 

a. Compute the potential drift height, H^ , in 
feet, as: 

H^ = 0.5[L15(FFj/^^ - 1.5] (Equationll) 

(Alternatively, /f^/ may be determined from 
Figure 1610.5) 

b. If {H^i + hj,) is less than or equal to h j. , 
then: 

h^ = Hj^ (Equation 12) 

c. If ( Hji + hb) is greater than h^ , then: 

hj = k^ ° h^ (Equation 13) 



W, - i(^,) 



(Equation 14) 



Figure 16W3 
HEIGHT OF DRIFT AT CHANGE : 
ROOF ELEVATION 




I- 

U 
H 

o s 



& )eo 200 iis 'SifD fsoo dx) 'SO dso ^To %teo 
WIDTH OF UPPER ROOF, W^^. OR LOWER ROOF, ^n , 
PERPENDICULAR TO ROOF SEPARATION 



1610,6.1.3 Multiple level roofs: For multiple 
stepped roofs similar to that shown in Figure 
16 10.6a, the sum of all the roof lengths upwind 
above the drift under consideration shall be 
considered as the length of upper roof for that 
drift (as shown, for example, in Figure 
1610.6a). 

For multiple level roofs similar to that shown 

in Figure 1610.6b, if the total calculated height 

of a drift and the underlying uniform snow 

layer on the upwind side of a higher roof ( h'j 

+ hj,) is equal to or greater than 0.7hp then the 

length, Wbu *, as shown in Figure 1610.6b, 

shall be used in place of Wi,u in Equation 5. 

1610.6.2 Drift loads on adjacent lower 

structures: A drift surcharge shall be applied to 

roofs of lower adjacent structures if these 

structures are located within a distance of W^ , but 

not greater than 20 feet, of the higher structure as 

depicted in Figure 1610.7. The height of drift hj 

and the width of drift Wj shall be computed for 

wind in either direction, in accordance with 

780 CMR 1610.6.1, assuming, for these 

computations only that there is no space between 

the higher and lower structures. The actual 

triangular drift surcharge on the roof of the lower 

structure shall be as shown in Figure 1610.7. 

Figure 1610.6 
DMFTING SNOW AT MULTIPLE 
CHANGES IN ROOF ELEVATION 

Figure 1610.6a 




Figure 1610.6b 




NOTE: Use Wj,u* when h'^j + \^ lh\ 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



269 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Figure 1610.7 

DRBFTmG SNOW ON TO ADJACENT LOW 

STRUCTURES 

Ibi 




If DRIFT 

\ SURCHARGE 



\ 






s 



4b- 



1 



NOTE: Drift surcharge required only when S i 
Wj and S ^ 20 Ft. 

Figure 1610.8 
SNOW DRIFTING AT ROOF PROJECTIONS 



CWINDFROM 

ROOF 
FROJECnON 




Figure 1610.9 
INTERSECTING SNOW DRIFTS 




Figure 1610.10 

ADDITIONAL SURCHARGE DUE TO 

SLIDING SNOW 

CASEI jL 
WIND ^ 




ai - 15* SMOOTH SURFACES 
Q^flETAI. OR SLATE) 

ftj - 23* OTHER SURFACES 



1610.6.3 Very high roof separations: When the 
ratio h/Lr is greater than 1.0, where Lp is the di- 
mension in feet of the upper roof perpendicular to 
the wind flow (perpendicular to W^u and Wy), the 
drift surcharge load on the lower roof due to 
drifting of snow from the upper roof may be 
reduced. The reduced height of the drift 
surcharge, H^up shall be not less than: 






(Equation 15) 



except that when h/Lr is greater than 2.0, Hj^^ 
shall be equal to zero. 

1610.6.4 Limited extent of upper roof: When 
Lf, the dimension in feet of an upper roof or 
projecting element perpendicular to the wind 
flow, (perpendicular to Wb„ and Wm) is less than 
20 feet, the potential height of drift may be 
reduced and shall not be less than: 






(Equation 16) 






(Equation 17) 



1610.6.5 Parapets and other roof projections: 

Design drift loads for roofs adjacent to parapets 
and other roof projections, as shown in Figure 
1610.8, shall be determined in accordance with 
780 CMR 1610.6.1 and 1610.6.4. Drifts due to 
snow from the top of a roof projection need only 
be considered when Wt^ is ten feet or greater. 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



1610,6,6 Intersecting drifts: When one snow 
drift intersects another at an angle as shown in 
Figure 1610.9, the unit snow load at any point 
shall be not less than the greater of the unit loads 
from the two individual drifts, plus the unit load 
of the underlying umform snow layer. 

16iQ,7 Sliding siaow from sloped upper roofs: 
Two cases of drift loading shall be considered for 
roofs which are located below upper sloped roofs, as 
shown in Figure 1610. 10 and as follows: 

(a) Case I Drift loading due to snow from the 
upper roof computed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1610.6.1, but without load firom sliding 
snow (Wbu is the fiill width of the upper roof as 
shown in Figure 1610.10.) 

(b) Case II Drift loading due to snow from the 
lower roof computed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1610.6.1 and a sliding snow surcharge 
load as specified below and as shown in Figure 
1610.10. 

The maximum intensity of the sliding snow load, 
Pjs , shall be: 



AW 



& 



W. 



-ipf) 



(Equation 18) 



where W^ and W^ are defined in Figure 1610.10 and 
the coefficient A is defined as follows: 

(a) For roof surfaces of metal and slate, and for 
other roof surfaces smoother than mineral 
surfeced roofing: If the angle of slope of the upper 
roof, "d\ as shown in Figure 1610.10 is equal to 
or greater than 15 degrees (slope 3.2 in 12), A = 
1.6; if "a" is less than 15 degrees, A = (no 
sliding snow load). 

(b) For roof surfaces of mineral surfaced roofing 
or rougher surfaces: 

If "a" is equal to or greater than 25 degrees 

(slope5.6inl2), A=1.0; 

if "a" is less than 25 degrees, A = 0. 
The value of W^ , the width of the sliding snow 
surcharge, shall be computed as follows: 
(a) For "a" less than or equal to 45 degrees, 

W = h (Equation 19) 



or 



W^ = —^ (Equation 20) 

4- 

whichever is greater. 

(b) For "a" greater than or equal to 45 " 

Wg + hjicot a) (Equation 21) 

or 



w - —^ 



whichever is greater 

1610.7.1 Snow guards: Sliding snow fi-om an 
adjacent sloping high roof need not be considered 
on the low roof if proper snow guards are 
provided on the high roof In this case, the 
sloping roof vnth snow guards shall be designed 
for the unit snow loads required for a flat roof 

1610.S Snow pockets or wells: Account shall be 
taken of the load effects of potentially excessive 
snow accumulation in pockets or wells of roofs or 
decks. 



Snow storage and collection areas: 
Consideration of potentially excessive snow 
accumulation shall be given to portions of structures 
which may be designed or used as snow collection 
or storage areas during and after snow removal 
operations. 

780 CMR 1611.0 WIND LOAD 

1611.1 Wind load zones: The locations of wind 
load zones are shown in the Figures 161 1.1 A, 
1611. IB, 161 1.1 C maps. 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. 



sures: Exposure is defined as a 
measure of terrain roughness and is classfied as 
follows: 

Exposwr® A: centers of large cities and very 
rough, hilly terrain. Exposure A applies for 
dowmtown areas only when the terrain for at least 
one half mile up^yind of the structure is heavily 
built up, with at least 50% 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. 



(Equation 22) 



sosur® B: suburban areas, towns, city 
outskirts, wooded areas, and rolling terrain. 
Exposure B applies only when the terrain for at 
least one half mile upv^nd is a continuous urban 
development, forest, wooded area, or rolling 
terrain. 

Exposure C: open level terrain with only 
scattered buildings, structures, trees or 
miscellaneous obstructions, open water, or 
shorelines. 

1611.2.1 Special eipos«3res: Consideration shall 
be given to the application of a more severe 
exposure (e.g.. Exposure C instead of Exposures 
B or A) when the ground slope near the site of a 
structure changes abruptly, in order to account for 



9/19/97 (Efifective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



271 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



the resulting higher wind speeds near ground 
level. 

1611.3 Reference wind velocities: The reference 
wind velocity for each wind load zone is the 
"fastest-mile" wind velocity, in miles per hour, at 30 
feet about the ground ( V30) for Exposure C, as 
shown in Table 1611.3: 



Table 1611.3 



Zone 


V30 (mph) 


1 


70 


2 


80 


3 


90 



Figure 1611.1 A 
WIND LOAD MAP - ZONE 1 











List of Towns: Wind Load Zones 









Zonel 








Adams 


Chicopee 


Granville 


Lenox 


North Adams 


ShefiBeld 


Wendell 


Agawam 


Clarksburg 


Great Barrington 


Leverett 


Northampton 


Shelboume 


W. Springfield 


Alford 


Colrain 


Greenfield 


Leyden 


Northfield 


Shutesbury 


W. Stockbridge 


Amherst 


Conway 


Hadley 


Longmeadow 


Orange 


S. Hadley 


Westfield 


Ashfield 


Cummington 


Hampden 


Ludlow 


Otis 


Southampton 


Westhampton 


Becket 


Dalton 


Hancock 


Middlefield 


Pahner 


Soufliwick 


Whately 


Belchertown 


Deerfield 


Hatfield 


Monroe 


Pelham 


Springfield 


Wilbraham 


Bemardston 


E. Longmeadow 


Hawley 


Monson 


Peru 


Stockbridge 


Williamsburgh 


Blandford 


Easthampton 


Heath 


Montague 


Pittsfield 


Sunderland 


Wiliamstown 


Brimfield 


Egremont 


Hinsdale 


Monterey 


Plainfield 


Tolland 


Windsor 


Buckland 


Erving 


Holland 


Montgomery 


Richmond 


Tyringham 


Worthington 


Charlemont 


Florida 


Hoiyoke 


Mount Washington 


Rowe 


Wales 




Cheshire 


Gill 


Huntington 


New Ashford 


Russell 


Ware 




Chester 


Goshen 


Lanesborough 


New Marlborough 


Sandisfield 


Warwick 




Chesterfield 


Granby 


Lee 


New Salem 


Savoy 


Washington 





272 



780 CMR - Sbcth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 

FIGURE UllAh 
WIND LOAD MAP -> ZONE 2 







^^ 






^TLlgBB»gg i;^Sii>fe 



z20ri.B::2: 






Asbumham 

Athol 

Auburn 

Barre 

Berlin 

Blackstone 

Bolton 

Boylston 

Brookfield 

Charlton 

Clinton 

Douglas 

Dudley 

E. Brookfield 

Fitchburg 

Gardner 

Grafton 

Harvard 

Hardwick 

Holden 






List ©f Towns; Wimia Load Zones 
Zoffie2 
Hopedale 
Hubbardston 
Lancaster 
Leicester 
Leominster 
Lundenburg 
Mendon 
Milford 
Millbury 
Millville 
New Braintree 
N. Brookfield 
Northborough 
Northbridge 
Oakham 
Oxford 
Paxton 
Petersham 
Phillipston 
Princeton 



'^^£^Q^2& 



Royalston 

Rutland 

Shrewsbury 

Southborough 

Southbridge 

Spencer 

Sterling 

Sturbridge 

Sutton 

Templeton 

Upton 

Uxbridge 

Warren 

Webster 

W. Boylston 

W. Brookfield 

Westborough 

Westminster 

Winchedon 

Worcester 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



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273 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

FIGURE 16n.lC 
WIND LOAD MAP - ZONE 3 







LrTLErr=H 

UOLLlCTT= 







Listo 


f Towns; Wind 


Load Zones 












Zone 3 








Abington 


Boston 


Cohasset 


Fall River 


Hingham 


Mansfield 


Nahant 


Acton 


Boxborough 


Concord 


Falmouth 


Holbrook 


Marblehead 


Nantucket 


Accushnet 


Boxford 


Danvers 


Foxborough 


Holliston 


Marion 


Natick 


Amesbury 


Bourne 


Dartmouth 


Framingham 


Hopkinton 


Marlborough 


Needham 


Andover 


Braintree 


Dedham 


Franklin 


Hudson 


Marshfield 


New Bedford 


Arlington 


Brewster 


Dennis 


Freetown 


Hull 


Mashpee 


Newbury 


Ashby 


Bridgewater 


Dighton 


Gay Head 


Ipswich 


Mattapoisett 


Newburyport 


Ashland 


Brockton 


Dover 


Georgetown 


Kingston 


Maynard 


Newton 


Attleboro 


Brookline 


Dracut 


Gloucester 


Lakeville 


Medfield 


Norfolk 


Avon 


Burlington 


Dunstable 


Gosnold 


Lawrence 


Medford 


N. Andover 


Ayer 


Cambridge 


Duxbury 


Groton 


Lexington 


Medway 


N. Attleboro 


Barnstable 


Canton 


E. Bridgewater 


Groveland 


LincoUt 


Meb'ose 


N. Reading 


Bedford 


Carlisle 


Easthara 


Halifax 


Littleton 


Merrimac 


Norton 


Bellingham 


Carver 


Easton 


Hamilton 


Lowell 


Methuen 


Nonvell 


Belmont 


Chatham 


Edgartown 


Hanover 


Lynn 


Middleborough 


Norwood 


Berkley 


Chemlsford 


Essex 


Hanson 


Lynnfield 


Middleton 


Oak Bluffs 


Beverly 


Chelsea 


Everett 


Harwich 


Maiden 


MilHs 


Orleans 


Billerica 


Chilmark 


Fairhaven 


Haverhill 


Manchtjster 


Milton 


Peabody 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



Pembroke 


Rehoboth 


Scituate 


Stow 


Truro 


Wellesley 


Westwood 


Pepperell 


Revere 


Seekonk 


Sudbury 


Tyngsborough 


Wellfleet 


Weymouth 


Plainville 


Rochester 


Sharon 


Swarapscott 


Vineyard Haven 


Wenham 


Whitman 


Plymouth 


Rockland 


Sherbom 


Swansea 


Wakefield 


W. Bridgewater 


Wihnington 


Plympton 


Rockport 


Shirley 


Taunton 


Walpole 


Westford 


Winchester 


Provincetown 


Rowley 


Somerset 


Tewksbury 


Waltham 


W. Newbury 


Winthrop 


Quincy 


Salem 


Somerville 


Tisbuiy 


Wareham 


Weston 


Wobum 


Randolph 


Salisbury 


Stoneham 


Topsfield 


Watertown 


Westport 


Wrentham 


Raynham 


Sandwich 


Stoughton 


Townsend 


Wayland 


W. Tisbuiy 


Yarmouth 


Reading 


Saugus 













1611.4 Reference wind pressures: Reference wind 
pressures for the various exposures and wind zones 
are given in the following Table 1611.4. The 
tabulated pressures are combined windward and 
leeward pressures representing the overall effect of 
the wind on essentially rectangular structures, and 
account for typical gust effects as found in ordinary 
buildings. These pressures do not account for 
buffeting or channeling caused by positions of 
nearby stmctures, vortex shedding, or wind sensitive 
dynamic properties of a particular structure. 

161L5 Wind loads on structuires m si 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 appropriate reference wind pressures 
given in Table 1611.4 or 16 11. 4a, to the vertical 
projected area, normal to the wind direction of the 
vertical surfaces of the structure, plus the 
appropriate wind forces on the roof as specified in 
780 CMR 1611. 8. Consideration shall be given to 
wind acting in all directions. 

i61i.5o! Simultoneoiis wM forces om 
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 0.7 times the effects 



of the wnd 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 0.7 
may be used if substantiated by appropriate wind 
tunnel tests. 

S61L5,2 Wind force distributtion: The total 
wind force on the vertical surfaces of a structure 
prescribed in 780 CMR 1611.5 shall be 
distributed 6/10 to the windward surfaces (as a 
positive pressure) and 4/10 to the leeward surfaces 
(as a suction). Other distributions may be used if 
substantiated by appropriate wind tunnel tests. 

161L6 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 Table 
1611.6, 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 wall 
assembly, a stud, a muUion, a girt, or a similar item 
which distributes the wind had from the vertical 
part to the principal structural system of the 
structure. 



TABLE 1611o4 
REFERENCHE WIND PRESSURE (POUNDS 


I PER SQUARE FOOT) 


Height 


ip|w|^^iPiiiiPl 


Zone 2 


liiiliip^gj^iiiifcs^^ 


above grade 


liiii^jiijiiiiiii;; 


Exposure 


liiiiiiMiiiMii 


H(feet) 


ilM 


illlil 


c 


A 


B 


c 


iiii 


:;?s-B-:> 


C ' 


0-50 


Bill 


v^:;;12-v- 


12 


n 


17 


17 


mmm 


:-^^:^^2r:- 


2J 


50-100 


W&B 


ilili 


I& 


n 


17 


24 


will 


'm-. 


31 . 


100-150 


iiiii 


ilii» 


22 


14 


21 


29 


iiii 


'^^>-26:::>:: 


37- 


150-200 


pill; 


^>si8-: 


25 


17 


24 


33 


iiiii 


-^^■•30;; 


41 ^ 


200-250 


wm 


i^i^ii 


27 


20 


27 


36 


iiii 


<m4^: 


■45 • 


250 - 300 


iiiii 


fiii*:;:' 


29 


22 


30 


39 


iiiii 


4:.rf-S: 


48 ■ 


300-400 


iii^ 


^mm 


31 


25 


33 


42 


iisii 


mAm 


52 ^ 


400-500 


mm 


iiiiii 


' 34 


29 


37 


46 


iiiii 


Ba6^\: 


5? ^ 


500-600 




^l|3di':;;- 


37 


33 


41 


49 


lii:li 


-510 


:6i 


600-700 


;ii%7iP 


''4mP^^ 


39 


36 


44 


52 


Wmi 


;..55::,: 


65 


700-800 


li^gft 


i:35.-^ 


41 


39 


47 


55 


t;-4» 


"■■^58^'V^;' 


. 68^ 


800-900 


K0M 


-/37-. 


43 


41 


49 


57 


imi-^i^ 


62 


72 


900-1000 


•■••■■■33*il? 


wmw-- 


45 


44 


52 


59 


■-,.55^^^? 


Wes^-^:'- 


74 



See table 1 6 1 1 . i a for empirical wind pressure formulas 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



275 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE 161L4a 
EMPIRICAL WIND PRESSURE FORMULAS' 



;;v::;^;.c.::;:::;:;f;:pi 


mMfi^.'m!fmz£Mi^'mm^vm<'m 


■■ ;Zone-3- 


Exposure 


Exposure 


Exposure 


A 


B 


C 


A 


B 


C 


A 


B 


C 


p = 30 
(h/800)°'^^ 


p = 36 
(h/800)°'*^ 


p = 42 
(h/800)°-^^ 


p = 40 
Ch/SOO)^'^^ 


p = 48 
(h/800)"'*^ 


p = 56 

35 
(h/800) 


p = 50 
(h/800)°" 


p = 60 
(h/800)°'^^ 


p = 70 
(h/800)°'^^ 



Note a: Empirical wind pressure formulas may be used in lieu of the reference wind pressures in table 1 6 II . I 

TABLE 161L6 

WIND PRESSURES ON PARTS OF STRUCTURES 

AND LOCAL SUPPORTING ELEMENTS 





Tributary wind load area of part 
or local supporting element 


Required Design Pressures 


Location of applied 
wind pressure 


Reference pressure of 
780 CMR 1611.4 

multiplied bv 


But not less 
than 


But need not be 
greater than 


2 
Within salient comer area 


Anv 


1.7 


20psf 


70psf 


Beyond salient comer area 


Less than or equal to 200 sf 


1.2 


20psf 


50psf 


Beyond salient comer area 


Greater than 200 sf 


0.8 


ISpsf 


50psf 



Note 1: For partially enclosed structures, where any side is more than 35% open, add a factor of 0.3 to the coefficients 
of this column of the table 

Note 2: The salient comer shall be defmed as the vertical surface located within a distance of 1/10 the least width of 
the structure, but not more than ten feet, from a prominent (salient) comer. 

TABLE 1611.8 
EXTERNAL WIND PRESSURES ON ROOFS 





External Wind Pressure - ] 


lat, gable, shed roofs (wind perpendicular to ridge) 






Roof pitch 


Multiples of reference wind pressure of 780 CMR 161 1.4 


Degrees 


Rise/run 


Windward slope 




Leeward slope 






Positive pressure 


Suction 


Suction 


0-20 


Flat to 4/12 


— 


0.6 


0.5 


20-30 


4/12 to 7/12 


0.2 


0.5 


0.5 


30-40 


7/12 to 10/12 


0.3 


0.4 


0.5 


40-50 


10/12 to 14/12 


0.4 


0.3 


0.5 


50-90 


14/12 to vertical 


0.6 


— 


0.5 





External Wind Pressure 


- arch shaped roofs (wind perpendicular to ridge) 






Multiples of reference wmd i 


aressure of 780 CMR 161 1.4 


Rise to span ratio 


Windward quarter 




Center half 


Leeward quarter 




Positive pressure 


Suction 


Suction 


Suction 


Less than 2/10 


0.2 


0.7 


0.7 


0.4 


2/10 to 3/10 


0.3 





0.8 


0.4 


3/10 to 6/10 


0.6 


— 


1,0 


0.4 



External wind pressure - flat, gable, shed or arched shaped roofs (wind parallel to ridge) 



All 



Suction of 0.6 multiplied by the reference wind pressure of 780 CMR 1 6 1 1 .4 



1611.7 Wind loads on roofs: Roofs and their 
supporting structure shall be designed to resist the 
combined effects of the external and internal wind 
pressures specified in 780 CMR 1611.8 through 
1611.11. All pressures specified shall be considered 
to art normal to the roof surface. When applying the 
reference wind pressures of 780 CMR 1611.4 to the 
provisions of 780 CMR 1611.8 through 1611.11, 
the reference wind pressures shall be for a height 
equal to the average height of the roof eave above 
grade. 

1611.8 External wind pressures on roofs of 
enclosed structures: Except as specified otherwise 
in 780 CMR 1611.11, external wind pressures shall 



be specified in Table 1611.8, or 780 CMR 161 1.8. 
Where both positive pressure and suction are 
specified, the effects of each shall be evaluated. 

1611.8.1 Roof shapes not specified: For roof 
shapes not specified herein, external wind 
pressures shall be determined as specified in 
780 CMR 1611.13 but the minimum suction 
effert shall be equal to 0.6 times the reference 
wind pressure of 780 CMR 1611.4. 

1611.9 Internal wind pressures on roofs of 
enclosed structures: Except as specified otherwise 
in 780 CMR 1611.10, internal wind pressures shall 
be 0.2 times the reference wind pressure given in 
780 CMR 1611.4. The internal pressure shall be 



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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. 

1611.10 Wind pressures offl roofs over 
noneoclosed or partially enclosed stractures: 
Except as specified otherwise in 780 CMR 1611.11, 
wind pressures 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 35% open, the wind 
pressure shall be the same as for an enclosed 
structure. 

2. When a structure is partially enclosed, with 
openings essentially all on one side, and when 
that side is more than 35% open, external wind 
pressure shall be as specified in Table 1611.4 or 
Table 161 1.4a and internal wind pressures shall 
be as specified in 780 CMR 161 1 .9 except that the 
value of internal wind pressure shall be equal to 
0.5 times the reference wind pressure given in 
Table 1611.3. 

3. For all other cases of partially enclosed 
structures, or for nonenclosed structures, the 
combined effect of the wind pressures abSVe and 
below roofs shall be equal to 1.25 times the values 
specified in Table 1611.8 for the corresponding 
roof shapes and wind directions. 

I6O0II Wind pressures for parts of roofs: Parts 
of roofs that are subject directly to the wind, and 
their local supporting elements, shall be designed to 
resist the following pressures in an outward 
direction: 

1 . Where parts of roofs subjected directly to the 
wind are located vntldn a distance of l/io the least 
width of a structure, but not more than ten feet, 
from the ridge, eave, or cornice, they shall resist 
a pressure 1.7 times the reference wind pressure 
^ven in Table 161 1.4 (representing the combined 
interna! and external pressures). 

2. Where parts of roofs subjected directly to the 
wind are located outside the zones specified in 
780 CMR 1611.11.1 they shall resist pressures as 
specified in 780 CMR 1611.8 through 1611.10 
and Table 161 1.8. 

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 fi-om the 
roof part to the principal structural system of the 
structure. 

1 61 L 12 Wind load on signs$ towers, esposed 
framing, tanks, stacks and chimneys: Signs, 
towers, exposed fi-aming, tanks, stacks, chimneys, 
and similar structures, or parts thereof, shall be 
designed for wind forces determined by applying 
coefficients given for the applicable structure in 
Tables 12 through 16 of ASCE-7 for the applicable 



reference wind pressures given in Table 1611.4, 
multiplied by 0.75. 

i61L12J Shielding: Shielding effect of one 
element by another shall not be considered when 
the distance between them exceeds four times the 
projected smallest dimensions of the windward 
element. 

1611.12.2 Signs: For open or solid outdoor signs 
v\ath 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 
1,2P on the projected gross area within the outside 
dimensions of the sign, or 1.6P on the net 
projected area of the sign; whichever is less, may 
be used in lieu of the loads given in ASCE 7, 
where "P" is the reference wind pressure given in 
Table 1611.4 for a height equal to the average 
height of the sign above the ground. 

1. Ground supported signs (whose bottom is 
0.25 times the vertical height from the ground 
to the top of the sign): height to width ratio less 
than ten. 

2. Above ground signs: largest to smallest 
dunension ratio less than 20. 

161 L13 Wind forces and pressures using wimd 
tannel 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 vnnd tunnel test program shall 
adequately represent the relevant properties of the 
structure and its surroundings and the oncoming 
wind flow. The wmd tunnel tests may be combined 
with a detailed statistical study of meteorological 
records, including high level wind velocity and 
direction, fi°om 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 
0.01. In lieu of a detailed statistical study of 
meteorological records, the appropriate reference 
wind velocity stipulated in 780 CMR 161 1,3 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 .8 of the values required by 
780 CMR 1611.5, 1611.7 and 1611.12, as 
applicable, for reference wind pressures for 
Exposure A and the appropriate wind zone specified 
in Table 161 1.4. 

I6II0I4 Uplift, overturning and sliding: 

161 1.14.1 Anchorage, roofs and walls: All 
parts of a structure subjected directly to the wind 



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shall be anchored to the supporting structure, to 
resist specified wind loads inwardly or outwardly. 

1611.14.2 Anchorage, structural system: The 

design of the structural system and its elements 
for uplift, overturning moment, or horizontal 
shear, or their combination, shall provide 
anchorage resistance required by the load 
combinations specified in 780 CMR 1616.0 

1611.15 Eccentricity of wind forces: 

Consideration shall be given to the efiects of 
specified wind forces being applied eccentrically to 
the center of rigidity of a structure. 

780 CMR 1612.0 EARTHQUAKE LOADS 

1612.1 Purpose: 780 CMR 1612.0 presents criteria 
for the design and construction of buildings and 
structures subject to earthquake ground motions. 
The purposes of 780 CMR 1612.0 is to minimize the 
hazard to life to occupants of all buildings and non 
building structures, to increase the expected 
performance of higher occupancy structures as 
compared to ordinary structures, and to improve the 
capability of essential facilities to function during 
and after an earthquake. Because of the complexity 
of and the great number of variables involved in 
seismic design (e.g. the variability in ground motion, 
soil tjrpes, dynamic characteristics of the structure, 
material strength properties and construction 
practices), 780 CMR 1612.0 presents only minimum 
criteria in general terms. These minimum criteria 
are considered to be prudent and economically 
justified for the protection of life safety in buildings 
subject to earthquakes. It must be emphasized that 
absolute safety and prevention of damage, even in an 
earthquake event with a reasonable probability of 
occurrence, cannot be achieved economically for 
most buildings. 

The "design earthquake" ground motion levels 
specified herein may result in both structural and 
non structural damage. For most structures designed 
and constructed according to 780 CMR 1612.0, it is 
expected that structural damage fi'om a major 
earthquake may be repairable but the repair may not 
be economical. For ground motions larger than the 
design levels, the intent of 780 CMR 1612.0 is that 
there be a low likelihood of building collapse. 

1612.2 General: Every building and structure shall 
be designed and constructed to resist the effects of 
earthquake motions determined in accordance with 
this section. Additions and changes of occupancy to 



existing buildings and structures shall be designed 
and constructed to resist the effects of earthquake 
motions determined in accordance with this section. 
Special structures, including but not limited to 
vehicular bridges, transmission towers, industrial 
towers and equipment, piers and wharves, and 
hydraulic stiuctures shall be designed for earthquake 
loads utilizing an approved, substantiated analysis. 

Exceptions: 

1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings are 
exempt firom the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.2. 

2. . Agricultural storage buildings which are 
intended only for incidental human occupancy are 
exempt from the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.2 

1612.2.1 Additions to existing buildings: An 

addition to an existing building shall be designed 
and constructed in accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 34. 

1612.2.2 Change of occupancy: Where a change 
of occupancy occurs in an existing building, the 
building shall conform to the provisions of 
780 CMR 34. 

1612.2.3 Seismic ground acceleration maps: 

The effective peak velocity-related acceleration 
(Ay) and the effective peak acceleration (Ajj) shall 
each be taken as 0. 12g throughout Massachusetts 
for the purposes of seismic design in accordance 
with 780 CMR. 

1612.2.4 Site-specific response spectra: Where 
site-specific response spectra are required for 
buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category D in accordance with Table 1612.4.6.2. 
the site-specific response spectra shall be 
developed based on ground motions which have 
a 90% probability of not being exceeded in 50 
years. 

1612.2.5 Seismic Hazard Exposure Groups: All 

buildings shall be assigned to one of the Seismic 
Hazard Exposure Groups in accordance with 
Table 1612.2.5. 

1612.2.5.1 Multiple occupancies: Where a 
building is occupied for two or more 
occupancies not included in the same Seismic 
Hazard Exposure Group, the building shall be 
assigned the classification of the highest 
SeisnMC Hazard Exposure Group occupancy. 



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Table 1612.2.5 
SEISMIC HAZARD EXPOSURE GROUP 



Seismic Hazard 




Exposxire Group type 


Nature of occupancy 


and description 




Group I 


Alt occupancies except those listed - 




below 


Group n 


1. Use Group A in which more than 


Seismic Hazard Expos- 


300 people congregate in one area. 


ure Group n buildings 


2. Use Group E with an occupant 


are those which have a 


load greater than 250. 


substantial public haz- 


3. Use Group B used for college or 


ard due to occupancy or 


adult education with an occupant 


use,, including build- 


load grater than 500. 


ings containing any one 


4. Use Group 1-2 with an <xx;upant 


or more of the indicated 


load greater than 50, not having 


occupancies 


surgery or emergency treatment 




facilities. 




5. Use Group 1-3 




6. Power generating stations and 




other public utility facilities not 




included in Seismic Hazard 




Exposure Group III 




7. Any other occupancy with an 




occupancy load greater than 5,000 


Group m 


1. Ficc^rescufr and police stetions 


SeisraicHazanl . . 


2, UaieGfoupI-'ihavuigsutgeryor 


Es<po!a»eGfOtij>ni 


emergency treatment facilities 


buildings are t&ose hdV' 


3< Emergency preparednew centers 


Ing essential jfk;iM«» 


4. Post-eartbq«aI»recoveryiflBhicle 


which «tc required for 


garages^ 


post-earthqaake 


5v Powcr-gMierating stations aoid ' ' 


re<tov«y, ipcludSng 


other Utilities required as ^ 


buildings e()ntitauhg ^ 


emergency backup facilities* ^ 


any one ore more df the 


6. Primary csoromuneation facttides, . 


indicated occupancies. 


7. Hi^toxicmatedalaasdeSnedby 




780CMR3a7,Owhet«the 


' • 


quantij^ of the matmal exceeds . 


' ' 


the exempt amounts of 7S0CMR. 




' 307,S • ' 



161202.6 Group HI building protected access: 
Where operational access to a Seismic Hazard 
Exposure Group IH building is required through 
an adjacent building, the adjacent building shall 
conform to the requirements for Group III 
buildings. Where operational access is less than 
ten feet (30.48 m) from the interior lot line or 
another building on the same lot, protection from 
potential fallmg debris from adjacent property 
shall be provided by the owner of the Seismic 
Hazard Exposure Group III building. 

1612.2.7 Seismic Ferforaaaisce Categ®?^: All 
buildings shall be assigned a Seismic Performance 
Category as follows; 



Seismic Hazard Exposure Group 
(from Table 1612.2.5) 


Seismic Performance 
CateROiy 


I 


C 


11 


c 


in 


D 



16i23 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 1612.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 



Acceleration: 
Effective peak; Coefficient Aa, in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1612.2.3, for determining the 
prescribed seismic forces. 
EfTectlve peak velocity-related: Coefficient Av, 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1612.2.3, for 
determining the prescribed seismic forces. 

Base: The level at which the horizontal seismic 
ground mciions are considered to be imparted to 
the building. 

Base shear: Total design lateral force or shear at the 
base of the building. 

Bay (part of a structure): The space between two 
adjacent piers or mullions or between two 
adjacent lines of columns. 

Desigm earthquake: The earthquake that produces 
ground motions at the site under consideration 
which has a 90% probability of not being 
exceeded in 50 years. 

Besignated seismic systems: The seismic-resisting 
system and those architectural, electrical and 
mechanical systems and their components that 
require special performance characteristics. 

Diaphragm: A horizontal, or nearly horizontal, 
portion of the seismic-resisting system, which is 
designed to transmit seismic forces to the vertical 
elements of the seismic-resisting system. 

Frame: 
Braced: An essentially vertical truss, or its 
equivalent, of the concentric or eccentric type that 
is provided in a loadbearing wall, building frame 
or dual system to resist seismic forces. 
Concentrically braced frame (CBF); A braced 
frame in which the members are subjected 
primarily to axial forces. 

Eccentrically braced frame (EBF): A diagonally 
braced steel frame in which at least one end of 
each brace frames into a beam a short distance 
from a beam-column joint or from another 
diagonal brace. These short beam segments are 
called link beams. The following EBF definitions 
apply: 

Biagonal brace: A member of an EBF placed 

diagonally in the bay of the frame. 

Lateral support members: Secondaty 

members designed to transmit seismic-resisting 

system. 

Link beam: The horizontal beam in an EBF 

which has a length of the clear distance 

between the diagonal braces or between the 

diagonal brace and the column face. 

Link beam end web stlfTeniers: Vertical web 

stiffeners placed on the sides of the web at the 

diagonal brace end(s) of the link beam. 

Link beam intensiediate web stlfTesier: 

Vertical web stiffeners placed within the link 

beam. 



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Link beam rotation angle: The angle between 

the beam outside of the link beam and the link 

beam occurring at a total story drift of the 

deflection amplification factor (Cj) times the 

elastic drift at the prescribed design forces. The 

rotation angle is permitted to be computed 

assuming the EBF bay is deformed as a rigid, 

ideally plastic mechanism. 

Intermediate moment frame: A frame in which 

members and joints are capable of resisting forces 

by flexure as well as along the axis of the 

members. Intermediate moment frames of 

reinforced concrete shall conform to 780 CMR 

1903.3.2. 

Ordinary moment frame: A frame in which 
members and joints are capable of resisting forces 
by flexure as well as along the axis of the 
members. 

Space frame: A structural system composed of 
interconnected members, other than loadbearing 
walls, that is capable of supporting vertical loads 
and, if so designed, resist the seismic forces. 
Special moment frame: A frame in which 
members and joints are capable of resisting forces 
by flexure as well as along the axis of the 
members. Special moment frames shall conform 
to the applicable requirements of 780 CMR 
1903.0 or 2204.0. 

Frame system: 
Building: A structural system ^\ith an essentially 
complete space frame providing support for 
vertical loads. Seismic force resistance is 
provided by shear walls or braced frames. 
Dual: A structural system with an essentially 
complete space frame providing support for 
vertical loads. A moment-resisting frame shall be 
provided which shall be capable of resisting at 
least 25% of the prescribed seismic forces. The 
total seismic force resistance is provided by the 
combination of the moment-resisting frame 
together with shear walls or braced frames in 
proportion to their relative rigidities. 
Moment resisting: A structural system with an 
essentially complete space frame providing 
support for vertical loads. Seismic force 
resistance is provided by special, intermediate or 
ordinary moment frames capable of resisting the 
total prescribed forces. 

High-temperature energy source: A fluid, gas or 
vapor whose temperature exceeds 220*'F (104°C). 

Inverted pendulum-type structures: Structures that 
have a large portion of their mass concentrated 
near the top and thus have essentially one degree 
of freedom in horizontal translation. The 
structures are usually T-shaped with a single 
column supporting the beams or slab at the top. 

Light-framed wall with shear panels: Wood or 
steel stud walls with flnishes other than masonry 
veneer. Loadbearing wall system: A structural 



system with loadbearing walls providing support 
for all, or major portions of, the vertical loads. 
Shear walls or braced frames provide seismic 
force resistance. 

P-Delta effect: The secondary effect on shears and 
moments of frame members due to the action of 
the vertical loads induced by displacement of the 
building frame resulting from lateral forces. 

Resilient stable-mounting system: A system 
incorporating helical springs, air cushions, rubber- 
in-shear mounts, fiber-in-shear mounts, or other 
comparable approved systems. The force 
displacement ratios are equal in the horizontal and 
vertical directions 

Restraining device: A device used to limit the 
vertical or horizontal movement of the mounting 
system due to earthquake motions. 
Elastic: A fixed restraining device that 
incorporates an elastic element to reduce the 
seismic forces transmitted to the structure due to 
impact from the resilient mounting system. 
Fixed: A nonyielding or rigid type of restraining 
device. 

Seismic activated: An interactive restraining 
device that is activated by earthquake motion. 

Seismic-resisting system: That part of the structural 
system that has been considered in the design to 
provide the required resistance to the seismic 
forces prescribed herein. 

Shear wall: A wall, loadbearing or nonloadbearing, 
designed to resist seismic forces, from other than 
its own mass, acting in the plane of the wall. 

Story drift ratio: The story drift divided by the 
story height. 

Story shear: The summation of design lateral forces 
at levels above the story under consideration. 

1612.4 Structural design requirements: 

1612.4.1 Design Basis: The seismic analysis and 
design procedures utilized in the design of 
buildings and their structural components shall be 
in accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.4. The design seismic forces and their 
distribution over the height of the building shall 
be in accordance with the procedures in 780 CMR 
1612.5 or 1612.6. The corresponding internal 
forces in the structural components of the building 
shall be determined using a lineariy elastic model. 
An alternate procedure using structural 
concepts other than as specified in this section 
may be used, if approved by the building offical, 
to establish the design forces and their 
distribution. Such an alternate procedure may be 
permitted where evidence is submitted to the 
building official showing that equivalent ductility 
and energy dissipation are provided, and the 
corresponding internal forces and deformations in 



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STRUCTURAL LOADS 



the structural components are determined using a 
model consistent with the approved procedure. 

Individual structural members shall be 
designed for the shear forces, axial forces and 
moments determined in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.4. Connections shall be designed 
to develop the strength of the connected members 
or the analysis force, whichever is less. The 
design story drift of the building, calculated as 
specified herein, shall not exceed the allowable 
story drift of 780 CMR 1612.4.8, when the 
building is subjected to the design seismic forces. 

A continuous load path, or paths, with adequate 
strength and stifi&iess shall be provided to transfer 
ail forces from the point of application to the final 
point of resistance. The foundation shall be 
designed to resist the forces developed and shall 
accomodate the movements imparted to the 
building by the design ground motions. The 
foundation design criteria shall account for the 
dynamic nature of the seismic forces, the design 
ground motions and the design basis for strength 
and ductility of the structure. 

Consideration shall be given to the manner in 
which the earthquake lateral force, computed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.5 or 1612.6 will 
be transmitted from the soil or rock to the 
structure. Transmission of the lateral force will 
occur through one or more of the following 
foundation elements: 

a. Lateral soil pressure against foundation 

walls, footings, grade beams and pile caps; 



b. Lateral soil pressure against piles, piers or 
caissons; 

c. Side or bottom friction on walls, footings or 
mats or; 

d. Batter piles. 

Bottom friction under pile caps shall be assumed 
to be ineffective in transmitting horizontal forces. 
The horizontal force shall be distributed among 
the various elements in the foundation in 
proportion to their estimated rigidities. Any 
element which will participate in the transfer of 
horizontal forces from the soil to the structure 
shall be designed to resist forces in such a way 
that its ability to sustain static load will not be 
impaired. 

1612.4.2 Site coeflRcieiit: The value of the site 
coefficient (S) shall be determined from Table 
1612.4.1. In locations where the soil properties 
are not known in sufficient detail to detemune 
the soil-profile type or where the soil profile does 
not fit any of the four types indicated in Table 
1612.4.1, a site coefficient (S) of 1.5 shall be 
used. For determination of Site Coefficient, all 
soil and rock below the final ground surface shall 
be considered. 

When a structure is located on soil deposits 
meeting the criteria for two or more site 
coefficient values, the largest applicable value 
shall be used. 



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Table 1612.4.1 
SITE COEFFICIENT 



Soil- 
profile 
-Jffi£_ 



Description 



a,b 



Site 

Coefiicient 

S 



A. profile consisting of: 
Rock of Material Classes 1 through 4, or, 
Rock of any characteristic, either shale- 
like or crystalline in nature, which has a 
shear wave velocity greater than 2,500 
feet per second, or. 

Stiff soil conditions where the soil depth 
is less than 200 feet and the soil types 
overlying rock are stable deposits of 
weathered bedrock of Material Class 5; 
S, dense to very dense till, gravel or sand 1.0 
and gravel of Materials Classes 6 and 7; 
dense to very dense sand of Material 
Classes 8 and 9; dense inorganic silt of 
Material Class 9; stiff to hard clay of 
Material Class 10 with undrained shear 
strength of 2,000 pounds per square foot 
or greater, or, compacted granular fills 
provided that the fill soils are compacted 
throughout as required in 780 CMR 
1804.1 

A soil profile meeting the requirements 
for S, except the soil depth exceeds 200 
feet; or a soil profile which contains up 
to 40 feet of medium stiff clay (Material 
Class 10), with undrained shear strength 
„ of 1,000 pounds per square foot or 
^ greater, or a soil profile which contains 
up to 40 feet of medium dense gravel, 
sand and/or silt (Material Classes 7 
through 10), that is not susceptible to 
liquefaction in accordance with 
780 CMR 1802.2 



1.2 



A soil profile containing 40 to 100 feet 
in thickness of medium stiff clay 
(Material Class 10) with undrained shear 
strength of 1 ,000 pounds per square foot 
or greater, with or without intervening 
layers of granular soils; or up to 40 feet 
of soft clay (Material Class 10) with 

53 undrained shear strength of less than 1.5 
1,000 pounds per square foot; or up to 40 

feet of very loose to loose gravel, sand or 
silt (Material Classes 7 through 9); or up 
to 20 feet of organic soil (Material Class 
1 1) or loose or soft fill which was not 
placed in accordance with 780 CMR 
1804.1 

54 A soil profile containing more than 100 2.0 
feet of medium stiff clay (Material Class 

10) with tmdrained ^ear strength of 
1,000 pounds per square foot or greater, 
with or without intervening layers of 
granular soils; or more than 40 feet of 
soft clay (Material Class. 10) with 
undrained shear strength of less than 
1,000 pounds per square foot; or more 
than 40 feet of very loose to loose sand 
or silt (Material Classes 8 and 9); or 
more than 20 feet of organic soil 
(Material Class 11); or more than 20 
feet of loose or soft fill which was not 
placed in accordance with 780 CMR 
1 804. 1 ; or more than 20 feet of soils of 
any type having a shear wave velocity of 
500 feet per second or less. 



Notes: 

a) 1 foot = 304.8 mm 

b) See appendix G for guidance in selecting Material 
Classes 

1612.4.3 Soil-structure interaction: The design 
base shear, story shears, overturning moments and 
deflections determined by the requirements of 
780 CMR 1612.5 or 1612.6 are permitted to be 
modified in accordance with approved procedures 
which account for the effects of soil-structure 
interaction. 

1612.4.4 Structural framing systems: The basic 
structural framing systems to be utilized are 

. indicated in Table 1612.4.4. Each type is 
subdivided by the types of vertical structural 
elements that will resist the design lateral forces. 
The structural system utilized shall be in 
accordance with the seismic performance category 
and height limitations indicated in Table 1612.4.4. 
The appropriate response modification factor (R) 
and the deflection amplification factor (C^ 
indicated in Table 1612.4.4 shall be utilized in 
determuiing the base shear and the design story 
drift. Structural framing and seismic-resisting 
systems which are not contained in Table 
1612.4.4 shall be permitted if analysis and test 
data are submitted that establish the dynamic 
characteristics and demonstrate the lateral force 
resistance and energy dissipation capacity to be 
equivalent to the sthiaural systems listed in Table 
1612.4.4 for equivalent response modification 
factor (R) values. 

1612.4.4.1 Dual system: For a dual system, the 
moment firame shall be capable of resisting at 
least 25% of the design seismic forces. The 
total seismic force resistance is to be provided 
by the combination of the moment frame and 
the seismic-resisting elements in proportion to 
their rigidities. 

1612.4.4.2 Combinations of framing 
systems: Different structural fi'aming systems 
are permitted along the two orthogonal axes of 
the building. Combinations of framing systems 
shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 1612.4.4.2.1 and 1612.4.4.2.2 

1612.4.4.2.1 Combination framing factor 
(R): The response modification factor (R) in 
the direction under consideration at any story 
shall not exceed the lowest response 
modification factor (R) obtained from Table 
1612.4.4 or the seismic-resisting system in the 
same direction considered above that story. 

Exception: Supported structural systems with 
weight equal to or less than 10% of the weight 
of the building are not required to comply with 
780 CMR 1612.4.4.2.1. 



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STRUCTURAL LOADS 



1612A4.2.2 Combmation framisig detaMing 
requirements: The detailing requirements of 
780 CMR 1612.4.7 required by the higher 
response modification factor (R) shall apply to 
structural components common to systems 
having different response modification factors. 

1612.4.4J Seismic Performance Category C: 
The structural fi-aming system for buildings 
assigned to Seismic Performance Category C 
shall comply with the building height and 
structural system limitations in Table 1612.4.4. 

1612.4.4.4 Seismic Performance Category D: 
The structural fi-aming system for buildings 
assigned to Seismic Performance Category D 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1612.4.4.3 and the 
additional provisions of 780 CMR 1612.4.4. 

1612.4.4.4.1 Limited baiildmg height: 
Buildings having a structural system of steel 
or cast-in-place concrete-braced fi-ames or 
shear walls are limited to a height of 240 feet 
(73.15 m) where there are braced fi-ames or 
shear walls so arranged that braced fi-ames or 
shear walls in one plane resist not more than 



the following proportion of the seismic 
design force in each direction, including 
torsional effects: 

1 . 60% where the braced fi-ame or shear 
walls are arranged only on the perimeter; 

2. 40% where some of the braced fi-ames 
or shear walls are arranged on the 
perimeter; or 

3. 30% for other arrangements. 

1612.4.4.4.2 Interaction effects: Moment- 
resisting fi-ames that are enclosed or 
adjoined by more rigid elements not 
considered to be part of the seismic-resisting 
system shall be designed so that the action 
or failure of the enclosing or adjoining 
elements will not impair the vertical load 
and seismic force-resisting capability of the 
fi-ame. The design shall provide for the 
effect of these rigid elements on the 
structural system at building deformations 
corresponding to the design story drift 
(delta) as determined in 780 CMR 1612.5.5. 



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TABLE 1612.4.4^"' 
Structural Systems 








Basic Structural system 


Response 

Modification 

Factor (R) 


Deflection 

Amplification 

Factor (Cd) 


Structural system limitations 
and building height (feet) 
limitations (see Note b) 




Seismic Performace Category 


Seismic Resisting System 


C 


D 












1. Loadbearing wall system 

Light-framed walls with shear panels 


6'/2 


4 


Not limited 


160 


Reinforced concrete shear walls 


4'/i 


4. 


Not limited 


160 


Reinforced masonry shear walls 


3'/2 


3 


Not limited 


160 


Concentrically braced frames 


3'/2 


314 


Not limited 


160 


Unreinforced masonry shear walls 


114 


V/a 


Not permitted 


Not permitted 


Plain concrete shear walls 


V/2 


114 


Not permitted 


Not permitted 


2. Building Frame System 










Eccentrically braced frames, moment resisting connections at 
columns away from link beam 


8 


4 


Not limited 


160 


Eccentrically braced frames nonmoment-resisting connections 
at columns away from link beam 


7 


4 


Not limited 


160 


Light-framed walls with shear panels 


7 


4'/2 


Not limited 


160 


Concentrically braced frames 


5 


4/2 


Not limited 


160 


Reinforced concrete shear walls 


SVi 


5 


Not limited 


160 


Reinforced masonry shear walls 


4'/2 


4 


Not limited 


160 


Unreinforced masonry shear walls 


V/z 


1/2 


Not permitted 


Not permitted 


Plain concrete shear walls 


2 


2 


Not permitted 


Not permitted 


3. Moment-resisting frame system 










Special moment frames of steel 


8 


5/2 


Not limted 


Not limited 


Special moment frames of reinforced concrete 


8 


5/2 


Not limited 


Not limited 


Intermediate moment frames of reinforced concrete 


5 


4/2 


Not limited 


Not permitted 


Ordinary moment frames of steel 


4>/2 


4 


Not limited 


160 


Ordinary moment frame of reinforced concrete 


3 


2/2 


Not permitted 


Not permitted 


4. Dual system with a special moment frame capable of resisting 
at least 25% of the prescribed seismic forces Eccentrically 
braced frames, moment-resisting connections at columns 
away from link beam 


8 


4 


Not limited 


Not limited 


Eccentrically braced frames, nonmoment-resisting 
connections at columns away from link beam 


7 


4 


Not limited 


Not limited 


Concentrically braced frames 


6 


5 


Not limited 


Not limited 


Reinforced concrete shear walls 


8 


6/2 


Not limited 


Not limited 


Reinforced masonry shear walls 


6'/2 


5/2 


Not limited 


Not limited 


Wood-sheathed shear walls 


8 


5 


Not limited 


Not limited 


5 . Dual system with an intermediate moment frame of reinforced 
concrete or an ordinary moment frame of steel capable of 
resisting at least 25% of the prescribed seismic forces 










Concentrically braced frames 


5 


4/2 


Not limited 


160 


Reinforced concrete shear walls 


6 


5 


Not limited 


160 


Reinforced masonry shear walls 


5 


4/2 


Not limited 


160 


Wood-sheathed shear walls 


7 


4/2 


Not limited 


160 


6. Inverted Pendulum structures Special moment frames of 
structural steel 


2'/2 


2/2 


Not limited 


Not Imiited 


Special moment frames of reinforced concrete 


2'/2 


2/2 


Not limited 


Not hnited 


Ordinary moment frames of structural steel 


VA 


VA 


Not limited 


Not permitted 



Note a. Response modification factor(R) for application of 780 CMR 1612.5 and 1612.6: Deflection amplificaton factor 

(Cd) for application of 780 CMR 1612.5 and 1612.6. 

Note b. The building height shall not exceed the general height limitation of 780 CMR 503.0 and 502.0 based on the 

type of construction 

Note c. See 780 CMR 1612.4.4.4.1for description of building systems v^uch are limited to buildings with a height of 

240 feet or less. 

Note d. See 780 CMR 1612.4.4.5 for description of building systems which are limited to buildings with a height of 

160 feet or less. 



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STRUCTURAL LOADS 



1612AA33 Deformational compadbility: 
Every structural component not included in 
the seismic force-resisting system in the 
direction under consideration shall be 
designed to be adequate for the vertical 
load-bearing capacity and the induced 
moments resulting from the design story 
drift (a) as determined in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.5.5 (see also 780 CMR 
1612.4.8) 

1612.4.4.4.4 Special moment frames: A 
special moment frame that is utilized but not 
required by Table 1612.4.4 is permitted to 
be discontinuous and supported by a more 
rigid system with a lower response 
modification factor (R) provided that the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.4.7.2.4 and 
1612.4.7.4.2 are met. Where a special 
moment frame is required by Table 
1612.4.4, the frame shall be continuous to 
the foundation. 

1(512.4.5 Building configuration: Buildings shall 
be classified as regular or irregular based on the 
plan and vertical configuration. 

1612.4.5.1 Flan irregularity: Buildings 
having one or more of the features listed in 
Table 1612.4.5. 1 shall be designated as having 
plan irregularity and shall comply with the 
requirements in the referenced code sections of 
Table 1612.4.5.1. 

1612.4.5.2 Vertical Irregmiarity: Buildings 
having one or more of the features listed in 
Table 1612.4.5.2 shall be designated as having 
vertical irregularity and shall comply with the 
requirements in the referenced code sections of 
Table 1612.4.5.2. 

Eiceptions: 

1. Structural irregularities of Type 1 or 2 in 
Table 1612.4.5.2 do not apply where the 
building story drift ratio is less than 130% of 
the story drift ratio of the next story above. 
Torsional effects are not required to be 
considered in the calculation of story drifts. 
The story drift ratio relationship for the top 
two stories of the building is not required to 
be evaluated. 

2. IrregularityTypes 1 and 2 of Table 
1612.4.5.2 are not required to be considered 
for one- and two-story buildings. 



Table 1612.4.5.1 
PLAN STRUCTURAL IRREGULARITIES 



Irregularity type and description 


Referenced 
Section 


Seismic 
Performance 

Category 
Application 


i Torsional irregularity — to be 
considered where diaphragms 
are rigid in relation to the 
vertical structural elements 
which resist the lateral seismic 
forces. 

Torsional irregularity shall be 
considered to exist where the 
maxixmum story drift com- 
puted, including accidental 
torsion, at one end of the 
structure transverse to an axis 
is more than 1.2 times the 
average of the stoiy drifts at 
the two ends of the structure. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.4.2 

780 CMR 
1612.5.3.1 


D 
CandD 


2 Re-entrant comers 

Plan configurations of a 
structure and its lateral force- 
resisting system contain re- 
entrant comers, where both 
projections of the structure 
be}'ond a re-entrant comer are 
greater than 15% of the plan 
dimension of the structure in 
the given direction. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.4.2 


D 


3 Diaphragm discontinuity 

Diaphragms with abrupt 
discontinuities or variations in 
stifiiess, including those 
havbg cutout or open areas 
greater than 50% of the gross 
enclosed area of diaphragm, or 
changes in effective dia- 
phragm stiffiiess of more than 
50% from one stoiy to the 
next. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.4.2 


D 


4 Out-of-plane vertical element 
offsets 

Discontinuities in a lateral 
force-resistance path, such as 
out-of-plane ofifsets of the 
vertical elements which resist 
the lateral seismic forces. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.4.2 


D 


5 Nonparallel systems 

The vertical lateral force- 
resisting elements are not par- 
allel to, or are not symmetric 
about, the major orthogonal 
axes of the lateral force- 
resisting system. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.3.1 


CandD 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 1612.4o5.2 

VERTICAL STRUCTURAL 

IRREGULARrnES 



Irregularity type and description 


Referenced 
Section 


Seismic 
Performance 

Category 
Application 


1 Stiflhess irregularity — soft 
story. 

A soft story is one in which 
the lateral stiffiiess is less than 
70% of that in the story above 
or less than 80% of the 
average stifhess of the three 
stories above. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.6.2 


D 


2 Weight (mass) irregularity 

Mass irregularity shall be 
considered to exist where the 
effective masss of any story is 
more than 150% of the 
effective mass of an adjacent 
story. A roof that is lighter 
than the floor below is not 
required to be considered. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.6.2 


D 


3 Vertical geometric irregularity 

Vertical geometric irregularity 
shall be considered to exist 
where the horizontal dimen- 
sion of the lateral force- 
resisting system in any story is 
more than 130% of that in an 
adjacent story. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.6.2 


D 


4 In-plane discontinuity in ver> 
tical lateral force-resisting ele- 
ments. 

An in-plane offset of the 
lateral force-resisting elements 
greater than the length of those 
elements. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.4.2 


D 


5 Discontinuity in capacity — 
weak story 

A weak story is one in which 
the story lateral strength is less 
than 80% of that in the story 
above. The story strength is 
the total strength of all seismic 
resisting elements sharing the 
story shear for the direction 
under consideration. 


780 CMR 
1612.4.7.2.4 


CandD 



1612.4.6 Analysis procedures: A structural 
analysis shall be made for all buildings in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.4.6. An alternative generally accepted 
procedure* including utilization of a site-specific 
response spectrum, is permitted, where approved 
by the code official. The limitations on the base 
shear in 780 CMR 1612.6 apply to dynamic 
modal analysis. When this alternative is used, the 
site specific response spectrum shall be 
considered in the required peer review. 

1612.4.6.1 Seismic Perfonnance Category C: 

Regular or irregular buildings assigned to 



Category C shall be analyzed in accordance 
with the procedures in 780 CMR 1612.5. 

1612.4.6.2 Seismic Perfonnance Category D: 

Buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category D shall be analyzed in accordance 
with the referenced sections in Table 
1612.4.6.2. 

Table 1612.4.6.2 

ANALYSIS PROCEDURES FOR SEISMIC 

PERFORMANCE CATEGORY D 



Building Description 


Referenced 
Section and 
Procedures 


1 Buildings designated as regular which 
do not exceed 240 feet in height. 


780 CMR 1612.5 


2 Buildings that have only vertical 
irregularities of Type 1, 2 or 3 in table 
1612.4.5.2 and have a height exceeding 
five stories or 65 feet, and all buildings 
exceeding 240 feet in height. 


780 CMR 1612.6 


3 All other buildings designated as 
having plan or vertical irregularities in 
accordance with tables 1612.4.5.1 and 
1612.4.5.2 


780 CMR 1612.5 

or 
780 CMR 1612.6 



1612.4.7 Design^ detailing requirements and 
structural component load effects: The design 
and detailing of structural components of the 
seismic-resisting system shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.4. Foundation 
design shall conform to the applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR 18. 

1612.4.7.1 Seismic Perfonnance Category A: 

The design and detailing of buildings assigned 
to Seismic Performance Category A shall 
comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.4.7.1. 

1612.4.7.11.1 Ties and continuity: Except 
for connections exempted by 780 CMR 
1612.7, all parts of the building that transmit 
seismic force shall be interconnected to form 
a continuous path to the building's seismic- 
resisting system. Any smaller portion of the 
building shall be tied to the remainder of the 
building with elements having a strength 
capable of transmitting the seismic force 
(Fp) determined in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.7, but not less than one-third 
of the effective peak velocity-related 
acceleration (Ay) times the weight of the 
smaller portion (Wg) or 5% of the portion's 
weight, whichever is greater. For a building 
which is exempt from a full seismic analysis 
by 780 CMR 1612.2 and is only required to 
comply with 780 CMR 1612.4.7.1, the 
building's main windforce-resisting system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1611.0 shall 
be deemed to be the seismic-resisting 
system. A positive connection for resisting 
a horizontal force acting parallel to the 
member shall be provided for each beam, 



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STRUCTURAL LOADS 



girder or truss to its support. The connection 
shall have a minimum strength of 5% of the 
dead plus live load reaction. 

1612o4.7.1.2 Concrete or masoory wall 
anchorage: Concrete and masonry walls 
shall be anchored to the roof and all floors 
that provide lateral support for the wall. The 
anchorage shall provide a direct connection 
between the walls and the roof or floor 
construction. Toe nailing or nails subject to 
withdrawal forces is not permitted. Wood 
ledgers shall not be subjected to cross°grain 
bending or cross-grain tension. The 
connections shall be capable of resisting a 
lateral seismic force (Fp) in accordance with 
either 780 CMR 1612.4.7.2.8 or 780 CMR 
1612.7, for loadbearing and nonloadbearing 
walls respectively, but not less than 1,000 
times the effective peak velocity-related 
acceleration (Ay) (pounds) per lineal foot of 
wall. Walls shall be designed to resist 
bending between anchors where the anchor 
spacing exceeds four feet (1.22 m). 
1612A7.2 Seismic Performance Category B: 
Buildings assigned to Category B shall 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.4.7.1 for Category A and the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.4.7.2. 

1612.4.7.2.1 Compommt Load Effects: 
Seismic load effects on components shall be 
detemined &om the load analysis as required 
by 780 CMR 1612.4.6, by other portions of 
780 CMR 1612.4.7.2, and by 780 CMR 
1616. The second order effects shall be 
included where applicable. Where these 
seismic load effects exceed the minimum 
load path connection forces given in 
780 CMR 1612.4.7.1.1 and 1612.4.7.2.2, 
they shall govern. 

1612.4.7.2.2 Openings: Where openings 
occur in shear walls, diaphragms or other 
plate-type elements, the edges of the 
openings shall be designed to transfer the 
stresses into the structure. The edge 
reinforcement shall extend into the body of 
the wall or diaphragm a distance sufficient 
to develop the stress of the edge 
reoiforcement member. 

1612.4.7.2.3 Orthogonal effects: The 
design seismic forces shall be applied 
separately, and independently, in each of 
two orthogonal directions. 

161204.7.2.4 Discontinuities iiB wrtlcaB 
system: Buildings with a discontinuity in 
lateral capacity, vertical irregularity Type 5 
as defined in Table 1612.4.5.2, shall not be 
more than two stories or 30 feet (9.14 m) in 
height where the "weak" story has a 
calculated strength of less than 65% of the 
storey above. 



Exception: Where the "weak" story is 
capable of resisting a total seismic force 
equal to 75% of the deflection application 
factor (Cd) times the design force prescribed 
in 780 CMR 1612.5. 

1612.4.7.2.5 Nonredundant systems: The 
building design shall comply with 780 CMR 
1604.2. 

1612.4.7.2.6 Collector elements; Collector 
elements shall be provided which are 
capable of transferring the seismic forces 
originating in other portions of the building 

.to the element providing the resistance to 
those forces. 

1612.4.7.2.7 Diaphragms: The deflection in 
the plane of the diaphragm, as determined 
by engineering analysis, shall not exceed the 
allowable deflection of the attached 
elements. Allowable deflection shall be that 
deflection which will permit the attached 
element to maintain its structural integrity 
under the individual loading and continue to 
support the prescribed loads. 

Floor and roof diaphragms shall be 
designed to resist the follov^ng seismic 
forces: a minimum force equal to 50% the 
effective peak velocity-related acceleration 
(Ay) times the weight of the diaphragm and 
other elements of the building attached 
thereto, plus the portion of the seismic shear 
force at that level (V^ required to be 
transferred to the components of the vertical 
seismic-resisting system because of offsets 
or changes in stiffness of the vertical 
components above and below the 
diaphragm. 

Diaphragms shall provide for both the 
shear and bending stresses resulting from 
these forces. Diaphragms shall have ties or 
stmts to distribute the wall anchorage forces 
into the diaphragm. Connections within 
diaphragms, connections of diaphragms to 
lateral load resisting elements, and 
connections of collectors such as ties and 
struts, to the diaphragm and vertical 
elements, shall be positive connections, 
mechanical or welded. 

1612.4.7.2.g Loadbearing wails: Exterior 
and interior loadbearing walls and their 
anchorage shall be designed for a force of 
the effective peak velocity-related 
acceleration (A^) times the weight of wall, 
normal to the surface, with a minimum force 
of 10% of the weight of the wall. 
Interconnection of wall elements and 
connections to supporting framing systems 
shall have sufKcient ductility, rotational 
capacity or sufficient strength to resist 
shrinkage, thermal changes and differential 
foundation settlement where combined with 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



seismic forces. The connections shall also 
satisfy 780 CMR 1612.4.7. 1.2 

1612.4.7.2.9 Inverted pendulum-type 
structures: Supporting columns or piers of 
inverted pendulum-type structures shall be 
designed for the bending moment calculated 
at the base determined by the procedures 
given in 780 CMR 1612.5 and shall vary 
uniformly to a moment at the top equal to 
one-half the calculated bending moment at 
the base. 

1612.4.7.2.10 Anchorage of 
Nonstructural Systems: When required by 
780 CMR 1612.7, all portions or 
components of the building shall be 
anchored for the seismic force (Fp) 
prescribed therein. 

1612.4.7.3 Seismic Performance Category C: 
Buildings assigned to Category C shall 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 

1612.4.7.2 for Category B and the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.4.7.3. 

1612.4.7.3.1 Plan irregularity: Buildings 
that have plan structural irregularity Type 5 
in Table 1612.4.5. 1 shall be analyzed lor the 
critical load effect due to direction of 
application of seismic forces. Alternatively, 
the building shall be analyzed in any two 
orthogonal directions. Structural elements 
and foundations shall be designed for 100% 
of the forces for one direction plus a 
simultaneous load of 30% of the forces for 
the perpendicular direction, except where 
the amplified seismic load effects of 
780 CMR 1616.4 are used. 

1612.4.7.4 Seismic Performance Category D: 
Buildings assigned to Category D shall 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 

1612.4.7.3 for Category C and to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.4.7.4. 

1612.4.7.4.1 Orthogonal load effects: 

Buildings shall be designed for 100% of the 
seismic forces for one direction plus a 
simultaneous load of 30% of the seismic 
forces for the perpendicular direction. The 
load combination requiring the maximum 
structural component strength shall be used. 

Exception: Where amplified seismic load 
effects of 780 CMR 1616.4 are used, the 
building may be designed for the load 
effects based on analyses in any two 
orthogonal directions. Diaphragms and 
components of the seismic-resisting system 
utilized in only one of the two orthogonal 
directions are not required to be designed for 
the combined load effects. 

1612.4.7.4.2 Plan or vertical irregularities: 

For buildings having a plan irregularity of 
Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 in Table 1612.4.5.1 or a 



vertical irregularity of Type 4 in Table 
1612.4.5.2, the design forces determined 
fi-om 780 CMR 1612.5 shall be increased 
25% for connections of diaphragms to 
vertical elements and to collectors and for 
connections of collectors to the vertical 
elements. 

1612.4.7.4.3 Vertical seismic loads: The 

vertical component of earthquake ground 
motion shall be accounted for in the design 
of horizontal cantilever and horizontal 
prestressed components. Horizontal 
prestressed components shall be designed 
for load combination #8 of 780 CMR 
1616.3.1, including the amplified seismic 
efifects of 780 CMR 1616.4. Horizontal 
cantilever structural components shall be 
designed for a net upward force of 0.2 times 
the dead load, as a separate loading case, in 
addition to the applicable load combinations 
of 780 CMR 1616. 

1612.4.8 Deflection and drift limits: The design 
story drift (a) as determined in 780 CMR 
1612.5.5 or 1612.6.8, shall not exceed the 

allowable story drift (Ajj) from Table 1612.4.8 for 
any story. For structures with significant torsional 
deflections, the maximum drift shall include 
torsional effects. The total deflection of a building 
due to seismic design forces shall not encroach on 
an interior lot line. All portions of the building 
shall be designed and constructed to act as an 
integral unit in resisting seismic forces unless 
separated structurally by a distance sufficient to 
avoid contact causing damage to the structural 
system of the building under total deflection (6,^) 
as determined by 780 CMR 1612.5.5.1. 

1612.4.9 Foundation walls and retaining walls: 

Exterior foundation walls and retaining walls shall 
be designed to resist at least the superimposed 
efifects of the total static lateral soil pressure, 
excluding the pressure caused by any temporary 
surcharge, plus and earthquake force of 
0.045 Yj rf for horizontal backfill surface. Where 
Y^ is the total unit weight of the soil and H is the 
height of the wall measured as the difference in 
elevation of finished ground surface (or floor) in 
front of and behind the wall. Surcharges which 
are applied over extended periods of time shall be 
included in the total static lateral soil pressure and 
their earthqake lateral force shall be computed 
and added to the force of 0.045Yt rf . The 
earthquake force from the backfill shall be 
distribute'd as an inverse triangle over the height 
of the wall. The point of application of the earth- 
quake force from an extended duration surcharge 
shall be determined on an individual case basis. 
If the backfill consists of loose saturated granular 
soil, consideration shall be given to the potential 
increase in lateral pressure due to liquefaction of 



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780 CMR; STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



the backfill during the seismic loading in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1805.2. For use in 
wall strength design, a load factor of 1.43 times 
the earthquake force calculated above shall be 
applied. 

1612.5 Equivalent lateral force procedure: 
780 CMR 1612.5 provides requirements for the 
equivalent lateral force procedure of seismic 
analysis of buildings. For purposes of analysis, the 
building is considered to be fixed at the base. See 
780 CMR 1612.4.6 for limitations on the 
applicability of this procedure. 

Table 1612,4.S 
ALLOWABLE STORY DRIFT (a^) ® 



Building 


Seismic Hazard Exposure 
Group 




I II m 


One stoiy buildings without 
equipment attached to the 
seismic-resisting structural 
system and with interior 
walls, partitions, ceilings 
and exterior wall systems 
which have been designed 
to accomodate the stoiy 
drifts. 


No Limit 0.020 hg^ 0.015 hj^ 


Buildings having four 
stories or less with interior 
walls, partitions, ceilings 
and exterior wall systems 
which have been designed 
to accomodate the story 
drifts. 


0.025 hsx 0.020 hjx 0.015 h^^ 


All other buildings 


0.020 hsx 0.015 hjx 0.010 hgx 



Not® a: hgjj is the story height below level x 

i6i2<.5<,i Seismic base shear: The seismic base 
shear (V) in a given direction shall be determined 
in accordance with the foUovwng formula: 



qr 



where: 



Cy = The seismic design coefBcient determined in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.5.1.1. 

W= The total dead load and applicable portions 
of other loads listed below: 
L For occupancies in Use Group S, a 
minimum of 25% of the floor live load shall 
be applicable. 

EsceptioBi: Floor live load in public 
garages and open parking structures is 
not applicable. 

2. Where partitions will be present, whether 
or not partitions are shovm on the 
construction documents, the actual partition 
weight or a minimum weight of 10 psf of 
floor area, whichever Is greater, shall be 
applicable. 

3. Total operating weight of permanent 
equipment. 



4. Snow load reduction of 50% is 
permitted. 

1612 J.Ll Calculation of seismic coefficient 
(Cg): The seismic design coefficient (Cg) shall 
be determined in accordance with the 
following formulas: 



1.2^/ 



% 



5 = 



R 



RT 



where: 

Ay =■ The coefficient representing effective peak 

velocity-related acceleration from 780 CMR 

1612.2.3. 

The coefficient for the soil-profile 

characteristics of the site in Table 1612.4.1. 
= The response modification factor in Table 

1612.4.3. 
= The fundamental period of the building 

determined in 780 CMR 1612.5.1.2. 

A soil-structure interaction reduction is 
permitted where determined firom an approved 
procedure. Alternatively, the seismic design 
coefficient (C^) is not required to be greater 
than the following equation: 

25A_ 



where: 

A^-lldQ seismic coefficient representing the 

elective peak acceleration as determined in 

780 CMR 1612.2.3 
R = The response modification factor in Table 

1612.4.4 

1612J,1,2 Period determinatiosa: The 
fundamental period (7), in seconds, of the 
building. In the direction under consideration, 
shall be established based on the structural 
properties and deformational characteristics of 
the resisting elements in a properly 
substantiated analysis. The fundamental period 
(7) shall not exceed the product of the 
coefficient for the upper limit on calculated 
period (C^) firom Table 1612.5.1.2, and the 
approximate fundamental period (Tjj). 

Alternatively, the fundamental period (T) 
shall be determined firom 780 CMR 
1612.5.1.2.1. 

Table 1612J.lo2 

COEFFICIENT FOR UPPER LIMIT ON 

CALCULATED PERIOD (Cj,) 



Av 
Coefficient representing effective 
peak velocity related acceleration 



Ca 



0.12 



1.6 



16!2.S.i.2.l Approximate fundaenent^l 
period (7^): The approximate fundamental 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



0;.= 0.035 



period (rj, in seconds, shall be determined 
from the following formula: 

T. = CX' 

where; 

h^ = The height (in feet) from the base to the 
highest level of the building. 

For moment-resisting frame 
systems of steel which provide 100% of 
the required lateral force resistance, 
where the frame is not enclosed or 
adjoined by more rigid components. 

Cj'^ 0.03 For moment-resisting frame systems 
of concrete which provide 100% of the 
required lateral force resistance, where 
the frame is not enclosed or adjoined by 
more rigid components. 

Cj. = 0.03 For building frame systems wth an 
eccentrically braced steel frame or dual 
systems with an eccentrically braced 
frame. 

Cj = 0.02 For seismic-resisting systems with 
shear walls, shear panels or 
concentrically braced frames and all 
other building systems. 

Alternatively, the approximate fundamental 
period (T^, in seconds, shall be determined 
from the following formula for buildings in 
which the lateral force-resisting system 
consists of concrete or steel moment- 
resisting frames capable of resisting 100% 
of the required lateral force and where such 
frames are not enclosed or adjoined by more 
rigid components tending to prevent the 
frames from deflecting when subjected to 
seismic forces. Such buildings shall not 
exceed 12 stories in height and shall have a 
story height of not less than ten feet (3048 
mm). 

t; = o.ij\r 

where: 

N= Number of stories. 

1612.5.2 Vertical distribution of seismic forces: 

The lateral force (F^^ induced at any level shall be 
determined from the following formulas: 

F ^ C V 

X vx 



c = 



z.* 



where: 

Cyjj = Vertical distribution factor 

V = Total design lateral force or shear at the 

base of the building 
wj and Wjj = the portion of the total gravity load of 



the building (W) located or assigned to 
level i or x 
hj and h^^ = the height (in feet) from the base to 

level i or x 
k = An exponent related to the building period 
as follows; 

For buildings having a period of 0.5 seconds 
or less, k=l. 

For buildings having a period of 2.5 seconds 
or more, k=2 

For buildings having a period between 0.5 
and 2.5 seconds, k shall be 2 or shall be 
determined by linear interoplation between 
- 1 and 2. 

1612.5.3 Horizontal shear distribution: The 

seismic design story shear in any story (Vj^) shall 
be determined from the following formula: 



y. = E^, 



where: 

Fj - the portion of the seismic base shear (fO 
induced at level /. 

The seismic design story shear (fy shall be 
distributed to the various vertical elements of the 
seismic-resisting system in the story under 
consideration based on the relative lateral stiffness 
of the vertical resisting elements and the 
diaphragm. 

1612.5.3.1 Torsion: The design shall include 
the torsional moment (M^) resulting from the 
location of the building masses plus the 
accidental torsional moments (A//^) caused by 
assumed displacement of the mass each way 
from its actual location by a distance equal to 
5% of the dimension of the building 
perpendicular to the direction of the applied 
forces. 

In buildings of Seismic Performance 
Categories C, D and E, where Type 1 torsional 
irregularity exists as defined in Table 
1612,4.5.1, the effects shall be accounted for 
by increasing the accidental torsion at each 
level by a torsional amplification factor (A^) 
determined from the following formula: 



A^ - 



1.26 



evg 



where: 

5 „ax~ *^® maximum displacment at level x. 

6 ^^ = the average of the displacments at the 

extreme points of the structure at level x. 
The torsional amplification factor (Aj^) is not 
required to exceed 3.0. 

1612.5.4 Overturning: The building shall be 
designed to resist overturning effects caused by 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



the seismic forces determined in 780 CMR 
1612.5.2. At any story, the increment of 
overturning moment in the story under 
consideration shall be distributed to the various 
vertical resisting elements in the same proportion 
as the distribution of the horizontal shears to those 
elements. 

The overturning moments at level x (M^ shall 
be determined from the following formula: 



K = •^E^A - 



where: 

Fj = The portion of the seismic base shear (V) 

induced at level /. 
/},• and h^ = The height (in feet) from the base to 

level i or x. 
X = I.O for the top ten stories; 

0.8 for the 20th story from the top and 

below; and 

a value between 1.0 and 0.8 determined by 

a straight line interpolation for stories 

between the tenth and 20th stories below the 

top. 

The foundations of buildings, except inverted 
pendulum structures, shall be designed for the 
foundation overturning design moment (Mj) at the 
foundation-soil interface determined by the 
equation for the overturning moment at level x 
(M^ with an overturning moment reduction factor 
(t) of 0.75 for all building heights. 



I6I2.S0S Brift determinatlos 
effects: Story drifts and, where required, member 
forces and moments due to P°delta effects, shall 
be determined in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.5.5.1 and 1612.5.5.2. 

1612Jo5ol Story drift determlmatBoni: The 

design story drift (a) shall be computed as the 
difference of the deflections at the top and 
bottom of the story under consideration. The 
deflections of level x at the center of the mass 
(5^) shall be determined in accordance with 
the following formula: 

where: 

C^= The deflection amplification factor in 

Table 1612.4.4. 
6,g = The deflections determined by an elastic 

analysis. 

The elastic analysis of the seismic-resisting 
system shall be made utilizing the required 
seismic design forces of 780 CMR 1612.5.2. 

For determining compliance with the story 
drift Hmitation of 780 CMR 1612.4.8, the 
deflection of level x at the center of mass (6^^.) 
shall be calculated as required in this section. 
For the purposes of this drift analysis or»Iy, the 



computed fiindamental period (T) of the 
building is not required to include the upper 
bond limitation specified in 780 CMR 
1612.5.1.2 when determining drift level 
seismic design forces. 

Where applicable, the design story drift (a) 
shall be increased by the incremental factor 
relating to the P-delta effects as determined in 
780 CMR 1612.5.5.2. 

1612.5,5.2 P-delte effects: P-delta effects on 
story shears and moments, the resulting 
member forces and moments, and the story 
drifts induced by these effects are not required 
to be considered where the stability coefficient 
(0), as determined by the following formula, is 
equal to or less than 0. 10: 



S SX a 



where: 

Px= The total vertical design load at story 

level X. In calculating the vertical design 

load for the purpose of determining P- 

delta effects, individual load factors are 

not required to exceed 1.0. 
A= The design story drift occurring 

simultaneously with the story shear (Vj^) 
V^ = The seismic shear force between levels x 

and x-1 . 
hjx = The story height below level x. 
Cd= The deflection amplification factor in 

Table 1612.4.4 

The stability coeflScient (0) shall not exceed 
®max determined as follows: 



pc 



-^0.25 



where: 

P = The ratio of shear demand to shear capacity 
for the story between levels x and x-1. This 
ratio is permitted to be considered as 1.0. 
Where the stability coefficient (0) is greater 
than 0.10 but less than or equal to O^ax. ^^^ 
incremental factor related to P-deka effects 
shall be determined by rational analysis. To 
obtain the story drift for including the P-delta 
effect, the design story drift determined in 
780 CMR 1612.5.5.1 shall be multipUed by 
1.0/(1-0). 

1612.6 Modal analysts procedure: 780 CMR 
1612.6 provides required standards for the modal 
analysis procedure of seismic analysis of buildings. 
780 CMR 1612.4.6 specifies the limitations on the 
applicability of this procedure. 

1612.6.1 General: The symbols in this method of 
analysis have the same meaning as those for 
similar terms used in 780 CMR 1612.5, with the 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



subscript 
mode. 



"m" denoting quantities in the mth 



1612.6.2 Modeling: The building shall be 
modeled as a system of masses lumped at the 
floor levels with each mass having one degree of 
freedom; lateral displacement in the direction 
under consideration. 

1612.6.3 Modes: The analysis shall include, for 
each of two mutually perpendicular axes, at least 
the lowest three modes of vibration, or all modes 
of vibration with periods greater than 0.4 seconds, 
or sufficient modes to include 90% of the 
participating mass of the structure, whichever is 
greater. The number of modes shall equal the 
number of stories for buildings less than three 
stories in height. 

1612.6.4 Periods: The required periods and mode 
shapes of the building in the direction under 
consideration shall be calculated by established 
methods of structural analysis for the fixed base 
condition utilizing the masses and elastic 
stiflfiiesses of the seismic-resisting system. 

1612.6.5 Modal base shear: The portion of the 
base shear contributed by the m*^ mode (V^^ shall 
be determined from the following formula: 



where: 
C. 



'sm 



W = 



lit Jti tn 



The modal seismic design coefficient 
determined by the following formula. 
The effisctive modal gravity load 
determined by the following formula. 



»'» = 



i=l 



1=1 



where: 



W; 



®im- 



the portion of the total gravity load of the 
building at level i. 

The displacement amplitude at the ith 
level of the building when vibrating in its 
mth mode. 

The modal seismic design coefficient (C^jn) ^^^ 
be determined in accordance with the following 
formula: 



C-m = 



1.2AJS 



RT, 



% 



where: 



Seismic coefficient representing the 
effective peak velocity-related 
acceleration as determined in 780 CMR 
1612.2.3. 



R = 



T = 



S = The coefficient for the soil-profile 
characteristics of the site as determined 
by Table 1612.4.1. 

The response modification factor 
determined from Table 1612.4.4. 
The modal period of vibration, in 
seconds, of the mth mode of the building. 

The modal seismic design coefficient (Cj^^) is not 
required to exceed 2/4 times the seismic 
coefficient representing the effective peak 
acceleration (A^) divided by the response 
modification factor (R). 

Exceptions: 

1 . The limiting value of the modal seismic 
design coefficient (Cg^j) is not applicable to 
Category D and E buildings with a period of 
0.7 seconds or greater located on type S4 soils. 
2 For buildings on soil-profile characteristics 
S3 or S4, the modal seismic design coefficient 
(Cg^) for modes other than the fundamental 
mode that have periods less than 0.3 seconds is 
permitted to be determined by the following 
formula: 



am 



A^jl.O ^ 5.0TJ 
R 



3. For buildings where any modal period of 
vibration (Tj^j) exceeds 4.0 seconds, the modal 
seismic design coefficient (Cgjj^) for that mode 
is permitted to be determined by the following 
fomtiula: 



C^ = 



3AS 



Rt 



4/3 



where: 



Ajj= Seismic coefficient representing the 
effective peak acceleration as determined 
in 780 CMR 1612.2.3. 
A^ = Seismic coefficient representing the 

effective peak velocity-related acceleration 

as determined in 780 CMR 1612.2.3. 
R = The response modification factor determined 

fi-om Table 1612.4.4. 
Tjjj = The modal period of vibration, in seconds, 

of the mth mode of the building. 
S= The coefficient for the soil profile 

characteristics of the site as determined by 

Table 1612.4.1. 

1612.6.6 Modal forces^ deflections and drifts: 

The modal force (F^^j,) at each level shall be 
determined by the following formulas: 

F = C V 

xitt vxiti n 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL LOADS 



^A 






where: 

^vxm ~ ^^^ vertical distribution factor in the m 

mode. 
Vjjj = The total design lateral force or shear at 

the base in the m* mode. 
Wj and w^ = The portion of the total gravity load 

of the building (W) located or assigned to 

level i or x. 

® xm ~ ^^^ displacement amplitude at the x 

level of the building when vibrating in 

the m* mode. 
®im~ ^^^ displacement amplitude at the i* 

level of the building when vibrating ip 

the m''' mode. 

The modal deflection at each level (S^m) ^^^^ ^^ 
determined by the foUowing formulas: 



^^ = CA 









xm 



where: 

C^= The deflection amplification factor 

determined from Table 1612.4.4. 
^xem ~ ^^® deflection of level x in the m*** mode 

at the center of the mass at level x 

determined by an elastic analysis, 
g = The acceleration due to gravity (feet per 

second^. 
Tjjj= The modal period of vibration, in 

seconds, of the m* mode of the buEdmg. 

The portion of the seismic base shear in 

the m* mode, induced at level x. 
w^ = The portion of the total gravity load of 

the building (W) located or assigned to 

level X. 

The modal drift in a story (A^ shall be computed 
as the difference of the deflections (Sjun) *^ ^® 
top and bottom of the story under consideration. 

160,6J Modal stosy shears and momesits: The 
story shears, stofy overturning moments, and the 
shear forces and overturning moments in wails 
and braced frames at each level, due to the 
seismic forces determined from the appropriate 
equation in 780 CMR 1612.6.6, shall be computed 
for each mode by linear static methods. 

16i2A8 Design vaSua: The design value for the 
modal base shear (V^), each of the story shear, 
moment and drift quantities, and the deflection at 
each level shall be determined by combining their 
modal values, obtained from 780 CMR 1612.6.6 
and 1612.6.7. The combination shall be 



determined by taking the square root of the sum of 
the squares of each of the modal values (SRSS 
method) or by using the Complete Quadratic 
Combination (CQC) method. When the periods of 
any two modes used in this analysis differ by less 
than 25% the CQC method shall be used. 

The base shear (V) utilizing the equivalent 
lateral force procedure in 780 CMR 1612.5 shall 
be calculated based on a fundamental period of 
the building (T), in seconds, of 1.2 tunes the 
coe^cient for the upper limit on the calculated 
period (Cg) times the approximate fundamental 
period of the building (Tg). Where the design 
value for the modal base shear (V^ is less than the 
calculated base shear (V) utilizing the equivalent 
lateral force procedure, the design story shears, 
moments, drifts and floor deflections shall be 
multiplied by the following modification factor: 

V 



where: 

V = The equivalent lateral force procedure base 
shear, calculated in accordance . with 
780 CMR 1612.6 and 780 CMR 1612.5. 

V, = The modal base shear, calculated in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.6 

The model base shear (Vj) is not required to 
exceed the base shear from the equivalent lateral 
force procedure m 780 CMR 1612.5 

U12o€3 MorizoEtal shear distrlbutBOis: The 
distribution of horizontal shear shall be in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 

1612.5.3. 

1612.6,10' Foumdatioffi overturaimg: The 
foundation overturning moment at the foundation-^ 
soil mterface shall not be reduced by more than 
10%. 

1612.6.11 F-delta effects: The P-delta effects 
shall be determined in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.5.5.2. The story drifts and story shears shall 
be determmed in accordance with 780 CMR 

1612.6.8.' 

1612.7 Architecitural, .mechankai and electricaia 
stQinposamts and systeims: All components and 
systems in buildings shall be designed and 
constructed to resist seismic forces as determined in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 1612.7. 
Architectural, mechanical and electrical components 
and systems in buildings assigned to Seismic Hazard 
Perfiinance Category C, and are in Seismic Hazard 
Exposure Group I and have a Performance Criteria 
Factor of 0.5, are exempt from the requirements of 
780 CMR 1612.7. 

Exceptions: 

1. Individual electrical and mechanical 

components which weigh more than 2,000 pounds 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



and are located more than 15 feet above the base 
shall be designed in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.7.4. 

2. Elevator components and systems in buildings 
assigned to Seismic Hazard Performance 
Category C and are in Seismic Hazard Exposure 
Group I buildings not more than 70 feet in height 
are exempt from the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.7. 

1612.7.1 Component force application: The 

component seismic force shall be applied at the 
center of gravity of the component 
nonconcurrently in any horizontal direction. 
Mechanical and electrical components and 
systems shall be designed for a nonsimultaneous 
vertical force of 33% of the horizontal force. 

1612.7.2 Component force transfer: 

Components shall be attached such that the 
component forces are transferred to the structural 
system of the building. Component seismic 
attachments shall be positive connections without 
consideration of frictional resistance. 

1612.7.3 Architectural component design: 

Architectural components and their attachments 
shall be designed for seismic forces (Fp) 
determined in accordance with the following 
formula: 



p. = ^CJ'W^ 



where: 

Ay = The coefficient representing effective peak 

velocity-related acceleration from 780 CMR 

1612.2.3. 
Cg = The seismic coefficient for architectural 

components from Table 1612.7.3. 
P = Performance . criteria factor from Table 

1612.7.3. 
Wg = The weight of the architectural component. 

1612.7.3.1 Exterior wall panel connections: 

The connections of exterior wall panels to the 
building seismic-resisting system shall be 
designed for the design story drift determined 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1612.5.5.1 or in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.6.6 and 
1612.6.8. 

1612.7.3.2 Architectural component 
deformation: Architectural components shall 
be designed for the design story drift of the 
structural seismic-resisting system determined 
in accordance v^th 780 CMR 1612.5.5.1 or in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.6.6 and 
1612.6.8. Architectural components shall be 
designed for vertical deflection due to joint 
rotation of cantilever structural members. 

Exception: Architectural components 
having a performance criteria factor of 0.5 
shall be designed for 50% of the design 
story drift. 



1612.7.3.3 Ceilings: Provision shall be made 
for the lateral support and interaction of other 
architectural, mechanical and electrical 
systems or components incorporated into the 
ceiling which impose seismic forces into the 
ceiling system. 

Table 1612.7.3 

ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENT SEISMIC 

COEFFICIENT (CJ AND PERFORMANCE 



CRITERIA FACTOR (P) 










Component 

Seismic 

Coefficient 

(Cc) 


Performance 

Criteria 

Factor (P) 


Architectural Component 


Seismic Hazard 

Exposure 

Group 




I 


II 


III 


1 Exterior nonloadbearinp walls 


0.9 


1.5 


1.5 


1.5 


2 Interior nonloadbearing walls , 
Exit, stair and elevator 
enclosures. 
Other vertical shaft enclosures 
Other nonloadbearing walls 


1.5 
0.9 
0.9 


1.0 
1.0 
1.0 


1.0 
1.0 
1.0 


1.5 
1.5 
1.5 


3 Cantilever elements; parapets, 
chimneys or stacks 


3.0 


1.5 


1.5 


1.5 


4 Wall attachments 


3.0 


1.5 


1.5 


1.5 


5 Veneer connections 


3.0 


0.7 


1.0 


1.0 


6 Penthouses*^ 


0.6 


0.7 


1.0 


1.0 


7 Membrane fire protection 


0.9 


1.0 


1.0 


1.5 


8 Ceilings 

Fireresistance rated membrane 
Nonfireresistance rated mem- 
brane 


0.9 
0.6 


1.0 
0.5 


1.0 
1.0 


1.5 
1.0 


9 Storage racks, contents included 


1.5 


1.0 


1.0 


1.5 


10 Access floor, supported equip- 
ment included 


2.0 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


1 1 Elevator and counterweight 
guardrails and supports 


1.25 


1.0 


1.0 


1.5 



Note a: See 780 CMR 1612.7 for general exceptions 
Note b: See 780 CMR 1612.4.7.2.8 for exterior and 
interior loadbearing wall requirements 
Note c: The design seismic force for a penthouse shall be 
the larger of the force determined in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.7,3, this table and the force determined in 
accordance widi 780 CMR 1612.5 or 1612.6 

1612.7.4 Mechanical, electrical component and 
system design: Mechanical, electrical 
components and systems and their attachments 
shall be designed for seismic forces (Fp) 
determined in accordance with the following 
formula: 

where: 

Ay = The coefficient representing effective peak 
velocity-related acceleration from 780 CMR 
1612.2.3. 
Cg= The seismic coefficient for mechanical, 
electrical components and systems from 
Table 1612.7.4(1). 



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STRUCTURAL LOADS 



P = Performance criteria factor from 

1612.7.4(1). 
a = The attachment amplification factor 
determined in accordance with Table 
1612.7.4(2). 
Wj; = The operating weight of the mechanical, 
electrical component or system. 

Alternatively, the seismic forces (Fp) shall be 
determined by a properly substantiated dynamic 
analysis subject to approval. 

Esception: Bracing of fire sprinkler systems 
shall be permitted to be in accordance with 
NFiPA 13 listed m Appendix A. 

Table 1612.7.4(1) 

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL 

COMPONENT AND SYSTEM SEISMIC 

COEFFICIENT (CJ AND PERFORMANCE 



CRTTERIA FACTOR (P)^ 












Performance 




Component 
or system 


Criteria Factor 
(?) 


Mechanical, electrical component 


Sesimic 
Hazard 


or system 


coefficient 


Exposure 




(Cc) 


Group 














I 


11 


111 


1 Fire protection equipment and 


2.0 


1.5 


1.5 


1.5 


systsns 










2 Emei^gaicy or standby electrical 


2.0 


1.5 


1.5 


1.5 


systons 










3 Elevator drive, suspensiOT^stem 


1.25 


1.0 


l.O 


1.5 


and COTtrollQ- anchorage 










4 Goimil equipmsit 










A Boila^ lumaces, indnerators. 










walier healers and dher equip- 










iTKnt utilizing combustible 










aiCTgy sources ot high tai^«r- 










ature sources. 










B. Communication sySems 










C. Electrical bus ducts and 










primaiy cable ^stons?". 


2.0 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


D. Electrical mc^or control cen- 










tos, motor control devices. 










switchgear, transfonners and 










unit aibstations. 










E Reciprocating or rotating 










equzpment 










F. Tanks, heat exchangers and 










presaJTC vessels. 










S Manufacturing and process 


0.67 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


machineiy 










6 Pipesystmis 










Gas and hi^ hazard piping 


2.0 


1.5 


1.5 


1.5 


Fire aippnsssion piping 


2.0 


1.5 1.5 


1.5 


Otha- pipe systems 


0.67 


0.5 1.0 


1.5 


7 HVAC ducts 


0.67 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


S Electrical panel board 


0.67 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


9 Lighting fixtures 


0.67 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 



Note a: Sec 780 CMR 1612.7 for general exceptions 
Note b: Electrical conduit seismic restraints are not 
required for any one of the following conditions 



1. Conduit suspended by individual hangars 12 
inches or less in length from the top of the conduit to 
the supporting structure 

2. Conduit which has less than 2"^ inches inside 
diameter 

c: Seismic restraints are not required for any one of 
the following conditions for other pipe systems 

1. Piping suspended by individual hangars 12 inches 
or less in length from the top of the pipe to the 
supporting structure 

2. Piping in boiler and mechanical rroms which has 
less than VA inches inside diameter. 

3. Piping in other areas which has less than IVi inches 
inside diameter. 

Note d: Seismic restraints are not required for any one of 
the following conditions for HVAC ducts: 

1. Ducts suspended by individual hangars 12 inches 
or less in length from the top of the duct to the 
supporting structure 

2. Ducts which have a cross-sectional area less than 
6 square feet. 

Note e: Pendulum lighting fixtures sahll be designed 
based on a component seismic coefficient (C^ of 1.5. 
The vertical supportshall be designed with a factor of 
safety of 4.0 

Table 1612,7.4(2) 

ATTACHMENT AMPLIFICATION 

FACTOR (a.) 



Component mounting system 


Attachment 
amplification factor (a,) 


Fixed of direct connection 


1.0 


Resilient-mounting system 




Seismic-activated restraining 
device 




Elastic restraining device where: 




T T 

_£<0.6 or —>\A'' 
T T 


1.0 


— iO.6 or -^^1.4^ 
T T 


2.0 



Note a: T is the fundemental period of the building, in 
seconds, determined by 780 CMR 1612.5.1.2 or 
780 CMR 1612.6.4. T, is the ftmdemental period, in 
seconds, of the component and its attachement 
determined by 780 CMR 1612.7.4. 1 



1612.7.4,1 CoimpoEcnt period: The 
flindamental period of the component and its 
attachments (TJ, in seconds, shall be 
determined by the following formula: 



e ■ y 

where: 

Wg = Weight of the component (lbs.). 
For stable resilient-mounting attachments: 
K = Spring stiffness constant (Ib./in.). 
For other resilient-mounting attachments; 



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K = Slope of the load vs deflection curve (Ib./in.) 
at the point of loading. 

Alternatively, the fundamental period of the 
component (T^, in seconds, shall be determined 
by experimental test data or by a properly 
substantiated analysis. 

1612.7.4.2 Component attachment: Systems, 
components and the means of their attachment 
shall be designed to accommodate relative 
seismic displacements between points of 
support. Displacements at points of support 
shall be determined in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.5.5 or 1612.6.8. Relative 
lateral displacements at points of support shall 
be determined considering the difference in 
elevation between the supports and considering 
full out-of-phase displacements across portions 
of the building that are capable of moving in a 
differential manner such as at seismic and 
expansion joints. Anchor bolts shall be 
designed for combined shear and tension. 
Restraining devices shall be provided to limit 
the horizontal and vertical motions, to prevent 
component resonance and to prevent 
overturning. 

1612.7.5 Elevator design requirements: The 

design and construction of elevators and elevator 
components in buildings assigned to Seismic 
Performance Category D or E, in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.2, shall comply with the 
requirements in Appendix F of ASME A17.1 
listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 1613.0 CONCENTRATED LOADS 

1613.1 General: Floors and roofs of buildings in the 
locations specified in Table 1613.1 shall be designed 
to support the uniformly distributed live loads 
prescribed in 780 CMR 1606.0 or the minimum 
concentrated loads in pounds prescribed in Table 
1613.1, whichever produces the greater stresses. If 
the anticipated actual loads are higher, the actual 
loads shall be utilized. Unless otherwise specified, 
the indicated concentration shall be assumed to 
occupy an area of IVi square feet and shall be so 
located as to produce the maximum stress conditions 
in the structural members. 



Table 1613.1 
MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LOADS 



Location 



Load (pounds) 



Elevator machine room grating 
(on area of 4 square inches) 300 

i^sh;;ii|ht;piate;B 

Garages See 780 CMR 1613.2 

Greenhouse roof bars, purlins and rafters 1 00 

Hospitals and ward rooms 1 ,000 

Libraries J.OOO 

Manufacturing and storage buildings 2.000 

Mechanical equipment See780 CMR 1613.3 

Mercantile areas 2,000 

Office 2,000 

Scfejols 1,000 

Scuttles, skylight ribs and accessible 
ceiling ribs and hangers (over an area of 200 

one suare inch) 
Sidewalks or vehicular driveways subject ^ 8,000 

to trucking 
Stair treads (over area of 4 square inches at 300 

center of tread) 
Note a: 1 pound = 4.448 N; 1 square inch=645.16 mm* 

1613.2 Garages: Minimum concentrated /oacfe for 
garages or portions of buildings occupied for 
parking motor vehicles shall be: 

1. For passenger cars accommodating not more 
than nine passengers, 2,000 pounds (8896 N) 
acting on an area of 20 square inches (12900 
mm^); 

2. Mechanical parking structures without slab, 
passenger cars only, 1500 pounds (6672 N) per 
wheel; and 

3. For trucks or buses, on slabs, applicable wheel 
loads and tire contact areas specified in AASHTO 
Standard Specification for Highway Bridges with 
interim revisions to 1995 (see Appendix A). 

1613.3 Mechanical Equipment: The actual 
concentrated loads of the machinery, shall be used 
for buildings containing mechanical material 
handling equipment, machines or other heavy 
apparatus. 



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780 CMR 16140 IMPACT LOADS 

1614.1 General: The live loads specified in 
780 CMR 1606.0 shall be assumed to include 
adequate allowance for ordinary impact conditions. 
Provisions shall be made in the structural design for 
special occupancies and loads which involve 
vibration and impact forces. Where dynamic effects 
such as resonance and fatigue are likely to be 
important as a result of cyclical loading, a dynamic 
analysis shall be carried out. 

1614.2 Elevators: Structural supports for elevators, 
dumbwaiters, escalators and moving walks shall be 
designed for the loads and within the limits of the 
deflection specified in the Massachusetts State 
Department of Public Safety, Board Elevator 
Regulations (524 CMR 1.0 through 34.0), listed in 
Appendix A. (In accordance with the Regulations, 
all suspended elevator /oacfr shall be increased 100% 
for impact. 

1614.3 Machinery: For the purposes of design, the 
weight of machinery and moving loads shall be 
increased as follows to allow for impact; 

Elevator machinery 100% 

Light machinery, shaft- or motor-driven . . 20% 
Reciprocating machinery or power-driven 
units 50% 

These percentages shall be increased where so 
specified by the manufacturer. 



.4 Hangers for floors and stairs: Live loads 
on hangers supporting floors or stairs shall be 
multiplied by an impact factor of 1 .33. 



780 CMR 1615,0 SPECIAL LOADS 

1615.1 General: Provisions shall be made for all 
special loads herein prescribed and all other special 
loads to which the building or structure is subjected. 



1615.2 Hydrostatic uplift: All foundation slabs and 
other footings subjected to water pressure shall be 
designed to resist an uplift equal to the full 
hydrostatic pressure. All foundation slabs, footings 
and walls of buildings located in flood-hazard zones 
(A Zones) and high-hazard zones (V Zones) shall be 
designed to resist uplift and lateral loads associated 
with hydrostatic pressure resulting fi'om flooding to 
the base flood elevation. Counteracting weight shall 
be reduced to 0.85 times the actual weight. 

1615.3 Hydrodynamk loads: For buildings located 
in flood-hazard zones (A Zones) or high-hazard 
zones (V Zones), all structural components located 
below the base flood elevation shall be designed to 
resist hydrodynamic forces resulting firom velocity 
waters during flooding to the base flood elevation. 

1615.4 Partitions and Interior Finish: Partitions, 
their components and other interior finish shall have 
adequate strength to resist a horizontal load of not 
less than 5 psf 

1615.5 Guardrails and handrails: All required 
guardrails and handrails shall be designed and 
constructed to the structural loading conditions set 
forth in Table 1615.5. without exceeding the 
allowable design working stresses of the materials, 
anchorage and connecting devices utilized. The 
allowable working stresses shall be as defined by the 
appropriate design standard. Each load shall be 
applied so as to produce the maximum stress in each 
of the respective components. 

Each load shall be applied in the direction 
indicated in the table. The concentrated load and 
uniformly distributed loads need not be applied 
simultaneously. The loads applied to in-fill areas 
need not be applied simultaneously with the loads 
applied on the top railing. 



TABLE 1615.5 
LOADS ON GUARDRAILS AND HANDRAILS 



Type of Occupancy 


Location of Load 


Type of load 


Direction of Load 


Magnitude of Load 


ISP;pili^ii|p;;|iip 


iiiipiiiiaWM^ii 


Ppioiiidlil^dliP 


ilMliyiilii 


iiiiibo'ifiiiiii 


All, except dwelling units in 
Use Groups R-2 and R-3 


Handrails 


Uniformly distributed 


Any 


50 lb/ft. 


AJl;: esccept -as^-nbtiediliiM^^ 


Guardrails, top railing 


|i|||n§i|«i|i| 


iBIiBiiii 


ilBftSIH 


All, except dwelling units in 
Use Groups R-2 and R-3 
and as noted otherwise 


Guardrails, top railing 
members 


Uniformly distributed 


Vertical 

simultaneously with 

horizontal 


100 lb/ft 
50 lb/ft. 


liiiWip^iiiii» 


wwpliippai: 

Guardrails, m-fiU areas 






:;||0ig;jaigjiei|i 
MiblS^T- sf- ^areaW 


Grandstands, stadia, arenas, 
and similar structures used 
for public assembly 


Guardrails, top railing 
members 


Concentrated 


Any 


3001b. 


Grandstands^' stadia^ arenas^. . 
and similar structures used..; 
for public assembly 


: Guardrails, top railing 
members 


Uniformly distributed 

I — „ -__ ^ 


;:|:■■■v||■"^Axi5^";f':-^^ 


■vl^'ldo^ib/ft-^;:.'--::'-' 



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1615.6 Grandstands, stadia and similar structures 
shall be designed to resist, in combination with 
design wind loads, a horizontal swaying load applied 
parallel to the row of seats of not less than 24 
pounds per lineal foot of seats per row, or in 
combination with wind, a horizontal swaying load 
applied transversely of not less than ten pounds per 
lineal foot of seats per row. Foot boards and seat 
boards shall be designed for a minimum vertical load 
of 120 lb. per lineal foot. 

1615.7 Horizontal crane loads: A lateral force 
shall be applied perpendicular (normal) to the span 
of runway beams and a lateral force shall be applied 
parallel (longitudinal) to the beam span. 

(a) The lateral force acting normal to the runway 
shall be applied at the top of the rail, and shall be 
20% for power-operated crane trolleys, and 10% 
for hand-operated trolleys, of the sum of the 
weights of the maximum lifted load and of the 
crane trolley. This force shall be distributed to 
tributary supporting structural members based on 
the relative lateral stiffness of each component 
structure supporting the rails. 

(b) The longitudinal force acting parallel to the 
runway and applied at the top of the rail shall be 
10% of the maximum wheel loads of the crane. 

(c) Reductions in these loads may be permitted 
if substantiating technical data acceptable to the 
building official is provided. 

(d) These loads need not be considered in 
combination with wind loads. 

1615.8 Temperature loads: Movements, and 
forces resulting from restraint of movements, 
produced by changes in temperature shall be 
considered in the design of buildings and structures. 

780 CMR 1616.0 COMBINATION OF LOADS 

1616.1 General: Combinaitions of structural loads 
shall be considered in accordance with 780 CMR 
1616.0. Live loads may be reduced as appropriate in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1616.0. In addition to 
the load combinations listed, the following shall be 
considered in design: structural effects of loads due 
to fluids, loads due to the weight and lateral pressure 
of soil and water in soil, rain loads including 
ponding, and effects arising from contraction or 
expansion resulting from temperature changes, 
shrinkage, moisture changes, creep in component 
materials, and movement due to differential 
settlement. 

1616.1.1 Design Methods: As permitted by the 
structural design standards listed in Appendix A, 
the structural designer may use either the 
allowable stress design method (also called 
working stress design) or the strength design 
method (also called limit states design, load and 
resistance factor design, or ultimate strength 



design). The applicable load combinations given 
in 780 CMR 1616.1 shall govern over the load 
combinations given in the design standards in 
Appendix A. 

Exception: Use load combinations from design 
standards in Appendix A which do not include 
wind or seismic loads, if those combinations 
produce a more unfavorable effect in the 
structure or foundation. 

1616.2 . Load Combinations Using Allowable 
Stress Design 

1616.2.1 Basic Combinations. All loads listed 
herein shall be considered to act in the following 
combinations, whichever produces the most 
unfavorable effect in the building, foundation or 
structural member being considered. The most 
unfavorable effect may occur when one or more 
of the contributing loads is not acting. 
l.Dead 

2. Dead + floor live + roof live (or snow) 

3. Dead + floor live + 0.5 roof live (or 0.5 
snow) + wind 

4. Dead + floor live + roof live (or snow) + 0.5 
wind 

5. 0.67 Dead - wind 

6. 0.67 Dead - 0.8 seisnuc 

7. Dead + 0.9 floor live + 0.6 snow + 0.8 
seismic 

1616.3 Load Combinations Using Strength Design 

1616.3.1 Basic Combinations. All loads listed 
herein shall be considered to act in the following 
factored load combinations, whichever produces 
the most unfavorable effect in the building, 
foundation or structural member being 
considered. The most unfavorable effect may 
occur when one or more of the contributing loads 
is not acting. 
1.1.4 Dead 

2. 1.3 Dead + 1.6 floor live + 0.5 roof live (or 
0.5 snow) 

3. 1.3 Dead + 0.5 floor live + 1.6 roof live (or 
1.6 snow) 

4. 1.3 Dead + 0.5 floor live + 0.5 roof live (or 
0.5 snow)+ 1.3 wind 

5. 1.3 Dead + 1 .6 roof live (or 1 .6 snow) + 0.8 
wind 

6. 0.9 Dead- 1.3 wind 

7. 1.3 Dead + 1.0 floor live + 0.7 snow + 1.0 
seisnuc 

8. (0.90 - 0.5 Ay) Dead - 1.0 seismic 

Exception: The load factor on floor live 
load in combinations 3 and 4 shall equal 1.0 
for garages, areas occupied as places of 
public assembly, and all areas where the 
floor live load is greater than 100 pounds per 
square foot. 



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STRUCTURAL LOADS 



1616.4 AmpllflcatBomi of seismic load effects for 
special conditions: Seismic load effects shall be 
amplified by the factor 2R/5, where 2R/5 shall be 
not less than 1.0, in allowable stress design 
780 CMR 1616.2. 1, and in strength design 780 CMR 
1616.3.1 for the following conditions. Note: In 
allowable stress design load combinations 6 and 7, 
the term "0.8 seismic" shall be replaced by 
"0.8(2R/5) seismic". 

1 . For computing the design forces in members 
such as columns, girders or trusses which support 
discontinuous lateral force-resisting elements 
when using Load Combination 7 in 780 CMR 
J 616.2.1 (Allowable Stress Design) or Load 
Combination 7 in 780 CMR 1616.3.1 (Strength 
Design). However, the computed forces in such 
members need not exceed the capacity of other 
elements of the structure to transfer such forces 
into these members. The capacity of the other 
elements to transfer such forces shall not be less 
than 1.25 times the computed design strengths of 
the other elements. 

2. For computing the design forces in members 
and connections that do not develop the full 
strength of the weaker member connected when 
using Load Combination 6 in 780 CMR 1616.2.1 
(Allowable Stress Design) or Load Combination 
8 in 780 CMR 1616.3.1 (Strength Design). 
However, the design forces need not exceed the 
limit determined by the capacity of the foundation 
to resist overturning uplift. 

1516.5 Coarateractlng Load: Where the eflfects of 
design loads counteract one another in a structural 



member or joint, the design shall account for and 
shall ensure adequate safety for possible stress 
reversals. 

1616.6 Str«ss Increases: All allowable stresses and 
soil load-bearing values specified in 780 CMR for 
allowable stress design are permitted to be increased 
one-third where wind load or seismic load 
combinations are utilized. 

1616.7 Crane hook loads are not required to be 
combined with the roof live load, nor with seismic 
load, nor v^th more than 0.75 of the snow load or 
one-half of the wind load 

780 CMR 1617.0 EXISIING BUILDINGS 

1617.1 General: The repair, reconstruction, 
alteration, addition to or change in use or occupancy 
of existing buildings shall comply with 780 CMR 
34. 



Posted live load: When floor live loads 
required by the Code have been increased from those 
heretofore approved for a building or structure in a 
particular use group and there is no change to a new 
use requiring greater floor loads than those currently 
required for the original use group, the floors so 
affected may be posted for the originally approved 
live loads, provided the building is structurally safe 
in all its parts, is adequate for its existing use, and 
the public safety is not endangered thereby. 



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NON-TEXT PAGE 



300 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 17 



STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 
(A substantial portion of this Chapter is unique to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 170L0 GENERAL 

1701.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 17 shall 
govern the quality, workmanship and requirements 
for all materials hereafter used in the construction of 
buildings and structures. All materials of 
construction and tests shall conform to the 
applicable standards listed in 780 CMR. 

170L2 New materials: All new building materials, 
equipment, appliances, systems or methods of 
construction not provided for in 780 CMR, 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 780 CMR 17 and 
in the approved rules to determine character, quality 
and limitations of use. 

In accordance with 780 CMR 1093.4, the 
building official may require that suck materials be 
presented before the Construction Materials Safety 
Board for approval 

1701.3 Used materiaBs: The use of all second-hand 
materials which meet the minimum requirements of 
this code for new materials shall be permitted. 

780 CMR 1702.0 BEFINmONS 

1702.1 General; The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 1702.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Approved agency: An established and recognized 
agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or 
furnishing inspection services, when such agency 
has been approved (see 780 CMR 1704.0). 

Fabricated item: Structural, loadbearing or lateral 
/oarf-resisting assemblies consisting of materials 
assembled prior to installation in a building or 
structure, or subjected to operations such as heat 
treatment, thermal cutting, cold working or 
reforming after manufacture and prior to 
installation in a building or structure. Materials 
produced in accordance with standard 
specifications referenced by 780 CMR, such as 
rolled structural steel shapes, steeUreinforcing 
bars, masonry units and plywood sheets, shall not 
be considered "fabricated items." 

Inspection, structural: inspection as herein required 
of the installation, fabrication, erection or 
placement of components and connections 



requiring special expertise to ensure adequacy 
(see 780 CMR 1 16.0 and 1705.0). 



A plate, tag or other device which is 

permanently and prominently afiSxed to a product 

or material indicating that it has been tested and 

evaluated by an approved agency (see 780 CMR 

1704.3). 

Structural Engineer of Record (SER): The 

registered professional engineer whose professional 

seal of registration and signature appears on the 

design documents submitted with the building 

permit application, or the alternate (SEE) who 

succeeds the (SER), as provided in 780 CMR 

1705.3.3. 

780 CMR 1703.0 INFORMATION REQUIRED 

1703.1 Material performance; Where the quality of 
materials is essential for conformance to 780 CMR, 
specific information shall be given to establish such 
quality; and 780 CMR shall not be cited, or the term 
"legal" or the term's equivalent be used as a 
substitute for specific information. This information 
shall consist of test reports conducted by an 
approved testing agency in accordance with the 
standards referenced in Appendix A or isuch other 
information as necessary for the code official to 
determine that the material meets the applicable 
code requirements. 

1703.1.1 Labeling: Where materials or 
assemblies are required by 780 CMR to be 
labeled, such materials and assemblies shall be 
labeled by an approved agency in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1704.0. 

1703.2 Research and investigation: Sufficient 
technical data shall be submitted to substantiate the 
proposed use of any material or assembly. If it is 
determined that the evidence submitted is 
satisfactory proof of performance for the use 
intended, the code official shall approve the use of 
the maternal or assembly subject to the requirements 
of 780 CMR. The cost of all tests, reports and 
investigations required under 780 CMR 17 shall 

be paid by the permit applicant. 

1703.2.1 Research reports: Supporting data, 
where necessary to assist in the approval of all 
materials or assemblies not specifically provided 
for in 780 CMR, shall consist of valid research 
reports fi"om approved sources. 



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1703.3 Evaluation and follow-up inspection 
services: Prior to the approval of a closed 
prefabricated assembly, the permit applicant shall 
submit an evaluation report of each prefabricated 
assembly. The report shall indicate the complete 
details of the assembly, including a description of 
the assembly and the assembly's components, the 
basis upon which the assembly is being evaluated, 
test results and similar information, and other data as 
necessary for the code official to determine 
conformance to 780 CMR. 

1703.3.1 Evaluation service: The code official 
shall review evaluation reports from approved 
sources for adequacy and conformance to 
780 CMR. 

1703.3.2 Follow-up inspection: The owner shall 
provide for structural inspections oi fabricated 
items in accordance with 780 CMR 1705. 

1703.3.3 Test and inspection records: Copies of 
all necessary test and inspection records shall be 
filed with the code official. 

780 CMR 1704.0 APPROVALS 

1704.1 Written approvals: Where approvals by the 
building official are required by the provisions of 
780 CMR, such approvals shall be given in writing 
within a reasonable time after satisfactory 
completion of all the required tests and submissions 
of required test reports. 

1704.2 Approved record: For any material, 
appliance, equipment, system or method of 
construction that has been approved, a record of 
such approval, including all of the conditions and 
limitations of the approval, shall be kept on file in 
the building official's office and shall be open to 
public inspection at all appropriate times. 

1704.3 Labeling: Products and materials required to 
be labeled shall be labeled in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in 780 CMR 1704.3.1 through 
1704.3.3. 

1704.3.1 Testing: An approved agency shall test 
a representative sample of the product or material 
being labeled to the relevant standard or 
standards. The approved agency shall maintain a 
record of all of the tests performed. The record 
shall provide sufficient detail to verify compliance 
with the test standard. 

1704.3.2 Inspection and identification: The 

approved agency shall periodically perform an 
inspection, which shall be in-plant if necessary, of 
the product or material that is to be labeled. The 
inspection shall verify that the labeled product or 
material is representative of the product or 
material tested. 

1704.3.2.1 Independent: The agency to be 
approved shall be objective and competent. 



The agency shall also disclose all possible 
conflicts of interest so that objectivity can be 
confirmed. 

1704.3.2.2 Equipment: An approved agency 
shall have adequate equipment to perform all 
required tests. The equipment shall be 
periodically calibrated. 

1704.3.2.3 Personnel: An approved agency 
shall employ experienced personnel educated 
in conducting, supervising and evaluating 
tests. 

1704.3.3 Label information: The label shall 
contain the manufacturer's or distributor's 
identification, model number, serial number, or 
definitive information describing the product or 
material's performance characteristics and 
approved agency s identification. 

1704.4 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. 

780 CMR 1705,0 REQUIREMENTS FOR 
STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 

1705.1 General: The permit applicant shall provide 
special inspections where application is made for 
construction as described in 780 CMR 1705.0. 

Exceptions: 

1. Structural tests and inspections are not 
required for building components unless the 
design involves the practice of professional 
engineering or architecture as defined by M.G.L 
c 112 § 60K and/or M. G.L c 112 § 81D. 

2. Structural tests and inspections are not 
required for occupancies in Use Group R-3. 

1705.2 Purpose: The purpose of the structural tests 
and inspections specified in 780 CMR 1 705 is to 
provide assurance to the owner and the building 
official that the construction complies with the 
requirements of the structural design by the SER. 
These tests and inspections are for quality 
asurance audits and their implementation does not 
relieve the contractor or sub-contractors of their 
responsibility for quality control of the work and 
any design for which they are responsible. 

1705.3 Program for tests and inspections: The 
SER shall establish a program of structural tests 
and inspections which meets the requiremnts of 
780 CMR 17. The SER shall direct the 
implementation of this program and select any 
structural inspectors required to undertake the 
program. All fees and costs related to the 
implementation of this program shall be borne by 
the owner. 



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STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 



1705.3.1 Building permit requirement: The 
permit applicant shall submit the program of 
structural tests and inspectiom prepared by the 
SEE as a condition for permit issuance. This 
program shall include a complete list of 
materials and work requiring structural tests and 
inspections by 780 CMR170SJ, the inspections 
to be performed and a list of the individuals, 
approved agencies and firms intended to be 
retained for conducting such inspections. 

1705.3.2 Report requirement: A final report 
stating that the program of structural tests and 
inspections has been satisfactorily completed 
shall be submitted to the owner and ike building 
official by the SER prior to the issuance of the 
certificate of occupancy. As construction 
progresses, inspection reports and records of 
tests and measurements shall be maintained by 
the SER. When these records are requested by 
the building official, they shall be submitted 
promptly, in accordance with procedures 
established by the building official prior to the 
start of construction. When deviations from 
design requirements are determined during tests 
or inspections, the SER shall promptly report 
such to the contractor for correction. If the 
contractor fails to correct any reported demotion, 
it shall be reported to the building officio! by the 
SER 

1705.3.3 Alternate SER- If the SER cannot 
continue with the project, the owner shall retain 
an alternate qualified registered professional 
engineer to review the design and assume the 
full responsibilities of the former SER 

1705.3.4 Performance specsfiactlons/ The SER 
shall identify, in the program of structural tests 
and inspections submitted with the building 
permit application, any structural elements or 
systems, that the SER has specified to be 
designed by another registered professional 
engineer. The SER shall review ^e design of 
these structural elements or systems and shall 
include them in the program of structural tests 
and inspections. 

17053.5 Waiver of structural inspection by the 
SER: Where, in then opinion of the SEE, any 
portion of the contractor's quality control 
program, meets the inspection and test 
requirements of 780 CMR 17 OB, the SER may 
reduce the specified quality assurance stmctural 
inspection and test program following approval 
by the building official When this is done the 
final inspection report shall also include 
reference to the results of those inspections 
performed by the contractor. As constmction 
progresses, reports of inspectiom • and 
measurements shall be submitted to ike SER 
and, if requested, to the buUMng official 



170S.4 Inspection of fabricators: Where fabrication 
of structural loadbearing members and assemblies is 
being performed on the premises of a fabricator's 
shop, structural inspection of the fabricated items 
shall be required. The fabricated items shall be 
inspected as required by 780 CMR 1705.0 and as 
required elsewhere in 780 CMR. 

1705.4.1 Fabrication procedures: The special 
inspector shall veriiy that the fabricator maintains 
detailed fabrication and quality control procedures 
which provide a basis for inspection control of the 
workmanship and the fabricator's ability to 
conform to approved drawings, project 
specifications and referenced standards. The 
special inspector shall review the procedures for 
completeness and adequacy relative to the code 
requirements for the fabricator's scope of work. 

1705.4.2 Procedures mpIeimentatEOM: The 
structural inspector shall verify that the fabricator 
is properly implementing the fabrication and 
quality control procedures outlined in 780 CMR 
1705.4.1. 

Exception: Stmctural inspections as required 
by 780 CMR 1705.4 may be reduced by the 
SER where the fabricator maintains an 

agreement with an approved independent 
inspection or quality control agency to 
conduct periodic in-plant inspectiom at the 
fabricator's plant, at a frequency that will 
assure the fabricator^ conformance to the 
requirements of the inspection agency's 
approved quality control program. 

17©5.S Steel constnaction: The structural 
inspectiom for steel elements of buildings and 
stmctures shall be as required by 780 CMR 1705.5. 1 
through 1705.5.3. 

1705.5.1 Inspection of steel fabricators: The 
permit appUcant shall provide stntctral 
inspection of st^\ fabricated items in accordance 
with the provisions of 780 CMR 1705.2. 

Exception: Structural inspection of the steel 
fabrication process shall not be required where 
the fabricator does not perform any welding, 
thermal cutting or heating operation of any 
kind as part of the ^brication process. In such 
cases, the fabricator shall be required to submit 
a detailed procedure for material control which 
demonstrates the ^bricator's ability to maintain 
suitable records and procedures such that, at 
any time during the &brication process, the 
material specification, grade and mill test 
reports for the main stress-canying elements 
and bolts are capable of being determined. 

1705.5.2 Material receiving: All main stress- 
carrying elements, welding material and bolting 
material shall be inspected for conformance to 
Table 1705.5.2. 



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Table 1705.5.2 
INSPECTION FOR STEEL MATERIALS 



Material 


Inspection requuired 


Reference for 
criteria 


Bolts, 

nuts, 

washers 


1. Materia] identification 
markings 

2. ConfonnancetoASTM 
standards specified by 
the design engineer 
Manufacturer's certifi- 
cate of compliance is 
required 


Applicable ASTM 
material 

specifications; AISC 
ASD, Section A3.4; 
AISCLRFD, 
Section A3.3 


Structural 
steel 


1. Material identification 
markings 

2. ConfonnancetoASTM 
standards specified in 
the approved plans and 
specifications 


ASTM A6 or ASTM 
A568 

Provide certified test 
reports in accord- 
ance with ASTM A6 
orASTMA568 


Weld filter 
materials 


1. Conformance to AWS 
specifications as speci- 
fied in the approved 
plans and specifica- 
tions. 

Manufacturer's certifi- 
cate of compliance is 

-jMuiisd 


AISC ASD, Section 
A3.6; AISCLRFD, 
Section A3. 5 



Note a. The specific standards referenced are those listed 
m Appendix A 

1705.5.3 Erection: Structural inspections are 
required for bolts, welding and details as specified 
in 780 CMR 1705.5.3.1 through 1705.5.3.3. 

1705.5.3.1 Installatioin of high-strength 
bolts: Inspection shall be as specified in 
Section 9 of the RCSC Specification for 
Structural Joints Using A325 or A490 Bolts 
listed in Appendix A. 

1705.5.3.2 Welding: Weld inspection shall be 
in compliance with Section 6 of AWS DLl 
listed in Appendix A. Weld inspectors shall be 
certified in accordance with AWS Dl.l listed 
mAppetuUxA. 

1705.5.3.2.1 Welding of the structural 
seismic-resisting system: Welding of the 
structural seismic-resisting system of 
buildings, shall be inspected in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1705.5.3.2.2 and 
1705.5.3.2.3. Each complete penetration 
groove weld in joints and splices shall be 
tested for the fiiU length of the weld either 
by ultrasonic testing or by other ^proved 
methods, for special moment fi-ames and 
eccentrically braced fi'ames. 
Exception: The nondestructive testing rate 
for welds made by an individual welder is 
permitted to be reduced to 25% of the welds, 
with the approval of the SER, provided the 
weld mspection reject rate is 5% or less. 

1705.53.2.2 Column splice welds: Column 
splice welds, which are partial penetration 
groove welds, shall be tested by ultrasonic 
testing or other approved methods at a 
percentage rate established by SER. All 



partial penetration column splice welds 
designed for axial or flexural tension fi-om 
seismic forces shall be tested. 

1705.SJ.2.3 Base metal testing: Base metal 
having a thickness more than 1.5 inches (38 
mm) and subject to through-thickness weld 
shrinkage strains shall be ultrasonically 
tested for discontinuities behind and 
adjacent to the welds after joint welding. 
Any material discontinuities shall be 
evaluated based on the criteria established in 
the construction documents hy the SER. 

1705.5.3.3 Details: The structural inspector 
shall perform an inspection of the steel ft-ame 
to verify compliance with the details shown on 
the approved construction documents, such as 
bracing, stiffening, member locations and 
proper application of joint details at each 
connection. 

1705.6 Concrete construction: The structural 
inspections for concrete structures and concreting 
operations shall be as required by 780 CMR 
1705.6.1 through 1705.6.6. 

Exception: Structural inspections shall not be 
required for: 

1 . Concrete footings of buildings three stories 
or less in height which are fully supported on 
earth or rock. 

2. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported 
directly on the ground, including prestressed 
slabs on grade, where the eflfective prestress in 
the concrete is less than 150 psi (0. 1 1 kg/mm^). 

3. Plain concrete foundation walls constructed 
in accordance with Table 1812.3.2. 

4. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, 
on grade. 

1705.6.1 Materials: In the absence of sufficient 
data or documentation providing evidence of 
conformance to quality standards for materials in 
Chapter 3 of ACI 318 listed in Appendix A the 
code official shall require testing of materials in 
accordance with the appropriate standards and 
criteria for the material in Chapter 3 of ACI 3 1 8 
listed in Appendix A. Weldability of 
reinforcement that conforms to ASTM A706 
listed in Appendix A shall be determined in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1906.5.2. 

1705.6.2 Installation of reinforcing and 
prestressing steel: The location and installation 
details of reinforcing and prestressing steel shall 
be inspected for compliance with the approved 
construction documents and ACI 318 (such as 
Sections 7.4, 7.5, 7.6 and 7.7) listed in 
Appendix A. Welding of reinforcing of the 
structural seismic-resisting system shall be 
in^cted. 



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STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 



1705.63 Concreting operations: During placing 
and curing of concrete, the special inspections 
listed in Table 170S.6.3 shall be performed. 

Table 1705.6.3 

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS DURING 

CONCRETING OPERATIONS 



Required inspection 



1. Evaluation of concrete 
strength, except as exempted 
by 780 CMRl 908.3. 1(3). 

3. Inspection during concrete 
placement, for proper 
application techniques. 

4. iaspedioafot atmHsDaBse of 
spc»iEed curing temperBtores 



J " 

Reference for criteria 



ACI 3 18 Section 5.6 



llllll^|||p||ii|i 

ACI 318 Sections 5.9 and 
5.10 

ACI 3t«6ecdQns 5.11, 
5MsadSA3 ' ' ' 



Note a. ACI 3 1 8 listed in Appendix A 

1705.6.4 Inspection during prestressing: 
Inspection during the application of prestressing 
forces shall be performed to determine 
compliance with Section 18.18 of ACI 318 listed 
')Si Appendix A. 

1705.6.4.1 Inspection during grouting: 
Inspection during the grouting of bonded 
prestressing tendons in the structural seismic- 
resisting system shall be performed. 

1705.6.5 Manufacture of precast concrete: The 
manufacture of precast concrete, as required by 
780 CMR 1705.4, shall be subject to a quality 
control program administered by an approved 
agency. 

1705.6.6 Erection of precast concrete: Erection 
of precast concrete shall be inspected for 
compliance with the approved plans and erection 
drawings. 

1705,7 Masonry construction: The structural 
inspections listed in Table 1705.7 shall be required 
for masonry construction. 



Table 1705.7 
SPECIAL INSPECTIONS FOR 
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION 





Referenced criteria 


Inspection or test 


ACI 530/ 
ASCE5/ 
TMS402 


ACI 530. 1 
ASCE 6/ 
TMS602 


1. Material 

2. Masonry strength 




Sec.2.2 
Sec. 1.6 




liSill 


See;iiM5. 


b. Application of mortar grout 
and masonry xmits 




Sec. 2.3.3:3 
Sec. 4.3.3 


:;g||iiliiiii|ijiip|^ 


Siitii 


If ;;^;; ::•■:::■• 


d. Protection of masonry during 
cold weather (temperature 
below 40°F) or hot weather 
(temperature above 100°F) 




Sec. 2.3.2.2 
Sec. 2.3.2.3 


|iiM||i||||j 




illiil 


4. Inspection of welding of 
reinforcement, grouting, 
consolidation and reconsolidation 
for buildings assigned to Seismic 
Performance Categoiy Cor D in 
accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.2.7 


Note b. 


Note b. 



Note a. The specific standards referenced are those listed 

m Appendix A. 

Note h. Referenced criteria not applicable. 

1705.S Wood construction: Structural inspections 
of the fabrication process of wood structural 
elements and assemblies shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 1705.4. Structural inspection is required 
for nailing, bolting, structural gluing or other 
fastening of the structural seismic-resisting system. 

1705.9 Prepared fill: The structural inspections for 
prepared fill shall be as required by 780 CMR 
1705.9.1 through 1705.9.3. The approved report, 
required by 780 CMR 1804.1, shall be used to 
determine compliance. 

1705,9.1 Site preparation: Prior to placement of 
the prepared fill, the structural inspector shall 
determine that the site has been prepared in 
accordance with the approved report. 



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1705.9.2 During flll placement: During the 
placement and compaction of the fill material, the 
structural inspector shall determine that the 
material being used and the maximum lift 
thicknesses comply with the approved report. 

1705.9.3 Evaluation of in-place density: The 

structural inspector shall determine, at the 
approved frequency, that the in-place dry density 
of the compacted fill complies with the approved 
report. 

1705.10 Pile foundations: Structural inspections of 
pile foundations are required as provided for in 
780 CMR 1816.13. 

1705.11 Pier foundations: Structural inspection is 
required for pier foundations. 

1705.12 Wall panels and veneers: Structural 
inspection is required for exterior wall panels and 
their attachment to the building structure. 

1705.13 Light gauge metal framing: Structural 
inspection is required for light gauge metal 
framing systems fi>r roofs, floors, and load bearing 
walls and for light gauge metal framing in exterior 
curtain walls that have a story height greater than 
ten feet 

1705.14 Special cases: Structural inspections shall 
be required for proposed work which is, in the 
opinion of the code ofiBcial, unusual in its nature, 
such as: 

1. Construction of materials and systems which 
are alternatives to materials and systems 
prescribed by 780 CMR. 

2. Unusual design applications of materials 
described in 780 CMR. 

3. Materials and systems required to be installed 
in accordance with additional manufacturer's 
instructions that prescribe requirements not 
contained in 780 CMR or in standards referenced 
by 780 CMR. 

780 CMR 1706.0 DESIGN STUENGIHS 
OF MATERIALS 

1706.1 Conformance to standards: The design 
strengths and permissible stresses of any structural 
material that is identified as to manufacture and 
grade by mill tests, or the strength and stress grade 
is otherwise confirmed to the satisfaction of the code 
official, shall conform to the specifications and 
methods of design of accepted engineering practice 
or the approved rules in the absence of applicable 
standards. 

1706.2 New materials: For materials which are not 
specifically provided for in 780 CMR, the design 
strengths and permissible stresses shall be 



established by tests as provided for in 780 CMR 

1708.0 and 1709.9. 

780 CMR 1707.0 ALTERNATIVE TEST 
PROCEDURE 

1707.1 General: In the absence of approved rules or 
other approved standards, the code official shall 
make, or cause to be made, the necessary tests and 
investigations; or the code official shall accept duly 
authenticated reports from approved agencies in 
respect to the quality and manner of use of new 
materials or assemblies as provided for in 780 CMR 
106.0. The cost of all tests and other investigations 
required under the provisions of 780 CMR shall be 
borne by the permit applicant. 

780 CMR 1708.0 TEST SAFE LOAD 

1708.1 Where required: Where proposed 
construction is not capable of being designed by 
approved engineering analysis, or where proposed 
construction design method does not comply with 
the applicable material design standard listed in 
Appendix A, the system of construction or the 
structural unit and the connections shall be subjected 
to the tests prescribed in 780 CMR 1710.0. The code 
official shall accept certified reports of such tests 
conducted by an approved testing agency, provided 
that such tests meet the requirements of 780 CMR 
and approved procedures. 

780 CMR 1709.0 IN-SrrU LOAD TESTS 

1709.1 General: Whenever there is a reasonable 
doubt as to the stability or loadbearing capacity of a 
completed building, structure or portion thereof for 
the expected loads, an engineering assessment shall 
be required. The engineering assessment shall 
involve either a structural analysis or an in-situ load 
test, or both. The structural analysis shall be based 
upon actual material properties and other as-built 
conditions which affect stability or loadbearing 
capacity, and shall be conducted in accordance with 
the applicable design standard listed in Appendix A. 
If the structural assessment determines that the 
loadbearing capacity is less than that required by the 
code, load tests shall be conducted in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1709.2. If the building, structure or 
portion thereof is found to have inadequate stability 
or loadbearing capacity for the expected loads, 
modifications to insure structural adequacy or the 
removal of the inadequate construction shall be 
required. 

1709.2 Test standards: All structural components 
and assemblies shall be tested in accordance with the 
appropriate material standards listed in Appendix A. 
In the absence of a standard listed in Appendix A 
that contains an applicable load test procedure, the 
test procedure shall be developed by a registered 
professional engineer and approved. The test 
procedure shall simulate the loads and conditions of 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STRUCTURAL TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 



application that the completed structure or portion 
thereof wll be subjected to in normal use. 

17093 Iii-situ load tests: All in°situ load tests shall 
be conducted in accordance with 780 CMR 1709.3. 1 
or 1709.3.2 and shall be supervised by a registered 
professional engineer. The test shall simulate the 
applicable loading conditions specified in 780 CMR 
16 as necessary to address the concerns regarding 
structural stability of the building, structure or 
portion thereof 

17(09.3ol Load test procedure specified: Where 
a standard listed in Appendix A contains an 
applicable load test procedure and acceptance 
criteria, the test procedure and acceptance criteria 
in the standard shall apply. In the absence of 
specific load factors or acceptance criteria, the 
load factors and acceptance criteria in 780 CMR 
1709.3.2 shall apply. 

1709.3.2 Load test procedure not specified: In 
the absence of applicable load test procedures 
contained within a standard referenced by this 
code or acceptance criteria for a specific material 
or method of construction, such existing structure 
shall be subjected to a test load equal to two times 
the design load. The test load shall be left in place 
for a period of 24 hours. The structure shall be 
considered to have met successfully the test 
requirements if all of the following criteria are 
satisfied: 

1 . Under the design load, the deflection shall 
not exceed the limitations specified by the 
SER; 

2. Wthin 24 hours after removal of the test 
load, the structure shall have recovered not less 
than 75% of the maximum deflection; and 

3 . During and immediately after the test, the 
structure shall not show evidence of failure. 

780 CMR 17ia0 PRECX)NOTRUCI10N 
IMAD TESTS 

1710.1 General: In evaluating the physical 
properties of materials and methods of construction 
which are not capable of being designed by 
approved engineering analysis or which do not 
comply with the j^plicable material design standards 
listed in Appen£x A, the structural adequacy shall 
be predetermined based. on the load test criteria 
established by 780 CMR 1710.2 through 1710.5. 

i710o2 Load test procedures specified: Where 
specific load test procedures, load factors and 
acceptance criteria are included in the applicable 
design standards listed in Appendix A, such test 
procedures, loadfiuctors and acceptance criteria shall 
apply. In the absence of specific test procedures, 
loadhctoTS or acceptance criteria, the corresponding 
provisions in 780 CMR 1710.3 shall apply. 



17103 Load test procedures not specified: Where 
load test procedures are not specified in the 
applicable design standards listed in Appendix A, 
the loadbearing capacity of structural components 
and assemblies shall be determined on the basis of 
load tests conducted in accordance with 780 CMR 
1710.3.1 and 1710.3.2. Load tests shall simulate all 
of the applicable loading conditions specified in 
780 CMR 16. 

1710J.1 Test procedure: The test assembly shall 
be subjected to an increasing superimposed load 
equal to not less than two times the superimposed 
design load. The test load shall be left in place for 
a period of 24 hours. The tested assembly shall be 
considered to have met successfully the test 
requirements if the assembly recovers not less 
than 75% of the maximum deflection within 24 
hours after the removal of the test load. The test 
assembly shall then be reloaded and subjected to 
an increasing superimposed load until either 
structural failure occurs or the superimposed load 
is equal to 2/4 times the load at which the 
deflection limitations specified in 780 CMR 
1710.3.2 were reached, or the load is equal to 2V4 
times the superimposed design load. In the case of 
structural components and assemblies for wMch 
deflection limitations are not specified in 
780 CMR 1710.3.2, the test specimen shall be 
subjected to an increasing superimposed load until 
structural failure occurs or the load is equal to 2^2 
times the desired superimposed design load. The 
allowable superimposed design load shall be 
taken as the lesser of: 

1 . The load at the deflection limitation given 
by 780 CMR 1709.3.2; 

2. The failure load divided by 2.5; or 

3. The maximum load applied divided be 2.5. 

17103,2 Beflectlon: The deflection of structural 
members under the design load shall not exceed 
the limitations in 780 CMR 1604.5. 



Wall and partitiomi assemblies: 
Loadbearing wall and partition assemblies shall 
sustain the test load both mth and without window 
fi'aming. The test load shaU include all design load 
components. 

17i0<,§ Tes^ specimens: All test specimens and 
construction shall be representative of the materials, 
workmanship and details normally used in practice. 
The properties of the materials used to construct the 
test assembly shall be determined on the basis of 
tests on samples taken fi'om the load test assembly or 
on representative samples of the materials used to 
construct the load test assembly. All required tests 
shall be conducted or witnessed by an approved 
agency. Wall and partition assemblies shall be tested 
both with and without door and window framing. 



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307 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



308 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 18 



FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 
(This Chapter is unique to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 180L0 GENERAL 

Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 18 shall 
control the foundation design and construction of all 
buildings and structures 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 allowable stresses or design 
capabilities. 

780 CMR 1802.0 FOUNDATION 
INVESTIGATIONS 

1802.1 Where required: Borings, test pits or other 
soil investigations shall be required for all structures 
except the following, unless specifically required by 
the code official: 

1. one- and two-family dwellings and their 
accessory buildings; 

2. structures less than 35,000 cubic feet in gross 
volume; or 

3. structures used for agricultural purposes. 

The borings, test pits or other soil investigations 
shall be adequate in number and depth and so 
located to accurately define the nature of the 
subsurface materials necessary for the support of the 
structure. When it is proposed to support the 
structure directly on bedrock, the code official shall 
require core borings to be made into the rock; or 
shaU require other satisfactory evidence to prove that 
the structure shall be adequately founded on 
bedrock. 

1S02JJ Seismic lisvestigatlon: Where the 
foundation investigation indicates subsoils of 
Material Classes 8 or 9, as defined in Table 
1804.3, a soil investigation report which evaluates 
the potential hazards due to liquefaction and slope 
instability during an earthquake shall be submitted 
to the code official. The liquefaction evaluation 
shall be performed in accordance with 780 CMR 
1805.3 

1802.2 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 
code official. Wash or bucket samples shall not be 
accepted. Duplicate copies of the results obtained 
from all borings and of all test results or other 
pertinent soil data shall be filed with the code 
official. 



780 CMR 1803.0 SOIL BEARING TESTS 

1S03,1 General: Whenever the allowable bearing 
pressure on bearing materials is in doubt, the code 
official may require soil bearing tests. The tests 
shall be performed under the direction of a 
registered design professional. A complete record 
of the test results together with a soil profile shall be 
filed by the registered design professional who shall 
have a representative on the site during all boring 
and test operations. 

iS03.2 Loaded areas: The loaded area shall be 
approximately four square feet for all bearing 
materials; except that when the footing overlies wet 
clay or other soft materials, the test load shall be 
applied to an area of not less than ten square feet. 
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. The excavation 
within three feet (1 m) surrounding an area to be 
tested shall be made not deeper than one foot (0.3 m) 
above the plane of application of the test. The test 
plate shall be placed with uniform bearing. 

1503.3 Loading procedure: The application of the 
test load shall be in steps equal to not more than Vz 
the contemplated design bearing pressure, to at least 
twice the contemplated design bearing pressure. The 
unloading shall be at least two steps, to the design 
pressure and then to zero load. The contemplated 
design pressure and twice the contemplated design 
pressure shall be maintained constant for at least 24 
hours and until the movement does not exceed two 
hundredths of an inch (0.5 mm) during a 24-hour 
period. The load for all other load and unload steps 
including the zero load at the end of the test shall be 
maintained constant for a period of not less than four 
hours. Sufficient readings for each load step shall be 
made to define property the time-deflection curve. 

1503.4 Acc&iracy of loading: Test loads applied by 
mechanical devices shall be automatically controlled 
so as to insure not more than a 5% variation in 
applied load. Such devices shall be calibrated prior 
to the test. 

1803.5 Test acceptance: The proposed design load 
shall be allowed provided that the requirements of 
780 CMR 1805.5 are fulfilled and the settlements 
under the design bearing pressure and twice the 
design bearing pressure do not exceed % of an inch 
(10 mm) and one inch (25 mm), respectively. 



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309 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR 1804.0 LOAD BEARING 
VALUE OF SOILS 

1804.1 Soils report: All applications for permits for 
the construction of new buildings or structures, and 
for the alteration of permanent structures which 
require changes in foundation loads and distribution, 
shall be accompanied by a report describing the soil 
in the ultimate loadbearing strata, including 
sufficient data to establish its character, nature and 
loadbearing capacity. The report shall be prepared 
by a registered design professional. 

1804.2 Satisfactory foundation materials: 

Satisfactory bearing strata to provide structural 
support shall be considered to include the following: 
natural strata of rock, gravel, sand, inorganic silt, 
inorganic clay, or combination of these materials 
provided that they do not overlie an appreciable 
amount of peat, organic silt, soft clay or other 
objectionable materials. Compacted fills, when 
designed and monitored by a registered design 
professional, may be accepted by the code official. 
Other conditions of unsatisfactory bearing materials 
which are improved in accordance with the 
recommendations of, and monitored by, a registered 
design professional may be accepted by the code 
official. 

1804.2.1 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. 

1804.2.2 Protection of bearing strata: Bearing 
strata which may be adversely affected by 
conditions within the structure, such as 
evaporation and shrinkage due to excess heat or 
cold, shall be adequately protected. 

1804.3 Presumptive load bearing values: The 

maximum allowable pressure on supporting soils 
under spread footings at or near the surface shall not 
exceed the values specified in Table 1804.3 or the 



maximum allowable pressure shall be determined by 
load tests conducted in the field or as otherwise 
provided herein. Presumptive loadbearing values 
shall apply to all materials with similar physical 
characteristics. Surface values shall be adjusted for 
deep footings and for weaker loadbearing strata 
below piles, as provided for in 780 CMR 1817.8. 
Higher allowable bearing pressures may be approved 
by the code official when substantiated by the results 
of investigations, analyses or testing prepared by a 
registered design professional. 

1804.3.1 Classification of bearing materials: 

The terms used in 780 CMR 1804 shall be 
interpreted in accordance with generally accepted 
engineering nomenclature. Refer to commentary 
in Appendix D for guidelines regarding soil and 
rock classification and description. 

1804.3.2 Prepared fill: Materials fi*om Classes 6 
through 8, Table 1804.3, or dense graded crushed 
stone or slag, which contain no plastic fines, shall 
have a maximum allowable bearing pressure of up 
to five tons per square foot when compacted to 
95% or greater of the ma^dmum dry density as 
determined by ASTM D1557 listed in Appendix 
A. For compacted fills which do not meet the 
above criteria or materials which cannot be tested 
as above, a registered design professional shall be 
engaged to provide recommendations for 
compaction and maximum allowable design 
bearing pressures. 

1804.3.3 Field Control: The code official will 
require that a registered ensign professional or his 
representative be on the project at all times while 
fill is being placed and compacted. The 
representative shall make an accurate record of 
the types of materials used, including grain-size 
curves, thickness of lifts, densities, percent 
compaction, type of compacting equipment and 
number of coverages, the use of water and other 
pertinent data. 



310 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 

Table 1804.3 

ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURES FOR 

FOUNDATION MATERIALS 

Material r\ • .■ vt ♦ o ■ . ■ m ^ Allowable Net Bamng 
Class Descnption Notes Consistency m Place Pressure (tons/?) 

la Massive bedrock: 3 Hard, sound rock, minor 100 

Granite, diorite gabbro, basalt, gneiss J9l|^^>°8 

2 Foliated bedrcxk: slate, schist 3 Medium hard rock, minor 40 

jointing 

illliiiiiiiiioil^iiiiglSil^ 

4 Weakly cemented sedimentary 3 Very soft rock 10 

bedrock: compaction shale or other 
similar rock in sound condition 

i^liiiliiiiiiililijiM 

6 Slightly cemented sand and/or gravel, ^g Verv dense 10 

glacial till (basal or lodgement), 
hardpan 

iip:iiiiii!SiiJiiii|iiii^i^^ 
iiiliiiMpiii?iliiPllli^ 

o Sands and non-plastic silty sands with 6, 7, 8, Dense ^ 

little or no gravel (except for Class 9 9 Medium dense 3 

"^«"^s) Loose 2 

Veiy loose Note 11 
^ Fbesai«t5B%feiesaiKl.andmm- 6,7,$ Dense - 3 
plastic inorganic5tU Medium dense 2 

ioose I 

' ' ' VetyJoQse ^ Note 11 

jQ Inorganic sandy or silty clay, clayey 5,6, Hard ^ 

sand, clayey silt, clay, or varved clay; 10 sti£f 7 

low to high plasticity ^^^ j 

Soft Note 1 1 

II Orgaaicsoily jjest.OTgaaacadt, - , li ^^l^ , ^ , ,. „ ' Note 1 J 

'. organic cky >~~^ ^ ^-^^ ^ 



Notes for Table 1804.3: 

1 . Refo* to commentaiy in Appendix D regarding typical index test values that may be helpful as guides for evaluation 
of consistency in place. 

2. Refer to 780 CMR 1 807.0 for determination of design loads and for special cases. 

3. The allowable bearing pressures may be increased by an amount equal to 10% for each foot of depth below the 
surface of sound rock; however, the increase shall not exceed two times the value given in the table. 

4. For limestone and dolomite, the bearing pressures given are acceptable only if an exploration program performed 
imder the direction of a registered design professional demonstrates that titiere are no cavities within the zone of 
influence of the foimdations. If cavities exist, a special study of the foundation conditions is required. 

5. Weathered shale and/or weathered compaction shale shall be included in Material Class 10. Other highly 
weathered rocks and/or residua! soils shall be treated as soil under the q}propriate description in Material Classes 
6 to 10. Where the transition between residual soil and bedrock is gradual, a registered design professional shall- 
make a judgment as to the appropriate bearing pressure. 

6. Settlement analyses in accordance with 780 CMR 180S.5 should be performed if the ability of a given structure 
to tolerate settlements is in question, particularly for, but not limited to, soft or veiy soft clays and silts and loose 
granular materials. 

7. Allowable bearing pressures may be increased by an amount equal to 5% for each foot of depth of the bearing area 
below the minimum required in 780 CMR 1806.0; however, fbe bearing pressure shall not exceed two times the 
value given in the table. For foundation bearing areas having a least lateral dimension smaller than three feet, the 
allowable bearing pressure shall be Vs of the tabulated value times the least dimension in feet 

8. Refer to 780 CMRl 804.3 when these materials are used as compacted fills. 

9. These materials arc subject to the provisions in 780 CMR 1 805.3 (Liquefaction). 



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10 



11. 



Alternatively, the allowable bearing pressure may be taken as 1.5 times the peak unconfined compressive strength 
of undisturbed samples for square and round footings or 1.25 times that strength for footings with length to width 
ratio of 4 or greater. For intermediate cases, interpolation may be used. 

A registered design professional shall be engaged to provide recommendations for these special cases. Direct 
bearing on organic soils is not permitted. Organic soils are allowed imder foundations for those cases defined in 
780 CMR 1804.4.2, Preloaded materials. 



1804.4 Lightweight structures: One-story 
structures \^dthout masonry walls and not exceeding 
800 square feet in area may be founded on a layer of 
satisfactory bearing material not less than three feet 
(1 m) 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 vithin or adjacent to the building area, will 
not exceed 250 pounds per square foot (250 psf). 

1804.4.1 Bearing capacity for lightweight 
structures: Lightweight structures and accessory 
structures, such as garages and sheds, may be 
founded on normally unacceptable bearing strata, 
providing such material is determined by a 
registered design professional as being 
satisfactory for the intended use. 

1804.4.2 Preloaded materials: The code official 
may allow the use of certain otherwise 
unsatisfactory natural soils and uncompacted fills 
for support of one-story structures after these 
materials have been preloaded to effective stresses 
not less than 150% of the efifective stresses which 
will be induced by the live and dead loads of the 
structure. 

1804.4.3 Load test: The code official may 
require the loading and unloading of a sufficiently 
large area, conducted under the direction of a 
registered design professional approved by the 
code official, who shall submit a report containing 
a program which will allow sufficient time for 
adequate consolidation of the material based on 
an analysis of the preloaded material and of the 
probable settlements of the structure. 

780 CMR 18QS.0 ALLOWABLE 
FOUNDATION LOADS 

1805.1 General: The maximum allowable pressures 
on foundation materials shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 1804.0 and as modified herein. 

1805.2 Soil Capacity: For the load combinations, 
including seismic as specified in 780 CMR 1616.0, 
the soil loadbearing strength shall be sufficient to 
resist loads at acceptable strain, considering both the 
duration of the loading and the dynamic properties 
of the soil. For foundations supported on or in 
Material Classes 1 through 6, as defined in Table 
1804.3, or medium dense to very dense soils of 
Material Classes 7 through 9, or stifif to hard soil of 
Materials Class 10, the allowable bearing pressure or 
pile or pier capacity may be increased by up to 33% 



for load combinations that include wind or seismic 
loading. 

1805.3 Liquefaction: 

1. The earthquake liquefaction potential of 
saturated clean medium to fine sands shall be 
evaluated on the basis of Figure 1805.3 for cases 
where lateral sliding cannot occur. 

Figure 1805.3 
LIQUEFACTION SUSCEPTABILnY 

2o e>o 



S SOL 

l| 
no 
SS<4oL 



CO. 




NOTSUSCEPTTBLE 
TOUQUEFACnON 



£5 ") DEPTH 

( TO 
aoV-GROUND- 
r WATER 



STAKDARD PENETRATION 
RESISTANCE, N OBLOWS/FT.) 

If the Standard resistances, N, in all strata of 
medium to fine sand lie above the applicable 
curve in Figure 1805.3 the sands at the site shall 
not be considered subject to liquefaction. 
Liquefection below a depth of 60 feet (18 m) fi^om 
final grade need not be considered for level 
ground. For pressure-injected footings, the ten- 
foot (3-m) thickness of soil immediately below 
the bottom of the driven shaft shall not be 
considered subject to liquefaction. 

2. Compacted granular fills shall not be 
considered subject to liquefaaion provided they 
are systematically compaaed to at least 93% of 
maximum dry density as determined in 
accordance with ASTM Standard Method D1557, 
listed in Append y4 or to a relative density of at 
least 60% in the case of granular soils having less 
than 10% by weight material passing the No. 200 
U.S. Sieve. 

3. For sites not meeting the above criteria, 
studies by a registered design professional shall 
be made to determine that the structural loads can 
be safely supported. Such studies might include 
the following: 

• Investigations to establish that the soils at 
the site are not subject to liquefaction during 
the design earthquake as specified in 
780 CMR 1612.0. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



<» Design of foundations that will not fail 
either by loss of bearing capacity or 
excessive settlement if liquefaction occurs. 

° Replacement or densification of 
liquefaction-susceptible soils such that 
liquefaction will not occur. 

4. For sites underlain by saturated sands where 
lateral sliding (slope instability) may occur, 
studies by a registered design professional shsll 
be made to establish the safety against sliding 
during an earthquake with a peak acceleration of 
0.12 g and a frequency content similar to that 
implied by the modal seismic design coefficient 
set forth in 780 CMR 1612.0 

5. For sites underlain by saturated silty sands and 
inorganic non-plastic silts, studies shall be made 
by a registered design professional to determine 
the susceptibility to liquefaction of these soils. 

1805.4 Vertical pressure: The computed vertical 
pressure at any level beneath a foundation shall not 
exceed the allowable bearing pressure 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 30° with 
the vertical; but the area considered as supporting the 
load shall not extend beyond the intersection of 30" 
planes of adjacent foundations. 

1805.5 Settlement analysis: Whenever a structure 
is to be supported by medium or soft clay (materials 
of Class 10) 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 significant variation. The code official 
may require a settlement analysis to be made by a 
registered design professional when the live and 
dead loads of the structure, as specified in this 
article, minus the weight of the excavated material, 
induce a maximum stress greater than 300 pounds 
per square foot at mid-depth of the underlying soft 
soil layer. 

Settlement analysis 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 consolidated. 
The effects of fill loads within the building area or 
fill and other loads adjacent to the 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 compressibility shall be determined by a 
registered design professional. 

1805o6 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 design professional and appropriate 
remedial measures satisfactory to the code official 
shall be taken. 

1S05.7 Mock 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 feet below the level of the 
foundations to provide assurance of the soundness of 
the foundation stratum and its bearing capacity. 
Refer to Table 1804.3 for allowable bearing 
pressures and special conditions. 

The maximum presumptive loadbearing capacity 
of Class 1 or Class 2 rock may be increased where 
the surface is leveled or benched, provided that such 
increased safe capacity is determined by load tests on 
an area of not less than one square foot (0.093 m^ in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 1 803.0. 

780 CMR 1806.0 DEPIH OF FOOTINGS 

1806.1 Frost protection: All permanent supports of 
buildings and structures larger than 100 square feet 
(9.3 m^) in area or ten feet (3 m) in height shall 
extend to a minimum of four feet (1.2 m) below 
finished grade except when erected upon sound 
bedrock or when protected from frost, or when the 
foundation grade is established by a registered 
design professional and as approved by the code 
official. Spread footings of adequate size shall be 
provided where necessary to distribute properly the 
load within the allowable load bearing value of the 
soil. Footings shall not bear on frozen soils. 



,2 Isolated footings: Footings on granular soil 
of Classes 7, 8 and 9 of Table 1804.3 and compacted 
fill shall be so located that the line drawn between 
the lower edges of adjoining footings shall not have 
a steeper slope than 30° (0.52 rad) with the 
horizontal unless the material supporting the higher 
footing is braced or retained or otherwise laterally 
supported in an approved manner or a greater slope 
has been properly established by a registered design 
professional. 

1806,3 Deptli of spread foundations: The bottom 
surface of any footing resting on material of 
Classes 5 through 10 of Table 1804.3, shall be at 
least 18 inches (460 mm) below the lowest ground 
surface or the top surface of a floor slab bearing 
direcdy on the soil immediately adjacent to the 
footing. 

780 CMR 1807.0 FOOTING DESIGN 

18®7,1 Design loads: The loads to be used in 
computing the pressure upon bearing materials 
directly underlying foundations shall be the live and 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



dead loads of the structure, as specified in 780 CMR 

1616.0 including the weight of the foundations and 
of any immediately overlying material, but 
deducting fi-om the resulting pressure per square foot 
the total weight of a one-foot-square column of soil, 
including the water in its voids, which extends fi^om 
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. 

1807.2 Vibratory loads: Where machinery 
operations or other vibrations are transmitted 
through the foundation, consideration shall be given 
in the footing design to prevent detrimental 
disturbances of the soil. 

1807.3 Vailing unit pressures: Footings shall be 
so deagned that the unit soil pressure under the dead 
load shall be as uniform as possible under all parts 
of the building structure. When necessary for 
stability in the structure due to settlement or varying 
soil conditions, approved variations are permitted in 
the unit pressure under different footings. 

1807.4 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. 

1807.5 Protection of footings: Trenching installed 
parallel to footings shall not extend below, the line of 
a 45° (0.79 rad) angle downward fi^om the 
loadbearing plane of the footing. 

780 CMR 1808.0 TIMBER FOOTINGS 
AND WOOD FOUNDATIONS 

1808.1 Timber footings: Timber footings are 
permitted for buildings of Type 5 construction and 
as otherwise approved. Such footings shall be 
treated in accordance with AWPA C2 or C3 listed in 
ApperuSxA. Treated timbers are not required where 
placed entirely below permanent water level, or 
where used as capping for 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 70% of the allowable stresses 
for the species and grade of timber as specified in 
NFoPA NDS listed in Appendix A. 

1808.2 Pole buildings: Pole-type buildings shall be 
designed and erected in accordance with AWPI Pole 
Building Design listed in Appendix A. The poles 
shall be treated in accordance with AWPA C2 or C4 
listed in Appendix A. 

1808.3 Wood foundations: Wood foundation 
systems shall be designed and installed in 
accordance with NFoPA TR7 listed in Appendix A. 



All lumber and plywood shall be treated in 
accordance with AWPA C22 listed in Appendix A 
and shall be identified in accordance with 780 CMR 
2311.3.1. 

780 CMR 1809.0 STEEL GRILLAGES 

1809.1 General: All steel grillage beams shall be 
separated with approved steel spacers and shall be 
entirely encased in at least three inches (76 mm) of 
concrete, and the spaces between the beams shall be 
completely filled with concrete or cement grout. 
Where used on yielding soils, steel grillages shall 
rest on approved concrete beds not less than sbc 
inches (152 mm) thick. 



780 CMR 18ia0 CONCRETE FOOTINGS 

1810.1 Concrete strength: Concrete in footings 
shall have a specified compressive strength of not 
less than 2,500 psi (1.76 kg/mm^ at 28 days. 

1810.2 Design: Concrete footings shall comply with 
780 CMR 19 and ACI 318 or ACI 318.1 listed in 
Appendix A. 

1810.2.1 Footing seismic ties: Individual spread 
footings, located on soil profile type S2, S3 or S4, 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1612.4.2, and 
supporting buildings assigned to Seismic 
Performance Category D, in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.2.7, shall be interconnected by 
ties. All ties shall be capable of resisting, in 
tension or compression, a force equal to 10% of 
the larger column dead plus live load. Individual 
tie beams are not required when it is demonstrated 
that equivalent restraint will be provided by 
structural members within slabs on grade or 
r^nforced concrete slabs on grade or confinement 
be competent rock, hard cohesive soils, very 
dense granular soils or other approved means. 

1810.3 Thickness: The thickness of concrete 
footings shall comply with 780 CMR 1810.3.1 and 
1810.3.2, 

1810.3.1 Plain concrete: In plain concrete 
footings, the edge thickness shall not be less than 
eight inches (203 mm) for footings on soil; except 
that for occupancies of Use Group R-3 and 
buildings less than two stories in height of Type 5 
construction, the requu'ed edge thickness shall be 
six inches (152 mm) provided that the footing 
does not extend beyond four inches (102 mm) on 
either side of the supported wall. 

1810.3.2 Reinforced concrete: In reinforced 
concrete footings, the thickness above the bottom 
reinforcement shall not be less than six. inches 
(152 mm) for footings on soil. The clear cover on 
reinforcement where the concrete is cast against 
the earth shall not be less than three inches 
(76 mm). Where concrete is exposed to soil after 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BIHLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



it has been cast, the clear cover shall not be less 
than IV2 inches (38 mm) for reinforcement of 
No. 5 bars or %-inch (16 mm) diameter wire or 
smaller, nor less than two inches (51 mm) for 
larger reinforcement. 

1310.4 Deposition: Concrete footings shall not be 
placed through water unless otherwise approved. 
Where placed under or in the presence of water, the 
concrete shall be deposited by approved means to 
insure minimum segregation of the mix and 
negligible turbulence of the water. 

1810.5 Protection of concrete: Concrete footings 
shall be protected from freezing during depositing 
and for a period of not less than five days thereafter. 
Water shall not be allowed to flow through the 
deposited concrete. 

1810.6 Forming of concrete: Concrete footings 
shall not be cast agamst the earth where, in the 
opinion of the code official, soil conditions warrant 
forming. Where forming is required, forming shall 
be in accordance with Chapter 6 of ACI 318 listed in 
Appendix A. 

780 CMR 1811,0 MASONRY-UNIT 
FOOTINGS 

ISli.l Dimensions: Masonry°unit footings shall be 
laid in Type M or S mortar complying with 
780 CMR 2105.7, and the depth shall not be less 
than twice the projection beyond the wall, pier or 
column. The width shall not be less than eight 
inches (203 mm) wider than the wall supported 
thereon. 

1811.2 Offsets: The maximum offset of each course 
in brick foundation walls stepped up from the 
footings shall be 114 inches (38 mm), if laid in single 
courses, and three inches (76 mm), if laid in double 
courses. 

780 CMR 1812.0 FOUNDATION WALLS 

1812.1 Design: Foundation walls shall be designed 
to resist frost action and to support safely all vertical 
and lateral loads as provided for in 780 CMR 16. 
The maximum stresses caused by combined loads 
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. 

1812.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 1812 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Foundation wall: A wall below the ioor nearest 
grade which serves as a support for a wall, pier, 
column or other structural part of a building. 



Retaining wall: A wall designed to resist the lateral 
displacement of soil or other material. 



.3 Minimum thickness: The thickness of 
foundation walls shall not be less than the thickness 
of the wall supported, and the minimum thickness 
shall be limited for the various materials of 
construction as herein specified. Eight-inch 
foundation walls shall be permitted under brick- 
veneered frame and under ten-inch cavity walls 
where the total height of the wall supported, 
including gables, is not more than 20 feet (6 m). 

1812.3.1 Reinforced concrete: Reinforced 
concrete exterior foundations and exterior and 
interior basement walls which retain or support 
the lateral pressure of earth or water shall not be 
!ess than TA inches (191 mm) thick. 

1812.3.2 Hollow and solid masonry and plain 
concrete: The thickness of masonry foundation 
walls shall not be less than shown m Table 
1 8 1 2. 3 .2 for the type of foundation used. Where 
the height of the unbalanced fill (height of 
finished ground level above the basement floor or 
inside ground level) exceeds eight feet (2.4 m) or 
where the equivalent fluid weight of the 
unbalanced fill exceeds 30 pounds per cubic foot 
(pcf) (146 kg/m ) or where the height of the 
foundation wall between lateral supports exceeds 
eight feet (2.4 m), the foundation wall thickness 
shall be determined by structural analysis in 
accordance with ACI 530/ASCE 5/ TMS 402 or 
ACI 318.1 listed in Appendix A. 

Table 1812,3.2 
THICKNESS OF FOUNDATION WALLS 



Foundation wall 
construction 


Thickness 
(inches) 


Maximum depth of 

unbalanced fill 

(feet) 


Masonry of hollow units 
Ungrouted 


8 
10 
12 


4 
5 
6 


leinfiwced verticatfy with 
• #lbarsaDdgroBl3t24" 
OJi. Bars locatednot less 
Ihan 4W feom pre^ure 

side of wall*''*' 


8 ■ 


7 ■ 


Masonry of solid units 


8 
10 
12 


5 
6 

7 


Plaiftcotwreteor 
' laasonryofk^owor 
solid units, fblh miated 


to 

12 


7 
8 
8 



Note a. Maximum depths of unbalanced fill shall be 
permitted to be mcreased with the approval of the code 
official where soil conditions or local experience warrant 
such increase. 

Note b. The actual thickness shall not be more than 
'/2 inch less than the required nominal thickness specified 
in the table. 

Note c Other bar sizes and spacings shall be 
permitted as determined by structural analysis as required 
in ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 listed in Appendix A. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Note d 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 

18123J HoIIow-unit walls: Foundation walls of 
approved hollow masonry units shall be provided 
with not less than four inches (102 mm) of solid 
masonry at girder supports, or shall be 
strengthened with buttresses. 

1812.3.4 Rubble stone: Foundation walls of 
rough or random rubble stone shall not be less 
than 16 inches (406 mm) thick. 

1812.3.5 Bonding: All foundation walls shall be 
bonded as required for superstructure walls in 
780 CMR 2110.0. 

1812.4 Increased thickness with depth: Where any 
foundation wall, other than a wall that is designed as 
a retaining wall, extends more than 12 feet (3.7 m) 
below the top of the first floor beams, the thickness 
of the wall shall be increased four inches (102 mm) 
for each additional 12 feet (3.7 m) or fi-action thereof 
in depth. 

1812.5 Corbels on eight-inch walls: Where an 
eight-inch (203 mm) wall is corbelled, the top corbel 
shall be a foil course of headers at least six inches 
(152 nrni) in length, extending not higher than the 
bottom of the floor fi"aming. The maximum 
projection of one unit shall exceed neither V^ of the 
depth of the imit nor Va of its width at right angles to 
the face which is offset. 

1812.6 Lateral stability: Foundation walls of 
buildings and structures which serve as retaining 
walls shall conform to the applicable requirements 
of 780 CMR 1825.0, and shall be strengthened with 
buttresses or additional wall thickness to resist 
lateral soil and hydrostatic pressure where subjected 
thereto, and to resist seismic loads as required by 
780 CMR 1612.4.9. 

780 CMR 1813.0 WATERPROOFING 
AND DAMPPROOFING 

1813.1 Where required: Walls or portions thereof 
that retain earth and enclose interior spaces and 
floors below grade shall be waterproofed and 
dampproofed in accordance with 780 CMR 1813.0, 
with the exception of those spaces containhig use 
groups other than residential and institutional where 
such omission is not detrimental to the building or 
occupancy. 

1813.1.1 Story above grade: Where a basement 
is considered a story above grade and the finished 
ground level adjacent to the basement wall is 
below the basement floor elevation for 25% or 
more of the perimeter, the floor and walls shaU be 
dampproofed in accordance with 780 CMR 
1813.3 and a foundation drain shall be installed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1813.5.2. The 
foundation drain shall be installed around the 
portion of the perimeter where the basement floor 



is below ground level. The provisions of 
780 CMR 1813.2, 1813.4 and 1813.5.1 shall not 
apply in this case. 

1813.1.2 Underfloor space: The finished ground 
level of Jui underfloor space such as a crawl space 
shall not be located below the bottom of the 
footings. Where there is evidence that the ground 
water table rises to within six inches (152 mm) of 
the ground level at the outside building perimeter 
or where there is evidence that the surface water 
does not readily drain fi-om the building site, the 
ground level of the underfloor space shall be as 
high as the outside finished ground level, unless 
an approved drainage system is provided. The 
provisions of 780 CMR 1813.2, 1813.3, 1813.4, 
1813.5 and 1813.6 shall not apply in this case. 

1813.2 Ground water table investigation: The 

owner or applicant shall perform a subsurface soil 
investigation in accordance wdth 780 CMR 1802.0 to 
determine the possibility of the ground water table 
rising above the proposed elevation of the floor or 
floors below grade. 

Exception: A subsurface soil investigation shall 
not be required where: 

1 . Waterproofing is to be provided; 

2. Satisfactory data fi-om adjacent areas are 
available which demonstrate that ground water 
has not been a problem; or 

3 . Floodproofing is to be provided in accordance 
with 780 CMR 3 107.0. 

1813.2.1 Ground water control: Where the 
ground water table is lowered and maintained at 
an elevation not less than six inches (152 mm) 
below the bottom of the lowest floor, the floor and 
walls shall be dampproofed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1813.3. The design of the system to 
lower the ground water table shall be based upon 
accepted principles of engineering which shall 
consider, but not necessarily be limited to: 
permeabDity of the soil; rate at which water enters 
the dnunage system; rated capacity of pumps; 
head against which pumps are to pump; and the 
rated capacity of the disposal area of the system. 
The design shall also take into account any 
adverse impacts on utilities, structures or other 
facilities in the ^^cinity which would result fi-om 
the lowering of groundwater levels. 

18133 Dampprooing required: Where hydrostatic 
pressure will not occur as determined by 780 CMR 
1813.2, floors and walls for other than wood 
foundation systems shall be dampproofed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1813.0. Wood 
foundation systems shall be constructed in 
accordance wth NFoPA TR7 listed in Appendix A. 

1813.3.1 Floor applications: The required 
dampproofing materials shall be installed between 
the floor and the base course required by 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



780 CMR 1813.5.1, except where a separate floor 
is provided above a concrete slab. 

1813.3.1.1 Floor dampprooflng mMerlals: 
Where installed beneath the slab, 
dampproofing shall consist of not less than 
6-mil (.006 inch; 152 fxm) polyethylene with 
joints lapped not less than sbc inches 
(152 mm), or other approved methods or 
materials. Where permitted to be instaUed on 
top of the slab, dampproofing shall consist of 
mopped-on bitumen, not less than 4-mil 
(.004 inch; 102 ixm) polyethylene, or other 
approved methods or materials. Joints in the 
membrane shall be lapped and sealed in 
accordance with the manufacturer's installation 
instructions. 

1813.3.2 Wails: Dampproofing materials shall be 
installed on the exterior surface of walls and shall 
extend fi-om the top of the footing to above 
ground level. 

1813.3.2.1 Surface preparation of walls: 
Prior to application of dampproofing materials 
on concrete walls, all holes and recesses 
resulting fi"om the removal of form ties shall be 
sealed with a bituminous material or other 
approved methods or materials. Unit masonry 
walls shall be parged on the exterior surface 
below ground level with not less than % inch 
(10 mm) of Portland cement mortar. The 
par^g shall be coved at the footing. 

Exception: Parging of unit masonry walls is 
not required where a material is approved 
for direct application to the masonry. 

1813.3.2.2 Wall dampproofing materials: 
Dampproofing shall consist of a bituminous 
material, three pounds per square yard of 
acrylic modified cement, %-inch coat of 
surface-bonding mortar complying with ASTM 
C887 listed in Appendix A, any of the 
materials permitted for waterproofing by 
780 CMR 1813.4.2.2, or other approved 
methods or materials. 

1813.4 Waterproofing required: Where the ground 
water investigation required by 780 CMR 1813.2 
indicates that a hydrostatic pressure condition exists, 
walls and floors shall be waterproofed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1813.4. 

1813.4.1 Floors: Floors required to be 
waterproofed shall be of concrete, designed and 
constructed to withstand the hydrostatic pressures 
to which the floors will be subjected. 

1813.4.1.1 Floor waterproofing materials: 
Waterproofing shall be accomplished by 
placing a membrane of rubberized asphalt, 
butyl rubber, neoprene, or not less than 6-mil 
(.006 mch; 152 fjm) polyvinyl chloride or 
polyethylene with joints lapped not less than 
six inches (152 mm) or other approved 



materials under the slab. Joints in the 
membrane shall be lapped and sealed in 
accordance with the manufacturer's installation 
mstructions. 

1813.4.2 Walls: Walls required to be 
waterproofed shall be of concrete or masonry and 
shall be designed and constructed to withstand the 
hydrostatic pressures and other lateral loads to 
which the walls will be subjected. 

1813.4.2.1 Surface preparation of walls: 
Prior to the application of waterproofing 
materials on concrete or masonry walls, the 
walls shall be prepared in accordance with 
780 CMR 1813.3.2.1. 

1813.4.2.2 Wall waterprooSiiig materials: 
Waterproofing shall be applied fi"om the 
bottom of the wall to not less than 12 inches 
(305 mm) above the maximum elevation of the 
ground water table. The remainder of the wall 

• shall be dampproofed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1813.3.2.2. Waterproofing shall 
consist of two-ply hot-mopped felts, not less 
than 6-mil (.006-inch; 152-jam) polyvinyl 
chloride, 40-mil (.040-inch; 1 mm) polymer- 
modified asphalt, 6-mil (.006-inch; 152-//m) 
polyethylene or other approved methods or 
materials capable of bridging nonstructural 
cracks. Joints in the membrane shall be lapped 
and sealed in accordance with the 
manufacturer's installation instructions. 

1813.43 Joints and penetrations: Joints in walls 
and floors, joints between the walls and floor, and 
penetrations of the wall and floor shall be made 
water tight utilizing approved methods and 
materials. 



I.S Subsoil drainage system: Where a 
hydrostatic pressure condition does not exist, 
dampproofing shall be provided and a base shall be 
installed under the floor and a drain installed around 
the foundation perimeter. A subsoil drainage system 
designed and constructed in accordance with 
780 CMR 1813.2.1 shall be deemed adequate for 
lowering the groundwater table. 

1813.5.1 Floor base: Floors of basements, except 
as provided for in 780 CMR I8I3.1.1, shall be 
placed over a base course not less than four inches 
(102 mm) in thickness that consists of gravel or 
crushed stone containing not more than 10% of 
material that passes through a No. 4 sieve. 

Exception: Where a site is located in well- 
drained gravel or sand/gravel mixture soils, a 
floor base is not required. 

1813.5.2 Foundation drain: A drain shall be 
placed around the perimeter of a foundation that 
consists of gravel or crushed stone containing not 
more than 10% material that passes through a 
No. 4 sieve. The drain shall extend a minimum of 



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12 inches (102 mm) beyond the outside edge of 
the footing. The thickness shall be such that the 
bottom of the drain is not higher than the bottom 
of the base under the floor, and that the top of the 
drain is not less than six inches (152 mm) above 
the top of the footing. The top of the drain shall 
be covered with an approved filter membrane 
material. Where a drain tile or perforated pipe is 
used, the invert of the pipe or tile shall not be 
higher than the top of the lowest floor elevation. 
The top of joints shall be protected vwth an 
approved filter membrane material. The pipe or 
tile shall be placed on not less than two inches 
(51 mm) of gravel or crushed stone complying 
with 780 CMR 1813.5.1, and shall be covered 
with not less than six inches (152 mm) of the 
same material. 

1813.5.3 Drainage disposal: The floor base and 
foundation perimeter drain shall discharge by 
gravity or mechanical means into an approved 
drainage system that complies with the plumbing 
code (248 CMR) listed in Appendix A. 

Exception: Where a site is located in well- 
drained gravel or sand/gravel mbcture soils, a 
dedicated drainage system is not required. 

1813.6 Placement of backfill: The excavation 
outside the foundation shall be backfilled with soil 
that is firee of organic material, construction debris 
and large rocks. The backfill shall be placed in lifts 
and compacted in a manner which does not damage 
the foundation, the waterproofing or the 
dampproofing material. 

1813.7 Site grading: The ground immediately 
adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped away fi'om 
the building at a slope of not less than one unit 
vertical in 12 units horizontal (1: 12) for a minimum 
distance of eight feet (2.4 m) measured perpendicu- 
lar to the face of the wall or an approved alternate 
method of diverting water away fi"om the foundation 
shall be used. The procedure utilized to establish the 
final ground level adjacent to the foundation shall 
account for all additional settlement of the backfill. 

1813.8 Erosion protection: Where water impacts 
the ground fi-om the edge of the roof, downspout, 
scupper or other rainwater collection or diversion 
device, provisions shall be made to prevent soil 
erosion and direct the water away firom the 
foundation. 

780 CMR 1814.0 MAT, RAFT AND 
FLOAT FOUNDATIONS 

1814.1 General: Mat, raft and float foundations 
shall only be used where the applied loads of the 
building or structure are so arranged as to result in 
practically uniformly balanced loading, and the soil 
immediately below the mat is of uniform 
loadbearing capacity. The characteristics of the soil 



under the mat or raft shall be considered in the 
analysis of loading on mats and other continuous 
footings, and due allowance shall be made for 
possible concentrated soil pressures under heavily 
loaded columns. 

1814.2 Settlement Analysis: The design of floating 
foundations shall include a settlement analysis in 
accordance with the provisions on 780 CMR 
1805.5. 

780 CMR 1815.0 PIER FOUNDATIONS 

1815.1 General: A foundation pier is here defined 
as a structural member which extends to satisfactory 
bearing materials to develop support by end bearing 
and/or firiction in those materials. The pier shall be 
constructed by advancing a hole to the required 
depth using non-displacement methods and filling 
the hole with reinforced or plan concrete. 780 CMR 
1815.0 includes foundation types referred to as 
drilled piers, drilled shafts and caissons, including 
both circular and non-circular foundation elements. 
Uncased piles installed by the hollow stem auger 
method are included in 780 CMR 1820.2, Augered 
uncased piles. 

The minimum dimension of the pier shall be no 
less than 12 inches (305 mm). The base may be 
enlarged by belling to increase the bearing area. 

1815.1.1 Special types of piers: Types of piers 
not specifically covered by the provisions of 
780 CMR 1815.0 may be permitted, subject to the 
approval of the code oflScial, upon the submission 
of acceptable test data and design and 
construction information prepared by a registered 
design professional stating that the pier 
installation is adequate to fulfill the design 
requirements. 

1815.2 Seismic design: 

1815.2.1 Foundation ties: Pier foundations shall 
be intercoimected by ties capable of resisting, in 
tension or compression, a force equal to 10% of 
the larger column dead plus live load. Individual 
tie beams sire not required when it is demonstrated 
that equivalent restraint will be provided by 
structural members within slabs on grade or 
ndnforced concrete slabs on grade or confinement 
by conipetent rock, hard cohesive soils, dense 
granular soils or other approved means. 

1815.2.2 Sebmic reinforcement: Cast in place 
concrete piers shall have minimum reinforcement 
of 0.25% of the minimum pier design cross- 
sectional area for buildings assigned to Seismic 
Performance Category C, and a minimum 
reinforcement of 0.50% for buildings assigned to 
Seismic Performance Category D in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1612.2.7. The minimum pier 
dedgn croiss-sectional area is that area determined 
in accordance with 780 CMR 181 5.6. (The actual 



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FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



constructed cross-sectional area maybe larger.) The 
reinforcing shall be placed in the top Va of the pier 
length or extend ten feet (3 m) from the top of the 
pier, whichever is the longer length. 

For Seismic Performance Category C 
buildings, the pier reinforcing shall be a minimum 
of four longitudinal bars with closed ties, or 
equivalent spirals, having a minimum diameter of 
Va inch. The ties shall be provided at a maximum 
spacing of 16 times the longitudinal reinforcing 
bar diameter and shall enclose an area of concrete 
sufficient to conjfine the minimum design cross- 
sectional concrete area. The maximum tie spacing 
in the top two feet (0.6 m) of the pier length shall 
be four inches (102 mm). Tie detailing shall be in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1903.4. 

For Seismic Performance Category D 
buildings, the pier reinforcing shall be a minimum 
of four longitudinal bars with closed ties, or 
equivalent spirals, having a minimum diameter of 
% inch, for piers with a diameter of 20 inches 
(508 mm) or less; and a minimum tie diameter of 
Vz inch, for piers with a diameter more than 20 
inches (508 mm). The ties shall be provided at a 
maximum spacing of eight times the longitudinal 
reinforcing bar diameter. The maximum tie 
spacing in the top four feet (1.2 m) of the pier 
length shall be three inches (76 mm). Tie 
detailing shall be in accordance with 780 CMR 
1903.5. 

• Exception: Pier ties or spirals are not required 
where permanent metal casing (steel pipe, steel 
tube or spiral-welded steel shell) is used, 
provided the casing has minimum thickness as 
follows: for seismic Performance Category C 
buildings, 0.058 inch (1.5 mm), and for 
Category Performance Category D buildings, 
0.070 inch (1.8 mm). The steel casing must be 
adequately protected from corrosion due to 
soil, changing water levels, or other subgrade 
conditions indicated by the site soil 
investigation. 

1815.2.3 Fier cap conisectloia: All piers shall be 
connected to the pier cap so that pier 
reinforcement is embedded in the cap for a 
distance equal to the development length as 
specified in ACI 318 listed \n Appendix A, Field- 
placed dowels anchored in the concrete piers are 
acceptable. The development length to be 
provided is the full development length of the 
reinforcement for compression without reduction 
in length for excess area. 

1815.2.4 Alternative detailing: Alternative 
measures for laterally confining concrete and 
maintaining toughness and ductile-like behavior at 
the top of the pier shall be permitted provided 
consideration is given to forcing the hinge to 
occur in the confined region. 

IM.5.3 loslallatioii: In unstable soils, a temporary 
casing or slurry shall be used to stabilize the 



excavation. When a slurry is used to stabilize the 
excavation, the level and quality of the slurry shall 
be monitored and controlled to maintain stability of 
the shaft and the bearing surface. 

1515.4 Enlarged bases: Bell-shaped bases shall 
have a minimum edge thickness of four inches 
(102 mm). The bell roof shall slope not less than 
60° with the horizontal unless the base is designed 
in accordance with ACI 336 listed in Appendix A 
(hereinafter AQ 336). 

1815.5 Placement of concrete: Concrete may be 
dropped into the pier from the ground surface 
provided no more than three inches (76 mm) of 
water remains in the bottom and the concrete will 
free-fall vertically without obstruction. The concrete 
shall be placed in a rapid, continuous operation and 
controlled such that the concrete does not segregate. 

1815J.1 No piers shall be installed near a 
concreted pier until the concrete has set 
sufficiently to avoid damage to the concreted pier. 

1815.5.2 For piers without enlarged bases, 
concrete or grout may be placed through still 
water or slurry. A properly operated tremie or 
pumping method shall be used. Samples of the 
slurry shall be tested to determine the properties 
prior to placing concrete in each pier. The quality, 
consistency, and density of the slurry shall be 
controlled to ensure that there will be free-flow of 
concrete from the tremie pipe. The concrete must 
be placed such that all water, slurry and 
contaminated concrete below design cutoff level 
is displaced. 

1815.53 For piers with enlarged bases, the 
concrete may be placed under slurry, based upon 
the recommendations of a registered design 
professional and with the approval of the code 
official. The specific soil or rock conditions, 
equipment and procedures used shall be taken into 
account. 

1815.5.4 A suitable method shall be employed to 
verify that the entire length of the shaft is 
completely filled with concrete. Such means shall 
include the ability to determine the incremental 
volumes of concrete installed in relation to 
calculated shaft volume. 

1815.6 Design stresses: Foundation piers may be 
designed as concrete columns with continuous lateral 
support below the soil level. The unit compressive 
stress in the concrete shall not exceed 33% of the 28 
day strength of the concrete or 1,600 psi, whichever 
is less. The unit compressive stress in the steel 
reinforcement or the permanent steel casing shall not 
exceed 40% of the yield strength of the steel or 
24,000 psi, whichever is less. Permanent steel 
casing which is used as structural reinforcement 
shall be protected against corrosion in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1816.4.L 



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1815.7 Alignment: When the center of the cross 
section of a foundation pier at any level deviates 
from the resultant of all forces more than 1/50 of its 
height, or more than 1/10 of its diameter, it shall be 
reinforced as provided in ACI 336. The restraining 
effect of the surrounding soil may be taken into 
account. 

1815.8 Allowable bearing pressure: The allowable 
bearing pressure on the bottom of the pier shall be in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1804.3 Additional load 
may be carried by using higher bearing pressures 
than allowed by 780 CMR 1804.3 and/or by friction 
on the sides of the pier embedded in suitable bearing 
material based on recommendations by a registered 
design professional and subject to the approval of 
the code official. Such recommendations shall be 
based on the results of load tests or other suitable 
tests or analyses carried out to measure side friction 
and/or end bearing of piers installed in the same 
bearing stratum. 

1815.9 Minimum spacing: The minimum center-to- 
center spacing between adjacent piers designed for 
friction support shall be not less than two times the 
shaft diameter. 

1815.10 Special provisions: For piers with shaft 
diameter less than 24 inches (610 mm), the 
following special provisions shall apply: 

1815.10.1 For piers with temporary casing 
extending to the bottom, the concrete may be 
poured from the top in accordance with 780 CMR 
1815.5. 

1815.10.2: For all other cases, piers shall be filled 
from the bottom upward through a trenue or 
concrete pump tube in accordance with 780 CMR 
1815.5.2 

1815.11 Records: The owner shall engage a 
registered design professional to monitor the 
installation of the piers. The design professional or 
his representative, qualified by training and 
experience, shall be present at all times while 
foundation piers are being installed, to observe and 
test the bearing material in place, to verify the pier 
dimensions and to observe concrete placement. 
When direct inspection of the bearing surface is 
impossible, a suitable method shall be employed to 
verify the condition of the bearing material and to 
make the measurements and tests. Records of all 
observations, tests and dimensions shall be signed by 
the registered design professional and a copy shall 
be filed in the office of the code official. 

780 CMR 1816.0 PILE FOUNDATIONS 

1816.1 InvesUgation: Pile foundations shall be 
designed and installed on the basis of a foundation 
investigation and report conducted in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1802.0. The investigation shall 
include borings, test pits or other subsurface 



explorations at locations and depths sufficient to 
determine the position, thickness and adequacy of 
the loadbearing soils and demonstrate that there are 
no compressible soil deposits below the bearing 
stratum which would adversely affect the structure, 
except where sufficient data upon which to base the 
design and installation are available fi^om other 
sources. In addition, the building site shall be 
investigated for all conditions which might promote 
deterioration of pile foundations, in order to satisfy 
the requirements of 780 CMR 1816.4. The 
investigation and report shall include, but not be 
limited to, the following: 

1. Recommended pile types and installed 
capacities; 

2. Driving criteria; 

3. Installation and field inspection procedures; 

4. Pile load test requirements; 

5. Durability of pile materials; and 

6. Designation of loadbearing stratum or strata. 

1816.2 Special piles: Types of piles not specifically 
covered by the provisions of 780 CMR 1 8 1 6.0 may 
be permitted, subject to the approval of the code 
official, upon the submission of acceptable test data 
and design and construction information prepared by 
a registered design professional stating that the pile 
installation is adequate to fulfill the design 
requirements. 

1816.3 Seismic Design 

1816.3.1 Seismic reinforcement: Piles shall have 
minimum longitudinal reinforcement and 
confining reinforcement in accordance with the 
provisions for specific pile types set forth in 
780 CMR 1818.0 through 780 CMR 1824.0. 

Where a minimum length for reinforcement or 
the extent of closely spaced confinement 
reinforcement is specified at the top of the pile, 
provisions shall be made so that those specified 
lengths or extents are maintained after pile cutoff. 

Where seismic reinforcement at the top of the 
pile is required, alternative measures for laterally 
confining concrete and maintaining toughness and 
ductile-lilce behavior at the top of the pile shall be 
permitted provided consideration is given to 
forcing the hinge to occur in the confined region. 

18163.2 File bending seismic design: Piling for 
buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category D, in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.2.7, shall be designed for the maximum 
imposed curvatures resulting from seismic forces 
on free-standing piles where the piles are located 
in loose granular soils or in soil-profile type S3 or 
S4, in accordance with 780 CMR 1612.4.1. The 
piles shall be designed and detailed in accordance 
with the special moment frame requirements of 
780 CMR 1903.3.3 or 780 CMR 2203.2 for a 
length equal to 120% of the flexural length. The 
flcxural length shall be the distance from the point 
of fixity to the pile cap. 



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1816.33 Pile cap seismic coimectloiii: Piles shall 
be connected to the pile caps in accordance with 
the provisions for specific pile types set forth in 
780 CMR 1818.0 through 780 CMR 1824.0. 

1816.3.4 File foundation seismic ties: Piles or 
pile caps shall be interconnected by ties capable of 
resisting, in tension or compression, a force equal 
to 10% of the larger column dead plus live load. 
Individual tie beams are not required when it is 
demonstrated that equivalent restraint will be 
provided by structural members within slabs on 
grade or reinforced concrete slabs on grade or 
confinement by competent rock, cohesive soils, 
dense granular soils or other approved means. 

1816.4 Protection of pile materials: Where boring 
records, previous experience, or site conditions 
indicate possible deleterious action on pile materials 
because of soil constituents, changing water levels or 
other factors, the pile materials shall be adequately 
protected by approved materials, methods or 
processes. Protective materials shall be applied to 
the piles so as not to be rendered ineffective by 
driving. 

1816.4.1 SteeS 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 of the following procedures shall 
be used for protection, or any other method which 
will satisfy the requirements of the code official: 

1 . Remove all objectionable material. 

2. Effectively protect the steel surface from 
pile cutoff grade to a grade 15 feet (4.6 m) 
below the bottom of the objectionable material 
by means of: 

a. cathodic protection as approved by the 
code official; 

b. an approved encasement of not less than 
three inches (76 mm) of dense concrete; 

c. an effective protective coating subject to 
the approval of the code official; or 

d. providing an excess steel thickness of Vs 
inch (3.2 mm) beyond design requirements 
on all exposed steel surfaces. 

1816.4.2 . Timber plies: The preservative 
treatment of timber piles shall comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 1 822.2. 

18165 Lateral support:" Any soil 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 to the completion of the foundation, the 
resistance offered by such material shall not be 
considered to contribute to the lateral supporting 
capacity. 

1816.5.1 Column action: The portion of a pile 
that is not laterally supported shall be designed as 
a column in accordance with 780 CMR 19 taking 
into consideration the conditions of end fixity. 



1816.6 Group action: In cohesive soils, the 
compressive load capacity of a group of friction piles 
shall be analyzed by a generally accepted 
engineering method, and, where such analysis 
indicates, the individual allowable pile load shall be 
reduced accordingly. 

1816.7 Stability: 

1816.7.1 Wall foundations: All piles in wall 
foundations shall be staggered about the center of 
gravity of the wall load at a minimum distance of 
Vi the pile 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. 

1516.7.2 Columns; Individual columns supported 
on piles shall be designed for eccentricity between 
the column and the centroid of the supporting 
piles equal to a minimum of three inches (76 mm) 
or the actual eccentricity, whichever is greater. 
The design shall account for such eccentricity 
through one of the following methods: 

a. By supporting the colunm on a minimum of 
three piles in a triangular pattern. 

b. By designing walls, grade beams or 
structural floors to resist the bending moment 
induced by the eccentricity. 

c. By designing the piles, column or both to 
resist the bending moment induced by the 
eccentricity and providing adequate lateral 
restraint at the top of the piles to resist the 
lateral thrust due to the bending moment. 

1816.8 Structural integrity: Files shall be installed 
in such a manner and sequence as to prevent 
distortion or damage to piles being instjJled or 
already in place, to the extent that such distortion or 
damage affects the structural integrity of the piles. 

When piles have been damaged in driving, or have 
been driven in locations and alignment other than 
those indicated on the plans, or have capacities less 
than required 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. 



.9 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 1% 
times the diagonal dimension of a rectangular pile. 
When driven to or penetrating into rock, the spacing 
shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm). When 
receiving principal support firom end-bearing on 
materials other than rock or through frictional 
resistance, the spacing shall be not less than 30 
inches (762 mm) or as provided in 780 CMR 
1820.4.6 for Pressure Injected Footings. 

1816.10 Splices: Splices shall be avoided insomuch 
as practicable. When used, slices shall be 
constructed so as to provide and maintain true 



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alignment and position of the component parts of the 
pile during installation and subsequent thereto, and 
shall be of adequate strength to transmit the vertical 
and lateral loads and moments occurring at the 
location of the splice during driving and under 
service loading. Splices shall develop not less than 
50% of the capacity of the pile in bending. 
Additionally, all pile splices occurring in the upper 
ten feet (3 m) of the embedded portion of the pile 
shall be capable of resisting at allowable working 
stresses the moment and shear that results from an 
assumed eccentricity of the pile load of three inches 
(76 mm); or the pile shall be braced in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1816.7 to otherpiles that do not have 
splices in the upper ten feet (3 m) of embedment. 

1816.11 Pile caps: Pile caps shall be of reinforced 
concrete. The soil immediately below the pile cap 
shall not be considered as carrying any vertical load. 
The tops of all piles shall be embedded not less than 
three inches (76 mm) into pile caps, and the caps 
shall extend at least four inches (102 mm) beyond 
the edges of all piles. The tops of all piles shall be 
cut back to sound material before capping. 

1816.12 Pre-excavation: Jetting, augering and other 
methods of pre-excavation must be approved by the 
code official and carried out in the same manner as 
used for piles subject to load test and in a manner 
which will not impair the carrying capacity of the 
piles already in place or the safety of existing 
adjacent structures. Pre-excavation shall be of the 
same method as carried out on piles subject to load 
tests. Immediately after completion of jetting or 
augering, the pile shall be advanced to the maximum 
depth of pre-excavation and driven below this depth 
to the required load resistance. Where load tests are 
required, pre-excavation of test piles will be of the 
same manner as proposed for production piles. 

1816.13 Inspection: The owner shall engage a 
registered design professional who shall submit his 
qualifications in writing to the code official. This 
design professional, or his representative, who must 
be qualified by experience and training, shall be 
present at all times while piles are being driven to 
observe all work in connection with the piles. The 
design professional 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 inches (150 mm) 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 design professional, and filed in the 
office of the code official. 

1816.14 Identification: All pile materials shall be 
identified for conformity to the specified grade with 
this identification maintained continuously from the 
point of manufacture to the point of installation or 



shall be tested by an approved agency to determine 
conformity to the specified grade and the approved 
agency shall furnish an affidavit of compliance to the 
code official . 

1816.15 File location plan: A plan showing the 
location and designation of all piles by an 
identification system shall be filed with the code 
official prior to installation of such piles. All 
detailed records for individual piles shall bear an 
identification corresponding to that shown on the 
plan. 

1816.16 Use of existing piles: Piles that have 
previously supported a partially or fully demolished 
stmcture shall not be used for support of new 
construction unless satisfactory evidence is 
submitted to the code official which indicates that 
the piles have not been adversely impacted by the 
demolition, are sound, have adequate capacity to 
support the new design loads, and meet all of the 
requirements of 780 CMR. The capacities of such 
piles shall be detennined by analyses, load testing or 
redriving. The design load applied to such piles 
shall not exceed the greater of the following values: 

a. actual sustained load determined to have been 
previously supported satisfactorily by the piles, up 
to a maximum of 120 tons 

b. the documented, as-built design capacity of 
the piles, as confirmed by prior load testing 

c. design capacity determined by analyses and 
confirmed by new load testing or by redriving per 
780 CMR 1817.3.1 on one or more piles 
representative of each configuration (s) of pile and 
subsurface conditions. 

1816.17 Pile driveability: Pile cross sections shall 
be of sufficient size and strength to withstand 
handling and driving stresses without damage to the 
pile and to provide sufficient stiffness to transmit the 
required driving forces. Driven piles of uniform 
cross section or tapered piles shall have a minimum 
nominal diameter of eight inches (200 mm) except as 
provided in 780 CMR 1820.6.4 for small diameter 
grouted piles, 780 CMR 1822.3.3 for timber piles 
and 780 CMR 1821.1 for precast concrete piles. 
Tapered shoes or points of lesser dimensions may be 
attached to the pile unit. 

1816.18 Pile heave: Adequate provision shall be 
made to observe pile heave. Accurate reference 
points shall be established on each pile immediately 
after installation; for cast-in-place piles with unfilled 
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 V2 inch (13 
mm) or more occurs, the heaved piles shall be re- 
driven to develop the required capacity and 
penetration, or the capacity of the pile may be 
verified by load tests in accordance with 
780 CMR 1817.4. 



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1816.19 Settlement analysis: The settlement of 
individual piles or groups of piles shallbe estimated 
based upon approved methods of analysis and in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1805.2.2. The predicted 
settlement shall neither cause harmful distortion of 
or instability in the structure, nor cause any stresses 
to exceed allowable values. 

1816.20 Use of vibratosy drivers: Vibratory drivers 
shall only be used to install piles where the pile load 
capacity is verified by load tests in accordance with 
780 CMR 1817.4. The installation of production 
piles shall be controlled according to power 
consumption, rate of penetration or other approved 
means that assure pile capacities equal to or 
exceeding those of the test piles. 

1816.21 Installation sequence: Piles shall be 
installed in such sequence as to avoid compacting 
the surrounding soil to the extent that other piles 
cannot be installed properly, and to prevent ground 
movements that could damage adjacent structures. 

780 CMR 1817.0 ALLOWABLE PILE LOADS 

1817ol General: The allowable load on piles shall 
be determined by the applicable formulas complying 
with accepted engineering practice or load tests as 
stated herein. The maximum load capacity shall be 
limited by the supporting capacity as obtained from 
bearing upon or embedment in bearing materials as 
defined in 780 CMR 1804.0 and 1805.0, but the load 
shall not exceed the capacity of the pile designed in 
accordance vnth the provisions of 780 CMR 1817.0 
and the Code provisions for the construction 
materials involved. 

The allowable load on a pile shall not be limited 
to load obtained by multiplying its point area by the 
allowable bearing pressure given in 780 CMR 
1804.3. 

1817.2 Files in subsiding areas: Where piles are 
driven through subsiding fills or other subsiding 
strata and derive support fi"om underiying firmer 
materials, the downward finction forces which are 
imposed on the piles by the subsiding upper strata 
shall be included in the design. 



1817.3 Determination of allowabBe load: In the 
absence of pile load tests performed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1817.4, the load on a single pile, 
except for the pile types covered in 780 CMR 1820.2 
(augered uncased piles), 780 CMR 1820.4 (pressure 
injected footings) and 780 CMR 1824.0 (steel-core 
caissons), shall not exceed the higher of the two 
values determined in accordance with 780 CMR 
1817.3.1 (driving formula) or 780 CMR 1817.3.2 
(firiction formula in clay). Loads on jacked piles 
shall be determined in accordance with 1817.3.3. 

IS17.3.1 Driving formula: 



1 . Where the design load capacity of the pile 
does not exceed 50 tons, the allowable load 
may be computed by means of the following 
driving formula: 



R = 



IE 



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 expressed in 

inches; and 

C = constant equal to 1 .0 for drop hammer 

and 0. 1 for steam or air hammer. 

2. When the design load capacity of a pile 
exceeds 50 tons, the required driving resistance 
shall be increased above that required by the 
driving formula in 780 CMR 1817.3.1 based on 
load tests or past experience under similar 
conditions. 

3. The value of S must be determined with the 
hammer operating at 100% 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 hour, the value 
of S shall not be determined until the pile is 
driven at least an additional 12 inches 
(305 mm), except when it encounters refiisal 
on or is in a material of Classes 1 through 6. 

6. When any pile is driven througli a layer of 
gravel, sand or hard clay exceeding five feet in 
thickness, and through an underlying soft 
stratum to reach the bearing stratum, the 
bearing capacity shall not be determined in 
accordance with the driving formula, unless 
jetting is used during the entire driving of the 
pile through the layer of gravel, sand or hard 
clay or unless a hole is pre-excavated through 
said layer for each pile. 

1817.3.2 Friction formula in clay: Where the 
design load does not exceed 22 tons, the 
allowable load on a pile stopped in soil of 
Material Class 10 (Table 1804.3) of medium to 
hard consistency may be based on a fiiction value 
of 500 psf of embedded pile surface. Higher 
design loads or other friction values shall be 
determined by pile load tests in accordance with 
780 CMR 1817.4 or 1817.7. 

The embedded length shall be the length of the 
pile below the surface of the Class 10 soil or 
below the surface of immediately overlying 
satisfactory bearing material. The area of 
embedded pile surface shall be computed by 
multiplying the embedded length by the perimeter 
of the smallest circle or polygon that can be 



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circumscribed around the average section of the 
embedded length of the pile. The method of 
determining the allowable load described in 
780 CMR 1817.3.2 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 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 the piles. 

1817.3.3 Jacked piles: 

1. Not less than 10% 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 
piles and shall be proof-loaded to 125% of 
design load (production piles). 

2. For production piles, the 125% of design 
load shall be maintained for at least 30 
minutes. Acceptability criteria: during final 
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 125% of 
design load. 

3. Settlement readings shall be plotted after 
one, two, four, eight, and 15 minutes, and at 
15-minute intervals thereafter. Load shall be 
maintained on production piles until 
acceptability criteria are met. 

4. For load test piles, the load shall be applied 
directly to 125% of design load and maintained 
for not less than 30 minutes, and until the 
settlement rate is not progressive (as defined 
above). Load shall then be increased to twice 
the design load and maintained constant for not 
less than four hours. Settlement during the 
four hour period shall not exceed 0.050 inches 
(1.3 mm). 

In the event that settlement exceeds 0.050 
inches (1.3 mm) in four hours, the pile shall be 
deemed unacceptable for V^ 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 '/2 the load maintained for a 
four hour period during which time settlement 
did not exceed 0.050 inches (1.3 mm). 

1817.4 Compression load test: Where the design 
load for any pile is in doubt or where the proposed 
design load for any pile, including pressure injected 
footings, exceeds 50 tons or exceeds the value 
determined in accordance with 780 CMR 1817.3.2 



(fiiction formula in clay), one or more pile load tests 
shall be performed on representative piles in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1 8 1 7.0. 

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, 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. 

For design loads between 50 and 120 tons, pile 
load tests may be waived by the code official, where 
justified, upon submittal of substantiating data 
prepared by a registered design professional which 
include experience and/or performance records for 
the proposed pile installation under similar soil and 
loading conditions. 

1817.4.1 Required test load: A single pile shall 
be load-tested to not less than Vmct the allowable 
design load. When two or more piles are to be 
tested as a group, the total load shall be not less 
than 1 Vi times the allowable design load for the 
group. 

In no case should the load reaching the top of 
the bearing stratum under maximum test load for 
a single pile or pile group be less than the 
following: 

Case A-piles designed as end-bearing piles: 
100% of the allowable design load. 

Case B-piles designed as fiiction piles: 

150% of the allowable design load. 

For piles designed as combination end-bearing 

and fiiction piles. Case A applies if the pile is 

designed to support more than 50% of its design 

in bearing; otherwise. Case B applies. 

1817.4.2 Internal instrumentation: The test pile 
shall be instrumented in accordance with the 
requirements in paragraph 4.4.1 of ASTM Dl 143 
listed in Appendix A (hereinafter ASTM D 1 143) 
to enable measurement or computation of the load 
in the pile where it enters the bearing stratum. 
For piles containing concrete, instrumentation 
shall be installed in the test pile to permit direct 
measurement of the elastic modulus of the pile. 

This requirement is waived for the following 
cases: 

1. The test pile is installed within a casing 
that extends to within ten feet above the 
bearing stratum. 

2. The pile to be tested has been ftinctioning 
satisfactorily under load for a period of one 
year or more. 

3. The pile is 30 feet long or less and no 
appreciable load will be supported above the 
bearing stratum. 

1817.4.3 Loading procedure: Pile load tests shall 
be conducted in accordance with ASTM Dl 143, 



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FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



Standard Method of Testing Piles Under Static 
Axial Compressive Load, except that Section 5, 
Loading Procedures, shall be deleted and replaced 
by the following pro\^sions: 

L Apply 25% of the allowable design load 
every !^ hour. Longer time increments may be 
used, but each time increment should be the 
same. In no case shall a load be changed in the 
rate of settlement is not decreasing with time. 

2. At 200% of the allowable design load (or 
150% for pile groups), maintain the load for a 
minimum of one hour and until the settlement 
(measured at the lowest point on the pile at 
which measurements are made) over a one- 
hour period is not greater than 0.01 in. 

3. Remove 50% of the desigji load every 15 
minutes until zero load is reached. Longer 
time increments may be used, but each should 
be the same. 

4. Measure rebound at zero load for a 
minimum of one hour. 

5. For each load increment or decrement, take 
readings at the top of the pile and on the 
internal instrumentation at one, two, four, eight 
and 15 minutes and at 15-minute intervals 
thereafter. 

A load greater than 200% of the allowable design 
load (or 150% of the allowable design load for 
pile groups) may be applied at the top of the pile, 
using the above loading procedure, to ensure that 
780 CMR 1817.4.1 is fulfilled. Other optional 
methods listed in ASTM Dl 143 may be approved 
by the code ofiBcial upon submittal in advance of 
satisfactory justification prepared by a registered 
design professional who is qualified in this field. 

1817,4.4 Selectioii of desiga load: Provided that 
the allowable design load does not exceed the 
load allowed in 780 CMR 1817.0 for the type of 
pile and pro\aded that the allowable design load 
does not exceed 100% of the load supported in the 
bearing stratum (or % of the load supported in the 
bearing stratum for fiiction piles or pile groups) 
when the maximum test load is applied, then the 
allowable design load shall be the greater of the 
following: 

L Allowable design load based on settlement 
during loading: 50% of the applied test load 
which causes a gross settlement at the pile 
cutoff grade equal -to the sum of: a) the 
theoretical elastic compression of the pile in 
inches assuming all the load on the butt is 
transmitted to the tip, plus b) 0.15 inch 
(3.8 mm), plus c) 1% of the pile tip diameter or 
pile width in inches. If the settlements are so 
small that the load-settlement curve does not 
intersect the failure criterion, the allowable 
design load shall be 50% of the maximum test 
load. 

2. Allowable design load based on the net 
settlement after rebound: 50% of the applied 
test load which results in a net settlement at the 



top of the pile of '/4 inch (13 mm) after rebound 
for a minimum of one hour at zero load. 

1817.5 Use of higlier allowable stresses: Higher 
stresses than those permitted in 780 CMR 1817 for 
various pile materials may be approved by the code 
official 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 design professional experienced in 
geotechnical aspects of foundation design and shall 
include, as applicable: the results of the soil 
investigation, dynamic analyses of the pile behavior, 
pile load tests, analyses of load transfer during 
testing and prediction of pile performance during 
long term service. 

1517.6 Lateral load tests: The allowable load on 
piles subject to lateral load shall be verified by test 
unless it is waived by the code official. Pile load 
tests may be waived by the code official, where 
justified, upon submittal of substantiating data which 
include experience and/or performance records for 
pile installations under similar soil and loading 
conditions prepared by a registered design 
professional experienced in geotechnical aspects of 
foundation design. 

1817.^.1 Reqeired test load; A single pile shall 
be load tested to not less than 200% of the design 
lateral load. 

1817.6.2 Test setup ajud loadiirag procedure: The 
load test setup instrumentation and loading 
procedure shall be in accordance with ASTM 
D3966 listed m Appendix A. 

1817.6.3 Selection of desBgn load: The design 
load shall be selected by the responsible 
registered design professional, based upon 
interpretation of the load-deflection data fi"om the 
load test. 

1817.7 Temsion load tests: The allowable load on 
piles in tension shall be verified by test unless it is 
waived by the code official. File load test may be 
waived by the code ofGcial, where justified, upon 
submittal of substantiating data which includes 
experience and/or performance records for pile 
installations under similar soil and loading 
conditions prepared by a registered design 
professional experienced in the geotechnical aspects 
of foundation design. 



hi A Required load test: A single pile or a 
pile group shall be load tested to not less than 
200% of the design load for transient loads (i.e.: 
earthquake and wind) and 250% for sustained 
loads. 



,7.2 Test setup and loading procedure: The 
load test setup, instrumentation and loading 
procedure shall be in accordance with ASTM 



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325 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1817.7.3 Selection of design load: Provided the 
allowable design load does not exceed the 
allowable stresses in the pile materials, the 
allowable design load shall be the lower of the 
following: 

1. 50% (for transient loads) or 40% (for 
sustained loads) of the applied test load which 
results in a net upward movement of V2 inch :at 
the top of the pile after removal of the 
maximum test load (The gross upward 
movement minus the rebound movement). 
'^ 2. 50% (for transient loads) or 40% (for 
sustained loads) of the applied test load which 
results in continuous upward movement with 
no increase in load. 

1817.8 Bearing capacity: Individual piles and 
groups of piles shall develop ultimate load capacities 
of at least twice the design working loads in the 
designated bearing layers. Where weaker materials 
underlie the load bearing material into which the 
piles are driven, the 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 
provided in Table 1804.3 or 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 60° 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 intersection of the 60° planes of adjacent 
piles or pile groups. 

1817.9 Bent piles: The load bearing capacity of piles 
discovered to have a sharp or sweeping bend shall be 
determined by an approved method of analysis or by 
load testing a representative pile. 

1817.10 Overloads on piles: The maximum 
compressive load on any pile due to mislocation 
shall not exceed 1 10% of the allowable design load. 

780 CMR 181&0 STRUCTURAL 
STTEELPILES 

1818.1 Materials: Structural steel piles and fiilly 
welded steel piles fabricated from plates shall 
conform to ASTM A36, A252, A283, A572 or A588 
listed in Appendix A, 

1818.2 AOowable stress: The allowable design 
compressive stress shall not exceed 35% of the 
minimum specified yield strength of the steel nor 
12,600 psi. The maximum allowable design stress 
shall be limited to 50% of the minimura specified 
yield strength of the steel where higher stresses are 
substantiated by 780 CMR 1817.5. 



1818 J Pile cap seismic connection: All structural 
steel piles shall be connected to the pile cap with a 
connection detail designed for a minimum tensile 
force equal to 10% of the pile compression design 
had. 

1818.4 Dimensions of H-piles: Sections of H-piles 
shall comply with the criteria of 780 CMR 1818.4.1 
through 1818.4.4. 

1818.4.1 Flanges: The flange projections shall not 
exceed 14 times the minimum thickness of metal 
in either the flange or the web, and the flange 
widths shall not be less than 80% of the depth of 
the section. 

1818.4.2 Depth: The nominal depth in the 
direction of the web shall not be less than eight 
inches. 

1818.4.3 Thickness: Flanges and webs shall have 
a minimum nominal thickness of % inch 
(9.5 mm). 

1818.4.4 Tip reinforcement: The tips of all steel 
H piles having a thickness of metal less than 5/10 
inches (12.7 mm) 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 terminate driving when the pile reaches 
refusal on the rock surface. 

780 CMR 1819.0 CONCRETE-FILLED 
STEEL PIPE AND TUBE PILES 

1819.1 Material: Steel pipe and tube piles shall 
conform to ASTM A252 or A283 listed in 
Appendix A. Concrete shall conform to 780 CMR 
1820.1.1. 

1819.2 Allowable stress: 

1819.2.1 Top driven piles: The allowable design 
compressive stress in the concrete shall not 
exceed 25% of the 28-day compressive strength of 
the concrete or 1,100 pounds per square inch 
whichever is smaller. The maximum allowable 
compressive stress in the steel shall not exceed 
9,000psi. 

1819.2.2 Mandrel driven piles: For piles 
installed with mandrels which transmit driving 
stresses to the bottom of the steel pipe, the 
allowable design compressive stress in the 
concrete shall not exceed 33% of the 28-day 
specified compressive strength. The allowable 
design compressive stress in the steel shall not 
exceed 35% of the minimum specified yield 
strength of the steel. The maximum allowable 
design stress shall be limited to 50% of the 
minimum specified yield strength of the steel 
where higher stresses are substantiated by 
780 CMR 1817. 



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FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



1819.3 MeinforcemeEit: Except for steel dowels 
embedded five feet (1.5m) or less in the pile and as 
provided for in 780 CMR 1802.2 and 1802.6, 
reinforcement, where required, shall be assembled 
and tied together and shall be placed in the pile as a 
unit before the reinforced portion of the pile is filled 
with concrete. 

1819.3.1 Seismic reinforcement: All pipe piles 
shall have over their full length a minimum area 
of steel, after allowance for corrosion, of 0.25 
percent of the pile cross-sectional area for 
buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category C, and a minimum area of steel of 0.50 
percent for buildings assigned to Seismic 
Performance Category D, in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.2.7. 



1819.3.2 File cap seismic conDectlon: All 
concrete-filled steel pipe and tube piles shall be 
connected to the pile cap by providing 
longitudinal reinforcement at the top of the pile 
equal to 1 % of the pile cross-sectional area. The 
reinforcement shall extend into the pile for a 
length equal to two times the required embedment 
anchorage into the pile cap. The embedment in 
the pile cap shall equal the development length as 
specified in ACI 318 as listed in Appendix A. 
The development length to be provided in the cap 
is the full development length for compression 
without reduction in length for excess area. Field- 
placed dowels anchored in the concrete are 
acceptable. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 
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326.2 780 CMR- Sixth Edition 1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



1819.4 Minimum dimensions: Piles shall have a 
nominal outside diameter of not less than eight 
inches (203 mm) and a minimum wall thickness of 
1/10 inch (2.5 mm), except that for piles driveii open 
ended, the nominal outside diameter shall not be less 
than ten inches (254 ram) and the wall thickness not 
less than Va inch (6,4 mm) for diameters less than 14 
inches (356 mm) and % inch (9.5 mm) for diameters 
greater than 14 inches. Pipe of lesser wall thickness 
may be used if a suitable cast steel cutting shoe is 
provided. 

1819.5 Placing concrete: The placement of concrete 
shall conform to 780 CMR 1820.1.3 and 1820.5. 

780 CMR 1820.0 CAST-IN-PLACE 
CONCRETE POLES 

1820.1 General: 780 CMR 1 820.0 includes augered 
uncased piles, pressure injected footings (enlarged 
base piles), cased poured piles, and small diameter 
grouted piles. Unless otherwise noted, the materials, 
reinforcing and installation shall conform to 
780 CMR 1820.1.1 through 1820.1.3. 

1820.L1 Material: All concrete shall have a 
28-day specified compressive strength (J\) of not 
less than 3,000 psi (2. 1 1 kg/mra^). The maximum 
size of coarse aggregate for all concrete shall be Va 
inch (19 mm), and the concrete shall have a slump 
of four to seven inches (102 mm to 178 nmi). If 
concrete is to be pumped, the mix design 
including slump shall be adjusted to produce a 
pumpable concrete. 

1820.1.2 Reinforcement: Except for steel dowels 
embedded five feet (1 .5 m) or less in the pile and 
as provided for in 780 CMR 1820.2 and 1820.6, 
reinforcement, where required, shall be assembled 
and tied together and shall be placed in the pile as 
a unit before the reinforced portion of the pile is 
filled with concrete. 

1820.1.2.1 SelsmJc reinforcemeiit: All 
cast-in-place concrete piles shall have 
minimum reinforcement of 0.25% of the pile 
cross-sectional area for buildings assigned to 
Seismic Performance Category C, and a 
minimum reinforcement of 0.50%foT buildings 
assigned to Seismic Performance Category D 
m accordance with 780 CMR 1612.2.7. The 
reinforcing shall be placed in the top Vz of the 
pile length or extend ten feet (3 m) from the top 
of the pile, whichever is the longer length. 

For Seismic Performance Category C 
buildings, the pile reinforcing shall be a 
minimum of four longitudinal bars with closed 
ties, or equivalent spirals, having a minimum 
diameter of Va inch. The ties shall be provided 
at a maximum spacing of 16 times the 
longitudinal reinforcing bar diameter. The 
maximum tie spacing in the top two feet 



(6 1 nun) of the pile length shall be four inches 
(102 mm). Tie detailing shall be in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1903.4 

For Seismic Performance Category D 
buildings, the pile reinforcing shall be 
minimum of four longitudinal bars with closed 
ties, or equivalent spirals, having a minimum 
diameter of % inch, for piles with a diameter of 
20 inches (205 mm) or less; and a minimum tie 
diameter of Vi inch, for piles with a diameter 
more than 20 inches (508 mm). The ties shall 
be provided at a minimum spacing of eight 
times the longitudinal reinforcing bar diameter. 
The maximum tie spacing in the top four feet 
(1.2 m) of the pile lengUi shall be three inches 
(76 mm) 

Exception: Pile ties or spirals are not 
required where permanent metal casing 
(steel pipe^ steel tube or spiral-welded steel 
shell) is used, provided the casing has 
minimum thickness as follows: for Seismic 
. Performance Category C buildings, 0.058 
inch (1.5 mm), and for Seismic Performance 
Category D buildings, 0.070 inch (1.8inm). 
The steel casing must be adequately 
protected from corrosion due to soil, 
changing water levels or other subgrade 
conditions indicated by the site soil 
investigation. 

2820.1.2.2 Pile cap seismic connection: All 
cast-in-place concrete piles shall be connected 
to the pile cap by extending the pile reinforcing 
into the pile cap for a distance equal to the 
development length as specified in ACI 318 
listed in Appendix A. The development length 
to be provided in the cap is the full 
development length for compression without 
reduction in length for excess area. Field- 
placed . dowels anchored at least twice the 
required cap development length are 
acceptable. 

1820.1J Installation: For all cased piles, the 
inside of the pipe or casing shall be thoroughly 
cleaned to the bottom and visually inspected prior 
to filling with concrete. The piles shall be poured 
in such a manner as to exclude all foreign matter 
and to assure a well-formed unit of full cross- 
section. The concreting shall be subject to the 
following limitations. 

1 . The diameter shall not vary more than 20% 
from the specified value. 

2. Concrete shall not be placed through water 
except where tremie methods are approved. 

3. "When depositing concrete from the top of 
the pile, the concrete flow shall be rapid and 
continuous, and centered at the top of the pile. 



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4. After filling with concrete, the top ten feet 
(3 m) shall be thoroughly rodded. 

5. No pile shall be installed within a distance 
of nine feet (2.7 m) from a pile which has been 
filled with concrete for less than 12 hours, 
unless approved. 

1820.2 Augered uncased piles: 

1820.2.1 Deiinition: An augered uncased pile is 
defined as a structural member installed utilizing 
a hoDow-stem auger no less than 12 inches 
(305 mm) in outside diameter which extends to 
satisfactory bearing materials to develop support 
by end bearing and/or fiiction in those materials. 

1820.2.2 Pile diameter: The design pile 
diameter shall be taken as the outside diameter of 
the hollow stem auger. 

1820.2.3 Allowable design stresses: Except as 
provided in 780 CMR 1817.5, the design stresses 
shall not exceed the following values: 

1. For compression loads: The maximum 
allowable design stress on the cement grout or 
concrete shall be 33% of the specified 28- day 
unconfined compressive strength, but not 
exceeding 1,600 psi. The maximum allowable 
design stress on the steel reinforcing, including 
permanent steel casing, shall be 40% of the 
minimum specified yield strength, but not 
exceeding 24,000 psi. 

2. For tension loads: The maximum allowable 
design tensile stress on the steel reinforcing 
shall be 60% of the minimum specified yield 
strength. The allowable design tensile stress 
on the cement grout shall be zero. 

1820.2.4 Reinforcement: Reinforcement shall 
be as required in 780 CMR 1820.1., except 
reinforcement may be placed after withdrawal of 
the auger where approved by the code official. 

1820.2.4.1 Concrete cover: The minimum 
concrete cover shall be IVt. inches (64 mm) for 
uncased shafts and one inch (25 mm) for cased 
shafts. 

1820.2.4.2 Corrosion protection: Corrosion 
protection shall be as detailed in 780 CMR 
1820.6.6. 

1820.2.5 Minimum spacing: The minimum 
center-to-center spacing between adjacent piles 
shall not be less than 30 inches (760 mm) or two 
times the pile diameter. Whichever is greater. In 
addition, for groups of fiiction piles, the overall 
circumference of a pile group shall exceed the 
sum of the circumferences of all of the individual 
piles within the group. 

1820.2.6 Installation: Augered uncased piles 
shaD be formed by advancing a closed-end 
continuous-flight hollow-stem auger of uniform 
diameter through unsuitable material and into a 
satisfactory bearing material followed by removal 



of the tip closure and pumping cement grout or 
concrete through the hollow-stem while the 
hollow-stem auger is extracted. During 
advancement, the hollow-stem auger shall be 
rotated rapidly such that the material through 
which the auger is being advanced is removed by 
the auger flights and is not displaced laterally by 
the auger. During wthdrawal, if the hollow stem 
auger is rotated, it shall be rotated in a positive 
(advancing) direction. 

1. The grout or concrete shall be pumped 
under continuous pressure and in one 
continuous operation. Grout or concrete pump 
pressures shall be measured and maintained at 
all times sufficiently high to offset hydrostatic 
and lateral earth pressures. The rate of 
withdrawal of the auger shall be carefiilly 
controlled to exclude all foreign matter and 
ensure that the augered hole is completely 
filled with grout or concrete as the auger is 
withdrawn. The actual volume of grout or 
concrete pumped into each hole shall be equal 
to, or greater than , the theoretical volume of 
the augered hole. 

2. If the grouting or concreting process of any 
pile is interrupted, or a loss of concreting 
pressure occurs, the pile shall be redrilled to its 
ori^al depth plus six inches (152 mm) (unless 
bearing on rock) and filled from the bottom. 
3.. Augered uncased piles shall not be installed 
within six pile diameters (center-to-center) of 
a pile filled with grout or concrete less than 24- 
hours old except where approved by the code 
official. 

1820.2.7 Records: The owner shall engage a 
registered design professional to monitor the 
installation of augered uncased piles in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1816.13. The design 
professional or his representative shall make an 
accurate Kscord of the installation equipment used, 
pile dimensions, grout or concrete volumes, 
reinforcement, interruptions or delays in pile 
installation, and all other pertinent installation 
data. 

1820.2.8 Instrumentation: The continuous- 
flight auger rig utilized to install augered uncased 
piles shall be equipped with data logging 
equipment that automatically monitors and 
produces a real-time printout of depth, grout or 
concrete pressure, grout or concrete flow, and rate 
of auger withdrawal. . The automatic monitoring 
equipment shall immediately indicate to the 
equipment operator, and record on the printed 
record, any instance during the withdrawal of the 
hoUow-stem auger where the rate of auger 
withdrawal times the theoretical pile cross- 
sectional area exceeds the rate of grout or 
concrete placement. A printed instrumentation 
readout for each pile shall be provided to the 



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FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



design professional's representative upon 
completion of each pile. 

1820.3 Driven uncased pile: No provisions. 

1820.4 Pressure-injected footings: (Enkrged base 
piles) 

1820.4.1 Materials: Concrete shall satisfy the 
provisions of 780 CMR 1820.LL Compacted 
concrete shall have a zero slump. Reinforcement 
shall be as provided in 780 CMR 1820. 1.2. 

1820.4.2 Allowable design stresses: The 
maximum allowable design stress on shaft 
concrete shall be 33% of the 28-day strength, but 
not exceeding 1,600 psi. The maximum allowable 
design stress on permanent steel casing, if at least 
1/10-inch (2.5 nmi) thick, and on steel reinforcing 
shall be 40% of the minimum specified yield 
strength, but not exceeding 24,000 psi. 

1820.4.3 Installation: The installation of 
pressure-injected footings shall fulfill the 
following requirements: 

1820.4.3.1 Base: 

1 . The enlarged base of a pressure-injected 
footing 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 15% by weight finer than the 
No. 200 mesh sieve and shall be non-plastic, 
unless satisfactory load test results or other 
substantiating data are submitted to, and 
approved by, the code official. 

2. The compacted concrete placement shall 
be in measured batches, to establish impact 
energy required per unit volume of concrete. 
A minimum of one Standard Batch Volume 
of concrete, as defined in Table 1820.4, 
shall be injected in the base, after expulsion 
of the concrete plug or boot used to close 
the tube during the driving process. 

1820.4.3.2 Shaft installaition: 

1820,4.3.2,1 Uncased compacted-concrete 



1. Concrete shall be placed at zero 
slump, in small batches, and shall be 
compacted in place in a controlled 
manner as the drive-tube is withdrawn. 

2. Pressure injected footings formed 
through soils of Classes 10 and 11, 
located less than nine feet or v^thin the 
heave range from an uncased shaft, shall 
be pre-drilled through such soil. 

3. An uncased compacted-concrete shaft 
shall not be formed through veiy soft to 
soft soils of Classes 10 and H. The code 
official may waive this requirement based 
upon satisfactory evidence prepared by a 
registered design professional that the 



soil has sufficient strength for proper 
shaft construction. 

4. A suitable method shall be employed 
by the contractor and the design 
professional to verify and record that the 
entire length of the shaft is completely 
filled mth concrete. Such means shall 
include the ability to determine the 
incremental volume of concrete installed 
in relation to the calculated shaft volume. 

1820.4.3.2.2Uncased high-slump concrete 



1 . Concrete shall be placed at not less 
than eight-inch slump, except that slump 
as low as four inches may be allowed if 
adequate vibration is applied to the drive- 
tube during the entire withdrawal process. 
During withdrawal, the level of concrete 
within the tube shall have a positive 
differential head over external soil and 
water pressures at all times. 

2. The shaft shall be provided with full- 
length reinforcing steel anchored in the 
enlarged base. At a minimum, provide a 
cage with four, fiill length, number five 
reinforcing bars evenly spaced near the 
shaft perimeter. 

3. Pressure injected footings located less 
than nine feet (2.7 m) from a completed 
uncased high-slump shaft shall not be 
installed until at least 12 hours after shaft 
pour. 

4. A suitable method shall be employed 
by the contractor and the design 
professional to verify and record that the 
entire length of the shaft is completely 
filled with concrete. Such means shall 
include the ability to determine the 
incremental volume of concrete installed 
in relation to the calculated shaft volume. 

1S20.4.3.2.3 Cased shaft: 

1. The permanent metal casing shall be 
fastened to the enlarged base in such a 
manner that the two will not separate. 

2. Concrete shall be placed in the same 
manner as for cased poured concrete 
piles. The requirements of 780 CMR 
1820.1.3 shall apply. 

1820.4.4 Loadbearsmg capacity: 

1 . Pile loadbearing capacity shall be verified 
by load tests as required in 780 CMR 18 17.4. 

2. For loads up to 120 tons, the allowable load 
may be computed by the following formula: 



Where: 

R = allowable load in pounds; 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



B =average number of blows required to 

inject one cubic foot of concrete, during 

injectioii of the last batch; 

E =Energy per blow in foot-pounds; 

C =constant; and 

V =total volume of base concrete in cubic 

feet. 

The values of R, E, and C shall conform to 
Table 1820.4 unless other values are 
determined by load test, in which case the 
lattervalues shall control. Use of Table 1820.4 
is limited by the provisions of 780 CMR 
1817.4. 

The value of V shall include an allowance of 
one Standard Batch Volume of concrete, if 
concrete is used in the tube during the driving 
process, plus the additional volume of concrete 
injected during formation of the base. 
3. During injection of the last batch of concrete 
in the base, the height of concrete within the 
drive tube shall not be more than Va of the 
drive-tube inside diariieter. 





TABLE 1820.4 




R 

(tons) 


Energy, E 
(foot-pounds) 


c 


Standard Batch 

Volume 

(cubic feet) 


over 100 
25 to 50 


ill 


18 

iiiiil 

30 


5 

2 



1820.4.5 Loading: The load on pressure-injected 
footings shall be limited by the provisions of 
780 CMR 1817.8 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 feet or more below the 
junction, or at the top of weaker material, 
whichever is higher. 

1820.4.6 Spacing: The center-to-center spacing 
of pressure-injected footings with uncased shafts 
shall be not less than 2VS times the outside 
diameter of the drive tube and not less than 3'/2 
feet. The center-to-center spacing of pressure- 
injected footiiigs with cased shafts shall be not 
less than three times the shaft diameter. 

1820.5 Cased poured concrete piles: Steel-cased 
piles shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 1820.5.1 through 1820.5.4. 

1820.5.1 Materials: Concrete shall satisfy the 
provisions of 780 CMR 1820.1.1. Pile shells or 
casings shall be of steel and shall be sufticiently 
strong to resist collapse and sufticiently water 
tight to exclude any foreign materials during the 
placing of concrete. 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 inch. 



1820.5.2 Allowable design stresses: The load on 
cased poured concrete piles shall be as provided 
in 780 CMR 1817.0 and shall not exceed the load 
computed on the basis of 33% of the 28-day 
strength of the concrete, nor 1,600 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 foot (0.3 m) above the 
point, except that when the rock is immediately 
overiain by a bearing stratum consisting of one 
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 including Classes 10 
and 1 1 and into a bearing stratum consisting of 
one or a combination of bearing materials of 
Classes 5-9 inclusive, using the diameter at the 
surface of the bearing stratum. 

1820.5.3 Installation: Piles shall have steel shells 
or casings which are mandrel-driven their ftill 
length in contact with the surrounding soil, left 
permanently in place and filled with concrete. 
The requirements of 780 CMR 1820.1.3 shall 
apply. 

1820.6 Small diameter grouted piles: 

1820.6.1 General: 780 CMR 1820.6 covers 
grouted cast-in-place piles which are less than 12 
inches (305 mm) in diameter and in which all or 
a portion of the pile is cast directly against the soil 
without permanent casing. 

1820.6.2 Materials: Concrete or sand-cement 
grout shall satisfy the provisions of 780 CMR 
1820.1.1. 

1820.6.3 Allowable load: The load on small 
diameter grouted piles shall not exceed the 
allowable load computed on the basis of the 
allowable stresses given in 780 CMR 1820.2.3 
and the requirements of 780 CMR 1820.6.3.1 and 
1820.6.3.2. 

1820.6.3.1 Minimum reinforcing: The steel 
reinforcing shall be designed to carry the 
following minimum percentage of the design 
compression load: 

1 . For a pile or a portion of a pile grouted 
inside a temporary casing, grouted inside a 
hole drilled into rock, or grouted with a 
hollow-stem auger, the reinforcing steel 
shall be designed to carry not less than 40% 
of the design compression load. 

2. For a pile or a portion of a pile grouted 
in an open drill hole without temporary or 
permanent casing or grouted within 
materials of Classes 1 through 5, the pile 
shall be designed to carry the entire design 



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FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



compression load on the reinforcing stee!. 
If a steel pipe section is used for reinforcing, 
any portion of the cement grout enclosed 
within the pipe may also be included at the 
allowable stress for the grout. 

1820.6.3.2 Load test: For all design loads, the 
allowable load shall be determined by load 
tests in accordance with 780 CMR 1817.4. 
Load tests may be waived by the code official 
based on substantiating data and analyses 
prepared by a registered design professional. 

1820.6.3.3 Alternative load test procedure 
for friction piles: For piles designed as friction 
piles, the friction capacity in compression may 
be verified by load testing in tension. The 
tension load test shall be performed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1817.7, with the 
following exceptions: 

1. The test pile must be cased or left 
ungrouted down to the top of the bearing 
stratum in a manner which will ensure that 
no friction resistance is developed above 
the bearing stratum. 

2. The maximum design load shall be 
taken as 50% of the applied test load which 
results in a movement under load of 14 inch 
(13 mm) at the pile tip. The movement at 
the pile tip shall be a.) measured directly by 
a tell-tale or b.) computed by deducting the 
theoretical elastic elongation of the pile 
from the displacement measured at the top 
of the pile. 

1820.6.4 lastallatloii: The pile may be formed in 
a hole advanced by rotary or rotary percussive 
drilling methods (with or without temporary 
casing), by a hollow-stem auger, or by driving a 
temporary casing. The pile shall be grouted with 
a fluid cement grout. The grout shall be pumped 
through a tremie pipe extending to the bottom of 
the pile until grout of suitable quality returns at 
the top of the pile. 

The foUownng requirements apply to specific 
installation methods: 

1. Piles grouted with temporary casing: For 
piles grouted inside a temporary casing, the 
reinforcing steel shall be inserted prior to 
withdrawal of the casing. The casing shall be 
withdrawn in a controlled manner with the 
grout level maintained at the top of the pile, to 
ensure that the grout completely fills the driU 
hole. During withdrawal of the casing, the 
grout level inside the casing shall be monitored 
to che<^ that the flow of grout inside the casing 
is not obstructed. 

2. Piles grouted without temporary casing: 
For a pile or portion of a pile grouted in an 
open drill hole in soil without temporary 
casing, the minimum design diameter of the 
drill hole shall be verified by a suitable device 



immediately prior to grouting. The reinforcing 
steel shall be inserted prior to grouting. 

3. Piles grouted with hollow-stem augers: For 
piles installed with a hollow-stem auger, the 
grout shall be pumped under continuous 
pressure, and the rate of withdrawal of the 
auger shall be carefoUy controUed to ensure 
that the hole is completely filled with grout as 
the auger is withdrawn. The actual volume of 
grout pumped for each one foot (0.3 m) of 
withdrawal of the auger shall be recorded and 
must be equal to or greater than the theoretical 
volume. The reinforcing steel shall be inserted 
prior to withdrawal of the auger. 

4. For piles designed for end bearing, a. 
suitable means shall be employed to verify that 
the bearing surface is properly cleaned prior to 
grouting. 

5. Subsequent piles shall not be drilled or 
driven near piles that have been grouted until 
the grout has had sufficient time to harden. 

S 820.6.5 Pile diameter: The design pile diameter 
shall be taken as: 

L The outside diameter of the temporary 

casing; or 

2. The diameter of a fiiU circumferential drill 
bit attached to the bottom of the temporary 
casing; or 

3. The outside diameter of the hollow-stem 
auger; or 

4. The borehole diameter veriified by suitable 
measurements made immediately prior to 
grouting. 

1820.6.6 Corrosion protection: 

1. Nfinimum grout cover: Where steel 
reinforcing is not enclosed inside a permanent 
casing, centralizers shall be provided on the 
reinforcing to ensure a minimum grout cover of 
one inch (25 mm) in soil and 14 inch (13 mm) 
in rock. Grout cover requirements may be 
reduced when the reinforcing steel is provided 
with a suitable protective coating. 

2. Permanent steel casing that is used as 
structural reinforcing shall be protected in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 
1816.4.2. 

3. For piles subjected to sustained tension 
loading in corrosive environments, the 
reinforcing steel shall be protected by a 
suitable protective coating or encapsulation 
method. 

S §20,6.7 Records: The owner shall engage a 
registered design professional to observe the 
installation of the piles in accordance with 
780 CMR 1816.13. The design professional or 
his representative shall make an accurate record 
of the installation equipment used, pile 
dimensions, grouting volumes and procedures 
used and all other pertinent instaUation data. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR 1821.0 PRECAST CONCRETE 
PILES 

1821.1 Design and manufacture: All piles shall be 
designed and manufactured in accordance with 
accepted engineering practice to resist all stresses 
induced by handling, drivmg and service loads. The 
minimum lateral dimension shall be ten inches 
(254 mm). All comers of square piles shall be 
chamfered. Longitudinal steel shall be arranged in a 
symmetrical pattern and shall be laterally tied with 
steel ties or wire spiral spaced not more than three 
inches (76 mm) apart, center to center, for a distance 
of two feet (610 nmi) from the ends of the pile; and 
not more than six inches (152 mm) elsewhere except 
that at the ends of each pile,, the first five ties or 
spirals shall be spaced one inch (25 mm) center to 
center. When driven to or into bearing materials of 
Classes 1 to 6 inclusive, or through materials 
containing boulders, piles shall have metal tips of 
approved design. 

1821.1.1 Installation: All piles shall be handled 
and driven so as not to cause injury or 
overstressing which affects durability or strength. 

1821.2 Reinforced piles: Reinforced precast 
concrete piles shall conform to 780 CMR 1821.2.1 
through 1821.2.5. 

1821.2.1 Design: The minimum amount of 
longitudinal reinforcement shall be 2% of the 
concrete section and shall consist of at least four 
bars. 

1821.2.2 Material: All concrete shall have a 
28-day specified compressive strength {j'^ of not 
less than 4,000 psi (2.81 kg/mm^). 

1821.2.3 Allowable stress: The allowable 
compressive stress in the concrete shall not 
exceed 33% of the 28-day specified comjpressive 
strength {f'^ nor 1,600 psi applied to the gross 
cross-sectional area of the pile. 

1821.2.4 Concrete cover: All pile reinforcement 
shall have a concrete cover of not leiss than two 
inches (51 mm), except that piles exposed to sea 
water shall have a minimum protective concrete 
cover of three inches (76 mm). 

1821.2.5 Installation: A precast concrete pile 
shall not be driven before the concrete has 
attained a compressive strength of at least 3,000 
psi (2.1 1 kg/mm^), but not less than such strength 
sufficient to withstand handling and driving 
forces. 

1821.2.6 Pile cap seismic connection: Precast 
concrete piles shall be connected to the pile cap in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1820.1.2.2. 

1821.3 Prestressed piles: Prestressed concrete piles 
shall conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 

, 1821.3.1 through 1821.3.6. 



18213.1 Design: The effective prestress in the 
pile shall not be less than 700 psi (0.49 kg/mm^). 

1821.3.2 Material: Prestressing steel shall 
conform to ASTM A416 listed in Appendix A. 
All concrete shall have a 28-day specified 
compressive strength (J'^ of not less than 5,000 
psi (3.52 kg/mm^). 

1821.33 Allowable stress: The maximum 
allowable design compressive stress (/j) in 
concrete shall be determined as follows: 

/, = 0.33/',- 0.27 /p, 
where /', is the 28-day compressive strength and 
/pc is the effective prestress on the gross area of 
the pile section; however, 0.33 /'(. shall not 
exceed 1,600 psi. 

1821.3.4 Installation: A prestressed pile shall not 
be driven before the concrete has attained a 
compressive strength of at least 4,000 psi (2.81 
kg/mm2), but not less than such strength sufficient 
to withstand handling and driving forces. 

1821.3.5 Pile cap seismic connection: 

Prestressed concrete piles shall be connected to 
the pile cap in accordance with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 1 820. 1 .2.2 Or by extension of the pile 
reinforcing strand into the pile cap. The 
embedment of reinforcing into the pile cap shall 
develop the strength of the reinforcing strand. 
Prestressed pile cap connections in buildings 
assigned to Seismic Performance Category D, in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1 612.2.7, shall not be 
by development of exposed strand. 

1821.3.6 Spiral seismic reinforcing: The upper 
two feet of the pile immediately below the pile 
cap shall have No. 3 ties minimum at not over 
four-inch spacing, or equivalent spirals. The 
spiral reinforcement in prestressed piles for 
buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category D, in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.2.7, shall not be less than 0.6% for the full 
length of the pile where subjected to vertical loads 
only or where the design bending moment does 
not exceed 20% of the unfactored ultimate 
moment capacity at balanced strain conditions 
computed in accordance with ACI 318 listed in 
Appendix A. 

780 CMR 1822.0 TIMBER PILES 

1822.1 Materials: Round timber piles shall conform 
to ASTM D25 listed in Appendix A. Round timber 
piling shall be new longleaf, shortleaf, loblolly or 
slash species of Southern pine, oak, Douglas fir or 
other woods of similar strength and physical 
characteristics. 

1822.2 Preservative treatment: Timber piles used 
to support permanent structures shall be pressure 
treated in accordance with AWPA C3 listed in 
Appendix A for round timber piles. Preservative- 



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FOUNDATIONS AND RETAINING WALLS 



treated timber piles shall be subject to a quality 
control program administered by an approved 
agency. Pile cutoffs shall be treated in accordance 
with AWPA M4 listed m Appendix A. 

1822.3 Aiowable load: 

1822.3J Allowabk stress: The allowable stress 
in the timber shall not exceed 1,000 psi in 
compression at the critical cross-sectional area 
taken at the top of the bearing stratum. Piles 
designed for end bearing on materials of Classes 1 
through 5 shall be designed for a maximum stress 
of 500 psi in compression on the pile cross- 
sectional area at the tip. 

]1 822.3.2 Maximum Load: The load on timber 
piles shall not exceed the allowable load specified 
in 780 CMR 1817.0 nor 35 tons, whichever is 
smaller. 

1822.33 Minimum dimensions: Timber piles 
shall be sized to conform to the minimum tip sizes 
as specified in ASTM D25 but no less than six 
inches (152 mm) in diameter at the tip. 

1822.4 Precautions doring driving: 

1822.4.1 Hammer energy: Pile hammer energy 
shall be selected to prevent damage to the pile, but 
in no case shall the maximum hammer energy, as 
rated by the manufacturer, exceed 18,000 ft. lbs. 
For end bearing piles, on materials of Class 1 
through 5, the maximum hammer energy shall be 
reduced. 

1822.4.2 Driving resistance: Driving shall be 
stopped immediately when abrupt high resistance 
to penetration is encountered. Any sudden 
decrease in driving resistance of an end-supported 
timber pile shall be investigated with regard to the 
possibility of damage. If the sudden decrease in 
driving resistance cannot be correlated to 
loadbearing data, the pile shall be removed for 
inspection or rejected. 

780 CMR 1823.0 COMPOSITE PILES 

1823.1 Design: Composite piles consisting of two or 
more approved pile types shall be designed to meet 
the conditions of installation. 

1823.2 Lismtatlon of load: The maximum allowable 
load shall be limited by the capacity of the weakest 
section incorporated in the pile. 

1823.3 Splices: Splices between concrete and steel 
or wood sections shall be designed to prevent 
separation 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 caused by upheaval during driving of 
adjacent piles, and shall develop the ftjll compressive 
strength and not less than 50% of the tension and 
bending strength of the weaker section. 



780 CMR 1824.0 CONCREIE>FILLED PIPE 
Wrra STEEL COSE CAISSONS 

1824.1 Constnicllon: 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. A steel core shall be 
centered in the shaft and shall extend through the 
cement grout to the bottom of the socket. 

1824.2 Rock socket: A socket, approximately the 
inside diameter of the pipe, shall be made in bedrock 
of Classes I or 2 to a depth that will assure load 
transfer when computed for bearing on the bottom 
surface of the socket in accordance with 780 CMR 
1803.0, 1807.0 and 1817.0 acting together with a 
bond stress on the perimeter surface of the socket. 
The socket design stress shall be determined by a 
registered design professsional based upon 
foundation investigation study in accordance with 
780 CMR 1816, but in no case will the design bond 
stress on the perimeter of the socket exceed 200 psi. 
Load tests, in accordance with 780 CMR 1817.4, 
may be required by the code official if foundation 
investigation data are judged insufficient to verify 
the selected bond stress. The minimum socket depth 
shall be at least equal 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 design professional or his qualified 
representative. 

1824.3 Seismic design: All caisson piles shall meet 
the seismic design requirements of 780 CMR 
1819.3. 

1824.4 Material: Pipe and steel cores shall conform 
to the material requirements in 780 CMR 1818.0. 
Pipe shall have a minimum diameter of 18inches 
(457 mm) and a minimum wall thickness of % inch 
(9.5 mm) and shall be fitted with a suitable steel 
driving shoe welded to the bottom of the pipe. All 
concrete shall have a 28-day specified compressive 
strength (/'j.) of not less than 4,000 psi (2.81 
kg/mm ). The concrete mix shall be designed and 
proportioned so as to produce a cohesive workable 
mix with a slump of four inches (102 mm) to six 
inches (152 mm). 

1824.5 Stmctural core: The gross cross-sectional 
area of the structural steel core shall not exceed 25% 
of the gross area of the caisson. The minimum 
clearance between the structural core and the pipe 
shall be two inches (51 nmj). If cores are to be 
spliced, the ends shall be milled or ground to provide 
full contact and shall be full-depth welded. 

1824.6 Allowable stress: The allowable design 
compressive stresses shall not exceed the following: 
concrete, 0.33 f'^,; steel pipe, 0.35 /„; and structural 
steel core, 0.50 /y. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



1824.7 InstaUation: The rock socket and pile shall 
be thoroughly cleaned of all foreign materials before 
filling with cement grout and concrete. Steel cores 
shall be bedded in cement grout at the base of the 
rock socket. 

1824.8 Spacing: The minimum center-to-center 
spacing shall be not less than 2Vz times the outside 
diameter of the steel shell. 



overtunung, sliding, excessive foundation pressure 
and water uplift. Retaining walls shall be designed 
to resist seismic loads in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.4.9. 

18253 Hydrostatic pressure: Unless drainage is 
provided, the hydrostatic head of the water pressure 
shall be assumed to be equal to the height of the 
wall. 



780 CMR 1825.0 RETAINING WALLS 

1825.1 General: Walls buik to retain or support the 
lateral pressure of earth or water or other 
superimposed loads shall be designed and 
constructed of approved masonry, reinforced 
concrete, steel sheet piling or other approved 
materials within the allowable stresses specified in 
780 CMR 231 1.7. 

1825.2 Design: Retaining walls shall be designed to 
resist the pressure of the retained material, including 
both dead and live load surcharges to which such 
walls are subjected, and to insure stability against 



1825.4 Coping: All masonry retaining walls, other 
than reinforced concrete walls, shall be protected 
vrith an approved coping. 

1825.5 Guards: Where retaining walls with 
differences in grade level on either side of the wall 
in excess of four feet (1 .2 m) are located closer than 
two feet (0.6 m) to a walk, path, parking lot or 
driveway on the high side, such retaining walls shall 
be provided with guards that are constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1021.0 or other approved 
protective measures. 



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CHAPTER 19 



CONCRETE 



780 CMR 190L0 CONCRETE DESIGN 
STANDARDS 

1901.1 Reinforced and prestressed concrete: 
Structural members of reinforced concrete, including 
prestressed concrete, shall be designed and 
constructed in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR19 and ACI 318 listed in Appendix A, 
hereafter referred to in 780 CMR 19 as ACI 318. 

1901.2 Plain concrete: Structural members of plain 
concrete shall be designed and constructed in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 19 and 
ACI 3 18. 1 listed in Appendix A. Concrete that is 
either unreinforced or contains less reinforcement 
than the minimum specified for reinforced concrete 
by ACI 318 shall be classified as plain concrete. 
Plain concrete shall not be used for structural 
members where special design considerations are 
required for blast forces, unless specifically 
approved. 

780 CMR 1902.0 DEFINniONS 

1902.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 19 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Admisture: Material other than water, aggregate or 
hydraulic cement, used as an ingredient of 
concrete and added to concrete before or during 
mixing to modiiy the properties of the concrete. 

Cementitlous material: A material specified in 
780 CMR 1906.0 which has cementing value 
when used in concrete either by itself, such as 
pordand cement or blended hydraulic cements, or 
when used in combination with portland cement 
or blended hydraulic cement, such as fly ash, raw 
or calcined natural pozzolans or ground- 
granulated blast-fiimace slag. 

Concrete: A mixture of portland cement or any 
other hydraulic cement, fine and course 
aggregates and water, with or without admixtures, 
of such proportions and manipulation as to meet 
specific requirements. 

Concrete, reinforced: Concrete with no less 
reinforcement than required by 780 CMR, 
prestressed or nonprestressed, and designed on the 
assumption that the two materials act together in 
resisting forces (see 780 CMR 1901.1). 

Member 
Primary; Any member of the structural fi-ame of 
a building or structure used as a column or 



grillage beam, or to support masonry walls and 
partitions, including trusses, isolated lintels 
spanning an opening of eight feet (2438 mm) or 
more, and any other member required to brace a 
column or a truss. 

Secondary: Any member of the structural 
fi-amework other than a primary member, 
including fill-in beams of floor systems. 

780 CMR 1903.0 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS 
FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE 

1903.1 General: The design and construction of 
reinforced concrete components that resist seismic 
forces shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1903.0 and ACI 318 except as modified 
by 780 CMR 1903.1.1. 

1903.L1 Modifications to ACI 318: The sections of 
ACI 318 shall be modified as indicated in 780 CMR 
1903.1.1 items 1 through 13. 

1 . Modify Section 8. 1 .2 to read: "except where 
load combinations of 780 CMR 1616, including 
seismic forces, are used, design of nonprestressed 
reinforced concrete members using Appendix A, 
Alternate Design Method, is permitted." 

2. Replace ACI 318 Seaion 9.2.3 with 780 CMR 
1616. 

3 . Add the following definitions to Section 21.1 
of ACI 318: 

"Confined region: That portion of a reinforced 
concrete component in which the concrete is 
confined by closely spaced special transverse 
reinforcement restraining the concrete in 
directions perpendicular to the applied stress." 

"Joint: That portion of a column bounded by the 
highest and lowest surfaces of the other 
members framing into it." 

"Special transverse reinforcement: Reinforcement 
composed of spirals, closed stirrups, or hoops 
and supplementary cross ties provided to 
restrain the concrete and qualify the portion of 
the component, where used, as a confined 
region." 

4. Replace ACI 318 Sections 21.2.1.3 and 
21.2.1.4 with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1903.3 through 1903.6. 

5. Modify Section 21.2.1.5 to read: "A 
reinforced concrete structural system not 
satisfying the requirements of 780 CMR 19, 
including those composed of precast elements, is 
allowed if it is demonstrated by experimental 
evidence and analysis that the proposed system 
will have strength and toughness equal to or 
exceeding that provided by a comparable 



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monolithic reinforced concrete structure satisfying 
780 CMR 19." 

6. Add the following to the end of Section 
21.2.5.1: "Post-tensioning tendons are allowed in 
flexural members of frames provided the average, 
prestress {jp^) calculated for an area equal to the 
member's shortest cross-sectional dimension 
multiplied by the perpendicular dimension, does 
not exceed 350 psi." 

7. Add a new Section 21.3.2.5 to read: "For 
members in which prestressing tendons are used 
together with ASTM A706 or A615 (Grades 40 or 
60) reinforcement to resist earthquake-induced 
forces, prestressing tendons shall not provide 
more than one-quarter of the strength for both 
positive moments and negative moments at the 
joint face. Anchorages for tendons shall be 
demonstrated to perform satisfactorily for seismic 
loadings. Anchorage assemblies shall withstand, 
without failure, a minimum of 50 cycles of 
loading ranging between 40 and 85% of the 
minimum specified strength of the tendon. 
Tendons shall extend through exterior joints and 
be anchored at the exterior face of the joint or 
beyond." 

8. Modify Section 21.3.3.4 to read: "Where 
hoops are not required, stirrups with 135-degree 
or greater hooks with six bar diameter but not less 
than three-inch extensions shall be located 
throughout the length of the member and spaced 
not more than one-half the distance from the 
extreme compression fiber to the centroid of 
tension reinforcement id)." 

9. Add a new Section 21 .4.4.7 to read: "At any 
section where the nominal strength {^Pfi) of the 
column is less than the sum of the shear {V^ 
computed in accordance with Section 21.4.5.1 for 
all of the beams framing into the column above 
the level under consideration, special transverse 
reinforcement shall be provided. For beams 
framing into opposite sides of the column, the 
moment components are allowed to be assumed to 
be of opposite sign. For determination of the 
nominal strength (/*^) of the column, these 
moments are allowed to be assumed to result from 
the deformation of the frame in any one principal 
axis." 

10. Add to the end of Section 21,6.1: "A cast-in- 
place topping on a precast floor system is allowed 
to serve as a diaphragm provided that the cast-in- 
place topping is proportioned and detailed to 
resist the design shear forces. Where untopped 
precast elements are used as diaphragms, the 
strength reduction factor ((})) for connections 
between elements shall be 0.5 except that for 
connection elements that form a continuous tie 
across and through the untopped element, 
extending across the diaphragm, the strength 
reduction factor (({)) shall be 0.7." 

11. Modify Section 21.6.3 to read: "The design 
shear force {V^ shall be obtained from the lateral 



load analysis in accordance with the factored 

loads and combinations of loads specified in 

780 CMR 1616.0. 

12. Renumber existing Sections 21.6.6 through 

21.6.8 to Sections 21.6.7 through 21.6.9, 

respectively, and add a new Section 21.6.6 to 

read: 

21.6.6 Coupling beams: A coupling beam (beam 
which interconnects two shear walls in their own 
plane) Avith clear-span-to-efFective-depth ratio 
{ly/^ 0^ Isss than four and with factored shear 
force (Fy) exceeding AJf^Jbjd shall be 
provided with shear reinforcement as specified in 
Sections 21.6.6.1 through 21.6.6.3. 

21.6.6.1 Factored shear force (K„) shall be 
resisted by two intersecting groups of symmetrical 
diagonally placed bars extending across the full 
length of the member and adequately anchored 
within the shear walls. Each group shall consist 
of a minimum of four bars providing an area {A^^ 
not less than that calculated by the following 
formula: 



v., 



Ayd" 



2/y sin a 



where: a is the angle between the diagonal 
reinforcement and the longitudinal axis of the 
member. 

21.6.6.2 Contribution of the diagonal 
reinforcement to nominal flexural strength of the 
coupling beam shall be mcluded. 

21.6.6.3 Each group of diagonally placed bars 
shall be enclosed in special transverse 
reinforcement conforming to Sections 21.4.4.1 
through 21.4.4.3. For the purpose of computing 
Ag in accordance with Equations 10-5 and 21-3, 
minimum cover as specified in Section 7.7 shall 
be assumed over each group of diagonally placed 
reinforcing bars." 

13. Modify the title of Section 21.8 to read: 
"Requirements for Intermediate Moment Frames" 

1903.2 Headed bolts and headed stud anchors in 
concrete: Headed bolts and headed stud anchors 
shall be solidly cast in concrete. The factored loads 
on embedded headed bolts and headed stud anchors 
shall not exceed the design strengths determined by 
780 CMR 1903.2.2. 

1903.2.1 Load factor multipliers: In addition to 
the load factors in 780 CMR 1616. 1, a multiplier 
of 2 shall be used if special inspection is not 
provided, or a multiplier of 1.3 shall be used if 
special inspection is provided. Where anchors are 
embedded in the tension zone of a member, the 
load factors in 780 CMR 1616.1 shall have a 
multiplier of 3 if special inspection is not 
provided or of 2 if it is provided. 



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CONCRETE 



1903.2.2 Strength of anchors: The strength of 
headed bolts and headed stud anchors solidly cast 
in concrete shall be taken as the average of ten 
tests for each concrete strength and anchor size or 
calculated in accordance with 780 CMR 
1903.2.2.1 through 1903.2.2.3. The loadbearing 
area of headed anchors shall be at least lYz times 
the shank area for anchors of not more than 
60,000 psi yield strength. 

1903.2.2,1 Strength In tension: The strength 
of anchors in tension shall be the minimum of 
P^ or (j) P^ where: 



P^ = 0.9.^4. fs 



and 



where: 



(1)P^ = 4)X /r;(2.8As + 4At) 



Afj = Area (in square inches) of bolt or stud. 
Must be used with the corresponding steel 
properties to determine the weakest part of the 
assembly in tension. In shear, the insert leg is 
not required to be checked. 

A^ = The sloping area (in square inches) of an 
assumed failure surface. For a single anchor or 
anchors in a group where the distance between 
anchors is equal to or greater than twice their 
embedment length, the surface is assumed to 
be that of a truncated cone radiating at a 45- 
degree slope from the loadbearing edge of the 
anchor to the surface (i.e., Af = 0). 

For anchors in a group where the distance 
between anchors is less than twice their 
embedment length, the failure surface is 
assumed to be that of a truncated pyramid 
radiating at a 45-degree slope from the 
loadbearing edge of the anchor group to the 
surface. Additionally, for thin sections with 
anchor groups, the failure surface shall 
assumed to follow the extension of this slope 
through to the far side rather than truncate as in 
A( , (i.e., Af = 0), and the failure mode resulting 
in the lower value of (j)P^ shall control. 

Af = The area (in square inches) of the flat 
bottom of the truncated pyramid of an assumed 
concrete failure surface. Where anchors in a 
group are closer than twice their embedment 
length, the failure surface pyramid is assumed 
to truncate at the anchor loadbearing edge 
rather than form separate cones. 

/'g = Specified compressive strength of 
concrete (psi), which shall not be taken greater 
than 6,000 psi. 

/'g = Ultimate tensile strength (in psi) of the 
bolt, stud or insert leg wires, which shall not be 
taken greater than 60,000 psi. For A307 bolts 
or A108 studs, f'^ shall be permitted to be 
assumed to be 60,000 psi. 



Pj^ = Tensile strength required due to factored 
loads (pounds). 

Fy = Shear strength required due to factored 
loads (pounds). 

A. = One for normal-weight concrete, 0.75 for 
all lightweight concrete, and 0.85 for sand- 
lightweight concrete. 

(}) = Strength reduction factor shall be taken as 
0.65, except (j) is permitted to be taken as 0.85 
where the anchor is attached to or hooked 
around reinforcing steel or otherwise 
terminated so as to transfer effectively forces 
to reinforcing steel that is designed to 
distribute forces and avert sudden local failure. 
Where the edge distance is less than 
embedment length, reduce (}) P^. 
proportionately. For multiple edge distances 
less than the embedment length, use multiple 
reductions. 

1903.2,2.2 Strength an shear: The strength of 
anchors in shear shall be the minimum of V^ or 
^ V^ where: 

F- = 0.7SA /' 

and where loaded toward an edge greater than 
ten diameters away: 

^V,-^800At,X {f, 

or where loaded toward an edge less than ten 
diameters away: 

;2 



^Vc = $2%< X ^^ 



where: 

Jg = Edge distance from the anchor axis to the 

free edge. 

For groups of anchors, the concrete design 
shear strength shall be taken as the smallest of: 

1 . The strength of the weakest anchor times 
the number of anchors; 

2. The strength of the row of anchors 
nearest the free edge in the direction of shear 
times the number of rows; or 

3. The strength of the row farthest from the 
free edge in the direction of shear. 

For shear loading toward an edge less than ten 
diameters away, or tension or shear not toward 
an edge less than four diameters away, 
reinforcing sufficient to carry the load shall be 
provided to prevent failure of the concrete in 
tension. In no case shall the edge distance be 
less than Vh diameters for shear loading 
toward an edge, or XVz diameters for tension or 
shear not toward an edge. 
1903.2.2.3 Combined tension and shear: 
Where tension and shear act simultaneously, 
both of the following shall be met; 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



'^'' 
.^«/ 



/ T, \2 






^1 



and 




-^ il 



1903.2.3 Special provisions for anchor bolts in 
tops of columns: Anchor bolts at the tops of 
columns shall be enclosed with not less than two 
#4 ties located within four inches from the top of 
the column. Bolts in the tops of columns shall be 
embedded not less than nine bolt diameters. 

1903.3 Moment frames: Moment frames shall 
comply with 780 CMR 1903.3.1, or 1903.3.2. 

1903.3.1 Intermediate moment frames: 

Intermediate moment frames shall comply with 
the requirements of Section 21.8 of ACI 318, 
except as follows: 

1903.3.1.1 Transverse reinforcement for frame 
members subjected principally to bending, 
where the factored axial compressive force on 
the members do not exceed {AJ'J\0\ shall 
comply with Section 21.3.3 of ACI 318. 

1903.3.1.2 Transverse reinforcement for frame 
members subjected to bending and axial load, 
where the factored axial compressive force on 
the members exceeds (Ag/yiO), shall comply 
with Section 21.4.4 of Atll 318. 

1903.3.1.3 Transverse reinforcement as 
specified in Section 21.4.4 of ACI 318 shall be 
provided within joints of frames, for the fiill 
height of the joints, except that it may be 
omitted over the depth of the shallowest beam 
where beams frame into all four sides of 
columns. 

1903.3.1.4 Moment frames composed of two 
way slabs without beams shall not be used to 
resist lateral seismic forces. Delete Section 
21.8.6 of ACI 318. 

1903.3.2 Special moment frames: Special 
moment frames shall comply with the 
requirements of Sections 21.2 through 21.5 of 
ACI 318 as modified in 780 CMR 1903.1.1, and 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 1903.3.1 for 
intermediate moment frames. 

1903.4 Seismic Performance Category C: 

Buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category C shall conform to all of the requirements 
of ACI 3 1 8 as listed in Appendix A and to 780 CMR 
1903.4.1, 1903.4.2 and 1903.4.3. 

1903.4.1 Moment frames: All moment frames 
that are part of the seismic-resisting system shall 



be intermediate moment frames conforming to 
780 CMR 1903.3.1, or special moment frames 
conforming to 780 CMR 1903.3.2. 

1903.4.2 Discontinuous members: Columns 
supporting reactions from discontinuous stiff 
members, such as walls, shall be provided with 
special transverse reinforcement at the spacing 
{s^) as defined in Section 21.9.5.1 of ACI 318 
over their full height beneath the level at which 
the discontinuity occurs. This special transverse 
reinforcement shall be extended above and below 
the column as required by Section 21.4.4.5 of ACI 
318. 

1903.4.3 Shear walls: The design shear strength 
of shear walls shall be calculated as the maximum 
shear obtained from design load combinations 
which include twice the earthquake effect 
calculated in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR. 

1903.4.4 Shear walls in Dual Systems: Shear 
walls acting in combination with a moment frame 
in a Dual System shall conform to sections 21.2 
through 21.6 in ACI 318 as modified by 
780 CMR 1903.1.1. 

1903.5 Seismic Performance Category D: 

Buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category D shall conform to all of the requirements 
for Seismic Performance Category C, and to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1903.5.1 through 
1903.5.3. 

1903.5.1 Moment frames: All moment frames 
that are part of the seismic-resisting system, 
regardless of height, shall be special moment 
frames conforming to 780 CMR 1903.3.2. 

1903.5.2 Seismic-resisting system: All materials 
and components in the seismic-resisting system 
shall conform to Sections 21.2 through 21.6 in 
ACI 3 18, as modified by 780 CMR 1903. 1. 1. 

1903.5.3 Frame members not proportioned to 
resist earthquake forces: All frame components 
which are not part of the seismic-resisting system 
shall conform to 780 CMR 1612.4.4.3.3 and to 
Section 21.7.1.1 or21.7.1.2, and Section 21.7.2 
of ACI 318. 

780 CMR 1904.0 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS 
FOR PLAIN CONCRETE 

1904.1 General: The design and construction of 
plain concrete components that resist seismic forces 
shall conform to the requirements of ACI 318,1 
listed in Appendix A except as modified by 
780 CMRl 904.0. 

1904.2 Seismic Performance Category C: 

Structural members of plain concrete in buildings 
assigned to Seismic Performance Category C shall 
conform to the requirements of ACI 318.1 listed in 



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CONCRETE 



Appendix A and the additional provisions and 
limitations of 780 CMR 1904.0. 

1904.2.1 Footings: Plain concrete footings 
supporting walls shall be provided with not less 
than two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. 
Bars shall not be smaller than #4, and shall have 
a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross 
cross-sectional area of the footing. Continuity of 
reinforcement shall be provided at comers and 
intersections. 

1904.2.2 Pedestals: Plain concrete pedestals shall 
not be used to resist lateral forces due to 
earthquake. 

1904.2.3 Walls: Basement and foundation walls 
shall be reinforced as specified in ACI 318.1 
listed in Appendix A. Other walls shall be 
reinforced vertically and horizontally as required 
by 780 CMR 1904.2.3.1 and 1904.2.3.2. 

1904.2.3.1 Vertical reinforcememt: Vertical 
reinforcement consisting of at least one #4 bar 
shall be provided continuously from support to 
support at each comer, at each side of each 
opening and at ends of walls or panels. 

1 904.2.3.2 Horizontal reinfcBrcement: 
Horizontal reinforcement consisting of at least 
one #4 bar shall be provided as follows: 

1. At the top and bottom of each wall 
opening, extending not less than 24 inches 
(610 mm) beyond the sides of the opening; 
and 

2. Continuously at structurally connected 
roofs and floors, at the top of walls, at the 
bottom of the wall or in the top of the 
foundation where the foundation is doweled 
to the wall, and at a maximum vertical 
spacing often feet (3048 mm). 

Reinforcement at the top and bottom of wall 
openings shall be continuous to qualify as 
reinforcement required by 780 CMR 
1904.2.3.2 item 2. 

1904.3 Seismic Performance Categoay B: 
Structural members of plain concrete are not 
permitted in buildings assigned to Seismic 
Performance Category D. 

Exceptions: 

1. For occupancies in Use Group R=3 in 
buildings of wood frame construction, plain 
concrete footings without lon^tudinal 
reinforcement supporting walls, and plain 
concrete column footings are permitted. 

2. In all other buildings, plain concrete footings 
supporting walls shall be permitted provided that 
such footings are reinforced longitudinally as 
specified in 780 CMR 1 904.2. L 

3. For occupancies in Use Group R-3, plain 
concrete foundation or basement walls having a 
thickness of not less than 714 inches (191 mm) 



and retaining four feet (1219 mm) or less of 
unbalanced fill shall be permitted. 

780 CMR 1905.0 MINIMUM SLAB 
TfflCKNESS 

11 90S. 1 General: The thickness of concrete floor 
slabs supported directly on the ground shall not be 
less than 3'/2 inches (89 mm). A 6-mil (0.006 inch; 
152 ^m) polyethylene vapor retarder with joints 
lapped not less than six inches (152 mm) shall be 
placed between the base course or subgrade and the 
concrete floor slab, or other approved equivalent 
methods or materials shall be used to retard vapor 
transmission through the floor slab. 

Esception: A vapor retarder is not required: 

1. For detached structures accessory to 
occupancies in Use Group R-3, such as garages, 
utility buildings or other unheated facilities; 

2. For unheated storage rooms having an area of 
less than 70 square feet (6.5 m^) and carports 
attached to occupancies in Use Group R-3; 

3. For buildings of other use groups where 
migration of moisture through the slab from 
below will not be detrimental to the intended 
occupancy of the building; 

4. For driveways, walks, patios and other 
flatwork which will not be enclosed at a later 
date; or 

5. Where approved based upon local site 
conditions. 

780 CMR 1906.0 MATERIA!^ 

1906.1 Genersil: Materials used to produce concrete 
and admixtures for concrete shall comply vnth the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1906.0 and ACI 318. 



5.2 Cements: Cement shall conform to ASTM 
CI 50 listed m Appendix A, or to such other cements 
as listed in ACI 3 18. 



.3 Aggregates: Concrete aggregates shall 
conform to ASTM C33 or to ASTM C330 listed in 

Appendix A. 

1906 J. I Special tests: Aggregates failing to meet 
the specifications listed in 780 CMR 1906.3 shall 
not be used unless approved and shown by special 
test or actual service to produce concrete of 
adequate strength and durability. 

1906.3.2 Nominal size: Nonunal maximum size 
of coarse aggregate shall not be larger than: 

1. 1/5 of the narrowest dimension between 
sides of forms; 

2. Vs of the depth of slabs; nor 

3. % of the minimum clear spacing between 
individual reinforcing bars or wires, bundles of 
bars, or prestressing tendons or ducts. 

Exception: These limitations shall not apply 
where information is submitted by the engineer 
and is approved showing that the workability and 



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methods of consolidation are such that concrete 
will be placed without honeycomb or voids. 

1906.4 Water: Water used in mixing concrete shall 
be clean and free from injurious amounts of oils, 
acids, alkalis, salts, organic materials or other 
substances that are deleterious to concrete or 
reinforcement. 

1906.4.1 Chloride ions: Mixmg water for 
prestressed concrete or for concrete that will 
contain aluminum embedments, mcluding that 
portion of mixing water contributed in the form of 
free moisture on aggregates, shall not contain 
deleterious amounts of chloride ion (see 
780 CMR 1 907. L4). 

1906.4.2 Potability: Nonpotable water shall not 
be used in concrete unless the specific 
requirements of ACI 318 allowing the use of 
nonpotable water are satisfied. 

1906.5 Metal reinforcement: Reinforcement and 
welding of reinforcement to be placed in concrete 
construction shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1906.5 

1906.5.1 Reinforcement Type: Reinforcement 
shall be of the deformed type, except for plain 
reinforcement used for spirals or tendons and 
reinforcement consisting of structural steel, steel 
pipe or steel tubing as specified in ACI 318. 
Reinforcement shall conform to the applicable 
ASTM standards listed in ACI 318. 

1906.5.2 Wdding: Reinforcing bars to be welded 
shall be indicated on the drawings, and the 
welding procedure to be used shall be specified. 
ASTM reinforcing bar specifications, except for 
ASTM A706 listed in Appendix A, shall be 
supplemented to require a report of material 
properties necessary to conform to welding 
procedures specified in AWS D1.4 listed in 
Appendix A. 

1906.5^ Tests: Where unidentified reinforcement 
is approved for use, not less than three tension and 
three bending tests shall be made on 
representative specimens of the reinforcement 
from each shipment and grade of reinforcing steel 
proposed for use in the work. 

1906.6 Admixtures: Admixtures used in concrete 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1906.6.1 through 
1906.6.4. 

1906.6.1 Chloride: Calcium chloride or 
admixtures containing chloride from other than 



impurities from admixture ingredients shall not be 
used in prestressed concrete, in concrete 
containing embedded aluminum, in concrete cast 
against stay-in-place galvanized metal forms, or 
in concrete to be exposed to severe or very severe 
sulfate-containing solutions as defined in ACI 3 1 8 
(see 780 CMR 1907.1.3 and 1907.1.4). 

1906.6.2 Standards: Air-entraining admixtures 
shall conform to ASTM C260 listed in 
Appendix A. Water-reducing admixtures, 
retarding admixtures, accelerating admixtures, 
water-reducing and retarding admixtures, and 
water-reducing and accelerating admixtures shall 
conform to ASTM C494 listed in Append A. 

1906.6.3 Pozzolans: Fly ash or other pozzolans 
used as admixtures shall conform to ASTM C61 8 
XiSlQfi'in Appendix A. 

1906.6.4 Blast-furnace slag: Ground-granulated 
blast-furnace slag used as an admixture shall 
conform to ASTM C989 listed in Appendix A. 

1906.7 Tests of materials: Tests of concrete and the 
materials used in concrete shall be in accordance 
with ACI 318. 

780 CMR 1907.0 DURABILITY 
REQUIREMENTS 

1907.1 Durability requirements: Where concrete 
is exposed to special conditions as described in 
780 CMR 1907.1.1 through 1907.1.5, the 
requirements set forth in 780 CMR 1907. 1 . 1 through 
1907.1.5 shdl be met. 

1907.1.1 Freezing and thawing and deicer 
chemicals: Normal weight and lightweight 
concrete exposed to freezing and thawing or 
deicer chemicals shall be air entrained with the air 
content indicated in Table 1 907. 1.1. Tolerance on 
air content as delivered shall be ± 1.5%. For a 
specified compressive strength (/ '^) greater than 
5,000 psi (34475 kPa), the required air content 
indicated in Table 1907.1.1 shall be reduced by 
1%. Where finely divided materials of fly ash or 
natural pozzolans are used as mineral admixtures 
(see 780 CMR 1906.6.3) in air-entrained portland 
cement concrete, air content tests shall be made in 
accordance with ASTM C231 listed in 
Appendix A, to assure compliance with the air 
content requirements of Table 1907.1.1. The 
frequency of air content tests shall be the same as 
that for strength tests required by 780 CMR 
1908.3.1. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

CONCRETE 



Table 1907.1,1 
TOTAL Am CONTENT FOR FROST- 
RESISTANT CONCRETE 



Nominal 


Air content, percent 


maximum , 






aggregate size 
(inches) 


severe exposure 


Moderate 
exposure 


% 


VA 


6 


Vi 


7 


5'/2 




liilllllilli 


iliiiiHiiiiii 




lilliiilHiwi 


wmmSmmm. 






iiiiiiiiii 


f 


5 


4 


3' 


4'/2 


3!/2 



Note a. The severe and moderate exposures 
referenced in this table are not based upon the weathering 
regions shown in figure 1907.1.2. For the purposes of 
780 CMR 1907, severe and moderate exposures shall be 
defmed as follows: 

Severe exposure occurs when concrete will be in 
almost continuous contact with moisture prior to freezing, 
or where deicing salts are used. Examples are pavements, 
bridge decks, sidewalks, parking garages and water tanks. 

Moderate exposure occurs when concrete will be only 
occasionally exposed to moisture prior to freezing, and 
where deicing salts are not used. Examples are certain 
exterior walls, beams, girders and slabs not in direct 
contact with soil. 



Note b. See ASTM €33 listed in Appendix A for 
oversize tolerances for various nominal maximum size 
designations. 

Note c. These air contents apply to total mix, as for 
the preceding aggregate sizes. When testing these 
concretes, however, aggregate larger than I'/j inches is 
removed by handpicking or sieving and air content is 
determined on the minus- 1/4-inch fraction of mix. 
(Tolerance on air content as delivered applies to this 
value.) Air content of the total mix is computed from the 
value determined on the minus- iV^-inch fraction; 

1907oL2 Water-cementitlous material ratio and 
strength: For occupancies and appurtenances 
thereto in Use Group R-3, and occupancies in Use 
Group R-2 that are in buildings less than four 
stories in height, normal-weight aggregate 
concrete that is subject to weathering (freezing 
and thawing), as detemuned from Figure 
1907.1.2, or deicer chemicals shall comply with 
the requirements of Table 1907.1.2(1). In all 
other buildings, concrete that is intended to have 
a low permeability to water, or concrete that will 
be subject to freezing and thawing in a moist 
condition or that will be exposed to deicing salts, 
brackish water, sea water or spray from these 
sources, shall conform to the requirements of 
Table 1907.1.2(2). Additionally, concrete that 
will be exposed to deicing chemicals shall 
conform to the limitations of 780 CMR1907. 1.2.2. 



Figure 1907J.2 
Weathering Probability Map for Concrete 




Severe • (Over 300°) 

Moderate -(too to 300°) 

Negligible (Under 100°) ^^^^^1 




WcaUtcring Regiohs (Weathering Index) 



a. Lines defming areas are approximate only. Local conditions 
can be more or less severe than indicated by the region classillcation. 

Note b. Data needed to determine the weathering index for any locality 
can be found or estimated from the Tables of Local Climatological Data, 
published by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, U.S. 
Department of Commerce. 



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Table 1907.1.2(1) 

MINIMUM SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE 

STRENGTH {f'^f 



Type of location of concrete 


Minimum specified 

compressive strength 

(/'^ at 28 days, psi) 




Negligible 
exposure 


Moderate 
exposure 


Severe 
exposure 


Basement walls and founda- 
tions not exposed to the 
weather 


2,500 


2,500 


2,500° 


Basement slabs and interior 
slabs on grade, except garage 
floor slabs 


2.500 


2,500 


2.500" 


Basement walls, foundation 
walls, exterior walls and 
other vertical concrete 
surfaces exposed to the 
weather 


2,500 


3,000*' 


3,000*' 


Driveways, curbs, walks, 
patios, porches, carport 
slabs, steps and other flat- 
work exposed to the weather, 
and giara^e floor slabs 


2,500 


3,000'' 


3,500'' 



Note a. Concrete in these locations which can be 
subjected to freezing and thawing during construction 
shall be of air-entrained concrete in accordance ^vith 
Table 1907.1.1. 

Note b. Concrete shall be air entrained in accordance 
with Table 1907.1.1. 

Notec. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa. 

Table 1907.1.2(2) 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL 

EXPOSURE CONDITIONS 



Exposure condition 


Maximum water 

cementitious 

materials ratio 

(by weight), 

normal-weight 

aggregate 

concrete 


Minimum f\ 
normal-weight 
and lightweight 
aggregate ^ 
concrete (psi) 


Concrete mtended to 
have low permeability 
when exposed to water 


0.50 


• 4.000 


Concrete exposed to 
freezing and thawing in 
a moist condition 


0.45 


4.500 


For corrosion protection 
for reinforced concrete 
exposed to deicing salts, 
brackish water, sea- 
water or spray from 
these sources 


0.40 


5,000 



Note a. 1 psi = 6.895 kPa. 

1907.1.2.1 Calculation orwater-cementitious 
material ratio: To determine compliance with 
the maximum water-cementitious material ratio 
requirement of Table 1907.L2(2), the weight 
of cementitious material shall include weights 
of any of the following if contained in the 
concrete mixture: cement conforming to the 
requirements of ASTM C150 or C595; fly ash 



or other pozzolan conforming to the 
requirements of ASTM C618; and ground- 
granulated blast-fiimace slag conforming to the 
requirements of ASTM C989 listed in 
Appendix A. 

1907.1.2.2 Limitations on use of certain 
cementitious materials: For concrete exposed 
to deicing chemicals, the maximum weight of 
fly ash or other pozzolan, or ground granulated 
blast-furnace slag that is included in the 
calculation of water-cementitious material 
ratio,, shall not exceed the percentages of the 
total weight of cementitious material specified 
in 780 CMR 1907.1.2.2.1 through 1907.1.2 
2.3. 

1907.1.2.2.1 Concrete containing fly ash 
or pozzolan: The combined weight of fly 
ash and other pozzolan conforming to 
ASTM C618 listed in Appendix A. shall not 
exceed 25% of the total weight of 
cementitious materials. Fly ash or other 
pozzolan used to manufacture Type IP or 
IPM blended hydraulic cement conforming 
to ASTM C595 listed in Appendix A shall be 
included with fly ash or other pozzolan 
added as an admixture. 

1907.1.2.2.2 Concrete containing ground- 
granulated blast-furnace slag: The weight 
of ground-granulated blast-flimace slag 
conforming to ASTM C989 listed in 
Appendix A shall not exceed 50% of the 
total weight of cementitious materials. Slag 
used to manufacture Type IS or ISM 
blended hydraulic cement conforming to 
ASTM C595 listed in Appendix A shall be 
included with slag added as an admixture. 

1907.1.2.2.3 Concrete containing fly ash 
or pozzolan and slag: If fly ash or other 
pozzolan and slag are used in concrete, 
Portland cement conforming to ASTM C 1 50 
listed in Appendix A shall constitute not less 
than 50% of the total weight of cementitious 
materials. Fly ash or other pozzolan shall 
constitute not more than 25% of the total 
weight of cementitious materials. See 
780 CMR 1907.1.2.2.1. 

1907.1.3 Protection from sulfate: Concrete that 
will be exposed to sulfate-containing solutions or 
soils shall conform to the requirements for such 
exposure in ACI 318. 

1907.1.4 Corrosion resistance: For corrosion 
resistance, the maximum water-soluble chloride 
ion concentrations in concrete shall not exceed 
the limitations established in ACI 318. 

1907.1.5 Protection from salt: Where reinforced 
concrete will be exposed to deicing chemicals, 
salts, brackish water, sea water or spray from 
these sources, the requirements of Table 
1907.1.2(2) for the water-cementitious material 



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CONCRETE 



ratio, or the concrete strength and minimum 
concrete cover requirements of 780 CMR 1910.6, 
shall be satisfied. 

780 CMR 1908.0 CONCRETE QUALITY, 
MIXING AND PLACING 

1908.! General: Concrete shall be proportioned to 
provide an average compressive strength as 
prescribed by ACI 318, and to satisfy the durability 
criteria of 780 CMR 1907.0. Concrete shall be 
produced to minimize frequency of strengths below 
f'c as prescribed in 780 CMR 1908.3.2. The 
specified compressive strength (/'j, ) for concrete 
designed and constructed in accordance with this 
chapter shall not be less than 2,500 psi (17238 kPa). 
Unless otherwise specified, /'^ shall be based on 
28-day strength. If other than 28 days is used in the 
design, the length of time to reach /'^ shall be 
indicated on the construction documents. 

1908.2 Selection of concrete proportions: Concrete 
proportions shall be determined in accordance with 
ACI 318 and as modified in 780 CMR1908. 

1908.2.1 Proportioning by water-cememtitaous 
material ratio: If data based on field experience 
or trial mixture as required by ACI 3 1 8 are not 
available, concrete proportions shall be based on 
the water-cementitious material ratio limitations 
shown in Table 1908.2.1, subject to approval. 
The specified compressive strengths in Table 
1908.2.1 are 28-day strengths for cements 
conforming to the strength limitations of ASTM 
CI 50 listed in ACI 3 1 8, Type I, lA, II or II A and 
seven-day strengths for Types III and IIIA. For 
strengths above 3,500 psi (24133 kPa), concrete 
proportioned by the water-cementitious material 
ratio shall be established by the methods listed in 
ACI 3 18. 

Table 1908.2.1 

MAXIMUM WATER-CEMENTITIOUS 

MATERIAL RATIOS ANB MINIMUM 

CEMENT CONTENTS 



Specified 

compressive 

strength 

(psi) 



2,500 
3,000 
3.500 



Minimum 
sacks of 
cement 

per cubic 
yard of 
concrete 



5 

5'/2 

6 



Maximum permissible water- 
cementitious material ratios 



Nonair-entrained 
concrete 



Absolute 
ratio by 
weight 



0.67 
0.58 
0.51 



US 
gallon 
per 94 
pound 
bag of 
cement 

7.6 
6.6 
5.8 



Air-entrained 
. concrete 



Absolute 
ratio by 
weight 



0.54 
0.46 
0.40 



US 
gallon 
per 94 
pound 
bag of 
cement 



6.1 
5.2 
4.5 
T 



Note a. 1 psi -6.895 kPa; 1 gallon = .00379 m ; 1 
pound = 0.454 kg. 

1908.2.2 Limitation on use: Table 1908.2.1 shall 
be used only for concrete to be made with 



cements conforming to the strength requirements 
for Type I, I A, II, IIA, III, IIIA or V of ASTM C 
150 listed in Appendix A or Type IS, IS- A 
IS(MS), IS-A(MS), I(SM), I(SM)-A, IP, IP-A 
I(PM), I(PM)-A IPO^S), IP-.A(>1S) or P of 
ASTM C595 listed in Appendix A and shall not 
be applied to concrete containing lightweight 
aggregates or admixtures other than those for 
entraining air. 

1908.2.3 Durability requirements: Concrete 
proportioned by the water-cementitious material 
ratio limitations prescribed in Table 1908.2. 1 shall 
also conform to the durability requirements of 
780 CMR 1907.0 and to compressive strength test 
criteria of 780 CMR 1908.3. 



L3 Evaluation for acceptance of concrete: For 
evaluation and acceptance of concrete, the 
procedures established in 780 CMR 1908.3.1 
through 1908.3.4 shall be followed. 

1908.3.1 Frequency of testing: Testing shall be 
conducted as required by the following: 
• 1 . Samples for strength tests of each class of 
concrete placed each day shall be taken not less 
than once a day, nor less than once for each 
150 cubic yards (1 15 m ) of concrete, nor less 
than once for each 5,000 square feet (465 m ) 
of surface area for slabs or walls. 

2. On a given project, if the total volume of 
concrete is such that the frequency of testing 
required by 780 CMR 1908.3.1, item 1, 
provides less than five strength tests for a given 
class of concrete, tests shall be made fi-om at 
least five randomly selected batches or from 
each batch if fewer than five batches are used. 

3. Where total quantity of a given class of 
concrete is less than 50 cubic yards (38 m'), 
strength tests are not required when approved 
and evidence of satisfactory strength is 
provided. Satisfactory evidence shall include, 
but not be limited to, certification fi"om the 
concrete supplier that the concrete to be 
provided will be proportioned to achieve the 
specified compressive strength based on "field 
experience" or "trial batches" in accordance 
with ACI 318. In the absence of satisfactory 
evidence, concrete shall be proportioned in 
accordance with Table 1908.2. 1. 

4. A strength test shall be the average of the 
strengths of two cylinders made from the same 
sample of concrete and tested at 28 days or at 
the test age designated for determination of /'j. 



2 Laboratory°curedl specimens: 
Laboratory=cured specimens shall conform to the 
following criteria: 

1. Samples for strength tests shall be taken in 
accordance with ASTM CI 72 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2. Cylinders for strength tests shall be molded 
and laboratory cured in accordance with 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



ASTM C3 1 listed in Appendix A, and tested in 
accordance with ASTM C39 listed in 
Appendix A. 

3. Strength level of an individual class of 
concrete shall be considered satisfactory if both 
of the following requirements are met: 

3.1. Average of all sets of three consecutive 
strength tests equals or exceeds /'(.; and 

3.2. All individual strength tests (average 
of two cylinders) shall not fall below f'^ by 
more than 500 psi (3448 kPa). 

4. If either of the requirements of 780 CMR 
1908.3.2, item 3, is not met, steps shall be 
taken to increase the average of subsequent 
strength test results. The requirements of 780 

CMR 1908.3.4 shall apply if the requirement 
in 780 CMR 1908.3.2, item 3.2, is not met. 

1908.3.3 Field-cured specimens: Where the code 
official requires strength tests of cylinders cured 
under field conditions to check adequacy of 
curing and protection of concrete in the structure, 
the field-cured specimens shall conform to the 
following criteria: 

1 . Field-cured cylinders shall be cured under 
field conditions in accordance with ASTM C3 1 
listed in Appendix A. 

2. Field-cured test cylinders shall be molded 
at the same time and fi^om the same samples as 
laboratory-cured test cylinders. 

3. Procedures for protecting and curing 
concrete shall be improved where the strength 
of field-cured cylinders at the test age 
designated for determination of /'^ is less than 
85% of that of companion laboratory-cured 
cylinders. The 85% criterion is not required 
where the field-cured strength exceeds /'^ by 
more than 500 psi (3448 kPa). 

1908.3.4 Investigation of low-strength test 
results: If the investigation of concrete indicates 
low-strength conditions, the following procedures 
shall apply: 

1 . If any strength test (see 780 CMR 1908.3. 1, 
item 4) of laboratory-cured cylinders falls 
below the specified value of f^ by more than 
500 psi (3448 kPa) (see 780 CMR 1908.3.2, 
item 3.2) or if tests of field-cured cylinders 
indicate deficiencies in protection and curing 
(see 780 CMR 1908.3.3, item 3), steps shall be 
taken to assure that the loadbearing capacity of 
the structure is not jeopardized. 

2. If the likelihood of low-strength concrete is 
confirmed and computations indicate that the 
loadbearing capacity will be significantly 
reduced, tests of cores drilled from the area in 
question shall be made in accordance with AC! 
318. 

3. Concrete in an area represented by core 
tests shall be considered structurally adequate 
if the average of three cores is not less than 
85% of /j, and if a single core is not less than 



75% of /'^. Where necessary to check testing 
accuracy, locations represented by erratic core 
strengths shall be retested. 
4. If the criteria of 780 CMR 1908.3.4, item 3, 
are not met, and if structural adequacy remains 
in doubt, load tests shall be ordered at the 
discretion of the engineer or the code official 
as outlined in Chapter 20 of ACI 318 for the 
questionable portion of the structure, or other 
appropriate action taken. 

1908.4 Preparation of equipment and place of 
deposit: Preparation before concrete placement shall 
include the following criteria: 

1. All equipment for mixing and transporting 
concrete shall be clean. 

2. All debris and ice shall be removed from 
spaces to be occupied by concrete. 

3. Fonns shall be properly coated. 

4. Masonry filler units that will be in contact 
with concrete shall be well drenched. 

5. Reinforcement shall be thoroughly clean of 
ice or other deleterious coating. 

6. Water shall be removed from the place of 
deposit before concrete is placed, unless a 
extreme is to be used or unless otherwise 
approved by the code official. 

7. All laitance and other unsound material shall 
be removed before additional concrete is placed 
against hardened concrete. 

1908.5 Mixing: All concrete shall be mixed until 
there is a uniform distribution of materials, and shall 
be discharged completely before the mixer is 
recharged. 

1908.5.11 Ready-mixed concrete: Ready-mixed 
concrete shall be mixed and delivered in 
accordance with ASTM C94 or ASTM C685 
listed in Appendix A. 

1908.5.2 Job-mixed concrete: Job-mbced 
concrete shall be mixed in accordance with ACI 
318. 

1908.6 Conveying: Concrete shall be conveyed 
from the mixer to the place of final deposit by 
methods that will prevent separation or loss of 
materials. Conveying equipment shall be capable of 
providing a supply of concrete at the site of 
placement without separation of ingredients and 
without interruptions sufficient to permit loss of 
plasticity between successive increments. 

1908.7 Depositing: Concrete shall be deposited as 
nearly as practicable in its final position to avoid 
segregation caused by rehandling or flowing. 

1908.7.1 Placement timing: Concrete placement 
shall be carried on at such a rate that the concrete 
is at all times plastic and flows readily into spaces 
between reinforcement. 



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CONCRETE 



1908.7.2 Unacceptable concrete: Concrete that 
has partially hardened or has been contaminated 
by foreign materials shall not be deposited in the 
structure. 

1908.7.3 Retempering: Retempered concrete or 
concrete that has been remixed after initial set 
shall not be used unless approved by the 
registered design professional. 

1908.7.4 Continuous concreting: Once started, 
concreting shall be carried on as a continuous 
operation until the placement of a panel or 
section, as defined by panel or section boundaries 
or predetermined joints, is completed except as 
provided for in 780 CMR 1909.4. 

1908.7.5 Placement in walls: Top surfaces of 
vertically formed lifts shall be generally level. 

1908.7.6 Constnictiois Joints: Where 
construction jomts are required, such joints shall 
be made in accordance with 780 CMR 1909.4. 

1908.7.7 Consolidation: All concrete shall be 
thoroughly consolidated by suitable means during 
placement and shall be thoroughly worked around 
reinforcement and embedded fixtures and into 
comers of forms. 

1908.8 Curing: Concrete (other than high-early- 
strength) shall be maintained above SCF (lO'C) 
and in a moist condition for at least the first seven 
days after placement, except when cured in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1908.8.2. 

190SoSJ High-eariy-strength eoiagrete: High- 
^r]y°strength concrete shaU be maintained above 
50°F (lO'C) and in a moist condition for at least 
the first three days after placement, except when 
cured in accordance with 780 CMR 1908.8.2. 

1908.8.2 Accelerated cusisig: If curing Is to be 
accelerated, such curing shall be done in 
accordance vdth ACI 318. 

1908.9 Cold-weather requirement!: Adequate 
equipment shall be provided for heating concrete 
materials and protecting concrete during ft-eezing or 
near-freezing weather. 

1908.9.1 Frost: All concrete materials and all 
reinforcement, forms, fillers and ground with 
which concrete is to come in contact shall be free 
from frost. 

1908.9.2 Ice: Frozen materials or materials 
containing ice shall not be used. 

1908.10 Hot>weather requirements: During hot 
weather, attention shall be given to ingredients, 
production methods, handling, pacing, protection 
and curing to prevent excessive concrete 
temperatures or water evaporation that would impair 
required strength or serviceability of the member or 
structure. 



780 OVIR 1909.© FORMWORK, EMBEDDED 
PIPES AND CONSTRUCTION JOINTS 

1909.1 Design of formwork: The design, 
fabrication and erection of forms shall result in a 
final structure that conforms to shapes, lines and 
dimensions of the members as required by the 
construction documents. 

1909olol Form strength: Forms shall be 
substantial and shall be sufficiently tight to 
prevent leakage of concrete. 

1909.L2 Form bracing: Forms shall be properly 
braced or tied together to maintain position and 
shape. 

I909J,3 Form placement: Forms and their 
supports shall be designed so as not to damage 
previously placed structures. 

1909 J Removal of forms and shores: Construction 
loads shall not be supported on, nor any shoring 
removed from, any part of the structure under 
construction except where that portion of the 
structure, in combination with the remaining 
forming and shoring system, has sufficient strength 
to support safely its weight and loads placed 
thereon. 

1909.2.1 Structural amalysis: Sufficient strength 
shall be demonstrated by structural analysis 
considering proposed loadSi strength of the 
forming and shoring system, and concrete strength 
data. Concrete strength data shall be based on 
tests of field-cured cylinders or, where approved, 
oil other procedures to evaluate concrete strength. 
Structural analysis and concrete-strength test data 
shall be fiimished to the code official when so 
required. 

1909.2.2 Construction loads: Construction loads 
exceeding the combination of superimposed dead 
load plus specified live load shall not be 
supported on any unshored portion of the 
structure under construction, unless analysis 
indicates adequate strength to support such 
additional loads. 

1909.2.3 Safety: Forms shall be removed in such 
a manner so as not to impair safety and 
serviceability of the structure. All concrete to be 
exposed by form removal shall have sufficient 
strength not to be damaged thereby. 

1909.2.4 Prestressed members: Form supports 
for prestressed concrete members shall not be 
removed unless sufficient prestressing has been 
applied to enable prestressed members to carry 
their dead load and anticipated construction 
loads. 

19093 Conduits and pipes embedded in concrete-. 
Where conduits, pipes and sleeves of any material 
not harmfiil to concrete and within limitations of 



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345 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR 1909 are embedded in concrete with the 
approval of the engineer, such embedments shall not 
be considered to replace structurally the displaced 
concrete, except as provided for in 780 CMR 
1909.3.5. 

19093.1 Aluminum conduit and pipe: Conduits 
and pipes of aluminum shall not be embedded in 
structural concrete unless effectively coated or 
covered to prevent aluminum concrete reaction or 
electrolytic action between aluminum and steel. 

1909 J.2 Structural effect: Conduits, pipes and 
sleeves passing through a slab, wall or beam shall 
not impair significantly the strength of the 
construction. 

1909 J J Columns: Conduits and pipes, including 
fittings, embedded within a colunm, shall not 
displace more than 4% of the area of the cross 
section on which strength is calculated or which 
is required for fire protection. 

1909J.4 Slabs, walls or beams: Except where 
construction documents for conduits and pipes are 
approved by the registered design professional 
and the code official, conduits and pipes 
embedded within a slab, wall or beam (other than 
those merely passing through) shall: 

1 . Not be larger in outside dimension than Va 
of the overall thickness of the slab, wall or 
beam in which such conduits and pipes are 
embedded. 

2. Not be spaced closer than three diameters 
or widths on center. 

3. Not impair significantly the strength of the 
construction. 

19093.5 Displaced concrete: Conduits, pipes and 
sleeves shall not be considered in compression as 
replacing structurally the displaced concrete 
unless such conduits, pipes and sleeves: 

1. Are not exposed to rusting or other 
deterioration. 

2. Are of uncoated or galvanized iron or steel 
not thinner than standard Schedule 40 steel 
pipe. 

3. Have a nominal inside diameter not over 
two inches and are spaced not less than three 
diameters on center. 

19093.6 Additional considerations: In addition 
to the other requirements of 780 CMR 1909.3, 
pipes that will contain liquid, gas or- vapor which 
are embedded in structural concrete shall conform 
to the following conditions: 

1 . Pipes and fittings shall be designed to resist 
effects of the material, pressure and 
temperature to which the pipes and fittings will 
be subjected. 

2. Liquid, gas or vapor except water not 
exceeding 90°F (32°C) or 50 psi (345 kPa) 
pressure, shall not be placed in the pipes until 
the concrete has attained design strength. 



3. In solid slabs, piping that is not used for 
radiant heating or snow melting shall be placed 
between top and bottom reinforcement. 

4. Concrete cover for pipes, conduit and 
fittings shall not be less tiian I'/a inches (38 
mm) for concrete exposed to earth or weather 
conditions or V* inch (19 m) for concrete not 
exposed to weather conditions or in contact 
with pound. 

5. Reinforcement with an area ofnot less than 
0.002 times the area of the concrete section 
shall be provided normal to piping. 

6. Piping and conduit shall be fabricated and 
installed so that cutting, bending or 
displacement of reinforcement fi-om the proper 
location will not be required. 

1909.4 Construction joints: Construction joints 
shall be created using the procedures set forth in 
780 CMR 1909.4.1 through 1909.4.6. 

1909.4.1 Surface cleaning: Surface of concrete 
construction joints shall be cleaned and laitance 
removed. 

1909.4.2 Preparation of joint: Immediately 
before new concrete is placed, all construction 
joints shall be wetted and standing water shall be 
removed. 

1909.43 Effect on strength: Construction joints 
shall be so made and located as not to impair the 
strength of the structure. Provisions shall be 
made for the transfer of shear and other forces 
through construction joints. 

1909.4.4 Location of joints: Construction joints 
in floors shall be located within the middle third 
of the spans of slabs, beams and girders. Joints in 
girders shall be offset a minimum distance of two 
times the width of intersecting beams. 

1909.4.5 Support conditions: Beams, girders or 
slabs supported by columns or walls shall not be 
cast or erected until concrete in the vertical 
support members is not in a plastic state. 

1909.4.6 Monolithic pours: Beams, girders, 
haunches, drop panels and capitals shall be placed 
monolithically as part of a slab system, unless 
otherwise shown on the construction documents. 

780 CMR 1910.0 DETAILS OF 
REINFORCEMENT 

1910.1 General: Details of reinforcement shall 
comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 1910.0 
and ACI 318. Where unidentified reinforcement is 
approved for use, such reinforcement shall be tested 
in accordance with the following: 

Not less than three tension and three bending tests 
shall be made on representative specimens of the 
reinforcement fi^om each shipment and grade of 
reinforcing steel proposed for use in the project. 



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CONCRETE 

1910.2 Bending reinforcement: All reinforcement 
shall be bent cold, unless otherwise permitted by the 
registered design professional and approved. 
Reinforcement partially embedded in concrete shall 



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NON-TEXT PAGE 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

CONCRETE 



not be field bent, except as shown on the 
construction documents or as authorized by the 
registered desi^ professional and approved. 

1910.3 Surface conditions of reisiforcemesat At 
the time concrete is placed, metal reinforcement 
shall be free from mud, oil or other nonmetallic 
coatings that adversely affect bonding capability. 

1910.3.1 Rust or miM scale: Metal reinforcement, 
except prestressing tendons, with rust or mill 
scale, or a combination of both, shall be 
considered satisfactory, provided that the 
minimum dimensions (including height of 
deformations) and the weight of a hand-wire- 
brushed test specimen are not less than the 
specification requirements of the applicable 
ASTM standard referenced by ACI 318. 

1910.3.2 Prestressing tendons: Prestressing 
tendons shall be clean and free of oil, dirt, scale, 
pitting and excessive rust. A light oxide is 
permissible. 



members where the tolerance shall be Vi inch 


(13 


mm). 

Tabk 1910.4.1 
TOLERANCES^ 








Tolerance 




T^ .u'/js Toleramce 
Depth {d) , 


ond 
minimum 
concrete 

cover 



d less than or equal to 8 inches 
d greater than 8 inches 



±% inch -% inch 
±/4 inch ='/2 inch 



Placing reinforcement: Reinforcement, 
prestressing tendons and ducts shall be accurately 
placed and supported before concrete is placed, and 
shall be secured against displacement within the 
tolerances permitted in 780 CMR 1910.4.1 through 
1910.4.3. 

Exception: Embedded items (such as dowels or 
inserts) of precast concrete members that either 
protrude fi'om concrete or remain exposed for 
inspection shall not be embedded while the 
concrete is in a plastic state unless authorized by 
the registered design professional and the 
following conditions are met: 

1. Embedded items are not required to be 
hooked or tied to reinforcement. 

2. Embedded items shall be maintained in the 
correct position while concrete remains plastic. 

3. Embedded items shall be properly anchored 
to develop required factored loads. 

1910.4.1 Reinforcement, prestressing tendons 
and pretressing ducts: Unless othenvise 
specified by the engineer, reinforcement, 
prestressing tendons and prestressing ducts shall 
be placed within the following tolerances: 

1. The tolerance for depth (d) and the 
minimum concrete cover in flexural members, 
wails and compression members shall be as 
specified in Table 1910.4.1, except that the 
tolerance for the clear distance to formed 
soffits shall be minus V* inch (6 mm) and the 
tolerance for cover shall not exceed minus one= 
third of the minimum concrete cover required 
in the design drawings or specifications. 

2. The tolerance for longitudinal location of 
bends and ends of reinforcement shall be ± 2 
inches (51 mm) except at discontinuous ends of 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm 

1910.4.2 Welded wire fabric: Where welded 
wire fabric (with wire size not greater than W5 or 
D5) used in slabs not exceeding ten feet (3048 
mm) in span is curved fi"om a point near the top of 
slab over the support to a point near the bottom of 
slab at midspan, such reinforcement shall be 
either continuous over, or securely anchored at, 
the support. 

1910.4.3 Welding: Welding of crossing bars shall 
not be permitted for assembly of reinforcement 
unless authorized by the engineer. 



h§ Spacing limitations for reinforcement: The 
clear distance between reinforcing bars, bundled 
bars, prestressing tendons and ducts shall be in 
accordance with the limitations of ACI 318. 



).6 Concrete protection for reinforcement: 
Reinforcement shall be provided with the protection 
required by 780 CMR 1910.6.1 through 1910.6.5. 

1910.6,1 Cast-in-place concrete: In cast-in-place 
conaete (nonprestressed), the minimum concrete 
cover for reiriforcement shall be as indicated in 
Table 1910.6.1. 

Table 1910.6.1 
MINIMUM COVER 



Structural element and condition 


Minimum 

cover 
(inches) 


1 . Concrete cast against and permanently 
exposed to earth 

2. Concrete exposed to earth or weather: 

#6 through #18 bars 

#5 bar, W3 1 or D3 1 wire and smaller 


3 
2 


3. Concrete not exposed to weather or in 
contact with ground 
Slabs, walls, joists 
#14 and #18 bars 
#11 bar and smaller 

Beams, columns; 
^ , „ Primary reinforcement, tie$, stirrups, 
spirals^ 

Shells, folded plate members: 
#6 bar and larger 
#5 bar, W3 1 or D3 1 wire, and smaller 


V2 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 



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1910.6.2 Precast concrete: The minimum cover 
for reinforcement in precast concrete 
manufactured under plant control conditions and 
for prestressed concrete shall be in accordance 
withACI318. 

1910.6.3 Corrosive environments: In corrosive 
environments or other severe conditions, the 
amount of concrete protection shall be suitably 
increased, and the density and nonporosity of 
protection concrete shall be considered, or other 
protection shall be provided. 

1910.6.4 Future extensions: Exposed 
reinforcement, inserts and plates intended for 
bonding with future extensions shall be protected 
from corrosion. 

1910.6.5 Fire protection: Where this code 
requires a thickness of cover for fire protection 
greater than the minimum concrete cover 
specified in 780 CMR 1910.6.1 or ACI 318, such 
greater thickness shall be used. 

780 CMR 1911.0 SHOTCRETE 

1911.1 General: Except as specified in 780 CMR 
911.0, shotcrete shall conform to the requirements 
for plain concrete or reinforced concrete. Shotcrete 
is mortar or concrete which is pneumatically 
projected at a high velocity onto a surface. 

1911.2 Proportioning: Shotcrete proportions shall 
be selected that allow suitable placement procedures 
using the delivery equipment selected, and that 
results in in-place hardened shotcrete conforming to 
the strength requirements of 780 CMR. 

1911.3 Aggregate: Coarse aggregate, if used, shall 
not exceed % inch (19 mm) in size. 

1911.4 Reinforcement: Reinforcement shall comply 
with 780 CMR 1911.4.1 through 1911.4.3. 

1911.4.1 Size: The maximum size of 
reinforcement shall be No. 5 bars. The code 
official shall approve the use of larger bars where 
it is demonstrated that adequate encasement of the 
larger bars will be achieved. 

1911.4.2 Spacing: The minimum clearance 
between parallel reinforcing bars shall be 2'/i 
inches (64 mm). Welded wire fabric shall have 
a minimum wire spacing of two inches (5 1 mm) 
by two inches (5 1 mm). 

1911.4.3 Splices: Lap splices of reinforcing bars 
shall be by the noncontact lap-spIice method with 
at least two inches (5 1 mm) of clearance between 
bars. The code official shall permit the use of 
contact lap splices where necessary for the 
support of the reinforcing and provided that it is 
demonstrated that adequate encasement of the 
bars at the splice will be achieved. 



1911.5 Rebound: Any rebound or accumulated 
loose aggregate shall be removed from the surfaces 
to be covered prior to placing the initial or any 
succeeding layers of shotcrete. Rebound shall not be 
reused as aggregate. 

1911.6 Joints: Except where permitted herein, 
unfinished work shall not be allowed to stand for 
more than 30 minutes unless all edges are sloped to 
a thin edge. For structural elements which will be 
under compression and for construction joints shown 
on the approved (construction documents, square 
joints are permitted. Before placing additional 
material adjacent to previously applied work, 
sloping and square edges shall be cleaned and 
wetted. 

1911.7 Damage: Shotcrete that exhibits sags, 
sloughs, segregation, honeycombing, sand pockets 
or other obvious defects, shall be removed and 
replaced. 

1911.8 Curing: During the curing periods specified 
herein, shotcrete shall be maintained above 40°F 
(4°C) and in a moist condition. 

1911.8.1 Initial curing: Shotcrete shall be kept 
continuously moist for 24 hours after shotcreting 
is completed or shall be sealed with an approved 
curing compound. 

1911.8.2 Final curing: Final curing shall continue 
for seven days after shotcreting, or for three days 
if high-early-strength cement is used, or until the 
specified strength is obtained. Final curing shall 
consist of the initial curing process or the 
shotcrete shall be covered with an approved 
moisture-retaining cover. 

1911.8.3 Natural curing: Natural curing shall not 
be used in lieu of that specified in this section 
unless the relative humidity remains at or above 
85%, and is authorized by the registered design 
professional, and approved by the code official. 

1911.9 Strength test: A strength test of shotcrete 
shall be made in accordance with the quality 
assurance provisions of ACI 506.2 listed in 
Appendix A. 

780 CMR 1912.0 CONCRET1E-FILLED 
PIPE COLUMNS 

1912.1 General: Concrete-filled pipe columns shall 
be manufactured from standard, extra-strong or 
double-extra-strong steel pipe or tubing which is 
filled with concrete so placed and manipulated as to 
secure ma:dmum density and to insure complete 
filling of the pipe without voids. 

1912.2 Design: The safe supporting capacity of 
concrete-filled pipe columns shall be computed in 



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CONCRETE 



accordance with the approved rules or as determined 
by a test. 

1912.3 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. Where 
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. 

1912.4 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 sufficient clearance to insure the 
composite action of the section, but not nearer than 
one inch (25 mm) to the exterior steel shell. All 
structural shapes used as reinforcement shall be 
milled to insure bearing on cap and base plates. 



1912.5 Flreresistance ratSng protection: Pipe 
columns shall be of such size or so protected as to 
develop the required flreresistance ratings specified 
in Table 602. Where an outer steel shell is used to 
enclose the fireresistive covering, the shell shall not 
be included in the calculations for strength of the 
column section. The minimum diameter of pipe 
columns shall be four inches (102 mm) except that 
in structures of Type 5 construction not exceeding 
three stories or 40 feet (12192 mm) in height, pipe 
columns used in the basement and as secondary steel 
members shall have a minimum diameter of three 
inches (76 mm). 

1912.6 Approvals: All details of column 
connections and 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 code official or by an approved 
representative of the manufacturer at the plant. 



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THE MASSACPIUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

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350 • 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/27/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



LIGHTWEIGHT METALS 

780 CMR 2001.0 GENERAL 780 CMR 2002.0 MATERIALS 

2001.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 20 shall 2002.1 General: Aluminum used for structural 
govern the materials, design, construction and purposes in buildings and structures shall comply 
quality of aluminum and other lightweight metal with AA SAS 30 and AA ASM 35 listed in 
alloys. Appendix A. Other lightweight metal alloys used 

for structural purposes in buildings and structures 
shall be of approved materials. 



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NON-TEXT PAGE 



352 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



lASONI 



780 CMR 2101.0 GENERAL 

210L1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 21 shall 
govern the materials, design, construction and 
quality of masonry. 

21(111. 1.1 Engineered masonry design: All 
masonry shall conform to the engineered masonry 
design requirements of Chapters 1 through 8 of 
ACI 530/ASCE S/TMS 402 listed in Appendix A. 

Exception: Where permitted by 780 CMR 
2104.3, empirically designed masonry shall 
conform to 780 CMR 21 and Chapters 1 
through 4 and Chapter 9 of ACI 530/ASCE 
5/TMS 402 listed m Appendix A. 



Seismic requirements: Masonry shall 
comply v/ith the requirements of 780 CMR 2104. 

780 CMR 2102.0 DEFDOTIONS 

2102.1 General: The following v^ords and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 21 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Anchor: Metal rod, wire or strap that secures 
masonry to its structural support. 

Architectural terra cotta: Plain or ornamental hard- 
burned plastic clay units, larger in size than brick, 
with glazed or unglazed ceramic finish. 

Area, gross cross-sectional: The areas delineated by 
the out-to-out dimensions of masonry in the plane 
under consideration. 

Bed joint: The horizontal layer of mortar on which 
a masonry unit is laid 

Brack 

Calcium silicate brick (sand lame brick): A 

building unit made of sand and lime. 

Qay or shale: A solid masonry unit made of clay 

or shale, usually formed into a rectangular prism 

while in the plastic state and burned or fired in a 

kiln. 

Concrete brick: A solid masonry unit having the 

approximate shape of a rectangular prism and 

composed of inert aggregate particles embedded 

in a hardened cementitious matrix. 

Hollow brick: A masonry unit made of clay or 

shale whose net cross-sectional area in any plane 

parallel to the loadbearing surface is not less than 

75% of its gross cross-sectional area measured in 

the same plane. 



Biattress: A projecting part of a masonry wall built 
integrally therewith to furnish lateral stability 
which is supported on proper foundations. 

Chimney: A primarily vertical enclosure containing 
one or more passageways. 

Chimney, masonry: A field-constructed chimney of 
solid masonry units, stones or reinforced concrete 
(see 780 CMR 21 14.0). 



Vertical longitudinal joint between 
W5^hes of masonry or between masonry and back- 
up construction which is permitted to be filled 
with mortar or grout. 

Connector: A mechanical device for securing two or 
more pieces, parts or members together, including 
anchors, wall ties and fasteners. 

Diaphragm: A roof or floor system designed to 
transmit lateral forces to shear walls or other 
vertical resisting elements. 

Dimensions, nominal: Equal to the actual dimension 
plus the width of the mortar joint. Dimensions 
and thicknesses specified in this chapter are 
nominal dimensions. 

Effective height: Clear height of a braced member 
between lateral supports and used for calculating 
the slendemess ratio of a member. Effective 
height for unbraced members shall be calculated. 

Head joint: Vertical mortar joint placed between 
masonry units within the wythe at the time the 
masonry units are laid. 

Header (Bonder): A masonry unit that connects two 
or more adjacent wythes of masonry. 



Height, walls: The vertical distance from the 
foundation wall or other immediate support of 
such wall to the top of the wall. 

Masoniy: 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 classified as 
masonry. 

Ashlar facing masonry: Facing of solid 
rectangular units larger in size than brick and 
made of burned clay or shale, natural or cast 



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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. 
Solid masonry: Masonry consisting of solid 
masonry units laid contiguously with the joints 
between the units filled with mortar, or consisting 
of plain concrete. 

Masonry unit 

Clay; A building unit larger in size than a brick, 
composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or 
mixtures thereof 

Concrete: A building unit or block larger in size 
than 12 by 4 by 4 inches (305 mm by 102 mm by 
102 mm) made of cement and suitable aggregates. 
Hollow: A masonry unit whose net cross- 
sectional area in any plane parallel to the 
loadbearing surface is less than 75% of its gross 
cross-sectional area measured in the same plane. 
Solid: A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional 
area in every plane parallel to the loadbearing 
surface is 75% or more of its gross cross-sectional 
area measured in the same plane. 

Mortar: A plastic mixture of approved cementitious 
materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond 
masonry or other structural units (see 780 CMR 
2105.0). 

Mortar, surface-bonding: A mixture used to bond 
concrete masonry units which contains: hydraulic 
cement; glass fiber reinforcement v^dth or without 
inorganic fillers or organic modifiers; and water 
(see 780 CMR 2105.8). 

Rubble masonry: Masonry composed of roughly 
shaped stones. 

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. 

Running bond: The placement of masonry units 
such that head joints in successive courses are 
horizontally offset at least one-quarter the unit 
length. 

Stack bond; The placement of masonry units in a 
bond pattern is such that head joints in successive 
courses are vertically aligned. For the purpose of 
this code, requirements for stack bond shall apply 
to all masonry laid in other than running bond. 



Stone masonry: Masonry composed of field, 
quarried or caststone units bonded by mortar. 

1. Stone masonry, ashlar: Stone masonry 
composed of rectangular units having sawed, 
dressed or squared bed surfaces and bonded by 
monar. 

2. Stone masonry, rubble: Stone masonry 
composed of irregular-shaped units bonded by 
mortar. 

Tile, wall: Metal connector that connects wythes of 
masonry walls together. 

Tile: A ceramic surface unit, usually relatively thin 
in relation to facial area, made fi-om clay or a 
mixture of clay and other ceramic materials, 
called the body of the tile, having either a 
"glazed" or "unglazed" face and fired above red 
heat in the course of manufacture to a temperature 
sufficiently high enough to produce specific 
physical properties and characteristics (see 
780 CMR 2105.0). 

Tile, structural clay: A hollow masonry unit 
composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or 
mixtures thereof, and having parallel cells (see 
780 CMR 2105.0). 

Wall 

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 or more masonry units of different materials 
bonded together, one forming the backup and the 
other the facing elements. 
Dry-stacked, surface-bonded walls: A wall built 
of concrete masonry units where the units are 
stacked dry, without mortar on the bed or head 
joints, and where both sides of the wall are coated 
with a surface-bonding mortar (see 780 CMR 
2106.3). 

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. 
Parapet wall: That part of any wall entirely 
above the roof line. 

Wythe: Each continuous, vertical section of a wall, 
one masonry unit in thickness. 



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MASONRY 



780 CMR 2103.0 CONSTRUCTION 
DOCUMENTS 

2103.1 Drawings: The drawings and details shall 
show all the items required to be shown on the 
drawings by 780 CMR including the following: 

L Specified size, grade, type and location of 
reinforcement, anchors and wall ties; 

2. Reinforcing bars to be welded and welding 
procedure; 

3. Size and location of all structural elements; 
and 

4. Provision for dimensional changes resulting 
from elastic deformation, creep, shrinkage, 
temperature and moisture. 

2103.2 Fireplace drawings: The construction 
documents shall describe in sufficient detail the 
location, size and construction of all masonry 
fireplaces. The thickness and characteristics of all 
material and the clearances from walls, partitions 
and ceilings shall be clearly indicated. 

780 CMR 2104.0 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS 

2104.1 Scope: Seismic design requirements apply to 
the design of masonry and the construction of 
masonry building elements, except masonry veneers. 
Seismic requirements for masonry veneers shall 
comply with Chapter 12 of the AC! 530/ASCE 
5/TMS 402 Masonry Code listed in Appendix A. 
All masonry shall be designed to comply with the 
requirements of Chapter 7 of the ACI 530/ 
ASCE 5/TMS 402 Masonry Code listed in 
Appendix A, except as otherwise permitted herein. 

2104.2 General: Masonry structures and masonry 
elements shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 2104.3 through 2104.5. In addition, 
masonry structures and masonry elements shall 
comply with either the allowable stress design 
requirements of Section 5.1 of the ACI 530/ASCE 
5/TMS 402 Masonry Code, listed in Appendix A and 
with 780 CMR 2104.2.2 and 2104.2.3, or the 
strength design requirements of 780 CMR 2104.2.1 
and 780 CMR 2104.2.3. 

2104,2.1 Strength requarements: For masonry 
structures that are not designed in accordance 
with Section 5.1 of the ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 
402 Masonry Code listed in Appendix A, the 
provisions of 780 CMR 2104.0 shall apply. The 
design strength of masonry structures and 
masonry elements shall be at least equal to the 
required strength determined in accordance with 
this section except for masonry elements designed 
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9 of 
the ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 Masonry Code 
listed in Appendix A. 

1. Required strength: Required strength, U, 
to resist seismic forces in such combinations 
with gravity and other loads including load 
factors shall be as required in 780 CMR 1616 



except that non-bearing masonry walls shall be 
designed for the seismic force applied 
perpendicular to the plane of the wall and 
uniformly distributed over the wall area. 

2. Nominal strength: The nominal strength 
of masonry shall be taken as 214 times the 
allowable stress value. The allowable stress 
value shall be determined in accordance with 
Chapter 7 of the ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 
Masonry Code listed in Appendix A. 

3. Design strength: The design strength of 
masonry provided by a member, its 
connections to other members and its cross 
sections in terms of flexure, axial load, and 
shear shall be taken as the nonainal strength 
multiplied by a strength reduction factor O, as 
follows; 

a. Axial load and flexure except for flexural 
tension in unreinforced masonry ^ = 0.8. 

b. Flexural tension in unreinforced masonry 
^=0.4 

c. Shear ^ = 0.6 

d. Shear and tension on anchor bolts 
embedded in masonry = 0.6 

2104.2.2 Shear Factor: When calculating shear 
or diagonal tension stresses using allowable stress 
design, shear walls and beams which resist 
seismic forces shall be designed to resist 1.33 
times the seismic shear forces obtained from an 
analysis of the building. 

2104.2.3 Drift limits: The design story drift of 
masonry structures due to the combination of 
seismic forces and gravity loads shall not exceed 
0.007 times the story height. The drift shall be 
calculated using load combinations 7 or 8 for 
strength design in 780 CMR 1616.3 1 with the 
seismic deflections multiplied by the seismic 
amplification factor, Cj, given in Table 1612.4.4. 

2104.3 Design of elements that are not part of 
lateral force resisting system: 

2104.3.1 Masonry elements that are listed in 
780 CMR 2104.3 and isolated from the structure 
so that vertical and lateral forces are not imparted 
to these elements and that are not part of the 
lateral force resisting system shall comply with 
the provisions of 780 CMR 2104.3 and may be 
designed in accordance with the provisions of 
Chapter 9 of the ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 
Masonry Code listed in Appendix A. 

2104.3.2 looof bearing frames or columns that are 
not part of the lateral force resisting system shall 
be analyzed as to their effect on the response of 
the system. Such frames or columns shall be 
adequate for vertical load carrying capacity and 
induced moment due to the design story drift. 

2104.3.3 Anchorage Of Masoniry "Walls: 
Masonry walls shall be anchored to the roof and 
all floors that provide lateral support out of plane 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



for the wall. The anchorage shall provide a direct 
connection between the walls and the floor or roof 
construction. The connections shall be capable of 
resisting the greater of the seismic lateral force 
induced by the wall or 120 pounds per lineal foot 
of wall (allowable stress design), or 200 pounds 
per lineal foot of wall (strength design). 

2104.3.4 Masonry partition walls 16 feet or less 
in height, masonry screen walls and other 
masonry elements, except those listed in 
780 CMR 2 104.3 .6, that are not designed to resist 
vertical or lateral loads, other than those induced 
by their own mass, shall be isolated from the 
structure so that vertical and lateral forces are not 
imparted to these elements. Isolation joints and 
connectors between these elements and the 
structure shall be designed to accommodate the 
design story drift. Masonry elements listed in 
780 CMR 2104.3.4 shall be reinforced in either 
the horizontal or vertical direction in accordance 
with the following; 

1. Horizontal reinforcement: Hori2ontal 
reinforcement shall consist of at least two 
longitudinal W1.7 wires spaced not more than 
16 in. (vertically) for walls greater than four 
inches in width and at least one longitudinal 
W1.7 wire spaced not more than 16 inches for 
walls not exceeding four inches in width; or at 
least one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 
inches Where two longitudinal wires of joint 
reinforcement are used, the space between 
these wires shall be the widest that the mortar 
joint will accommodate. Horizontal 
reinforcement shall be provided within 16 
inches of the top and bottom of these masonry 
elements; OR 

2. Vertical reinforcement: Vertical 
reinforcement shall consist of at least one 
No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches 
Vertical reinforcement shall be located within 
16 inches ofthe ends of masonry walls. 

2104.3.5 Masonry partition walls, greater than 16 
feet in height, masonry screen walls and other 
masonry elements except those listed in 780 CMR 
2104.3.6, that are not designed to resist vertical or 
lateral loads, other than those induced by their 
own mass, shall be isolated from the structure so 
that the vertical and lateral forces are not imparted 
to these elements. Isolation joints and connectors 
between these elements and the structure shall be 
designed to accommodate the design story drift. 
Masonry elements listed in 780 CMR 2104.3.5 
shall be reinforced in accordance with the 
following: 

1. Vertical reinforcement: Vertical re- 
inforcement of at least 0.2 square inches in 
cross-sectional area shall be provided at 
comers, within 16 inches of each side of 
openings, within eight inches of each side of 
movement joints, within eight inches of the 



ends of walls, and at a maximum spacing of 
eight feet. 

2. Horizontal reinforcement: Horizontal 
reinforcement shall consist of at least two 
wires of W1.7 spaced not more than 16 inches. 
Horizontal reinforcement of at least 0.2 square 
inches in cross sectional areas shall also be 
provided at the bottom and top of wall 
openings and shall extend not less than 24 
inches nor less than 40 bar diameters past the 
opening; continuously at structurally connected 
roof and floor levels; within 16 inches ofthe 
top of walls; and at a maximum spacing of 
eight feet. 

2104.3.6 Nonstructural masonry partition walls 
that are isolated from the structure in accordance 
with 780 CMR 2104.3.4, and 2104.3.5, which 
enclose stairwells, exit discharges, exits and 
elevator shafts shall be designed for the code 
required lateral loads and at a minimum in 
accordance with the following: 

1. Vertical reinforcement: Vertical 
reinforcement 0.31 square inches in cross 
sectional area shall be provided at comers, 
within 16 inches of each side of openings, 
within eitght inches of each side of 
movements joints, and within eight inches of 
the ends of walls and at a maximum spacing of 
six feet, 

2. Horizontal reinforcement: Horizontal 
reinforcement shall consist of at least two 
wires of W1.7 spaced not more that 16 inches 
Horizontal reinforcement of at least 0.20 
square inches in cross-sectional area shall also 
be provided at the bottom and top of wall 
openings and shall extend not less than 24 
inches nor less than 40 bar diameters past the 
opening; continuously at structurally connected 
roof and floor levels; and within 16 inches of 
the top of walls; or 

3. Walls spanning horizontally: Walls which 
are designed to span horizontally, shall comply 
with 780 CMR 2104.3.6 and the following: 
horizontal reinforcement shall consist of at 
least two wires of W. 1 .7 spaced not more than 
16 inches. Horizontal reinforcement of at least 
0.3 1 square inches in cross-sectional area shall 
also be provided at the bottom and top of wall 
openings and shall extend not less than 24 
inches nor less than 40 bar diameters past the 
opening. Horizontal reinforcement of at least 
0.31 square inches shall be provided 
continuously at structurally connected roof and 
floor levels, within 16 inches of the top of 
walls and at a maximum of six feet. 

2104.3.7 Masonry walls listed in 780 CMR 
2104.3, that are NOT isolated from the structure 
as required in 780 CMR 2104.3.4 and 2104.3.5, 
shall be designed to withstand the induced forces. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MASONRY 



2104,4 Design of elements which are part of the 
lateral force resisting system, bearing walls, exterior 
walls, parapets and chimneys. 

2104.4.1 Connections to masonry shear walls: 
Connectors shall he provided to transfer forces 
between horizontal elements and masonry walls in 
accordance with the requirements, of Section 
5.11 of the ACT 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 Masonry 
Code listed in Appendix A. Connectors shall be 
designed to transfer horizontal design forces 
acting either perpendicular or parallel to the wall, 
but not less than 200 pounds per lineal foot of 
wall (allowable stress design) or 335 pounds per 
lineal foot of wall (strength design). The 
maximum spacing between connectors shall be 
four feet. 

2104.4.2 Connections to masonry columns: 
Connectors shall be provided to transfer forces 
between masonry columns and horizontal 
elements in accordance with the requirements of 
Section 5.11 of AC! 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 
Masonry Code listed in Appendix A. Where 
anchor bolts are used to connect horizontal 
elements to the tops of columns, anchor bolts 
shall be placed within lateral ties. Lateral tics 
shall enclose both the vertical bars in the column 
and the anchor bolts. There shall be a minimum of 
two No. 4 lateral ties provided in the top five 
inches of the column. 

2104.4.3 Minimum reimforcement 
requirements for bearing walls, exterior wails, 
shear walls, parapets and chimneys: These 
walls shall be reinforced in both the vertical and 
horizontal direction. The sum of the cross- 
sectional area of horizontal and vertical 
reinforcement shall be at least 0.002 times the 
gross cross-sectional area of the wall, and the 
minimum cross-sectional area in each direction 
shall he not less than 0.0007 times the gross cross- 
sectional area of the wall. Reinforcement shall be 
uniformly distributed. The maximum spacing of 
reinforcement shall be 48 inches The maximum 
spacing of reinforcement for stack bond masonry 
shall be 24". 

2104.4.4 Shear wall additional reinforcing 
requirements for buOdings classified m Seismic 
Performance Category D: The maximum 
spacing of vertical and horizontal reinforcement 
shall be the smaller of; one-third the length of the 
shear wall, one-third the height of the shear wall, 
or 48 inches The minimum cross-sectional area of 
vertical reinforcement per horizontal foot of shear 
wall shall be one-third of the required shear 
reinforcement per vertical foot of shear wall. 
Shear reinforcing shall be anchored around 
vertical reinforcing bars with a standard hook. 

2104.4.5 Minimum reinforcement for masonry 
columns: Lateral ties in masonry columns shall 



be spaced not more than eight inches on center 
and shall be at least % inches diameter. Lateral 
ties shall be embedded in grout. 

2104.4.6 Material requirement: Neither Type N 
mortar nor masonry cement shall be used as part 
of the lateral force resisting system. 

2104.4.7 Lateral tie anchorage: Standard hooks 
for lateral tie anchorage shall be either a 135 
degree standard hook or a 180 degree standard 
hook. 

2104,5 Inspection: Masonry shall be inspected in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1705.7. 

780 CMR 210S.0 MASONRY 
CONCTRUCnON MATERIALS 

2105.1 Concrete masonry units: Concrete masonry 
units shall conform to the following standards listed 
in Appendix A: ASTM C55 for concrete brick; 
ASTM C73 for calcium silicate face brick; ASTM 
C90 for loadbearing concrete masonry units; or 
ASTM C744 for prefaced concrete and calcium 
silicate masonry units. 

2105.2 Clay or shale masonry units: Clay or shale 
masonry units shall conform to the following 
standards listed in Appendix A: ASTM C34 for 
structural clay loadbearing wall tile; ASTM C56 for 
structural clay nonloadbearing wall tile; ASTM C62 
for building brick (solid masonry units made from 
clay or shale); ASTM C1088 for solid units of thin 
veneer brick; ASTM CI 26 for ceramic-glazed 
structural clay facing tile, facing brick and solid 
masonry units; ASTM C212 for structural clay 
facing tile; ASTM C216 for facing brick (solid 
masoniy units made from clay or shale); and ASTM 
C652 for hollow brick (hollow masonry units made 
from clay or shale). 

Exception: Structural clay tile for nonstructural 
use in fireproofing of structural members and in 
wall furring shall not be required to meet the 
compressive strength specifications. The 
fireresistance rating shall be determined in 
accordance with ASTM £119 listed in 
Appendix A and shall comply with the 
requirements of Table 602. 

2105.3 Stone masonry umits: Stone masonry units 
shall conform to the following standards listed in 
Appendix A: ASTM C503 for marble building stone 
(exterior); ASTM C568 for limestone building stone; 
ASTM C615 for granite building stone; ASTM 
C616 for sandstone building stone; or ASTM C629 
for slate building stone. 

2105.4 Ceramic tile: Ceramic tile shall be as 
defined in ANSI A137,l listed in Appendix A and 
shall conform to the requirements of ANSI A137.1 
listed in Appendix A. 



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357 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2105.5 Glass block: Glass block shall be partially 
evacuated, hollow masonry units made of clear, 
colorless glass (with or without a highly reflective 
oxide surface coating), having a thickness of not less 
than 3Vb inches or shall be solid glass-block units, 
having a thickness of not less than three inches. 

2105.6 Second-hand units: Second-hand masonry 
units shall not be reused unless the units conform to 
the requirements for new units. The units shall be of 
whole, sound material and be free from cracks and 
other defects that will interfere with proper laying or 
use. All old mortar shall be cleaned from the units 
before reuse. 

2105.7 Mortar: Mortar for masonry construction 
shall conform to ASTM C270 listed in Appendix A. 

2105.8 Surface-bonding mortar: Surface-bonding 
mortar shall comply with ASTM C887 listed in 
Appendix A. Surface bonding of concrete masonry 
units shall comply with ASTM C946 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2105.9 Metal reinforcement and accessories: 

Metal reinforcement and accessories shall conform 
to 780 CMR 2105.9.1 through 2105.9.7. Where 
unidentified reinforcement is approved for use, such 
reinforcement shall be tested in accordance v^th 
780 CMR 2208.1. 

2105.9.1 Deformed reinforcing bars: Deformed 
reinforcing bars shall conform to the following 
standards listed in Appendix A : ASTM A6 1 5 for 
deformed and plain billet-steel bars for concrete 
reinforcement; ASTM A616 for rail-steel 
deformed and plain bars for concrete 
reinforcement; ASTM A617 for axle-steel 
deformed and plain bars for concrete 
reinforcement; and ASTM A706 for low-alloy- 
steel deformed bars for concrete reinforcement. 

2105.9.2 Joint reinforcement: Joint reinforcing 
wire shall conform to the following standards 
listed in Appendix A: ASTM A82 for steel wire, 
plain, for concrete reinforcement; and ASTM 
A167, Type 304, for stainless and heat-resisting 
chromium-m'ckel steel plate, sheet and strip. 

Longitudinal wires shall be deformed. One set 
of two deformations shall occur around the 
perimeter of the wire at a maximum spacing of 
0.7 times the diameter of the wire but not less 
than eight sets per one inch (25 mm) of length. 
The overall length of each deformation within the 
set shall be such that the sununation of gaps 
between the ends of the deformations shall not 
exceed 33% of the perimeter of the wire. The 
indentation depth of the deformations shall be 
0.006 inch (0.15 mm) plus or minus 0.003 inch 
(0.08 mm). 



2105.9.3 Deformed reinforcing wire: Deformed 
reinforcing wire shall conform to ASTM A496 
listed in Appendix A. 

2105.9.4 Wire fabric: Wire fabric shall conform 
to ASTM A 185 listed in Appendix A for plain 
steel-welded wire fabric for concrete 
reinforcement or ASTM A497 listed in 
Appendix A for welded deformed steel wire fabric 
for concrete reinforcement. 

2105.9.5 Anchors, ties and accessories: 

Anchors, ties and accessories shall conform to the 
following standards listed in Appendix A. ASTM 
A3 6 for structural steel; ASTM A82 for plain 
steel wire for concrete reinforcement; ASTM 
A 185 for plain steel-welded wire fabric for 
concrete reinforcement; ASTM A167, Type 304, 
for stainless and heat-resisting chromium-nickel 
steel plate, sheet and strip; and ASTM A3 66 for 
cold-rolled carbon steel sheet, commercial 
quality. 

2105.9.6 Corrosion protection: Joint 
reinforcement anchors, wall ties and accessories, 
except those of Type 304 stainless steel 
complying with ASTM A 167 listed in 
Appendix A, shall be protected from corrosion by 
galvanizing as follows. 

Metal accessories for use in exterior wall 
construction shall be hot-dipped galvanized after 
fabrication with a minimum coating of 1.5 ounces 
per square foot (458 g/m^) in accordance with 
ASTM A153 listed in Appendix A. Metal 
accessories for use in interior wall construction 
shall be mill galvanized with a minimum coating 
of 0.1 ounce per square foot (31 g/m^) in 
accordance with the standards listed in 
Appendix A as follows: ASTM A64 1 for joint 
reinforcement, v^re anchors and ties; and ASTM 
A525, Class G-60, for sheet metal anchors and 
ties. 

2105.9.7 Tests: Where unidentified reinforcement 
is approved for use, not less than three tension and 
three bending tests shall be made on 
representative specimens of the reinforcement 
from each shipment and grade of reinforcing steel 
proposed for use in the work. 

2105.10 Mortars for ceramic wall and floor tile: 

Portland cement mortars for installing ceramic wall 
and floor tile shall comply with ANSI A108. 1 listed 
in Appendix A and be of the compositions indicated 
in Table 2105. 10. 

2105.10.1 Dry-set portland cement mortars: 

Premixed prepared portland cement mortars, 
which require only the addition of water and 
which are used in the installation of ceramic tile, 
shall comply with ANSI All 8.1 listed in 
Appendix A The shear bond strength for tile set in 
such mortar shall be as required in accordance 
with ANSI Al 1 8. 1 listed in Appendix A. Tile set 



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780 CMR; STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MASONRY 



in dry-set portland cement mortar shall be 
installed in accordance with ANSI A108.5 listed 

m Appendix A. 

2100.10,2 Electrically coaductive dry-set 
mortars: Premixed prepared portland cement 
mortars, which require only the addition of water 
and which comply with ANSI A118.2 listed in 
Appendix A, shall be used in the installation of 
electrically conductive ceramic tile. Tile set in 
electrically conductive dry-set mortar shall be 
installed in accordance with ANSI A108.7 listed 
in Appepidix A. 

Table 2105.10 
CERAMIC THE MO RTAR COMPQSmONS 

1 cement; 1/5 hydrated lime; 



Floors 



Ceilings 



4 dry or 5 damp sand 



Setting bed and 
leveling coat 



1 cement; '/i hydrated lime; 
5 damp sand; to 1 cement; 
1 hydrated lime; 7 damp sand 



Setting bed 



Scratchcoat and 



1 cement; I/IO hydrated lime; 
S dry or 6 damp sand; or 1 
cement; 5 diy or 6 damp sand 



1 cement;'/* hydrated lime; 2'/a 
ldn/sandor3dampsand • 



2105.10.3 Latei-modifled portland cement 
BMortars: Latex-modified portland cement thin» 
set mortars-in which latex is added to dry-set 
mortar as a replacement for all or part of the 
gauging water-which are used for the installation 
of ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI A118.4 
listed in Appendix A. Tile set in latex-modified 
Portland cement shall be installed in accordance 
with ANSI A108.5 listed in Appendix A. 

2105.10.4 £po^ mortar: Ceramic tile set and 
grouted with chemical-resistant epoxy shall 
comply with ANSI Al 1 8.3 listed in Appendix A. 
Tile set and grouted with epoxy shall be installed 
in accordance with ANSI A108.6 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2105.10.5 Furan mortar and grout: Chemical- 
resistant furan mortar and grout which are used to 
install ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI 
A1I8.5 listed in Appendix A. Tile set and 
grouted with fijran shall be installed in accordance 
with ANSI A108.8 listed in Appendix A. 

2105.10.6 Modified epoiy^esaulsion mortar and 
grout: Modified epoxy-emulsion mortar and 
grout which are used to install ceramic tile shall 
comply with ANSI Al 18.8 listed in Appendix A. 
Tile set and grouted with modified epo?^- 
emulsion mortar and grout shall be installed in 
accordance with ANSI A108.9 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2105.10.7 Organic adheslves: Water-resistant 
organic adhesives used for the installation of 
ceramic tile shall comply with ANSI A136.1 listed 
in Appendix A. The shear bond strength after water 



immersion shall not be less than 40 psi (0.028 
kg/mm^) for Type I adhesive, and not less than 20 
psi (0.014 kg/mm^) for Type 11 adhesive, when 
tested in accordance with ANSI A136.1 listed in 
Appendix A. Tile set in organic adhesives shall be 
installed in accordance with ANSI AI08.4 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2105.10.8 Portland cemeEt grouts: Portland 
cement grouts used for the installation of ceramic 
tile shall comply with ANSI A 118.6 listed in 
Appendix A. Portland cement grouts for tilework 
shall be installed in accordance with ANSI A 108. 10 
listed in Appendix A. 

2105,11 Grout: Grout shall conform to ASTM C476 
listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 2106.0 LATERAL STABBLJTY 

2106.1 Shear walls: Where the structure depends 
upon masonry walls for lateral stability, shear walls 
shall be provided parallel to the direction of the 
lateral forces resisted. 

2106.1.1 Shear wall tHiickness: Minimum 
nominal thickness of masonry shear walls shall be 
eight inches. 

Esception: Shear walls of one-story buildings 
are permitted to be a minimum nominal 
thickness of sk inches. 

2106.1.2 Cumulative length of shear walls: In 
each direction in which shear walls are required 
for lateral stability, the minimum cumulative 
length of shear walls provided shall be 0.4 times 
the long dimension of the building. Cumulative 
length of shear walls shall not include openings. 

2106.1.3 Maximum diapliragim ratio: Masonry 
shear walls shall be provided so that the span-to- 
width (or depth) ratio of floor or roof diaphragms 
does not exceed that indicated in Table 2106. 1 .3. 

Table 2106.1.3 

MAXIMUM SPAN-l^WIDlH (DEPTH) 

RATIO OF FLOOR AN© ROOF 

DIAPHRAGMS 



Floor orroof 
dit^hragm construction 



Cast-in-place concrete 
Precast concrete 

Metal ded;;'vnit«oQarete 

mi " .., 

Metaidfickwi&outSli 
Wood diaphragm 



Maximum span-to-width 
(depth) ratio of Diaphragm 



5:1 
4:1 

3:1\ 

2:> 
2:1 



2106.2 Roofs: The roof construction shall be 
designed so as not to impart out-of-plane lateral 
thrust to the walls under roof gravity load. 

2106.3 Surface-bomded walls: Dry-stacked, 
surface-bonded concrete masonry walls shall comply 



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359 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



with the requirements of 780 CMR for masonry wall 
construction, except where otherwise noted in 
780 CMR 2106. 

2106.3.1 Strength: Dry-stacked, surface-bonded 
concrete masonry walls shall be of adequate 
strength and proportions to support all 
superimposed loads without exceeding the 
allowable stresses listed in Table 2106.3.1. 
Allowable stresses not specified in Table 2106.3.1 
shall comply with the requirements of ACI 
530/ASCE SATk^S 402 listed in Appendix A. 

Table 2106.3.1 
ALLOWABLE STRESS GROSS CROSS- 
SECTIONAL AREA FOR DRY-STACKED, 
SURFACR-BONDED CONCRETE 
MASONRY WALLS 

Compression 

standard block 45 psi 

JOpa 



18 psi 
30 psi 



Flexural tension 
Vertical span 
Horizontal span 



2106.4 Construction: Construction of dry-stacked, 
surface-bonded masonry walls, including stacking 
and leveling of units, mixing and application of 
mortar, and curing and protection, shall comply with 
ASTM C946 listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 2107.0 COMPRESSIVE STRESS 
REQUIREMENTS 

2107.1 Vertical dead plus live loads: Compressive 
stresses in masonry due to vertical dead plus live 
loads (excluding wind or seismic loads) shaU be 
determined in accordance with 780 CMR 2107.2.1. 
Dead and live loads shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 16, with such live load reductions as are 
permitted in 780 CMR 1608.0. 

2107.2 Maximum values: The compressive stresses 
in masonry shall not exceed the values given in 
Table 2107.2. Stress shall be calculated based on 
actual rather than nominal dimensions. 

2107.2.1 Calculated compressive stresses: 
Calculated compressive stresses for single-wythe 
walls and for multiple-wythe composite masonry 
walls shall be determined by dividing the design 
load by the gross cross-sectional area of the 
member. The area of openings, chases or recesses 
in walls shall not be included in the gross cross- 
sectional area of the wall. 

2107.2.2 Multiple-wythe walls: The allowable 
stress shall be as given in Table 2107.2 for the 
weakest combination of the units and mortar used 
in each wythe. 



Table 2107.2 
ALLOWABLE COMPRESSIVE STRESSES 
FOR EMPIRICAL DESIGN OF MASONRY 





Allowable compressive stresses 


Construction; compressive 

strength of iinit, gross 

area, psi 


gross cross-sectional area, psi 


Type M or S 


TypeN 




mortar 


mortar 


Solid masonry of brick 






and other sohd units of 






clay or shale; sand-lime or 






concrete brick: 






8,000 or greater 


350 


300 


iiiiiliiliiiiiilii'i 


ii:-::piili 


ii::;:;;i20i;;--s::;:-: 


i^liiiiiiiliiiiisiii 


mmmmm 


wsii^m 


1,500 


115 


100 


Grouted masonry of clay 






or shale, sand-Lime or 






concrete: 






4,500 or greater 


225 


200 


2.500 


160 


140 


1,500 


115 


100 


Solid masonry of solid 






concrete masonry umts: 






3.000 or greater 


225 


200 


2,000 


160 


140 


1.200 


115 


100 


Masonry of hollow 






loadbearing units: 






2,000 or greater 


140 


120 


J,50O 


115 


100 


i/)00 


75 


70 


750 


60 


55 


Hollow walls 






(noncomposite masonry 






bonded") 






Solid units; 






2,500 or igreater 


160 


140 


1,500 


115 


100 


Hollow units 


75 


70 


Stone ashlar masonry: 






Granite 


720 


640 


Limestone or marble 


450 


400 


Sandstone or cast stone 


360 


320 


Rubble stone masonry 






Coursed, tou^ or 






random 


120 


100 



Note a . Linear interpolation for determining allowable 
stresses for masonry units having compressive strengths 
which are intennediate between those given in the table 
is permitted. 

Note b. Where floor and roof loads are carried upon 
one ^vythe, the gross cross-sectional area is that of the 
wythe under load; if both wythes are loaded, the gross 
CToss-sectional area is that of the wall minus the area of 
the cavity between the wythes. Walls bonded with metal 
ties shall be considered as noncomposite walls unless 
collar joints are filled with mortar or grout. 

780 CMR 2108.0 LATERAL SUPPORT 

2108.1 General: Masonry walls shall be laterally 
supported in either the horizontal or the vertical 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MASONRY 



direction at intervals not exceeding those given in 
Table 2108. L 

2108,1.1 Thickness: Except for cavity walls and 
cantilever walls, the thickness of a wall shall be 
the nominal thickness measured perpendicular to 
the face of the wall. For cavity walls, the 
• thickness shall be determined as the sum of the 
nominal thicknesses of the individual wythes. For 
cantilever walls, except for parapets, the ratio of 
height to nonunal thickness shall not exceed 6: 1 
for solid masonry or 4: 1 for hollow masonry. The 
thickness and height of parapets shall conform to 
780 CMR 2109.2. 

2108.2 Lateral support: Lateral support shall be 
provided by cross walls, pilasters, buttresses or 
structural frame members where the limiting 
distance is taken horizontally, or by floors, or roofs 
acting as diaphragms or structural frame members 
where the limiting distance is taken vertically. 

Table 2108.1 

WALL LATERAL SUPPORT 

REQUIREMENTS 

Maximum ratio of wall length 
Construction to thickness or wall height to 

thickness 



Loadbearing walls 

i|iip^lliliilili 

Nonloadbearing walls 
Exterior 
interior 



wm 
liii 

18 
36 



780 CMR 2109.0 TfflCKNESS OF MASONRY 

2109.1 Thickness of walls: The nominal thickness 
of masonry walls shall conform to the requirements 
of 780 CMR 2 109. 

2109.1.1 Minimiiin thickness: The minimum 
thickness of masonry loadbeaiing walls more than 
one story high shall be eight inches. The 
minimum thickness of masonry loadbearing walls 
of one-story buildings shall not be less than six 
inches. 

2109.1.2 Rubble stone walls: The minimum 
thickness of rough or random or coursed rubble 
stone walls shall be 16 inches. 

2109.1.3 Cliange in thickness: Where a wall of 
masonry of hollow units or a masonry-bonded 
hollow wall is decreased in thickness, a course or 
courses of solid masonry shall be Interposed 
between the wall below and the thinner wall 
above, or special units or construction shall be 
used to transmit the loads from face shells or 
wythes above to those below. 

2109.2 Pai^pet walls: Parapet walls shall be at least 
eight inches thick, and the height shall not exceed 
three times the thickness. Parapet walls shall be 
reinforced in accordance with 780 CMR 2104.4.3. 



780 CMR 2110.0 BOND 

2110.1 General: The facing and backing of 
multiple-wythe masonry walls shall be bonded in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2110.2, 2110.3 or 
2110.4. 

2110.2 Bonding with masonry headers: Bonding 
with solid or hollow masonry headers shall comply 
with 780 CMR 21 10.2.1 and 2110.2.2. 

2110.2.1 Solid units: Where the facing and 
backing (adjacent wythes) of solid masonry 
construction are bonded by means of masonry 
headers, not less than 4% of the wall surface of 
each face shall be composed of headers extending 
not less than three inches (76 mm) into the 
backing. The distance between adjacent full- 
length headers shall not exceed 24 inches (610 
mm) either vertically or horizontally. In walls in 
wiuch a single header does not extend through the 
wall, headers from the opposite sides shall overlap 
at least three inches (76 mm), or headers from 
opposite sides shall be covered with another 
header course overlapping the header below at 
least three inches (76 mm). 

2110.2.2 Hollow units: Where two or more 
hollow units are used to make up the thickness of 
a wall, the stretcher courses shall be bonded at 
vertical intervals not exceeding 34 inches (864 
mm) by lapping at least three inches (76 mm) over 
the unit below, or by lapping at vertical intervals 
not exceeding 17 inches (432 mm) with units 
which are at least 50% greater in thickness than 
the units below. 



21 to Bonding with wall ties or joint 
relBsforceoneni: Bonding with wall ties or joint 
reinforcement shall comply with 780 CMR 21 10.3.1 
through 21 10.3.2. 

2110,3ol Bonding with wall ties: Except as 
required by 780 CMR 2110.3.1.1, where the 
facing and backing (adjacent wythes) of masonry 
walls are bonded with 3/1 6-inch diameter wall ties 
or metal wire of equivalent stififtiess embedded in 
the horizontal mortar joints, there shall be at least 
one metal tie for each 414 square feet (0.42 m^) of 
wall area. Ties in alternate courses shall be 
staggered. The maximum vertical distance 
between ties shall not exceed 24 inches (610 mm), 
and the maximum horizontal distance shall not 
exceed 36 inches (914 mm). Rods or ties bent to 
rectangular shape shall be used with hollow 
masonry units laid with the cells vertical, bi other 
walls, the ends of ties shall be bent to 90-degree 
(1.57 rad) angles to provide hooks not less than 
two inches (51 mm) long. Additional bonding ties 
^all be provided at all openings, spaced not more 
than three feet (914 mm) apart around the 
perimeter and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the 
opening. 



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361 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



21103.1.1 Bonding with adjustable wall ties: 

Where the facing and backing (adjacent 
wythes) of masonry are bonded with adjustable 
wall ties, there shall be at least one tie for each 
1 .77 square feet (0. 16 m^ of wall area. Neither 
the vertical nor horizontal spacing of the 
adjustable wall ties shall exceed 16 inches (406 
mm). The maximum vertical offset of bed 
joints from one wythe to the other shall be VA 
inches (32 mm). The maximum clearance 
between connecting parts of the ties shall be 
1/16 inch (1 .6 nun). Where pintle legs are used, 
ties shall have at least two 3/16-inch (5 mm) 
diameter legs. 

2110.3.2 Bonding with prefabricated joint 
reinforcement: Where the facing and backing 
(adjacent wythes) of masonry are bonded with 
prefabricated joint reinforcement, there shall be at 
least one cross wire serving as a tie for each 2% 
square feet (0.25 m^) of wall area. The vertical 
spacing of the joint reinforcement shall not 
exceed 16 inches (406 mm). Cross wires on 
prefabricated joint reinforcement shall not be 
smaller than No. 9 gage. The longitudinal wires 
shall be embedded in the mortar. 

2110.4 Bonding with natural or cast stone: 

Bonding with natural or cast stone shall conform to 
780 CMR 21 10.4.1 and 2110.4.2. 

2110.4.1 Ashlar masonry: In ashlar masonry, 
uniformly distributed bonder units shall be 
provided to the extent of not less than 10% of the 
wall area. Such bonder units shall extend not less 
than four inches (102 mm ) into the backing wall. 

2110.4.2 Rubble stone masonry: Rubble stone 
masonry 24 inches or less in thickness shall have 
bonder units with a maximum spacing of 3 feet 
(914 nun) vertically and three feet (914 mm) 
horizontally. Rubble stone masonry greater than 
24 inches in thickness shall have one bonder unit 
for each six square feet (0.515 m^ of wall surface 
on both sides. 

2110.5 Masonry bonding pattern: Masonry laid in 
running and stack bond shall conform to 780 CMR 
2110.5.1 and 21 10.5.2. 

2110.5.1 Masonry laid in running bond: In each 
wythe of masonry laid in running bond, head 
joints in successive courses shall be ofifset by not 
less than one-fourth the unit length, or the 
masonry walls shall be reinforced longitudinally 
as required in 780 CMR 21 10.5.2. 

2110.5.2 Masonry laid in stack bond: Where 
unit masonry is laid with less head joint offset 
than in 780 CMR 21 10.5.1, the minimum area of 
horizontal reinforcement placed in mortar bed 
joints or in bond beams spaced not more than 48 



inches (1219 mm) apart shall be 0.0007 times the 
vertical cross-sectional area of the wall. 

780 CMR 2111.0 ANCHORAGE 

2111.1 General: Masonry elements shall be 
anchored in accordance with 780 CMR 211 1 .0. 

2111.2 Intersecting walls: Masonry walls 
depending upon one another for lateral support shall 
be anchored or bonded at locations where the walls 
meet or intersect by one of the following methods 
indicated in 780 CMR 211 1 .2. 1 through 21 1 1 .2.5. 

2111.2.1 Bonding pattern: 50% of the units at 
the intersection shall be laid in an overlapping 
masonry bonding pattern, with alternate units 
having a bearing of not less than three inches (76 
mm) on the unit below. 

2111.2.2 Steel connectors: Walls shall be 
anchored by steel connectors having a minimum 
cross section of Vi-inch by l'/2 inches with ends 
bent up at least two inches (5 1 mm), or with cross 
pins to foiTTi anchorage. Such anchors shall be at 
least 24 inches (610 mm) long and the maximum 
spacing shall be four feet (1219 mm). 

2111.2.3 Joint reinforcement: Walls shall be 
anchored by joint reinforcement spaced at a 
maximum distance of eight inches (203 mm). 
Longitudijial reinforcement shall be at least No. 9 
gage and shall extend at least 30 inches (762 mm) 
in each direction at the intersection. 

2111.2.4 Interior nonloadbearing walls: 

Interior nonloadbearing walls shall be anchored at 
the intersection of the walls at vertical intervals of 
not more than 16 inches (406 mm) with joint 
reinforcement or Vi-inch galvanized mesh 
hardware cloth. 

2111.2.5 Ties, joint reinforcement and anchors: 

Other metal ties, joint reinforcement or anchors, 
if used, shall-be spaced to provide equivalent area 
of anchorage to that required by 780 CMR 
2111.0. 

21113 Floor and roof anchorage: Floor and roof 
diaphragms proNading lateral support to masonry 
shall comply with 780 CMR 1612.4.7.1.2 and shall 
be connected to the masonry by one of the methods 
specified in 780 CMR2111.3.1 through 2111.3.3. 

2111.3.1 Wood floor joists: Wood floor joists 
supported by masonry walls shall be anchored to 
the wall at intervals not to exceed six feet (1829 
mm) by metal strap anchors. Joists parallel to the 
wall shall be anchored with metal straps spaced 
not more than six feet (1829 mm) on centers 
extending over or under and secured to at least 
three joists. Blocking shall be provided between 
joists at each strap anchor. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MASONRY 



211L3.2 Steel floor joists: Steel floor joists shall 
be anchored to masonry walls with %-inch round 
bars, or their equivalent, spaced not more than six 
feet (1829 mm) on center. Where joists are 
parallel to the wall, anchors shall be located at 
joist cross bridging. 

2111.3.3 Roof structures: Roof structures shall 
be anchored to masonry walls with V^-inch bolts 
six feet (1829 mm) on center. Bolts shall extend 
and be embedded at least 15 inches (381 mm) into 
the masonry, or be hooked or welded to not less 
than 0.2 square inches (129 mm^) of bond beam 
reinforcement placed not less than six inches (152 
mm) from the top of the wall. 

2111.4 Walls adjoining structural framing: Walls 
that are dependent upon the structural frame for 
lateral support shall be anchored to the structural 
members with metal anchors or otherwise keyed to 
the structural members. Metal anchors shall consist 
of V^-inch bolts spaced at four feet (1219 mm) on 
center embedded four inches (102 mm) into the 
masonry, or of other bolts of equivalent area. 

780 CMR 2112.0 MASONRY 
CONSTRUCTION 

2112.1 Masonry construction: Masonry 
construction shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 21 12.1.1 through 21 12.5. 

2112.1.1 Tolerances: Masonry shall be 
constructed within the tolerances specified in ACI 
530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602 listed in Appendix A. 

2112.1.2 Placing nsortar and units: Placement of 
mortar and units shall comply with 780 CMR 
2112.1.2.1 through 21 12.1.2.4. 

2212.1.2.1 Bed and Iiead joints: Unless 
otherwise required or indicated on the project 
drav\^ngs, head and bed joints shall be % inch 
(10 mm) thick, except that the thickness of the 
bed joint of the starting course placed over 
foundations shall not be less than */4-inch (6 
mm) and not more than %-inch (19 mm). 

2112.1.2.2 Hollow units: Hollow units shall be 
placed such that face shells of bed joints are 
fiilly mortared, webs are fully mortared in all 
courses of piers, column and pilasters, in the 
starting course on foundations, where adjacent 
cells or cavities are to be grouted and where 
otherwise required, and head joints are 
mortared a minimum distance from each face 
equal to the face shell thickness of the unit. 

2112.1.2.3 Solid units: Unless otherwise 
required or indicated on the project drawings, 
solid units shall be placed in fully mortared bed 
and head joints. The ends of the units shall be 
completely buttered. Head joints shall not be 
filled by slushing with mortar. Head joints 
shall be constructed by shoving mortar tight 



against the adjoining unit. Bed joints shall not 
be furrowed deep enough to produce voids. 

2112.1.2.4 All units: Units shall be placed 
while the mortar is sofl and plastic. Any unit 
disturbed to the extent that the initial bond is 
broken after initial positioning shall he 
removed andrelaid in fresh mortar. 

2112.1.3 Installation of wall ties: The ends of 
wall ties shall be embedded in mortar joints. Wall 
tie ends shall engage outer face shells of hollow 
units by at least V^-inch (13 mm). Wire wall ties 
shall be embedded at least V/i inches (38 mm) 
into the mortar bed of solid masonry units or 
solid-grouted hollow units. Wall ties shall not be 
bent after being embedded in grout or mortar. 

2112.1.4 Chases: Chases shall be constructed as 
masonry units are laid; 

2112.1.5 Bracing of masonry: Bracing that will 
assure stability of masonry during construction 
shall be provided and installed. 

2112.1.6 Construction loads: Construction loads 
shall not exceed the superimposed loads that the 
masonry, with supplemental supports, is capable 
of supporting safely. 

2112.1.7 Masonry protection: The top of 
unfinished masonry work shall be covered to 
protect the masonry from the weather 

2112.2 Corbeled masonry: Solid masonry units 
shall be used for corbeling. The maximum corbeled 
projection beyond the face of the wall shall not be 
more than Vi of the wall thickness nor 14 the wythe 
thickness for hollow walls. The maximum 
projection of one unit shall neither exceed Y2 the 
height of the unit nor Va the thickness at right angles 
to the wall. 

2112.2.1 Molded cornices: Unless structural 
support and anchorage are provided to resist the 
overturning moment, the center of gravity of all 
projecting masonry or molded cornices shall lie 
within the middle one-third of the supporting 
wall. Terra cotta and metal cornices shall be 
provided vAth a structural frame of approved 
noncombustible material anchored in an approved 
manner. 

2112.3 Cold-weather construction: The follov^ng 
cold-weather procedures shall be implemented when 
either the ambient temperature falls below 40 "F 
(4°C) or the temperature of masonry units is below 
40"F (4°C): 

1. Temperatures of masonry units shall not be 
less than 20 "F (-7*'C) when laid in the masonry. 
Visible ice on masonry units shall be removed 
before the unit is laid in the masonry. 

2. Mortar sand or mixing water shall be heated to 
produce mortar temperatures between 40°F (4°C) 
and 120*'F (49*'C) at the time of mixing. Mortar 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDE^IG CODE 



shall be maintained above freezing until used in 
masonry. 

3. Heat sources shall be used where ambient 
temperatures are between 20 °F (-7°C) and 25 °F 
(-4*'C) on both sides of the masonry under 
construction and wind breaks shall be installed 
when wind velocity is in excess of 15 mph (6.7 
m/s). 

4. Where ambient temperatures are below 20 °F 
(-7''C), an enclosure for the masonry under 
construction shall be provided and heat sources 
shall be used to maintain temperatures above 
32°F (O'C) within the enclosure. 

5. Where mean daily temperatures are between 
32°F (CC), and 40 °F (4°C), completed masonry 
shall be protected from rain or snow by covering 
with a weather-resistant membrane for 24 hours 
after constniction. 

6. Where mean daily temperatures are between 
25°F H'C) and 32°F (O'C), completed masonry 
shall be completely covered with a weather- 
resistant membrane for 24 hours after 
construction. 

7. Where mean daily temperatures are between 
20^ (-7''C) and 25''F (-4°C), completed masonry 
shall be completely covered with insulating 
blankets or equal protection for 24 hours after 
construction. 

8. Where mean daily temperatures are below 
20''F (-7°C), masonry temperature shall be 
maintained above 32°F (0°C) for 24 hours after 
construction by enclosure with supplementary 
heat, by electric heating blankets, by infrared heat 
lamps or by other approved methods. 

2112.4 Hot-weather construction: The following 
hot-weather procedures shall be implemented when 
either of the following conditions exist: the ambient 
temperature equals or exceeds lOOT (SS'C) or the 
ambient temperature equals or exceeds 90°F (32°C) 
with a wind velocity greater than eight mph (3.6 
m/s). 

1 . Mortar beds shall not be spread more than 
four feet (1219 mm) ahead of masonry. 

2. Masonry units shall be laid within one minute 
after mortar placement. 

2112.5 Wetting of brick: Brick (clay or shale) at the 
time of laying shall require wetting if the unit's 
initial rate of water absorption exceeds 30 grams per 
30 square inches per minute (30 g/323 mm^) or 
0.035 ounces per square inch (0.0015 g/mm^), as 
determined by ASTM C67 listed m Appendix A. 

780 CMR 2113.0 MISCELLANEOUS 
REQUIREMENTS 

2113.1 Chases and recesses: Masonry directly 
above chases or recesses wider than 12 inches (305 
mm) shall be supported on lintels. 



2113.2 Lintels: The design for lintels shall be in 
accordance with the engineered masonry design 
provisions of 780 CMR 2101.1.1. Minimum length 
of end support shall be four inches (102 mm). 

2113.3 Support on wood: Masonry shall not be 
supported on wood girders or other form of wood 
construction. . 

Exception: Glass-block panels complying with 
780 CMR 21 15.0 are permitted to be supported by 
wood members. 

780 CMR 2114.0 FIREPLACES AND 
CHIMNEYS 

2114.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 2114.0 
shall govern the design, installation, maintenance, 
repair and approval of all masonry fireplaces and 
chimneys. 

2114.2 Mechanical code: All masonry fireplaces 
and chimneys shall conform to the applicable 
requirements of the BOCA national mechanical code 
listed in Appendix A. 

2114.3 Dimensions: The firebox of a masonry 
fireplace shall have a minimum depth of 20 inches 
(508 mm). The size of the chimney connection shall 
have a minimum cross-sectional area of 50 square 
inches (32258 mm^). The minimum cross-sectional 
area of the fireplace shall equal the cross-sectional 
area of the chimney connection. 

2114.3.1 Rumford fireplaces: Rumford 
fireplaces shall be permitted provided that the 
depth of the fireplace is at least 12 inches (305 
mm) and is at least Va of the width of the fireplace 
opening; and that the throat is at least 12 inches 
(305 mm) above the lintel, and is at least i/20th of 
the cross-sectional area of the fireplace opening. 

2114.4 Wall construction: Fireplace walls lined 
v^ath a minimum of two inches (51 mm) of approved 
low-duty refractory brick shall have a minimum total 
thickness of eight inches (203 mm) of solid 
masonry. Approved medium-duty fire-clay mortar 
or an equivalent shall be utilized with the low-duty 
refractory brick. Unlined fireplace walls shall be 
constructed of solid masonry having a minimum 
total thickness of 12 inches (305 mm). 

2114.4.1 Extension of liners: The liner of the 
fireplace walls shall extend a minimum of four 
inches (102 mm) into the throat of the fireplace. 

2114.4.2 Throat and smoke chamber: The walls 
of the throat and smoke chamber shall be 
constructed of solid masonry having a minimum 
thickness of eight inches (203 mm). The throat 
and smoke chamber walls are permitted to be 
reduced in thickness to four inches (102 mm) of 
solid masonry provided that such walls are lined 
with at least one inch (25 mm) of insulating 



364 



. 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MASONRY 



refectory masonry so that the heat traasferred 
through this wall is not more than the heat 
transferred through eight inches (203 mm) of solid 
masonry. 

2114,43 Heat exchanger: Gravity=fed heat 
exchangers mstailed in the walls of masonry 
fireplaces shall not reduce the total thickness of 
solid masonry. 

2114J Foimdation and hearth: The foundation of 
a fireplace shall be constructed of noncombustible 
materials and shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1 8. The hearth and hearth extension shall 
be constructed of solid masonry having a minimum 
thickness of four inches ( 1 02 nmi). 

21i4.5ol Hearth extension: The hearth shall 
extend a minimum of 16 inches (406 mm) beyond 
the face of the fireplace opening and a minimum 
of eight inches (203 mm) on each side of the 
fireplace opening for fireplaces having an opening 
of less than six square feet (0.56 m°). The hearth 
of larger-sized fireplaces shall extend a minimum 
of 20 inches (508 mm) beyond the face of the 
fireplace opening and a minimum of 12 inches 
(305 mm) on each side of the fireplace opening. 
Combustible forms used during construction of 
the hearth and hearth extension shall be removed. 

2il4o6 Clearance to combustibles (also see 
780 CMR 3610 as applicable): 

1 . Fireplaces - the exterior surface of fireplace 
walls shall have a minimum of four inches 
(102mm) clearance to combustibles. 

2. Fireplaces - combustible materials attached to 
a fireplace face, such as .trim and mantels, shall 
have a minimum clearance of six inches (152 mm) 
from a fireplace opening. 

3. Fireplaces - combustible materials above and 
projecting more than V/s inches (38mm) from a 
fireplace face shall have a minimum clearance of 
12 inches (305mm) above a fireplace opening. 

4. Chimneys - combustible materials, including 
framing and sheathing shall have a minimum 
clearance of two inches (51mm) fiora the exterior 
surface of smoke chamber walls and chimney 
walls. 

2114<,7 Opening to the shimney: Means shall be 
provided to shut off the opening to the chimney 
when the fireplace is not in operation. 

2114,7,1 Dampers: Dampers shall be constructed 
of metal having a minimum thickness of No. 12 
Manufacturer's Standard Gage (0.105 inch). 

2114.8 Chimneys with metal hoods: Metal hoods 
shall extend a minimum of six inches (152 mm) 
beyond the firebox. The hoods shall comply with 
the requirements for metal chimneys. 



2114,9 Existmg masoniry chimneys: Existing 
masonry chinmeys are pennitted to vent open fire° 
places oniy'^ven if the existing chimneys lack the 
ciearsmces to combustibles as required by the BOCA 
national mechanical code listed in Appendix A - 
provided that such chimneys otherwise conform to 
the requirements of the BOCA national mechanical 
code listed m Appendix A or are made to conform to 
such requirements through repair or relining. 

780 CMR 211S.0 GLAS^BLOCK WALLS 

2115.1 General: Masonry of glass blocks used in 
nonloadbearing exterior or interior walls and in 
window openings, either isolated or in continuous 
bands, shall have a minimum thickness of three 
inches at the mortar joint and all the mortared 
surfaces of the glass block shall be treated for mortar 
bonding. Sizes of structural members supporting 
glass-block panels shall be determmed by structural 
analysis to avoid excessive o^ harmful defiection. 
Maximum defiection of such members shall not 
exceed 1/600 of the span of the supporting members. 

Solid or hollow approved glass blocks shall not be 
used in Jire wails, party walls, fire separation 
assemblies or fire partitions, or for loadbearing 
construction. Such blocks shall be erected with 
mortar and reinforcement in metal-channel-type 
fi^mes, structural fiames, masonry or concrete 
recesses or embedded panel anchors as provided for 
both exterior and interior walls or other approved 
joint materials. Wood strip firaming shall not be 
used mfire separation assemblies that are required 
to be fireresistance rated. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Glass-block assemblies having a fireresistance 
rating of not less than '/< hour shall be permitted 
as opening protectives in fire separation 
assemblies or in fire partitions which have a 
required fireresistance rating of 1 hour or less and 
do not enclose exit stairwc^s or exit passageways. 

2. Glass-block assemblies as permitted in 
780 CMR 404.5, Exception 2. 

2115.2 Size of panels: The maximum dimensions of 
all hollow glass-block wall panels in both exterior 
and interior walls, where used singly or in multiples 
to form continuous bands of glass blocks between 
structural supports, shall be 25 feet (7620 mm) in 
length and 20 feet (6096 mm) in height between 
structural supports and expansion joints; and the area 
of each individual panel shall not be more than 144 
square feet (13.39 m^) for exterior panels and 250 
square feet (23.25 m^) for interior panels. 
Intermediate structural supports shall be provided to 
support the dead load of the wall and all other 
superimposed loads. Where individual panels are 
more than the maximum area permitted for those 
panels, a supplementary structural stifFener shall be 
provided to anchor the panels to the structural 
supports. 



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365 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



The maximum area of ail solid glass-block wall 
panels in both exterior and interior walls shall not be 
more than 100 square feet (9.3 m^). 

21153 Joint materials: Glass block shall be laid up 
in Type S or N mortar. Both vertical and horizontal 
mortar joints shall be at least Vt, inch (6 mm) and not 
more than Vi inch (13 mm) thick and shall be 
completely filled. The sills of glass-block panels 
shall be coated with approved water-based asphaltic 
emulsion, or other elastic waterproofing material, 
prior to laying the first mortar course. All 
individually filmed glass-block panels shall be 
provided with ys-inch-thick (10 mm) expansion 
joints at the sides and top. Expansion joints shall be 
entirely fi-ee of mortar and shall be caulked to a 
depth of not less than 14 inch (13 mm) with 
nonhardening caulking compoimd on both faces, or 
other approved expansion joints shall be provided. 



2115.4 Reinforcement: Glass-block panels shall 
have joint remforcement in every other mortar bed 
joint, extending the entire length of the panel, but 
not across expansion joints. Joint reinforcement is 
permitted to be spliced by lapping longitudinal wires 
at least six inches (152 mm). Joint reinforcement 
shall be placed in the bed joint immediately below 
and above any opening in the panel. Joint 
reinforcement shall be hot-dipped galvanized after 
fabrication. 

2 115 J Wind and earthquake loads: Exterior wall 
panels shall be held in place in the wall opening to 
resist both the internal and external pressures due to 
wmff and earthqmke loads as specified in 780 CMR 
1611.0 and 1612.0, with metal-chaimel-type fiames, 
structural frames, masonry or concrete recesses or 
embedded panel anchors at the sides and top. Where 
recess type of firaming is used, glass block shall be 
recessed within the firaming not less than one inch 
(25 nun). 



366 



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2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



CHAPTER 22 



STEEL 



780 CMR 220L0 GENERAL 

220 LI Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 22 shall 
govern the materials, design, construction and 
quality of structural steel members. 

780 CMR 2202.0 DEFINTnONS 

2202.1 General: The foUovwig words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 22 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings showTi 
herein. 

Steel construction, cold-formed: That type of 
construction made up entirely, 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. 

Steel joist: Any steel structural member of a 
building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold- 
formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or 
welded bars, strip or sheet steel members, or 
slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed 
rolled sections 

Steel member, structural: Any steel structural 
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. 

780 CMR 22(B,0 STRUCTURAL STEEL 
CONCTRUCnON 

2203.1 General: Structural steel construction used 
in all buildings and structures shall be fabricated 
from materials of uniform quality which are free 
from defects that vitiate the strength or stability of 
the structure. All structural steel shall be designed 
and constructed in accordance with either the AISC 
Specification for Structural Steel Buildings- 
Allowable Stress Design and Plastic Design, 
hereafter referred to AISC ASD, or the AISC Load 
and Resistance Factor Design Specification for 
Structural Steel Buildings, hereafter referred to as 
AISC LRFD, listed in Appendix A, except as 
modified by the provisions of 780 CMR 2204.0. 

2203.2 Stnictural steel seismic requirements: The 
design of structural steel members and connections 
to resist seismic forces shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 2203. 1 and the AISC Seismic Provisions 
for Structural Steel Buil^ngs, listed \n Appendix A, 
except as modified by 780 CMR ll^'ilA and 
780CMRI6I6. 



2203.2.1 Modifications to AISC seismic 
provisions: The AISC Seismic Provisions for 
Structural Steel Buildings shall be modified as 
indicated in items 1 through 8. 

L In Part 1, Section 2.1 of the AISC 
Provisions, replace the entire paragraph with 
the following: ''All buildings assigned to 
Category C shall be designed in accordance 
with these provisions". 

2. 780 CMR Table 1612.2.5 shall be used in 
lieu of Table 2-1 in Part I of the AISC 
Provisions. 

3. In Part 1, Section 2.1, of the AISC 
Provisions, delete the entire section, except 
for Load Combinations 3-7 and 3-8 and 
replace with 780 CMR 1616.3. Replace load 
combinations 3- 7 and 3-8 as follows; 

1.3 Dead-i-L Floor Live+0. 7 Snow 
+/-(2R/5) Seismic (3-7) 

(0. 9-O.S AJDead +/- (2R/S) Sessmic(3-8) 

The term (2M/S) shall be greater than or equal 
ioLO 

4. In Part I, Section 6.1, of the AISC 
Provisions, replace equation 6-1 with She 
following: 

L3 Dead+L0 Uve+0. 7Snow+(2E/S) 
Seismic ^ 0J^^ (6-1) 

§. In Part I, Section 6.1, of the AISC 
Provisions, replace equation 6-2 with the 
following: 

(0.9 " O.SAJ Bead- (2R/S)Selsmlc 

^ ^tPn (6-2) 

6. In Part 1, Sections 6.2, 7.1, 8.1 md 9.1 of 
the AISC Provisions, replace all references to 
Load Combinations 3-1 through 3-6 with the 
foUawing; "...Load Combinations I through 
8 of780 CMR 1616.3.1". 

7. In Part 1, Sections 8.3a, 9.4a, 9.4b and 
10.8, and in Part 11, Section 7.1 of the AISC 
Provisions, replace all references to Load 
Comhlnadons 3-5 and 3-6 with the following; 
"...Load Combinations 7 and 8 of 780 CMR 
1616.3.1". 

8. In Part 1, Sections 8. 7b of the AISC 
Provisions replace the reference to Load 
Combination 3-5 with the following; "...Load 
Combination 7 of 780 CMR 1 616.3. 1 ". 

9. Special provisions for Welded Steel 
Moment Frames: Recent experience has 
shown that prequalified, welded beam-to- 
column moment connections used for 
Moment Resisting Frames are much more 
susceptible to damage than originally thought 
when the AISC Provisions were published 



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367 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



The current state of knowledge indicates that 
the welded beam-to-column moment 
connections depicted in the AISC Provisions, 
Commentary Section 8, do not provide the 
level of ductility required by the Provisions 
for buildings that will be subjected to repeated 
cycles of inelastic deformation during an 
earthquake. 

Welded beam-to-column moment 
connections for Special Moment Resisting 
Frames, Eccentrically Braced Frames and 
Dual Systems with Special Moment Resisting 
Frames shall be designed in accordance with 
780 CMR 2203.2.1, Item 10. 

Welded beam-to-column moment 
connections for Ordinary Moment Resisting 
Frames shall be designed in accordance with 
780 CMR 2203.2.1, Item 11. 
10. Design of Special Moment Resisting 
Frames: The design of Special Moment 
Resisting Frames, Eccentrically Braced 
Frames and Dual Systems with Special 
Moment Resisting Frames shall follow the 
procedures of the Interim Guidelines: 
Evaluation, Repair, Modification and Design 
of Welded Steel Moment Frame Structures 
(FEMA 267/August, 1995), except as noted 
herein. Chapter 7 of this document offers 
guidance for the design of new buildings with 
welded moment frames and Chapter 8 
addresses metallurgy and welding. The 
following exceptions and clarifications shall 
apply to FEMA 267/August, 1995. 

1. All buildings with welded beam-to- 
column moment connections, including 
light single story buildings, shall be 
considered to be susceptible to connection 
failure. The welded beam-to-column 
connections depicted in the AISC Seismic 
Provisions, Section 8, Commentary shall 
be prohibited for Special Moment Resisting 
Frames. 

Exceptions: Buildings that will remain 
elastic when subject to dead and live 
loads, together with full seismic load, 
computed with R-L An analysis that 
demonstrates that all components of the 
structure and its connections • have 
adequate strength to resist these loads 
shall be submitted and approved In 
addition, the requirements of 780 CMR 
2203.2.1, Item 11, shall be applicable. 

2. Welded steel beam-to-column moment 
connection details used in the design of 
buildings with Special Moment Resisting 
Frames shall be sufficiently verified by 
tests of connections with similar geometry 
and member size. The example designs 
shown in Section 7.9 of FEMA 267/August 
1995 shall not be permitted unless 
adequate data shoM'ing acceptable 



performance has been submitted and 
approved. 

3. The construction documents shall set 

forth the connection geometry and specific 

design procedures demonstrating that the 

connections meet the design intent and 

comply with all requirements of 780 CMR. 

11. Design of Ordinary Moment Resisting 

Frames: Welded beam-to-column connections 

depicted in the AISC Provisions, Section 8 

Commentary shall be allowed for Ordinary 

Moment Resisting Frames provided the 

following provisions are met: 

1. Filler metal used in critical welds, 
including all full penetration welds, in 
beam-to-column connections shall have a 
minimum Charpy V-Notch value of 20ft- 
Ibs at 40 "F for fully enclosed and heated 
buildings and 20 ft-lbs at z/ero degrees 
Fahrenheit for other buildings or 
structures. 

2. Backer bars shall be removed at ail 
bottom flange welds made in the down 
hand position, and the root pass shall be 
back gouged and re-welded A reinforcing 
fillet weld shall be added at the top and 
bottom of bottom flange full penetration 
welds. 

3. A reinforcing flllet weld shall be added 
at the top of top flange full penetration 
welds. 

4. The construction documents shall set 
forth, in sufficient detail, the connection 
geometry and specific design procedures 
demonstrating that the connections meet 
the design intent and comply with all 
requirements of 780 CMR 

2203.3 Temporary and special sirtssts: Provision 
shall be made in the design of structural steel 
construction for temporary stresses that occur during 
erection, and for the influence of special loads 
producing impact or vibrations as provided for in 
780 CMR 1614.0. Stresses caused by eccentric 
loading shall be fully provided for and eccentric 
details shall be shown on the design and shop 
drawings. 

2203.4 Shop drawings: Complete shop drawings 
shall be prepared in compliance with the best 
modem practice in advance of the actual fabrication. 
Such drawings shall cleariy distinguish between 
shop and field rivets, bolts and welds in all 
connections and details. 

2203.5 Painting and special protection: All 

painting shall comply with the requirements 
contained in AISC ASD or AISC LRFD listed in 
Appendix A. Where exposed to highly corrosive 
fumes or vapors, or where subject to destruction 
from other highly hazardous industrial processes, all 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



structural steelwork shall be protected by an 
approved method. 

780 CMR 2204.0 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS 
FOR STRUCTURAL STEEL 

2204.1 General: Steel structural elements that resist 
seismic forces shall be designed in accordance with 
the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 2203.0, 

2205.0, 2206.0 and 2207.0. 

780 CMR 2205.0 OPEN-WEB STEEL JOIST 
CONSTRUCTION 

2205.1 General: Steel joists and joist girders used as 
structural members in floor and roof construction 
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with 
SJI Standard Specifications, Load Tables and 
Weight Tables for Steel Joists and Joist Girders 
listed m Appendix A. 

2205.2 Partitions: The joists shall be designed to 
support the dead load of partitions, wherever they 
occur, in addition to all other imposed dead and live 
loads. 

2205.3 Protection: Painting of steel joists shall be in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 

2206.4 for formed steel construction. 

2205.4 Tests: Where not subject to approved 
engineering analysis as regulated by 780 CMR 

2205.1, the assembly shall meet the load test 
requirements specified in 780 CMR 1709.0 and 
1710.0. 

780 CMR 2206.0 FORMED STEEL 
CONSTRUCTION 

2206,1 Besign: The design of all cold-formed 
carbon and low-alloy steel structural members and 
assembled wall, floor and roof panels, used alone or 
in combination with other structural members, or 
with component materials, shall be in accordance 
with the AISI Specification for the Design of Cold- 
Formed Steel Structural Members, allowable stress 
design, hereafter referred to as AISI CFSD-ASD or 
the AISI Load and Resistance Factor Design 
Specification for Cold -Formed Steel Structural 
Members hereafter referred to as AISI CFSD-LRFD, 
listed in Appendix A, except as modified by the 
provisions of 780 CMR 2206.0. The design of all 
cold-formed stainless steel structural members and 
components shall be based on a load and resistance 
factor design method or an allowable stress design 
method and maximum deflections in accordance 
with the ASCE Specification for the Design of Cold 
Formed Stainless Steel Structural Members, 
hereafter referred to as ASCE 8-SSD-LRFD, or 
ASCE 8-SSD-ASD listed in Appendix A, except as 
modified by the provisions of 780 CMR 2206.3 and 
2206.3.1. 



STEEL 

2206.1.1 Composite slabs: Composite slabs of 
concrete on steel deck shall be designed and 
constructed in accordance with ASCE 3 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2206.2 Secondary structural systems: Formed 
steel floor, wall and roof systems are permitted to 
be designed and constructed to resist all vertical 
and horizontal moments and shears resulting from 
lateral forces. Such members, where designed to 
transmit horizontal shears due to wind or other 
lateral forces, shall be connected to the supporting 
structure so as to resist adequately all primary and 
secondary stresses. Where concrete topping or 
other approved decking is installed and strength 
of the composite member is included in the 
calculations, the concrete topping or decking shall 
be installed in such a manner as to insure 
composite action of the assembly 

2206.3 Cold-formed steel structural member 
seismic requirements: The AISI CFSC-LRFD 
and ASCE 8-SSD-LRFD listed in Appendix A for 
the design based on the load and resistance factor 
design method, and the AISI CFSD-ASD and 
ASCE 8-SSD-ASD listed in Appendix A for the 
design based on the allowable stress design 
method, shall be modified as indicated in this 
section. The references to sections and paragraph 
numbers are to those of the particular 
specification modified. 

1. AISI CFSD-ASD: The nominal strength of 
members and connections shall be in 
accordance with AISI CFSD-ASD, except that 
the nominal strength for shear and web 
crippling shall be determined by multiplying 
the allowable strength by 1.7. Design strengths 
shall be determined by multiplying the nominal 
strengths by the following resist ance factors; 

Shear strength for h/t > (EkyT )|^' ... 0.9 
Shear strength for h/t < (Ek^^) ... 1.0 
Web crippling for members witli single 

unreinforced webs 0.75 

Web crippling for "I" sections 0.80 

All other cases .... I.55/Factor of Safety 

The notation shall have the same meaning as in 

AISI CFSD-ASD. 

2. Load factors: Modify Section A5.1.4 in 
AISI CFSD-LRFD by substituting a load factor 
of 1.0, in place of L5, for nominal earthquake 
loads. 

3. The strength of stainless steel structural 
members and connections subject to seismic 
forces in combination with other prescribed 
loads shall be determined by the provisions of 
ASCE 8-SSD-LRFD, except that combinations 
of load effects shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1616.0. 

2206.3.1 Steel deck diaphragms: Steel deck 
diaphragms shall be made from materials 
conforming to the requirements of AISI CFSD- 



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369 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



ASD, AISI CFSD-LRFD or ASCE 8-SSD- ASD 
listed in Appendix A. Nominal strengths shall be 
determined in accordance with approved test 
procedures developed by a registered design 
professional. Design strengths shall be determined 
by multiplying the nominal strength by a 
resistance factor of 0.60. 

The steel deck installation for the building, 
including fasteners, shall comply with the test 
assembly arrangement. 

2206.3.2 Light gage steel-framed walls: Cold- 
formed steel stud walls in buildings assigned to 
Seismic Performance Category D in accordance 
with 780 CMR 1612.2.7 shall comply with 
780 CMR 2206.0 and the following requirements: 

2206.3.2.1 Boundary members: All boundary 
members, chords and collectors shall be 
designed to transmit the induced axial force. 

2206.3.2.2 Connections: Connections for 
diagonal bracing members, top chord splices, 
boundary members and collectors shall be 
designed to develop the tensile strength of the 
member or, in those cases where (2R/5) is 
equal to or greater than 1 .0, (2R/5) multiplied 
by the design seismic force, where R is the 
response modification factor determined from 
Table 1612.4.4. The pull-out resistance of 
screws shall not be used to resist seismic 
forces. 

2206.3.2.3 Braced bay members: Vertical and 
diagonal members in braced bays shall be 
anchored such that the bottom track is not 
required to resist uplift forces by bending of 
the track web. Both flanges of studs shall be 
braced to prevent lateral torsional buckling. 

2206.4 Protection: Formed steel shall be protected 
in accordance with 780 CMR 2206.4.1 through 
2206.4.4. 

2206.4.1 Shop coat: All individual structural 
members and assembled panels of light gage and 
formed steel construction, except where fabricated 
of approved corrosion-resistant metallic steel or of 
steel having a corrosion-resistant or other 
approved coating, shall be protected against 
corrosion with an approved shop coat of paint, 
enamel or other approved protection. 

2206.4.2 Field coat: After erection where directly 
exposed to the weather, except where encased in 
concrete made of non-corrosive aggregates, or 
where fabricated of approved corrosion-resistant 
steel, or of galvanized or otherv^dse adequately 
protected steel, individual structural members and 
assembled panels of light gage and formed steel 
construction shall be given an additional coat of 
approved protection. 

2206.4.3 Siding: Exposed siding or sheathing 
shall be fabricated of approved corrosion-resistant 
steel or otherwise protected at the ground level for 



sufficient height above grade as determined by the 
depth of average snowfall in the locality, but not 
less than eight inches (203 mm). 

2206.4.4 Protection at exterior walls: Floor or 
roof construction which extends into an exterior 
wall shall be adequately waterproofed and 
protected fi-om the weather to prevent corrosion. 

2206.5 Tests: Where not capable of design by 
approved engineering analysis, the code official 
shall require tests of the individual or assembled 
structural units and the connections as prescribed in 
780 CMR 1709.0 and 1710.0. At least three 
specimens truly representative of the construction to 
be used in practice shall be subjected to the 
prescribed test and the mean of the results shall 
determine the safe working value; provided that any 
individual test varying more than 10% from the 
mean value shall cause rejection of the series. 

2206.6 Identification: Each structural member, 
siding panel and roof panel of a metal building 
system, other than hardware items such as bolts, 
nuts, washers, shims and rivets, shall be identified 
by the manufacturer. The identification shall include 
the manufacturer's name or logo, and the part 
number or part name consistent with assembly 
instructions. 

780 CMR 2207.0 SPECIAL STEEL AND 
STEEL CABLE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS 

2207.1 Special steels: Alloy, high-carbon or other 
special high-strength steels not covered in 780 CMR 
22, where used in the design and construction of 
buildings and structures, shall conform to 780 CMR 
1706.0. 

2207.2 Structural steel cable systems: The design, 
fabrication and erection of steel cables used as 
loadbearing members in buildings and structures 
shall be in accordance with the AISI Criteria for 
Structural Applications of Steel Cables for Buildings 
listed in Appendix A, except as modified by the 
provisions of 780 CMR 2207.2.1. 

2207.2.1 Steel cable seismic requirements: The 
AISI Criteria for Structural Applications of Steel 
Cables for Buildings listed in Appendix A shall be 
modified as indicated in 780 CMR 2207,2. The 
references to sections are those of the AISI 
Criteria for Structural Applications of Steel 
Cables for Buildings listed in Appendix A. 

1. Z,<9a^ combination "d." of Section 5 shall be 
modified by substituting I.5T4 instead of 
2.OT4, where T4 is the net tension in the cable 
due to dead load, prestress, live load and 
seismic /<?a^. 

2. A load factor of 1 . 1 shall be applied to the 
prestress forces to be added to the load 
combination in Section 3 of the steel cable 
specification. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



STEEL 



3. The effective design breaking strength in 
Section 6 shall be multiplied by the following 
resistance factors: 

Members, connections and base plates 
that develop the strength of the mem- 
bers of structural systems 0.90 

Connections that do not develop the 
strength of the member or structural 
system, including connections to base 
plates, and anchor bolts 0.67 

780 CMR 2208.0 CACT-CTEEL 
CONSTRUCnON 

2208.1 Materials: Carbon steel casting for building 
construction shall be cast &om steel conforming to 
AISC ASD or AISC LRFD listed m Appendix A. All 
castings shall be free from injurious blow holes or 
other defects which will impair the structural 
strength. 

2208.2 Higher strcngtli cast steel: Higher strength 
cast steel shall not be used unless approved. 

2208.3 Welding cast steel: Cast steel designed for 
use in welding shaU be of weldable grade. 

780 CMR 2209.0 CAST-IRON 

coNsmucnoN 

2209.1 Materials: Cast iron for building 
construction shall be a good foundry mixture 
providing clean, tough, gray iron that is free from 
serious blow holes, cinder spots and cold shuts, and 
that conforms to ASTM A48 listed in Appendix A 
for medium gray-iron castings. 

2209.2 LDinltations of use: Cast-iron columns shall 
not be used where subjea to eccentric ioads that 
produce a net tension in the section, nor in any part 
of a structural fi-ame that is required to resist stress 
due to wind. The maximum stresses for cast iron 
shall be as indicated in Table 2209.2. 

Table 2209.2 
CAST-IRON STRESSES 



Type of stress 


Maximum stress 
(psi)" 


Extreme compression (fiber stress in 

bending) 

Extreme tension (fiber stress in 

bending) 

Shear , ., ' . ' 
Tension 


16,000 
3,000 

9,660jBk«s4G(i»-> 

3,000 



2209.3 Multistoiy columns: Cores of superimposed 
columns shall be of the same dimensions above and 
below a splice. Where a column of smaller diameter 
is superimposed over one of larger diameter, the 
larger colunm shall be tapered down to the smaller 
diameter over a length of not less than six inches 
(152 mm). 

2209.4 Thickmess of metal: The minimum thickness 
of cast iron shall not be less than specified in 
780 CMR 2209.4.1 through 2209.4.3. 

2209.4.1 Columns: In columns, the metal shall 
not be less than one-twelfth of the smallest 
dimension of the cross section and not less than % 
inch (19 mm). 

2209.4.2 Bases and brackets: In bases and 
flanges, the metal shall not be less than one inch 
(25 mm) thick, and shall be reinforced with fillets 
and brackets. 

2209.4.3 Lintels: In lintels, the metal shall not be 
less than Va inch (19 mm) thick, and shall be 
limited to use on spans of not more than six feet 
(1829 mm). 

2209.5 Inspection: A cast-iron column shall not be 
erected in place before such column has been 
inspected and approved. The use of any cast-iron 
column in which blow holes or imperfections reduce 
the effective ar^ of the cross section more than 10% 
shall be prohibited. Where required by the code 
ofScial, %-inch (10 mm) round inspection holes 
shall be drilled in the section to expose the thickness 
of metal for inspection purposes. 

78® CMR 22ia0 EXTERIOR STEEL FRAME 

CORROSION PROTTEOION UNDER 

MASONRY 

2210.1 Reqsiired: Exterior steel columns and 
girders, before embedment in masonry of the 
required fireresistance rating specified in Table 602, 
shall be protected from moisture by an approved 
waterproofing material, a parging coat of cement 
mortar or by a minimum of eight inches of weather- 
tight masonry. 



Ratio I/r not to exceed 70 



Notea. Ipsi = 6.895kPa. 



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371 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



372 780 CMR -Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 23 



WOOD 



780 CMR 230L0 GENERAL 

2301.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 23 shall 
govern the materials, design, construction and 
quality of wood. 

780 CMR 2302,0 DEFINITIONS 

2302.1 Genera!: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown 
herein. 

Naiive lumber: Native lumber is wood processed in 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by a mill 
registered in accordance with 780 CMR, Such 
wood may be ungraded but is stamped or 
cerdfiedin accordance with the requirements of 
780 CMR R^. Nattve lumber shall be restricted 
to use im one" and two^story dwellings, barns, 
sheds, agricultural and accessory hmldings and 
other structures when permitted by 780 CMR 
2303. 

HoHsiiiial dimension (iumber): A dimension that 
varies &om actual dimensions in accordance with 

DOC PS 20 Med in Appendix A. 

Partideboard: Particieboard is a mat-formed panel 
consisting of particles of wood or a combination 
of wood particles and wood fibers bonded 
together with synthetic resins or other suitable 
bonding systems (see 780 CMR 2308.0). 

Preservative treatmesit (treated iBatenal): Unless 
otherwise noted, means impregnation under 
pressure with a wood preservative. A wood 
preservative is any suitable substance that is toxic 
to fungi, insects, borers and other living wood- 
destro3fing organisms. 

780 CMR 2303.0 PERFORMANCE 
REQUIREMENTS 

2303.1 Stnsctural design: All structural wood 
members and connections shall be of sufficient size 
or capacity to carry all design loads as required by 
780 CMR 16 without exceeding the allowable 
design values specified in AFPA NDS listed in 
j^penMscA. Trusses and long-span ^ders shall be 
designed with sufficient camber, or other provision 
shall be made to counteract any deflection other than 
that permitted in 780 CMR 1606.5. Design values 
shaU be adjusted for wood that is pressure 
impregnated with £reretardant chemicals. Such 
adjustment shall be in accordance with 780 CMR 
2310.2.1. 



2303.1.1 Identificatioo: All lumber utilized for 
/(Ooaf-supporting purposes, including end-jointed 
or edge-glued lumber, shall be identified by the 
grade mark of an approved lumber grading or an 
approved inspection agency. Grading practices 
and identification shaU be in accordance with 
rules published by an approved agency. In lieu of 
a grade mark on the material, a certificate of 
inspection as to species and grade which is issued 
by an approved lumber grading or an approved 
inspection agency shall be accepted for precut, 
remanufactured or rough-sawn lumber, and for 
sizes larger than three inches nominal in 
thickness. Fireretardent-treated wood shall be 
labeled m accordance with 780 CMR 2310.2.2. 

2303.2 Native lumber: Native iumber, as defined in 
780 CMR 23011 shall be acceptable for use in one 
emd two story dwellings, bams, sheds, agricultural 
and accessory structures. Native lumber shall also 
be acceptable for use in other one and two story 
structures as columns when the design loads are 
2§% gm^er than required elsewhere by 780 CMR; 
m joists, principal beams, and girders in floor 
comstructiom when the design loads are IS% 
greater than required elsewhere by 780 CMR; and 
as other elements when the design loads are as 
required elsewhere by 780 CMR 

Each piece of native lumber produced shall be 
simnped with the name and registration number of 
the producer in accordance with the 780 CMR In 
addition, all native lumber shall bear an approved 
mmk identifying the species of wood In lieu of the 
stamp bearing the name and registration number 
ami species identification, a certification bearing 
the same information may be provided by the 
producer for precut or re-manufactured lumber in 
accordance with 780 CMR When native lumber is 
used, k shall be subject to the following 
requirements: 

L Sidng criteria: For lumber, sized in 
accordance with the DOC F&-2O-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 
ail structural members. 

2. Stress criteria: Lumber which is sized in 
(sxcess of the dimensions established by the DOC 
FS~2&-70for the given nominal size referenced 
shaM he aUowed.io have a maximum fiber stress 
increase above that provided in 780 CMR 2303.2 
'item I in proportion to the increased bearing 
capacity of the cross section as provided in Table 
2303.2 or as calculated. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



TABLE 2303.2 
NATIVE LUMBER - ALLOWABLE 



STRESSES 





Actual Lumber Size 

Closest size which does not 

exceed the size shown) 


Multiplier factor 

based on lumber 

width 


Factor to be added to multiplier 

factor for lumber oversized in 

thickness 


Nominal Size 


Actual Size 
(thickness x width) 


Thickness 
increaseof 14" to 

1/2" 


Thickness 

increase of over 

'/2" to 1" 


3x8 


2'x8 


1.0 xFs 

1.07 

1.14 


+0.10 


+0.20 


3x10 


2^^x10 


1.0 

1.05 

1.11 


+0.10 


+0.20 


3x12 


2' X 12 


1.0 

1.04 

1.09 


+0.10 


+0.20 


3x14 


2'^^xl3'^' 

2 .xU'^ 

2^x14 


1.0 

1.04 

1.07 


+0.10 


+0.20 


4x10 


3'^^x9'^^ 
3 x9 
3 'xlO 


1.0 

1.05 

1.11 


+0.07 


+0.14 


4x12 


3 .^11 
3^'xl2 


1.0 

1.04 

1.09 


+0.07 


+0.14 


4x14 


,'/2 „72 

3i/^xl3 


1.0 

1.04 

1.08 


+0.07 


+0.14 



2303..3 Fireresistance: All wood structural 
elements shall comply with Table 602. 

2303.4 Flameresistance: All wood surfaces used as 
interior finishes and all exposed surfaces as 
described in 780 CMR 801.1 shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 803.0. 

2303.5 Combustibility: Wood used as stiuctural 
elements or portions thereof shall be limited to 
combustible structural elements as required by 
780 CMR. 

Exceptions: 

1. Fireretardant-treated wood as permitted by 
Table 602, Note d, and which complies with 
780 CMR 23 10.0. 

2. As specifically permitted by 780 CMR 
602.4.1. 

780 CMR 2304.0 HEAVY TIMBER 
CONSTRUCnON 

2304.1 Material grade and design: All structural 
wood members, sawn or glued-laminated, which are 
mstalled in buildings and structures of Type 4 
construction shall be stress-grade timbers identified 
as to grade and strength by approved manufacturing, 
testing or in spection agencies or bureaus. All 



structural timber members shall have the minimum 
dimensions specified in 780 CMR 2304.3 through 
2304.6 for buildings and structures of Type 4 
construction and shall be designed, fabricated and 
installed in accordance with AFPA NDS and AITC 
108, 1 12, 1 17, 1 19 and A190. 1 listed in Appendix A. 

2304.2 Steel or concrete: Structural steel or 
rdnforced concrete members shall not be substituted 
for timber in any part of the structural fi-ame unless 
protected to develop the required fireresistance 
rating specified in Table 602, but not less than a one- 
hour fireresistance rating. Structural members that 
support walls shall be protected to afford the same 
fireresistance rating as the wall supported. 

2304.3 Columns: Wood columns shall be sawn or 
glued-laminated and shall not be less than eight 
inches nominal in any dimension where supporting 
floor loads; not less than six inches nominal in 
width, and not less than eight inches nominal in 
depth where supporting only roof and ceiling loads. 
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 afi^ixed to the columns by means of metal 



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780 CMR: STATE BOAJRD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



connectors housed within the contact faces, or by 
other approved methods. Girders or trusses which 
support columns shall have at least a one-hour 
fireresistance rating. 

2304.4 Floors: Floors shall be without concealed 
spaces and shall be constructed of sawn, glued- 
laminated, splined or tongue-and-groove planks not 
less than three inches nominal in thickness and 
covered with a one-inch nominal dimension tongue- 
and-groove flooring, laid crosswise or diagonally, or 
15/32-inch wood structural panel or Vz-inch 
partjcleboard; or of planks not less than four inches 
nominal in width that are set on edge close together 
and securely spiked, and covered with one-inch 
particleboard. The lumber shall be laid so that a 
continuous line of joints will not occur except at 
points of support and so that planks are not spiked to 
supporting girders that are parallel to the lamination 
of the floor. Floors and flooring shall not extend 
closer than '/4-inch (13 mm) to walls so as to provide 
an expansion joint. Such V4-inch (13 mm) spaces 
shall be covered by a molding fastened to the wall 
either above or below the floor and arranged such 
that the molding will not obstruct the expansion or 
contraction movements of the floor, or, as an 
alternative, corbeling of masonry walls under floor 
shall be utilized in place of molding. 

2304.4ol Moor Joists, beams and girders: Joists, 
beams and girders of wood shall be constructed of 
sawn or glued-laminated timber and shall not be 
less than six inches nominal in width, and not less 
than ten inches nominal in depth. Framed sawn or 
glued-laminated timber arches that spring from 
the floor line and support floor loads shall not be 
less than eight inches nominal in any dimension. 
Framed timber trusses supporting floor loads shall 
have members of not less than eight inches 
nominal in any dimension. 

1M43 Roofs: Roofs shall be without concealed 
spaces and roof decks shall be constructed of: sawn, 
glued-laminated, splined or tongue-and-groove 
pianks not less than two inches nominal in thickness; 
P/fe-inch-thick interior wood structural panel 
(exterior glue); or of planks not less than three 
inches nominal in width that are set on edge close 
together and laid as required for floors in 780 CMR 
2304.4. 

2304.S.1 Arches: Framed or glued-laminated 
arches for roof construction which spring from the 
floor line or from grade and do not support floor 
loads shall have members not less than six inches 
nominal in width, not less than eight inches 
nominal in depth for the lower half of the height 
and not less than six inches nominal 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 does not support 



WOOD 

floor loads shall have members not less than four 
inches nominal in width and not less than six 
inches nominal in depth. Spaced members shall 
be composed of two or more pieces not less than 
three inches nominal in thickness where blocked 
solidly throughout their intervening spaces or 
where such spaces are tightly closed by a 
continuous wood cover plate of not less than two 
inches nominal in thickness, secured to the 
underside of the members. Splice plates shall not 
be less than three inches nominal in thickness. 
Where equipped with an automatic sprinkler 
system installed in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1, 906.2.2 or 907.0 under the roof deck, 
framing members shall not be less than three 
inches nominal in width. 

2304.6 Interior wall construction: Walls shall be of 
solid wood construction formed by not less than two 
layers of one-inch matched boards, laminated 
construction four inches in thickness, or of one-hour 
fireresistance rated construction. 

2304.7 Esterior structural members: Wood 
columns and arches conforming to heavy timber 
sizes shall only be installed externally where difire 
separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or more is 
provided. Where Zifire separation distance of less 
than 20 feet (6096 mm) is provided, columns and 
arches shall be permitted where located inside an 
exterior wall, and the exterior wall has a 
fireresistance rating not less than required by Table 
602, for exterior walls. 

2304.S Beams and girders: Beams and girder 
supports and connections shall comply with 
780 CMR 2305.6.3 and 2305.6.4. 

2304.9 Colymn connections: Girders and beams 
shall be closely fitted around columns and adjoining 
ends shall be cross tied to each other, or inter-tied by 
caps or ties, to transfer horizontal loads across the 
joint. Wood bolsters shall not be placed on tops of 
columns unless the columns support roof loads only. 

2304.10 Maintenance: All connections in the joints 
of timber trusses and structural frames shall be 
inspected periodically. Bolts and other connectors 
shall be maintained tight. 

2304.11 Framing aroimd Hues and chimneys: 
Clearances for combustible framing members from 
all flues, chimneys and fireplaces shall be in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2305.12. 

780 CMR 230S.0 WCX)D FRAME 
CONSTRUCTION 

230SJ Design and construction: Exterior walls, 
interior partitions, floors and roofs of wood 
construction shall be designed and constructed in 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



375 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



accordance with 780 CMR 2305.0, 780 CMR 2303.0 
and 780 CMR 2307.0 through 2312.0. 

2305.2 Fastening: The quantity and size of fasteners 
connecting wood frame members together and 
sheathing materials to wood frame members shall 
not be less than that specified in Table 2305.2. 

2305.3 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. 

2305.3.1 Notches: Notches in joists, rafters and 
beams shall not exceed 1/6 of the depth of the 
member, shall not be longer than Va of the depth 
of the member and shall not be located in the 



middle Vs of the span. Notch depth at the ends of 
the member shall not exceed Vi of the depth of the 
member. 

Exceptions: 

1. A notch over the support is permitted to 
extend the fiill width of the support. 

2. Notches on cantilevered portions of the 
member are permitted to extend the fiill length 
of the cantilever if the strength and deflection 
of the cantilever is calculated based on the 
reduced member section. 

3. The tension side of beams, joists and rafters 
which are four inches or greater in nominal 
thickness, shall not be notched, except at ends 
of members. 



Table 2305.2 
FASTENING SCHEDULE 



Building element 



Nail or staple size and tyT^ e 



Number and location 



1. Floor construction 

Built up to girders and beams 

Bridging to joists 

Floor joists to studs (no ceiling joists) 

FloetJcM:^ to Studs C^^^diing joists) 

Floorjoist^tosittar^da' - 

Ledger sttip 

r subflooriflg (6" or less) 

I " subflooring (8" or more) 

2" subflooring 

, Particlel>oard«Rde«%infi!ttt(K''-%^ 
Particleboard subflooring (% or greater) 

^ Woodstroctoralpiatadt^ufaliootkig 
CH^orless) 

(19/32" - %") 

(VS" or less) 
(19/32", ys") 

2. Wall construction 

Stadtoto1e|>lttB 

Slttdlfejc^l^ate . / 

Double studs 
Comer studs 
Sole plate to joist or blocking 

£atatQr4»aced v/eSk &tAt {>}ate to pac^d 



DoabKcap|i}9te ,. 
expiate Japs 
Ribbon strip 6" or less 
Ribbon strip 6" or more 
Diagonal brace (to stud and plate) 



20d common 
8d common 
lOd common 
lOd common 

lOdcoouacm 
8dc<}Bnxton 
t6di(>c»Bm(m 
8d common 
8d common 
16d common 

'6d annular threaded 
8d common 



32" o.c. direct 

2 each direct end 
5 direct or 

3 direct 

Idirect 
Stoenatt 
3 each direct joist 
2each direct joist 
3 each direct joist 
2 each direct joist 

€^ 0.C direct edges and 12" o.c intermediate 
6" o.c direct edges and 12" o.c. intermediate 



^cmamott^r ^annular or ^itdt 5"o.cdiiectedgesaitdl2"o,c.int«msediate 
thiead 

8d common or 6d annular or spiral 6" o.c direct edges and 12" o.c. intermediate 
thread 

iddconanan<7r^ringshaiit;;»r 5^* e.c direct edges and 6** o.c. inteimediate 

"8^ affl»il»^of s|»Mli)yreail 

16 gage galvanized wire stales 4" o.c. edges and 7" o.cintermediate 

%" minimum crown, 1%" lenjgth iVz' o.c. edges and 4" o.c. intermediate 



lOd common 
16d common 
16d common 

l^commoa 
lOdcoHRUBcm 
|{)d<!onua«t' 
lOd common 
lOd common 
Sdconmion 



4'toeniiftar 
'2(fixectaait 
2 li» oatl or 2 direct nail 
12" o.c. direct 
24" o.c. direa 
16" o.c. 

16" oxc. direct nail 
2 direct:iiait 

2 each direct bearing 

3 each direct bearing 
2 each direct bearing 



376 



780 CMR - Sbrth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



WOOD 



Building element 

Continuous header to stud 
Continuous header, two pieces 

3. Roof and ceiling construction 

iiiiiiiii^isiitiiiii^illiB^ 

Collar beam 
Roof lafler to plate 
Roofrafter to ridge 

JTac^taSerto&p 

1" roof decking (6" or less in width) 
r roof decking (over 6" in width) 



Nail or staple size and.fiTJe 

iifc^iiipiliiiillii^^^ 

8d common 
16d common 



iiSdcbmnwn^ 

iCMconunOi 
lOd common 
$d common 
16d common 
I{)dcomm^<»t 
1^ common 

8d common 
8d common 



Nimiber and location 



4 toe nail 
16" o.c. direct 



3 direct 

3 toe nail 

2 toe nail or direct nail 

3toeaa«lor 
2 direct mil 

2 each direct rafter 

3 each direct rafter 



4. Wall and roof sheathing 

i^wall sheading O" ot iess. la width) M common 

r«atlsh^aRg<(jv^S'^|ni)ridth) Mconanqa 

.Diagonal v;a8ikiatMag<seia»k; S^ Table 2306A5 
bracing^ 

Vz" fiberboard sheathing 



2 each direct stud 

3 each direct stud 



25^32" Sbetboard slieadui^ 

Gypsum sheathing 

Gypsum sheathing (seismic bracing) 

Pa)rtk:ltl)oatid roof and watt d^ieatitittg 
(H"orless> ' 

Wood structural panel roof and wall 
sheathing 
(14" or less) 
(19/32" or greater) 



(19y32", %") 

Shingles, wood 
Weatherboarding 



1 V2" galvanized roofing nail or 6d 3" o.c. exterior edge, 6" o.c. intermediate 
common nail or 16 gage staple, 
1 Vb" long with minimum crown 
of7/16" 

VA" galvanizedioc^g adl or Si ^* oc exteriw edge, €" o.c. inteftnecBate 
4;^ntm€B nail 47? 1^ gage staple, 
l¥^^ jk»ig\tdt& sffidmom at)wB 

<dr7/|e* ^ ■ , 

12 gage 1 V^" large head corrosion 4" o.c. on edge, 8" o.c. intermediate 

resistant 
1 1 gage 1%" long 7/16" head, ^" °-^- ^ ^^^^ P°*"^ 

diamond point, galvanized 






6d common 
gd common 



6^o.c. duectedgK and 11^ o.c. intermediate 
"&* O.C. direct tigss and i2* o.c. intennediate 



6" o.c. direct edges and 12" o.c. intermediate 
6" o.c. direct edges and 12" o.c. intermedite 



A6 gaiie gdvardzed wizfe stages, ^^ ^'<^- edges ^d 8" o,c< ititermetSate 
^" QUtttmom <!(0vm; fe^igflj of 

Same as immediately above 
No. 14 B&S Gage corrosion 

resistant 
Sd corrosion resistant 



2V2" o.c. edges and 5" o.c. intermediate 
2 each bearing 
2 each bearing 



Note a. Single nails shall penetrate not less than !^ inch into nailing strips, sheathing or supporting construction except 
as otherwise provided for in 780 CMR 1507.0 



2305.3,2 Holes: Holes bored or cut into Joists, 
rafters or beams shall not be closer than two 
inches (51 mm) to the top or bottom of the joist, 
or to any other hole located in the member. 
Where the member is notched, the hole shall not 
be closer than two inches (51 mm) to the notch. 



The diameter of the hole in joists shall not exceed 
Vs of the depth of the member. 

230So3,3 Studs: In studs of loadbearing walls or 
partitions, notches or bored holes shall not be cut 
or bored more than Va of the depth of the stud 
unless reinforced in accordance with 780 CMR 
2305.3.4. 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) = corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



377 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



23053.4 Reinforcement: Where the stud is cut or 
bored in excess of/s of its depth, the stud shall be 
reinforced to be equal in loadbearing capacity to 
a stud that is notched not more than Va of its 
depth. 

2305.4 Loadbearing walls: Posts and studs in 
loadbearing 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 fabricated in 
such a manner as to provide adequate support for the 
materials that enclose the building and to provide for 
transfer of all lateral loads to the foundation in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1710.4. 

2305.4.1 Wall framing: Studs shall be placed 
with the wide dimension perpendicular to the 
wall. Not less than three studs shall be installed 
at each comer of an exterior wall. 

Exception: At comers, a third stud is not 
required where wood spacers or backup cleats 
of %-inch-thick: wood structural panel, %-inch 
Type 2-M particleboard, one-inch-thick 
lumber or other approved devices which serve 
as an adequate backing for the attachment of 
facing materials are used. Where fireresistance 
ratings or shear loads apply, wood spacers, 
backup cleats or other devices shall not be 
installed unless specifically approved. 

2305.4.2 Double top plates: Stud walls shall be 
capped with double top plates installed to provide 
overlapping comers and wall intersections. Top 
plate joints shall be offset not less than 48 inches 
(1219 mm). 

Exc^ftion: Detached one- and two-family 
dwellings and agricultural storage buildings 
that are intend^ only for incidental human 
occupancy are permitted to have a single top 
plate provided dtat the plate is adequately tied 
at joints, corners and intersecting walls by at 
least the equivalent of galvanized steel that is 
three inches (76 mm) by six inches (152 mm) 
by 0. 036 inches thick and nailed to each wall 
or segment of wall by three 8d nails or the 
equivalent, and the rafters, joists or trusses 
are centered over the studs with a tolerance of 
not more than one inch (25 mm). 

2305.4.3 Bottom plates: Studs shall have full 
support by a plate or sill. The sill shall have not 
less than a two-inch nominal thickness and a 
^^adth at least equal to the width of the studs. 

2305.5 Nonloadbearing walls: Studs in 
nonloadbearing walls and partitions shall not be 
spaced more than 48 inches (1219 mm) o.c, and are 
permitted to be erected with the long dimension 
parallel to the wall, unless otherwise approved as an 
integrated assembly by testing. A single top plate 



shall be prohibited except where such plate is 
installed in accordance with 780 CMR 2305.4.2. 

2305.6 Support and anchorage: Support and 
anchorage of members on girders, walls and beams 
shall conform to 780 CMR 2305.6.1 through 
2305.6.4. 

2305.6.1 Support and anchorage on girders: All 

members framing into girders shall be anchored or 
tied to secure continuity. The ends of all wood 
beams that rest on girders shall bear not less than 
four mches (102 mm) or shall be supported in 
approved metal stirrups, hangers or on wood clips 
or ribbon strips. Beams framing from opposite 
sides shall either lap at least six inches (152 mm) 
and be bolted or spiked together or, where framed 
end-to-end, the beams shall be secured together 
by approved ties, straps, dogs, plates or sheathing. 

2305.6.2 Support and anchorage on walls or 
beams: Except where supported on a I x 4 ribbon 
strip and nailed to the adjoining stud, joists shall 
bear on walls or beams of wood or steel not less 
than XVi inches (38 mm) or shall be supported by 
metal stirrups, hangers or a nominal 2-inch wood 
ledger strip. The rmnimum bearing on concrete 
or masonry shall be three inches (76 mm). Joists 
framing over beams from opposite sides shall 
either lap at least three inches (76 mm) and be 
securely fastened together or, where framed end- 
to-end, the joists shall be secured together by 
approved ties, straps, dogs, plates or sheathing. 

2305.6.3 Girder supports: Wall plate boxes of 
the self-releasing type, or approved hangers, shall 
be provided where beams and girders are 
supported by masonry. An air space of Vi inch 
(13 mm) shall be provided at the top, end and 
sides of the member unless approved naturally 
durable or preservative-treated wood in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2311.0 is installed. 
Wood beams and girders supported by walls 
required to have a fireresistance rating of two 
hours or more shall have not less than four inches 
(102 mm) of solid masonry between their ends 
and the outside face of the wall and between 
adjacent beams. 

2305.6.4 Fire cuts: All wood and other 
combustible floor, roof and other stmctural 
members framing into masonry walls shall be cut 
to a bevel of three inches (76 mm) in depth and 
shall project not more than four inches (102 mm) 
into the wall. 

2305.7 Wind bracing: In buildings more than one 
story in height and where necessary for strength in 
one-story buildings, the comer posts shall be the 
equivalent of not less than two pieces of two-inch by 
four-inch studs, braced by not less than one piece of 
one-inch by four-inch contmuous-diagonal brace let 
into the studs. Bracing is not required where 



378 



780 CMR - Sbrth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



WOOD 



diagonal wood sheathing, wood structural panels or 
particleboard panels are installed, or where other 
sheathing as specified in 780 CMR 2305.13 is 
applied vertically in panels of not less than four feet 
by eight feet with approved fasteners complying 
with Table 2305.2. Other sheathing materials shall 
be permitted when tested in accordance with ASTM 
£72 listed va. Appendix A. 

The lateral /oo^ resistance shall be established by 
the lesser of: the values determined by dividing the 
maximum load reported in the test by 2.5; or the 
load at which the deflection reported in the test 
exceeds /i/480, where h is the height of the test 
assembly. 

2305.8 Seismic foraeing: Where structural analysis 
of the seismic force=resisting system is not provided, 
buildings shall meet the provisions of 780 CMR 
2305.0 and shall have roof and exterior wall dead 
loads less than or equal to 15 psf (73 kg/ra^) and 
floor dead loads less than or equal to 10 psf (49 
kg/m^). 

Table 2305.g 

WALL SPACING AND HEIGHT 

LIMITATIONS FOR WOOD AND FRAME 

CONTRUCTION 



Seismic Performance 
Category 


Maximum distance 

between interior 

bracing walls (feet) 


Maximum Stories 
(height) pennitted 


C 


25 


2 (30 feet) 


D^ 


25 


1 (20 feet) 



Note a: Applies only to Seismic Hazard Exposurs Group 
I; engineering analysis required for Seismic Hazard 
Exposure Group II 

230S.8.1 Wall bracing required: All exterior 
walls and required interior bracing wails shall be 
braced by one of the types of sheathing prescrided 
m table 2305.8.1 for each 25 lineal feet (or 7.6 m) 
of exterior wall or required interior bracing wall 
length. The required length ofsheathing shall be 
distributed along the length of the bracing wall 
with a minimum four foot panel of sheathing at, 
or within four feet of, each end. Construction of 
bracing walls shall comply with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 2305.9 

Table 2305.8.1 

MINIMUM SEISMIC WALL BRACING PER 

25 LINEAL FEET OF INTERIOR AND 

EXTERIOR WALL LENGTH®'® 



Stoiy location 


Sheathing 


Av = 0.12 


Top or only 
story 


GP 

W/SP 


7'-0" 
4*.0" 


First of two 

stories or second 

of three stories 


GP 

W/SP 


13'-0" 
7'-0" 


First of three 
stories 


GP 

W/SP 


Note c. 



Note a. Interpolation of the tabular values is permitted 

where the length of wall between exterior walls or 

interior-braced walls is less than 25 feet. 

Note b. GP = Gypsum or pflr//cte6oar<f sheathing; W/SP 

= Diagonal wood boards or wood structural panels. 

Note iE. Analysis of the seismic force-resisting system 

required. 

Noted. One foot = 304.8 mm. 

230S.8o2 Double-siieatlied walls: Where braced 
walls are sheathed on both sides with identical 
sheathing, the required length of sheathing in 
Table 2305.8.1 is permitted to be taken as V2 the 
tabular length. Where different sheathing 
materials are used on either side of a wall, the 
required length ofsheathing in Table 2305.8.1 is 
permitted to be taken as V2 of the tabular length 
for the material requiring the greater length. 
Double-sheathed walls shall have a minimum 
length of four feet (1219 mm). 

23§5.8J Stud walls: Stud walls that are less than 
the full height of the story shall be braced as 
required for exterior walls or interior-braced 
walls and shall be considered an additional story. 

230§.8o4 Sheathing installatioD: Sheathing shall 
be installed in accordance with the provisions of 
Table 2305.13 where acting as wall bracing. To 
be considered effective as bracing, the sheathing 
shall be at least 48 inches in width covering three 
16=inch stud spaces or two 24-inch stud spaces 
and be fastened to the wall studs in accordance 
with Table 2305.2. Sheathing shall be fastened to 
the wall studs, sole plate and top plate in 
accordance with Table 2305.2. All vertical joints 
of panel sheathing shall occur over studs and all 
horizontal joints shall occur over blocking at least 
equal in size to the studs. All framing in 
connection with sheathing used for bracing shall 
not be less than two inches nominal in thickness. 

2305.9 Braced wall: All exterior walls and interior- 
braced walls reqmred by Table 2305.8, shall be 
constructed to transfer forces from roofs and floors 
to braced walls and from the braced walls in upper 
stories to the braced walls in the story below. 
Braced wall lines from the story above to the story 
below are pennitted to be offset a maximum of 24 
inches (610 mm). Blocking, where required by 
780 CMR 2305.9, need only be provided for the 
length of the wall specified in Table 2305.8.1, 

230§.9oi Roof to brased wall connectioEs: Roof 
to mterior-braced wall connections for buildings 
with maximum dimensions not over 50 feet 
(15240 mm) are pennitted to be made at the 
intersection of exterior walls. Double top plates 
shall be lapped at the intersection and nailed in 
accordance with Table 2305.2. For buildings with 
maximum (Umensions greater than 50 feet (15240 
mm), the interior-braced walls shall be fastened 
directly to the ceiling joist in accordance with 
780 CMR 2305.9.2 or 2305.9.3. 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



379 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2305.9.2 Parallel floor joist and braced wall 
connections: Where the floor framing is parallel 
to the braced wall line, joists shall be doubled 
directly beneath the braced wall line and nailed in 
accordance with Table 2305.2. 

Where the upper and lower braced walls are 
offset, the joist spaces between the offset braced 
walls shall be blocked with a minimum blocking 
size of two inches by six inches, spaced at 32 
inches (813 mm) on center, within the joist cavity 
under the braced wall, and positioned in the upper 
portion of the cavity. The upper braced wall is 
permitted to be nailed to the blocking with two 
16d nails at each piece of blocking. The lower 
braced wall shall be toe n^ed, in accordance with 
Table 2305.2, to a joist located directly above the 
top plates. 

2305.9.3 Perpendicular floor joist and braced 
wall connections: Where the floor firaming is 
perpendicular to the braced wall line, solid 
blocking for the full depth of the floor joist shall 
be provided for the length of bracing required. 
The interior-braced wall shall be nailed to the 
blocking in accordance -mth Table 2305.2. 

Where the upper and lower braced walls are 
offset, a minimum of two-inch by six-inch 
blocking shall be located in the upper portion of 
the joist space, directly beneath the upper braced 
wall and in the lower portion of the joist space, 
directly above the lower braced wall. 

2305.10 Multiple stories: Where the frame is more 
than one 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-resistant material equivalent to 
0.040-inch nominal thickness steel sheets for two- 
inch framing members and not less than 0.052-inch 
nominal thickness steel sheets for three-inch 
structural members. For four-inch and larger 
members, column splices and beam and girder 
supports shall comply with 780 CMR 2304. 1 . 

2305.11 Framing over openings: Headers, double 
joists, trusses or other approved assemblies which 
are of adequate size to transfer all superimposed 
loads to the vertical members shall be provided over 
all window and door openings in loadbearing walls 
and partitions. 

2305.12 Framing around flues and chimneys: 

Combustible framing shall be a minimum of two 
inches (51 mm), but shall not be less than the 
distance specified in 780 CMR 2114.0 and the 
mechanical code listed in Appendix A, from all 
flues, chimneys and fireplaces, and six inches (152 
mm) away from flue openings. 



2305.13 Wall sheathing: Except as provided for in 
780 CMR 1405.3 for weatherboarding or where 
stucco construction that complies with 780 CMR 
2506.0 is installed, all enclosed buildings shall be 
sheathed with one of the materials of the nominal 
thickness specified in Table 2305.13 or any other 
approved material of equivalent strength and 
durability. 

Table 2305.13 

MBOMUM TfflCKNESS OF WALL 

SHEATHING 



Sheathing type 


Minimum 
thickness 


Maximum shear 
wall stud spacing' 


Wood boards 


%inch 


24 inches on center 


Fiberboard 


7/16 inch 


16 inches on center 


Wood structural panel 


In accordance with Table 2307.3.5 


2-M-lor2-M.W 
Particleboard " 


[n accordance with Table 2308.5(2) 


Gypsum sheathing 


54 inch 


16 inches on center 


Gypsum wallboard 


14 inch 


24 inches on center 


Reinforced cement 
mortar 


I inch 


24 inches on center 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 

2305.13.1 Wood structural panel wall bracing: 

In buildings assigned to Seismic Performance 
Category D, where wood structural panel 
sheathing is installed structurally as covering on 
the exterior of outside walls, such sheathing shall 
be of the exterior type. Where used elsewhere 
structunilly, wood structural panel sheathing shall 
be bonded by intermediate or exterior glue. 

2305.13.2 Paper-backed lath sheathing: In 

occupancies in Use Group R-3 and one-story 
commercial buildings with brick or similar 
veneers, the sheathing shall conform to 780 CMR 
2305.13 or shall consist of a layer of paper- 
backed kth complying with 780 CMR 2505.0 and 
a one-inch (25 nun) intermediate space which 
shall be mortar filled as each course of veneering 
is applied. 

2305.14 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, subflooring shall be provided. 

2305.14.1 Floor spans: Design stresses of floor 
joists shall be determined in accordance with 
AFPA NDS listed in Appendix A. Metal-plate- 
connected floor trusses shall be designed in 
accordance with TPI Design Specifications for 
Metal Plate Connected Parallel Chord Wood 
Trusses and AFPA NDS listed in Appendix A. 



380 



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2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



230S.14.2 Bridging: In all floor, attic and roof 
framing, except as hereafter noted, there shall not 
be less than one line of bridging for each eight 
feet ( or 2450 mm) of span. The bridging shall 
consist of not less than one-inch by three-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. Midspan bridging is not required for 
floor, attic or roof framing in occupancies in Use 
Groups R-2 and R-3, except where the joist depth 
exceeds 12 inches nominal or where the minimum 
uniformly distributed live load exceeds 40 psf 
(195 kg/m^). 

2305.15 Roof spans: Design stresses of rafters shall 
be determined in accordance with AFPA NDS listed 
in Appendix A. Metal-plate-connected roof trusses 
shall be designed in accordance with TPI Design 
Specifications for Metal Plate Connected Wood 
Trusses and AFPA NDS listed in Appendix A, and 
shall be braced to prevent rotation and provide 
lateral stability. 

2305.15,1 Roof decking and sheathing: Roof 
deck sheathing shall consist of not less than %- 
inch boards, wood structural panel of the 
thickness specified in 780 CMR 2307.3, 
particleboard of the grade and thickness specified 
in 780 CMR 2308.4, or other approved materials 
of equivalent strength and rigidity. Where open 
deck sheathing is used on pitched roofs, such 
sheathing shall consist of not less than one-inch 
by four-inch roofers spaced not more than six 
inches (152 mm) on center, or of material of 
equivalent strength and rigidity. 

2305.16 Fowidatlon anchorage: Wall sill plates, 
minimum of two-inch by four-inch members, shall 
be sized and anchored to foundation walls or piers 
and at intermediate intervals as required to resist 
wind uplift. Foundation anchorage shall be provided 
by the installation of anchor bolts or other approved 
anchoring method. Anchor bolts shall be of a 
minimum diameter of '/a inch. The bolts shall be 
embedded in foundations to a depth of not less than 
eight inches (203 mm) of cast-in-place concrete, and 
not less than 15 inches (381 mm) in grouted unit 
masonry. There shall be a minimum of two anchor 
bolts per section of plate and anchor bolts shall be 
placed 12 inches (305 mm) from the end of each 
section of plate, with intermediate bolts spaced a 
maximum of six feet (1829 mm) on center for one- 
and two-story buildings and not more than four feet 
(1219 mm ) on center for buildings over two stories 
in height. 

Exception: Agricuiturai storage hmldmgs which 
are iniended aniy for incidental human 
occupancy, are permitted to have maxsmum 



WOOD 

intermediate bolt spacings of eight feet (or 2450 

mm). 

2305.17 Fire cuts: All wood structural members 
which frame into masonry walls shall conform to 
780 CMR 2305.6.4. 

780 CMR 2306.0 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS 
FOR WOOD AND TIMBER 

2306.1 General: All buildings for which a seismic 
analysis is required, in accordance with 780 CMR 
1612.2, and which are constructed partially or 
wholly of wood or wood-based materials shall be 
designed in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR 2306.0 and 780 CMR 2305.0. 

2306.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall apply to the provisions of 780 CMR 2306.0 and 
have the following meanings: 

BBocked diaphragm: A diaphragm in which all 
sheathing edges not occurring on a framing 
member are supported on and connected to 
blocking. 



ragm: A horizontal or nearly horizontal 
system designed to transmit lateral forces to the 
vertical elements of the seismic-resisting system. 

Wood shear panel: A wood floor, roof or wall 
component sheathed to act as a shear wall or 
diaphragm. 

2306.3 Strength of members and connections: The 
allowable /ota^ capacities of 780 CMR 2306.0 are to 
be utilized with allowable stress design load 
combinations. 

2306.4 Engineered timber construction: Where 
seismic analysis is required in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.2, the proportioning and design of 
wood systems, members and connections shall be in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2306.4 and AFPA NDS 
listed m Appendix A. 

2306.4.1 Cohsmn framing requirements: All 
wood columns shall be provided with fiill end 
support. Columns shall be provided with 
adequate support to maintain stability. Positive 
connections shall be provided to resist uplift and 
lateral displacement. 

2306.4.2 Wood shear paneJs: Wood shear panels 
shall comply with 780 CMR 2306.4.2.1 through 
2306.4.2.6. Diaphragm construction shall 
comply with 780 CMR 2306.4.3. Shear wall 
construction shall comply with 780 CMR 
2306.4.4. The construction of wood shear panels 
shall comply with 780 CMR 2306.4.5 for 
diagonally sheathed lumber shear panels, 
780 CMR 2306.4.6 for wood structural panel 
sheathed shear panels, 780 CMR 2306.4.7 for 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



381 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



particleboard sheathed shear panels, or 780 CMR 
2306.4.8 for other shear panel sheathing. 

2306.4.2.1 Framing members: All framing 
members stalled in shear panel construction 
shall be at least two inches nominal in 
thickness. Boundary members, and chords in 
diaphragms and shear walls and collectors 
transferring forces to such elements shall be 
designed and detailed for the axial forces. 
Boundary members shall be connected at all 
comers. 

2306.4.2.2 Opening deitails: Openings in shear 
panels shall be designed and detailed to 
transfer the shear and axial forces induced by 
the discontinuity created by the opening and 
the details shall be shown on the approved 
plans. 

2306.4.2.3 Connection and anchorage 
details: Positive connections and anchorages, 
capable of resisting the design forces, shall be 
provided between the shear panel and the 
attached components. Concrete or masonry 
wall anchorage shall not be accomplished by 
installation of toe nails, or nails subject to 
withdrawal and wood ledgers shall not be 
installed in cross-grain bending or tension. 

2306.4.2.4 Torsion: The diaphragms in 
buildings having torsional irregularity, where 
the lateral stiffness ratio of the structural 
members is greater than four to one, or in 
buildings with one line of resistance in either 
orthogonal direction, shall be sheathed with 
diagonal boards or wood structural panels. The 
length of the diaphragm normal to the soft side 
shall not exceed 25 feet (or 7600 mm) nor shall 
the diaphragm length-to-width ratio exceed 1.0 
for one-story buildings or 0.67 for buildings 
over one story in height. 

Exception: Where calculations demonstrate 
that the diaphragm deflections will be 
tolerated, the length limitation of 25 feet (or 
7600 mm) does not apply and the length-to- 
width ratio of 1.5 is permitted for 
diaphragms sheathed with single diagonal 
boards; and a ratio of 2.0 is permitted where 
sheathed with double diagonal boards or 
wood structural panels. 

2306.4.2.5 Panel height-to-width ratio: The 

width of a shear panel in a diaphragm or shear 
wall shall not be less than two feet and the hAv 
ratio of a shear wall shall not be greater than 
two, where h is the height of a shear panel or 
shear wall an w is the width of a shear panel or 
shear wall. 

2306.4.3 Diaphragms: Wood diaphragms shall 
not be installed to resist torsional forces induced 
by concrete or masonry construction in buildings 
of Seismic Performance Category D which are 
more than two stories in height. 



2306.4.3.1 Ties and splices: Diaphragm 
sheathing shall not be installed as the ties and 
splices required by 780 CMR 1612.3.6.1.1 and 
780 CMR 1612.3.6.1.2. 



Exception: Diaphragm 
buildings of Seismic 
Category C 



in 



sheathing 
Performance 



2306.4.4 Shear walls: Shear wall construction 
shall comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 
2306.4.4 

2306.4.4.1 Design shear increases: The design 
shear capacity is permitted to be doubled 
where identical materials are applied to both 
sides of the wall. Where the shear capacities of 
the materials are not equal, the allow able shear 
shall be considered to be equal to either the 
shear for the side with the higher capacity or 
twice the shear for the side with the lower 
capacity. 

2306..4.4.2 Material limitations: Shear walls 
shall be sheathed with wood structural panels 
in Seismic Performance Category C and D 
buildings. 

Exceptions: 

1. In Seismic Performance Category C 
buildings: particleboard, gypsum sheathing, 
gypsum wallboard, fiberboard and wire lath 
and cement plaster shear walls are permitted. 

2. In Seismic Performance Category D 
buildings: particleboard, gypsum sheathing, 
gypsum wallboard and wire lath and cement 
plaster shear walls in one-story buildings 
and the top story of buildings two stories or 
more in height are permitted 

2306.4.5 Diagonally sheathed lumber shear 
panels: Diagonally sheathed lumber shear panels 
shall be nailed in accordance with Table 2306.4.5. 

Table 2306.4.5 

DIAGONALLY SHEATHED SHEAR PANEL 

NAH,ING SCHEDULE 



Sheathing 
nominal 


Nailing to intermediate 
and end-supported studs 


Nailing at the shear 
panel boundaries 


Number of nails per board and nail size 


dimension 


Common 
nails 


Box nails 


Common 
nails 


Box nails 


l"x6" 


(2)8d 


(3)8d 


(3)8d 


(5)8d 


r-xS" 


(3)8d 


(4)8d 


(4)8d 


(6)8d 


2"x6" 


(2) 16d 


(3) 16d 


(3) 16d 


(5) 16d 


2"x8" 


(3) 16d 


(4) 16d 


(4) 16d 


(6) I6d 



2306.4.5.1 Single diagonal construction: 

Single diagonally sheathed lumber shear panels 
shall be constructed of minimum one-inch- 
thick nominal sheathing boards laid at an 
angle of approximately 45 degrees (0.78 rad) 



382 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



WOOD 



to the supports. The shear capacity for single 
diagonally sheathed lumber shear panels of 
Southern pine or Douglas fir-larch shall not 
exceed 200 pounds per lineal foot (298 kg/m) 
of width. The shear capacities shall be 
adjusted by a reduction factor of 0.82 for 
species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or 
greater but less than 0.49 and a reduction factor 
of 0.65 for species with a specific gravity of 
less than 0.42, as contained in AFPA NDS 
listed in Appendix A. 

2306.4.5.1.1 End Joints: Joints in adjacent 
boards shall be separated by not less than 
one stud or joist space and there shall not be 
less than two boards between joints on the 
same support. 

2306.4.5.1.2 Two-inch isominall lumber: 
Wood shear panels made up of two-inch- 
thick diagonal lumber sheathing fastened 
with I6d nails shall be designed with the 
same shear capacities as shear panels using 
one-inch boards fastened with 8d nails, 
provided that there are not splices in 
adjacent boards on the same support and the 
supports are not less than four inches 
nominal in depth or three inches nominal in 
thickness. 

2306.4.5.2 Double diagonal construction: 
Double diagonally sheathed lumber shear 
panels shall be constructed of two layers of 
diagonal sheathing boards laid at 90 degrees 
(1.57 rad) to each other on the same face of the 
supporting members. Each chord shall be 
considered as a beam loaded with uniform load 
per foot equal to 50% of the unit shear due to 
diaphragm action. The load shall be assumed 
as acting normal to the chord in the plane of 
the diaphragm in either direction. The span of 
the chord or portion thereof shall be the 
distance between fi-aming members of the 
diaphragm such as the joists, studs and 
blocking that serve to transfer the assumed 
load to the sheathing. The shear capacity of 
double diagonally sheathed diaphragms of 
Southern pine or Douglas fir-larch, shall not 
exceed 600 pounds per lineal foot (893 kg/m) 
of width. The shear capacity shall be adjusted 
by a reduction factor of 0.82 for species with a 
specific gravity of 0.42 or greater but less than 
0.49 and a reduction factor of 0.65 for species 
with a specific gravity of less than 0.42 as 
contained in AFPA NDS listed in Appendix A. 

2306.4.6 Wood stractiaral pane! shear panels: 
The design and shear capacity of wood structural 
panel shear panels shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR 2306.4.6.1 for diaphragms and 
780 CMR 2306.4.6.2 for shear walls, or shall be 
calculated by using the nail strengths in AFPA 
NDS and the wood structural panel shear 



capacities as given in DOC PS I listed in 
Appendix A. 

Shear panels shall be constructed of wood 
structural panels manufactured with exterior glue 
not less than four feet by eight feet, except at 
boundaries and changes in fi-aming. Wood 
structural panels shall be designed to resist shear 
only, and chords, collector members and 
boundary members shall be designed to transfer 
the axial forces. Boundary members shall be 
connected at all comers. Wood structural panels 
less than 12 inches (305 mm) wide shall be 
blocked. 

2306.4.6.1 Wood structural panel floor and 
roof diaphragm construction: The nail size 
and spacing at diaphragm boundaries and at the 
edges of each sheet of wood structural panel 
shall be provided as shown in Table 2306.4.6. 1 
and Figure 2306.4.6.1, and by the provisions of 
780 CMR 2306.4.6.1.1 through 2306.4.6.1.4. 
Nails of the same size shall be placed along all 
intermediate fi^aming members at 12 inches 
(305 mm) on center. 

2306.4.6.L1 Other wood species: Shear 
capacities for fasteners in fi-aming members 
of other wood species, shall be calculated by 
multiplying the shear capacities for 
Structural I panels by 0.82 for species with 
a specific gravity of 0.42 and greater but less 
than 0.49 and 0.65 for species with a 
specific gravity of less than 0.42. as 
contained in AFPA NDS listed in 
Appendix A. 

2306.4.6.1.2 Framing and panel layout: 
The orientation of the structural fi-aming and 
wood structural panels shall comply with 
Case 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 of Table 2306.4.6.1 and 
with Figure 2306.4.6.1. For blocked 
diaphragms, the maximum shear for Cases 3, 
4, 5 and 6 shall not exceed 1,200 pounds per 
lineal foot (1787 kg/m). 

2306.4.6.1.3 Fastener spacings of two and 
2Vz inches: Where either two-inch (5 1 mm) 
or 2V2-inch (64 mm) fastener spacings are 
installed with two-inch-wide fi"aming 
members in accordance with Table 
2306.4.6.1, the fi-aming member adjoining 
panel edges shall be three inches nominal in 
width and nails at panel edges shall be 
placed in two lines. 

2306.4.6.1.4 Panels IVfe inch thick: 
Unblocked IVa-inch panels with tongue-and- 
groove edges are permitted to use the 
blocked diaphragm shear capacities for 
19/32-inch minimum nominal panel 
thickness values, where one-inch by %-inch 
crown by No. 16 gage staples are driven 
through the tongue-and-groove edges %inch 
(10 mm) fi-om the panel edge so as to 
penetrate the tongue. Staples shall be 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



383 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDrNG REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



spaced at one-half the boundary nail spacing 
for Cases I and 2 and at Va the boundary nail 
spacing for Cases 3, 4, 5 and 6. 

2306.4.6.2 Wood structural panel shear wall 
construction: The nail size and spacing at the 
edge of each wood structural panel shall be 
provided as shown in Table 2306.4.6.2 and by 
the provisions of 780 CMR 2306.4.6.2.1 
through 2306.4.6.2.3. For %-inch and 7/16- 
inch panels, installed on studs spaced 24 inches 



(610 mm) on center, nails shall be spaced at six 
inches (152 mm) on center along intermediate 
framing members. For all other thicknesses 
and spacing of studs, intermediate framing 
members shall have nails of the same size 
spaced at 12 inches (305 mm) on center. All 
panel edges shall be backed with two-inch or 
wider framing members. 



Table 23Q6.4.6.1 

HORIZONTAL WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL DLVPHRAGM ALLOWABLE SHEAR 

WITH FRAMING MEMBERS OF DOUGLAS FIR-LARCH OR SOUTHERN PINE 





Fastener 
type 


Fastner 
minimum 
penetration 
inflaming 

(inches) 


specified 
panel 

thickness 
(inch) 


Minimum 
nominal 
width of 
framing 
member 
(inches) 


Lines of 
fasteners 


Allowable shear (pounds per foot) 




Blocked diaphragms 


Unblocked^ 
diaphragms 


Panel grade 


Fajitener spacing (inches) at diaphragm 

boundaries (all cases), at continuous 
panel edges parallel to load (Cases 3 and 
4), and at all panel edges (Cases 5 and 6) 


Fastener 

spacing at 6 

inches at 

supported 

edges 




6 


4 


2'/2 


2 - 


Casel 


Cases 




Spacing (inches) per line at other panel 
edges (cases 1,2,3 and 4) 


2.3, 
4.5 




6 6 


4 


4 


3 


3 


2 


and 6 




6d common 


IVa 


5/16 


2 
3 




185 
210 


250 
280 




375 
420 




420 

475 




165 
185 


125 
140 




8d common 


VA 


% 


2 
3 




270 
300 


360 
400 




530 
600 




600 
675 




240 
265 


180 
200 


Structural 1 


lOd common 


1% 


• 15/32 


2 
3 




320 
360 


425 
480 




640 
720 




730 
820 




285 
320 


215 
240 




lOd common 


1% 


23/32 


3 
4 
4 


2 
2 
3 




650 
755 
940 


870 

980 

1,305 


940 
1,080 
1,375 


1,230 
1.410 
1.810 












14-gage 
staples 


2 


23/32 


3 
4 


2 

3 




600 
840 


600 
900 


840 
1,140 


900 
1,350 


1,040 
1,440 


1,200 
1,800 








6d common 


VA 


5/16 


2 
3 




170 
109 


225 
250 




335 
380 




380 

430 




150 
170 


110 
125 


C-D, C-C 


% 


2 
3 




185 
210 


250 
280 




375 
420 




420 
475 




165 
185 


125 
140 


and other 
similar 


8d common 


VA 


% 


2 
3 




240 
270 


320 
360 




480 
540 




545 
610 




215 
240 


160 
180 


grades 


7/16 


2 
3 




255 
285 


340 
380 




505 
570 




575 
645 




230 
255 


170 
190 




15/32 


2 
3 




270 
300 


360 
400 




530 
600 




600 
675 




240 
265 


180 
200 




lOd common 


1% 


15/32 


2 
3 




290 

325 


385 
430 




575 
650 




655 
735 




255 
290 


190 
215 


C-D, C-C 
and other 
similar 
grades 


19/32 


2 
3 




320 
360 


425 
480 




640 
720 




730 
820 




285 
320 


215 
240 


23/32 


3 
4 
4 


2 
2 
3 




645 
750 
935 


870 
980 

1.305 


935 
1,075 
1,390 


1,225 
1,395 
1,510 












14-gage 
staples 


2 


23/32 


3 

4 


2 

3 




600 
820 


600 
900 


820 


900 
1,350 


1,020 
I..4P0 


1.200 
1.510 







Note a. For sheathing and framing configuration Cases 1 through 6, see Figure 2306.4.6. 1 . 
Note b. 1 inch = 25.4 nun; 1 pound per foot = 1 .489 jg/m. 



384 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



Fsgure 2306.4.6.1 
SHEATHING AND FRAMING CONFIGURATIONS 



WOOD 



SHEATHINC • 




CASE ^ 
*- CONTINUOUS 
PANEL JOINTS 



1 CASES 
"^eOMTIMUOUS 
PANa JOINTS 



Table 2306.4.6.2 
ALLOWABLE SHEAR FOR WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEAR WALLS WITH FRAM- 
ING OF DOUGLAS FIR-LARCH OR SOUTHERN PINE FOR WIND OR SEISMIC LOADING 





Minimum 
nominal 

panel 
thickness 

(inch) 


Minimum 

nail 

penetration 

in framing 

(inches) 


Panels applied direct to framing 


Panels applied over Vi-inch or %-inch 
gypsum sheathing 


Panel Grade 


Nail Size 

(common or 

galvanized 

box) 


Allowable shear (pounds per foot) 

based on nail spacing at panel 

edges (inches) 


Nail size 

(common or 

galvanized 

box) 


Allowable shear (pounds 

per foot) based on nail 

spacing at panel edges 

(inches) 




6 

200 


4 


3 


2 


6 


4 


3 


2 




5/16 


1% 


6d 


300 


390 


510 


8d 


200 


300 


390 


510 




7/16 


Wz 


8d 


230 
255 


360 
395 


460 
505 


610 


lOd 


280 


430 


550 




Structural I 


670 


730 




15/32 


280 


430 


550 


730 






15/32 


1% 


lOd 


340 


510 


665 


870 


- 


- 


- 


- 




5/16 


l'/4 


6d 


180 


270 


350 


450 


8d 


180 
200 


270 
300 

380 


350 
390 


450 




% 


200 


300 


390 


510 


510 


Sheathing, 


% 


l'/2 


8d 


220 


320 


410 


530 


lOd 


260 


490 




Plywood 


7/16 


240 


350 


450 


585 


640 


siding, 


15/32 


260 


380 


490 


640 






15/32 


1% 


lOd 


310 


460 


600 


770 


- 


- 




- 






19/32 


340 


510 


665 


870 










Nail size 

(galvanized 

casing) 










Nail size 

(galvanized 

casing) 










Plywood 


5/16 


iva 


6d 


140 


210 


275 


360 


8d 


140 


210 


275 


360 


siding 

1 


VA 


8d 


160 


240 


310 


410 


lOd 


160 


240 


310 


410 



Note &. 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 pound per foot = L489 kg/m. 

2306.4.6.2.1 Other wood spedes: Shear 
capacities for fasteners in framing members 
of other wood species shall be calculated by 
multiplying the shear capacities for 
Structural ! panels by 0.82 for species with 
a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater but less 



than 0.49 and 0.65 for species with a 
specific gravity of less than 0.42, as 
contained in AFPA NDS listed 
Appendix A. 



in 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



385 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2306.4.6.2.2 Three-inch nominal width 
framing: Framing shall be three inches 
nominal or wider and the nails shall be 
staggered where nails are spaced two inches 
(51 mm) on center or where lOd nails 
having a penetration into framing of more 
than Wb inches (41 mm) are used with a 
three-inch (76 mm) nail spacing. 

2306.4.6.2.3 Panels % inch and 7/16 inch 
thick: The shear capacity for %-inch and 
7/16-inch panels applied direct to framing 
with 8d nails is permitted to be increased to 
the values shown for 1 5/32-inch panels with 
the same nailing where the framing studs are 
spaced a maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) 
on center or the panels are applied with the 
long dimension across the studs. 

Shear capacity for %-inch and 7/16-inch 
panels shall be as indicated in Table 
2306.4.6.2. 

2306.4.7 Partideboard shear panels: The design 
shear capacity of partideboard panels shall be in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2306.4.7.1 for 
diaphragms and 780 CMR 2306.4.7.2 for shear 
walls. 

Shear panels shall be constructed with 
partideboard sheets not less than four feet by 



eight feet, except at boundaries and changes in 
framing, partideboard panels shall be designed to 
resist shear only, and chords, collector members 
and boundary members shall be designed to 
transfer the axial forces. Boundary members shall 
be connected at all comers. Partideboard panels 
less than 12 inches (305 mm) wide shall be 
blocked. 

2306.4.7.1 Partideboard floor and roof 
diaphragm construction: The nail size and 
spacing at diaphragm boundaries and the edges 
of each sheet of partideboard shall be as 
shown in Figure 2306.4.6.1 and Table 
2306.4.7. 1 and shall be designed in accordance 
with the provisions of this section. Nails of the 
same size shall be placed along all intermediate 
framing members at 12 inches (305 mm) on 
center. 

2306.4.7.1.1 Other wood species: Shear 
capacities for fasteners in framing members 
of other wood species shall be calculated by 
multiplying the shear capacities by 0.82 for 
species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or 
greater but less than 0.49, and by 0.65 for 
species with a specific gravity of less than 
0.42, as contained in AFPA NDS listed in 
Appendix A. 



Table 2306.4.7.1 

ALLOWABLE SHEAR FOR PARTICLEBOARD DLiPHRAGMS WITH FRAMING MEMBERS 

OF DOUGLAS FIR-LARCH OR SOUTHERN PINE FOR SEISMIC LOADING 





Common 
nail size 


Minimum 

nail 

penetration 

in framing 

(inches) 


Minimum 
nominal 

panel 
thickness 

(inch) 


Minimum 

nominal width 

of framing 

member 

(inches) 


Allowable shear (pounds per foot) 




Blocked Diaphragms 


Unblocked 
diaphragms 


Panel 


Nail spacing (inches) at diaphragm 

boundaries (all cases), at continuous 

panel edges parallel to load (Cases 3 & 

4), and all panel edges (Cases 5 & 6) 


Nails spaced 6 inches 

ma.ximum at 

supported edges 


grade 


6 


4 


lYi 


2 


Case 1 (No 

unblocked 

edges or 

continuous 

joints 

parallel to 

load) 


All other 
configur- 
ations 
(Cases 2, 




Nail spacing (inches) at other panel 
edges (Cases 1,2. 3 & 4) 




6 


6 


4 


3 


3,4.5& 
6) 




6d 


P/4 


5/16 


2 
3 


170 
190 


225 
250 


335 

380 


380 
430 


150 
170 


110 
125 




% 


2 
3 


185 
210 


250 
280 


375 
420 


420 
475 


165 
185 


125 
140 




8d 


l'/2 


% 


2 
3 


240 
270 


320 
360 


480 
540 


545 
610 


215 
240 


160 
180 


2.M-W 


7/16 


2 
3 


255 
285 


340 
380 


505 
570 


575 
645 


230 
255 


170 
190 




Vi 


2 
3 


270 
300 


360 
400 


530 
600 


600 
675 


240 
265 


180 
200 




lOd 


1% 


Yl 


2 
3 


290 
325 


385 
430 


575 
650 


655 
735 


255 
290 


190 
215 




% 


2 
3 


320 
360 


425 
480 


640 
720 


730 
820 


285 
320 


215 

240 


2-M-3 


lOd 


1% 


Va 


2 

3 


320 
360 


425 
480 


640 
.J2Q_J 


730 
8?0 


285 
320 


215 
240 



Note a. For sheathing and framing configuration Cases 1 through 6, see Figure 2306.4.6. 1 
Note b. I inch = 25.4 mm; I pound per foot = 1.489 kg/m. 



386 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



2306.4.7.1.2 Framing and paraei layout: 
The orientation of the stmctural framing and 
particle board panels shall comply with 
Figure 2306.4.6.1 and Case 1, 2, 3, 4,5 or 6 
in Table 2306.4.7.1. 

2306.4.7.1.3 Fastener spaciogs of two and 
lYz inches: Where either two-inch (51 mm) 
or 2'/2-inch (64 mm) fastener spacings are 
installed with 2-inch-wide framing members 
in accordance with Table 2306.4.7.1, the 
framing member adjoining panel edges shall 
be three inches nominal in width and nails at 
panel edges shall be placed in two lines. 

2306.4.7.1.4 Panel edge framing: Framing 
at adjoining panel edges shall be three 
inches nominal or wider and nails shall be 
staggered where lOd nails having 
penetration into framing of more than IVs 
inches (41 mm) are spaced three inches (76 
mm) or less on center. 

2306.4,7.2 Particleboard shear wall 
construction: The required nail size and 
spacing in Table 2306.4.7.2 apply to panel 
edges only. All pane! edges shall be backed 
with two-inch nominal or wider framing. 
Sheets are permitted to be installed either 
horizontally or vertically. For %-inch 
particleboard sheets installed with the long 
dimension parallel to studs spaced 24 inches 
(610 mm) on center, nails shall be spaced at six 
inches (152 mm) on center along intermediate 
framing members. For all other conditions, 
nails of the same size shall be spaced at 12 
inches (305 mm) on center along intermediate 
framing members. 

2306.4,7,2.1 Other wood species: Shear 
capacities for fasteners in framing members 
of other wood species, shall be calculated by 
multiplying the shear capacities by 0.82 for 
species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or 
greater but less than 0.49 and 0.65 for 
species with a specific gravity of less than 
0.42 as contained in AFPA NDS listed in 
Appendix A. 



WOOD 

2306.4.7.2.2 Three-incli nominal width 
framing: Framing shall be three inches 
nominal or wider and the nails shall be 
staggered where nails are spaced two inches 
(51 mm) on center or where lOd nails 
having a penetration into framing of more 
than Wb inches (41 mm) are installed with a 
three-inch (76 mm) nail spacing. 

2306.4.7.2.3 Particleboard of % and 7,^ 
inch thicknesses: The shear capacities for 
%-inch and Vj^-inch particleboard applied 
direct to fi-aming with 8d nails, are permitted 
to be increased to the V2-'mch particleboard 
shear capacities of Table 2306.4.7.2 where 
the framing studs are spaced a maximum of 
16 inches (406 mm) on center or the 
particleboard is applied with the long 
dimension perpendicular to the studs. 

2306.4.7.2.4 Double-sided wall: Where 
particleboard is applied to both faces of a 
wall and the nail spacing is less than six 
inches (152 mm) on center on either side, 
panel joints shall be offset to be placed on 
different framing members, or framing shall 
be three inches nominal or thicker and nails 
on each side shall be staggered. 

2306,4.8 Shear panels sheathed with other 
materials: Wood stud walls sheathed with lath 
and plaster, gypsum sheathing board or 
gypsum wallboard, constructed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 2502.0, or fiberboard sheathing 
constructed in accordance with 780 CMR 
2309.8, shall be permitted to be used to resist 
earthquake forces in wood firame buildings. 
Nails shall be spaced at least % inch (10 mm) 
from the edges and ends of boards and panels. 
The maximum height-to-width ratio shall be 
1.5. The shear capacities utilized in design 
shall not be cumulative with the shear 
capacities of other materials applied to the 
same wall. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



387 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table 2306.4.7.2 

ALLOWABLE SHEAR FOR PARTICLEBOARD SHEAR WALLS WITH FRAMING OF 

DOUGLAS FIR-LARCH OR SOUTHERN PINE FOR SEISMIC LOADING 





Minimum 
nominal 

panel 

thickness 

(inch) 


Minimum nail 

penetration in 

framing 

(inches) 


Panels applied direct to framing 


Panels applied over '/2-inch gypsum sheathing 


Panel 
grade 


Nail size 

(common or 

galvanized 

box) 


Allowable shear (pounds per 

foot)* nail spacing at panel 

edges (inches) 


Nail size 

(common or 

galvanized 

box) 


Allowable shear (pounds per 

foot) nail spacing at panel 

edges (inches) 




6 


4 


3 


, 2 


6 


4 


3 


2 




% 


l'/4 


6d 


180 


270 


350 


450 


8d 


180 


270 


350 


450 




% 


200 


300 


390 


510 


200 


300 


390 


510 




% 


Wi 


8d 


220 


320 


410 


530 


lOd 


260 


380 


490 




2-M-W 


\. 


240 


350 


450 


585 


640 




Vt 


260 


380 


490 


640 






Vi 


1% 


lOd 


310 


460 


600 


770 


NA*" 


na" 


NA*" 


NA*" 


NA*" 




Va 


340 


510 


665 


870 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 pound per foot = 1.489kg/m. 
Note b. NA = Not Applicable 

780 CMR 2307.0 WOOD STliUCTURAL 
PANELS 

2307.1 Standards'. All wood structural panels that 
are utilized structurally shall comply with the 
requirements of DOC PS 1, DOC PS 2, HPMAHP 
and HPMA HP-SG listed in Appendix A for the 
type, grade and span rating or species group of wood 
structural panels involved, and shall be so identified 
by an approved agency. 

2307.2 Types: Wood structural panels for interior 
installations shall be of the interior type, moisture- 
resistant type or exterior type. Wood structural 
panels for exterior installations shall be of the 
exterior-waterproof type, except that wood structural 
panel roof sheathing exposed to the outdoors on the 
underside is permitted to be of the interior type and 
bonded with exterior glue. Exterior wood structural 
panels shall not be applied directly to the fi-aming as 
a siding unless the wood structural panel has a 
minimum nominal thickness of % inch. Joints shall 
occur over framing members, unless wood or wood 
structural panel sheathing is used or joints are lapped 
horizontally a minimum of VA inches (38 mm) or 
otherwise made waterproof in an approved manner. 
Where a wood structural panel is utilized as lapped 
siding without sheathing, the wall framing to which 
such wood structural panel is attached shall be 
diagonally braced. 

23073 Spans: The maximum spans for wood 
structural panel sheathing shall be limited by the 
allowable stresses and deflections for the design live 



load, but shall not be greater than the spans specified 
in Tables 2307.3.1(1), 2307.3.1(2), 2307.3.3 and 
2307.3.5. The spans specified in these tables shall 
apply to wood structural panels not treated with fire 
retardant chemicals. The design criteria for fire 
retardant-treated wood structural panels shall be 
provided by valid research reports fi'om approved 
sources. 

2307.3.1 Floor and roof sheathing: Allowable 
spans for floor and roof sheathing shall be as 
specified in Tables 2307.3.1(1) and 2307.3.1(2). 
The values in Table 2307.3.1(1) apply to 
Structural I, C-D and C-C sheathing and single 
floor grades only, and are limited to the spans 
shown because of the possible effects of 
concentrated loads. 

2307.3.2 Floor sheathing: Edges of wood 
structural panel floor sheathing shall have 
approved tongue-and-groove joints or shall be 
supported wth blocking, unless !4-inch minimum 
thickness underlayment or Wi inches (38 mm) of 
approved cellular or lightweight concrete is 
installed, or unless the fiiush floor is of %-inch 
wood strip. The allowable uniform load based on 
a deflection of 1/360 of the span is 100 pounds per 
square foot (psf) (488 kg/m^ at maximum span. 

2307.3.3 Wood structural panel combination 
subfloor underlayment: Allowable spans for 
combination subfloor underlayment shall be as 
specified in Table 2307.3.3. 



388 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



WOOD 



Table 2307.3.1(1) 

ALLOWABLE SPANS AND LOADS FOR WOO© STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEATHING 

GRADES AND SINGLE FLOOR GRADES CONTINUOUS OVER TWO OR MORE SPANS 

WnH LONG DIMENSION PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORTS"''''^ 



Sheathing grades 


Roof 


Floor 


Span rating 


Panel thickness 
(inch)' 


Maximum span (inches) 


Load (pounds per square foot) 


Maximimispan 
(inches) 


Roof/floor span 


Withed|e 
support 


Without edge 
support 


Total load 


Live load 


12/0 
16/0 
20/0 

l^Blli 
■^^« 

32/16 
40/20 
48/24 


5/l6.% 
5/16.% 

iiiftiiililii 

15/32.%.% 

23/32.% y4.V8 

23/32.K% 


12 
16 
20 

iiiiipiiiii 

Wi::>>Wv¥:::;.^>>i>:::¥x::¥xW: 

32 
40 
48 


12 
16 
20 

iiiiiiiii 

mMmmmmmim- 

28 
32 
36 


40 
40 
40 

iiililiiil 

40 
40 
45 


30 
30 
30 

30 
30 
35 






. '<:.'M. ■■:. 

20*='' 
24 


Single flo 


or grades 


Roof 


Floor 


Span rating 


Panel thickness 
(inches) 


Maximum span (inches)' 


Load (pounds per square foot)' 


Maximum span 
(inches) 


With edge 
support'' 


Without edge 
support 


Total load 


Live load 


16 o.c. 
20 o.c. 

'U.ty.a. 
32 ac. 

48 o.c. 


i'/32.% 

^V%.% 
1^^32:11^ 


24 
32 

60 


24 
32 

36 
48 


50 
40 

mmmmmmMM 
mmmmmsm 

50 


40 
30 

25 
40 

40 


48 



Note a. The allowable loads were detennined based on a dead load of 10 psf. If the dead load exceeds 10 psf, then 

the live load shall be reduced accordingly. 

Note lb. For limitations on the applicability of this table to wood structural panel grade, see 780 CMR 2307.3. 1 

Note t. Tongue-and-groove edges, panel edge clips (one midway between each support, except two equally spaced 

between supports 48 inches on center), lumber blocking, or other. Only lumber blocking shall satisfy blocked 

diaphragm requirements. 

Note d. 24 inches for '/4-inch panels. 

Note e. Maximum framing space shall be 24 inches on center for floors where IVt inches of cellular or lightweight 

concrete is applied over the panels. 

Note f. Maximum frame spacing shall be 24 inches on center where %°inch wood strip flooring is installed a right 

angles to joist 

Note g. Shall apply only to panels 24 inches or wider. 

Note Si. Span rating shall appear on all panels in the constmction grades Usted in 780 CMR 2307.3. 1. 

Note n. 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 psf = 4.882 kg/ml 

Table 23073,1(2) 

ALLOWABLE LOADS FOR WOOD STRUOURAL PANEL ROOF SHEATHING 

CONTINUOUS OVER TWO OR MORE SPANS ANB LONG DIMENSION PARALLEL TO 

SUPPORTS 



(Plywood Structural Paueis are 5 ply/S layer unless otherwise noted) 


a 




Thickness (inch) 


Span rating 


Maxunumspan 
(mch) 


Load at maximimi span (psf) 


Panel grade 


Live 


Total 




^/16 


24/0. 24/16 


24 


20 


30 


Strwtotall ^ 




3m6\ ■ 

32/1'^ ^ ^ 

^ 'A^m'" , 


24 
24 
24 ^ ^ 


iiiilisllliiiiii 






23/32,% 


48/24 


24 


90 


100 




\ ^ 


24/0,24/16 
32/16 


16 

24 


40 
20 


50 
25 


^^H 


4' 


2*0, $2^6 
40/20 


24 
24 


25 
40^^ 


^^fcli- 




s/a 32/16,40/20 
23/32,5/4 40/20,48/24 


24 
24 


45^ 
60" 


55" 

65" 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



389 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Note a. 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. 
Note b. For composite and 4-ply plywood panels, load shall be reduced by 15 psf 
Note c. 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 psf = 4.882 kg/m . 



Table 2307.3.3 

ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR WOOD 

STRUCTURAL PANEL COMBINATION 

SUBFLOOR UNDERLAYMENT" PANELS 

CONTINUOUS OVER TWO OR MORE 

SPANS AND LONG PANEL DIMENSION 



Table 2307.3.5 
ALLOWABLE STUD SPACING FOR WOOD 
STRUCTURAL PANEL WALL SHEATHING 



PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORT 
(THICKNESS IN INCHES)'' 




Identification 


Maximum spacing of joists (inches) 


Species 
groups 


16 


20 


24 


32 


48 


1 

2.3 
4 


% 




% 

1 


- 


- - 


Single floor 

?p«i rating" 


16o.c. 


20 o.c. 


24 O.C. 


32 o.c. 


48 o.c. 



Note a. For limitations on the use of Table 2307.3.3 sec 

780 CMR 2307.3.4. 

Note b. Applicable to all grades of sanded exterior-type 

plywood. 

Note c. Applicable to underlayment grade and C-C 

(plugged) plywood and single-floor grade panels. 

Note d. 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 psf = 4.882 kg/ml 

2307.3.4 Limitations: Table 2307.3.3 is 
applicable to under layment grade, C-C (plugged), 
single-floor grade and all grades of sanded 
exterior-type plywood. For panels with a span 
rating of other than 48 inches (1219 mm) on 
center (o.c), the allowable uniform /oa<i based on 
a deflection of 1/360 of the span is 100 psf (488 
kg/m^). Panels with a span rating of 48 inches 
o.c. are limited to a total load of 65 psf (317 
kg/m^) at the maximum span. Wood structural 
panel edges shall have approved tongue-and- 
groove joints or shall be supported with blocking, 
unless %-inch minimum thickness underlayment 
or Vh inches (38 mm) of approved cellular or 
lightweight concrete is installed, or unless the 
finish floor is of %-inch wood strip. If wood 
strips are perpendicular to the supports, 
thicknesses or span ratings shown for 16-inch 
(406 mm) and 20-inch (508 mm) spans shall be 
used on 24-inch (610 mm) spans. Spans are 
limited to the values shown in Table 2307.3.3 
because of the possible effects of concentrated 
loads. 

2307.3.5 Vertical maximum stud spacing: Stud 
spacing for vertical sheathing shaU be as specified 
in Table 2307.3.5. 



Panel span rating 


Panel 

thickness 

(inch)'' and 

construction 


Maximum stud spacing 

(inches) 

Exterior coverings nailed to: 




Stud 


Sheathing 


12/0,16/0.20/0 
or wall- 16 o.c. 


5/16. % 


16 


16'' 


24/0,24/16,32/16 
or wall - 24 o.c. 




24 


24^ 



Note a. Blocking of horizontal joints shall not be 
required- 
Note b. Plywood sheathing % inch thick or less shall be 
applied with long dimension across studs. 
Note c. ThretJ-ply plywood panels shall be applied with 
long dimension across studs. 
Noted. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 

2307.4 Stressed skin panel: For use in stressed skin 
or other prefabricated construction, wood structural 
panel design shall be determined by approved 
engineering jmalysis or by the tests prescribed in 
780 CMR 1710.0 for prefabricated assemblies. 

780 CMR 2308.0 PARTICLEBOARD 

2308.1 Standards: Particleboard shall conform to 
ANSIA208.1 Xx^^dm Appendix A. Particleboard 
shall be identified by the grade mark or the 
certificate of inspection issued by an approved 
agency. 

2308.2 Floor underlayment: Underlayment shall 
conform to Type 1-M-l or sanded Type 2-M-W of 
ANSI A208.1 listed in Appendix A. Underlayment 
shall not be less than Va inch in thickness and shall 
be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's 
installation instructions. 

2308.3 Subfloor or combination subfloor 
underlayment: Allowable spans and grades for 
combination subfloor underiayment shall be as 
specified in Table 2308.3. All panels shall be 
continuous over two or more spans and the tongue- 
and-groove panels shall be installed with the long 
dimension perpendicular to the supports. Uniform 
deflection limitation shall be 1/360 of the span under 
a minimum had of 100 psf Edges shall have 
tongue-and-gi^oove joints or shall be supported with 
blocking unless %-inch minimum thickness 
underiayment is installed, or unless the finish floor 
is of 25/32-inch wood strip. 



390 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



Table 2308.3 

ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR 

PARTICLEBOARD SUBFLOOM AND 

COMBINATION SUBFLOOR 

UNDERLAYMENT ^ 





Thickness 
(inches) 


Maximum spacing of supports (inches) 


Grade 


Subfloor 


Combination subfloor 
underlayment 


2-M-W 


V2 


16 
20 
24 


16 

24 


2-M-3 


% 


20 


20 



No4e a. For limitations on the use of Table 2308.3, see 

780 CMR 2308.3 

Note b. I inch = 25.4 mm. 

2308=4 Roof sheaShmg: Allowable loads for roof 
sheathing shall be in accordance with the spans and 
grades specified in Table 2308.4. Panels shall be 
continuous over two or more spans. Uniform load 
deflection limitations shall be 1/I8O of the span under 
live load phis dead load and 1/240 of the span under 
live load oriiy. Edges of all %-inch panels and edges 
of 7/16-inch panels with 24 inches (610 mm) o.c. 
spacing shall be supported with blocking or edge 
clips. 

Table 2308.4 

ALLOWABLE LIVE LOADS FOR 

PARTICLEBOARD ROOF SHEATHING''''' 



Grade 



2Mrm 



Thickness 
(inches) 



% 

mm 

iljl 



Maximum on- 
center spacing 
of supports 
(inches') 



16 

24 



Live load 

(pounds 

per square 

foot) 



45 

$m 
iii 

40 



Total load 
(pounds per 
square foot) 



65 

mm 

iii 

55 



Note a. For limitations on the use of Table 2308,4, see 
780 CMR 2308.4. 

Note b. 1 inch = 25.4 ram; 1 pound per square foot = 
4.882 kg/m^. 

1308.5 Siding and sheathing: Allowable spans and 
grades of particleboard siding and sheathing shall be 
as specified in Tables 2308.5(1) and 2308.5(2). 

Table 2308.5(1) 

ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR EXPOSED 

PARTICLEBOARD PANEL SIDING 



Grade 


Stud 
spacing 
(inches) 


Minimum thickn 
Siding 


ess (inches) 
Exterior ceilings 
and sofiits 




Direct to 
studs 


Continuous 
support 


Direct to 
supports 


2-M-W 


16 

24 


3/8 

Vz 


3/16 
5/16 


5/16 
% 


2-M-l and 

2-M-2 


16 

24 






- 



WOOD 



Table 2308.5(2) 

ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR 

PARTICLEBOARD WALL SHEATHING^ 





Thickness 
(inches) 


Stud spacing (inches) 


Grade 


Siding nailed 
to studs 


Sheathing under 

coverings parallel or 

perpendicular to 

studs 


2.M-W 


3/16 

3/8 

7/16 


16 
24 
24 


16 

24 


2-M-l and 
2-M-2 


3/8 
•/2 


16 
16 


16 



Note a. Where not exposed to the weather and where the 
long dimension of the panel is parallel or perpendicular 
to the studs. 
Note b. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 

780 CMR 2309.0 FIBERBOARD 

2309.1 Standards: Insulating boards manufactured 
with wood or other vegetable fibers which are used 
as buildmg boards for sheathing, roof decks, interior 
wall and ceiling finishes, roof insulation or sound 
deadening, shall be vermin-proof, resistant to rot- 
producing fungi, water-repellent and shall conform 
to the strength and durability tests specified in 
ASTM C208 and C532 and AHA A 194.1 listed in 
Appendix A. Sheathing that is utilized structurally 
shall be so identified by an approved agency. Where 
required under the provisions of 780 CMR 7 or 8, 
the boards shall be protected or treated to develop 
the required fireresistance rating or flameresistance 
as determined by test. 

2309.2 JJoDBting: To insure tight-fitting assemblies, 
edges shall be manufactured with square, 
shiplapped, beveled, tongue-and-groove or U-shaped 
joints. 

2309.3 Roof insulation: Where used as roof 
insulation in all types of construction, fiberboards 
shall be protected with an approved roof covering. 



Where installed and 
firestoppedXQ comply with 780 CMR 7, fiberboards 
are permitted as wall insulation in all types of 
construction. In fire wall and fire separation wall 
constructions, unless treated to comply with 
780 CMR 803.2 for Class 1 materials, the boards 
shall be cemented directly to the masonry or other 
noncombustible base and shall be protected with an 
approved noncombustible veneer anchored to the 
base without intervening air spaces. 

2309.5 Drywall constnictioiii: 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. 



Note a. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



391 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDrNG REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2309.6 Insulating roof deck: Where used as roof 
decking in open beam construction, fiberboard 
insulating roof deck siiali have a nominal thickness 
of not less than one inch. 

2309.7 Siding: Hardboard siding shall comply with 
AHA A135.6 listed in Appendix A. 

2309.8 Shear capacity: Wood stud walls sheathed 
with fiberboard sheathing are permitted to resist 
horizontal loads provided that such walls comply 
with Table 2309.8. Fiberboard shear walls shall not 
be utilized to resist horizontal loads from concrete or 
masonry walls. 

Table 2309.8 

ALLOWABLE SHEAR CAPACITY FOR 

WIND OR SEISMIC LOADING ON SHEAR 

WALLS OF FIBERBOARD SHEATHING 

BOARD 



Thickness and 
grade 


Fastener type 


Shear capacity for 3- 

inch nail spacing 

around perimeter and 

6>inch at intermediate 

studs (poundsLper foot 

of wall) ' 


'/2-inch Regular 
density 


No. 1 1 ga. galv. 

Roofing nail 1 '/z" 

long 7/i6"head 


50 


'/2-inch 

Intermediate 

density 


No. 1 1 ga. galv. 

Roofing nail I'/i" 

long 7/i6"head 


60 


2J/32-inch 
Regular density 


No. 1 1 ga. galv. 

Roofing nail iVi" 

lonp7/i6"head 


60 



Note a. Fiberboard sheathing is permitted to be stapled 

using 16-gage galvanized staples IVs inch long for Vi- 

inch sheathing and IVi inch long for 2S/32-inch sheathing. 

Staples shall have a minimum cro\vn of 7/i6 inch and 

shall be spaced three inches o.c. at edges and sbc inches 

o.c. at studs. 

l^ote b. Where studs are permitted to be located at 24 

inches o.c., the shear capacity shall not be greater than 50 

pounds per linear foot (plf). 

Note c. 1 inch = 25.4 mm: 1 plf = 1.489 kg/m. 

2309.8.1 Framing: Four-foot by eight-foot 
fiberboard sheathing shall be applied vertically to 
wood studs not less than two inches nominal in 
thickness spaced 16 inches (406 mm) on center. 

Exception: Studs on 24-inch centers are 
permitted for "/2-inch intermediate density 
sheathing and 25/32-inch regular density 
sheathing in accordance with Table 2309.8. 

2309.8.2 Nailing: Nailing shall be in accordance 
with Table 2309.8. Nails shall be spaced not less 
than % inch (10 mm) from edges and ends of 
sheathing. 



780 CTVIR 2310.0 FIRERETARDANT- 
TREATEDWOOD 

2310.1 Applications: Fireretardant-treated wood 
shall comply with 780 CMR 23 10.0. Where Table 
602 permits fireretardant-treated wood in Types 1 
and 2 construction, fireretardant-treated wood shall 
not be utilized in loadbearing walls or in assemblies 
with a required fireresistance rating of more than one 
hour. 

2310.2 General: Fireretardant-treated wood shall be 
any wood product which, when impregnated with 
chemicals by a pressure process in accordance with 
AWPA C20 or AWPA C27 listed in Appendix A, or 
other means during manufacture, shall have, when 
tested in accordance with ASTM E84 listed in 
Appendix A, a flame spread rating not greater than 
25 when the test is continued for a period of 30 
minutes, without evidence of significant progressive 
combustion; and the flame front shall not progress 
more than 10'/2 feet (3048 nun) beyond the 
centerline of the burner at any time during the test. 
Fireretardant-treated wood shall be dried to a 
moisture content of 19% or less for lumber and 15% 
or less for plywood before use. 

2310.2.1 Strength modifications: Design values 
for untreated lumber, as specified in 780 CMR 
2303.1, shall be adjusted for lumber that is 
pressure impregnated with fireretardant 
chemicals. Adjustments to the design values 
shall be based upon an approved method of 
investigation which takes into consideration the 
effects of the anticipated temperature and 
humidity to which the fireretardant-treated wood 
will be subjected, the type of treatment and 
redrying procedures. 

2310.2.2 Labeling: Fireretardant-treated lumber 
and plywood shall bear the label of approved 
agencies in accordance with 780 CMR 1704.3.2. 
Such labels shall indicate compliance with the 
appropriate treating standard in accordance with 
780 CMR 2310.2 and indicate compliance with 
780 CMR 23 10.2.1. 

2310.3 Exposure to weather: Where fireretardant- 
treated wood is to be exposed to the weather, the 
material shall be fiirther identified to indicate that 
there is not an increase in the listed flame spread 
classification afrer being weathered in accordance 
with ASTM D2898 listed in Appendix A. 
Fireretardant-treated wood subjected to high- 
humidity conditions shall be identified to indicate 
that the treated wood has a moisture content of not 
over 28% when tested at 92% relative humidity m 
accordance with ASTM D3201 listed in 
Appendix A. 



392 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



780 CMR 2311.0 NATURALLY DURABLE 
AND PRESERVATWE-TREATEB WOOD 

2311.1 Required: Where protection of wood 
members is required because of exposure to soil or 
weather, protection shall be provided by using 
naturally durable or preservative-treated wood as 
required by 780 CMR 23 1 1 .0. 

2311.2 Naturally durable wood: The term 
"naturally durable wood" refers to the heartwood of 
the following species with the exception that an 
occasional piece with comer sapwood is permitted if 
90% or more of the width of each side on which it 
occurs is heartwood 

Decay resistant: Redwood, cedar, black locust 
and black walnut. 

Termite resistant: Redwood and Eastern red 
cedar 

231 L3 Preservative-treated wood: The term 
^* preservative-treated wood" refers to wood 
(including plywood) pressure treated with 
preservatives, that conforms to retention, penetration 
and other requirements applicable to the species, 
product, treatment and conditions of use in AWPA 
C 1, C2 and C9 listed m Appendix A. Preservatives 
shall conform to AWPA P1/P13, P2, P5, P8 and P9 
\isXedm Appendix A. Lumber and plywood in wood 
foundation systems shall conform to 780 CMR 
1808.3. 

2311.3.1 Identiilcadon: All piles, poles, lumber 
and plywood which are required to be 
preservative-treated shall bear the quality mark of 
an approved agency that maintains continuing 
supervision, testing and inspection over the 
quality of the product. Quality-control inspection 
agencies for preservative-treated wood shall be 
certified as to competency and performance by an 
approved organization. Said mark shall include 
the following information in a legible format: 
identification of the inspection agency; the 
standard to which the product is treated; the 
identification of the treating plant; and the 
purpose for which the product has been treated. 
The mark shall be permanently affixed to each 
piece unless specifically waived by the code 
ofUciai. 

2311.3.2 Moisture mntent Where wood that is 
pressure treated with a water-borne preservative 
is used in enclosed locations where drying in 
service cannot readily occur, such wood shall be 
at a moisture content of 19% or less before being 
covered with insulation, interior wall finish, floor 
covering or other material. 

2311.3.3 Fasteners: Fasteners for preservative- 
treated wood shall be of hot-dipped, zinc-coated, 
galvanized stainless steel, silicon bronze, copper 
or other corrosion-resistant materials. Fasteners 



WOOD 

for wood foundations shall be as required in 
AFPA TR7 listed in Appendix A. 

231 L4 Wood used above ground: Wood installed 
above ground in the locations specified in 780 CMR 
23 11 .4, 1 through 23 11 .4.6 shall be naturally durable 
wood or preservative-treated v/ood that uses water- 
borne preservatives, and shall be treated in 
accordance with AWPA C2 or C9 listed in 
Appendix A for above-ground use. 

2311.4.1 Joists and girders: Where wood joists 
or the bottom of a wood structural floor without 
joists are closer than 18 inches (457 mm), or 
wood girders are closer than 12 inches (305 mm), 
to the exposed ground in crawl spaces or unex- 
cavated areas located v^athin the perimeter of the 
building foundation, the floor assembly (including 
posts, girders, joists and subfloor) shall be of 
approved naturally durable or preservative-treated 
wood. 

2311.4.2 Framing: All wood framing members, 
including wood sheathing, which rest on exterior 
foundation walls and are less than eight inches 
(203 mm) from exposed earth shall be of 
approved naturally durable or preservative-treated 
wood. 

2311.4.3 Sleepers and sills: Sleepers and sills on 
a concrete or masonry slab which is in direct 
contact with earth shall be of approved naturally 
durable or preservative-treated wood. 

2311.4.4 Girder ends: The ends of wood girders 
entering exterior masonry or concrete walls shall 
be provided with a Va-inch (13 mm) air space on 
top, sides and end, unless approved naturally 
durable or preservative-treated v/ood is used. 

2311.4.5 Clearance: Clearance between wood 
siding and earth on the exterior of a building shall 
not be less than sk inches (152 mm) except where 
siding, sheathing and wall firaming are of 
approved preservative-treated wood. 

231L4.6 Posts or columns: Posts or columns 
supporting permanent structures and supported by 
a concrete or masonry slab or footing which is in 
direct contact with the earth shall be of approved 
naturally durable or preservative-treated v/ood 

Exceptions: 

1 . Posts or columns which are either exposed 
to the weather or located in basements or 
cellars, supported by concrete piers or metal 
pedestals projecting at least one inch (25 mm) 
above the slab or deck and six inches (152 mm) 
above exposed earth, and are separated 
therefrom by an impervious moisture barrier. 

2. Posts or columns in enclosed crawl spaces 
or unexcavated areas located v^dthin the 
periphery of the building, supported by a 
concrete pier or metal pedestal at a height 
greater than eight inches (203 mm) from 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



exposed ground, and are separated therefrom 
by an impervious moisture barrier. 

23U.5 Wood in contact with the ground: All 

wood in contact with the ground (exposed earth) 
which supports permanent structures that are 
intended for human occupancy, shall be of approved 
naturally durable ot preservative-treated v/ood using 
water-borne preservatives and shall be treated in 
accordance with AWPA C2 or C9 h'sted in 
Appendix A for ground contact, where used in the 
locations specified in 780 CMR 2311.5.1 and 
2311.5.2. 

Exception: Untreated wood is permitted where 
such wood is entirely below the ground water 
level or where continuously submerged in fresh 
water. 

2311.5.1 Posts or columns: Sawn posts and 
columns supporting permanent structures that are 
intended for human occupancy and which are 
embedded in concrete in direct contact with the 
earth or embedded in concrete exposed to the 
weather, or in direct contact with the earth, shall 
be of approved preservative-treated wood. 

2311.5.2 Wood structural members: Wood 
structural members that support moisture- 
permeable floors or roofs which are exposed to 
the weather - such as concrete or masonry slabs - 
shall be of approved naturally durable or 
preservative-treated wood unless separated from 
such floors or roofs by an impervious moisture 
barrier. 

2311.6 Geographical areas: In geographical areas 
where experience has demonstrated a specific need, 
approved naturally durable or preservative-treated 
wood shall be utilized for those portions of wood 
members which form the structural supports of 
buildings, balconies, porches or similar permanent 
building appurtenances where such members are 
exposed to the weather without adequate protection 
from a roof, eave, overhang or other covering to 
prevent moisture or water accumulation on the 
surface or at joints between members. Depending 
on local experience, such members include, but are 
not limited to, the following: 

1. Horizontal members such as girders, joists and 
decking; 

2. Vertical members such as posts, poles and 
columns; or 

3. Both horizontal and vertical members. 

2311.7 Wood used in retaining walls: Wood 
installed in retaining or crib walls shall be of 
approved preservative-treated wood treated in 
accordance with AWPA C2 or C9 listed in 
Appendix A for ground contact, except as indicated 
in 780 CMR 23 1 1.7. 1 through 23 1 1 .7.3. 



2311.7.1 Untreated wood: Where the wall is not 
more than two feet (610 mm) in height and is 
separated from the lot line or a permanent 
building by a minimum distance equal to the 
height of the wall, the wall is permitted to be of 
untreated wood. 

2311.7.2 Naturally durable wood on the lot 
line: Wliere a retaining wall or a crib wall is not 
more than two feet (610 mm) in height and is 
located on the lot line, approved naturally durable 
wood is permitted. 

2311.7.3 Naturally durable wood separated: 

Where a retaining wall or a crib wall is not more 
than four feet (1219 mm) in height and is 
separated from the lot line or a permanent 
building by a minimum distance equal to the 
height of the wall, approved naturally durable 
wood is permitted. 

780 CMR 2312.0 JOIST HANGERS 

2312.1 Test standard: The vertical loadbearing 
capacity, torsional moment capacity, and deflection 
characteristics of joist hangers shall be determined 
in accordance with ASTM D1761 listed in 
Appendix A, using lumber having a specific gravity 
of 0.49 or greater but not greater than 0.55 as 
determined in accordance with AFPA NDS listed in 
Appendix A for the joist and headers. 

2312.2 Vertical load capacity: The vertical load 
capacity for the joist hanger shall be determined by 
testing three joist hanger assemblies as specified in 
ASTM D 1 76 1 listed in Appendix A. If the ultimate 
vertical load for any one of the tests varies more 
than 20% from the average ultimate vertical load, at 
least three additional tests shall be conducted. The 
allowable vertical load for a normal duration of 
loading of the joist hanger shall be the lowest value 
determined from the following: 

1. The lowest ultimate vertical load from any 
test divided by 2.5 (where three tests are 
conducted and each ultimate vertical load does 
not varj' more than 20% from the average ultimate 
vertical load). 

2. The average ultimate vertical load for all tests 
divided by six (where sbc tests are conducted). 

3. The vertical load at which the vertical 
movement of the joist with respect to the header 
is 0.125 inch (3 mm) in any test. 

4. The allowable design load for nails or other 
fasteners utilized to secure the joist hanger to the 
wood members. 

5. The allowable design load for the wood 
members fomung the connection. 

2312.3 Torsional moment capacity: The torsional 
moment capacity for the joist hanger shall be 
determined by testing at least three joist hanger 
assemblies as specified in ASTM D1761 listed in 
Appendix A. The allowable torsional moment for 



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WOOD 



normal duration of loading of the joist hanger shall 
be the average torsional moment at which the lateral 
movement of the top or bottom of the joist with 
respect to the original position of the joist is 0.125 
inch. 

2312.4 Design vafye modifications: Allowable 
design values for joist hangers which are determined 
by failure of the metal-to-wood connection shall be 
permitted to be modified by the appropriate duration 
of loading factors as specified in AFP A NDS listed 
m Appendix A. Allowable design values determined 
by failure of the metal joist hanger shall not be 
modified by duration of loading factors. 

780 CMR 2313.0 PREFABRICATED 
COMPONENTS 

2313.1 Structural glued-Iaminated members: 
Buildings and structures designed and erected of 
glued-laminated structural members or of composite 
members of dimension lumber and wood structural 
panels shall comply with 780 CMR 23 13.0. 

23i3.Ll Exposed structural glued°lamiEated 
timber: Those portions of glued-laminated 
timbers which form the structural supports of a 
building or other structure and are exposed to 
weather and not properly protected by a roof, eave 
overhang or similar covering, shall be treated in 
accordance with AITC 109 listed in Appendix A 
or shall be manufactured fi-om approved naturally 
durable woods. 

2313.1.2 Glued-Iamlnated members: Design and 
fabrication of built-up beam and column sections, 
which consist of one or more webs with glued- 
lumber flanges and stiffeners, shall be based upon 
an approved method which takes into 
consideration the conditions of use. Glued- 
Iaminated elements shall be subject to a quality 
control program administered by an approved 
agency and shall bear a label in accordance with 
780 CMR 1704.3. Such label shall contain the 
information required by 780 CMR 1704.3.3. 

2313J.3 Gluing surfaces: In glued-lumber 
constructions, the surfaces to be giued shall be 
worked to a smooth, flat surface without sanding 
and shall be free from wax, grease or oil to insure 
a complete glue bond over the entire contact. 
Factory-sanded wood structural panels shall be 
permitted. 

2313.2 Sandwich panels: Design and fabrication 
of sandwich panels or other integrated assemblies 



which are fabricated of dimension lumber with 
wood stress coverings glued thereto, or which 
consist of structural units of metal-covered or 
molded wood structural panels or other approved 
plastics formed and molded into prefabricated 
loadbearing members, shall be based upon an 
approved method which takes into consideration 
the conditions of installation or meets the test 
requirements of 780 CMR 1704.0, 1709.0 and 
1710.0. Sandwich panels shall be subject to a 
quality control program administered by an 
approved agency and shall bear a label in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1704.3. Such label 
shall contain the information required by 
780 CMR 1704.3.3 

2313.2.1 Splices: Splices and connections 
between panels shall be weather tight and shall 
be of sufficient strength to resist two and one- 
half times the design live load to which such 
splices v^ll be subjected in normal installation. 
The fastening of coverings to structural studs, 
ribs or joists shall provide a rigidity equivalent 
to approved gluing. Nailing shall not be 
acceptable for that purpose. 

2313.3 Prefabricated trusses: Prefabricated trusses 
shall be designed to resist all superimposed design 
loads. 

2313.3.1 Roof trusses: Metal-plate-connected 
roof trusses shall be designed in accordance with 
TPI Design Specifications for Metal Plate 
Connected Wood Trusses and AFPA NDS listed 
in Appendix Ay and shall be braced to prevent 
rotation and provide lateral stability. 

2313.3.2 Floor trusses: Metal-plate-connected 
floor trusses shall be designed in accordance with 
TPI Design Specifications for Metal Plate 
Connected Parallel Chord Wood Trusses and 
AFPA NDS listed in Appendix A. 

2313.4 Special inspectiou: The fabrication process 
for prefabricated wood components shall be subject 
to special inspection as required by 780 CMR 
1705.4. 

2313.5 Prefabricated wood I-joists: Structural 
capacities and design provisions for prefabricated 
wood I joists shall be established and monitored in 
accordance with ASTM D5055 listed in 

Appendix A. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



396 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 24 



GLASS AND GLAZING 



780 CMR 240L0 GENERAL 

240L1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 24 shall 
govern the materials, design, construction and 
quality of glass and glazing in vertical and sloped 
applications. For the definition of approved light- 
transmitting plastic, see 780 CMR 2604. 1. Safety 
gladng materials shall conform to the 
requirements of M.G.L c. 143, §§ 3T, 3U, and3V, 
as amended and CPSC 16 CFR; 1201, as 
applicable, 

780 CMR 2402.0 GENERAL 
REQUIREMENTS FOR GLASS 

2402.1 Marking: Each lite shall bear the 
manufacturer's mark designating the type and 
thickness of glass. The mark shall not be omitted 
unless approved and an affidavit is furnished by the 
glazing contractor certifying that each lite is glazed 
in accordance with approved plans and 
specifications in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR 24. Safety glazing shall be marked in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2405.1.1 and shall 
conform to the requirements of M.G.L, c 143, 
§§3T, 3U, and3V, as amended. The mark shall not 
be omitted from tempered glass. Each unit of 
tempered glass shall be permanently identified by 
the manufacturer's mark. The identifying mark shall 
be etched or ceramic fired on the glass and shall be 
visible when the unit is glazed. Tempered spandrel 
glass is exempted from permanent marking, but shall 
be provided with a removable paper marking by the 
manufacturer. 

2402.2 Glass supports: Where one or more sides of 
any Hie of glass is not firmly supported, or is 
subjected to unusual load conditions, detailed 
construction documents, detailed shop drawings and 
analysis or test data assuring safe performance for 
the specific installation shall be prepared by a 
registered design professional and approved. 
Analysis shall be based on the wind loads required 
by 780 CMR 1611.6. The elevation of the glazed 
openings shall be computed by adding the distances 
from grade to the head and sill, respectively, and 
dividing the sum by two. 

2402.3 Interior glaxed areas: Where interior 
glazing is installed adjacent to a walking surface, the 
differential deflection of two adjacent unsupported 
edges shall not be greater than the thickness of the 
panels when a force of 50 pounds per linear foot 
(730 N/m) is applied horizontally to one panel at any 
point up to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the walking 
surface. 



2402.4 Glass dlmensioitsail tolerance: Glass 
thickness tolerances shall comply with those 
established in Table 2402.4. Where the thickness is 
to be controlled, nominal values are stated subject to 
the tolerances shown in Table 2402.4. 

Table 2402.4 
MINIMUM GLASS THICKNESS 



Nominal thickness 
(inches) 


Plate glass 

minimum thici<ness 

(inches) 


Sheet glass 

minimum thickness 

(inches) 


Single strength (SS) 
Double strength (DS) 

Vs 
Vie 

13/64 

mi 
%. 

5/16 
% 

'A 
% 

-. ."'^^ " ■ 
Vs 
I 

iva 


0.094 

iieipiiiiiiii 

0.218 
0.281 
0.343 

0.468 
0.562 
0:689 

0.750 
0.875 
1.125 


0.085 
0.115 

0.182 

^0.205 
0.236 

0.357 

■IliBI 

ii-iiiiiliifiiiiffl: 



Notes. One inch = 25.4 mm. 

2402.5 Louvered wkdows or Jalousies: Regular 
float, wired and patterned glass in louvered windows 
and jalousies shall not be thinner than nominal 3/16 
inch and not longer than 48 inches (1219 mm). 
Where other glass types are used, design shall be 
submitted to the code official for approval. Exposed 
glass edges shall be smooth. Wired glass with wire 
exposed on longitudinal edges shall not be used in 
jalousies or louvered windows. 

780 CMR 2403.0 WIND, SNOW AND DEAD 
LOADS ON GLASS 

2403.1 Vertical glass: All glass within 15 degrees 
(0.26 rad) of vertical in windows, curtain and 
window walls, doors and other exterior applications 
shall be designed to resist the wind loads in 
780 CMR 1611.6 for components and cladding. 
Maximum allowable sizes shall be based on Figure 
2403.1. The equivalent load for use in the figure 
shall be determined by dividing the design wind load 
by the applicable factor from Table 2403.1. Figure 
2403.1 is for rectangular glass firmly supported on 
all four edges. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2403.2 Sloped glass: All glass sloped more than 15 
degrees (0.26 rad) from vertical in skylights, 
sunspaces, sloped roofs and other exterior 
applications shall be designed to resist the 
combination of wind loads in 780 CMR 1611.6 for 
components and cladding, the snow loads in 
780 CMR 1610.0, and the glass dead load. 
Maximum allowable sizes shall be based on Figure 
2403.1. Figure 2403.1 is for rectangular glass firmly 
supported on all four edges. 

The combined load shall be calculated as follows. 
The largest of 1, 2 or 3 shall be used: 

1 . Negative wind load; -Fx dead load 

2. Positive w/W/ook/; + Fx (dead load + Vj wind 
load) 

3.Fx (snow load+ dead load) + '/: positive wind 
load 
where: 

F=2.0 where any pane or ply is regular glass. 
F = 1.5 where any pane or ply is heat- 
strengthened glass and the remainder are fully 
tempered glass. 

F - 1.2 where all panes and plies are fiilly 
tempered glass. 
The glass dead load is equal to the cosine of the 
slope from horizontal x the total glass thickness in 
inches X 13. 

The equivalent load for use in Figure 2403. 1 shall 
be determined by dividing the combined load by the 
applicable factor from Table 2403.2. 

Table 2403.1 
FACTORS FOR VERTICAL GLASS 

Factor 
Glass type for use with figure 

2403.1 



Single Glass 
Regualr (annealed) 
Heat strengthened 
Fully tempered 
Wired 
Patterned'* 
Sandblasted* 
Laminated; regular piles: 
Laminated, heat strengthened pli^ 
Lamktatedt fully tempered plies ' 

Insulating Glass 
Regular, (annealed) 
Heat sU'engthened 
Fully tempered . 

Laminated, rcgtilar piles 
Laminated, heat strengthened plies '^ 



Laminated. ftiUv tempered plies 



a.b 



1.0 
2.0 
4.0 
0.5 
1.0 
0.5 

0.75 
1.5 
,3.0 

1.8 
3.6 

12 
L4 
2J 



Note a. For laminated glass, use the line in Figure 
2403. 1 for total glass thickness (after adjusting wind load 
by the factor in Table 2403. 1 ). 

Note b. For laminated glass, values are based on two 
pones of identical thickness and type. 

Note c. For insulated glass, values are based on two 
panes of identical thickness and type. Utilize thickness 
for one pane. For example, tha maximum allowable area 
for an insulating glass unit consisting of two plies of fully 
tempered '/4-inch glass is determined using the line for 
Vi-inch glass. 



Note d. Values for patterned glass are based on the 
thinnest part of the pattern. Interpolation between lines 
in the figure is permitted. 

Note e. Value for sandblasting glass is minimum and 
depends on severity and depth of sandblast. 

Figure 2403.1 

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AREA FOR 

VERTICAL AND SLOPED GLASS 




30 40 60 80 100 150 200 



Equivalent Load Deteimined from 780 CMR 2403. 1 and 
Table 2403.0 or 780 CMR 2403.2 and 2403.2 on psf 



Table 2403.2 




FACTORS FOR SLOPED GLASS 




Factor 


Glass type 


for use with figure 
2403.1 


Single Glass 




Regualr (annealed) 
HeJ»t strengthened 
folly tempered 


0.72 

U 

3.6 


Wired 


0.36 


Laminated, regular piles . 
Laminatedrheat strengthened piies * 
Laminated, X&atpeted pUes^ 


0^4 

I.J 

2,1 


Insulating Glass 
Regular, (annealed) 
Heat strengthened 


1.3 
3.1 


Fully tempered 

Laminated, regular piles** - 

Laminated, heat strengthened plies** 


6.6 
1.0 

2.3 


Laminated. fiiHv temnered nlies^ 


4.9 



Note a. For laminated glass, use the line in Figure 
2403.1 for total glass thickness (after adjusting wind 
load by the factor in Table 2403.2). 

Note b. For laminated glass, values are based on 
two panes of identical thickness and type. 

Note c. For insulated glass, values are based on 
two panes of identical thickness and type. Utilize 
thickness for one pane. For example, tha maximum 
allowable area for an insulating glass unit consisting 
of two plies of fiilly tempered Vi-inch glass is 
determined using the line for Vi-inch glass. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

GLASS AND GLAZING 



780 CMR 2404.0 SLOPED GLAZING AM) 
SKYLIGHTS 

2404ol Sloped glazing: Any installation of glass or 
other transparent, translucent or opaque glazing 
material which is installed at a slope of 15 degrees 
(0.26 rad) or more from the vertical plane 
— including skylights, roofs and sloped walls — shall 
comply with 780 CMR2404.0. 

2404.2 Allowable glazing materials: Sloped 
glazing shall be any of the following materials, 
subject to the limitations specified in 780 CMR 

2404.3 and the exceptions specified in 780 CMR 
2404.4: 

1 . For monolithic glazing systems, the glazing 
material of the single light or layer shall be 
laminated glass with a minimum 30-mil (762 ^m) 
polyvinyl butyral interlayer, v^red glass, 
approved plastic materials, heat-strengthened 
glass or fully tempered glass. 

2. For multiple-layer glazing systems, each light 
or layer shall consist of any of the glazing 
materials specified in 780 CMR 2404.2 item 1. 
For additional requirements for plastic skylights, 

see 780 CMR 2608.0. Glass-block construction shall 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 21 15.0. 

24043 Limltatiosis: Where used in monolithic 
glazing systems, heat-strengthened glass and fully 
tempered glass shall have screens installed below the 
glazing material, subject to the exceptions in 
780 CMR 2404.4, to protect building occupants 
from falling glass should breakage occur. The 
screens shall be capable of supporting the weight of 
the glass and shall be substantially supported below 
and installed within four inches (102 mm) of the 
glass. The screens shall be constructed of a 
noncombustible material not thinner than No. 12 
B&S Gage (0.0808 inch) with a mesh not larger than 
one inch by one inch (25 mm by 25 mm). In a 
corrosive atmosphere, structurally equivalent 
noncorrosive atmosphere, structurally equivalent 
noncorrosive screening materials shall be used. 
Where used in multiple-layer glazing systems as the 
bottom glass layer over the walking surface, heat- 
strengthened glass, fiilly tempered glass and wired 
glass shall be equipped with screening that conforms 
to the requirements specified for monolithic glazing . 
systems. 

2404.4 Esceptions: In monolithic and multiple-layer 
sloped glazing systems, the following exceptions 
apply: 

1. Fully tempered glass installed without 
protective screens where glazed between 
intervening floors at a slope of 30 degrees (0.52 
rad) or less from the vertical plane shall have the 
highest point of the glass ten feet (3048 mm) or 
less above the walking surface. 

2. Screens are not required below any glazing 
material, including annealed glass, where the 



walking surface below the glazing material is 
permanently protected from the risk of falling 
glass or the area below the glazing material is not 
a walking surface. 

3. Any glazing material, including annealed 
glass, is permitted to be installed without screens 
in the sloped glazing systems of commercial or 
detached greenhouses used exclusively for 
growing plants and not open to the public, 
provided that the height of the greenhouse at the 
ridge does not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) above 
grade. (jreenhouse frames shall be 
noncombustible if the height of the sloped glazing 
exceeds 20 feet (6096 mm) above grade. 

4. Screens shall not be required within dwelling 
units of occupancies in Use Groups R-2 and R-3 
where fully tempered glass or laminated glass 
with a IS mil polyvinyl butyral interlayer is used 
as single glazing or as both panes in an insulating 
glass unit, and all of the following conditions are 
met: 

4.1. Each pane of glass is 16 square feet (1.5 
m^) or less in area; 

4.2. The highest point of the glass is 12 feet 
(3658 mm) or less above any walking surface 
or other area having access thereto; and 

4.3. The glass thickness is 3/16 inch (5 mm) 
or less. 

2404J Framing: In Types I and 2 construction, all 
sloped glazing and slQ'light frames shall be 
constructed of noncombustible materials. In 
buildings where acid fumes deleterious to metal are 
incidental to the occupancy of the buildings, 
approved pressure-treated woods or other approved 
noncorrosive materials shall be permitted for sash 
and frames. All sloped glazing and skylights shall be 
designed to meet all structural requirements for roofs 
specified in 780 CMR 16. AH skylights set at an 
angle of less than 45 degrees (0,79 rad) from the 
horizontal plane shall be mounted at least four 
inches (102 mm) above the plane of the roof on a 
curb construction as required for the frame. 
Skylights shall not be installed in the plane of the 
roof where the roof pitch is less than 45 degrees 
(0.79 rad) from the horizontal 

Exception: Curbs for skylights are not required 
on roofs with a minimum slope of three units 
vertical in 12 units horizontal (3:12) in 
occupancies in Use Group R-3. 

780 CMR 2405,0 SAJFETY GLAZING 

2405.1 Hsiuian impact loads: Individual glazed 
ar^s, inducing glass mirrors, in hazardous locations 
such as those indicated in 780 CMR 2405.2 shall 
pass the test requirements of CPSC 16 CFR; 1201 
and shall conform to the requirements ofM.G.L, 
c, 143, §§ 3T, 3U and 3V, as applicable, listed in 
Appendix A. The requirements of 780 CMR 2405. 1 
and 780 CMR 2405.2 and 2407.0 shall apply equally 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



to replacement glass and new glass installation. 
Additional requirements as specified in 780 CMR 
2407.2 are to be satisfied for glass used in locations 
where the hazard is of a continuous nature, such as 
glass enclosures for sporting activities as identified 
in 780 CMR 2407.1. 

Exceptions; 

1. Polished wired glass used in required fire 
resistance rated assemblies or polished wire glass 
used in hazardous locations such as those 
indicated in 780 CMR 2405.2, items 6, 7, 8 and 
9 shall comply with ANSI Z97.1 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2. Plastic glazing shall meet the weathering 
requirements of ANSI Z97.1 listed in 
Appendix A. 

3. Glass-block walls shall comply with 780 CMR 
2115.0. 

2405.1.1 Marking: Each light of safety glazing 
material installed in hazardous locations as 
defined in 780 CMR 2405.2 shall bear a 
permanent identifying mark issued by an 
approved agency which specifies the marking 
agency, whether manufacturer or mstaller, and 
the test standard. 

Exceptions 

1. Polished wire glass is exempt from a 
permanent identifying mark provided that 
the distributor or the installer provides an 
affidavit certifying that the polished wire 
glass complies with ANSI Z9 7.1 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2. Laminated glass is exempt from a 
permanent identifying mark provided that 
the distributor or installer provides an 
affidavit certifying that the laminated glass 
complies with CPSC 16 CFR 1201, listed in 
Appendix A. 

2405.2 Specific hazardous locations: The following 
shall be considered specific hazardous locations for 
the purposes of glazing: 

1 . Glazing in ingress and means ofegjress doors 
except jalousies (see 780 CMR 2402.5). 

2. Glazing in fixed and sliding panels of sliding 
(patio) door assemblies and panels in swinging 
doors. 

3. Glazing in storm doors. 

4. Glazing in all unfi-amed swinging doors. 

5. Glazing in doors and enclosures for hot tubs, 
whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs and 
showers. Glazing in any portion of a building wall 
enclosing these compartments where the bottom 
exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches 
(1525 mm) above a standing surface. 

6. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable 
panel adjacent to a door where the nearest 
exposed edge of the glazing is v^thin a 24-inch 
(610 mm) arc of either vertical edge of the door in 
a closed position and where the bottom exposed 



edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1525 
mm) above the walking surface. 

7. Glazing in an individual fixed or operable 
panel, other than in those locations described in 
preceding items 5 and 6, which meets all of the 
following conditions: 

7.1. Exposed area of an individual pane 
greater than nine square feet (0.84 m2); 

7.2. Exposed bottom edge less than 18 inches 
(460 mm) above the floor: 

7.3. Exposed top edge greater than 36 inches 
(915 mm) above the floor; and 

7.4. One or more walking surface(s) within 36 
inches (915 mm) horizontally of the plane of 
the glazing. 

8. All glazing in guards and railings regardless of 
area or height above a walking surface. Included 
are structural baluster panels and nonstructural in- 
fill panels. 

9. Glazing in walls and fences enclosing indoor 
and outdoor swimming pools where the bottom 
edge of the glazing on the pool side is less than 60 
inches (1525 nmi) above a walking surface and 
within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of a 
walking surface. This shall apply to single glazing 
and all panes in multiple glazing. 

Exception: The following products, materials 
and uses shall not be considered specific 
hazardous locations: 

1. Openings in doors through which a 3-inch 
(76 mm) sphere is unable to pass. 

2. Assemblies of leaded glass or faceted glass 
and items of carved glass used for decorative 
purposes in locations described in 780 CMR 
2405.2, items 1,6 or 7. 

3. Glazing materials used as curved glazed 
panels in revolving doors. 

4. Commercial refiigerated cabinet glazed 
doors. 

5. Glazing as described in 780 CMR 2405.2, 
item 6, where there is an intervening wall or 
some other permanent barrier that will prevent 
a person approaching the door fi*om 
accidentally striking the glazing. 

6. Glazing as described in 780 CMR 2405.2, 
item 7, where a protective bar is installed 34 
inches to 38 inches (864 mm to 965 mm) above 
the floor on the side of the glazing having 
access thereto. The bar shall be capable of 
withstanding a horizontal load bf 50 pounds 
per linear foot (730 N/m) without contacting 
the glass and be a minimum of Vh inches (38 
mm) in height. The protective bar may be an 
applied bar or an integral part of the glazed 
framing dividing an upper lite from a lower 
lite. 

7. Outboard panes in insulating glass units 
and other muhiple-glazed panels as described 
in 780 CMR 2405.2, item 7, where the bottom 
exposed edge of the glass is 25 feet (7620 mm) 
or more above any grade, roof, walking surface 



400 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

GLASS AND GLAZING 



or other horizontal or sloped (within 45 
degrees of horizontal) surface adjacent to the 
glass exterior. 

8. Louvered windows and jalousies complying 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 2402.5. 

9. Glazing which is mounted or hung on a 
surface that provides a continuous backing 
support. 

2405.3 Giass In lire-fighter access panels: -In cases 
where tempered glass is required in fire-fighter 
access panels, both panes in double glazing shall be 
tempered glass. 

780 CMR 2406.0 GLASS IN HANDRAH^ AND 
GUARDRAILS 

2406.1 Materials: Glass used as structural 
balustrade panels in railings shall be constructed of 
either single flilly tempered glass, laminated fiilly 
tempered glass or laminated heat-strengthened glass. 
Glazing in railing in-fili panels shall conform to 
ANSI Z97.1 listed in Appendix A or shall be of an 
approved safety glazing material that conforms to 
the provisions of 780 CMR 2405. L For all glazing 
types, the minimum nominal thickness shall be V* 
inch. Fully tempered glass and laminated glass shall 
comply with Category n of CPSC 16 CFR; 1201, 
listed in Appendix A. Wired glass shall comply with 
ANSI Z97. 1 listed in Appendix A 

2406.1.1 Loads: The panels and their support 
system shall be designed to withstand the loads 
specified in 780 CMR 1606.4. A safety factor of 
4 shall be used. 

2406.1.2 Support: Each handrail or guardrail 
section shall be supported by a minimum of three 
glass balusters or shall be otherwise supported to 
remain in place should one baluster panel fail. 
Glass balusters shall not be installed without an 
attached handrail or guardrail. 

2406.1.3 Parking garages: Glazing materials 
shall not be installed in railings in parking 
garages except for pedestrian areas not exposed 
to impact from vehicles. 



780 CMR 2407.0 GLA2!ING IN 
MACQUETBALL AND SQUASH COURTS 

2407.1 Continuiously hazardous locations: The 
following shall be considered continuously 
hazardous locations for the purposes of glazing: 

1. Glazing in squash and racquetball courts 
which forms whole or partial wall sections. 

2. Glazing in squash and racquetball courts 
which is used as a door or part of a door. 

2407.2 Testing: Test methods and loads for 
individually glazed areas such as those described in 
780 CMR 2407.1 shall conform to those of CPSC 16 
CFR; 1201, listed in Appendix A, with impacts 
being applied at a height from ground level of 59 
inches (1499 mm) to an actual or smiulated glass 
wall installation with fixtures, fittings and methods 
of assembly, identical to those used in practice. 

In order to be deemed acceptable, the following 
conditions shall be achieved for glass walls: 

1 . Any glass wall in a squash or racquetball court 
shall remain intact following a test impact. 

2. The deflection of such walls shall not be 
greater than IV2 inches (38 mm) at the point of 
impact. 

In order to be deemed acceptable, the following 
conditions shall be achieved for glass doors: 

1. Glass doors shall remain intact following a 
test impact at the prescribed height in the center 
of the door. 

2. The relative deflection between the edge of a 
glass door and the adjacent wall shall not exceed 
the following values for the impact test bag-drop 
heights: 

2.1. The thickness of the wall plus Ve inch (3 
mm) for a drop height of 24 inches (610 mm). 

2.2. The thickness of the wall plus V4 inch (6 
mm) for a drop height of 36 inches (914 mm). 

2.3. The thickness of the wall plus Vz inch (13 
mm) for a drop height of 48 inches (1219 mm). 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



401 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE^DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



402 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 2S 



GYPSUM BOARD AND PLASTER 



780 CMR 2501.0 GENERAL 
250L1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 25 shall 
govern the materials, design, construction and 
quality of gypsum and plaster. 

780 CMR 2502.0 SHEAR WALLS 
2S02ol General: Wood frame shear walls 
constructed in accordance with the materials and 
provisions of Table 2502.1 are permitted to resist 
wind and seismic forces. Where such construction 
is designed to resist seismic forces, the panel size 



and arrangement provisions of 780 CMR 2306.4.7 
shall be met in addition to 780 CMR 2502.0. 

2502.1.1 Nailing: All studs, top and bottom 
plates and blocking shall be nailed in 
accordance with Table 2502.1. 

2502.1.2 Limitations: Shear walls shall not be 
used to resist horizontal loads from masonry or 
concrete walls. 



Table 2S02.1 
SHEAR CAPACITY FOR SHEAR WALLS OF LATH AND PLASTER, . 
GYPSUM SHEATHING BOARD, AND GYPSUM WALLBOARD WOOD FRAME ASSEMBLIES 



Type of material 


Thickness 

of material 

(inch) 


Wall 
construction 


Nail spacing 

maximum 

(inches) 


Allowable 

shear 
pounds per 
foot of wall 


Fastener size 


Woven or welded wire lath and 
Portland cement plaster 


% 


Unblocked 


6 


180 


No. 1 1 gage, 1 Vz inches 
ling, 7/16-inch head, or 
No. 16 gage staples 
having %-inch-long legs 


Gypsum lath, plain or 
perforated 


% lath and 
Vz plaster 


Unblocked 


5 


100 


No. 13 gage, iVe inches 
long, 1 9/64- inch head, 
plasterboard blued nail 


Gypsum 


2 feet X 8 feet 


Vt 


Unblocked 


. 4 


75 
175 


No 1 1 gage. l'/4 inches 


sheathing 


4 feet X 8 feet 


Blocked 


4 


long, 7/16-inch head, 
diamond point. 


board 


4 feet X 8 feet 


Unblocked 


7 


100 


galvanized 






Unblocked 


7 


100 






Unblocked 


4 


125 






Vi 


Blocked 


7 


125 


5d cooler nails 


Gypsum wallboard 




Blocked 


4 


150 






% 


Blocked 


4 


175 


6d cooler nails 






Blocked 
two ply 


Base ply 9 inches 
Face plv 7 inches 


250 


Base ply - 6d cooler nails 
Face ply - 8d cooler nails 



Noie a. Shear values are based on a maxinium framing spacing of 16 inches (406 mm) on center. 
Note 1j. 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 foot - 304.8 mm; 1 pound per foot = 1,489 kg/m. 



780 CMR 2S03oO GYPSUM BOARD 
MATERIALS 
2S03.1 General: All gypsum board materials and 
accessories shall be marked to indicate the 
appropriate standards referenced in 780 CMR 2503 
and stored so as to protect such materials &om the 
weather. 



2503.2 Sita^dlards: All gj^sum board materials shall 
conform to the appropriate standards listed in Table 
2503.2 and Append A. 



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403 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGU1.ATI0NS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Table 2503.2 

GYPSUM BOARD MATERIALS AND 

ACCESSORIES 



Material 


Standard 


Gypsum sheathing 
Gypsum wallboard 


ASTM C79 
ASTM C36 


Joint xetoforcing tape and 

compound 
Mails fyt gypsum boards 
Steel screws 


ASTMC474;C475 

ASTMC514 
ASTMCt002;C9S4 


Steel studs, nonloadbearing 
Water-resistant gypsum 
backing board 


ASTM C645 
ASTM C630 



2503.3 Installation: Installation of these materials 
shall conform to 780 CMR 2504.0 and Table 2503.3, 
except as otherwise required by 780 CMR. 

2503.4 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 
complying with ASTM C630 listed in Appendix A 
shall be used as a substratum unless protected with 
a moistureproof and vaporproof covering. 



Table 2503.3 
MAXIMUM SPACING OF GYPSUM WALLBOARD FASTNERS 



Thickness of 


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 inches) 


Ma>dmum spacing of 

fasten«TS (center-to-center 

in inches) 


Nails to wood 


wallboard (inch) 


Nails'-'' 


Screws 




Horizontal 


Either direction 


16 


7 


12 


No 13 gage, l%"long 


Vi 


Horizontal 


Perpendicular 


24 


7 


12 


19/64" head. /0.098 inch 
diameter, iVilong, 




Vertical 


Either direction 


24 


8 


12 


Annular ringed, 5d cooler 
nail 




Horizontal 


Either direction 


16 


7 


12 


No. 13 gage, 1%" long. 


% 


Horizontal 


Perpendicular 


24 


7 


12 


19/64" head, 0.098 mch 
diameter, l%"long. 




Vertical 


Either direction 


24 


8 


12 


Annular ringed, 6d cooler 
nail. 



Fastening required with adhesive application 



or 


Horizontal 


Either direction 


16 


16 


16 


As required for Vi" and 


Horizontal 


Perpendicular 


24 


12 


16 


%" gypsum wallboard. 


% 


Vertical 


Either direction 


24 


16 


24 




2 layers each 


Horizontal 


Perpendicular 


24 


16 


16 


Base ply nailed as 
required for Vi" gypsum 
wallboard and face ply 
placed with adhesive 


%" (y* total) 


Vertical 


Either direction 


24 


24 


24 



Note a. Where the metal firaming has a clinching design formed to receive the nails by two edges of metal, the 
nails shall not be less than % inch longer than the wallboard thickness, and shall have ringed shanks. Where the metal 
firaming has a nailing groove formed to receive the nails, the nails shall have barbed shanks or be 5d cooler nails (No 
13'/x gage, 1% inches long, 15/64-inch head) for '/i-mch gypsum wallbosird (No. 13 gage, 1% mches long, 15/64-inch 
head) for %-inch gypsum wallboard. 

Note b. Two nails at two inches to 2Vi inches apart are permitted to be used if the pairs are spaced 12 inches 
center-to-center except around perimeters. 

Note c. Screws shall be No. 6 with tapered head and long enough to penetrate into wood framing not less than 
% inch and metal fi-aming not less than V* inch. 

Note d. For fireresistance rated construction assemblies, see the pertinent fu'e test information. 

Note e. I inch = 25.4 mm. 



404 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

GYPSUM BOARD AND PLASTER 



780 CMR 2504„0 GYPSUM 
CONSTRUCTION 

2504.1 General: Gypsum board and plaster 
construction shall be of the materials listed in Table 

2503.2 and Table 2505.2. These materials shall be 
assembled and installed in compliance with the 
appropriate standards listed in Table 2504.1 and 
Appendix A. 

Table 2504.1 

INSTALLATION OF GYPSUM 

CONSTRUCTION 



Material 

Gypsum plaster 
Gypsum veneer base 



Standard 



ASTM C842 
ASTM C844 



(^sora veneer plaster ASTMC843 

Ulterior lalbinf and fiirring - ' ASTM C84] 



Steel framing for gypsum 
boards 



ASTMC754;C1007 



2504.2 Limitations: Gypsum construction shall not 
be used in any exterior location where such gj/psum 
construction will be exposed directly to the weather. 

2504.3 Inspection: The building official shall be 
notified not less than 24 hours in advance of all 
plastering work or installation of any gypsum board 
except gypsum lath. Plaster shall not be applied 
until after the lathing or other plaster base has been 
inspected and approved. 

2504.4 Weather protection: When plastering work 
is in progress, the building or structure shall be 
enclosed and conditioned to provide proper 
ventilation and temperatures not less than 40 °F 
(4°C) nor more than 80 "F (27X) from one week 
prior to the plastering operation and until one week 
following or until the plaster is dry. 

780 CMR 2505.0 INTERIOR LATHING 
AND GYPSUM PLASTERING 

2505.1 General; All interior lathing and gypsum 
plastering materials and accessories shall be marked 
to indicate the appropriate standards referenced in 
780 CMR 2505.0 and stored in such a manner as to 
protect them from the weather. 

2505.2 Standards: All interior lathing and gypsum 
plastering materials shall conform to the standards 
listed in Table 2505.2 and Appendix A and, where 



required for fire protection, shall also conform to the 
provisions of780 CMR 7. 

Table 2505.2 

PLASTERING MATERIALS AND 

ACCESSORIES 



Material 


Standard 


Exterior plaster bonding compounds 
Gypsum base for veneer plasters 
Gypsum casting and molding plaster 


ASTM C932 
ASTMC588 
ASTMC59 


(jlypsum Keene's cement 
<3yp3uro lath 


ASTMC61 
ASTMC37. 


Gypsum plaster 

Gypsum veneer plaster 

Interior bonding compounds, gypsum 


ASTM C28 
ASTM C587 
ASTMC631 


Umepla$ters ' 

Metallath . . ' 


A$TMC5;C20$ 
ASTMC847 


Plaster aggregates 
Sand 
Perlite 
Vermiculite 


ASTMC35;C897 
ASTM C35 
ASTMC35 


.Portland cement 
Steel studs and track 


ASTMC150 
ASTMC645;C955 ' 


Steel screws 
Welded wire lath 


ASTM C 1 002; C954 
ASTMC933 



2505.3 Installation: Installation of interior lathing 
and gypsum plastering materials shall conform to 
780 CMR 2504.0. 

780 CMR 2506,0 PORTLAND CEMENT 
STUCCO LATHING AND PLASTERING 
2506.11 General: All exterior and interior portland 
cement stucco lathing and plastering shall be done 
with the appropriate materials listed in Table 2505.2 
and Appendix A. 

2506.2 Weather protection: All materials shall be 
stored in such a manner as to protect such materials 
from the weather. 

2506.3 Installation: Installation of these materials 
shall be in compliance with ASTM €926 and ASTM 
C 1063 listed in and 780 CMR 2506.4. 

2506.4 Protection after application: At all times 
during application and for a period of not less than 
48 hours after application of each coat, provisions 
shall be made to keep stucco work above 40°F 
(4"'C). 



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405 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



406 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



PLASTIC 



780 CMR 260L0 GENERAL 

2601.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 26 shall 
govern the design, construction and quality of light- 
transmitting plastic materials and foam plastics. 
780 CMR 2601.0 shall apply to all light-transmitting 
plastic materials and foam plastics. 780 CMR 
2603.0 shall only apply to foam plastics. 780 CMR 

2604.0 through 2608.0 shall only apply to light- 
transmitting p/a5//c materials. 

260i<,2 Approved materials: The use of all plastics 
that conform to the strength, durability, sanitary and 
fireresistive requirements of this code and ASTM 
D635, D1929, D2843 and E84 listed m. Appendix A, 
shall be permitted subject to the limitations of 
780 CMR 26. 

2601.3 Application for approval: Applicants for 
approval of a plastic material shall furnish, in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1704.0 all necessary 
technical data required by the code official. The 
data shall include, if necessary: chemical 
composition; applicable physical, mechanical and 
thermal properties, such as fireresistance, 
flammability and flame spread; weather resistance; 
electrical properties; products of combustion; and 
coefficients of expansion. 

2601.4 IdentificatloBi: All plastic materials 
approved for use under 780 CMR 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. 

2601.5 Interior finish and trim: Light-transmitting 
plastic materials installed as interior finish or trim 
shall comply with 780 CMR 803.0. Foam plastics 
shall only be installed as interior finish in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2603.8. Foam plastics 
instaUed as interior trim shall comply with 780 CMR 
2603.7. 

780 CMR 2602,0 DEFINmONS 

2602.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 26 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shovra 
herein. 



Plastic glazing: Plastic materials which are 
glazed or set in fi-ame 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. 
Reinforced plastic, glass fiber: Plastic 
reinforced vAx\{ glass fiber having not less than 
20% of glass fibers by weight. 
Thermoplastic material: A plastic material 
which is capable of being repeatedly softened by 
increase of temperature and hardened by decrease 
of temperature. 

Thermosetting material: A plastic material 
which is capable of being changed into a 
substantially nonreformable product when cured. 

780 CMR 2603.0 FOAM PLASTIC 

2603.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 
2603.0 shall govern the requirements and uses of 
foam plastic in buildings or structures. 

2603. LI Urea based foamed-m-place insuiatiom 
Use of this material has been, banned by the 

Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 

2603.2 Labeling: Foam plastics or their packages of 
foam plastics, and containers of foam-in-place 
plastic system ingredients, shall be labeled in 
compliance with 780 CMR 1704.3. 

2603.3 Surface-burning characteristics: Unless 
otherwise, indicated in 780 CMR 2603.0, all foam 
plastic and foam plastic cores of manufactured 
assemblies shall have a flame spread rating of not 
more than 75 and a smoke-developed rating of not 
more than 450 when tested in the maximum 
thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM 
E84 listed in Appendix A 

tions: 



Llght-difTusing system: A suspended 

construction consisting in whole or in part of 
lenses, panels, grids or baffles suspended below 
independently mounted electrical lighting sources. 



1 . Smoke-developed ratings for interior trim as 
provided for in 780 CMR 2603.7.4. 

2. Flame spread ratings for exterior wall 
installations as provided for in 780 CMR 2603.6.3 
and 2603.6.8. 

3. Eame spread and smoke-developed ratings for 
roof applications as provided for in 780 CMR 
2603.4.1.5. 

4. Where foam plastic is tested in a thickness of 
four inches (102 mm) and is used in a thickness of 



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407 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



greater than four inches (102 mm) up to ten inches 
(254 mm), the building shall be equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1 and the foam 
plastic shall be protected by a thermal barrier. 

2603.4 Thermal barrier: Except as provided for in 
780 CMR 603.4.1, all foam plastic shall be separated 
from the interior of a building by an approved 
thermal barrier of V^-inch gypsum wallboard or 
equivalent thermal barrier material which will limit 
the average temperature rise of the unexposed 
surface to not more than 250°F (12rC) after 15 
minutes of fire exposure, complying with the 
standard time-temperature curve of ASTM Ell 9 
listed in Appendix A. The thermal barrier shall be 
installed such that said thermal barrier will stay in 
place for a minimum of 15 minutes under the same 
test conditions. 

2603.4.1 Thermal barrier not required: The 

thermal barrier specified in 780 CMR 2603.4 is 
not required under the conditions set forth in any 
one of780 CMR 2603.4. 1.1 through 2603.4.1.8. 

2603.4.1.1 Siding backer board: Foam 
plastic to be used as siding backer board, or 
where applied as insulation with re-siding over 
existing exterior wall construction, shall have 
a maximum thickness of '/2 inch (13 mm) and 
shall be separated from the interior of the 
building by not less than two inches (5 1 mm) 
of mineral fiber insulation or other approved 
materials. 

2603.4.1.2 Walk-in coolers: Where foam 
plastic is used in a maximum thickness of four 
inches (102 mm) in walk-in coolers or in 
freezer units less than 400 square feet (37.2 m^) 
in floor area, the foam plastic shall be covered 
by a metal facing of not less than 0.032-inch- 
thick aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel 
having a minimum base metal thickness of 
0.016 inch. 

2603.4.1.3 Masonry or concrete 
construction: Where the foam plastic is 
protected by a one-inch (25 mm) minimum 
thickness of masonry or concrete, a thermal 
barrier is not required. 

2603.4.1.4 Attics and crawl spaces: Within 
an attic or crawl space where entry is made 
only for service of utilities, foam plastic shall 
be protected against ignition by VA inch-thick 
(38 mm) mineral fiber insulation, '/^-inch-thick 
wood structural panel, particleboard or 
hardboard, %-inch gypsum wallboard, 
corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal 
thickness of 0.016 inch, or other approved 
material installed in such a manner that the 
foam plastic is not exposed. The protective 
covering shall be consistent with the 
requirements for the type of construction. 



2603.4.1.5 Roofing: Foam plastic used in a 
roof covering assembly that employs a wood 
roof deck without the thermal barrier shall 
have the foam plastic separated from the 
interior of the building by wood structural 
panel sheathing or tongue-and-groove wood 
plank sheathing not less than 15/32 inch in 
thickness or other approved materials. All 
wood structural panel roof sheathing shall be 
bonded with exterior glue with edges supported 
by blocking, tongue-and-groove joints or other 
approved type of edge support. 

The requirements of 780 CMR 2603.3 and 
2603.4 are not applicable to foam plastic roof 
insulation used in roof deck construction that 
complies as an assembly with FM 4450 or UL 
1256 listed in Appendix A. 

For all roof applications, the smoke- 
developed rating shall not be applicable. 

2603.4.1.6 Doors not required to have a 
fireresistance rating: Where doors are 
permitted vathout a fireresistance rating and 
foam plastic is used as a core material, the door 
facing shall be of metal having a minimum 
thickness of 0.032-inch aluminum or 0.016- 
inch steel. 

2603.4.1.7 Exterior doors in buildings of Use 
Group R-3; In buildings of Use Group R-3, 
foam-filled exterior entrance doors that do not 
require a fireresistance rating shall be faced 
v^th wood or other approved materials. 

2603.4.1.8 Exterior walls, one-story 
buildings: A thermal barrier is not required in 
the exterior wall application provided for in 
780 CMR 2603.6.8. 

2603.5 Exterior applications: Foam plastic 
installed in or on the exterior side of walls of 
buildings shall also comply with the applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR 1405.0. 

2603.6 Exterior walls: Foam plastic installed in or 
on the exterior side of exterior walls in buildings of 
Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 construction shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 2603.6.1 through 
2603.6.7 or, in one-story buildings, shall comply 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 2603.6.8. 

2603.6.1 Fireresistance rating: Foam plastic is 
permitted within exterior walls provided that the 
wall assembly affords the required fireresistance 
rating. 

2603.6.2 Thickness: The foam plastic shall be 
limited to a maximum thickness of four inches 
(102 mm). 

2603.6.3 Flame spread: The foam plastic core, 
coatings and facings, when tested individually, 
shall each have a flame spread rating of 25 or less 



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when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 listed 
in Appendix A. 

2603.6.4 Fastening: Facing, coating and core 
materials shall be fastened to each other, and the 
overall assembly shall be fastened to the building 
frame to prohibit failure in bond due to 
temperatures that occur in a building fire, wind 
loads or other conditions. 

2603.6.5 Full-scale tests: Results of full-scale 
fire tests, which reflect an end-use configuration 
and which demonstrate that the assembly in its 
final form does not show any tendency to 
propagate flame over the surface or through the 
core when exposed on the exterior face to a fire 
source, shall be submitted to the code official. 
Such testing shall be performed on the finished 
manufactured foam plastic assemblies and on the 
maximum thickness intended for installation. 

2603.6.6 Thermal barrier: Any foam plastic 
shall be separated from the building interior by a 
thermal barrier unless specific approval is 
obtained on the basis of 780 CMR 2603.8. 

2603.6.7 Identification: The edge or face of each 
piece of foam plastic insulation shall be labeled in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1704.3. 

2603.6.S Exterior walls, one-story buildings: 
Foam plastic insulation having a flame spread 
rating of not more than 25 and installed without a 
thermal barrier in or on exterior walls of one- 
story buildings, shall have a thickness of not more 
than four inches (102 mm). The foam plastic 
shall be covered by a thickness of not less than 
0.032-inch aluminum or corrosion- resistant steel 
having a base metal thickness of 0.016 inch and 
the building area shall be equipped throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance 
with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

2603.7 Interior trim: Foam plastic used as interior 
trim shall comply -mth 780 CMR 2603.7.1 through 
2603.7.4. 

2603.7.1 Density: The minimum density of the 
interior trim shall be 20 pounds per cubic foot 
(320 kg/m'). 

2603.7.2 Thickness: The maximum thickness of 
the interior trim shall be Vi inch (13 mm) and the 
maximum width shall be four inches (102 mm). 

2603.7.3 Area limitation: The interior trim shalf 
not constitute more than 10% of the aggregate 
wall and ceiling area of any room or space. 

2603.7.4 Flame spread: The flame spread rating 
shall not exceed 75 when tested in accordance 
with ASTM E84 listed in Appendix A. The 
smoke-developed rating shall not be limited. 

2603.S Alternative approval: Foam plastic is not 
required to comply with the requirements of 



PLASTIC 

780 CMR 2603.4 through 2603.7 when specifically 
approved based on tests such as FM Procedure 4880, 
UL Subject 1040 or UL 1715 listed \n Appendix A 
Such testing shall be performed on the finished 
manufactured foam plastic assemblies and on the 
maximum thickness intended for use. Foam plastics 
which are used as interior finish on the basis of 
diversified tests shall also conform to the flame 
spread requirements of 780 CMR 803.0. All 
assemblies tested shall include seams, joints and 
other typical details used in the installation of the 
assembly and shall be tested in the manner intended 
for use. 

780 CMR 2604.0 GENERAL 
REQUIREMENTS FOR 

UGHT-TRANSMrrniNG PLASUCS 

2604.1 Approved light°transmitting plastics: An 
approved light-transmitting plastic shall be: any 
thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced 
thermosetting plastic material which has a self- 
ignition temperature of 650''F (343 °C) or greater 
when tested in accordance with ASTM D1929 listed 
in Appendix A\ a smoke density rating not greater 
than 450 when tested in the manner intended for use 
in accordance v^th ASTM E84 listed in Appendix A, 
or not greater than 75 when tested in the thickness 
intended for use in accordance with ASTM D2843 
listed in Appendix A; and which conforms to one of 
the follov^nng combustibility classifications: 

Qass CI: Plastic materials which have a burning 
extent of one inch (25 mm) or less when tested at 
a nominal thickness of .060 inch, or in the 
thickness intended for use, in accordance v^th 
ASTM 0635 listed in Appendix A, or 
Qass O: Plastic materials which have a burning 
rate of 2.5 inches per minute (1 .06 mm/s) or less 
when tested at a nominal thickness of .060 inch, 
or in the thickness intended for use, in accordance 
with ASTM D635 listed in Appendix A. 

2604.2 Structural requirements: All plastic 
materials and associated assemblies shall be of 
adequate strength and durability to vinthstand the 
loads and forces specified in 780 CMR 16 for the 
approved application. 

2604.3 Connections and supports: All fastenings, 
connections and supports shall be proportioned to 
transmit safely two and one-half times the design 
live load. Adequate allowance shall be made in the 
fastenings and supports for differential expansion 
and contraction of the connected materials. 

2604.4 Other applicable requirements: Light- 
transmitting p/aj//c5 installed as exterior wall panels 
shall conform to 780 CMR 2605.0. Light- 
transmitting plastics installed in glazing of un- 
protected openings shall conform to 780 CMR 
2606.0. Light-transmitting /7/aj//c5 installed as roof 
panels shall conform to 780 CMR 2607.0. Light- 



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transmitting plastics installed in skylight assemblies 
shall conform to 780 CMR 2608.0. 

2604.5 Light-diffusing systems: Light-diffusing 
systems shall not be installed in occupancies in Use 
Group 1-2 or 1-3, nor in exits, unless the building is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 
Plastic diffusers 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 gage (0.106 inch) galvanized wire 
or equivalent. 

2604.5.1 Installation: Approved light- 
transmitting plastic difflisers shall comply with 
780 CMR 803.0 unless the plastic panels will fall 
from the mountings before igniting and at an 
ambient temperature of at least 200 °F (93 "C) 
below the ignition temperature of the panels. The 
panels shall remain in place at an ambient room 
temperature of 175"? (79 °C) for a period of not 
less than 15 minutes 

2604.5.2 Size limitations: Individual panels or 
units shall not exceed ten feet (3048 mm) in 
length nor 30 square feet (2,79 m^) in area. 

2604.5.3 Fire suppression system: In buildings 
that are equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1, plastic light-diffusing systems shall be 
protected both above and below unless the 
sprinkler system has been specifically approved 
for installation only above the light-diffusing 
system. Areas of light-diffusing systems that are 
protected in accordance with 780 CMR 2604.0 
shall not be limited. 

2604.5.4 Electrical lighting fixtures: Plastic 
light-transmitting panels and light diffuser pands 
which are installed in approved electrical lighting 
fixtures shall comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR 803.0 unless the plastic panels conform 
to the requirements of 780 CMR 2604.5. 1. The 
area of approved /?/as//c materials that are used in 
required exits or corridors shall not exceed 30% 
of the aggregate area of the ceiling in which such 
panels are installed, unless the building is 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 . 

2604.6 Partitions: Approved light-transmitting 
plastics used in or as partitions shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 603.2 and 803.0. 

2604.7 Bathroom accessories: Approved plastics 
shall be permitted as glazing in shower stalls, 
shower doors, bathtub enclosures and similar 
accessory units (see 780 CMR 2405.0). 

2604.8 Awnings and similar structures: Approved 
light-transmitting plastics used on awnings and 



similar structures shall comply with the general 
performance provisions of 780 CMR. 

780 CMR 2605.0 UGHT-TRANSMTmNG 
WALL PANELS 

2605.1 General: Approved light-transmitting 
plastic materials shall not be used as wall panels in 
exterior walls in occupancies in Use Groups A-1, A- 
2, 1-2 and 1-3. In all other use groups approved 
light-transmitting p/as//c materials shall be permitted 
to be used as wall panels in exterior walls provided 
that the walls are not required to have a 
fireresistance rating and the installation conforms to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 2605.0. Such panels 
shall be erected and anchored on a foundation coat, 
waterproo:fed or otherwise protected from moisture 
absorption and sealed with a coat of mastic or other 
approved waterproof coating. Refer to 780 CMR 
2604.0 for requirements for approved light- 
transmitting plastics. 

2605.2 Installation: Exterior wall panels installed 
as provided for herein shall not alter the type of 
construction classification of the building. 

2605.3 Height limitation: Light-transmitting 
plastics shall not be installed more than 70 feet 
(21336mm) above mean grade, except as allowed by 
780 CMR 2605.7. 

2605.4 Area limitation and separation: The 

maximum area of a single wall panel and minimum 
vertical and horizontal separation requirements for 
exterior plastic wall panels shall be as provided for 
in Table 2605.4. The maximum percentage of wall 
area of any story in plastic wall panels shall not 
exceed that indicated in Table 2605.4 or the 
percentage of unprotected openings permitted by 
780 CMR 705.3, whichever is smaller. 
Exception: Veneers of approved weather- 
resistant plastics used as exterior siding in 
buildings of Type 5 construction in compliance 
with 780 CMR 1405.2. 

2605.5 Spandrel separation: Vertical spandrel wall 
separation shall be in accordance with Table 2605.4. 
See 780 CMR 2604.1 for the definition of CI and 
C2 light-transmitting p/arf/C5, 

2605.6 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 36 inches 
(914 mm) from the surface of the wall in which 
plastic wall panels are installed, vertical separation 
at that floor is not required except as provided by the 
vertical thickness of the projection. 

2605.7 Automatic sprinkler system: Where the 
building is equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 



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906.2.1, the maximum percentage area of exterior 
wall in any story in plastic wall panels and the 
maximum square footage of a single area given in 
Table 2605.4 shall be increased 100%, but the area 
of plastic wall panels shall not exceed 50% of the 
wall area in any stoiy, or the area permitted by 
780 CMR 705.3.1 for unprotected openings, 
whichever is smaller. These installations shall be 
exempt from height limitations. 

Table 2605,4 
AREA LIMITATION AND SEPARATION 

REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHT- 
TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELS^ 



Fire 
separation 


Class 

of 
plastic 


Maximum 
percentage 
area of 
exterior 
wall in 
plastic 
panels 


Maximum 

single 

area 

(square 

feet) 


Minimum 
separation of 
panels (feet) 


distance 
(feet)^ 


Vertical 


Horizontal 


<6 


- 


^fp^ 


NP 


- 


- 


6 or more 
but less 
than 11 


CI 
C2 


10 

NP 


50 

NP 


8 


4 


1 1 or more 
but less 
than 30 


CI 
C2 


25 
15 


90 
70 


6 
8 


4 
4 


>30 


CI 
C2 


50 
50 


Not 

limited 

100 


3^ 
6^ 



3 



Note a. For combination of glazing and wall panel 
areas permitted, see 780 CMR 2605.8. 

Note b. For reductions in vertical separation 
allowed, see 780 CMR 2605.0. 

Notec. NP = Not permitted. 

Note d. 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 square foot = 0.093 
m\ 

260S.S Combinations of glazing and plastic wall 
panels: Combinations of plastic glazing and plastic 
wall panels shall be subject to the area, height and 
percentage limitations and the separation 
requirements applicable to the class of plastic 
asprescribed for plastic wall panel installations. 

780 CMR 2606,0 LIGHT=TRANSMITI1NG 

PLASTIC GLAZING OF UNPROTECTED 

OPENINGS 

2606,1 Where permitted: Plastic glazing is 
permitted in doors, sashes and framed openings 
where protected openings are not required in 
accordance with 780 CMR 705.0 and the installation 
conforms to the requirements of 780 CMR 2606.2 or 
780 CMR 2606.3. 



PLASTIC 

such glaang is installed or the area of unprotected 
openings permitted by 780 CMR 705.3, 
whichever is smaller. 

Exception: Where the building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system 
in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1, the area 
of the glazing shall not exceed 50% of the wall 
face of the story in which such glazing is 
located or the area of unprotected openings 
permitted by 780 CMR 705.3.1, whichever is 
smaller. 

2606.2.2 Size: The area of a unit or pane of 
glazing installed above the first story shall not 
exceed 16 square feet (1.49 m^) and the vertical 
dimension of a unit or pane shall not exceed four 
feet (1219 mm). There shall be a minimum three- 
foot (914 mm) vertical spandrel wall between 
stories. 

2606.2.3 Height: Approved plastic glazing shall 
not be installed more than 70 feet (21336 mm) 
above mean grade. 



2606,2 Approved plastic glazing: Approved 
plastic glazing shall comply with 780 CMR 2606.2. 1 
through 2606.2.3. 

2606.2.1 Area: The area of the glazing shall not 
exceed 25% of the wall face of the story in which 



2606,3 Approved thermoplastic 
Approved thermoplastic materials installed in areas 
up to 50% of the wall area of each story, but not 
exceeding the area of unprotected openings 
permitted by 780 CMR 705.3, are permitted in 
structures less than 150 feet (45720 mm) in height 
provided that each floor above the first floor is 
equipped with continuous architectural projections 
constituting an effective fire canopy extending at 
least three feet (914 mm) 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. 

780 CMR 2607.0 LIGHT-'raANSMnTING 
PLASTIC ROOF PANELS 

2607.1 General: Approved light-transmitting 
plastic roof panels shall not be installed in 
occupancies in Use Groups H, 1-2 and I°3. In all 
other use groups, approved light-transmitting /7/as/ic 
roof panels shall not be installed unless one of the 
following conditions applies: 

1. The building is equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1; 

2. The roof construction is not required to have a 
fireresistance rating by Table 602; or 

3. The roof panels meet the requirements for roof 
coverings. 

2607.2 Separations: Individual roof panels shall be 
separated from each other by a distance of not less 
than four feet (1219 mm) measured in a horizontal 
plane, except that the separation between roof panels 
is not required in a building equipped throughout 
with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance 
with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 



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2607.3 Location: Where exterior wall openings are 
required to ht protected by 780 CMR 705.0, a roof 
panel or unit shall not be installed within six feet 
(1829 mm) of such exterior wall. 

2607.4 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 2607.4. 

Exceptions: 

1 . The area limitations of Table 2607.4 shall be 
increased by 100% in buildings equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 . 

2. Low-hazard occupancy buildings, such as 
swimming pool shelters and greenhouses, are 
exempt from the area limitations of Table 2607.4 
provided that the buildings do not exceed 5,000 
square feet (465 m^) in area and have a minimum 
fire separation distance of four feet (1219 mm). 

3. Roof coverings over terraces and patios in 
occupancies in Use Group R-3 are exempt from 
the area limitations of Table 2607.4 and shall be 
permitted with approved plastics. 

Table 2607.4 
AREA LEVHTATIGNS FOR ROOF PANELS 



Class of plastic 



Maximum area 

individual unit or 

panel (square feet) 



Maximum 
aggregate area 
(% of floor area) 



CI 
C2 



300 
100 



30 
25 



Note a. 1 square foot = 0.093 m^ 

780 CMR 2608.0 UGHT-TRANSMrmNG 
SKYUGHT GLAZING 

2608.1 Light-transmitting plastic glazing of 
skylight assemblies: Skylight assemblies glazed 
with approved light-transmitting plastic materials 
shall conform to the provisions of 780 CMR 2608.0. 

Exceptions: 

1. 780 CMR 2608.1 shall not apply to a skylight 
of approved light-transmitting plastic on a 
building which is not more than one story in 
height, has zl fire separation distance of at least 30 
feet (9144 mm) and the room or space sheltered 
by the roof is not classified as Use Group 1-2 or I- 
3 or as a means of egress. 

2. 780 CMR 26.08.1 shall not apply to skylights 
in which the approved light-transmitting plastic 
conforms to the required roof covering class in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1506.0. 

2608.2 Mounting: The plastic shall be mounted 
above the plane of the roof on a curb constructed in 
accordance with the requirements for the type of 
construction classification, but at least four inches 
(102 mm) above the plane of the roof Edges of 
plastic skylights or domes shall be protected by 
metal or other approved noncombustible material, or 



the plastic dome or skylight shall be shown to be 
able to resist ignition when exposed at the edge to a 
flame from a Class B brand as described in ASTM 
El 08 listed \n Appendix A. 
Exceptions: 

1 . Curbs are not required for skylights used on 
roofs having a minimum slope of three units 
vertical in 12 units horizontal (3:12) in 
occupancies in Use Group R-3 and on buildings 
with an unclassified roof covering. 

2. The metal or noncombustible edge material is 
not required where unclassified roof coverings 
are permitted. 

2608.3 Slope: Flat or corrugated plastic skylights 
shall slope at least four units vertical in 12 units 
horizontal (4:12). Dome-shaped skylights shall rise 
above the mounting flange a minimum distance 
equal to 10% of the maximum span of the dome, but 
not less than three inches (76 mm). 

Exception: Skylights that pass the Class B 
Burning Brand Test specified in ASTM El 08 
listed in Appendix A. 

2608.4 Maximum area of skylight units: Each 
skylight unit shall have a maximum area within the 
curb of 100 square feet (9.30 m^ except that the area 
of skylight units shall not be limited in buildings 
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 
system in accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1. 

2608.5 Aggregate area of skylights: The aggregate 
area of sk;/Iights shall not exceed 33% of the floor 
area of the room or space sheltered by the roof in 
which such skylights are installed where Class CI 
materials are utilized, and 25% where Class C2 
materials are utilized. 

Exception: The aggregate area limitations of 
approved plastic skylights shall be increased 
100% beyond the limitations set forth in 
780 CMK 2608.0 where the building is equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2. 1 

2608.6 Separation: Skylights shall be separated 
from each other by a distance of not less than four 
feet (1219 mm) measured in a horizontal plane, 
except that the separation shall not be required 
where the building is equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1. 

2608.7 Location: Where exterior wall openings are 
required to be protected by 780 CMR 705.0, a 
skylight shall not be installed within six feet (1829 
mm) of such exterior wall. 

2608.8 Combinations of roof panels and skylights: 

Combinations oi plastic roof panels and skylights 
shall be subject to the area and percentage 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

PLASTIC 

limitations and separation requirements applicable to 
roof panel installations. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



414 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 27 

ELECTRIC WIRING, EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS 
(780 CMR 27 is Entirely Umque to Massachusetts) 

2701.0: M.aL, c 143, § 3L, provides that all Code (527 CMR 12.00) listed in Appendix A amd 

instaJiation, repair and maintenance of wiring and promulgated by the Board of Fire Prevention 

electrical fixtures used for light, heai and power Regulations of the Commonwealth of 

purposes in buildings and structures shall be in Massachusetts, Department of Fire Services. 
conformance with the Massachusetts Electrical 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



416 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 28 



MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 



780 CMR 2801.0 

2801.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 28 shall 
control the construction, inspection and maintenance 
of all mechanical equipment and systems with re- 
spect to structural strength, fire safety and operation. 

Note: Also see 780 CMR 9, 12 and 13. 

2801.2 Mechanical code: All mechanical equipment 
and systems shall be constructed, installed and 
maintained in accordance with the BOCA National 
Mechanical Code listed in Appendix A . 

• • 2801.2.1 Heating, Pumping, Process Piping 
and Refrigeration Systems: Heating, pumping, 
process piping and refrigeration systems shall be 
installed by contractors and personnel appro- 
priately licensed in the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts (Installing Contractor). Engineered 
designs and specifications prepared by Registered 
Professional Engineers shall identify systems 
requiring compliance with appropriate sections of 
M.G.L. c. 146 and 528 CMR. Shop drawings and 
design layout prepared by licensed installing 
contractors shall note the name(s), license 
number(s) and license expiration date(s) of the 
contractor(s) installing the heating, pumping, 
process piping and refrigeration systems. (See 
Installing Contractor Definition 780 CMR 202.0). 

2801.2.2 Location of Air Intakes and Outlets: 

2801.2.2.1 Location of Outdoor Air Intakes: 
Outdoor air intakes shall be located such that 
the distance measured from the closest point of 
the intake opening to the object, or point, listed 
in Table 2801.2.2,1 exceeds the minimum 
separation distance listed in Table 2801.2.2.1. 
Exception: Shorter separation distances are 
acceptable if it can be shown that an 
equivalent rate of introduction of outdoor air 
contaminants will be attained using an 
alternative design, and if approved by the 
authority having jurisdiction. 
Table 2801.2.2.1 
AIR INTAKE MINIMUM SEPARATION 
DISTANCE 



Object 


Minimum 
Distance, ft 


Property line 


3 


Garage entrj', loading area, or drive-in queue 
(Note I) 


25 


Driveway or street 


10 


Limited access highway 


25 


Mantles or ledges (Note 2) 


3 


Landscaped grade (Note 3, 4) 


6 


Roof or grade (Note 4) 


0.75 


Cooling towers (Note 5) 


15 



Note I: These areas are likely locations where vehicles will be 
paused and idling, such as while paying parking fees or wait- 
ing for traffic in the case of the garage entry, while loading or 
unloading materials in case of the loading area, or waiting in 
line for drive-in restaurant or bank service in the case of the 
drive-in queue. 

Larger separation distances may be needed if the intake is 
located directly above the likely location of idling vehicles. 
Note 2: Applies to mantles or ledges that are sloped less than 
45 degrees from the horizontal and that are more than six in. 
wide. 

Note 3: Landscaped grade is soil, lawn, shrubs, or any plant 
life within 1.5 ft horizontally of intake. 
Note 4: Intake must be at least eight in. above the average 
maximum snow depth at the intake. 

Note 5: Applies to closest wetted surface of tower, such as 
intake or basin. See Section 5.5 for separation distance from 
tower discharge. 

2801.2.2.2 Exhaust outlets and air intakes: 
Exhaust air and vent outlets shall be located 
no closer to outdoor air intakes than the 
minimum separation distance determined in 
accordance with Equation 2801.2.2.2: 

Equation 2801.2.2.2 

S = 0.09 X Q^UD"-^ - V/400) 

Where: 

Q = Exhaust air volume, cfm. The value used in 

Equation 2801 .2.2.2 shall not be less than 1 50 cfm 

nor exceed 3000 cfm regardless of actual volume. 

For gravity vents such as plumbing vents, use an 

exhaust rate of 1 50 cfm. For flue vents from fuel 

burning appliances, assume a value of 250 cfm per 

million Btu/hr of combustion input (or obtain 

actual rates from the combustion appliance 

manufacturer). 

D = Dilution factor: 

1 . Dilution factor shall be five for exhaust air 
outlets from spaces without unusual sources of 
contaminants. 

2. Dilution factor shall be ten for exhaust air 
outlets with mild contaminants including copy 
rooms, printer rooms, dining area and break 
rooms, cafeterias, laundry rooms, locker rooms 
and residential kitchens and bathrooms. 

3. Dilution factor shall be 15 for plumbing 
vents and exhaust air outlets from spaces with 
significant contaminant intensity including 
public toilets or toilets in health care facilities, 
commercial kitchens, laboratories, dry-cleaning 
establishments and indoor swimming pools. 

4. Dilution factor shall be 25 for air with 
noxious or toxic fumes or gases including spray 
paint booths, garages, tunnels, kitchen grease 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



hoods, laboratory fume hoods, chemical stor- 
age, refrigerating machinery rooms, soiled 
laundiy storage and natural gas and propane 
burning appliance vents. 
5. Dilution factor shall be 50 for air with a 
high concentration of dangerous particles 
including vents from fuel burning appliances 
other than namral gas or propane burning appli- 
ances, uncleaned fume hood exhaust, evapora- 
tive condenser and cooling tower outlets. 
V = Exhaust air discharge velocity, fpm . V shall 
have a positive value when the exhaust is directed 
away from the object, and shall have a negative 
value when the exhaust is directed towards the 
object. V shall be set to in Equation 2801.2.2.2 
for vents from gravity (atmospheric) fuel fired 
appliances, plumbing vents, and other non- 
powered exhausts, or if the exhaust discharge is 
covered by a cap or other device that dissipates 
the exhaust air stream. For hot gas exhausts such 
as combustion products, an effective additional 
500 fpm upward velocity shall be added to the 
actual discharge velocity. 

2801.2.2.3 Exhaust outlets and windows: 
Exhaust air and vent outlets shall be located no 
closer to operable windows than one-half the 
minimum separation distance determined in 
accordance with Equation 2801.2.2.2. 

For exhaust air with a dilution factor greater 
than ten the horizontal distance between outlets 
and operable windows shall be at least the 
minimum separation distance determined in 
accordance with Equation 2801.2.2.2. 

2801.2.2.4 Exhaust outlets and property 
lines: Exhaust air outlets shall be located at 
least ten feet from property lines for air with a 
dilution factor greater than ten, in accordance 
with Equation 2801.2.2.2. 

Exception: exhausts located ten ft. or more 
above grade where the property line abuts a 
street or public way. 

780 CMR 2802.0 CONSTRUCnON 
DOCUMENTS 

2802.1 General; The construction documents for the 
installation, repair, extension or removal of any 
mechanical equipment or system shall be submitted 
in accordance with 780 .CMR 110.0 and a building 
permit shall be secured prior to the commencement 
of any work. 

2802.2 Matter covered: The construction 
documents shall show in sufficient detail all 
applicable 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. 



2802.3 Details: An application for a building permit 
for- mechanical systems shall be accompanied by 
construction documents complying with the 
provisions of the mechanical code listed in Appendix 
A before a permit shall be issued for the mechanical 
equipment or system. The construction documents 
shall be drawn to a scale of not less than Vs inch to 
the foot (1:100). and shall show the location and 
arrangement of all equipment and distribution 
elements including safeties and pressure-controlling 
devices. 

Note: /Jso see 780 CMR 2803.1. 

780 CMR 2803.0 FEES 

2803.1 General: Fees for mechanical work, shall be 
included in the building permit application (see 
780 CMR 1 14.0). 

780 CMR 2804.0 INSPECnONS AND TESTS 

2804.1 Inspection: All mechanical equipment and 
systems requiring a permit shall be inspected in 
accordance with the BOCA National Mechanical 
Code listed in Appendix A and shall not be placed in 
operation until having been tested and approved. 

2804.2 Concealment: It shall be unlawful for 
owners, contractors or workers to lath over or in any 
way 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 has been given that the work has been 
approved. 

2804.3 Defects and repairs: Upon inspection or 
reinspection of a mechanical system, any defects or 
deficiencies which require repair to insure safe 
operation shall be rectified before the system is 
placed in service. 

2804.4 Power to deem unsafe: A system or any part 
thereof that is found to be unsafe to life or property, 
shall be deemed unsafe and shall not be restored to 
service until such system has been made safe and 
approved. 

780 CMR 2805.0 PLENUMS 

2805.1 General: The term "plenum" shall mean an 
enclosed portion of the building structure which 
forms part of an air distribution system and is 
designed to allow the movement of air. Supply, 
return, exhaust, relief and ventilation air plenums 
shall be limited to uninhabited crawl spaces, areas 
above a ceiling or below the floor, or attic spaces 
and mechanical equipment rooms. The location of 
supply and return air plenums shall also comply with 
780 CMR 1005.7. Plenums shall be limited to one 
fire area. Fuel-fired equipment shall not be installed 
within a plenum. In buildings of Type I or 2 
construction, all plenums shall be noncombustible 
and shall comply with 780 CMR 2805.2. In build- 



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ings of Type 3, 4 or 5 construction, noncombustible 
plenums in accordance with 780 CMR 2805.2, 
combustible plenums in accordance with 780 CMR 
2805.3, and stud and joist space plenums in 
accordance with 780 CMR 2805.4, shall be 
permitted. 

2805.2 NoncombustiMe plenums: Plenums shall be 
constructed with noncombustible material. 
Combustible material shall not be exposed within a 
plenum except as permitted in 780 CMR 2805.2.1 
through 2805.2.6. 

2805.2.1 Pipe: Pipe shall be noncombustible 
except that plastic fire sprinkler piping in wet pipe 
systems shall be permitted where the piping has a 
peak optical density not greater than 0.50, an 
average optical density not greater than 0.15 and 
a flame spread not greater than 5.0 feet (1524 
mm) when tested in accordance with UL 1887 
listed in Appendix A . Piping shall bear the label 
of an approved agency, 

2805.2.2 Ceiling and thermal material: Thermal 
and acoustical materials and pipe insulation shall 
have a flame spread of 25 or less and a smoke- 
developed rating of 50 or less when tested in 
accordance with ASTM E84 listed inAppendixA. 

2805.2.3 Ducts: Rigid or flexible ducts and 
connectors shall conform to the mechanical code 
listed in Appendix A. 

2805.2.4 Duct coverings: Duct coverings, linings, 
tape and connectors shall conform to the BOCA 
National Mecham'cal Code listed inAppendixA. 



)5.2.S Wire: Wire shall be low-voltage or 
power-limited wire or cable. Wire shall have a 
peak optical density not greater than 0.50, an 
average optical density not greater than 0.15 and 
a flame spread of not greater than five feet (1524 
mm) when tested in accordance with UL 910 
listed in Appendix A. Wire shall bear the label of 
an approved agency and shall be marked in 
accordance with 527 CMR 12.00 listed in 
Appendix A. 

2805.2.6 Combustible pneumatic tubing: 
Combustible pneumatic tubing shall have a peak 
optical density not greater than 0.50, an average 
optical density not greater than 0.15 and a flame 
spread of not greater than five feet (1524 mm) 
when tested in accordance with UL 1 820 listed in 
Appendix A, and shall bear the label of an 
approved agency. 

2805.3 Combustible plenums: The plenum shall be 
constructed with approved material. Combustible 
material, pipe or wire exposed within the plenum 
shall be permitted. 

2805.3.1 Size: Combustible plenums shall be 
draftstopped every 3,000 square feet (279 m2) in 



area. 

Exception: Plenums shall be limited to onefire 
area without draftstopping in buildings 
equipped throughout with an automatic 
sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 
906.2.1. 

2805.4 Stud and joist spaces: The space between 
studs or joists shall not be utilized as a plenum for 
supply air. The space between studs or joists utilized 
as a plenum for return ^r shall not be part of a 
required fireresistance rated assembly. Air shall be 
removed from one floor level only. All connections 
shall hcfirestopped and draftstopped. 

780 CMR 2806.0 DRYING ROOMS 

2806.1 General: A drying room or dry kiln installed 
within a building shall be constructed entirely of 
approved noncombustible materials or assemblies of 
such materials with the required fireresistance rating 
based on the fire hazard of the contents and the 
process, as required in 780 CMR 4. 



J.2 Piping clearance: All overhead heating 
pipes shall have a clearance of not less than two 
inches (51 mm) from combustible contents of the 
dryer. 

2806.3 Insulation: Where the operating temperature 
of the dryer is 175 °F (79°C) or more, metal 
enclosures shall be insulated from adjacent 
combustible materials by not less than 12 inches 
(305 mm) of air space, or the metal walls shall be 
lined with 14-inch insulating mill board or other 
approved equivalent insulation. 

2806.4 Fire protection: Drying rooms designed for 
high-hazard materials and processes, including 
special occupancies as provided for in 780 CMR 4, 
shall be protected by an approved automatic fire 
suppression system conforming to the provisions of 
780 CMR 9. 

780 CMR 2807.0 WASTE. AND LINEN- 
HANDLING SYSTEMS 

2807.1 General: Waste (refuse) and linen (laundry) 
systems shall be installed in accordance with 
780 CMR 2807.0 and the provisions of Chapters 3 
and 4 of NFiPA 82 listed in Appendix A. 

Exception: Systems serving and contained within 
a single dwelling unit. 

2807.2 Wast© and linen chute enclosures: A shaft 
containing a refuse or linen chute shall not be used 
for any other purpose and shall be enclosed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 710.0. All openings into 
the shaft, including those from access rooms and 
termination rooms, shall be protected with approved 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AlvID STANDARDS 

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 



fireresistance rated assemblies. Such opening 
protectives shall be self-closing or automatic-closing 
upon detection of smoke, except that a heat-activated 
device for closing the opening protective betv^^een 
the shaft and the termination room is permitted. 

2S07.3 Waste and linen chute access rooms: 
Access openings for waste and linen chutes shall be 
located in rooms or compartments which are 
completely enclosed by fire separation assemblies 
having a fireresistance rating of not less than one 
hour; and openings into the access rooms shall be 
protected hy fire doors that comply with 780 CMR 
716.0. Access openings to waste and linen chutes 
shall not be located in exit access corridors or exit 
enclosures. 

2807o4 Termination room: Waste and linen chutes 
shall discharge into an enclosed room that is 
completely separated from the remainder of the 
building by fire separation assemblies having a 
fireresistance rating of not less than one hour; and 
openings into the termination room shall be 
protected hyfire doors that comply w\X\\ 780 CMR 
716.0. Waste chutes shall not terminate in an 
incinerator room. 

2807.5 Incinerator room: Where located within a 
building, incinerators shall be enclosed v^thin a 
room that is separated from the remainder of the 
building by fire separation assemblies having a 
fireresistance rating of not less than two hours; and 
openings into the incinerator room shall be protected 
hy fire doors that comply with 780 CMR 716.0. 

2807.6 Automatic fire suppression: An approved 
automatic fire suppression system shall be installed 
at the top and at alternate fioor levels in a waste or 
linen chute and in the termination and incinerator 
rooms. 

780 CMR 2808,0 REFUSE VAULTS 

2808.1 Refuse vault enclosures: A vault for 
receiving combustible refuse from an exhaust system 
shall be enclosed with fire separation assemblies 
having not less than a three-hour fireresistance 
rating. 

2808.2 Openings to boiler rooms: The opening 
between a vault and a boiler room shall not exceed 
nine square feet (0.84 m^) in area and shall be 
located at least eight feet (2438 mm) from the firing 
door of the boiler, and the bottom of the opening 
shall not be less than six inches (152 mm) above the 
boiler room floor. All openings shall be equipped 
vAihfire doors having a fire protection rating of not 
less than 1 14 hours and complying with 780 CMR 
716.0. 

2808.3 Location: Where located within a building, 
a refuse vault shall extend above the roof or shall be 



directly vented to the outer air with ducts that 
comply with the BOCA National Mechanical Code 
listed in Appendix A. 



%A Fire protection: A vault for combustible 
refuse which exceeds 360 cubic feet (10 m^) in 
volume shall be protected by an approved automatic 
fire suppression system that conforms to 780 CMR 
9. 

780 CMR 2809.0 MEDICAL GASES 

2509.1 Nonflammable medical gases: 
Nonflammable medical gas systems shall be 
designed and installed in accordance with Chapter 4 
of OTiPA 99 listed m Appendix A. 

2509.2 Anesthetic systems: Inhalation anesthetic 
systems shall be designed and installed in 
accordance v^th Chapters 3 and 4 of NFiPA 99 
listed in Append A. 

780 CMR 2810.0 OXYGEN SYSTEMS 

2^10.1 General: Noimiedical oxygen systems shall 
be designed and installed in accordance with NFiPA 
50 and NFiPA 5 1 listed in Appendix A. 

780 CMR 281 1.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS 

2@il.l Unsafe orders: All existing mechanical 
equipment and systems shall be maintained and 
operated in accordance v^ath the requirements of this 
code and the BOCA National Mechanical Code 
listed in Appendix A. Any such equipment 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 code 
oSicial to secure adequate safety. 

Note: Also see 780 CMR 3400.6. 

780CMR281Z0 POWER VENTERS 

2812,1 Power vented systems used for the vend fig 
&f comfort heating and/or comfort cooling 
&ppUances: Power venters are a portion of a 
venting system using a fan or other mechanical 
means to cause the removal of flue or vent gases 
mmder positive static vent pressure. Power venting 
of comfort heating and/or comfort cooling 
appliances may be accomplished via the use of 
power venting systems that are separately listed 
systems or are an integral part of the listed heating 
OF cooling appliances. Such listed systems are 
equipment that have been tested for intended 
design conditions by established and recognized 
agencies regularly engaged in conducting tests or 
furnishing testing/listing services. Such listed 
equipment will typically bear a plate, lobe! or other 
means of idendfication indicating the listing 
agency, conditions of operation and other pertinent 
information. 



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281 Z 1.1 Regulations of the Specialized Codes 
impacting the acceptable design, installation, 
operation and maintenance of power vented 
equipment: The Specialized Codes (780 CMR 
101.5) including 248 CMR: BOARD OF STATE 
EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS AND GAS 
FITTERS, and 527 CMR: BOARD OF FIRE 
PREVENTION REGULATIONS, and not 
enforced by Building Officials but rather 
enforced by Plumbing/Gas Inspectors and Fire 
Service Personnel, respectively, have specific 
criteria imposed on power vented appliances 
beyond those regulations included herein. 

2812.2 Automatic safe shutoff: Power venters 
shall operate in such a manner and be electrically 
connected to the comfort heating and/or comfort 
cooling appliances in such a way as to prevent the 
operation of such appliances when the power 
venter is not in operation or is not providing 
sufficient draft for the appliance being vented 

2812.3 Installation of power vented equipment: 
Power vented equipment shall be installed in 
accordance with the manufacturer's installation 
manual and instructions (typically, only personnel 
trained in the installation of such equipment are 
accepted by the manufacturer as qualified to 



install). Power venters shall be selected to match 
the venting requirements of the equipment being 
vented in accordance with the manufacturers' 
requirements. 

2812.4 Termination: The vent system shall 
terminate so that proper clearances are maintained 
in accordance with the requirements of 248 CMR 
or 527 CMR when applicable or in accordance with 
the manufacturer's listed requirements when 
248 CMR or 527 CMR are not applicable. 

2812.5 Other applications of power exhausters: 
For applications of power exhausters for other 
than the venting of comfort heating appliances 
and/or comfort cooling appliances, the 
requirements of the BOCA Mechanical Code, listed 
in Appendix A, shall apply, as well as any 
additional regulatory criteria set forth in any of the 
Specialized Codes. 

2813.0 SOLID FUEL-FIRED APPLL4NCES 

2813.1 Solid fuel-fired appliances, general: For 
requirements addressing solid fuel-fired appliances 
see 780 CMR 3610.6. 



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CHAPTER 29 

PLUMBING SYSTEMS 
(780 CMR 29 is Entirely Unique to Massachusetts) 

290L0 M.G.L c 142, § 13 provides that all 2901.1 Other Laws and Regulations: Fire 

construction, alteration, repair and inspection of protection, heating, pumping, process piping and 

plumbing and gasfitting shall be in conformance rejrigeraiion systems are required to be installed by 

with the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code contractors and personnel appropriately licensed m 

(248 CMR 2.00) and the Massachusetts Fuel Gas the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Installing 

Code (248 CMR 3.00 through 8.00), listed in Contractor). (See Installing Contractor Definition 

Appendix A, and promulgated by the Board of 780 CMR, 202,0). 
State Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



422 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 30 

ELEVATORS 
(This Chapter is Entirely Unique to Massachusetts) 

780 CMR300L0 GENERAL Elevator Regulations of the Commonwealth of 

3001.1 M.G.L c. 143, § 69 as amended, provides Massachusetts, Department of Public Safety, 
that elevators and similar equipment shall conform 

to the Elevator Regulations 524 CMR as listed in ^^^^-^ ^^""fi construction shall be in accordance 

Appendix A and promulgated by the Board of ^'^^ the applicable provisions of 780 CMR. 



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NON-TEXT PAGE 



424 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2828/97) 



CHAPTER 31 



SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 



780 CMR 3101.0 GENERAL 

3101.1 Scope: In addition to the general 
requirements of 780 CMR governing the design and 
construction of all structures, the provisions of 
780 CMR 3 1 shall control the special structures and 
construction features as herein provided. 

780 CMR 3102.0 SIGNS 

3102.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 3102.0 
shall govern the construction, alteration, repair and 
maintenance of all signs together with the associated 
appurtenant and auxiliary devices in respect to 
structural and fire safety. 

3102.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 3 102.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Sign: Any febricated sign or outdoor display 
structure, including its structure, consisting of any 
letter, figure, character, mark, point, plane, 
marquee sign, design, poster, pictorial, picture, 
stroke, stripe, line, trademark, reading matter or 
illuminating device, which is constructed, 
attached, erected, fastened or manufactured in any 
manner 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, and displayed in 
any manner out of doors for recognized 
advertising purposes. 

Closed sign: A sign in which more than 50% of 
the entire area is solid or tightly enclosed or 
covered. 

Ground sign: A sign supported by uprights or 
braces in or upon the ground surface. 
Marquee sign: Ksign attached to or hung fi-om a 
marquee, canopy or other covered structure, 
projecting fi'om and supported by the building and 
extending beyond the building wall, building line 
or street lot line. 

Open sign: A sjgw in which at least 50% of the 
enclosed area is uncovered or open to the 
transmission of wind. 

Portafok sign: A si^, 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 normally applied forces by means of its 
geometiy or character. 

Projecting sign: A display si^ which is attached 
directly to the building wall, and which extends 



more than 15 inches (381 mm) fi'om the face of 
the wall. 

Eoof sign: A sign which is erected, constructed 
and maintained above the roof of the building. 
Temporary sign: A sign constructed of cloth, 
fabric or other lightweight temporary material 
with or without a structural fi-ame intended for a 
limited period of display; including decoration 
displays for holidays or public demonstrations. 
Wall sign: Ksign which is painted on or attached 
directly to a fence or on the surface of masonry, 
concrete, fi"ame or other approved building walls, 
and which extends not more than 15 inches (381 
mm) fi"om the face of the fence or wall. 



L3 Zoning Haw: Where more restrictive in 
respect to location, purpose, size or height of signs, 
the limitations of zoning laws that affect occupancy 
of land shall take precedence over the regulations of 
780 CMR. 

Im ike absence of approved rules governing 
details of construction, the provisions of the 
applicable standards listed in Appendix A shall be 
deemed to conform to She requirements of 
7B0 CMR unless otherwise specified in 780 CMR 
SL 

Outdoor advertising subject to 711 CMR 3.00: 
Control and Restriction of Billboards, Signs and 
Other Advertising Devices (the Outdoor 
Advertising Board) as Ibted in Appendix A, and in 
accordisnce with Massachusetts Genera! Laws 
Annotated, as amended, requires approval of said 
Board prior to the issuance of a permit 

3W2A Permits and construction documents: 
Permits for signs shall be required as specified in 
780 CMR 3 102.4.1 and 3102.4.2 except as provided 
for in 780 CMR 3 1 02.4.3 . Construction documents 
shall be prepared and filed in accordance with 
780 CMR 3102.4.4 and 3102.4.5. 

3102.4.1 New signs: A new sign shall not 
hereafter be erected, constructed, altered or 
maintained except as provided for herein, and 
until a permit has been issued by the code oflScial. 

3102.4.2 Alterations: A sign shall not be 
enlarged or relocated unless such sign conforms 
to the provisions of 780 CMR 3102.0 for new 
signs, or 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 that the 
conditions of the original approval and the 
requirements of 780 CMK 3 102.0 are not violated. 



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3102.4.3 Permit exemptions: A permit shall not be 
required for the signs specified in 780 CMR 
3102.4.3.1 through 3102.4.3.5. Such exceptions, 
however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner 
of the sign from responsibility for the sign's erection 
and maintenance in a safe manner. 

3102.4.3.1 Wall signs: A permit shall not be 
required for a sign painted on the surface of a 
fence or approved building wall, or any 
nonilluminated wall sign on a building or 
structure which is not more than ten square feet 
(0.93 m^) in area. 

3102.4.3.2 Sale or rent: A permit shall not be 
required for ground signs erected to announce 
the sale or rent of property, provided that such 
signs aire not more than 25 square feet (2.33 
m^) in area. 

3102.4.3.3 Transit directions: A permit shall 
not be required for the erection or maintenance 
of a ground sign designating the location of a 
transit line, a railroad station or other public 
carrier provided that such signs are not more 
than three square feet (0.28 m^) in area. 

3102.4.3.4 Street signs: A permit shall not be 
required for ground signs erected by a 
jurisdiction for street direction. 

3102.4.3.5 Projecting signs: A permit shall 
not be required for a projecting sign not 
exceeding IVi square feet (0.23 m^) of display 
surface. 

31014.3.6 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. 

3102.4.4 Construction documents and owner's 
consent: Before any permit is issued for the 
erection of a sign, construction documents shall 
be filed with the code official showing the 
dimensions, materials and required details of 
construction, including loads, stresses and 
anchorage. The applications shall be 
accompanied by the written consent of the owner 
or lessee of the premises upon which the si^ is to 
be erected. 

3102.4.5 Identification: Every sig^ for which a 
permit has been issued and which is hereailer 
erected, constructed or maintained, shall be 
plainly marked with the name of the person, firm 
or corporation owning, erectmg, maintaining or 
operating such si^. The method and location of 
this identification shall appear on the construction 
documents filed with the code official. 

3102.5 Maintenance and inspection: Sign 
maintenance and inspection shall comply with 
780 CMR 3102.5. 1 through 3102.5.4. 



3102.5.1 Removal: The code official is 
authorized to order the removal of any sign that is 
not maintained in accordance with the provisions 
of780 CMR 3102.0. 

3102.5.2 Maintenance: All signs for which a 
pennit is required, together with all supports, 
braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair in 
accordance udth the provisions of 780 CMR 
3102.0 and 780 CMR 1. Where not galvanized or 
constructed of approved corrosion-resistant 
noncombustible materials, signs shall be painted. 

3102.5.3 Housekeeping: The owner or lessee of 
every sign shall maintain the immediate premises 
occupied by the sig^ in a clean, sanitary and 
healthfiil condition. 

3102.5.4 Inspection: Every sign shall be subject 
to inspection and approval. 

3102.6 General requirements: All signs shall be 
designed and constructed to comply with the 
provisions of 780 CMR for materials, loads and 
stresses, and with the requirements of 780 CMR 
3102.6.1 through 3 102.6.5. 

3102.6.1 Wind load: All signs shall be designed 
and constructed to withstand wind pressure as 
provided for in 780 CMR 161 1.12.2. 

3102.6.2 Earthquake load: Signs designed to 
withstand wind pressures shall be considered 
enable of withstanding earthquake loads, except 
as provided for in 780 CMR 1612.0 and 1616.0. 

3102.6.3 niumination: 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 527 CMR 
12.00 listed in Appendix A. Any open spark or 
flame shall not be used for display purposes 
unless spedfically approved. 

3102.6.4 Use of combustibles: The requirements 
of 780 CMR 3102.6.4.1 and 3102.6.4.2 shall 
apply to combustible material for signs. 

3102.6.4.1 Ornamental features: Wood or 
approved plastic as provided for in 780 CMR 
26, or other materials of combustible 
characteristics similar to wood, used for 
moldings, cappings, nailing blocks, letters and 
latticinjj, shall comply with 780 CMR 3 102.7, 
and shall not be used for other ornamental 
features of signs, unless approved. 

3102.6.4.2 Internally illuminated signs: 

Except as provided for malls in 780 CMR 
402. 14, where internally illuminated signs have 
sign facings of wood or approved combustible 
plastic, the area of such facing section shall not 
be more than 120 square feet (11.16 m^ and 
the wiring for electric lighting shall be entirely 
enclosed in the sign cabinet with a clearance of 
not less than two inches (51 nmi) from the 



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SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 



facing material. The dimensional limitation of 
120 square feet (11.16 m^) shall not apply to 
sign facing sections made from flameresistant- 
coated fabric (ordinarily known as "flexible 
sign face plastic") that weighs less than 20 
ounces per square yard (678 g/m^)and which, 
when tested in accordance with NFiPA 701 
listed in Appendix A meets the requirements of 
both the small-scale test and the large-scale 
test, or which, when tested in accordance with 
an approved test method, exhibits an average 
bum time for ten specimens of two seconds or 
less and a burning extent of 15 centimeters or 
less. 

3102.6.5 Animated devices: Signs that contain 
moving sections or ornaments shall have fail- 
safe provisions to prevent the section or 
ornament from releasing and falling or shifting 
its center of gravity more than 15 inches (381 
mm). The fail-safe device shall be in addition 
to the mechanism and the mechanism's 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. 

3102.7 Ground signs: The structural frame of 
ground signs shall not be erected of combustible 
materials to a height of more than 35 feet (10668 
mm) above the ground. In all locations, where 
constructed entirely of noncombustible material, 
ground signs shall not be erected to a height of 
greater than 100 feet (30480 mm) above the ground. 
Greater heights are permitted where approved and 
located so as not to create a hazard or danger to the 
public. 

3102.8 Roof signs: Roof signs shall comply with 
780 CMR 3102.8.1 through 3102.8.4. 

3102.5.1 Materials: All roof signs shall be 
constructed entirely of metal or other approved 
noncombustible material except as provided for in 
780 CMR 3 1 02.6.4. Provisions shall be made for 
electric grounding of all metallic parts. Where 
combustible materials are permitted in letters or 
other ornamental features, all wiring and tubing 
shall be kept free and insulated therefrom. 

3102.8.2 Bott€im ckaramc®: There shall be a 
clear space of not less than six feet (1829 mm) 
between the lowest part of the sign and the roof 
level, except for necessary structural supports. 

3102.5.3 Closed signs: A closed roof sign shall 
not be erected to a height greater than 50 feet 
(15240 mm) above the roof of buildings of 
Types i and 2 construction, nor more than 35 feet 
(10668 mm) above the roof of buildings of 
Types 3, 4 and 5 construction. 



3102.8.4 Open signs: An open roof sign shall not 
exceed a height of 100 feet (30480 mm) above the 
roof of buildings of Types 1 and 2 construction; 
and not more than 60 feet (18288 mm) above the 
roof of buildings of Types 3, 4 and 5 construction. 

3102.9 Wall signs: Wall signs shall comply with 
780 CMR 3102.9.1 and 3102.9.2. 

3102.9.1 Materials: Wall signs which have an 
area exceeding 40 square feet (3.72 m^) shall be 
constructed of metal or otiier approved 
noncombustible material, except for nailing rails 
and as provided for in 780 CMR 3 102.6.4. 

3102.9.2 Extension: Wall signs shall not be 
erected to extend above the top of the wall, nor to 
extend beyond the ends of the wall to which the 
signs are attached unless such signs conform to all 
of the requirements for roof signs, projecting 
signs or ground signs. 

3102.10 Projecting signs: Projecting signs shall 
comply with 780 CMR 3102.10.1 through 
3102.10.4. 

3102.10.1 Materials: Projecting signs shall be 
constructed entirely of metal or other approved 
noncombustible material except as provided for in 
780 CMR 3102.6.4. 

3102.10.2 MsximuESi projection: A projecting 
sign shall not extend beyond a vertical plane that 
is two feet (610 mm) inside the curb line. 

3102.103 Clearance: A vertical clearance of not 
less than eight feet (2438 mm) shall be provided 
below ail parts of projecting signs. 

3102.10.4 Additional loads: Projecting sign 
structures which will 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 not less than a 
100-pound (45.4 kg) concentrated horizontal load 
and a 300-pound (136.2 kg) concentrated vertical 
load applied at the point of assumed or most 
eccentric loading. The building component to 
lA^ch the projecting sign is attached shall also be 
designed to support the additional loads. 

3102oM Marquee signs: Marquee signs shall 
comply with 780 CMR 3102.11.1 through 
3102.11.3. 

3102oiLl Materials: Marquee signs shall be 
constructed entirely of metal or other approved 
noncombustible material except as provided for in 
780 CMR 3102.6.4. 

3102.11.2 Attachment: Marquee signs shall be 
attached to approved marquees that are 
constructed in accordance with 780 CMR 
3203.11, 



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3102.11.3 Dimensions: Marquee 5/^715 shall not 
project beyond the perimeter of the marquee. 

3102.12 Temporary signs: Temporary signs shall 
comply with 780 CMR 3102.12.1 through 
3102.12.4. 

3102.12.1 Banner and cloth signs: Temporary 
signs and banners which are attached to or 
suspended from a building, and which are 
constructed of cloth or other combustible 
material, shall be constructed in an approved 
manner and shall be securely supported. Such 
signs and banners shall be removed as soon as 
torn or damaged, and not later than 60 days after 
erection. Permits for temporary signs that are 
suspended from or attached to a canopy or 
marquee shall be limited to a period often days. 

3102.12.2 Maximum size: Temporary signs of 
combustible construction shall not be more than 
10 feet (3048 mm) in one dimension nor more 
than 500 square feet (46.5 m^ in area. 

3102.12.3 Supports: Where more than 100 square 
feet (9.3 m^ in area, temporary signs and banners 
shall be constructed and fastened to supports that 
are capable of withstanding the design loads listed 
in 780 CMR 1610.0. 

3102.12.4 Special permits: Temporary signs used 
for holidays, public demonstrations or promotions 
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. 

3102.13 Illuminated signs: Illuminated signs shall 
comply with 780 CMR 3102.13.1 through 
3102.13.3. 

3102.13.1 Certificates: All electrically 
illuminated signs shall be certified as to electric 
wiring and devices by the agency having 
jurisdiction, and all wiring and accessory 
electrical equipment shall conform to the 
requirements of 527 CMR 12.00 listed in 
Appendix A. 

3102.13.2 Additional permits: Electrical permits 
shall be issued for the erection or maintenance of 
illuminated signs. 

3102.133 Relettering signs: The requirements of 
780 CMR 3102.13 shall not apply to the 
relettering of illuminated signs, except where such 
relettering requires a change of wiring or piping 
of the sign. 

3102.14 Portable signs: Portable signs shall 
conform to all requirements for ground, roof, 
projecting, flat and temporary signs where such 
signs are used in a similar capacity. The 
requirements of 780 CMR 3102.14 shall not be 



construed to require portable signs to have 
connections to surfaces, tie-downs or foundations 
where provisions are made by temporary means or 
configuration of the structure to provide stability for 
the expected duration of the installation. 

3102.14.1 Electrical: Portable signs that require 
electrical service shall have a positive connecting 
device on the sign. Electrical service lines to the 
sign shall be protected from damage from all 
anticipated traffic. 

780 CMR 3103.0 MEMBRANE STRUCTURES 

3103.1 (General: The provisions of 780 CMR 3 103.0 
shall apply to air-supported, air-inflated, membrane- 
covered cable and membrane-cowered frame 
structures, collectively known as membrane 
structures, erected for a period of 90 days or longer. 
Those erected for a shorter period of time shall 
comply with the applicable provisions of the fire 
prevention code, 527 CMR, listed in Appendix A 
and 780 CMR 3104.0. Membrane structures 
covering water storage facilities, water clarifiers, 
water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants and 
similar facilities not used for human occupancy, are 
required to meet only the requirements of 780 CMR 
3103.3.2 and 3103.6. 

3103.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 3103.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Membrane: As it pertains to membrane structures, a 
thin, flexible, impervious material capable of 
being supported by an air pressure of 1 .5 inches of 
water column (373 P). 

Membrane structures 
Air-inilated structure: A building where the 
shape of the structure is maintained by air 
pressuiization of cells or tubes to form a barrel 
vault over the usable area. Occupants of such a 
stiuctuie do not occupy the pressurized area used 
to support the structure. 

Air-supported structure: A building wherein the 
shape of the structure is attained by air pressure 
and occupants of the structure are within the 
elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures 
are of two basic types: 

Double skin: Similar to a single skin, but v^th 
an attached liner that is separated from the 
outer skin and provides an air space which 
serves for insulation, acoustic, aesthetic or 
similar purposes. 

Single skin: Where there is only the single 

outer skin and the air pressure is directly 

against that skin. 

Cable-restrained, air-supported structure: A 

structure in which the uplifl is resisted by cables 

or webbings which are anchored to either 



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SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 



foundations or dead men. Reinforcing cable or 
webbing is attached by various methods to the 
membrane or is an integral part of the membrane. 
This is not a cable-supported structure. 
Membrane-covered cable stnscture: A 
nonpressurized structure in which a mast and 
cable system provides support and tension to the 
membrane weather barrier and the membrane 
imparts structural stability to the structure. 
Membrane-covered frame stnicturs: A 
nonpressurized building wherein the structure is 
composed of a rigid framework to support 
tensioned membrane which provides the weather 
barrier. 

Noncombustible membrane stnicture: A 
membrane structure in which the membrane and 
all component parts of the structure are 
noncombustible. 

Tent: Any structure, enclosure or shelter which is 
constructed of canvas or pliable material 
supported in any manner except by air or the 
contents it protects. 

3103.3 Comstruction requirements: Construction 
of membrane structures shall comply with 780 CMR 
3103.3.1 through 3103.3.5. 

31033.1 Type of constructaois: All 
noncombustible membrane structures shall be 
classified as Type 2C Noncombustible fi-ame- or 
cable-supported structures covered by an 
approved membrane in accordance with 780 CMR 
3103.3.2 shall be classified as Type 2C 
construction. Heavy timber fi-ame-supported 
structures covered by an approved membrane in 
accordance with 780 CMR 3103.3.2 shall be 
classified as Type 3B construction. A 
noncombustible membrane structure that is used 
exclusively as a roof and is located more than 20 
feet (6096 mm) above any floor, balcony or 
gallery, is deemed to comply with the roof 
construction requirements for Type 1 and Type 2 
construction, provided that such a structure 
complies with the requirements of 780 CMR 
3103. All other membrane structures shall be 
classified as Type 5B construction. 

3103.3.2 Membrane material: Membranes shall 
be dther noncombustible as defined by 780 CMR 
704.4, or flameresistant as determined in 
accordance with both the small-scale and large- 
scale tests in NFiPA 701 listed in Appemdix A. 

Esceptlon: Plastic less than 20 mil (500 (im) 
in thickness, used in greenhouses where 
occupancy by the general public is not 
permitted and for aquaculture pond covers, is 
not required to be flameresistant. 

3103.3.3 Applicability of other provisions: 
Except as otherwise specifically required by 
780 CMR 3103.3, membrane structures shall meet 
all applicable provisions of 780 CMR. The 



membrane shall meet the roof covering 
requirements of 780 CMR 1506.0. 

3103.3.4 Allowable floor areas: The area of a 
membrane structure shall not exceed the 
limitations set forth in Table 503, except as 
provided for in 780 CMR 506.0. 

31033.5 Maximum height: Membrane structures 
shall not exceed one story nor shall such 
structures exceed the height limitations in feet set 
forth in Table 503. 

Exception: Noncombustible membrane 
structures that serve as roof construction only. 

1.4 Inflation systems: Air-supported and air- 
inflated structures shall be provided with primary 
and auxiliary inflation systems to meet the minimum 
requirements of 780 CMR 3 103.4.1 and 3103.4.2. 

3103.4.1 Equipment requirements: The inflation 
system shall consist of one or more blowers and 
shall include provisions for automatic control to 
maintain the required inflation pressures. The 
system shall be so designed as to prevent 
overpressurization of the system. 

In addition to the primary inflation system, in 
buildings exceeding 1,500 square feet (140 m^) in 
area, an auxiliary inflation system shall be 
provided with sufficient capacity to maintain the 
inflation of the structure in case of primary system 
failure. The auxiliary inflation system shall 
operate automatically when there is a loss of 
internal pressure and when the primary blower 
system becomes inoperative. 

Blower equipment shall meet the following 
requirements: 

1. Blowers shall be powered by continuous- 
rated motors at the maximum power required 
for any flow condition as required by the 
structural design. 

2. Blowers shall be provided with inlet 
screens, belt guards and other protective 
devices as required by the code official to 
provide protection from injury. 

3 . Blowers shall be housed within a weather- 
protecting structure. 

4. Blowers shall be equipped with backdraft 
check dampers to minimize air loss when 
inoperative. 

5. Blower inlets shall be located to provide 
protection fi-om air contamination. The 
location of inlets shall be approved. 

3103.4.2 Standby power: Wherever an auxiliary 
inflation system is required, an approved standby 
power-generating system shall be pro\aded. The 
system shall be equipped with a suitable means 
for automatically starting the generator set upon 
failure of the normal electrical service and for 
automatic transfer and operation of all of the 
required electrical functions at full power within 
60 seconds of such service failure. Standby 



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power shall be capable of operating independently 
for a minimum of four hours. 

3103.5 Support provisions: A system capable of 
supporting the membrane in the event of deflation 
shall be provided for in all air-supported and air- 
inflated structures having an occupant load of more 
than 50 or where covering a swimming pool 
regardless of occupant load. The support system 
shall be capable of maintaining membrane structures 
used as a roof for Type 1 or Type 2 construction not 
less than 20 feet (6096 mm) above floor or seating 
areas. The support system shall be capable of 
maintaining all other membranes at least seven feet 
(2134 mm) above the floor, seating area or surface 
of the water. 

3103.6 Engineering design: All membrane 
structures shall be structurally designed in 
accordance with approved criteria that are developed 
by a registered design professional. 

780 CMR 3104.0 TEMPORARY 
STOUCTURES 

3104.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 3 104.0 
shall apply to tents, membrane structures and other 
structures erected for a period of less than 180 days. 
Those erected for a longer period of time shall 
comply with 780 CMR 3 103.0 or vwth all applicable 
sections of 780 CMR where 780 CMR 3103.0 is not 
applicable. 

3104.1.1 Permit required: All temporary 
structures that cover an area in excess of 120 
square feet (11.16 m^, including all connecting 
areas or spaces with a common means of egress 
or entrance which are used or intended to be used 
for the gathering together often or more persons, 
shall not be erected, operated or maintained for 
any purpose without obtaining a permit from the 
code official. Tents used exclusively for 
recreational camping purposes shall be exempt 
from the above requirements. Special permits 
required by 780 CMR shall be secured from the 
code official. 

3104.2 Construction documents: A permit 
application and construction documents shall be 
submitted for each installation of a temporary 
structure. The construction documents shall include 
a site plan indicating the location of the temporary 
structure and information delineating the meani of 
egress and the occupant load. 

3104.3 liOcation: All temporary structures shall be 
located in accordance with the requirements of Table 
705.2 based on the fireresistance rating of the 
exterior walls for the proposed type of construction. 



3104.4 Construction: Tents and air-supported 
structures shall be constructed as required by this 
code and NFiPA 102 listed in Appendix A. 

3104.5 Membrane material: The membrane 
material for all tents shall be of approved 
noncombustible material as defined in 780 CMR 
704.4; flameresistant material as determined in 
accordance with both the small-scale and large-scale 
tests in NfiPA 701 listed in Appendix A, or material 
treated in an approved manner to render the material 
flameresistant. 

3104.6 Certification: An affidavit or affirmation 
shall be submitted to the code official and a copy 
retained on the premises on which the tent or air- 
supported structure is located. The affidavit shall 
attest to the following information relative to the 
flameresistance of the fabric: 

1 . Names and addresses of the owners of the tent 
or air-supported structure. 

2. Date the fabric was last treated with flame- 
resistant solution. 

3. Trade name or kind of chemical used in 
treatment. 

4. Name of person or firm treating the material. 

5. Name of testing agency and test standard by 
which the fabric was tested. 

3104.7 Inflation pressure: Operating pressure shall 
be maintained at the design pressure specified by the 
manufacturer to assure structural stability and to 
avoid excessive distortion during high wind or snow 
loads. 

3104.8 Door operation: In high winds over 50 mph 
(80.45 km/h) or in snow conditions, the doors in air- 
supported structures shall be controlled to avoid 
excessive air loss. Doors shall not be left open 
under any conditions. 

3104.9 Means of egress: All temporary structures 
including tents and membrane structures shall 
conform to the means of egress requirements of 
780 CMR 10 and shall have a ma^mum exit access 
travel distance of 1 00 feet (30480 mm). 

780 CMR 3105.0 CANOPIES AND AWNINGS 

3105.1 General: Rigid canopies or awnings 
supported in whole or in part by members resting on 
the ground and used for patio covers, car ports, 
summer houses or other similar uses shall comply 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 3105.2 through 
3 105;4 for design and construction. Such structures 
shall be braced as required to provide rigidity. 

3105.2 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 780 CMR 16 with due 
allowance or shape, open construction and similar 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 



. features that relieve the pressures or loads. 
Structural members shall be protected to prevent 
deterioration. 

3105.3 Canopy materials: Canopies shall be 
constructed of a metal framework wth an approved 
covering, that is flameresistant as determined by 
both the small-scale and large-scale tests in 
accordance with NFiPA 701 listed in Append A or 
that has a flame spread rating not greater than 25 
when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 listed in 
Appendix A. Canopies shall be attached to the 
building at the inner end and supported at the outer 
end by not less than two stanchions, with braces 
anchored in an approved manner. The stanchions 
shall be placed not less than 44 inches (1118 mm) 
apart. The horizontal portion of the framework shall 
not be less than eight feet (2438 mm) nor more than 
12 feet (3658 mm) above the walking surface and 
the clearance between the covering or valance and 
the walking surface shall not be less than seven feet 
(2134 mm). 

3105.4 Projections: In addition to 780 CMR 3 105.0, 
awnings and canopies that are constructed in the 
public right-of-way shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 32. 

780 CMR 3106.0 PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS 

3106.1 General: An exterior elevated pedestrian 
walkway that connects buildings shall comply with 
780 CMR 3 106.0. The walkway shall not contribute 
to the building area or the number of stories or 
height of connected buildings. 

3106.1.1 Separate structures: Connected 
buildings shall be 'considered to be separate 
structures. 

Exception: Buildings on the same lot in 
accordance with 780 CMR 503.1.3. 

3106.2 Construction: The walkway shall be of 
noncombustible construction. 

Exception: Combustible construction shall be 
permitted where all connected buildings are of 
combustible construction. 

3106.3 Occupancy: The walkway shall not be 
occupied for other than low lire-hazard uses and 
only approved materials and decorations shall be 
located in the space. 

3106.4 Separation assemblies between walkways 
and buildings: Walkways shall be separated from 
the interior of the building hyfire separation walls 
with a fireresistance rating of not less than two 
hours. This protection shall extend vertically from 
a point ten feet (3048 mm) above the walkway roof 
surface or the connected building roof line, 
whichever is lower, down to a point ten feet (3048 
mm) below the walkway and horizontally ten feet 



(3048 mm) fi-om each side of the walkway. 
Openings within the ten-foot (3048 mm) horizontal 
extension of the protected walls beyond the 
walkway shall be equipped with fixed %-hour 
opening protectives. 

Exception: The walls separating the walkway 
from a connected building are not required to 
have a fireresistance rating by 780 CMR 3106.4, 
given compliance with one of the following: 

1 . Where the distance between the connected 
buildings is more than ten feet (3048 mm), the 
walkway and connected buildings are equipped 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in 
accordance with 780 CMR 906.2.1, and the wall 
is constructed of a tempered, wired or laminated 
glass wall and doors subject to the following: 

1.1. The glass shall be protected by an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 
780 CMR 906.2.1 and the sprinkler system 
shall completely wet the entire surface of 
interior sides of the glass wall when actuated. 

1 .2. The glass shall be in a gasketed frame 
and installed in such a manner that the framing 
system will deflect without breaking (loading) 
the glass before the sprinkler operates. 

1.3. Obstructions shall not be installed 
between the sprinkler heads and the glass; 

2. Where the distance between the connected 
buildings is more than ten feet (3048 mm), and 
both sides are at least 50% open with the open 
area uniformly distributed to prevent the 
accumulation of smoke and toxic gases; 

3. Buildings on the same lot, in accordance with 
780 CMR 503. 1.3; or 

4. Where exterior walls of connected buildings 
are required by 780 CMR 705.0 to have a 
fireresistance rating greater than two hours, the 
walkway shall be equipped throughout with an 
cmtomatic sprinkler system installed in accordance 
with 780 CMR 9. 

31®6.S Public way: The installation of a pedestrian 
walkway over a public way shall be subject to the 
approval of local authorities. Construction criteria 
for approved walkways shall meet the requirements 
of780CMR3106.0. 



1.6 Egress: Access shall be provided at all times 
to a pedestrian walkway that serves as a required 

exit. 



.7 Width: The unobstnicted vndth of pedestrian 
walkways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm). 
The total width shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm). 

3106.8 Exit access travel: The length of exit access 
travel shall not exceed 200 feet (60960 mm). 

Exceptions: 

1. Exit access travel distance on a walkway 

equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



system in accordance with 780 CMR 9 shall not 
exceed 250 feet (76200 mm) in length. 
2. Exit access travel distance on a walkway 
constructed with both sides at least 50% open 
shall not exceed 300 feet (91440 mm) in length. 

780 CMR 3107.0 FLOOD-RESISTANT 
CONSTRUCTION 

3107.1 General: All buildings and structures erected 
in areas prone to flooding shall be constructed and 
elevated as required by the provisions of 780 CMR 
3107.0. 

3107.2 DefiiMons: ThefoUmving words and terms 
shall for the purposes of 780 CMR 3107, and as 
used dsewhers in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein: 

A'Zones: Flood-hazard zones- all areas which 
have been determined to be prone to flooding, 
but not subject to high-velocity waters or wave 
action. 

Base Flood Elevation: The flood having a 1% 
chance of being equalled or exceed in any given 
year and shall be used to define areas prone to 
flooding, and describe at a minimum, the depth 
or peak elevation of flooding. 

Basement/cellar: Any area of the building having 
its floor subgrade (Below ground level) on all 
sides. 

Breakaway Wall: A wall that is not part of the 
structural support of the building and intended, 
through its design and construction, to collapse 
under specific lateral loading forces, without 
causing damage to the elevated portion of the 
building or supporting foundation system. 

Elevation: The placement of a structure above 
flood level to minimize or prevent flood damages. 

Flood Hazard Zones: Areas which have been 
determined to be prone to flooding but not to 
high velocity waters or wave action. (A ZONES) 

Floodproofing: Any combination of structural and 
non^structural additions, changes or 
adjustments to structures which reduce or 
eUminate flood damage to new or substantially 
improved structures. 

F.E.M.A: Federal Emergency Management 
Agency. 

Flood Insurance Rate: Flood insurance rate map 
(FIRM) means an official map of a community, 
which delineates both the special hazard areas 
and the risk premium zones applcable to the 
community. 



Flood Proofing: Any combination of structural 
and nonstructural additions, changes, or 
adjustments to structures which reduce or 
eliminate flood damage to non-residential 
structures. 

High-hazard Zones (V Zones) Areas of tidal 
influence which have been determined to be 
subject to wave run heights in excess of three 
feet or subject to high-velocity wave run-up or 
wave-induced erosion (V Zones). 

Highest Adjacent Grade: The highest natural 
elevation of the ground surface, prior to 
construction, adjoining the proposed foundation 
walls of a structure. 

Impact Loads: Loads induced by the collision of 
solid objects on a structure carried by 
floodwater. 

Lowest Floor: The lowest floor of the lowest 
enclosed area (including basement/cellar). An 
unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable 
solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or 
incidental storage in an area other than a 
basement/cellar with appropriate hydrostatic 
openings as required in 780 CMR 3107.5.3 is 
not considered a building's lowest floor. 



Manufactured Home: 
780 CMR 3502. 



See DEFINITIONS, 



Scouring: The erosion or washing away of slopes 
or soil by velocity waters. 

Special Hazard Zones: An area having special 
flood, and/or flood-related erosion hazards and 
shown on a Flood Hazard Boundry Map or 
FIRM as Zone A, AO, Al-30, AE, A99, AH, VO, 
V1.30, VE, V. 

Start of Construction: The date the building permit 
was issued, provided the actual start of 
(instruction, repair, reconstruction, placement, 
or other improvement was within 180 days of the 
permit date. The actual start means the first 
placement of permanent construction of a 
structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or 
footings, the installation of piles, the 
construction of columns, or any work beyond the 
stage of excavation or the placement of a 
manufactured home on a foundation. 

Structure: A walled and roofed building, including 
a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally 
above ground and affixed to a permanent site, as 
well as a manufactured home. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECL^ CONSTRUCTION 



Si&bstandai Improvements: Subsiantial 

Improvement means any recomtruction, 
rehabiiitation, addition, repair or improvement 
of a structure, the cost of which equals or 
exceeds 50% of the market vahte of the structure 
before the "start of construction^' of the 
improvement This term includes structures 
which have incurred "Substantia! damage", 
regardless of the actual repair work performed 
Substantial improvement does not, however, 
include either: 

L any project for improvement of a structure to 
correct existing violations of state or local- 
heabk sanitary, or safety codes which have been 
identified by the load code enforcement official 
and which are the minimum necessary to assure 
safe living conditions or 
2 isny alteration of a "Historic structure", 
provided that the alteration will not preclude the 
structure's continued designation as a "historic 
structure. " 

Note 1: The following items cam be excluded 
from the cost of improvement or repair: plans, 
specifications, survey, permits, and other items 
which we separate from or incidental to the 
repmr of the damaged or improved building, i e, 
debris removal/cartage. 

Note 2: The latest Assessors'sSmcture value may 
be used, provided thai the Assessors certify that 
said value is based on 100% valuation, less 
depreciation, 

V Zones: Areas of tidal influence which have been 
detemmned to be subject to wave run heights in 
excess of three feet or subject to kigh-^velocity 
wave run-up or wav&'induced erosion. (V Zones) 

Vammce: A grant of relief by a community and 
the Commonwealth, via the Boards of Appeal, 
from the terms of the Floodplain Management 

Regulations, 

Venting A system designed to allow flood waters to 
enter an enclosure, usually the interior of 
foundations walls, so that the rising water does 
not create a dangerous dijferential in hydrostatic 
pressure,' usually achieved through openings in 
the walk. Vents mt^ be installed in garage doors 
to satisfy this requirement, provided suck vents 
are installed consistent with 780 CMR 3107. 
The necessity of human interventiom, such as 
opening garage doors, does not satisfy this 
requirement 

310?;3 Base flood elevation: The base iood 
elevation shall be used to deine areas prone to 
flooding, and shall describe, at a minimum, the 
depth or peak elevation of flooding (including wave 
height) which has a 1% (100-year flood) or greater 
chance of occurring in any given year. 



The 100-year flood elevation shall be determined 
as follows: 

1. In Al-30, AH, AE, Vl-30 and VE, the Base 
Flood Elevation is provided on the community's 
Flood Insurance Study and the Flood Insurance 
Rate Map (FIRM). 

2. In AO zones, add the depth provided on the 
Flood Insurance Rate Map to the highest 
adjacent grade. If no depth is provided, add at 
least two feet to the highest adjacent grade. 

3. In A, A99 and V zones, the building official, 
design professional, or surveyor shall obtain, 
review and reasonably utilize and Base Flood 
Elevation Data available from a federal, state or 
other reliable sources. 

3107.4 Hazard zones: Areas which have been 
determined to be prone to flooding shall be classified 
as either flood-hazard zones (A Zones) or high- 
hazard zones (V Zones) in accordance with 
780 CMR 3107.5 and 3107.6. 

3107.5 Flood-hazard zones (A Zones): All areas 
which have been determined to be prone to flooding 
but not subject to high-velocity waters or wave 
action shall be designated as floodhazard zones. All 
buildings and structures as defined in 780 CMR 
3107.2 erected or substantially improved in 
floodhazard zones shall be designed and constructed 
in accordance with 780 CMR 3107.5.1 through 
3107.5.4. Plans for such construction or 
improvements shall be prepared by a qualified 
registered professional engineer or architect to 
emure the compliance with 780 CMR 3107.5. 

Exception: a proposed addition that triggers the 
substantial improvement requirements shall be 
constructed according to the provisions of 
780 CMR 31&7.S. However, the existing 
structure is not required to be brought into 
compliance with 780 CMR 3107. 5, provided that 
the addition IS NOT an additiomsl stofy(s) which 
relies on the support oftke'existing strucmre. 

Should the construction of an additional 
story(s) meet the substantial improvement 
definition, the existing structure shall then meet 
aU the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 3107.5. 

3107o5.1 Elevation: All buildings or structures 
erected 'v^thin a flood-ha^rd zone shall be 
elevated so that the lowest floor is located at or 
above the base flood elevation. All basement/ 
cellar ioor surfaces shall be located at or above 
the base flood elevations. 

Exceptions: 

1. Floors of occupancy in any use group, 
other than use group R, below the base flood 
elevation shall conform to 780 CMR3107.5.4. 

2. Floors of occupancies in any use group 
which are utilized solely for structure means 
of egress, incidental' storage garages and 
parking, and which are located below the base 



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433 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



flood elevation, shall conform to 780 CMR 
3107.5.3. 

3107.5.2 Anchorage: The structural systems of 
all buildings or structures shall be designed, 
connected and anchored to resist flotation, 
collapse or permanent lateral movement due to 
structural loads and stresses from flooding equal 
to the base flood elevation and shall be designed 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1615.3 and 1615.4. 

3107.5.3 Enclosures below base flood elevation: 

Enclosed spaces below the base flood elevation 
shall not be used for human occupancy with the 
exception of structure means of egress, entrance 
foyers, stairways and incidental storage. Fully 
enclosed spaces shall be designed to equalize 
automatically hydrostatic forces on exterior walls 
by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. 
Designs for meeting this requirement shall either 
be certified by a registered design professional in 
accordance with 780 CMR 3 107. 12 or conform to 
the following minimum criterion: a minimum of 
two openings having a total net area of not less 
than one square inch (645 mm^) for every one 
square foot (0. 1 m^) of enclosed area subject to 
flooding shall be provided. The bottom of all 
openings shall not be higher than 12 inches (305 
mm) above grade immediately adjacent to the 
location of the opening. Openings shall not be 
equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other 
coverings or devices unless such devices permit 
the automatic entry and discharge of floodwaters. 

3107.5.4 Water-resistant construction: 

Occupancies in any use group other than Use 
Group R shall, in lieu of meeting the elevation 
provisions of 780 CMR 3 107.5. 1, be erected with 
floors usable for human occupancy below the base 
flood elevation provided that the following 
conditions are met: 

1 . All space below the base flood elevation 
shall be constructed with walls and floors that 
are substantially impermeable to the passage of 
water. 

2. All structural components subject to 
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and 
stresses during the occurrence of flooding to 
the base flood elevation shall be capable of 
resisting such forces, including the effeas of 
buoyancy. 

3. All openings below the base flood 
elevation shall be provided with water-tight 
closures and shall have adequate structural 
capacity to support all flood loads acting upon 
the closure surfaces 

4. All floor and wall penetrations for 
plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems 
shall be made water tight to prevent floodwater 
seepage through spaces between the 
penetration and wall construction materials. 
Sanitary sewer and storm drainage systems that 
have openings below the base flood elevation 



shall be provided with shutoff valves or closure 
devices to prevent backwater flow during 
conditions of flooding. 

3107.6 High-hazard zones (V 2^nes): Areas of 
tidal influence which have been determined to be 
subject to wave heights in excess of three feet (914 
mm) or subject to high-velocity wave run-up or 
wave-induced erosion shall be classified as high- 
hazard zones. All buildings or structures erected in 
a high-hazard zone shall be designed and 
constructed in accordance with 780 CMR 3 1 07.6. 1 
through 3 107.6.4. Plans for such construction shqll 
be prepared by a registered professional engineer 
or architect to ensure compliance with 780 CMR 
3107.6 

Exception: a proposed addition that triggers the 
substantial improvement requirements shall be 
constructed according to the provisions of 
780 CMR 3107.6. However, the existing 
structure is not required to be brought into 
compliance with 780 CMR 3107. 6, provided thai 
the addition IS NOT an additional story(s) which 
relies on the support of the existing structure. 

Should the construction of an additional 
story(s) meet the substantial improvement 
definition, the existing structure shall then meet 
all the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 3107. 6. 

Note: Areas shown as V Zones on the most recent 
Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency shall be 
considered in establishing high-hazard zones. 

3107.6.1 Elevation: All buildings or structures 
erected within a high-hazard zone shall be 
elevated so that the lowest portion of all structural 
members supporting the lowest floor, with the 
exception of mat or raft foundations, piling, pile 
caps, columns, grade beams and bracing, is 
located at or above the base flood elevation. 

3107.6.2 Enclosures below base flood elevation: 

All spaces below the base flood elevation in a 
high-hazard zone shall not be used for human 
occupancy and shall be fi-ee of obstruction except 
as permitted herein: 

1. Mat or raft foundations, piling, pile caps, 
bracing, grade beams and columns which 
provide structural support for the building. 

2. Entrances and exits which are necessary for 
required ingress and means of egress. 

3. Incidental storage of portable or mobile 
items readily moved in the event of a storm. 

4. Walls and partitions are permitted to 
enclose all or part of the space below the 
elevated floor provided that such walls and 
partitions are not part of the structural support 
of the building and are constructed with insect 
screening, open wood lattice, or nonsupporting 
walls designed to break away or collapse 
without causing collapse, displacement or other 



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780 CMR; STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION 



structural damage to the elevated portion of the 
building or supporting foundation system due 
to the effect of wind loads as specified in 
780 CMR 161 1.0 and water loads as specified 
in 780 CMR 1615.0 acting simultaneously. 
Any such nonsupporting solid wall shall be 
certified as specified in 780 CMR 3 107. 12.3. 

3107.6.3 Foundations: All buildings or structures 
erected in high-hazard zones shall be supported 
on pilings or columns and shall be adequately 
anchored to such pilings or colunms. The piling 
shall have adequate soil penetrations to resist the 
combined wave and wind loads (lateral and uplift) 
to which such piles are likely to be subjected 
during a flood to the base flood elevation. Pile 
embedment shall include consideration of 
decreased resistance capacity caused by scour of 
soil strata surrounding the piling. Pile system 
design and installation shall also be made in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 
1 8 1 6.0 and 1 8 1 7.0. Mat or raft foundations which 
support columns shall not be permitted where soil 
investigations required in accordance with 
780 CMR 1802.1 indicate that soil material under 
the mat or raft is subject to scour or erosion fi"om 
wave-velocity flow conditions. 

3107.6.4 Repair or Replacement of Existing 
Foundations: Existing foundations may be 
repaired without further compliance with 
780 CMR 3107 unless She work required is 
determined to be substantial as defined herein. 

Exception: Existing foundation systems 
.which are replaced in total or which are 
replaced so as to constitute new construction 
shall meet the requirements of 780 CMR 
3107.6 regardless of whether the work 
required is substantial 

3107.7 ProtectioBS of mechainkal and dectrlcal 
systems: New and replacement electrical equipment 
and heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other 
service equipment shall be either placed above the 
base flood elevation or protected so as to prevent 
water from entering or accumulating within the 
system components during floods up to the base 
flood elevation in accordance with the mechanical 
code listed in Appendix A. Installation of electrical 
wiring and outlets, switches, junction boxes and 
panels below the base flood elevation shall conform 
to the provisions of 527 CMR 12.00 listed in 
Appendix A for location of such items in wet 
locations. Duct insulation subject to water damage 
shall not be installed below the base flood elevation. 

3107.8 Construction materiais, methods and 
practices: All buildings or structures erected in 
flood-hazard zones (A Zones) or in high-hazard 
zones (V Zones) shall be constructed with materials 
resistant to flood damage and be constructed by 
methods and practices that minimize flood damage. 



Construction materials shall be resistant to water 
damage in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR 1808.0, 1810.2,1813.4, 2307.2, 2309.1, 
231 1.4, 231 1.6 and 2503.4. 

3107.9 Mobile units: New or replacement mobile 
units to be located in any hazard zone shall be 
placed in accordance with the applicable elevation 
requirements of 780 CMR 3107.5.1 and 3107.6.1 
and the anchor and tie-down requirements of 
780 CMR 35. 

3107.10 Alterations, renovations and repairs: 
Alterations, renovations and repairs to existing 
buildings located in any hazard zone shall comply 
with all applicable provisions of 780 CMR 
Compliance with 780 CMR 3107 is not required 
unless such alteration, renovation or repairs 
constitute substantial improvements as defined in 
780 CMR 3107.2. 

Exception: Repair or replacement of existting 
foundations shall comply with 780 CMR 
3107.6.4. 

3107.11 Increases in buiSding height and floor 
fflrea: See 780 CMR 3107.5 Exception and 3107.6 
Exception. 

3107.12 Certifications: Certifications shall be 
submitted in accordance with 780 CMR 3107.12.1 
through 3107.12.3. 

3107.12.1 As-built devation certifications: A 
licensed land surveyor or registered design 
professional shall certify the actual elevation (in 
relation to base flood elevation) of the lowest 
structural member required to be elevated by the 
provisions of 780 CMR 12. 

3107.12.2 Waterresistant construction: Where 
buildings or structures are to be constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 3107.5.4, the code 
official shall require that a registered design 
professional provide construction documents 
showing proposed details of floor, wall and 
foundation support components, loading 
computations and other essential technical data 
used in meeting the conditions of 780 CMR 
3107.5.4. The construction documents shall be 
accompanied by a statement bearing the signature 
of the registered design professional indicating 
that the design and proposed methods of 
construction are in accordance with all applicable 
provisions of 780 CMR 3107.5.4. 

3107.12.3 High-hasard construction: Where 
buildings or structures are to be constructed in 
accordance with 780 CMR 3107.6, the code 
official shall require that a registered design 
professional provide construction documents 
showing proposed details of foundation support 
and connection components which are used in 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



meeting the requirements of 780 CMR 3107.6.3. 
Where solid walls or partitions are proposed 
below the base flood elevations, wall, framing and 
connection details of such walls shall be provided, 
including loading computations for the wall and 
foundation system used in meeting the conditions 
of 780 CMR 3107.6.2. The construction 
documents shall be accompanied by a statement 
bearing the signature of the registered design 
professional indicating that the design and 
proposed methods of construction are in 
accordance with all applicable provisions of 
780 CMR 3107.6. 

780 CMR 3108.0 RADIO AND TELEVISION 
TOWERS 

3108.1 General: Subject to the structural provisions 
of 780 CMR 1611.0 for wind loads and the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1510.0 governing the 
fireresistance ratings of buildings for the support of 
roof structures, all radio and television towers shall 
be designed and constructed as herein provided. 

3108.2 Location and access: Towers shall be 
located and equipped with step bolts and ladders so 
as to provide ready access for inspection purposes. 
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 
consent of the owner. 

3108.3 Construction: All towers shall be 
constructed of approved corrosion-resistant 
noncombustible material. The minimum type of 
construction of isolated radio towers not more than 
100 feet (30480 mm) in height shall be Type 4. 

3108.4 Loads: Towers shall be designed to resist 
wind loads in accordance with EIA 222-E listed in 
Appendix A. Consideration shall be given to 
conditions involving wind load on ice-covered 
sections in localities subject to sustained freezing 
temperatures. 

3108.4.1 Dead load: Towers shall be designed for 
the dead load plus the ice load in regions where 
ice formation occurs. 

3108.4.2 Uplift: Adequate foundations and 
anchorage shall be provided to resist two times 
the calculated wind uplift. 

3108.5 Grounding: All towers shall be permanently 
and effectively grounded. 

780 CMR 3109.0 RADIO AND TELEVISION 

ANTENNAS 

3109.1 Permits not required: A building permit is 
not required for roof installation of antennal 
structures not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height 



for private radio or television reception. Such a 
structure 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 installation of any antennal 
structure mounted on the roof of a building shall not 
be erected nearer to the lot line than the total height 
of the antennal structure above the roof, nor shall 
such structure be erected near electric power lines or 
encroach upon any street or other public space. 

3109.2 Permits required: Approval shall be secured 
for all roof-mounted antennal structures more than 
12 feet (3658 mm) in height above the roof The 
application shall be accompanied by detailed 
drawings of the structure and methods of anchorage. 
All connections to the roof structure shall be 
properly flashed to maintain water tightness. The 
design and materials of construction shall comply 
vdth the requirements of 780 CMR 3108.3 for 
character, quality and minimum dimension. 

3109.3 Dish antennas: An antenna consisting of a 
radiation element which transmits or receives 
radiation signals generated as electrical, light or 
sound energy, and supported by a structure with or 
without a reflective component to the radiating dish, 
usually in a circular shape with a parabolic curve 
design constructed of a solid or open mesh surface, 
shall be known as a dish antenna. 

3109.3.1 Permits: The approval of the code 
official shall be secured for all dish antennal 
structures more than two feet (610 mm) in 
diameter erected on the roof of or attached to any 
building or structure. A permit is not required for 
dish antennas not more than two feet (610 mm) in 
diameter erected and maintained on the roof of 
any building. 

3109.3.2 Structural provisions: Dish antennas 
larger than two feet (610 mm) in diameter shall be 
subject to the structural provisions of 780 CMR 
1610.0,1611.0 and 3108.4. The snow load 
provisions of 780 CMR 1610.0 shall not apply 
where the antenna has a heater to melt falling 
snow. 

780 CMR 3110.0 WINDOW-CLEANING 
SAFEGUARDS 

3110.1 General: All buildings and structures over 
50 feet (15240 mm) or four stories in height, in 
which the windows are cleaned from the outside, 
shall be provided with anchors, belt terminals or 
other approved safety devices for all window 
openings. Such devices shall be of an approved 
design, and shall be constructed of corrosion- 
resistant materials securely attached to the window 
frames or anchored in the enclosure walls of the 
building. Cast-iron or cast-bronze anchors shall be 
prohibited. 



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CHAPTER 32 

CONSTRUCTION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY 



780 CMR 320L0 GENERAL 

3201.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 32 shall 
govern encroachment and projection of structures 
into the public right-of-way. 

780 CMR 3202.0 STREET 
ENCROACBDVIENTS 

3202.1 General: Except as herein provided, a part of 
any building hereafter erected and additions to an 
existing building heretofore erected shall not project 
beyond the lot lines or beyond the building line 
where such lines are established by the zoning law or 
any other statute controlling building construction. 

3202.2 Below grade: A part of a building hereafter 
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 which are located at least eight feet 
(2438 nun) below grade shall not project more than 
12 inches (305 mm) beyond the street lot line. 

3202.3 Above grade: All projections hereafter 
permitted beyond the street lot line or the building 
line above grade shall be so constmcted as to be 
readily removable without endangering the safety of 
the building. 

3202.4 Projections necessary for safeity: In any 
specific application, the code official is authorized to 
designate by approved rules such architectural 
features and accessories which are deemed desirable 
or necessary for the health or safety of the public as 
well as the maximum extent to which such features 
shall project beyond the street lot line or the building 
line where established by statute, subject to all 
provisions and restrictions that are otherwise 
prescribed by law, ordinance or mle of the 
authorities having jurisdiction over streets or public 
spaces. 

3202.5 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 jurisdiction at will. 

3202.6 Existing encroachments: Parts of existing 
buildings and structures which already project 
beyond the street lot line or building line are not 
required to be altered until their removal is directed 
by the proper authorities Tof the jurisdiction. 



780 CMR 3203.0 PERMISSIBLE STREET 
PROJECTIONS 

3203.1 General: Subject to such provisions as are 
otherwise prescribed by law or ordinance, or by 
rules of the authorities having jurisdiction over 
streets, highways and public spaces, the projections 
described in 780 CMR 3203.3 through 3203.12.1 
shall be permitted beyond the street lot line or the 
building line. 

3203.2 Definitions: The following words and terms 
shall for the purposes of 780 CMR 3203.0 and as 
used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings 
shown herein. 

Aremvay (form of construction): An uncovered 
subsurface space adjacent to a building (see 
780 CMR 3203.12.1). 

CasrlJ kveB: 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 facmg the street lot line. 

Oris! windmv: A window projected beyond and 
suspended ftom the wall of the building or 
cantilevered therefrom (see 780 CMR 3203.7). 

3203.3 Cornices and eaves: Main cornices or roof 
eaves located at least 12 feet (3658 mm) above the 
cuEb level shall not project more than three feet (914 
mm). 

3203.4 Architectural decorations: Belt courses, 
lintels, sills, architraves, pediments and similar 
architectural decorations shall not project more than 
four inches (102 mm) where less than ten feet (3048 
mm) above the curb level, and not more than ten 
inches (254 mm) where ten feet (3048 mm) or more 
above the curb level. 

3203.5 Ornamental columns: Ornamental columns 
or pilasters, including the bases and moldings which 
emphasize the main entrance of the building, shall 
not project more than 12 inches (305 mm). 

3203.6 Entrance steps: Entrance steps and doors 
shall not project more than 12 inches (305 mm) and 
shall be guarded by check pieces not less than three 
feet (914 mm) high, or shall be located between 
ornamental columns or pilasters. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



3203.7 Oriel windows: Oriel windows with the 
lowest portion at least ten feet (3048 mm) above the 
curb level shall not project more than IVi feet (762 
mm). 

3203.8 Balconies: Balconies located at least ten feet 
(3048 mm) above the curb level shall not project 
more than three feet (914 mm), except that where the 
balcony is required in connection with a fire escape 
or exterior stairway as an element of a means of 
egress, the projection shall not exceed four feet 
(1219 mm). 

3203.9 Awnings: Retractable or fixed awnings shall 
have clearances above grade and shall be installed in 
accordance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
3105.0 and 3205.0. 

3203.10 Awning covers or boxes: Awning covers 
or boxes located at least eight feet (2438 mm) above 
the curb level shall not project more than three feet 
(914 mm). 

3203.11 Marquees: For the purposes of 780 CMR 
3203.11, a marquee shall include any object or 
decoration attached to, or part of, said marquee. 

3203.11.1 Projection and clearance: The 

horizontal clearance between a marquee and the 
curb line shall not be less than two feet (610 mm). 
A marquee projecting more than % of the distance 
fi-om the property line to the curb line shall not be 
less than ten feet (3048 mm) above the ground or 
pavement below. 

3203.11.2 Thickness: The maximum height or 
thickness of a marquee measured vertically fi-om 
its lowest to its highest point shall not exceed 
three feet (914 mm) where the marquee projects 
more than % of the distance fi-om the property 
line to the curb line, and shall not exceed nine feet 
(2743 mm) where the marquee is less than % of 
the distance fi-om the property line to the curb 
line. 

3203.113 Roof construction: Where the roof or 
any part thereof is a skylight, the materials shall 
consist of approved plastics or wired glass not 
less than Va inch thick with a single pane not more 
than 18 inches (457 mm) wide. Every roof and 
skylight of a marquee shall be sloped to 
downspouts that shall conduct any drainage fi-om 
the marquee in such a manner so as not to spill 
over the sidewalk. 

3203.11.4 Location prohibited: Every marquee 
shall be so located as not to interfere with the 
operation of any exterior standpipe, and such that 
the marquee does not obstruct tiie clear passage of 
stairway or exit discharge fi-om the building or the 
installation or maintenance of street lighting. 

3203.11.5 Construction: A marquee shall be 
supported entirely fi-om the building and 



constructed of noncombustible materials. 
Marquees shall be designed and constructed to 
withstand wind or other lateral loads and live 
loads as required in 780 CMR 16. Structural 
members shall be protected to prevent 
deterioration. 

3203.12 Vaults: Vaults below the sidewalk level 
shall not extend closer than three feet (914 mm) to 
the curb line. The construction and utilization of 
such vaults shall be subject to the terms and 
conditions of the authority or legislative body having 
jurisdiction. 

3203.12.1 Areaways: Areaways shall not project 
beyond the street lot line more than four feet 
(1219 mm), provided that every such areaway 
shall be covered over at the street grade by an 
approved grating of metal or other 
noncombustible material. 

780 CMR 3204.0 SPECIAL AND 
TEIMPORARY PROJECTIONS 

3204.1 Alliey projections: The permissible 
projection beyond street lot lines shall apply in 
general to building projections into alleyways, 
except as modified by the authority having 
jurisdiction or by special deed restriction. 

3204.2 Special permits: Where authorized by 
special permit, vestibules and storm doors shall be 
erected for periods of time not exceeding seven 
months in any one year, and shall not projea more 
than three feet (914 mm) nor more than Vi of the 
width of the sidewalk beyond the street lot line. 
Temporary entrance awnings shall be erected with a 
minimum clearance of seven feet (2134 mm) to the 
lowest portion of the hood or awning where 
supported on removable steel, or other approved 
noncombustible supports. 

780 CMR 3205.0 AWNINGS AND CANOPIES 

3205.1 Permit: A permit shall be obtained from the 
code official for the erection, repah" or replacement 
of any fixed awning, canopy or hood, except as 
provided for in 780 CMR 3205.1.1, 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 exit or exit discharge to a 
public street. 

3205.1.1 Exemption from permit: A permit shall 
not be re-quired: for the erection, repair or 
replacement of fixed or retractable awnings 
installed on occupancies in Use Group R-3 unless 
such awnings project over public property; 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 exit to a public street. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

CONSTRUCTION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY 



3205,2 Retractable awnings: There shall be a 
minimum clearance of seven feet (2134 mm) 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 shall have a minimum clearance of six 
feet nine inches (2057 mm) above the sidewalk. 
Retractable awnings shall be securely fastened to 
the building and shall not extend closer than 12 
inches (305 mm) in from the curb line. 
Retractable awnings 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. 



3205.3 Fised 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 780 CMR 3205.2 for retractable 
awnings. Fixed or permanent awnings installed 
above the first story shall not project more than 
four feet (1219 mm). 

3205.4 Canopies: Stanchions that support 
canopies shall be placed not less than two feet 
(610 mm) in from the curb line. The horizontal 
portion of the canopy framework shall not be less 
than eight feet (2438 mm) nor more than 12 feet 
(3658 mm) above the sidewalk and the clearance 
between the covering or valance and the sidewalk 
shall not be less than seven feet (2134 mm). 



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439 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



440 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 33 



SITE WORK, DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION 



780 CMR 3301.0 GENERAL 

330L1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 33 shall 
apply to all construction in connection with work 
requiring a permit for structures in accordance with 
780 CMR. 

3301.2 Other laws: Nothing herein contained shall 
be construed to nullify any rules, regulations or 
statutes of state or federal agencies governing the 
protection of the public or workers from health or 
other hazards. 

When not covered by the provisions of 780 CMR, 
454 CMR 10.00: Construction Industry Rules and 
Regulations, shall apply. 

330L3 Combustible and explosive hazards: The 
provisions of 780 CMR which apply to the storage, 
use or transportation of explosives, \\igYiy flammable 
and combustible substances, gases and chemicals 
shall be construed as supplemental to the 
requirements of the federal laws, the regulations of 
the Department of Transportation (DOTn) and 527 
CMR 13.00, Keeping, Storage, Use, Manufacture, 
Sale, Handling, and Transportation of Explosives, 
as listed In Appendix A. 

780 CMR 3302.0 CONSTRUCTION 
DOCUMENTS AND SPECIAL PERMTTS 

3302.1 Temporary construction: Before any 
construction operation is started, construction 
documents shall be filed with the code official 
showing the design and construction of all sidewalk 
sheds, temporary vehicular passageways, trestles, 
foot bridges, guard fences and other similar devices 
required in the operation. Approval shall be secured 
from the code official before the commencement of 
any work. 

3302.2 Special permits: All special licenses and 
permits for the storage 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. 

3302.3 Temporary encroachments: Sidewalk 
sheds, underpinning and other temporary protective 
guards and devices shall not project beyond the 
interior and street lot lines except where required to 
insure the safety of the adjoining property and the 
public, subject to approval. Where necessary, the 
consent of the adjoining property owner shall be 
obtained. 



780 CMR 3303.0 TESTS 

3303.1 Loading: It shall be unlawful to load any 
structure, temporary support, sidewalk bridge or 
sidewalk shed or any other device during the 
construction or demolition of any building or 
structure in excess of its safe working capacity as 
provided for in 780 CMR 16 for allowable loads and 
working stresses. 

780 CMR 3304.0 PROTECHON OF PUBLIC 

3304.1 General: Wherever 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 shall 
be provided. 

3304.2 Fences: Every excavation or area of 
construction on a site located five feet (1524 mm) or 
less from the street lot line shall be enclosed with a 
barrier not less than six feet (1829 mm) high to 
prevent the entry of unauthorized persons. Where 
located more than five feet (1524 mm) from the 
street lot line, a barrier shall be erected where 
required by the code official. All barriers shall be of 
adequate strength to resist wind pressure as specified 
in 780 CMR 1611.0. 

3304.3 Sidewalk bridge: Wherever the ground is 
excavated under the sidewalk, a sidewalk bridge 
shall be constructed at least four feet (1219 mm) 
wide, or a protected walkway of equal v»ndth shall be 
erected in the street, provided that the required 
permit for such walkway is obtained from the 
administrative authority. 

3304.4 Sidewalk shed: Sidewalk sheds shall be as 
provided for in accordance with 780 CMR 3304.4. 1 
through 3304.4.4 except where sidewalks are closed 
by the authority having jurisdiction. 

3304.4.1 Within ten feet of street lot line: Where 
any building or part thereof which is located 
within ten feet (3048 mm) of the street lot line is 
to be erected or raised to exceed 40 feet (12192 
mm) in height, or wherever a building which is 
more than 40 feet (12192 mm) in height and is 
within ten feet (3048 mm) 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. 

3304.4.2 Within 20 feet of street lot line: Where 
the building being demolished or erected is 
located within 20 feet (6096 m) of the street lot 



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780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
TPIE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



line and is more than 40 feet (12192 mm) in 
height, exterior flare fans or catch platforms shall 
be erected at vertical intervals of not more than 
two stories. 

3304.4.3 Buildings higher than six stories: 

Where the building being demolished or erected 
is more than six stories or 75 feet (22860 mm) in 
height, unless set back from the street lot line a 
distance of more than Vi of the height of the 
building, a sidewalk shed shall be provided. 

3304.4.4 Walkway: An adequately lighted 
walkway at least four feet (1219 mm) wide and 
eight feet (2438 mm) high in the clear shall be 
maintained under all sidewalk sheds for 
pedestrians. Where ramps are required, the ramps 
shall conform to the provisions of 780 CMR 33 
and 780 CMR 1016.0. 

3304.5 Thrust-out platforms: Thrust-out platforms 
or other substitute protection in lieu of sidewalk 
sheds shall not be used unless approved and deemed 
adequate to insure the public safety. Thrust-out 
platforms shall not be used for the storage of 
materials. 

3304.6 Watchman: Wherever 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. 

780 CMR 3305.0 FIRE HAZARDS 

3305.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR and of 
the 527 CMR: the Massachusetts State Board of 
Fire Prevention Regulations, listed in Appendix A 

shall be strictly observed to safeguard against all fire 
hazards attendant upon construction operations. 

3305.2 Portable fire extinguishers: Alt buildings 
under construction, alteration or demolition shall be 
provided with at least one portable fire extinguisher 
with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating at each exit on 
all floor levels where combustible materials have 
accumulated. A portable fire extinguisher with a 
minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall also be provided 
in every storage and construction shed. Additionally, 
at least one portable fire extinguisher shall be 
provided in accordance with the 527 CMR: the 
Massachusetts State Board of Fire Prevention 
Regulations, listed in Appendix A where special 
hazards, such as flammable or combustible liquid 
storage, exist. 

3305.2.1 Steam boilers: All temporary or 
permanent high-pressure steam boilers shall be 
operated, or be in charge of an individual in 
possession of a current engineers orftremans 
license in accordance with the provisions of 
M.G.LC 146 and 522 CMR the Board of Boiler 
Rules as listed in Appendix A. When such 



boilers are located within a building or within 
ten feet thereof, all such boilers shall be 
enclosed with approved noncombustible 
construction. 

3305.3 Standpipes: Standpipes required in buildings 
by 780 CMR 914.0 shall be installed when the work 
of the building progresses more than 40 feet (12192 
mm) above the lowest level of fire department 
vehicle access. The standpipes shall be either 
temporary or permanent in nature, and with or 
without a water supply, provided that such 
standpipes conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 
914.0 as to number of risers, capacity, outlets and 
materials. Access from the street to such standpipes 
shall be maintained at all times. 

3305.3.1 Height: The standpipe system shall be 
carried up with each floor and shall be installed 
and ready for use as each floor progresses. 
Standpipes shall be extended as construction 
progresses to within onie floor of the highest point 
of construction having secured decking or 
flooring. 

3305.3.2 Outlets: Hose outlets shall be provided 
with caps and attachment chains. 

3305.3.3 Fire department connections: For each 
temporary or permanent standpipe installation, 
there shall be provided, at the street level, one or 
more two-way fire department inlet connections. 
Access shall be provided to fire department inlet 
connections at all times, and such connections 
shall be prominently marked (see 780 CMR 
915.8). 

3305.3.4 Buildings under demolition: Where a 
building is being demolished 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 shall not be demolished more than 
one floor below the floor being demolished. 

780 CMR 3306.0 MAINTENANCE 

3306.1 General: It shall be unlawful to remove or 
render inoperative any structural, fire protection or 
sanitary safeguard or device herein required except 
where necessary for the actual installation and 
prosecution of the work. 

780 CMR 3307.0 HEALTH HAZARDS 

3307.1 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 authority. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SITE WORK, DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION 



3307.2 Removal of dust: Dust, sand blasts or other 
harmful agents which are used or which occur in 
construction operations shall be disposed of at or 
near the point of origin to prevent diffusion over 
adjoining premises or streets. 

3307J Protective equipment: Facilities shall be 
provided in approved closed containers for housing 
the necessary vision, respiratory and protective 
equipment required in welding operations, and in 
accordance with the regulations of the administrative 
authority. 

780 CMR 330a0 PROTECnON OF 
ADJOINING PROPERTY 

3308.1 General: Adjoining property shall be 
completely protected from any damage caused by 
the construction of a structure when the owner of the 
adjoining property permits free access to the 
structure at all reasonable times to provide the 
necessary safeguards m accordance with 780 CMR 
3310.0. 

780 CMR 3309.0 EXISTING BUILDINGS 

3309.1 Protection: All adjoining public and private 
property shall be protected from damage caused by 
construction. 

3309.2 Chimney, soil and vent stacks: Wherever a 
new building or structure is erected to greater or 
lesser heights than an adjoining building, the 
construction and extension of new or existmg 
chimneys shall conform to- the provisions of the 
mechanical code listed in Appendix A, and the 
construction and extension of soil and vent stacks 
and the location of window openings shall comply 
with the provisions of 248 CMR. 

3309.3 Adjoining walls: The owner of the new or 
altered structure shall preserve al] adjoining 
independent and party walls from damage as 
provided for herein. The owner shall undeipin where 
necessary and support the adjoining building or 
structure by proper foundations to comply with 
780 CMR 33 10.0. 

3309.3.1 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 existmg and proposed building, such 
person shall preserve the party wall from injury 
and shall support the party wall by proper 
foundations at said person's ovm expense, so that 
the wall is and remains as safe and useful as the 
party wall was before the excavation was 
commenced. During the demolition, the party wall 
shall be maintamed weatherproof and structurally 
safe by adequate bracing until such time as the 
permanent structural supports have been provided. 



3309J.2 Beam holes: Where a structure 
involving a party wall is being demolished, the 
owner of the demolished structure shall, at his or 
her own expense, bend over all wall anchors at the 
beam ends of the standing v^l and shall brick up 
all open beam holes and otherwise maintam the 
safety and usefulness of the wall. 

3309 J.3 Party wall salts: A party wall balcony 
or horizontal exit shall not be destroyed unless 
and until a substitute means of egress has been 
provided and approved. 

3309.4 Adjoining roofs: Where a new building or 
- demolition of an existing building is bemg 
conducted at a greater height, the roof, roof outlets 
and roof structures of adjoining buildings shall be 
protected against damage vdth adequate safeguards 
by the person doing the work. 

780 CMR 3310.0 BEMOLmON AND 
EXCAVATION 

3310.1 Notice of intent: The person intending to 
cause a demolition or an excavation shall deliver 
written notice of such intent to the owner of each 
potentially affected adjoining lot, building or 
structure at least one week prior to the 
commencement of work. The notice shall request 
license to enter the potentially affected lot, building 
or structure prior to the commencement of work and 
at reasonable intervals during the work to inspect 
and preserve the lot, building or structure from 
damage. 

3310.2 Protection of adjoining property: If 
afforded the necessary license to enter the adjoining 
lot, building or structure, the person causing the 
demolition or excavation to be made shall at all 
times and at his or her own expense preserve and 
protect the lot, building or structure from damage or 
injury. If the necessary license is not afforded, it 
shall be the duty of the ovraer of the adjoining lot, 
building or structure to make safe his or her own 
property, for the prosecution of which said owner 
shall be granted the necessary license to enter the 
premises of the demolition or excavation. 

3310.2.1 Removal of debris: All waste materials 
shall be removed in a manner which prevents 
injury or damage to persons, adjoining properties 
and public rights-of-vray. 

33103 Notke to the sod® ofTickl: If the person 
sausmg a demolition or excavation to be made is not 
afforded license to enter an adjoining structure, that 
person shall inunediately notify in writing both the 
code official and the owner of the adjoining property 
that the responsibility of providing support to the 
^adjoining lot building or structure has become the 
exclusive responsibility of the owner of the 
adjoining property. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



3310.4 Grading of Eot: Where a structure has been 
demolished or removed and a building permit has 
not been approved, the vacant lot shall be filled, 
graded and maintained in conformity to the 
established elevation of the street grade at curb level 
nearest to the point of demolition or excavation. 
Provision shall be made to prevent the accumulation 
of water or damage to any foundations on the 
premises or the adjoming property. 

3310.5 Utility connections: All service utility 
cormections shall be discontinued and capped in 
accordance with the approved rules and the 
requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. 

780 CMR 3311.0 RETAINING WALLS AND 
PARTTTION FENCES 

3311.1 General: Where the adjoining grade is not 
higher than the legal level, the person causing an 
excavation to be made shall erect, where necessary, 
a retaining wall at his or her own expense and on his 
or her own land. Such wall shall be built to a height 
sufficient to retain the adjoining earth, shall be 
properly coped as required in 780 CMR 1825.0 and 
shall be provided with a guardrail or fence not less 
than 42 inches (1067 nrai) in height. 

780 CMR 3312.0 STORAGE OF MATERULS 
AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 

3312.1 General: The term "construction equipment" 
shall mean the machinery, tools, derricks, hoists, 
scaffolds, platforms, runways, ladders and all 
material-handling equipment, safeguards and 
protective devices used in construction operations. 
The term "runway" shall mean an aisle or walkway 
constructed or maintained as a temporary 
passageway for pedestrians or vehicles. All 
construction materials and equipment required for 
the permitted construction shall be stored and placed 
so as not to endanger the public, the workers or 
adjoining property. 

3312 J Design capacity: Construction materials and 
equipment stored within the building, or on 
sidev^ks or sheds, shall be placed so as not to 
overload any part of the construction beyond the 
design capacity, nor interfere vdth the safe 
prosecution of the work. 



3312.3 Pedestrian walkways: Construction 
materials and equipment shall not be stored on the 
street without a permit issued by the administrative 
authority having jurisdiction. Where so stored, such 
materials or equipment shall not unduly interfere 
with vehicular traffic or the orderly travel of 
pedestrians on the highway or street. The piles shall 
be arranged to maintain a safe walkway not less than 
four feet (1219 nun) wide, unobstructed for its full 
length, and adequately lighted at night and at all 
necessary times for the use of the Public. 

3312.4 Obstructions: Construction materials and 
equipment shall not be placed or stored so as to 
obstruct access to fire hydrants, standpipes, fire or 
police alium boxes, utility boxes, catch basins or 
manholes, nor shall such material and equipment be 
located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a street 
intersection, or placed so as to obstruct normal 
observations of traffic signals or to hinder the use of 
public transit loading platforms. 

780 aVlR 3313.0 REMOVAL OF WASTE 
MATERIAL 

3313.1 General: Material shall not be dropped by 
gravity or thrown outside the exterior walls of a 
buildmg during demolition or erection. Wood or 
metal chutes shall be provided for the removal of 
such materials. Where the removal of any material 
will cause an excessive amoimt of dust, such 
material shall be wet down to prevent the creation of 
a nuisance. 

780 CMR 3314.0 STAIRWAYS 

3314.1 Temporary stairways: Where a building has 
been constructed to a height greater than SO feet 
(15240 mm) or four stories, or where an existing 
building exceeding 50 feet (15240 mm) in height is 
altered, at least one temporary lighted stairway shall 
be provided unless one or more of the permanent 
stairways are erected as the construction progresses. 

780 CMR 3315.0 UGHTTNG 

3315.1 General: All stairways and parts of 
buildings under demolition, erection or repair shall 
be adequately lighted while persons are engaged at 
work, in accordance with the provisions of 
780 CMR 1024.0 and S27 CMR 12.00. 



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CHAPTER 34 



REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION, AND CHANGE OF USE 

OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 

(780 CMR 34 is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 3400.0 SCOPE 

3400.1 General: The provisions of 780 CMR 34 are 
intended to maintain or increase public safety, 
health, and general welfare in existing buildings 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 780 CMR 34. 

3400.2 Compliance: Repairs, alterations, additions, 
and changes of use shall conform to the requirements 
of 780 CMR 34. Where compliance with the 
provisions of this code for new construction is 
required by 780 CMR 34, and where such 
compliance is impractical because of construction 
difficulties or regulatory conflicts, compliance 
alternatives as described in 780 CMR 3406.0 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 provisions of 780 CMR 34. Specialized state 
codes, rules, regulations, and laws include, but are 
not limited to those listed in Appendix A, 

3400.3 Applicability: The provisions of 780 CMR 
34 apply to repair, alteration addition or change in 
use to existing buildings which qualify to use 
780 CMR 34 (see 780 CMR 3400.3.1), 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 which results in a change in 
hazard index of one or less as determined by 
780 CMR 3403 shall comply with 780 CMR 
3404.0. 

2. Change in use group to a use group with 
liazard index of two or more greater than the 
hazard index of the existing use shall comply with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 3405,0 and the 
code for new construction. 

3. Part change In use (Mixed Use): Portions of 
the building is changed to a new use group, shall 
be separated from the remainder of the building 

. with fire separation assemblies complying with 
780 CMR 313, or with approved compliance 
alternatives. The portion of the building changed 
shall be made to conform with the applicable 
provisions of 780 CMR 34. 

4. Additions: Additions to existing buildings 
shall comply with all code requirements for new 



construction, except as otherwise provided in 
780 CMR 34. The combined height and area of 
the existing building and the addition shall not 
exceed that allowed by 780 CMR 503.0 and Table 
503 as modified by 780 CMR 504 and 506. 
Where afire wall complying with 780 CMR 707.0 
and 708.0 is provided, the addition shall be 
considered as a separate building. 

5. Ordinary repairs: Ordinary repairs confonmng 
to 780 CMR 1 10.3 (4), 780 CMR 2 and 780 CMR 
902 may be performed without a building permit. 

6. Assembly use groups: A change from any 
other use group to an assembly use group (A) or 
any alteration or change in occupancy within an 
assembly use group shall comply with the 
requirements of the code for new construction, 
except that earthquake requirements need only 
conform to 780 CMR 3408. 

6.1 Existing A=2 use means off egress: For 
existing buildings or portions thereof that are 
classified as A-2 use and which have an occupant 
load of 50 or greater; which have a single main 
exit door, such egress system shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1006.2.2.1 and the exit 
access to such single main exit door shall be sized 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1011.3. Non- 
compliance with these requirements shall be cause 
for the issuance of an Exit Order in accordance 
with 780 CMR 3400.5.1. 

As an alternative, or where construction, 
regulatory or other conditions exist which would 
preclude the installation of said main entrance/exit 
door and associated exit access, the owner shall 
cause the existing means of egress system to be 
evaluated by a Massachusetts registered architect 
or Massachusetts registered professional engineer. 
Such evaluation shall determine whether the 
existing means of egress is sufficient to 
accommodate the occupant load or whether the 
existing means of egress requires improvement to 
accommodate safely the occupant load. If the 
existing means of egress is insufficient to 
accommodate the occupant load, such inadequate 
means of egress will, as a minimum, be deemed in 
violation of 780 CMR 3400.4.1.2. Calculation 
methodologies based on alternative approaches to 
life safety may be utilized in orider to effect said 
egress evaluation. 

7. Institutional use groups: A change from any 
other use group to an institutional use group (I) or 
any alteration or change in occupancy within an 
institutional use group shall comply with the 
requirements of the code for new construction, 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



except that earthquake requirements need only 
conform to 780 CMR 3408. 

8. Residential use groups: A change from any 
other use group to a residential use group (R) or 
any alteration or change in occupancy within an 
residential use group shall comply with the 
requirements of the code for new construction, 
except that earthquake requirements need only 
conform to 780 CMR 3408. 

9. Historic buildings: Buildings which qualify 
as totally or partially preserved historic buildings 
in accordance with 780 CMR 3409 shall meet the 
provisions of 780 CMR 3409. 

10. Structural requirements: Structural require- 
ments for additions, and for existing buildings 
subject to repair, alteration, and/or change of use, 
shall be in accordance with 780 CMR 3408, 
except: 

a. Totally Preserved Historic Buildings need 
not comply with the wind load and seismic 
load requirements of 780 CMR 3408; and 

b. Partially Preserved Historic Buildings 
need not comply with the seismic load 
requirements of 780 CMR 3408. 

3400.3.1 Buildings which qualify: The 

provisions of 780 CMR 34 shall apply to existing 
buildings which have been legally occupied and/or 
used for a period of at least five years. Any 
building for which there exists an outstanding 
notice of violation or other order of the building 
official shall not qualify to use 780 CMR 34 
unless such proposed work includes the abatement 
of all outstanding violations and compliance with 
all outstanding orders of the building official. 
Buildings which do not qualify as existing 
buildings for the purposes of 780 CMR 34 shall 
comply fiilly with the applicable provisions of this 
code for new construction. 

Exceptions: 

(1) Existing buildings or portions thereof 
which are changed in use from any other use 
group to day care centers (1-2 or E) shall not 
qualify as existing buildings for the purposes of 
780 CMR 34, but shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 4, as applicable. 

(2) Existing buildings or portions thereof, 
which are changed in use from any use to a 
Group Residence, Limited Group Residence or 
Group Dwelling Unit shall not qualify as 
existing buildings for the purposes of 780 CMR 
34, but shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 4, as applicable. 

3400.4 Special Provisions for Means of Egress: 

3400.4.1 Existing Non Conforming Means of 

Egress: The following conditions, when observed 



by the building official, shall be cited, in writing 
as a violation. Said citation shall order the 
abatement of the non conformance and shall 
include such a time element as the building 
official deems necessary for the protection of the 
occupants thereof, or as otherwise provided for by 
statute. 

L Less than the number of means of egress 
ser^ang every space and/or story, required by 
780 CMR 1010.0 and Table 1010.2, or 
780 CMR 36 for one and two family dwelUngs. 
2. Any required means of egress component 
which is not of sufficient width to comply with 
780 CMR 1.009, or is not so arranged as to 
provide safe and adequate means of egress, 
including exit signage and emergency lighting. 

3400.5 Hazardous Means of Egress: 

3400.5.1 Exit Order/Hazardous Means of 
Egress: In any existing building or structure not 
provided with exit facilities as herein prescribed 
for new buildings and in which the exits are 
deemed hazardous or dangerous to life and limb, 
the building official shall declare such building 
dangerous and unsafe in accordance with the 
provisions of 780 CMR 121.0. 

3400.5.2 Appeal from exit order: Any person 
served with any order pursuant to 780 CMR 
3400.5 shall have the remedy prescribed in 
780 CMR 121. 

3400.6 Unsafe Lighting and/or Unsafe 
Ventilation: In any existing building , or portion 
thereof, in which (a) the light or ventilation do not 
meet the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 12.0 and 
(b) which, in the opinion of the building official, are 
dangerous, or hazardous, to the health and safety of 
the occupants, the building official shall order the 
abatement of such conditions to render the building 
or structure occupiable or habitable as applicable for 
the posted use and occupant load. 

In enforcing the provisions of 780 CMR 3400.6 
the building official may require or accept 
engineering or other evaluations of the lighting 
and/or ventilation systems in order to evaluate 
possible dangerous or hazardous conditions and 
acceptable solutions. 

Where full compliance with 780 CMR for new 
construction is not practical for structural and/or 
other technical reasons, the building official may 
accept compliance alternatives, or engineering or 
other evaluations which adequately address the 
building or structure livability for the posted use and 
occupant load. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 



780 CMR 3401.0 DEFINmONS 

340L1 General: Definitions shall, for the purposes 
■ of 780 CMR 340L0, have the meaning shown 
herein; 

Building System: Any mechanical, structural, egress, 
electrical, plumbing, building enclosure and/or 
fire protection system, or fire resistive 
construction system, or portion thereof. 

Building System Component: A part or portion of a 
building system. 

Compliance Alternative: An alternative life-safety 
construction feature which meets or exceeds the 
requirements or intent of a specific provision of 
780 CMR. The Building Official is authorized to 
approve or disapprove compliance alternatives. 
Compliance alternatives are only permitted for 
existing buildings. 



Existing building or structure: Any building or 
structure qualifying under 780 CMR 3400.3.1. 

Hazard Index: A numerical value, between 1 and 8, 
which is assigned to a specific Use Group in order 
to determine which of the provisions of 780 CMR 
34 apply to the proposed work on the existing 
building. The Hazard Index is a relative scale 
used only to; determine applicable provisions of 
780 CMR 34. Hazard indices are listed in Table 
3403 and Appendix F. 

Historic buildings: (a) Any building or structure 
individually listed on the National Register of 
Historic Places or (b) any building or structure 
evaluated by MHC to be a contributing building 
within a National Register or Stale Register 
District, (c) any building or structure which has 
been certified by the Massachusetts Historical 
Commission to meet eligibility requirements for 
individual listing on the National Register of 



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REPAIR, ALTERAHON, ADDITION Am CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 



Historic Places. Historic building shall b@ further 
defined as totally or partially preserved buildings. 
All entries into the totaUy preserved buflding list 
shall be certified by the Massachusetts Ifistorical 
Commission. The Board of Building Regulations 
and Standards shall ratify all buildings ©r 
structures certified by the Massachusetts 
Historical Commission to qualify for ioiaify 
preserved listing (see Appendix H). 

Partially p-eserved buildings: (a) Any bidlding or 
structure indi^dually listed on the Niiional 
Register of Historic Places or (b) any building 
or structure certified as a historic building by 
the Massachusetts Historical (Commission/t 
and not designated a totally preserved building 
m Appendix li. 

Restoration: Restoration is the process of 
accurately reconstructing or repairing the 
forms and details of a building or structure or 
portion thereof as it appeared at a particular 
period or periods of time by means of removal 
of later work/or the replacement of missing 
ori^unai woric 

Totally preserved buildings: A totally preserved 
building is an historic building or structure. 
The principal use of such a building or 
structure must be as an esdubit of the building 
or the structure itself which is open to the 
public not less than 12 days per year, although 
additional uses, original and/ or ancillary to the 
principal use shall be permitted within the 
same building up to maximum of 40% of the 
gross floor area. Totally preserved buildings 
shall be those listed in Appendix H. All entries 
into the totally preserved building Est shall be 
certified by tiie Massachusetts Historical 
Commission. The Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards shall ratify all 
buildings or structures certified by the 
Massachusetts Historical Commission to 
qualify for totally preserved listing (See 
Appendix H). 

Seismic Hazard Category: A numerical value, 
between I and 3, which is based on a proposed 
change in use, change in occupancy and cost of 
alterations in order to determine which of the 
provisions of 780 CMR 3408 apply to the 
proposed work on the existing building. The 
Seismic Hazard Category is a relative scale used 
only to determine applicable provisions of 
780 CMR 34. Seismic Hazard Categories are 
listed in Table 3408.1 

Substantial Renovation, or Substantial Alteration: 
The terms substantial renovation and substantial 
alteration are defined herein for the specific 
purpose of determining whether fire protective 
systems are required in existing buildings, when 
such buildings undergo renovations or alterations. 



diange In use or occupancy or additions. As 
Eased in 780 CMR 34, substantia! renovation or 
substantial alteration shall have the following 
mi^nings; Substantial renovation and substantial 
alteration is work which is major in scope and 
expenditure when compared to the work and 
expenditure required for the installation of a fire 
protection system, when such system is required 
by 780 CMR 9 for a particular use group. The 
building official. shaSl make such determination 
aid may request the owner or applicant to provide 
such supporting information as is necessary to 
make such determination 

780 CMR 3402.0 IMPLEMENTATION 

3402,1 BuUdIng Permit Appllentlon 
Requirements for Existing Buildings: A building 
permit shall be required for any work regulated by 

780 CMR 34. 

Eseepiion: Ordinary repairs may be performed 
without a building permit 

3402.1.1 InvestlgatloD aad evalisation: For any 
proposed work regulated by 780 CMR 34, which 
is subject to 'TSO CMR 1 16, as a condition of the 
Issuance of a building permit the building owner 
shall cause the existing building (or portion 
t^ereoQ to be investigated and evaluated in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 34 
(see Appendbc F). 

The investigation and evaluation shall be in 
sufficient detail to ascertain the effects of the 
proposed work (if any) on the structural, egress, 
fire protection, energy conservation systems and 
light and ventilation systems of the space under 
consideration and, where necessary, the entire 
building or structure. 

3402.1.2 Submittal: The results of the 
investigation and evaluation, along with any 
proposed compliance alternatives, shall be 
submitted to the building official in written report 
form. 

3402.1.3 Non Conformities and CampUance 
Alternatives: The appUcation for a building 
permit shall identify all items of non or partial 
compliance with the requirements of 780 CMR 
34, 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 30 days of the filing of the 
building permit application.- Where proposed 
compliance alternatives are, in the opinion of the 
building official, unacceptable, or where issues of 
non-compliance remain, the permit applicant shall 
have tiie remedies prescribed by 780 CMR 122.0. 

3402.1.5 DocumeniatBom of compliance 
alternatives: Whenever action is taken on any 
building permit application to repair, make 



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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 copy of the proposed compliance alternatives^ 
including applicable plans, test data, or other data 
for evaluation, be submitted to the BBRS, 
together witl^ a copy of the building permit 
^plication and the building official's decision 
regarding the proposed compliance alternatives. 

780CMR3403.0 HAZARD INDEX 

3403.1 Hazard Index:. In the implementation of the 
provisions of 780 CMR 34, the hazard index 
associated with a particular use group shall be as 
identified in table 3403 and Appendix F. In order 
to determine the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 
34 the hazard index of the existing use group shall 
be subtracted from the hazard index of the proposed 
use The algebraic difference shall be used to 
determine the applicable provisions of 780 CMR 34. 
Table 3403 
HAZARD INDEX 



USE 
GROUP^*^ 


DESCRIPTION 


HAZARD 
INDEX 
N0.<2> 


A-1 


Theater with stage 


6 


A-2 


NiehtCIub 


7 


A-3 


Theater without sta^e 


5 


A-3 


Hestaurant 


5 


A-3 


Lecture halls, recreations centers, 
museums, libraries, similar 
assembly buildines 


4 


A-4 


Churches 


4 


B 


Business 


2 


E 


Educational (K through 12) 


4 


F 


Factory and industrial 


3 


H 


High hazard 


8 


I-U 1-3 


Institutional restrained 


5 


1-2 


Institutional incapacitated 


4 


M 


Mercantile 


3 


R-1 


Hotels, motels 


2 


R-2 


Multi-fiunily 


2 


R-3 


One and two femily 


2 


S-I 


Storage, moderate hazard 


3 


S-2 


Storage, low hazard 


1 



Notes to Table 3403: 

(1 ) See 780 CMR 3 and 4 and Appendix F. 

(2) Hazard Index Modifier for selected construction 
types as follows: 

(a) When a building is classified in construction Type 
1 A, 1 B, 2A, or 2B, subtract one from the Hazard index 
shown in Table 3403 for the applicable proposed new 
use group only. 

(b) When a building is classified in construction Type 
2C or 5B, add one to the Hazard index shown in 
Table 3403 for the applicable proposed new use group 
only. Exception: Partially Preserved Historic 
Buildings (780 CMR 3409). 



780cmr3404.0 requirements for 

conthnuation ofthe same use 

group or change to a kse group 

resulting in a change in a4z4ad 

j7vd£x of one or less 

3404.1 General: The requirements of 780 CMR 
3404.0 and iapplicable provisions of 780 CMR 3408 
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 
of one or less hazard index (Table 3403). 

3404.2 Requirements exceeding those required 
for new construction: Existing buildings \Mz\i, in 
part or as a whole, exceed the requirements of 
780 CMR may be altered, in the course of 
compliance with 780 CMR 34, so as to reduce or 
remove, in part or completely, features not required 
by this code for new construction. 

Exception: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 148, § 27A, 
fire protection devices, shall not be disconnected 
(temporaicily or permanently), obstructed, 
removed or shut off or destroyed without first 
procuring a written permit firom the head of the 
local fire department. 

34043 New building systems: Any new building 
system or portion thereof shall conform to 780 CMR 
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 unless specifically required by 
780 CMR 3408 

3404.4 Alterations and repairs: Alterations or 
repairs to existing buildings which maintain or 
improve the performance of the building may be 
made with ^e same or like materials, unless 
required otlierwise by 780 CMR 3408. Alterations 
or repairs which have the effect of replacing a 
building system as a whole shall comply with 
780 CMR 3404.3 

3404.5 Number of Means of Egress: Every floor or 
story of any existing building shall provide at least 
the number of means of egress as required by 
780 CMR 3400.4 and which are acceptable to the 
building official. 

3404.6 Capacity of exits: All required means of 
egress shall comply with 780 CMR 1009.0. Existing 
means of egress may be used to contribute to die 
total egress capacity requirement based on the imit 
egress widths of 780 CMR 1009.0. 

3404.7 Exit signs and lights; Exit signs and 
lighting shall be provided in accordance with 
780 CMR 1023.0. 



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3404.8 Means of egress lighting: Means of egress 
lighting shall be provided in accordance with 
780 CMR 1024.0. 

3404.9 Height and Area iiimitations: The height 
and area requirements of 780 CMR 5 shall apply to 
existing buildings when such existing buildings are 
modified by addition and/or change in use. 
Modifications to the height and area requirements as 
provided in 780 CMR 504.0 and 506.0 are permitted. 

3404.10 Existing Fire and party walls: No further 
compliance is required with 780 CMR 707.0. The 
height above the roof of existing fire, party and 
exterior walls need not comply with 780 CMR 
3404.0 

3404.11 Fire Protection Systems: Fire Protection 
Systems: Design, installation and maintenance of 
fire protection systems shall, be provided in 
accordance with 780 CMR 3404.3 and 780 CMR 

3404.12 as applicable. 

3404.12 Fire protection systems are required for 
the following cases: 

1 . Additions where required by 780 CMR 9.0 for 
the specific use group. 

2. For existing buildings and additions to existing 
buildings, where required by 780 CMR 9 or 
where required by 780 CMR 506 to satisfy height 
and area requirements. 

3. Existing buildings, or portions thereof which 
are substantially altered or substantially 
renovated, and where otherwise required by 
780 CMR 9.0 for the specific use group. 

4. Existing buildings or portions thereof when 
changed in use to an A-2 occupancy shall be 
protected with an automatic fire suppression 
system. Where the A-2 occupancy is created in a 
mixed-use building, the A-2 occupancy, including 
all ingress and egress portions shall require 
automatic fire suppression when the A-2 occupant 
load is 50 or greater; additionally in such mixed 
use, the A-2 occupancy shall be separated from 
adjacent uses by one hour horizontal and vertical 
fire separation assemblies in accordance with 
780 CMR 709. 

Note: Notwithstanding the provisions of 
780 CMR 3404.12, automatic Fire Suppression 
systems are required in municipalities which have 
adopted the provisions of M.G.L. c. 148, § 26G, H 
or I; also see M.G.L. c. 143, § 97A, M.G.L. 
c. 148, § 26G'/2 and M.G.L. c. 148A relative to 
statutory prospective and retroactive sprinkler 
requirements for nightclubs and similar USES. 

3404.13 Enclosure of stairways: Open stairways 
are prohibited except in one- and two-family 
dwellings or unless otherwise permitted by , 



780 CMR 10. 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 minimum 
fireresistance rating of one 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 provisions of 780 CMR 9. 

3404.14 Assembly Use Groups: Notwithstanding 
the provisions of 780 CMR 3404, Assembly Use 
Groups shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 3400.3, item 6. 

3404.15 Institutional Use Groups: Notwithstanding 
the provisions of 780 CMR 3404, Institutional Use 
Groups shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 3400.3, item 7. 

3404.16 Residential Use Groups: Notwithstanding 
the provisions of 780 CMR 3404, Residential Use 
Groups shall comply with the provisions of 
780 CMR 3400.3, item 8. 

3404.17 Fire hazard to adjacent buildings: Any 
proposed change in the use or occupancy of an 
existing building which has the effect of increasing 
the fire hazard to adjacent buildings shall comply 
with the requirements of Table 705.2 for exterior 
wall fire resistance rating requirements, or with 
approved compliance alternatives. 

3404.18 Accessibility for Persons with 
Disabilities: Accessibility requirements shall be in 
accordance with 521 CMR as listed in Appendix A. 



^ Energy Conservation: Energy 
conservation requirements shall be in accordance 
with 780 CMR 3407.0. 

780 CMR 3405.0 REQUIREMENT FOR 

CHANGE IN USE GROUP TO TWO OR 

MORE HAZARD INDICES GREATER 

3405.1 General: When the existing use group is 
changed to a new use group of two or more hazard 
indices higher (as provided in Table 3403), the 
existing building shall conform to the requirements 
of the code for new construction, except as provided 
in 780 CMR 3408 or as otherwise allowed in 
780 CMR 3407.0. 

3405.2 Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: 
Accessibility requirements shall be in accordance 
with 521 CMR as listed in Appendix A. 



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780 CMR 3406.0 COMPLIANCE 
ALTERNATIVES 

3406.1 General: Where compliance with the 
provisions of the code for new construction, required 
by 780 CMR 34, is impractical because of 
construction difficulties or regulatory conflicts, 
compliance alternatives may be accepted by the 
building official. 

Examples of compliance alternatives which have 
been used are provided in Appendix F. The 
building official may accept these compliance 
alternatives or others proposed, 

3406.2 Documentation: In accordance with 
780 CMR 3402. 1.5, the building official shall ensure 
that the BBRS is provided with information 
regarding compliance alternatives accepted or 
rejected by the building official. 

780 CMR 3407.0 ENERGY PROVISIONS 

FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS 
Implementation date: Note that commencing 
January 1, 1999, replacement windows for existing 
low-rise residential buildings are required to have a 
maximum thermal transmittance of 0.44 and such 
windows must be NFRC listed/labeled. 

Exception 1: Criteria for NFRC listing/labeling 
and maximum U-0.44 are not required if the 
existing window (s) are true divided light (i.e. - 
single thickness multi-pane sashes with structural 
muntin bars) and being replaced with "like kind" 
units. This Exception additionally requires that a 
storm window be installed over the replacement 
window. The storm window may be installed 
internally, externally, or integrated with the 
primary window. 

Exception 2: Criteria for NFRC listing/labeling 
and maximum U-0.44 are not required for 
basement windows with a unit height up to 24 
inches, whether or not the basement is a 
conditioned space. 

3407.1 General: 780 CMR 3407.0 establishes the 
energy provisions for existing buildings governed by 
780 CMR 3404.0 or 780 CMR 3405.0. 

3407.2 Compliance: Alterations to any building 
component affecting the energy conservation 
performance of an existing building shall comply 



with the applicable requirements of:: 

(a) 780 CMR, Table 3407 (COMPONENT 
VALUES FOR ALTERED ELEMENTS) and all 
applicable subsections of 780 CMR 13.0, or: 

(b) 780 CMR 1304.2 for thermal envelope 
requirements and all other applicable requirements 
of 780 CMR 13.0, or: 

(c) 780 CMR 1304.5 for thermal envelope 
requirements and all other applicable requirements 
of780CMR13.0,or: 

(d) 780 CMR 1309, or: 

(e) 780 CMR Appendix J, as applicable. 

3407.3 Exempt buildings: Refer to 780 CMR 

1 30 1 .4 for thermally exempt buildings and780 CMR 
1308.1 for lighting exemptions. 

3407.4 Compliance exceptions 

3407.4.1 Fenestration: When alterations to a 
wall assembly include only altering the 
fenestration component, the areas of fenestration 
may be decreased or replaced with an opaque wall 
element made to comply with the thermal 
transmittance value of the existing wall, 

3407.4.2 Ordinary repairs: Ordinary repairs 
need not comply with the energy provisions. 

Note that in the repair of broken windows, 
broken doors or. broken skylights, like-kind 
replacement shall be allowed, but the complete 
replacement of windows, doors or skylights in 
an existing building shall require compliance 
with the applicable requirements of 780 CMR 
3407.2. Any window replacement that 
includes new jambs or new jamb liners does 
not qualify as an "ordinary repair," and such 
replacement is subject to the energy 
performance criteria of 780 CMR, 3407.2. 

3407.4.3 Roofs: Comphance of the roof/ceiling 
assembly is not required unless the existing 
roofing material is stripped off the roof deck. 
However, if a structural analysis by a registered 
professional engineer shows that the roof will not 
support the additional live loads imposed by 
compliance 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. 



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TABLE 3407 
COMPONENT VALUES FOR ALTERED ELEMENTS 



WALLS 

Foundation Walls 
Including Band 

Roo&Ceiling Assembly 



All wall construction containing heated or mechanically cooled space 



Containing heated or mechanically cooled space 
Containing unhealed space 



Wood plank and beam construction containing heated or 
mechanically cooled space 



Roof/Ceiling Assembly 




U-0.08 

U-0.08 
U-0.17 



6^ 

4 




Note 1. Wood plank and beam assemblies are constructions in which the finished interior surface is the underside of 
the roof deck. 

Note 2o For existing low-rise residential buildings, commencing January 1, 1999, the maximum allowed thermal 
transmittance of replacement windows, with or without a storm window, shall be 0.44 and such windows and window 
with storm window combinations will be NFRC listed labeled. For all other existing building types (commercial/high- 
rise), window thermal transmittance requirements shall conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 13 generally and 
780 CMR 1304.2 or 1304.5 or 1309, as applicable. Refer also to 780 CMR 3407.0 Exceptions 1 and 2. 
Note 3. Insulation may be omitted from floors overunheated areas when foundation walls are provided with a U value 
ofO.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 So Refer to 780 CMR Appendix J Table J4.3.2 for allowable air infiltration rates for residential doors and 
windows. Allowable rate for commercial doors is 1 1 cfin/lin. ft of operable sash crack. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 

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 components which are altered shall comply with the 

component values in Table 3407. The extent of wall made to comply shall be equivalent to the decreased opaque wall 

area. 

Note 8. When any alterations to the exterior wall component exposes the wall cavity or, when a fmished system is 

added to a wall having no cavity, the wall must comply with the values in Table 3407. 

Note 9. When mechanical system compliance is required on an existing system, only the portions of the system altered 

and any other portions which can reasonably be incorporated need comply. 



780 CMR 3408.0 STRUCTURAL 

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING 

BUILDINGS 

3408.1 General Requirements: 

3408.LJ1 Buildings Constructed on or after 
January 1, 1975: The structural systems of 
existing buildings which were constructed under 
a building permit issued on or afler January 1, 
1975 shall conform to the requirements for new 
construction of either the current edition of 
780 CMR (the Massachusetts State Building 
Code), or to the edition in effect on the date of the 
permit plus applicable provisions of 780 CMR 
3408.0 of the current edition of the code. 
Provisions of 780 CMR 3408.0 which are less 
stringent than the code in effect on the date of the 
permit shall not apply. 

3408.1.2 Buildings Constructed prior Xq 
January 1, 1975: The structural systems of 
existing buildings constructed under a building 
permit issued prior to January 1, 1975 shall 
conform to 780 CMR 3408.0 and the building 
code applicable at the time of the original building 
permit. In the event of conflict between the prior 
code and 780 CMR 3408.0, the provisions of 
780 CMR 3408.0 shall govern. 

3408oL3 Structural Engineering Services: For 
buildings subject to construction control, as 
determined in 780 CMR 116, the Owner shall 
retain a registered professional engineer qualified 
in the structural design of buildings (hereinafter 
called the structural engineer) to perform all 
structural engineering required by 780 CMR. For 
purposes of determining applicability of 
construction control, the volume of enclosed 
space shall include the entire existing building 
and all proposed additions. (See 780 CMR 1 16. 1 
for buildings exempt from construction control.) 

3408.2 Evaluation of Existing Buildings: The 
structural engineer shall make a structural evaluation 
of the existing building to determine the adequacy of 
all structural systems that are affected by alteration, 
addition, change of use, or damage to be repaired. 
The evaluation shall include review of relevant 
available documentation about the building design 
and construction, a field investigation of the existing 
conditions, and a structural analysis. When deemed 
necessary by the structural engineer, the evaluation 
shall also include detailed field surveys, testing, and 



laboratory analysis. Refer to 780 CMR F-104 in 
Appendix F. When new structural elements or 
strengthening of existing elements is necessary, the 
evaluation shall include the effects of such new 
elements and strengthening. A report on the 
structural evaluation shall be submitted to the 
building official with the application for the building 
permit. 

3408.2.1 Field Iravestigation: The field 
investigation of an existing building shall be 
sufficient to determine the location, size, details, 
and conditions of existing structural elements, and 
to verify structural information on the drawings of 
the existing building, if said drawings exist. 

3408.2.2 Structural Analysis: The structural 
analysis shall include analysis of all structural 
systems affected by the proposed alteration, 
addition, change in use or repair, or for which 
design loads are specified in 780 CMR 3408, and 
shall be adequate to demonstrate the ability of 
new and existing systems to support the required 
loads. 



3408.2.3 Field Observations 
Construction: The structural engineer shall make 
periodic field visits during the progress of the 
construction work on the existing building in 
order to observe and verify the assumed 
conditions on which the structural design was 
based, and shall modify the design should the 
observed conditions differ in any significant 
manner fi-om those on which the structural design 
was based. The structural engineer shall provide 
a written notification to the building official of 
changes to the contract documents as shown on 
the permit application. 



.4 Geotechnicai 
Explorations shall be performed as necessary to 
determine the subsoils and the type and condition 
of existing foundations for the lateral load 
analysis of foundations required in 780 CMR 
3408.3.4 and for the liquefaction evaluation 
required in 780 CMR 3408.7. 

3408.3 General Structinral Design Requirements: 
The provisions of 780 CMR 3408.3 shall apply to 
the structural analysis and design of additions, 
alterations, changes in use, and repairs to existing 
buildings. Specific requirements for additions, and 
for alterations or changes of use, or repairs are 
prescribed in 780 CMR 3408.4 and 3408.5 



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respectively. Additional requirements for 

earthquake analysis and design are prescribed in 
780 CMR 3408.6. 

3408.3.1 New Structural Members and 
Systems: All new structural elements and 
systems, whether in new additions or in existing 
construction, shall be designed and constructed in 
accordance with the code requirements for new 
construction using the loads and criteria specified 
in 780 CMR 3408.0. 

3408.3.2 Existing Structural Members and 
Systems: Strength of existing systems, elements, 
and connections shall be determined in 
accordance with current accepted en^neering 
practice, using the actual strength and other 
physical properties of the existing materials. 
Alternatively, except for earthquake design, 
applicable design codes at the time of 
construction may be used to determine the 
strength of existing systems, elements and 
connections, provided that the allowable stresses 
specified in those codes are not exceeded, and 
provided the applicable provisions of those codes 
have not since been found to endanger public 
safety. 

3408.3.2.1 Strength of Existing Materials: 

The strength of existing materials shall be 
determined by tests or from generally accepted 
historical records. 

3408.3.2.2 Reuse of Existing Structural 
Members: Existing structural members in 
sound structural condition may be reused, 
providing analysis in accordance with 
780 CMR 3408.3.2 demonstrates adequate 
capacity to support the loads required by 
780 CMR 3408.0. 

3408.33 Reinforcement and Repair of Existing 
Construction: Repair or reinforcement of 
existing structural elements or systems shall be 
designed and constructed in accordance with the 
code requirements for new construction, using the 
loads and criteria specified in 780 CMR 3408.0, 
and in the case of existing materials, using the 
actual physical properties of the existing 
materials. Alternatively, for other than 
earthquake design, design codes applicable at the 
time of construction of the existing building may 
be used, provided that the allowable stresses 
specified in those codes are not exceeded, and 
provided the applicable provisions of those codes 
have not since been found to endanger public 
safety. 

3408.3.4 Lateral Load Analysis: Lateral load 
analysis of a building required by the provisions 
of780 CMR 3408.0 shall: 

1. Consider all walls, frames, diaphragms, and 
other structural elements that may contribute to 
lateral load resistance. 



2. Consider eccentricity of center of applied 
wind load from center of rigidity of the 
structure. 

3. Consider relative stiffnesses of resisting 
elements. 

4. Consider flexibility of diaphragms where 
appropriate. 

5. Include calculations of total lateral 
earthquake force as prescribed in 780 CMR 
3408.6.1. 

6. Include calculations of distribution of 
lateral earthquake force as in 780 CMR 
1612.5.2, of horizontal torsional moments as in 
780 CMR 1612.5.3, of overturning as in 
780 CMR 1612.5.4, and of lateral forces on 
foundations and retaining walls as in 780 CMR 
1612.4.9. 

3408.3.5 Existing Lateral Load Capacity: 

Alterations shall not be made to elements or 
systems contributing to the lateral load resistance 
of a building which would reduce their capacity to 
resist lateral loads, unless a structural analysis 
conforming to 780 CMR 3408.3.4 shows: 

1 . That the lateral load resisting system of the 
building as altered conforms to 780 CMR 
1611.0 and 1612.0 of the code for new 
constmction, or 

2. That the lateral load resisting system as 
altered conforms to all applicable minimum 
load requirements of 780 CMR 3408, and that 
there is no reduction in the lateral load capacity 
of the building as a whole. 

Existing elements or systems may be reinforced or 
replaced with new elements or systems of 
equivalent strength and stiffness, in order to meet 
these requirements. 

A building which complies with 780 CMR 
1611.0 and 1612.0 except that the lateral load 
resisting system does not conform to the detailing 
requirements of 780 CMR 19 through 23 for the 
structural materials and seismic load resisting 
system employed, may be considered to be in 
compliance with 780 CMR 3408.3.5 if the lateral 
load resisting system can safely resist a lateral 
force calculated in accordance with the formulae 
in 780 CMR 1612.4, but with lateral force factors 
(R) and force modification factors as stipulated in 
Tables 3408.2 and 3408.3, respectively. 

3408.3.6 Load Combinations: The loads 
specified in 780 CMR 3408.0 shall be combined 
in accordance with 780 CMR 1616.0. 

3408.3.7 Live Load Reduction: Live loads 
specified in 780 CMR 3408.0 may be reduced as 
permitted in 780 CMR 1608.0. 

3408.3.8 Deficient or Damaged Structural 
Members: Existing structural members that are 
found to be deficient or damaged, either prior to 
or during an alteration or addition, shall be 
repaired, replaced, or reinforced so that their load 



452 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CflANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 



capacities confonn to the requirements of 
780 CMR 3408.5. Existing structural members 
shall be considered deteriorated or damaged if 
their capacity is less than 85% of the strength 
required by 780 CMR 3408.1.1 or 3408. L2, as 
applicable. 

3408o4 Additions: 

3408.4 J Live, Dead, Snow and Special Loads: 
Additions shall be designed to support the live 
load, dead, snow and special loads specified in 
780 CMR 1605.0 through 1610.0 and 1613.0 
through 1615.0, inclusive. Where additions are 
supported on existing construction, the existing 
structural elements shall be reinforced or 
replaced, if necessary, to support these loads. 

3408.4.1.1 Snow Drifts and Sliding Snow: 
Where the geometry of an addition may cause 
snow drifting or sliding snow on existing 
adjacent construction, the affected existing 
construction shall be reinforced so that it will 
support the snow loads specified in 780 CMR 
1610.0. 

3408.4.2 Wind Loads: 

3408.4.2.1 Structure-As-A-Whole: When the 
aggregate of all additions made to a building 
since January 1, 1975 produce effects due to 
the wind loads specified in 780 CMR 1611.0 
that are more than 10% of the capacity of the 
existing lateral load resisting system of the 
building, a lateral load resisting system shall be 
provided so that the stmcture=as-a-whole will 
resist the wind loads specified in 780 CMR 
161 1 .0. When such effects due to wind are less 
than 10% of the capacity of the existing lateral 
load resisting system, a lateral load resisting 
system shall be provided, where necessary, so 
that the structure-as-whole will resist the wind 
loads specified for Exposure A in 780 CMR 
1611.0. Where portions of a building are 
structurally independent, the above 
requirement shall af^iy to each structurally 
independent portion. 

3408.4.2.2 Walls and Roofs: New parts of 
enclosure walls and roofs that are subjected 
directly to the wind, and their local supporting 
structural elements, shall be designed to resist 
the wind loads specified in 780 CMR 1611.0. 
Existing local supporting structural elements of 
enclosure walls and roofs that are not altered 
need not comply with 780 CMR 161L0. 

340$.4J Earthquake Loads: All new materials 
and portions of the structure shall conform to all 
applicable provisions of 780 CMR 1612.0. 
Compliance of existing portions of the structure to 
780 CMR 1612.0 is not required, except as 
stipulated in 780 CMR 3408.4.3. 1 and 3408.4.3.2. 



3408.4J.i Stnictiarally Separated Additions: 
Additions which are structurally separated 
fi'om the existing portion of the building in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1612.4.8 shall be 
considered as separate structures for 
earthquake design purposes, and shall conform 
to all provisions of 780 CMR 1612.0. Existing 
portions of the structure need conform only to 
780 CMR 3408.5. 

3408.4.3.2 Additions Not Structurally 
Separated: Existing portions of buildings with 
new additions which are not structurally 
separated from the existing structure shall meet 
the following seismic design criteria: 

1 . If both the area and the weight of the 
building are increased by less than 10%, 
earthquake resistance of the existing portion 
of the building need only comply with 
requirements of 780 CMR 3408.3.5. 

2. If either the area or weight of the building 
is increased by 10% or more, but neither is 
increased by more than 100%, the following 
seismic design criteria shall apply: 

a. The structure shaU be designed to resist 
a percentage of the base earthquake force, 
calculated in accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 3408.6. 1. 1, not 
less than that given in Figure 3408 . 1 . 
h. Existing structural elements not 
conforming to the detailing requirements of 
780 CMR 19 through 23 may be 
considered effective in resisting lateral 
seismic loads, providing that their design 
seismic force is calculated in accordance 
with 780 CMR 3408.6.1. 
c. The existing building shall be 
investigated for the presence of special 
earthquake hazards as described in 
780 CMR 3408.6.3, and all such hazards as 
are present shall be corrected in accordance 
with the provisions of 780 CMR 3408.6.3. 

3. Ifeither the area or weight of the building 
is increased by more than 100%, the structure 
as a whole shall comply with the code for 
new construction. Existing elements that do 
not confonn to the requirements of 780 CMR 
19 through 23 shaU not be considered 
effective in resisting lateral seismic loads. 

4. For the purposes of 780 CMR 3408.4.3.2, 
"area" shall mean the total of all gross floor 
and roof areas supported by the building 
structure, and "weight" shall have the same 
meaning as "W as defined in 780 CMR 
1612.5.1. Percentage changes in building 
area and weight shall be calculated by 
dividing the total area or weight of the 
structure after the proposed addition by the 
total area and weight existing five years prior 
to the date of the current building permit 
application. 



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453 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Figure 3408.1 

MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF LATERAL 

EARTHQUAKE LOAD 



Percent Increase in 
Weight or Area 


Percentage of Lateral 
Force from 3408.6.1 


10 


40 


20 


50 


30 


60 


40 


70 


50 


80 


60 


90 


70 


100 


80 


100 


90 


100 


100 


100 



3408.4.4 Change in Use: If an addition is 
accompanied by a change in use, the more 
stringent requirements for addition or change in 
use shall apply. 

FIGURE 3408.1 

MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF LATERAL 

EARTHQUAKE LOAD 




20 30 40 so 60 70 

Pircsnt Incmse kiViteigM xAm 



90 100 



3408.5 Alterations, Repairs and Changes of Use: 

The following requirements apply to existing 
buildings which are altered or repaired, or for which 
there is a change of use. 

3408.5.1 IFIoor Loads: Except as provided in 
780 CMR 3408.5.2, the load capacity of all floors 
affected by alterations, repairs or changes in use 
shall be adequate to support the loads required by 
780 CMR 1605.0 through 1608.0, 1613.0 and 
1614.0, inclusive, or the floors shall be reinforced 
or replaced with new structural members. 

3408.5.2 Posted Live Load: Except for Use 
Groups, F, I, and S, any existing building in 
which a new use requires greater live loads may 
be posted for the originally approved live loads, 
provided that the use is controlled in a way 
acceptable to the buUding official, and so that the 
public safety is not endangered thereby. 

3408.5J3 V^ind Loads: The wind load capacity of 
the structure-as-whole shall not be less than that 
required for Exposure A in 780 CMR 1611.00. 
The existing lateral load resisting system shall be 
reinforced or new lateral load resisting elements 
or systems shall be added, as necessary, to meet 
this requirement. 

Exceptiion: The building official may waive 
this requirement if the alterations are minor 
and if there is not change in use, and if the 
structural engineer certifies that there are no 
alterations to structural elements. 

3408.5.4 Earthquake Loads: 

3408.5.4.1 Seismic Hazard Category for 
Existing Buildings: The Seismic Hazard 
Category for existing buildings shall be 
determined from Table 3408.1 on the basis of 
the proposed, change in use, change in 
occupancy and cost of alterations. 



Table 3408.1 
SEISMIC HAZARD CATEGORY 



CHANGE IN USE 



(1) 



Occupancy increased by more than 25% and to 

a total occupancy of 100 or more; or total cost 

of alterations exceeds 50% of the assessed 

(2) 
valuation of the building. 



CHANGE IN OCCUPANCY OR COST OF ALTERATIONS 



All other changes in occupancy, and 

total cost of alterations less than or equal 

to 50% of assessed valuation of the 

(2) 
buildinp. 



Change from Use Group with Hazard 
Index less than 4 to Use Group with 
Hazard Index of 4 or greater, or 
Seismic Hazard Exposure Group m 
per Table 1612.2.5. 




All other changes in Use Group, or no 
change in Use Group. 



,(3) 



(3) 



Note 1. Refer to Table 3403 and Appendix F, Table F-1 for the Hazard Index of any use group. Adjustments to the 
Hazard Index indicated in the footnotes to Table 3403 shall not be s^iplied for determination of Seismic Hazard 
Category. 



454 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 

Note 2. Total cost of alterations shall include the cost of alterations proposed under the current building permit 
application, plus the cost of any alterations covered by building pennits in die two-year period preceding the date of 
the current pennit application. The assessed valuation shall be as of the date of the current building permit application. 
Note 3. When there is no change in use, the following costs msy be excluded from the total cost of alterations: 
a. Costs incurred by requirements for compliance with the following: 

i. Americans With Disabilities Act 

ii. Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Regulations, 52 1 CMR 

iii M.G.Lc. 148, §26A'A requiring sprinklers in existing high-rise structures. 
b.Costs incurred for improvements in: 

i. Sprinklering 

ii. Smoke and heat detection 

iii. Fire alarm systems 

iv. £xit enclosures 



3408.5.4.2 Partial Change of Use: For 
buildings in which more than 33% of the total 
floor area is classified as Seismic Hazard 
Category 2 or 3, the earthquake design of the 
entire building shall be governed by the 
requirements appljmig to that higher Seismic 
Hazard Category. 

3408.5.43 For Seismic Hazard Category 1: 
Earthquake resistance need only comply with 
the reqmrements of 780 CMR 3408.3.5. 

3408.5.4.4 For Seismic Hazard Category 2: 
Earthquake resistance shall comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR 3408.3.5, and the 
existing building shall be investigated for the 
presence of speda! earthquake hazards as 
described in 780 CMR 3408.6.3, and all such 
hazards that are present shall be corrected in 
accordance with the provisions of 780 CMR 
3408.6.3. 

3408.5.4.5 For Sdstmc Hazard Category 3: 
Full compliance with 780 CMR 1612.0 is 
required, except as provided in 780 CMR 

3408.5.4.6 and 3408.6.4, and except that 
existing structural systems not conforming to 
the requirements of 780 CMR 19 through 23 
may be considered to partidpate m resisting 
lateral seismic loads, but only if the seismic 
design force is calculated In accordance with 
780 CMR 3408.6.1.1. 

3408.5.4.6 Maximum Lateral Earthquake 
Force: When the provisions of 780 CMR 
3408.5.4 require compliance with the code for 
new construction, or otherwise require design 
for minimum lateral seismic force, and the 
building is not being extended in area or 
hdght, the design lateral seismic force need not 
exceed 75% of the base earthquake force 
calculated in accordance with 780 CMR 
3408.6.1.1. 

3408.6: 

3408.6.1 R Factors and Force ModlfDcatlon 
Factors for Existing Construction: 

3408.6.1.! Base Earthquake Force: Where 
the provisions of 780 CMR require calculation 
of earthquake design forces on existing 



buildings, a base earthquake force shall be 
calculated in accordance with one of the 
following methods: 

1. Where the lateral load resisting system 
conforms to the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612., the base earthquake force shall be 
calculated using 780 CMR 1612.4 and the 
appropriate response modification factor R 
fi-om Table 1612.4.4. 

2. Where the lateral load resisting system 
does not conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1612:0, the base earthquake force 
shall be calculated in accordance with 
780 CMR 1612.4 except that the appropriate 
response modification factor R fi-om Table 
3408.2 shall be used. 

3. Where the lateral load resisting system 
does not conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 1612.0, and is not adequately 
described by one of the systems identified in 
Table 3408.2, the base earthquake force shall 
be determined by a properly substantiated 
analysis which takes into account the 
dynamic and ductility characteristics of the 
existing structure, and ground motion 
characteristics consistent vAxh the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.0. The 
ductility characteristics used in the analysis 
shall be confirmed by physical tests. If the 
ductility characteristics of the existing 
stiucture cannot be determined, the structure 
shall be analyzed on the basis of an R factor 
of 1.25. 

3408.6.1.2 Earthquake Desige Force: The 
earthquake design force for the existing lateral 
load resisting system shall be equal to the base 
earthquake force calculated in accordance with 
780 CMR 3408.6.1.1, multiplied by the 
appropriate reduction factor fi-om 780 CMR 
3408.4.3.2 or 780 CMR 3408.5.4.6, where 
applicable. 

3408.6.O Earthqisake Force on 
Components of Lateral Resisting System: 
The earthquake design forces for components 
of the lateral load resisting system shall be 
determined firom the lateral load analysis, 
based on the earthquake design force 



9/19/97 (Efifective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



455 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULA'nONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



calculated in accordance with 780 CMR 
3408.6.1.2. 

Exception: When the design earthquake 
force is derived from a base earthquake force 
calculated in accordance with 780 CMR 
3408.6.1.1, Method 2, design forces for 
components of structural systems which are 
listed in Table 3408.3 shall be multiplied by 
a force modification factor as set forth in that 
Table. 

3408.6.2 Existing Rigid Elements in 
Earthquake Analysis: Existing rigid elements 
may be assumed not to participate in the lateral 
load resisting system, provided that their effect on 
the action of the system is considered and 
provided for in analysis and design. In addition, 
the effects of the lateral deflection on such rigid 
elements themselves and on their attachment to 
the building structure shall be considered. Where 
the existing rigid elements are load-bearing 
elements, such as walls or braced frames, which 
do not conform to the detailing requirements of 
780 CMR 1903, 2104, 2203 or 2306, as 
applicable: 

1 . The value of R used in design shall not be 
greater than 4, and, 

2. The lateral stifihess of the building in any 
story, based on the elements assumed in the 
design to resist lateral loads, shall not be less 
than '/2 of the stifBiess that would pertain if all 

• new and existing elements were considered to 

be fully effective in resisting lateral loads. 
780 CMR 3408.6.2 shall not apply to buildings 
where the required lateral load resistance is 
controlled by 780 CMR 3408.3.5. 

3408.6.3 Reduction of Earthquake Hazards: 

Where the provisions of 780 CMR 3408.0. require 
correction of special earthquake hazards, the 
following measures shall be taken to reduce 
hazards from parapets, masonry walls, and/or 
precast concrete structural elements which do not 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 1612.0: 

1. Parapets: AH parapets not meeting the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.0 shall be 
removed, or braced so as to meet the 
requirements of 780 CMR 1612.7 and, for 
unreinforced masonry parapets, 780 CMR 
3408.6.4. 

2. Masonry walls: All masonry walls shall be 
connected to floor or roof diaphragms, or other 
elements providing their lateral support, so as 
to conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 
1612.7. The design force for the connection 
shall not be less than 100 pounds per linear 



foot of wall. Connections shall not produce 

cross-grain bending in wood members. 

3. Pi-ecast concrete structural elements: 

Interconnections of precast concrete structural 
elements shall be investigated, and reinforced 
if necessary. Connections shall conform to the 
requirements of 780 CMR 19. 

Table 3408.2 
RESPONSE MODinCATION FACTOR «R'' 

FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS ^^'^^ 



BUILDING LATERAL FORCE RESISTING 
SYSTEM 


R 


Cd 


Wood Systems 

Light Framed Plywood Shear Walls 3 Stories or Less 
Other Wood Buildings 


6.5 
5 


4 
3 


Steel Systems 

Steel Moment Frame 

Steel Braced Frame without Gravity Loads in Braces 
Steel Braced Frame with Gravity Loads in Braces 
Steel Frame witii Concrete Shear Walls 


4.5 
5 

4 
5.5 


4 

4.5 
3.5 

5 


Cast-in-PIace or Precast Concrete Systems 

Concrete Moment Frame 

Concrete Frame with Concrete Shear Walls 

Unreinforced Concrete Shear Walls 


3 

4.5 
1.5 


2.5 
4 
1.5 


Unreinforced Masonry Systems 

Infill Shea^Walls in Complete Steel or Concrete 

Frame 
Shear Wall Systems with Partial Steel or Concrete 

Frame 
Bearing Wall Systems 


1.5 
1.38 
1.25 


1.5 
1.38 
1.25 



Note 1. See Table 3408.3 for Force Modification Factors 

applicable to Components of Lateral Force Resisting 

Systems. 

Note 2. For buildings deriving lateral load resistance 

from a combination of structural systems: 

a. For verlical combinations with a regular flexible 
upper portion above a rigid lower portion, perform a 
two-stage analysis. Evaluate the flexible upper portion 
as a separate structure supported laterally by the rigid 
base. Evaluate the base structure as a separate 
structure, adding the base shear and overturning 
moment from the upper structures as lateral forces 
applied at the top of the base structure. 

b. For combinations along different horizontal axes, 
use values of R and C^ for the principal system in the 
respective directions, except in buildings deriving a 
significant portion of lateral resistance from bearing 
walls. For these buildings, use the values of R and C ^ 
associated with the bearing wall system for all 
directions. 

c. For other combinations, use the lowest value of R 
(and corresi>onding value of C^ of all systems 
participating in lateral /oac/ resistance. 

Note 3. To qualify for a R factor of 1.50, infill walls 
must bear tightly on surrounding fi-ame members on all 
four sides. In ail other cases, use a R factor of 1.38. 



456 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUEJDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 



Table 34083 

FORCE MODinCATION FACTORS FOR 

COMPONENTS OF LATERAL LOAB 

RESISTING SYSTEMS 



STRUCTURAL COMPONENT 



<^^cba£Ksdmi£^^IK^^CMS^'2204^tl^ 



Cast°m*Place sod Precast Concrete 

Systems 

Moment at any cross-section of a flex- 
ural member where the reinforcing 
ratio is less than ZOOffy, or where the 
reinforcing consists of less than two 
bars, or is iess than Va of the amount 
of reinforcing in the opposite face of 
the member. 

Moment and shear in any beam without 
closed stinups at a maximum spacing 
. of d/4 over a distance of 1 '/sd from 
sadi end of the clear ^aa 

Moment and shear in asy column 
without ties as a spacing not exceed- 
ing the smaller of times the diam- 
eter of the smallest enclosed bar. 24 
tie bar diameters, or !4 the smallest 
dimension of the member, over a dis- 
tance from each end of the member 
not less than 1/6 the clear height of 
the column, the largest dimension of 
the member, or 18 inches. 

Force in concrete shear wall reinforcing 
with slices that do not develop the 
full yield stress of the reinforcing in 
tension. 

Shear in shear walls not confonning with 
minimum wall reinforcing 
requirements. 

Axial force in any column supporting a 
discontinuous stiff element, such as a 
shear wall, resisting axial loads, 
unless the colunm has special trans- 
verse reinforcement over its full 
height. 

All forces in precast concrete cotuiec- 
tions not conforming to the require- 
mentsof780CMR19. 

Slwarirtan|'^^;w1^ of' 

^v Vrallsheair rasis^ 
•■FUiarieS^qf?^ shear, 

rcdsting elements in dic-story above. 



FORCE 
MODinCATION 

FACTOR ^^^ 







0.8R 



0.4R 



0.8R 



0.8R 



0.4R 



0.8R 



0.8R 



■o:8r;:; 



Note 1. 
1.0. 



Force Modification Factor shall not be less than 



3498o6.4 Existimg Uffirelnforeed Masonry 
Walls: Where compliance with the code for new 
coastmction is required by 780 CMR 3408.0, 
existing unreinforced masoniy walls in sound 
condition may continue in service, pro\dding: 

1 . Th^ are adequately tied to the structural 
elements providing their lateral support; and, 

2. The ratio of unbraced height or length to 
nominal thickness in at least one direction does 
not exceed 20 for walls spanning laterally 
between two supports, nor 4 for cantilever 
walls and parapets; and, 

3. The wall is of sufScient strength to resist 
the required earthquake forces firom 780 CMR 
1612.7. 

Masonry walls allowed to be unreinforced by the 
provisions of the code for new construction and 
which satisfy all provisions of the code for new 
construction need not satisfy 780 CMR 3408.6.4 
item 2. Additional bracing or structural ties may 
be provided to meet these requirements. 
Unreinforced walls continuing in service under 
780 CMR 3408.6.4 shall not be considered 
elective as shear walls resisting lateral 
earthquake force specified in 780 CMR 16, except 
where the provisions of 780 CMR .3408.0 
specifically permit use of structural systems not 
conforming to 780 CMR 2104, 

340S.6 J Changes In Buidlng Maiss: A reduction 
in the weight of a building shall not be considered 
to ofi^ a reduction in lateral load capacity of the 
biiilding, in evaluating compliance with 780 CMR 
3408.3.5, except that the weight of the building as 
altered shall be used in evaluating compliance 
with 780 CMR 1612.0. An increase in the weight 
of the building shall be considered as an addition, 
for purposes of determining earthquake resistance 
requirements (see 780 CMR 3408.4). 



L7 Liquefaction Evalaiatiom for Existing 
Buslldiags: The subsoils supporting the existing 
building shall be evaluated to determine the potential 
for liquefaction, and if necessary the subsoils and/or 
foundations shall be improved to prevent ^ure in 
the event liquefaction occurs, as required below: 

1. Existing buildings "with Seismic Hazard 
Category 1 (see 780 CMR 3408.5.4 and Table 
3408.1) shall not require evaluation of 
liquefaction potential or compliance with 
780 CMR 1805.3. 

2. Existing buildings with Seismic Hazard 
Category 2 or 3 (see 780 CMR 3408.5.4 and 
Table 3408. 1) shall comply with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 1805.3. 

3. Existing buildings with structurally separate 
additions shall comply with 3408.7 item 1 or 2, 
based on the Seismic Hazard Category of the 
existing building. 

4. Existing buildings with structurally attached 
additions which meet the requirements of 
780 CMR 3408.4.3.2, item 1, and which are 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



457 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUEDING CODE 



classified as Seismic Hazard Category I (see 
780 CMR 3408.5.4 and Table 3408.1), shall not 
require evaluation of liquefaction potential or 
compliance with 780 CMR 1805.3. 

5. Existing buildings with structurally attached 
additions vdiich meet the requirements of 
780 CMR 3408.4.3.2, item 2, and which are 
classified as Seismic Hazard Category I or 2, 
shall comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 
1 805.3, except that the blow count scale in Figure 
1805.3 may be multiplied by the appropriate 
reduction factor from Figure 3408.1. 

6. Existing buildings with structurally attached 
additions which meet the requirements of 
780 CMR 3408.4.3.2, item 3, shall comply with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 1805.3. 

780 CMR 3409.0 HISTORIC BUILDINGS 

3409.1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 3409.0 
shall govern all buildings and structures in the 
Commonwealth which are legally designated as 
historic buildings. 780 CMR 3409.0 shall preempt 
all other regulations of 780 CMR governing the 
reconstruction alterations change of use and 
occupancy, repairs maintenance and additions for 
the conformity of historic buildings and structures to 
780 CMR, with the exception of 780 CMR 122.0 for 
appeals, or unless otherwise specified (see 
Appendix H). There is no obligation for owners of 
historic properties to apply for 780 CMR 3409.0. 

3409.1.1 Key Definitions: The following five 
definitions are found in 780 CMR 3401.1, but are 
also presented here as such definitions form a 
significant portion of 780 CMR 3409. 

Historic buildings: (a) Any building or structure 
individually listed on the National Register of 
Historic Places or (b) any building or structure 
evaluated by MHC to be a contributing 
building within a National Register or State 
Register District (c) any building or structure 
which has been certified by the Massachusetts 
Historical Commission to meet eligibility 
requirements for individual listing on the 
National Register of Historic Places. Historic 
building shall be ftirther defined as totally or 
partially preserved buildings. All entries into 
the totally preserved building list shall be 
certified by the Massachusetts Historical 
Commission. The Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards shall ratify all 
buildings or structures certified by the 
Massachusetts Historical Commission to 
qualify for totally preserved listing (see 
Appendix H). 

Partially preserved buildings: (a) Any building 
or structure individually listed on the 
National Register of Historic Places or (b) 
any building or structure certified as a 
historic building by the Massachusetts 



Historical (Commission/t and not designated 
a totally preserved building in Appendix H. 

Restoration: Restoration is the process of 
accurately reconstructing or repairing the 
forms and details of a building or structure or 
portion thereof as it appeared at a particular 
peritxi or periods of time by means of 
removal of later work/or the replacement of 
missing original work 

Totally preserved buildings: A totally 
preserved building is an historic building or 
structure. The principal use of such a 
building or structure must be as an exhibit of 
the building or the structure itself which is 
open to the public not less than 12 days per 
year, although additional uses, original and/ 
or ancillary to the principal use shall be 
pemnitted within the same building up to 
maximum of 40% of the gross floor area. 
Totally preserved buildings shall be those 
listed in Appendix H All entries into the 
totally preserved building list shall be 
certified by the Massachusetts Historical 
Conunission. The Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards shall ratify all 
buildings or structures certified by the 
Massachusetts Historical Commission to 
qualify for totally preserved listing (See 
Appendix H), 

3409.2 Totally preserved buildings: 

34092.1 State Building Code exceptions: A 
totally preserved building shall be subject to the 
followii^5 exceptions: 

1. Repairs, maintenance and restoration shall be 
aillowed wthout conformity to 780 CMR 
generally, if the provisions of 780 CMR 
3409.2.2 have been met 

2. In case of fire or other casualty to a totally 
preserved building, said building may be rebuilt, 
in total or in part, using such techniques and 
materiials as are necessary to restore it to its 
original condition and use group. 

3. If a historic building or stracture, as a result 
of proposed work, would become eligible for 
certification as a totally preserved building and 
the Massachusetts Historical Commission so 
certifies by affidavit, such afifidadit is submitted 
to the building official with the permit 
application, and the building official shall then 
allow the woric to proceed under the provisions 
of780 CMR 3409.2. 

3409.2.2 Mandatory safety requirements: All 

totally preserved buildings shall comply to the 
following requirements: 

34092 Ji.l Fire protection equipment: Fire 
protection equipment shall be provided 
according to the following requirements. 



458 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS 



1 . Manual fire extinguishing equipment: All 
use groups, other than Residential R-3 and R-4, 
shall have approved manual fire extinguishing 
equipment, as determined by the head of the 
local fire department. 

2. Fire Protective Signaling Systems (Fire 
Alarm Systems): All residential buildings in 
use groups R-1, R-2 and R-3 shall conform to 
the applicable requirements of 780 CMR 918 
and 919 as applicable. All other use groups 
shall comply with 780 CMR 3409.2.2.1 items 
2.(a) and (b): 

(a) Locations: Provide smoke detectors in 
accordance with manufacturers listing and 
spacing requirements, but not less than one, 
for every 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 installed in 
accordance with the manufacturers listing and 
spacing requirements but not more than 30 
feet spacing between detectors. All required 
smoke detectors shall have an alarm audible 
throughout the structure or building. 

(b) Single station and mniltipie station 
smoke detection devices: Smoke detectors 
of single station and multiple station types 
shall meet the requirements of UL 2 1 7 and be 
listed or approved by a nationally-recognized 
fire-testing laboratoiy. All other smoke 
detectors shall be listed in accordance with 
UL 268 as listed in Appendix A. 

3. Manual puU stations: A manual fire alarm 
pull station shall be provided in the natural path 
of egress in all use groups except R-3 and R-4. 
Manual pull stations shall be connected to the 
building fire warning system in conformance 
with NFPA 72 as listed in Appendix A. 

3409.2.2.1.1 Supervision: Fire protective 
signaling systems required by 780 CMR 
3409.2.2.1 shall be supervised in accordance 
with the requirements of 780 CMR 923.2. 

Exception: Residential single and multiple 
station smoke detectors. 

3409.2.2.2 Exit signs and emergency lights: 

Approved exit signs and emergency lighting, 
where designated by the local building official, 
shall be provided in compliance with 780 CMR 
1023.0 and 780 CMR 1024.0. 

Exception: All totally preserved buildings 
need not comply with 780 CMR 1023.0 and 
780 CMR 1024.0 if not occupied after daylight 
hours, except that paths of egress shall have 
exit signs. 

3409.2.2.3 Maximum occupancy: Occupancy 
shall be limited by the actual sUuctural floor load 
capacity as certified by a qualified Massachusetts 
registered professional engineer or architect or in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1008.0, whichever is 



less. Said floor load shall be posted in 
accordance with the procedures set forth in 
780 CMR 120.0, 780 CMR 1003.3 and 
780 CMR 1617.2. The owner shall submit 
evidence of this certification and related 
computations to the building official upon 
request. 

34®9.2.2.4 Limited egress: Where one or more 
floors of a totally preserved building arc limited 
to one means of egress, the occupancy load shall 
be computed as follows: 

1 . IFlooirs below the first story: Not more than 
one occupant per 100 square feet of gross floor 
area with a maximum occupancy of 49. 

2. First story: Not more than one occupant per 
50 square feet of gross floor area. 

3. Second story and above: Not more than 
one occupant per 100 square feet of gross floor 
a area, or 30 occupants per unit of egress width, 
whichever condition results in the lesser 
occupancy load. 

34092.2J Inspections: The building official and 
the fu:e 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 780 CMR 3409.2. A 
qualified Massachusetts registered professional 
engineer or architect shall certify every five years 
thereafter as to the exact floor load capacity of the 
building or suucture. The building official shall 
certify all totally preserved buildings not less 
frequently than once every year. Fees shall be 
established at $25.00 per building per inspection. 

34©9.2.2.6 Accessibility for Persons with 
Disabilities: Accessibility requirements shall be 
in accordance with 521 CMR as listed in 
Appendix A. 

3409.2.2.7 Energy Conservation: Totally 
preserved buildings are exempt from the 
requirements of 780 CMR 13 and the energy 
conservation rewuirements of 780 CMR 36. 

3409.3 Partially preserved buildings: 

3409.3,1 State Building Code provisions: A 
partially preserved building shall be subject to the 
following provisions: 

1 . Existing Systems - individual components of 
an existing building system may be repaired or 
replaced in kind without requiring that system to 
comply fully with the code for new construction. 
(See 780 CMR 34, 780 CMR 3404.3: New 
Systems) 

2. Replacement in kind - when the repair of 
historic materials including patching, splicing, 
piecing-in, consolidating or reinforcing is not 
possible, compatible materials may be 
substituted which closely convey the form and 
design as well as the visual appearance of the 
existing feature. 



1 1/27/98 (Effective 2/28/97) -.corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Editioji 



459 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



3409.3.2 State Building Code exceptions: A 

partially preserved building shall be subject to the 
following exceptions: Repairs or in kind 
replacement of the following features will be 
allowed on partially preserved buildings so as not to 
compromise the architectural integrity of the 
historical characteristics and qualities which 
contributed to the eligibility for listing in the 
National Register of Historic Places. 

1 . Roofing ' repair or in kind replacement of an 
existing historic roof system (i.e., slate, wood, 
clay, tile, metal) shall be permitted without 
requiring structural compliance for equivalent 
new consuiiction providing that dead and live 
loading requirements have not changed. 

2. Windows - repair or in kind replacement of 
existing historic windows (i.e., frames, sash, 
muntins, glazing, sills, molding, shutters) shall be 
permitted without requiring energy code 
compliance. 

3. Entries/Porches - repair or in kind 
replacement of existing individual decorative 
features of an existing system (i.e. columns, 
balustrades, stairs, pilasters, doors, sidelights) 
shall be permitted. 

4. Wood Siding/Decorative Elements - Repair 
or in kind replacement of an existing system 
including such items as clapboards, shingles, 
cornices, brackets, and window and door 
surrounds shall be permitted. 

5. Masonry - repair or in kind replacement of 
masoniy units as part of an existing system (i.e., 
brick, stone, terra cotta, concrete and stucco) 
shall be permitted. 

6. Metals - repair or in kind replacement of 
existing architectural metals (i.e. cast and 
wrought iron, steel, tin, copper and copper alloys, 
aluminum, zinc) shall be permitted. 

7. Interior features - repair or in kind 
replacement of non-structural interior features 
that are important in defining the overall historic 
character of a building (i.e., columns, cornices, 
baseboards, fireplace mantels, paneling, window 
trim, doors, moldings, railings, flooring, 
plasterwork) shall be permitted. 

3409.3.3 Applicability: 780 CMR 3409.3 and 
780 CMR 34 shall apply to all partially preserved 
Historic buildings. 



34093.4 Continuation of use and occupancy: The 

legal use and occupancy of any partially preserved 
building may be continued without change or further 
compliance to 780 CMR. The provisions of 
780 CMR 3409.2 shall be required for Historic 
buildings accessible to the public on more than 50 
days per year. 

3409JJ Inspection certification and fees: 
Partially preserved buildings shall not require 
annual inspection unless otherwise stipulated in 
780 CMR 106.5 and Table 106. 

34093.6 Fire damage: If a building or structure is 
damaged from fire or other casualty it niay be 
restored to its original construction or it shall meet 
the requirements of 780 CMR provided these 
requirements do not compromise the features for 
which the building was considered Historic when 
listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

34093.7 Change in occupancy: See 780 CMR 34. 

34093.8 New systems: See 780 CMR 34. 

34093.9 Lesser and equal hazard: See 780 CMR 

34. A partially preserved building classified under 
unprotected consUiiction Type 3C or 5B shall have 
waived the requirement to add one to the Hazard 
Index number (See 780 CMR 34, Table 3403). 

34093.10 Greater hazard: See 780 CMR 34. A 
partially preserved building classified under 
unprotected construction Type 3C or 5B shall have 
waived the requirement to add one to the Hazard 
Index number (See 780 CMR 34, Table 3403). 

34093.11 Energy Conservation: Partially 
preserved buildings are exempt from the energy 
requirements of 780 CMR 13 and the energy 
requirements of 780 CMR 36. 

Exception: Additions to partially preserved 
buildings shall comply with the energy 
provisions of 780 CMR 13 or of 780 CMR 36, as 

applicable, 

3409.3.12 Accessibility for Persons with 
Disabilities: Accessibility requirements shall be in 
accordance with 521 CMR as listed in Appendix A. 



460 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition corrected- H/27/98 (Effective 2/28/97) 



CHAPTER 35 



MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS^ MANUFACTURED BUILDING COMPONENTS 

AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING 
(This Chapter is entirely unique to Massachusetts) 



780 CMR 35OL0 GENERAL 

3501,1 Scope: The provisions of 780 CMR 35 shall 
govern the materials, design, manufacture, handling, 
storage, transportation, assembly, construction 
and/or installation of manufactured buildings and 
manufactured building components intended, for 
installation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components shall not be installed in any jurisdiction 
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts unless such 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components have been approved and certified in 
accordance with 780 CMR 35, applicable provisions 
of 780 CMR, and the Rules and Regulations for 
Manufactured Buildings, Manufactured Building 
Components and Manufactured Housing, 780 CMR 
R3, as listed m. Appendix A. 

3500 Manufactured housing: When constructed 
in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) Title 24, Chapter XX = Office of Assistant 
Secretary for Housing - Federal Housing 
Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, Parts 3280,. Manufactured home 
construction and safety standards, and 3282, 
Manufactured home procedural and enforcement 
regulations; manufactured housing shall be exempt 
from the provisions of 780 CMR 35. 

Exceptions: 

1 . Foundations for manufactured housing shall 
conform to 780 CMR 1806 through 1813, or 
780 CMR 3604 as applicable; 

2, Additions, (when not a manufactured home as 
defined herein) and site built modifications shall 
conform to 780 CMR in its entirety, as applicable. 

780 CMR 35010 DEFINrnONS 

3502.1 General: The following words and terms 
shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 35 and as used 
elsewhere in 780 CMR, shall have the meaning 
shown herein. 

Approved: Approval by the State Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards (BBRS). 

Manufactured Building Component Any 
manufactured subsystem, manufactured sub- 
assembly, or other manufactured system designed 
for use in or part of a structure having concealed 
elements such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing 
and fire protection systems and other systems 
affecting health and safety, including variations 



which are submitted as part of the building 
systems. 

Certification: Any manufactured building, 
manufactured building component or 
manufactured housing which meets tiie provisions 
of applicable codes and 780 CMR R3 pursuant 
thereto, as listed in Appendix A; which has been 
labeled accordingly. 

Cede: 780 CMR (The Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts State Building Code) or 
specialized codes as defined herein, and as listed 
m Appendix A. 

Bepartmeofi (DPS): The Department of Public 
Safety, Division of hispections. 

laspection Agency: An independent agency, 
sometimes referred to as the '*third-party agency", 
irstained by the manufacturer and approved by the 
BBRS to perform inspections and evaluations of 
manufactured building systems, compliance 
assurance programs, manufactured buildings and 
manufactured building components. 

Imstollation: The process of affixing, or assembling 
and affixing a manufactured building, 
manufactured building component or 
manu&ctured housing unit(s) on the building site, 
and connecting it to utilities, and/or to an existing 
building. Installation may also mean the 
connecting of two or more manufactured housing 
units designed and approved to be so connected 
for use as a dwelling. 

Imtaller of Manufactured Building: An individual, 
who on the basis of training and experience, has 
been certified by a specific manufacturer of 
manufactured homes as competent to supervise 
the placement and connection required to install 
the manufactured homes of that manufacturer. 
Said certification by the manufacturer shall be in 
writing; additionally, the certified installer shall 
possess picture identification in the form of a 
driver's license or other picture identification 
acceptable to the building official. 

Label: An approved device or seal evidencing 
certification in accordance with the applicable 
codes and rules and regulations promulgated 
pursuant thereto, and as listed in Appendix A. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



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461 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Local Enforcement Agency: A department or 
agency in a municipality charg^ with the 
enforcement of 780 CMR and appropriate 
specialized codes which include, but are not 
limited to, 248 CMR (the State Fuel Gas and 
Plumbing Code) and 527 CMR 12.00 (the State 
Electrical Code), as listed in AppemSx A. 

Manufactured Building: Any manufactured 
building which has concealed elements, such as 
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, 
insulation, and other ^sterns affecting health and 
safety, and which is manu&ctured or assembled in 
accordance with 780 CMR and pertinent 
regulations, in manu&cturing facilities, on or off 
the building site. Also, any manufactured 
building as defined above which does not have 
concealed elements, but which has been approved 
by the BBRS at the request of the manu&cturer. 
"Manufactured building" does not mean 
"manufeictured home". 

Manufactured Homes (Housing): As defined in 24 
CFR, Part 3280.2; a structure, transportable in 
one or more sections, which in the traveling 
mode, is eight body feet or more in width or forty 
body feet or more in length, or, when erected on 
site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built 
on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as 
a dwelling with or without a permanent 
foundation when connected to the required 
utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air- 
conditioning, and electrical systems contained 
therein. Calculations used to detennine the 
number of square feet in a structure will be based 
on the structure's exterior dimensions measured at 
the largest horizontal projections when erected on 
site. These dimensions will include all 
expandable rooms, cabinets, and other projections 
containing interior space, but do not include bay 
windows. (See 24 CFR, Part 3280.2 for a more 
detailed description of manufactured homes as 
defined by the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development.) 

Specialized Code: All building codes, rules or 
regulations pertaimng to building construction, 
reconstruction, alteration, repair, or demolition 
promulgated by and under the authority of the 
various agencies which have been authorized 
fi'om time to time by the General Court of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The 
specialized codes shall include, but are not limited 
to, 248 CMR (the State Fuel Gas and Plumbing 
Code) and 527 CMR 12.00 (the Electrical Code), 
as listed in Appendix A. 



780 CMR 3503.0 CONSTOUCnON 
DOCUMENTS 

3503.1 Building System Plans: The building 
system plans shall show in sufficient detail the 
approved system to \duch the manu&ctured building 
or building component was produced; including 
foundation connection detdls, component 
connection detdls, emergency escape window 
locations and sizes, structural design loads, the 
manufacturer's data plate, the location of all labels 
required of 780 CMR 35 and 780 CMR R3, and 
other details as may be required by the Division of 
Inspection. The building system plan shall bear 
evidence of the approval of the Division of 
Inspection and evidence of third party engineering 
review. 

780 CMR 3504.0 APPROVAL 

3504.1 General: The Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, Department of Public Safety, 
Division of ][nspeaion (hereinafter referred to as the 
"Division of Inspection" in 780 CMR 35) shall 
evaluate manufactured buildings and building 
components and recommend approval to the BBRS 
of those wliich it determines to be in compliance 
with applicable sections of 780 CMR 35, other 
applicable sisctions of 780 CMR, and 780 CMRR3, 
as listed in Appendix A. 

All approvals of plumbmg, electrical or gas 
systems shjill be made by the appropriate state 
agencies having jurisdiction, as specified in 
780 CMR F3, as listed in Appendix A. 

3504.2 Approved tests: The Division of Inspection 
may utilize the results of approved tests to determine 
whether a manufactured building or manu&ctured 
building component meets the requirements of this 
chapter and the 780 CMR R3 as listed in 
Appendix A, if that determination cannot be made 
fi'om evaluation of plans, specifications and 
documentation alone. 

3504.3 Approval of compliance assurance 
programs: 'fhe Division of Inspection shall evaluate 
manufacturers' compliance assurance programs and 
make recommendations for approval to the BBRS 
of those which it determines to be in compliance 
with this chapter and 780 CMR R3, listed in 
Appendix A. 

3504.4 Authorization to vary: A manufactured 
building, manufactured building component or a 
compliance assurance program heretofore approved 
in accordance with 780 CMR 3503.3, shall not be 
varied in any way without prior authorization by the 
BBRS in accordance with 780 CMR R3, as in 
Appendix A. 



462 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STAI^TOARDS 

MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, MANUFACTURED COMPONENTS 

AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING 



780 CMR 3S0S,0 CERTIFICATION 

3505.1 Labeling: Any manufactured building or 
manufactured building component heretofore 
approved, in accordance with 780 CMR 3504.0, 
shall have an approved device or seal affixed as 
certification of such approval. 

780 CMR 3506.0 REdPRCKaTY 

3506.1 General: If the BBRS finds that the 
standards for manufacture and inspection of 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components prescribed by the statutes or the rules 
and regulations of another state or other 
governmental agency meet the objectives of 
780 CMR 35 and 780 CMR R3, listed in 
Appendix A, and such standards are enforced 
satisfactorily by such other state or governmental 
agency or by its agents, the BBRS may grant 
approval and the Division of Inspection shall accept 
all manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components which have been approved in 
accordance with this section by such other state or 
governmental agency and shall insure that the 
product is properly labeled. "" 

3506,1.1 Condition of reciprocity: The standards 
of another state shall not be -deemed to be 
satisfactorily enforced unless such other state 
provides for notification to the BBRS of 
suspensions or revocations of approvals issued by 
that state, in a manner satisfactory to the BBRS. 

3506.2 Suspension of reciprocal approval: Upon 
recommendation fi'om the Division of Inspection, 
the BBRS shall suspend or cause to be suspended 
reciprocal approval for the following reasons: 

1. Determination that the standards for the 
manufacture and inspection of such manufactured 
buildings or manufactured building components 
of another state or other governmental agency do 
not meet the objectives of this chapter and 
780 CMR R3, listed in Appendix A, or that the 
standards are not being enforced to the 
satisfaction of the Division of Inspection or 
BBRS; and 

2. if another state or governmental agency, or its 
agent, suspends or revokes said approval, the 
approval granted under 780 CMR 3506.2 shall be 
suspended or revoked accordingly. 

780 CMR 3507,0 ASSURANCE INSPEOION 

3507,1 General: Any person or firm producing 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components applying for certification shall agree in 
vmting that the Division of Inspection or the BBRS 
has the right to conduct unannounced inspections at 
any reasonable time. 



3507.2 Responsibilities of Division of Inspectiom: 
The Division of Inspection shall carry out the 
following responsibilities: 

1. Periodically make, or cause to be made, 
inspections of the entire process of the production 
of manufactured buildings or manufactured 
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 780 CMR 3507.2, the Division of 
Inspection shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, 
certified manufactured buildings or manufactured 
building components which it determines to have 
been sufficiently damaged after certification to 
warrant such action with regard to such 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components as is authorized hereof, or as is 
otherwise necessary to eliminate dangerous 
conditions. 

Note: An inspection entailing disassembly, 
damage to or destruction of certified 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components shall not be conducted except to 
implement the provisions of this chapter. 

780 CMR 3508.0 RESPONSIBILITY OF 
TBE LOCAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES 

3508.1 Issuance of building permsts: Upon 
application and in conformity with the provisions of 
780 CMR, the building o^cial shall issue building 
permits for installation of certified manufactured 
buildings, manufactured building components or 
manufactured housing. 

3508,1.1 Licensed Construction Stmpervlsors 
and Certified Installers: A construction 
supervisor, duly licensed in accordance with 
780 CMRR5, shall, in accordance with 780 CMR 
108.3.5, act as the agent for the owner for the 
purpose of applying for and obtaining any and all 
building permits required for the field erection of 
all one or two family manufactured dwellings 
subject to the provisions of 780 CMR 35 and 
applicable 780 CMR R3. 

As part of the building permit application 
process, the licensed construction supervisor shall 
submit to the building ofBcial, in writing, the 
name of the installer, who shall be duly certified 
by the manufacturer to install said manufacturer's 
product, and is identified as a certified imtaller of 
manufactured buildings (certified installer) by 
said manufacturer. The certified installer shall be 
responsible for the safe and proper placement and 
connection of the manufactured home units in 
accordance with 780 CMR 35, 780 CMR R3 and 
specialized codes as listed in Appendix A. 

The licensed construction supervisor shall be 
responsible for the construction of the foundation 
system, and ail pertinent site work, in accordance 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



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463 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



with 780 CMR 35 and 780 CMR R3 listed in 
Appendix A. The licensed construction 
supervisor shall provide at least 48 hours notice to 
the building official before the placement and 
connection of such units shall begin. 

3508.2 Inspection: The local enforcement agency 
shall make the following inspections: 

1. The site preparation work, including 
foundations, installation of any certified 
manufactured buildings or manufactured 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 aU certified manufactured buildings or 
manufactured building components or approved 
manufactured 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 electrical system, and a 
visual inspection for obvious violations of 
780 CMR R3. Destructive disassembly of 
certified manufactured buildings or manufactured 
building components or approved manufactured 
homes shall not be performed in order to conduct 
such inspections. Nondestructive disassembly 
may be performed only in accordance with 
780 CMR R3. 

Note: Notification to the BBRS. When any 
local enforcement agency finds a violation or 
suspects a violation exists, said violation or 



suspected violation shall be reported to the 
BBRS in accordance with 780 CMR R3.5.6. 

3508.3 Issuance of certificates of occupancy: The 

building official shall issue a certificate of 
occupancy for all certified manufactured buildings 
or approved manufactured homes that have been 
installed and inspected and that meet the 
requirements of 780 CMR. 

780 CMR 3509.0 SUSPENSION OR 
REVOCATION OF CERTBFIC ATION 

3509.1 General: The Board shall suspend or revoke 
the approval of any manufactured building or 
manufactured building component which does not 
comply with the provisions of 780 CMR or with 
780 CMR R3. 

3509.2 Labels of certification: The Division of 
Inspection shall remove or cause to be removed the 
label of certification firom any such manufactured 
building or building component not in compliance 
until such time as it is brought into compliance with 
780 CMR 35 and 780 CMR R3. 

3509.3 Notice of suspension or revocation: Notice 
shall be submitted in writing to the affected parties 
stating the reason for the suspension or revocation. 

3509.4 Appeals Procedure: All appeals fi'om 
suspension or revocation shall be heard by the State 
Building Code Appeals Board as specified in the 
pertinent provisions of 780 CMR 122.0. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUrLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



(780 CMR 36.00: RESERVED) 



1/25/08 (Effective 1/1/08) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 465 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

(PAGES 467 THROUGH 648 ARE RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE.) 



466 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 1/25/08 (Effective 1/1/08) - corrected 



APPENDIX A 

REFERENCED STANDARDS 
Parti 

The following is a listing of the standards referenced in 780 CMR, the effective date of the standard, the 
promulgating agency of the standard and the section(s) of 780 CMR that refer to the standard. 

AA Alummum Assodatlois 

900 19th Street, N,Wo 
Suite 300 
WftshingtoBi, D,Co 20006 



Standard reference 
number 



Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 



ASM 35-80 Specification for Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction 2002. 1 , 3609.5.2 

SAS 30-94 Specification for Aluminum Structures 2002.1. 3608.4.3 

AAMA American Architectural Manufactures Association 

Suite 310 

1540 Dundee Road 
FaIatiiie,IL 60067 



Standard reference 
number 



Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 



1402-86 Standard Specifications for Aluminum Siding, Soffit and Fascia 1405.3.4 

1 01 -88 Voluntary Specification for Aluminum Prime Windows and Glass Doors 3606.8. 1 , 3606.9. 1 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway amd Transportation Officials 

444 North Capitol Street^ N.W. 
Suite 225 
Washington, DXo 20001 



Standard reference 
number 



Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 



HB-15-92 Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges 1606.1 . 1 

ACI American Concrete Institute 

P.O. Bos 191S0 
Detroit, Michigan 48219 



Standard reference 
number 



Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 



3 1 8-95 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete 1 705.6. 1 , 1 705.6.2, 1 705.6.4 

Table 1705.6.3, 1810.2, 

1810.6,1815.2.3, 1821.3.6, 

1901.1,1901.2,1903.1, 

1903.4, 1903.5.2, 1904.1, 

1904.2, 1904,2.3 

1906.1,1906.2,1906.4.2, 

1906.5.1, 1906.6.1, 1906.7, 

1907.1.3,1907.1.4,1908.1, 

1908.2, 1908.2.1, 1908.3.1, 

1908.3.4, 1908.5.2, 1908.8.2, 

1910.1,1910.3.1,1910.5, 

1910.6.2,1910.6.5,3604.4,1 

336 Concrete Code 1815.4, 1815.7 

12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 649 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Standard reference Referenced in 

mmiber ^'"*^ 780 CMR Section 
number 

3 1 8.1-89 Building Code Requirements for Structural Plain Concrete-with 1992 Revisions. 1 810.2, 1 812.3.2, 

1901.2. 1904.1, 
1904.2,3604.4.] 

506.2-90 Specification for Materials, Proportioning, and Application of Shortcrete 191 1.9 

AC! 530/ASCE Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures 707.3 

5/TMS402-95 1812.3.2, Table 1812.3.2, 

2101.1.1,2101.1.2,2104.2, 

2104.2.1.2104.3,2104.4, 

2106.3.1,3604.4.1,3606.4.1 

ACI 530.1/ Specifications for Masonry Structures Table 1705.7. 

ASCE6/TMS 2112.1.1 

602-95 



AFPA 



American Forest and Paper Association 
1111 19™Street, NW, Suite 800 
Washington, D.C. 20036 



Standard reference 


Title 


Referenced in 


number 




780 CMR Section 
number 



NDS.91 



TR-7 



(National Design) Specification for Wood Construction Design Values 

for Wood Construction 3608.2.2. 2312.1, 2312.4, 

2313.3.1.2313.3.2 

Basic Requirements for Permanent Wood Foundations Systems 3603.22.3.4 



AHA American Hardboard Association 

520 N. Hicks Road 
Palatine, Illinois 60067 

Standard reference .... , Referenced in 

Tiber ™' 780 CMR Section 

number 

A135.4-95 Basic Hardboard • 1405.3.1 

A135.6-90 Hardboard Siding 1405.3.2. 2309.7, 

Table 3607.3.4 

A194.1-85 Cellulosic Fiber Board 2309.1, 

Table 3606.2.3(a) 

AISC American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. 

Suite 3100 

One East Wacker Drive 
Chicago, Illinois 60601-2001 

Standard Referenced in 

reference Title 780 CMR Section 

number number 

ASD-89 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings - Allowable Stress Design and 

Plastic Design Table 1705.5.2, 2203.1, 

2203.5,2208.1 
LFRD-93 Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications for Structural Steel 

Buildings Table 1705.5.2, 2203.1. 

2203.5, 2208.1 
AISC-92 Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings 2203.2, 2203.2.1 



650 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



APPENDIX A 



AISI American Iroo and Steel Institute 

Suite 1300 

1010 17th Street, N.W. 
Washington, D.C 20036-4700 



Standard reference _. . Referenced in 

number ^ 780 CMR Section number 

AISI-73 Criteria for Structural Applications of Steel Cables for Buildings 2207.2 

CFSD-ASD-86 Specification for Design of Cold- Formed Steel Structural Members - 

with 1989 Addendum 2206.1, 2206.3 2206.3.1 

CFSD-LRFD-91 Load and Resistance Factor Design Specification for Cold-Formed 

Steel Structural Members 2206.1, 2206.3. 2206.3.1 



AITC 



American Institute of Timber Constractioii 

Suite 407 

1818 S. £. MiU Piain Blvdo 

Vancouver, Washington 98684 



Standard reference 
number 

108-9r 
109-90 
112-93 
117-93 

119-96 
A190.1-92 



Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 

Standard for Heavy Timber Construction 2304.1 

Standard for Preservative treatment of Structural Glued Laminated Timber 23 1 3. 1 . 1 

Standard for Tongue and Groove Heavy Timjier Roof Decking 2304.1 

Standard Specifications for Structural Glued Laminated Timber of Softwood 

Species (Design) 2304.1 

Standard Specifications for Hardwood Glued Laminated Timber 2304.1 

Structural Glued Laminated Timber 2304.1 



ANSI 



American National Standards 

11 West 42nd Street 

New York, New York 10036 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



Al 08. 1-92 Specifications for the installation of Ceramic Tile with Portland Cement 

Mortar 2105.10, 3607.2.4 

A 1 08.4-92 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Organic Adhesives or Water Cleanable Tile 

Setting Epoxy Adhesive 2105.10.7, 3607.2.4 

A108.5-92 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Dty-Set Portland Cement Mortar or Latex- 
Portland Cement Mortar 2105.10.1, 2105.10.3, 

3607.2.4 
A 108.6-92 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Chemical Resistant, Water Cleanable Tile 

Setting and Grouting Epoxy 2105.10.4 3607.2.4 

Al 08.7-92 Specifications for Electrically Conductive Ceramic Tile Installed with 

Conductive Diy-Set Portland Cement Mortar 2105.10.2, 

A117.1 426.14 

A 1 08.8-92 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Chemical Resistant Furan Mortar and Grout 21 05. 1 0.5 

Al 08.9-92 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Modified Epoxy Emulsion Mortar/Grout 2105.10.6 

A108.10-92 Installation of Grout in Tilework 2105.10.8 

A108.1 1-90 Installation of Interior Cementitious Backer Units 3607.2.4 

Al 18.1-92 Specifications for Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar 2105.10.1, 3607.2.4 

Al 18.2-92 Specifications for Conductive Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar 2105.10.2 

Al 18.3-92 Specifications for Chemical Resistant Water Cleanable Tile Setting and 

Grouting Epoxy and Water Cleanable Tile Setting Epoxy Adhesive 2105.1 0.4, 3607.2.4 

Al 18.4-92 Specifications for Latex-Portland Cement Mortar 2105.10.3 

Al 18,5-92 Specifications for Chemical Resistant Furan 2105.10.5 

Al 18.6-92 Specifications for Ceramic Tile Grouts 2105.10.8 

Al 18.8-92 Specifications for Modified Epoxy Emulsion Mortar/Grout 2105.10.6 

A 136. 1-92 Specification for Organic Adhesives for Installation of Ceramic Tile, Types 

I and n 2105.10.7, 3607.2.4 

A137.1-88 Specifications for Ceramic Tile 2105.4, 3607.2.4 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



651 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Standard reference ^,, ,fnI^M?? 1" 
. Title 780 CMR Section 
number . 
number 

A208.I-93 Wood Particleboard 2308.1, 2308.2, 

3605.3.3.1, 

3606.11.1.3608.3.3.1 

Z97.1>84 Safety Performance Specifications and Methods of Test for Safety Glazing 

Materials Used in Buildings 2406.1, 3603.20,1, 

3603.20.4.1.1 

Z2 1 .66-85 Electrically Operated Automatic Vent Damper Devices for Use with Gas-fired 

Appliances 3621.2.2.2 

NWWDA Industry Standard for Wood Window Units 3606.8.1 

I.S.2.87 

NWWDA • Industry Standard for Wood Sliding Doors 3606.9.1 

LS.3-88 



APA 



American Plywood Association 
P.O. Box 11700 
Tacoma^WA 98411 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



£30-90 



Design and Constructiqn Guide: Residential and Commercial 3608.3.2.3 



ASCE 



American Society of Civil Engineers 
345 East 47th Street 
New York, NY 10017 

Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 
number 

Specifications for the Design and Construction of Composite Slabs 2206.1.1 

Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures 707.3, 1705.7, 

Table 1705.7, 1812.3.2 

Table 1812.3.2, 

2101.1.1,2104.2, 

2104.3,2104.4, 

2106.3.1 

Specifications for Masonry Structures 21 12.1.1 

Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures 1604.2, 1605.1, 1611. 12, 

1611.12.2 
Specifications for Design of Cold-Formed Stainless Steel Structural 

Members 2206.1, 2206.3, 2206.3.1 



Standard reference 
number 



ASCE 3-84 
ASCE 5/ACI 
530/TMS 402-95 



ASCE 6/ACI 
530.iyTMS 602-95 
ASCE 7-95 

ASCE 8-SSD- 
LRFD/ASD-90 



ASHRAE 



American Society of Heating, 
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineeni 
1791 Tullie Circle, N.E. 
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2305 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



90.1-1989 Energy Code for Commercial and High Rise Residential Buildings 1314.5.2 



652 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDDC A 

ASM£ American Society of Mechanical Engineers 

■ 34S East 47th Street 

New York, New York BOH 7 



„ . . , Referenced in 

Standard reference ^.^,^ 780 CMR Section 



number 



number 



A13. 1-81(85) Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems 416.15.3 

B31.3-93 Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping 416.15 

ASTM American Society for Testing Materials 

1916 Race Street 
Philadelphia, PenosylvauiE 19103 



Standard 
reference 
number 



„- -p.^, Referenced m 

reference Title ^©/vo^aoc. .• u 

780 CMR Section number 



A6-95c Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Steel Plates, Shapes, Sheet 

Piling, and Bars for Structural Use Table 1705.5.2 

A36-94 Specification for Structural Steel 1818.1, 2105.9.5, 

3606.4.14 

A82-95 Specification for Steel Wire, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement 2105.9.2, 2105.9.5, 

3606.4.14 

A153-95 Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware 2105.9.6, 

Table 3606.4.14.1 
A167-94a Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel steel Plate, 

Sheet, and Strip 2105.9.2, 2105.9.5, 

2105.9.6, 3604.. 14, 
Table 3606.4.14.1 
A 1 85-94 Specification for Steel Welded Wire Fabric, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement 

2105.9.4, 2105.9.5 

{Noie: ASTMA2S6 ° 82 has been disconiinued and mi replaced by ASTM) 

A252-93 Specification for Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles 1818.1,1819.1 

A283-93a Specification for Low and Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Steel Plates 1818.1,1819.1 

A3 6 1-94 Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) by Hot-Dip Process for 

Roofing and Siding 1507.3.7, 3609.5.2 

A366-91 Specification for Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Cold-Rolled Commercial Quality 2105.9.5 

A416-94a Specification for Steel Strand, Uncoated Seven Wire for Prestressed Concrete 1 821.3.2 

A496-95 Specification for Steel Wire, Deformed, for Concrete Reinforcement 2105.9.3 

A 497-95 Specification for Steel Welded Wire Fabric, Deformed, for Concrete 

Reinforcement 2105.9.4 

A5 10-82 Specification for Wire Rods and Course Round Wire, Carbon Steel 3606.4.14 

A 525-9 lb Specification for General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Zinc - Coated 

(Galvanized) by the Hot - Dip Process 2105.9.6, 

Table 3606.4.14.1, 
3619.1.1.1.3 



A 568-95 Specificat: 

Rolled 

A 572 -94c Specificati 



on for Steel Sheet, Carbon and High - Strength, Low - Alloy, Hot - 

and Cold - Rolled, General Requirements for Table 1 705.5.2 

ion for High - Strength Low Alloy Columbium - Vanadium Steels of 



A 588 -94 Specificati 



Structural Quality 1818.1 



on for High - Strength Low Alloy Structural Steel with 50 ksi (345 



Mpa) Minimum Yield Point to 4 in. (100 mm) Thick 1818.1 

A 61 5 -95c Specification for Deformed and Plain Billet - Steel Bars for Concrete 

Reinforcement 2105.9.1 

A 616 -95b Specification for Rail = Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete 

Reinforcement 21 05.9.1 

A 61 7 -95 b Specification for Axle - Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete 

Reinforcement 2105.9.1 

A 641 -92 Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Carbon Steel Wire 21 05.9.6, 

Table 3606.4.14.1 

A 706 -95b Specification for Low - Alloy Steel Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement 1705.6.1, 1906.5.2, 

2105.9.1 
A 755 -95 Specification for Steel Sheet, Metallic - Coated by the Hot - Dip Process and 

Prepalnted by the Coil - Coating Process for Exterior Exposed Building 

Products 1507,3.7 

BlOI-92 Specification for Lead - Coated Copper Sheets 1507.3.7 

12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 653 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Standard 
reference 
number 



_. . Referenced in 

780 CMR Section number 

Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate 3609.S.2 

Specifiation for Hard-Drawn Copper-Clad Steel Wire 3606.4.14 

Specification for Quicklime for Structural Purposes (Re-approved 1992) Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specifications for Gypsum Plasters Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field 1908.3.2, 1908.3.3 

Specifications for Concrete Aggregates 1906.3, Table 1907.1.1 

Specifications for Structural Clay Load-Bearing Wall Tile 2105.2, 

Specifications for Inorganic Aggregates for Use in Gypsum Plaster Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specifications for Gypsum Wallboard Table 2503.2, 

3607.2.3.1 

Specifications for Gypsum Lath Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens 1908.3.2 

Specification for Concrete Building Brick 2105.1 

Specification for Structural Clay Non-Load-Bearing Tile 2105.2 

Specifications for Gypsum Casting and Molding Plaster Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specifications for Gypsum Keene's Cement Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specifications for Building Brick (Solid Masonry Units made fi-om from Clay or 

Shale) 2105.2, 3602.2 

Test Methods of Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile 21 12.5 

Specifications for Calcium Silicate Face Brick (Sand Lime Brick) 2105.1 

Specifications for Gypsum Sheathing Board Table 2503.2, 

Table 3606.2.3(a) 

Hollow Load-Bearing Concrete Masonry Units ^ 3602.2 

Specifications for Ready-Mix Concrete 1908.5.1 

Specifications for Ceramic Glazed Structural Clay Facing Tile, Facing Brick and 

Solid Masonry Units 2105.2 

Nonload-Bearing Concrete Masonry Units 3602.2 

Solid Load-Bearing Concrete Masoniy Unit 3602.2 

Specification for Portland Cement 1906.2, 1907.1.2.1, 

1907.1.2.2.3,1908.2.1, 
1908.2,2, Table 2505.2, 

3604.2.2 

Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete 1908.3.2 

Specification for Finishing Hydrated Lime Table 2505.2 

Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board 2309.1, 

Table 3606.2.3(a) 

Specification for Structural Clay Facing Tile • 2105.2 

Specification for Facing Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made fi-om Clay or Shale) 2105.2 

Specifications for Asbestos-Cement Roofing Shingles 1 507.2. 1 

Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method 1 907. 1 . 1 

Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete 1906.6.2 

Specification for Mortar for Unit 2105.7, 3606.7.1.1 

Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete 1906.3 

Specification for Roofing Slate 1507.2.7, 3609.4.2 

Test Methods for Joint Treatment Materials for Gypsum Board Construction Table 2503.2 

Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board Table 2503.2, 

3607.2.3.1 

Specification for Grout for Masoniy 2105.1 1, 3606.7.1.1 

Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete 1906.6.2 

Specification for Marble Dimension Stone (Exterior) 2105.3 

Specification for Nails for the Application of Gypsum Wallboard , Table 2503.2, 

3607.2.3.1 

Specification for Structural Insulating Formboard (Cellulosic Fiber) 2309.1 

Specification for Adhesives for Fastening Gypsum Wallboard to Wood Framing 3607.2.3.1 

Specification for Limestone Dimension Stone 2105.3 

Specification for Preformed Cellular Polytyrene Thermal Insulation 3604.3.3 

Specification for Gypsum Veneer Plaster Table 2505.2, 

3607.2.2 
Specification for Gypsum Base for Veneer Plasters Table 2505.2, 

3607.2.2 

Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements 1907.1.2.1, 

1907.1.2.2.1, 
1907.1.2.2.2, 1908.2.2, 

3604.2,2 



B 209-89 
B 227-80 
C5-79 
C 28-92 
C 31-95 
C 33-93 
C 34-93 
C 35-95 
C 36-92 

C 37-92 
C 39-94 
C 55-95 
C 56-93 
C 59-91 
C 61-95 
C 62-95a 

C 67-94 
C 73-95 
C 79-95 

C 90-85 
C 94-95 
C 126-95 

CI 29-85 
C145-85 
CI 50-95 



C 172-90 
C 206-84 
C 208-95 

C 212-93 
C2l6-95a 
C 222-91 
C231-91b 
C 260-95 
C 270-95 
C 330-89 
C 406-89 
C 474-94 
C 475-94 

C476-95 
C494-92 
C503-89 
C5 14-94 

C532-88 
C 557-93 
C 568-89 
C 578-87 
C 587-91 

C 588-95 

C 595.95a 



654 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



APPENDDC A 



Standard 
reference 
number 



„. J Referenced in 

780 CMR Section number 

Specification for Granite Dimension Stone 2105.3 

Specification Quartz- Based Dimension Stone 2105.3 

Specification for Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use as a 

Mineral Admixture in Portland Cement Concrete 1906.6.3, 1907.1.2.1, 

1907.2.2.1 

Specification for Slate Dimension Stone 2105.3 

Specification for Water - Resistant Gypsum Backing Board Table 2503.2, 2503.4 

3607.2.4.1 

Specification for Bonding Compounds for Interior Plastering Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specification for Non-Load (Axis) Bearing Steel Studs, Runners (Track), and 

Rigid Furring Channels for Screw Application of Gypsum Board Table 2503.2, 

Table 2505.2, 
3607.2.3.3 
Specification for Hollow Brick (Hollow Masonry Units Made from Clay or 

Shale) .'. 2105.2 

Specification for Concrete Made by Volumemc Batching and Continuous 

Mixing 1908.5.1 

Specification for Prefaced Concrete and Calcium Silicate Masoniy Units 2105.1 

Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Members to Receive Screw- 
Attached Gypsum Board Table 2504.1 

Specification for High- Solids Content, Cold Liquid- Applied Elastometric 

Waterproofing Membrane for Use With Separate Wearing Course 1 507.3.6 

Specification for Installation of Interior Lathing and Furring Table 2504.1 

Specification for Application of Interior Gypsum Plaster Table 2504.1 

Specification for Application of Gypsum Veneer Plaster Table 2504.1, 3607.2.2 

Specification for Application of Gypsum Base to Receive Gypsum Veneer 

Plaster Table 2504.1, 3607.2.2 

Specification for Metal Lath (Re-approved 1992) Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specification for Packaged, Dry, Combined Materials for Surface Bonding 

Mortar 1813.3.2.2, 2105.8, 

3604.6.1 
Specification for Aggregate for Job-Mixed Portland Cement-Based Plastere . . .. Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Specification for Application of Portland Cement Based-Plaster 2506.3 

Specification for Surface-Applied Bonding Agents for Exterior Plastering Table 2505.2 

Specification for Welded Wire Lath (Re-approved 1990) Table 2505.2, 3607.2.2 

Practice for Construction of Dry-stacked, Surface=Bonded Walls 2105.8, 2106.4 

Specification for Steel Drill Screws for the Application of Gypsum Board or 

Metal Plaster Bi^es to Steel Studs firom 0.033 in. (0.84 mm) to 0.1 12 in. (2.84 

mm) in Thickness Table 2503.2, 

Table 2505.2, 
3607.2.3.5 
Specification for Load Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs, Runners 

(Track), and Bracing or Bridging for Screw Application of Gypsum and Metal 

Plaster Bases Table 2505.2, 

3607.2.3.3 
Specification for High- Solids Content, Cold Liquid- Applied Elastometric 

Waterproofmg Membrane with Integral Wearing Surface 1507.3.6 

Specifications for Predecorated Gypsum Board 3607.2.3.1 

Specification for Ground Granulated Blast - Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete 

and Mortars 1906.6.4. 1907.1.2.1, 

1907.1.2.2.2, 
Specification for Drill Scs^ws for the Application of Gypsum Board or Metal 

Plaster Bases Table 2503.2, 

Table 2505.2, 
3607.2.3.1.3607.2.3.5 
Specification for Installation of Load Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs 

Accessories and Related Accessories Table 2504.1 

Specification for Spray - Applied Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Thermal 

Insulation 1507.3.5 

Specification for Woven Wire Plaster Base (Re-approved 1990) 3607.2.2 

Specification for Accessories for Gypsum Wallboard and Gypsum Veneer Base 

(Re-approved 1990) 3607.2.2, 3607.2.3.1 

Specification for Installation of Lathing and Furring for Portland Cement - Based 

Plaster 2506.3, 3607.2.2 



C 615-92 
C 616-95 
C 618-95 



C 629-89 
C 630-95 

C 631 -95a 
C 645-95a 



C 652-95C 

C 685-95 

C 744-95a 
C 754-95a 

C 836-89a 

C 841-90 
C 842-85 
C 843-94 
C844-85 

C847-93 
C887-95 



C897-95a 

C926.95 

C932-85 

C933-85 

C946-91 

C954-93 



C955-95b 



C957-93 

C960-91 
C989-95 



CI 002-93 

C 1007-83 

CI 029-90 

Ci032-86 
CI 047-85 

C1063-95a 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



655 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Standard _ „ . . 
reference Title Referenced in 
'"®'^!"" ^"'® 780 CMR Section number 
number 

CI 088-94 Specification for Thin Veneer Brick Units Made from Clay or Shale 2105.2 

D1586 

D25-91 Specification for Round Timber Piles 1822.1 

D56-93 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester 307.2 

D86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products 307.2 

D93-94 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester 307.2 

D224-89 Specification for Smooth- Surfaced Asphalt Roll Roofing (Organic Felt) 1507.2.2 

D225-95 Specification for Asphalt Shingles (Organic Felt) Surfaced With Mineral 

Granules 1507.2.3 

D226-95 Specification for Asphalt- Saturated Organic Felt Used in Roofing and 

Waterproofing Table 1507.3.1 

D227-95 Specification for Coal-Tar Saturated Organic Felt Used in Roofing and 

Waterproofing Table 1507.3.1 

D249-89 Specification for Asphalt Roll Roofing (Organic Felt) Surfaced with Mineral 

Granules 1507.2.2 

D3 12-95 Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing Table 1507.3.1, 

3609.7.4.2 

D323-94 Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method) 307.2 

D368 Tension Load Test , , -^.-^-r 

D371-89 Specification for Asphalt Roll Roofing (Organic Felt) Surfaced with Mineral 

Granules; Wide- Selvage 1507.2.2 

D450-91 Specification for Coal-Tar Pitch Used in Roofing, Dampproofmg, and 

Waterproofing \ Table 1507.3.1 

(Note 568- 77 has been discontinued and not replaced by ASTM) 
D635-91 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Self- 

Supporting Plastics in a Horizontal Position 2601.2, 2604.1 

Dl 143-81 Test Method for Piles under Static Axial Compressive Load 1817.4.2, 1817.4.3 

Dl 227-87 Specification for Emulsified Asphalt Used as a Protective Coating for Roofing 1 507.3.6 

D1248-84 Specification for PolysQrene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials 3619.1.1.2 

(1989) 

D1557 Test methods for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils and Soil Aggregate 

Mixtures Using 10-Ib. (4.54-kg) Rammer and 18-in. (457-mm) Drop 1804.3.2, 1805.3 

D 1586-84 Method for Penetration Test and Split Barrel Sampling of Soils Table 1804.3, App. D 

D1761-88 Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood 2312.1, 2312.2, 2312.3 

D 1 784-90 Specification for Rigid Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PFC) Compounds and Chlorinated 

Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds 3619.1.1.2 

Dl 863- 86 Specification for Mineral Aggregate Used on Built-Up Roofs Table 1507.3.1 

D 1929-93 Test Method for Ignition Properties of Plastics 2601 .2, 2604.2 

D21 78-89 Specification for Asphalt Glass Felt Used in Roofing and Waterproofing Table 1507.3. 1 

D24 12-87 Test Method for Determination of External Loading Ch^uracteristics of Plastic 

Pipe by Parallel-Plate Loading 3619.1.1.2 

D2487 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classjfication 

System) Appendix D 

D2488 Practice for description and Identification ofSoils (Visual-Manual Procedure) Appendix D 

D2626-95 Specification for Asphalt-Saturated and Coated Organic Felt Base Sheet Used in 

Roofing Table 1507.3.1 

(Note: D22 77-87 has been discontinued and not replaced by ASTM) 
D2843-93 Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decomposition of 

Plastics 2601.2, 2604.1 

D2898-94 Methods for Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant Tested Wood for Fire 

Testing 1506.2, 2310.3 

D2938 Table 1804.3, App. D 

D3161-81 Test Method for Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles 1505.2.3 

D3201-94 Test Method for Hygroscopic Properties of Fire-Retardant Wood and Wood- 
based Products 2310.3 

D3462-93a Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass Felt and Surfaced with 

Mineral Granules 1507.2.3 

D3468-90 Specification for Liquid- Applied Neoprene and Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene 

Used in Roofing and Waterproofing 1507.3.6 

D3672-86 Specification for Venting Asphalt • Saturated and Coated Inorganic Felt Base 

Sheet Used in Roofing table 1507.3.1 

D3679-88 Rigid Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Siding ; Table 3607.3.4 

D3689-90 Test Method Individual Piles under Static Axial Tensile Load 1 81 7.7.2 

D3746-85 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems 1505.3.2 



656 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



APPENDDC A 



Standard 
reference 
number 



D3909-95a 



D3966-90 

D4099-89 

D4272-90a 

D4434-87 

D4601-95 

D4637-87 

D5055-95a 

E72-95 
E84-95b 



E90-90 

E96-90 
El 08-95 

EII9-95a 



El 36-95 
E152-81a 

El 63-84 
E283-91 

E492-90 

E648-95 

E814-94b 

£838-81 

E970-89 

El 509- 
G23-95 

G26-95 

G53-95 



_,. . Referenced in 

""® 780 CMR Section number 

Specification for Asphalt Roll Roofing (Glass Felt) Surfaced with Mineral 

Granules 1507.2,2, 

Table 1507.3.1 

Test Method for Piles Under Lateral Loads 1817.6.2 

Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Prime Wndows 3606.8.1 

Test Method for Total Energy Impact of Plastic Films by Dart Drop 1 505.3.2 

Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Sheet Roofing 1507.3.3 

Specification for Asphalt Coated Glass Fiber Base Sheet Used in Roofing Table 1507.3.1 

Specification for Vulcanized Rubber Sheet Used in Single-Ply Roof Membrane 1507.3.2 

Specification for Establishing and Monitoring Structural Capacities of 

Prefabricated Wood I-Joists 2313.5 

Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels for Building Construction 2305.7 

Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials 412.3.6.3, 428.1 1, 

704.4.1.2,722.2,722.3, 

803.2,803.3.2,2310.2, 

2601.2,2603.3, 

2603.6.3,2603.7.4, 

2604.1,2805.2.2, 

3105.3,3603.17.1.1, 

3603.17.2.6,3603.17.3, 

3603.18.3,3603.19.1, 

3603.19.2, 3612.2 

Test MeAod for I^oratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss 

of Building Partitions 1214.2, 3603.4.3.1 

Standard Test for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials 

TestMetiiods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings 1506.1, 1506.2, 

2608.2, 2608.3 

TestMefliods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials 412.3.6.2,704.1.1, 

705.2.4 705.4, 707.7.2, 

707.7.3,707.8.1.2, 

709.6.1, 709.6.2, 

709.6.4, 709.7.1.2, 

713.4.2, 2105.2, 2603.4, 

3603.4.1 

Test Method for Behavior of Materials m Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C 704.4.1.1, 3612.2 

Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies 716.1, 716.1.1, 

3603.17.3 

Methods of Fire Tests of Window Assemblies 718.1, 719.1 

Test Method for Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, 

and Doors Under Specified PressureDifTerences Across the Specimen 3606.8.2, 3606.9.2 

Test MeAod for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission 

Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine 1214.3, 3603.4.3.3 

Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor=Covering Systems Using a 

Radiant Heat Energy Source 805.2 

Test Method for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops 707.7.2, 707.7.3, 

709.6.1, 709.6.2, 
713.4.1 
Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering Using Concentrated 

Natural Sunlight : 1505.3.1 

Test Method for Critical Rdiant Flax of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using a 

Radiant Heat Energy Sources 3603.19.4 

Specification for Room Heaters, Pellet Fuel-Burning Type 

Ptactice for Operating Light- Exposure Apparatus (Carbon- Arc Type) With and 

Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials 1505.3.1 

Practice for Operating Light- Exposure Apparatus (Xenon- Arc Type) With and 

Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials 1 505.3.1 

Practice for Operating Light- and Water- Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent UV - 

Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials 1505.3.1 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR -Skth Edition 



657 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUE.DING CODE 



AWPA 



American Wood Preservers Association 
P.O. Box 5690 
Granbury, TX 76049 
(1-817-326-6300) 



Standard _ , Referenced in 

reference number 780 CMR Section number 

Cl-95 All Timber Products -Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes 1506.3, 23 1 1 .3, 

3603.22.3.1 
C2-95 Lumber, Timber, Bridge Ties and Mine Ties -Preservative Treatment by 

Pressure Processes 1808.1, 1808.2, 231 1.3, 

2311.4,2311.5,2311.7, 
3603.22.3.1,3603.22.4 

C3-97 Piles - Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes 1808.1, 1822.2, 

3603.22.3.1 

C4-95 Poles - Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes 3603.22.3.1 

C9-95 Plywood- Preservative Treatment by Pressure Processes 23 1 1 .3, 23 1 1 .4, 23 1 1 .5, 

2311.7,3603.22.3.1, 
3603.22.4 
C 1 5-90 Wood for Commercial-Residential Constrruction Preservative Treatment 

by Pressure Process 3603.22.3.1 

C18-90 Standard for Pressure-treated Material in Marine Construction 3603.22.3.1 

C20-93 Structural Lumber - Fire- Retardant Treatment Pressure Processes 2310.2, 3603.22.3.1 

C22-93 Lumber and Plywood for Permanent Wood Foundations - Preservative 

Treatment by Pressure Processes 1808.3, 3603.22.3,1, 

3604.2.1.2,3605.4.3 
C23-84 Round Poles and Posts Used in Building Consuoiction, Preservative 

Treatment by Pressure Process 3603.22.3.1 

C24-86 Sawn Timber Piles Used for Residential Commera; Building 3603.22.3.1 

C27-93 Plywood- Fire-Retardant Treatment by Pressure Process 2310.2, 3603.22.3.1 

C28-90 Standard for Preservative Treatment of Stiuctuial Glues-Laminated 

Members and Laminations Before Cluing of Southern Pine, Pacific 

Coast Douglas Fir, Hem-fir and Western Hemlock by Pressure Process 

M4-95 Standard for the Care of Preservative- Treated Wood Products 1822.2 

P1/P13-95 Standard for Coal Tar Creosote for Land and Fresh Water and Marine 

(Coastal Water) Use 2311.3, 3603.22.3.1 

P2-95 Standard for Creosote Solutions 231 1.3, 3603.22.3.1 

P3-89 Standard for Creosote - Petroleum Oill Solution 3603.22.3.1 

P5-95 Standards for Waterbome Preservatives 231 1.3, 3603.22.3.1, 

3604.2.1.2 

P8-95 Standards for Oil- Borne Preservatives 231 1.3, 3603.22.3.1 

P9-92 Standards for Solvents and Formulations for Organic Preservative 

Systems ....2311.3,3603.22.3.1 



AWS 



American Welding Society 
550 N.W. Lejeune Road 
P.O. Box 351040 
Miami, Florida 33135 



Standard 
reference number 



Tifle 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



Dl.1-92 Structural Welding Code- Steel 

D 1.4-92 Structural Welding Code- Reinforced Steel 



1705.5.3.2.1 
... 1906.5.2 



658 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



APPENDDC A 



BOCA 



Building OfOciais and Code Administrators International 

4051 West FSossmoor Road 

Coumtny Club Hils, Illinois 60477-S795 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 
780 CMR Section number 



BNFOC-93 BOCA National Fire Prevention Code 

Note: 527 CMR is the Fire Prevention 
code for Massactiusetts 

BNMC"93 BOCA National Mechanical Code 201.3. 307.8, 408.4.1, 408.5, 41 1.3, 416.9, 417.1, 

417.3,418.3.1.4,418.3.2,418.3.2.3,418.3.3, 

418.3.4, 419.2, 419.2.1, 602.4.2, 602.4.3, 717.2, 

722.2,913.1, 1203.1, 1208.3, 1209.1, 1210.3, 

21 14.2, 21 14.9, 2305.12, 2801.2, 2802.1, 2802.3, 

2804.1,2805.2.3,2805.2.4,2808.3,2811.1,3107.6, 

3309.2, 3603.6.7.1 
BNPC-93 BOCA National Plumbing Code 

Note: 248 CMR is the Plumbing Code for 

Massachusetts ._____________^ 

CGSB Canadian Genera! Standards Board 

Technical Information Unit 
PCI, Phas® HI, Place Du Portage 
Hull, Ottawa, Canada KIA IG6 

c»a<>./4o~4 .>.£>»«...> Referenced in 

^£ Title 780 CMR Section 
number 

37°GP-52M-84 Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane, Sheet Applied, Elastometric 1505.3.2, 1507.3.2 

37-GP-54M=79 Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane, Sheet Applied, Flexible, Polyvinyl 

Chloride . , 1507.3.3 

37GP-56M-80 Membrane, Modified, Bituminous, Prefabricated, and Reinforced for Roofing -- 

with Dec. 1985 levision 1507.3.4 

CPSC Consumer Product Safety CoEsimlssiosi 

OfHce of the Secretary 
Washington, BoC. 20207 

«».«y4.n..4 «.«>«>»<> Referenced in 

tliber ™^ 780 CMR Section 

number 

16CFR Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing 2405.1, 2406,1, 

Part 1201-77 2407.2, 3603.20.4.1, 

3603.20.4.1.1 

16CFR Interim Safety Standard for Cellulose Insulation 722.4 

Part 1209-86 

16CFR Part 1404-86 Cellulose Insulation 722.4 

16CFR Part 1 500-84 Hazardous Substances and Articles; Administration and Enforcement 

Regulations 307.2 

16CFR, Fart 1630 Standard for the Surface Flammabillty of Carpets and Rugs 805.3, 805.5 

(DOC FF-l)-70 



CSA 



Canadian Standards Associaitioii 

178 Rei Dak Boulevard 

Rex Pale, Ontario, Canada M9W1R3 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 
780 CMR Section number 



CSA 0437-M92 



OSB and Waferboard 



3605.3.2.1.2, 3608.3.2.1.3 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



659 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

CSSB Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau 

515 116™ Avenue, NE, Suite 275 
Bellevue,WA 98004 

Standard Title Referenced in 
reference number 780 CMR Section 
^____^^___^____^___^_^^______^______^______^^_________^ number 

CSSB-84 Grading and Packing Rules for Certigrade Red Cedar Shingles (Revised 

February 1, 1984) 3609.8.2 

CSSB-8S Grading and Packing Rules for Cert-Split Red Cedar Shakes (Revised 

October 1, 1985) 3609.9.2 

CSSB-90 Grading Rules for Shake Hip and Ridge based on the Standards of the Cedar 

Shake and Shingle Bureau 3609.8.3.3, 3609^9.3.4 

CSSB-90 Grading Rules for Certi-Sawn Taper-Sawn Cedar Shakes (Revised May 30 3609.9.2 

1990) 
CSSB-90 Wood Shakes (Preservative Treated) based on Grading and Packing Rules for 

Treated Southern Pine Ti^r-Sawn Shakes of the Cedar Shake and Shingle 

Bureau 3609.9.3 

CSSB-93 Grading Rules for Wood Shakes and Shingles 3607.2.6, 3607.3.5 

Exterior and Interior Walls - Design and Application Manual for, 1 989 

New Roof Coverings - Red Cedar Shingle and Shake Design and 

Application Manual for, 1989 

Red Cedar Shingles - Grading Rules for Certi-Grade, 1984 

Wood Shakes - 

Grading Rules for Certi-Sawn Taper Sawn Red Cedar Shakes, 1981 
Grading Rules for Certi-Split Red Cedar Shakes, 1985 
Wood Shingles • 
Grading Rules for Certi-Grade Shingles, 1984 «„,,,_^____^.^_^_____^___ 



cwc 



Canadian Wood Council 

1730 St. Laurent Boulevard - Suite 350 

Ottawa, Ontario^ Canada KIG 5L1 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



CWC-87 



Canadian Dimension Lumber Data Book 3608.2.2 



DOC United States Department of Commerce 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 
Gaitbersburg, MD 20899 

Standard reference >.... Referenced in 
number 780 CMR Section number 

PS 1-95 Construction and Industrial Plywood 2306.4.6, 2307.1, 3606.10.1, 

3608.3.2.1, Table 3604.4.3.3 

PS 2-95 Performance Standard for Wood- Based Structural- Use Panels 2307.1, 3604.4.3.3, 

3605.3.2.1,3605.3.2.1.2, 
3606.10.1 3608.3.2.1 

PS 20-94 American Softwood Lumber Standard -with 1991 Amendments 2302.1, 3604.4.3.1, 

3605.2.1,3606.2.1,3608.2.1 

FF-1(CPSC 16 CFR, Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpet and Rugs 805.3, 805.5 

Part 1630) -70 

DOTn U.S. Department of Transportation 

c/o Superintendent of Documents 
U.S. Government Printing Office 
Washington, D.C. 20402-9325 

Referenced in 
Standard reference number Title 780 CMR Section 

number 

49 CFR, Part 1 00- 1 78 Specification for Transportation of Explosive and Other Dangerous Articles, 

& 179-199 -88 Shipping Containers 307.2 

660 780 CMR -Sixth Edition 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX A 

EIA Electronics Indrntrtss Assocktsosi 

2001 Pfiosssylvamiffl Avemiie, NW 
Washington, DoC. 20006 

c»a«^<»^ *>A><»>..^o Referenced in 

Standard reference ^.^,^ 780 CMR Section 

°"°^^'' number 

222-E ' 91 Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures 3108.4 

FM Factory Mutual Engineering Corporation 

Standards Lshomtories Department 
liSl Boston Providence Tunspike 
Norwood, Massaclmsetts 02062 

c«an^o«4 .««..<>.,.» Referenced in 

Ui^r ™^ 780 CMR Section 

number 

4450-90 Approval Standard for Class I Insulated Steel Deck Roofs ->with Supplement (July 

1992) 1505.2.2, 2603.4.1.5 

4470-86 Approval Standard for Class 1 Roof Coverings -with Supplement 3 (August 1992) .... 1505.2.2, 1505.3.2 
4880-94 Test Procedure for Building Comer Fire Test 2603.8. 3603.17.3 



GA Gypsum AssociatSom 

103 Orrington Avenue, Suite UW 
Evanstop, !L 60201 

Standard reference Title Referenced in 

number 780 CMR Section 

number 

GA 253-93 Recommended Specification for the Application of Gypsum Scathing Table 3606.2.3(a) 



MPMA Hardwood PEyvyood Manufactures Associatioss 

1825 Michael F@ni(9&y Drive, P.O. los 2789 
Restm, Virgiah 22090-2789 

'--"■"-'■"' ' ■■afc.,r,iBg-iHj. II I • 14— ■ill! e-g°--~ ■ — 

Standard reference Titip Referenced in 

number 780 CMR Section number 

HP-83 Hardwood and Decorative Plywood 2307. 1, 3607.2.5 

HP-SG-86 Structural Design Guide for Hardwood Plywood Wall Panels 2307.1, 3605.3.2.1, 

3606.10.1 



12/12/97 (Eflfective 8/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 661 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

MASSACHUSETTS, COMMONWEALTH OF 
CODE OF MASSACHUSETTS REGUL.VTIONS (CMR) 

Specific numbers have been established by the Massachusetts Office of the Secretary of State to identify for reference purposes all 
rules and regulations promulgated by agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These numbers are designated as "Code 
of Massachusetts Regulations" (CMR's). Although they may not be cited in the text of 780 CMR, the CMR 's listed below are 
pertinent to building construction and design or maintenance. 

Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters 
100 Cambridge Street 
Boston, MA 02202 



CMR number 



Title 



780 CMR Section number 



248 CMR 2.00 

248 CMR 4.00 -7.00 

104 CMR 17.13 

115 CMR 7.00 -8.00 

711 CMR 3.00 

310 CMR 



105 CMR 130.000 
105 CMR 140.000 



105 CMR 151.000 
105 CMR 
105 CMR 400.000 
105 CMR 410.000 
105 CMR 420.000 
105 CMR 430.000 

105 CMR 435.000 
105 CMR 440.000 
105 CMR 590:000 



454 CMR 2.00 
454 CMR 10.00 
454 CMR 11.00 
454 CMR 12.00 
454 CMR 16.00 
454 CMR 19.00 



Massachusetts State Plumbing Code 

Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code 

Department of Mental Health 
25 Staniford Street 
Boston, MA 02114 



201.3,408.4,418.3.4,421.7, 
602.4.3, 1212.7, 1813.5.3 



429.1,429.1.6 



Department of Mental Retardation 
160 North Washington Street 
Boston, MA 02114 



Outdoor AdvertisingBoard 
100 Cambridge Street, Floor 20 
Boston, MA 02002 

Control and Restriction of Billboards, Signs and Other Advertising Devices 

Department og Emvironmental Protection 
One Winter Street 
Boston, MA 02208 



423.1.1,427.1.1.1 



401.2 



Department of Public Health 
150 Tremont 
Boston, MA 02111 

Hospital Licensure 

Licensure of Clinics 

Designer's Guide (Bureau of Planning and Construction) Dispensaries and Clinics, December 21, 

1966- 
General Standards of Construction for Long Term Care Facilities in Massachusetts 
Intensive Care Unit Amendment, October 1, 1972 
State Sanitary Code Chapter I: General Administrative Procedures 
Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (State Sanitary Code: Chapter II): 
Housing and Sanitation Standards for Farm Labor Camps (State Sanitary Code: Chapter III) 
Minimum Sanitation and Sa&ty Standards for Recreational Camps for Children (State Sanitary Code: 

Chapter IV) 

Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools (State Sanitary Code: Chapter V) 421.7 

Minimum Standards for Developed Family Type Campgrounds (State Sanitary Code: Chapter VI) 
State Sanitary Code Chapter X - Minimum Sanitation Standards for Food Establishments 

Division of Industrial Safety 
100 Cambridge Street, lltb Floor 
Boston, MA 02202 

Toilets in Industrial Establishments 
Industrial Bulletin No. 4 

Construction Industry Rules and Regulations 
Industrial Bulletin No. 12 

Structural Painting Safety Code 
Industrial Bulletin No. IS 

Requirements for the Care of Employees Injured or Taken 111 in Industrial Establishments 
Industrial Bulletin No. 14 

Lighting Code for Factories, Workshops, Manufacturing, Mechanical and Mercantile Establishments 
Industrial Bulletin No. 18 

Window Cleaning 
Industrial Bulletin No. 2 1 



662 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



12/1 2/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



Standard reference 
number 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX A 

Architectural Access Board 
Department of Public Safety 
One Ashburton Place, 13 th Floor 
Boston, MA 02208 

Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 

521 CMR 1.00-47.00 Architectural Access Board Regulations 401.2, 421.5.5, 424.4.10 

Board of Boiler Rules 
Department of Poblic Safety 
One Ashburton Place, Roon 1301 
Boston, MA 021 OS 

522 CMR 2.00 Construction of Power Boilers 

522 CMR 3.00 Power Boilers, Power Reactor Vessels and Piping and Unfired Pressure Vessels 

as Used in Atomic Energy Installations 401 .2 

522 CMR 4.00 Steam and Hot Water Boilers and Heat Storage Sources 401.2 

522 CMR 5.00 Heating Boilers 401.2 

522 CMR 6.00 Low Pressure Heating Boilers 401.2 

522 CMR 7.00 Air Tanks 401.2 

522 CMR 8.00 Air Tanks 401.2 

522 CMR 9.00 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems 401 .2 

522 CMR 1 0.00 Material Specifications 401 .2 

522 CMR 1 1.00 Welding Specifications 401.2 

522 CMR 12.00 Fiberglass-reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels 401.2 



524 CMR 



Board of Elevator Regulations 
One Ashburton Place, Eoon 1301 
Boston, MA 02108 

The Massachusetts State Elevator Code 403, 



527 CMR : 
527 CMR 3.00 

527 CMR 4.00 
527 CMR 5.00 

527 CMR 6.00 
527 CMR 7.00 
527 CMR 9.00 
527 CMR 10.00 
527 CMR 12.00 



527 CMR 14.00 



527 CMR 21.00 



527 CMR 49.03 



Board of Fire Prevention and Regulation 
1010 Commonwealth Avenue 
Boston, MA 02215 



Dry Cleaning and Dry Dyeing and the Keeping, Storage and 

Use of Cleaning and Dyeing Fluids 401 .2 

Oil Burning Equipment 401.2 

Operation and Maintenance of Buildings or Other Structures 
Used as Garages, Service Stations and the Related Storage, 

Keeping and Use of Gasoline or Other Motor Fuel 401.2, 408.6 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Containers and Systems 401.2, 418.3.3 

Manufacture and Handling of Plastics 401 .2 

Tanks and Containers 401.2, 3 103.1 

Prevention of Fire in Buildings and in or on Ships 401.2, 426.15 

1993 National Electrical Code (Amendments) 401.2, 403.9.1, 405.8, 405.9, 

410.4.5,414.5,416.11,416.14.6, 
416.15.2,417.5.4,421.7,426.14. 
3102.6.3,3102.13.1,3107.7 
Flammable and Combustible Liquids, Flammible Solids or 

Flammable Gases 401.2, 417.1, 417.2.1, 417,3, 417.5, 

417.5.1,417.5.2,417.5.3,417.6, 

417.6.1,417.6.3,418.3.2,418.1, 

418.2,418.2.1,418.3,418.3.1, 

418.4,418.5,705.2.1 

Decorations, Curtains, Draperies, Blinds and Other Window 

Treatments 401 .2 

426.5, 426.6, 429.1, 429.1.6 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 Cr^lR - Sixth Edition 



663 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



NCMA 



National Concrete Masonry Association 
2302 Horse Pen Road, P.O. Box 781 
Herndon, VA 22070 



Standard 
reference number 



Title 



Referenced in 
780 CMR Section number 



NCMA 
TR68-A-75 



Design and Construction of Plain and Reinforced Concrete Masonry 

Basement and Foundation Walls 3604.4.1 



NFPA National Fire Protection Association 

Batterymarch Park 
Quincy, Massachusetts 02269 

Standard reference Referenced in 

number 780 CMR Section number 

10-94 Portable Fire Extinguishers 920.2 

11-02 Low, Medium and High Expansion Foam 911.1, 911.5 

llA-94 Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems 911.1, 911.5 

12-93 Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems 909.1, 909.5 

12A-92 Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems 912.1, 912.5 

123-90 Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems 912.1, 912.5 

13-02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems 412.7, 416.4, 426.3, 426.6, 

„,,^ ■ f 706.2.906.2.1.906.9.1. 

231Dnowpartof 

NFPA 13-02 y<".^.i, vi/./.j 

1 3D-02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two- Family Dwellings and Mobile 

Homes 423.6, 427.3.5. 906.2.3 

1 3 R-02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to Four Stories 

in Height 426.7, 906.2.2, 923.1 

14-03 Standpipe and Hose Systems 914.1, 914.3, 914.4, 914.5. 

914.6 

15-01 Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection 908.1, 908.4 

16-03 Deluge Foam- Water Sprinkler and Spray Systems 91 1.1, 911.5 

17-94 Dry Chemical Extinguishing System 910.1, 910.5 

17A-94 Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems 913.1, 913.5 

20-03 Standard for the Installation of Sanitary Pumps for Fire Protection 924.1, 924.2, 924.3 

22-02 Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection 

24-02 Installation of Private Fire Service Mains 417.6.3. 906.9.1, 914.6.1 

25-02 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems 901.4 

30-00 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code 307.8. 416.14. 418.3.2. 

419.2.3.426.3.426.5.426.11 

30A-00 Automotive and Marine Service Station Code 408.6. 417.6.6 

30B-94 Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products 426.3, 426.12 

31-92 Oil Burning Equipment 3612.1 

32-96 Dry Cleaning Plants 418.3.4 

33-95 Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials 307.8, 419.1 

34-95 Dipping and Coating Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids 307.8, 419.1 

40-94 Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film 411.1 

50-96 Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites 2810.1 

51-92 Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes 2810.1 

54-92 National Fuel Gas Code 3612.1.1 

61-95 Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions in Agricultural Food Products Facilities 418.3.1 

65-93 Processing and Finishing of Aluminum 418.3.1 

69-92 Explosion Prevention Systems 417.5.1.2 

70-96 National Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00: Massachusetts Amendments) 416.1 1, 416.14.6, 

416.15.2,602.4.4, 

1405.4.3.3102.6.3. 

3102.13.1.3107.7 

See also 527 CMR 12.00 

72-02 National Fire Alarm Code 403.6, 417.5.3. 426.14, 

427.3.7,427.3.8.428.12.1. 

428.16,906.5.917.1, 

917.7.1.1,917.6.917.7, 

917.7.3.917.8.1,917.9. 

917.10.918.1.918.2.1. 

918.8.919.1.919.6,921.4, 

923.1.923.2, 923.2.1, 

923.2.2, 923.2.3 

80-95 Fire Doors and Windows 716.2, 716.5, 

1017.4.4 
80A-96 Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures 



664 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



APPENDIX A 



Standard reference „. . Referenced in 

number 780 CMR Section number 

Incinerators, Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment 2807.1 

Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems 

Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems 

Smoke Control Systems 

Smoke Management System in Malls, Atria and Alrge Areas 

Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations 

Health Care Facilities 2809.1, 2809.2 

Life Safet)' Code 

Assembly Seating, Tents and Membrane Structures 3104.4 

Coal Preparation Plants 418.3.1 

Standard for Fixed Guideway Systems 

Chimney, Fireplace and Vents 3610.4 

General Storage 426.3, 426.6 

Rack Storage of Materials 507.1, 426.3, Table 922.2 

Now also part of NFPA 13-02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems 

Safeguarding Construction, Alteration and Demolition Operations 903.1.5, 915.1, 914.7.2 

Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials 3603.17.2.5 

Aircraft Hangers 426.3, 426.5, 426.6 

Construction and Protection of Airport Terminal Buildings 

Roof-top Heliport Construction and Protection 151 1.3 

Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers 426.3, 426.5, 426.6 

Explosive Material Code 417.5.1 See also 527 CMR 

Access Highways, Tunnels, Bridges, Air Right Structures 

Manufacture of Aluminum or Magnesium Powder 418.3.1 

Prevention of Fire, and Dust Explosions in the Chemical, Dye, Pharmaceutical, 

and Plastics Industries 418.3.1 

Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions " 418.3.1 

Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking 

Facilities 418.3.1 

Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Hame Resistant Textiles and Films 807.2, 807.2.2, 

3102.6.4.2.3103.3.2, 
3104.5,3105.3 

Identification of the Fire Hazards of Materials 416.2, 416.15.1 

Installation of Water Mist Fire Protection Systems 

Pulverized Fuel Systems 418.3.1 



82-94 

90A-96 

906-96 

92A-96 

92B-95 

96-01 

99-96 

101-94 

102-95 

120-94 

130-95 

211 

231-95 

231C-95 

231D-94 

241-96 

259-87 

409-01 

416-93 

418-01 

430-95 

495-96 

502-96 

651-93 

654-94 

655-93 
664-93 

701-96 



704-96 
750-03 
8503-96 



(AFPA) 



American Forest and Paper Association^ 
1250 Connecticut Avenue, N.W./ Suite 200 
Washington, D.C. 20036 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 
780 CMR Section number 



NDS-97 



TR7-87 



National Design Specification for Wood Construction -with 1997 
Supplement; Design Values for Wood Construction 



Basic Requirements for Permanent Wood Foundation System 



1801.1,2303.1,2304.1, 

2305.14.1,2305.15,2306.4, 

2306.4.5.1, 2306.4.5.2, 2306.4.6, 

2306.4.6.1.1.2306.4.6.2.1. 

2306.4.7.1.1,2306.4.7.2.1, 

2312.1,2312.4,2313.3.1, 

2313.3.2 

1808.3,1813.3,2311.3.3 



*The National Forest Products Association (NFoPA) has changed their name to the American Forest and Paper Association 
(AFPA). The referenced standard in this code may be identified with the designation AFPA. 



9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



665 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGU1.ATI0NS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



RCSC 



Research Council On Structural Connections 

c/o American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. 

Suite 3100 

One East Wacker Drive 

Chicago, IL 60601-2001 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



RCSC-85 
RCSC-88 



Specifications for Structural Joints Using A325 or A490 Bolts 
Specification for Load and Resistance Design 



1705.5.3.2.1 



RjVLA Rubber Manufacturers Association 

1200 K Street, N.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20005 

Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 

number 

RP-1- 90 Minimum Requirements for Non- Reinforced Black EPDM Rubber Sheets 1507.3.2 

RP-2-90 Minimum Requirements for Fabric- Reinforced Black EPDM Rubber Sheets : . 1507.3.2 

RP-3-85 Minimum Requirements for Fabric- Reinforced Black Polychlorprene Rubber Sheets 1507.3.2 



Standard reference 
number 



SJI 



Steel Joist Institute 

1205 48th Avenue North 

Suite A 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



SJI-94 



Standard Specifications, Load Tables and Weight Tables for Steel Joists and Joist Girders 



2205.1 



SMACNA 



Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors 
National Association, Inc. 
4201 Lafayette Center Drive 
Chantilly, VA 22021 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



SMACNA-88 Installation Standards for Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Systems 3619.1.3.1 



TFS 



Texas Forest Ser\'ice 
Forest Products Laboratory 
P.O. Box 310 
Lufkin, Texas 75902-0310 



Standard 
reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR 
Section number 



TFS-90 



Grading Rules for Preservative Treated Southern Yellow Pine Tapersawn Shakes 1507.2.9 



666 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



APPENDDC A 



IMS 



The Masonry Cptamcil 
SuUe B 

2619 Spruce Sts-est 
Bouidier, CO 80302°3S0§ 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 
780 CMR Section number 



TMS 402/ACI 530/ Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures 
ASCE 5-95 



707.3, Table 1705.7, 1812.3.2, 

Table 1812.3.2, 2101.1.1. 2104.1, 

2104.2.2104.3, 2104.4.1,2104.4.2, 

2106.3.1 



TMS 602/ACI 
530.1/ASCE6-95 



Specifications for Masonry Structures Table 1705,7, 2104.2, 21 12.1.1 



TFI 



Truss Plate Iiistlitate Issc 
Suite 200 

§83 D'Onofrlo Drive 
MadisoQ, Wisconsin §3719 



Standard reference 
number 



•njfi. Referenced in 

^ 780 CMR Section number 

Design Specification for Metal Plate Connected Parallel Chord Wood Trusses 

2305.14.1, 2313.3.2, 

3605.2.10,3608.2.11 
National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction 2305.15 , 2313.3.1, 

3605.2.10, 3608.2.1 1 

Bracing Wood Trasses: Commentary and Recommendations 3605,2.10, 3608.2.1 1 

Quality Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses 360S.2.10. 3608.2.1 1 



PCT-80 



TPI 1-95 

TPI BWT-76 
TPI QST°89 



UL 



Underwriters Laboratories, Hne. 
333 Pflngsteia Rosd 
Nortbbrook, Illlsaois 60062 



Standard reference 
number 



Referenced in 
Title 780 CMR Section 
^ number 

Standard for Safety Tin- Clad Fire -with Revisions through May 1985 716.2 

Standard for Safety Sliding Hardware for Standard, Horizontally Mounted Tin-Ciad Fire 

Doors -with Revisions through October 1984 716.2 

Standard for Safety Swinging Hardware for Standani Tin-Clad Fire Doors Mounted 

Singly and in Pairs -with Revisions through October 1984 716.2 

Material for Built-up Roof Coverings (Revised 1989) 3609.7.2 

Standard for Safety Chimneys, Factory Built, Residential Type and Building Heating 

Appliance -with Revisions through February 1989 720.6.4,3612,2 

Standard for Safety Factory-Built Fireplaces -with Revisions through June, 1992 720.6,4 

Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors (Revised November, 1 990) 36 1 9. 1 ,2 

Closure System for Use with Rigid Air Ducts and Connectors 3619,1.2 

Standard for Safety Single and Multiple Station Smoke Detectors -with Revisions 

through Februaiy 1989 409,5.1 

Standard for Safety Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems -with 

Revisions through May 1989 409.5. 1 

Gas Vents 3612.2 

Fire Dampers 717.1 

Heat Pumps (Revised December, 1987) 3614,2,1 

Standard for Safety Tests for Uplift Resistance of Roof Assemblies -with Revisions 

through December 1989 1505,2.2 

Low-Temperature Venting Systems, Type L 3612.2 

Tests for Fine Resistance of Roof Covering Material (Revised, 1989) 3609. 1,3 

Standard for Safety Test for Flame Propagation and Smoke-Density Values for Electrical 

and Optical-Fiber Cables used in Spaces Transporting Environmental Air 2805.2.5 

Standard for Safety Wind Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials -with 

Revisions through July, 1981 1505.2,3 

Outline of Investigation for Insulated Wall Construction 3603,17.3 

Electric Central Air Heating Equipment (Revised Januaty, 1988) 3614,1,12 

Standard for Safety Fire Test of Roof Deck Constructions J603,4,1.5 

Fire Test of Interior Finish Material -with Revisions through March 1991 2603.8, 3603,17.3 

Chimney Liners (Revised November. 1989) % 3610.2.84 



lOA-93 
14B-93 

14C-93 

55A.83 
103-94 

127-88 
181-90 
181A-90 
217-93 

268-89 

441-86 
555-95 
559-85 
580-94 

641-86 
790-83 
910-95 

997-81 

1040-71 
1096-86 
1256-85 
1715-94 
1777-88 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



667 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE • 

Standard reference ^. , Referenced in 

nlber ^«'« 780 CMR Section 

number 

1040-89 Outline of Proposed Investigation for Insulated Wall Construction 2603.8 

1820-94 Standard for Safety Fire Test Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics - 

with Revisions through April 1991 2805.2.6 

1 887-95 Fire Tests of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Flame and Smokt; Characteristics 2805.2. 1 



use 



United States Code 
c/o Superintendent of Documents 
U.S. Government Printing Office 
Washington, D.C. 20402-9325 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



Title 18; Importation, Manufacture, Distribution and Storage of Explosive Materials 307.2 

Chapter 40-70 



WWPA 



Western Lumber 



Standard reference 
number 



Title 



Referenced in 

780 CMR Section 

number 



WWPA-92 



Western Lumber Span Tables for Floor and Ceiling Joists and Roof Rafters 3608.2.2 



668 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



1 2/1 2/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR Appendix B 

Appendix B contains the following information and documentation; 

Appendix B-l 

A) Sample Unifonn Building Pemut Application Fonn for One and Two Family Dwellings and Accessory 
Buildings. This application form is not mandated by 780 CMR, however, the information requested on the 
form is the minimum information required to satisfy 780 CMR 1 10.4. 

B) Sample Uniform Building Pennit Application Form for Any Building Other than One and Two Family 
Dwellings and Accessory Buildings. This application form is not mandated by 780 CMR, however, the 
information requested on the form is the minimum information required to satisfy the requirements of 
780 CMR 110.4. 

Appendix 3-2 

Application Forms required to file an appeal with the State Building Code Appeals Board in accordance 
with 780 CMR 122.0. 

Appendix E-S 

0;fficial Interpretations of the Building Code issued by the BBRS under authority of M.G.L. c 143, § 94(e). 
These interpretations have been made over the period since the promulgation of the first Edition of 
780 CMR on January 1, 1975. Interpretations are identified by number, in order of interpretation, followed 
by the year of the interpretation. The edition of 780 under which the interpretation was made is indicated 
for each Official Interpretation. 



2/1191 (Eflfective 2/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 669 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

APPENDIX B-1 

SAMPLE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION FORMS 

The following sample building permit application forms have been developed to simplify the building permit 
application process for the applicant and provide the building department with sufBcient detail, in a 
standardized and concise form. Wherever possible the forms utilize a check off process for ease of use. 

The sample application forms also reference certain Massachusetts General Laws which impact the issuance 
of the building permit. 

The primary objective in the development of these application forms is to promote standardization throughout 
the Commonwealth. Standardization will benefit both the building permit applicant and the building 
department. 

The sample application forms are not mandatory, but their use is strongly suggested. The information 
contained on the sample application forms, however, is the minimum required to be contained on a building 
permit application consistent with 780 CMR 1 10.4. 

Application forms have been developed for; 

• One and two family dwellings and accessory buildings thereto and; 

• All other buildings and structures. 



670 780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/1 9/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULAHONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 




The Coiomosawefiitli ®f Massachusetts 
State Boaid of Buildimg RegiilatioBS amd 

Standards 
Massachusetts State Building CMe 

78© CMR 



FOR MUNICIPALITY USE 



.^PmCATION TO CONSTRUCT, REPAIR. RENOVATE OR DEMOLISH A ONE OR TWO FAMILY DWELLING 



This Section Fori Official Use Only 



Pililliliiffilllllffl^ 



Pate issued* 



!:^ttatui!iKl |:i|:plp 



|!^|||ippiaiiit^|(^^ 



Miaie: 



Required 




SECTIOSr 1 > BITS INFORMATION 



1.1 Proper^ Address: 



1.S Zoning Information: 



2^nlng District 



Proposed Use 



1.2 Afissessora Map & Parcel Nuxuiber: 



Map Number 



Parcel Number 



,.4 PsropeHy Dbinensions: 



Lot Area (sf) 



Frontage (ft) 



l.B BnUding Setbacks (ft) 
Front Yard 
Required 



1.6 Wate? Snpply CM.G.L. e. 40. § S4) 
Public D Private D 



Side Yards 



1.? Mood Zone Information: 

Zone: Outside Flood Zone □ 



Rear Yard 



Provided 



1.8 Sewage Disposal System: 
Municipal D On site disposal system D 



SEC?T10N 2 H l»ROmiTT OWNE^HIP/AirrHORIZEp AGENT 



2. 1 Owner mi Record: 



Ncune (Print} 



Address for Service: 



Signature 



Telephone 



2.2 Antliosised Agent: 



Name (Pxint) 



Address for Service: 



Signature 



Telephone 



SECTION ^^CXm^^ 



3.1 Licensed Constniction SuperTisor: 



Licensed Construction Supervlson 



Address 



Signature 

3.2 Registeied Home Improvement Contractor. 



Telephone 



Company Name 



Address 



Signature 



Telephone 



Not Applicable D 



Ucense Number 



Expiration Date 



Not Applicable D 



Registration Number 



Expiration Date 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) = corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



671 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



SECTION 4 - WORKERS' COMI%;NSATtONINSIJR(^ 1S2. § 25C(6}) 



Workers Compensation Insurance affidavit must be completed and submitted with this application. Failure to provide this 
affidavit will result in the denial of the issuance of the building permit 



Signed Affidavit Attached Yes D 



No. 



SECTION 5 • DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK (check aU applicaUe) 



New Construction 



Existing Building D 



Repair(s) 



D Alteration(s) 



Addition 



Accessory Bldg. 



Demolition 



Other D Specify: 



Brief Description of Proposed Work: 



SECTION 6 ' ESTDIATED CCMSTBUCTION COSTS 



Item 



Estimated Cost (Dollars) to be 
completed by permit applicant 



omclal Use Only 



1. Building 



(a) Building Permit Fee 

liiiiiMiiliillii 



2. Electrical 



Si^illiiiiiuiilca^iim^ 



3. Plumbing 



4. Mechanical (HVAC) 



5. Fire Protection 



Bnflding Pennit Fee 

iiiipililiiii 



6. Total = (1+2 + 3 + 4 + 5) 



Check Number 



SECTK»r7ft-OWNEaEt;»UTB<^IZAt»»i'-TOBEC0MPi;£TEa> WBENI 
OWNERS iUSENT OR CONTRACTOR AF^JES FOR BlQLDINGPBRiiii 



I, 



hereby authorize 

my behalf, in all matters relative to work authorized by this building permit application. 



as Owner of the subject property 
to act on 



Signature of Owner 



Date 



SBCTtOH 71^ • OWNE»/AUTH<»aZSl> ilGENT IXBCLARATION 



I, , as Owner/Authorized Agent 

hereby declare that the statements and information on the foregoing applitsation are true and accurate, to the best of my 
knowledge and belief. 

Signed tmder the pains and penalties of perjury. 



Print Name 



Signature of Owner/Agent 



Date 



672 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 




Tlie ComsuonweaStb of Massacliiisetts 
State Board of BuMdiag Regulatioss and 

Stamiards 

Massachusetts Stat® Building Code 

780CBIR 



FOR MUNICIPALOY USE 



APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT. REPAIR, RENOVATE. CHANGE THE USE OR OGCUPANCT OF. OR DEMOLISH ANY 
BUILDING OTHER THAN A ONE OR TWO FAMILY DWELLING 



TltidSecdKOLFoa' Official Use Onl^ 



Building Pcanslt Number 



Ddte Issued: 



JS^atuns 



BnJldlng Comnjtesioner/lnapector of Bufidbigs 



Date 



SBCTIOff 1 > «ITE INFORMATION 



1 . 1 Psopestf AAdsKBB: 



1.2 Assessors Map & Parcel Number: 



Map Number 



Parcel Number 



1.3 Zoziisag Infosmatiom: 



E.4 Wsopstty Dimensions: 



Zoning District 



Proposed Use 



Lot Area (sf) 



Frontage (ft) 



1.5 Building Setbacks (ft) 



FJiontYard 



Side Yards 



Rear Yard 



Required 



Provided 



Required 



Provided 



Required 



Provided 



l.B Water Supply (M.G.L. c. 40, § 54} 
Public D Private o 



1^7 Flood Zone Infonsation: 

Zone: Outside Flood Zone n 



1.8 Sewage Disposal System: 
Municipal a On site disposal system Q 



2.1 Own@s ©f EecoM: 



Name (Print) 



Address: 



Signature 



Telephone 



2.2 Anthoslsed Age^t: 



Name (Print) 



Address: 



Signature 



Telephone 



wmmmmmm 



S THAN 3S;pod CUBIC M^or^^^ 



3.1 Licensed Constmction Supervisor. 



Licensed Construction Supervisor 



Address 



Signature 



Telephone 



Not Applicable D 



Ucense Number 



Expiration Date 



3.2 Registeired Home Imp? oven&eat Contractor: 



Not Applicable □ 



Company Name 



RegistraUon Number 



Address 



EKplration Date 



Signature 



Telephone 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



673 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



SECTION 4 -WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE AFFIDAVIT (MGL. c. 152 g 25C(6)) 




Workers Compensation Insurance affidavit must be completed and submitted with this application. Failure to provide this 
affidavit will result in the denial of the issuance of the building permit 


Signed Affidavit Attached Yes D No d 


SECTION 5- PR<»"ESSIONALDBSIC}N AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES - FOR BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES SUBJECT 
to CONSTRUCTION CONTROL PURSUANT TO 780 CMR 116 (CONTA»JINQ MORE THAN 35.OO0 C.F. OF ENCLOSED 


5.1 Registered Architect: 




Not Applicable a 


Name (Registrant): 


Registration Number 


Address 


Expiration Date 


Signature Telephone 


5.2 Registered Professional Eiigineer(s): | 






Name 


Area of Responsibility 


Address 


Registration Number 


Signature Telephone 


Expiration Date 






Name 


Area of Responsibility 


Address 


Registration Number 


Signature Telephone 


Expiration Date 






Name 


Area of Responsibility 


Address 


Registration Number 


Signature Telephone 


Expiration Date 






Name 


Area of Responsibility 


Address 


Registration Number 


Signature Telephone 


Expiration Date 


5.3 General Contractor 




Not^plicable D 


Company Name: 


Responsible In Charge of Construction 


Address 


Signature Telephone 







674 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX : 



■■SECTIpPri;6iPESCRIi>TipN^ 



New Construction D 



Accessory Bldg. a 



Existing Building o 



Demolition D 



Repair(s) o 



Alteratlon(s) a 



Addition a 



Other D Specify: 



Brief Description of Proposed Work: 



fSBCTiOSMiiA^ 



USE GROUP (Check as appIicAbie) 



A Assembly 



B Business 



£ Educational 



F Factoiy 
H High Hazard 



I Institutional 



M Mercantile 
R Residential 
S Storage 



U Utility 



M Mixed Use 
S Special Use 



A-1 
A-4 



A-2 
A-5 



A-3 



F-1 



F-2 



M 



1-2 



1-3 



R-1 



R-2 



R-3 



S-1 



S-2 



CONSTRUCTION TYPE 



lA 
IB 



2A 
2B 
2C 



3A 
3B 



5A 
5B 



Specify: 



Specify: 



Specify: 



' CDMPLET^1HI5 SECUON IF EXISTING BUIt33lNG I3N0EKGOING RENOVATIONS. ADDHIONS AND/OR CHANGE IN USE 



Existing Use Group: 



Existing Hazard Index 780 CMR 34)f 



Proposed Use Group: 



Proposed Hazard Index 780 CMR 34): 



SECTION 8 BUILDING HEIGHT AN1> AREA 



BUILDING AREA 

Number of Floors or stories include 
basement levels 



Floor Area per Floor (si) 



Total Area (si) 



Total Height (ft) 



Existing (if applicable) 



Proposed 



SECTION.O'.aTRUCTURAL FEERREVIEW (780 CBilK. llO^Xl) 



Independent Structural Engineering Structural Peer Review Required 



SECTION 10a - OWNER AQTHORI2ATION -TO BE COMFLETED WHEN 
OWNERS AGENT OR CONTRACTOR APPLIES FOR BUILDING PERMIT 



I. 



hereby authorize 

my behalf, in all matters relative to work authorized by this building permit application. 



.. as Owner of the subject properly 
to act on 



Signature of Owner 



Date 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



675 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUI.ATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



SECTION iOb - OWNER/AUTHORIZBD AGENT DECLARATION ; 






I. , . as Owner/Authorized Agent 


hereby declare that the statements and Information on the foregoing application are true and accurate, to the best of my 

knowledge and belief. 

Signed under the pains and penalties of perjury. 


Print Name 


Signature of Owner/Agent 


Date 


||Eci|cw|i^ 




Item 


Estimated Cost (Dollars) to be 
completed by permit applicant 


OlficI^ Use Only 


1. Building 




(a) Building ffennit Fee 
Multiplier 


;iii»iii»iliiiisil 


2. Electrical 




(b) £:st1mated Total Cost of 
ConstructioD from (6} 


j|iliiiiliiiillS; 
:fiiiiiiiiPiiiiiii 


3. Plumbing 




Building; Peimlt Fee (a) x (b) 


liliiPiiiiiHiiiiiliB;: 

;ililBIIIIBHI 
ilSMllilliill 


4. Mechanical (HVAC) 




5. Fire Protection 




6.Total = (I +2 + 3 + 4+5) 




Cheidc Number 


ii;iii|ii|||l|iiiiiip| 



676 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 cmr: state board of building regulations and standards 

appendix: 

Appendix 3-2 

State Building Code Appeals Board Filing Instructions and Application Forms 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 780 CMR » Sixth Edition 677 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

KATHLEEN M. OTOOLE THOMAS L. ROCEBS 

S-wuty TEL: (617) 727-3200 FAX: (817) 227-1754 A*ni««n«« 




STATE BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD - FILING INSTRUCTIONS 

Note: Appeals are held pursuant to 801 CMR 1.02 Informal/Fair Hearing Rules 



The procedure outlined below must be followed when filing a Building Code Appeal: 

1. The appellant must be in receipt of a letter of denial from the local Building Official as required under 
780 CMR 1 11 . 1 of the State Building Code. An appeal must be filed within 45 davs of the date of the letter 
of denial. An appeal may be filed either with the local Building Code Appeals Board, if one has been 
established, or directly with the State Building Code Appeals Board. 

2. Two documents are required to be completed by the appellant or his/her representative - the Appeal 
Application Form (2 pages) and the Service Notice (I page). 

The Service Notice, which gives notice to the building official that an appeal is being filed, should include 
the date appearing on the appeal form and the name and address of the Building Official under the section 
"PERSON/AGENCY SERVED".The Method of Service should list one of the following procedures as 
set forth in Section 121.2. 1 of the State Building Code. 

A. Personally; or 

B. Registered or Certified Mail, return receipt requested; or 

C. By any person authorized to serve civil process. 

The Date of Service is the date when a copy of the appeal is delivered or mailed to the Building Official 
or other party entitled. 

The Service Notice must be signed by the appellant or his/her representative and the signature must be 
notarized. 

The Appeal Application Form (2 pages) must be completed in total . The application will be reviewed 
for completeness prior to a hearing being scheduled. Applications determined to be incomplete will be 
returned to the applicant for correction. Questions relating to completing the application should be 
directed to your local building department or this office. 

3. One complete copy of the appeal filing, including the original of the Service Notice, must be delivered 
to the Building Official or the official entitled. Four complete copies of the appeal filing, including the 
original plus three copies of the Appeal Application form, four copies of the Service Notice and four copies 
of the letter of denial, together with a check for $150.00 (filing fee)payable to the Commonweahh of 
Massachusetts must be filed with this office, if the appeal is made directly to the State Building Code 
Appeals Board. (Filing fee requirements for filings before a local Building Code Appeals Board may differ 
from the fees prescribed for submission to the State Building Code Appeals Board). 

ALL CASES W n J. BE HFARD ON THE SrHEDTTT.ED DATE 
POSTPONEMENTS WnX NOT BE GRANTED. 



678 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 

WSLUAM F.WELD ^o.£a^, JL^^ocAm^ OM^OS ^'""^Z^"'' 




KATHLEEN M.OTOOLE THOMAS L. SOCERS 

TEL: (817) 727-3200 FAX: (817) 227-1754 



STATE BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD 
APPEAL APPLICATION FORM 



STATE USE ONLY 

Fee Received: 

Check No.: 

Received By: 



DOCKET NUMBER: DATE: 

(State Use Only) 
The undersigned hereby appeals to the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards from the decision 
of the: 

Building Official from the City/Town of: 



Board of Appeals from the City/Town of: 
Other Municipal Agency/Official entitled: 
State Agency/Official entitled: 

OTHER: 



Dated: 19 , having been aggrieved by such (check as appropriate) 

Interpretation o Order o Requirement o Direction o 

Failure to Act o Other o Explai n 



All app ro priate code sections must be identified. Ai wriittem supporting documemtatioBS must b© 
submitted with this apph'cation. Parties may present written material at the hearingo However, the 
Board reserves the right to continue the proceeding if such material warrants extensive revleWo 

State Briefly desired relief: 



APPELLANT: 



ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: 



Telephone No. 



ADDRESS OF SUBJECT PROPERTY: 



APPELLAhJTS CONNECTION TO SUBJECT PROPERTY: 



SIGNATURE OF APPELLANT/REPRESENTATIVE (NAME - PLEASE PRINT) 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 679 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING OR STRUCTURE RELATIVE TO THE MASSACHUSETTS 
STATE BUILDING CODE (780 CMR 6th EDITION): (Check as appropriate) 



Check Here if Building is a One or Two Family Dwelling o Proceed to section entitled "^Brief Description 
of the Proposed Wor}^' - Do not complete the tables below 



^fiEicRiiTK>N:;C^::«^ 






New ConstructioiD 


Existing Buildlngn 


Repalr(s) a AJteratlon(s) a | Addition a 


Accessory Bldg. a 


Demolition a 


Other D Specify: 


Brief Description of Proposed Work: 








, 




VSEi GROUP AND CONSTRUCTION TTF& 




USE GROUP (Check as appUcable) 


CONSTRUCTION TYPE 


A Assembly 


o A-1 D A-2 D A-3 D 
A-4 D A-5 D 


lA 
IB 


D 

a 


B Business 


O 


2A 
2B 
2C 


a 

D 

a 


£ Educational 


□ 


P Factoiy 


O F-1 D F-2 D 


H High Hazard 


D 


3A 
3B 


n 
a 


I InsUtutlonal 


□ I-l D 1-2 D 1-3 n 


M Mercantile 


D 


4 


a 


R Residential 


D R-1 D R-2 n R-3 D 


5A 
5B 


a 
a 


S Storage 


D S-1 O S-2 D 


U Utility 


n Specllv: 


M Mixed Use 


D Specify: 


S Special Use 


D Speclfv: 


COMPLETE THIS SECnON IF EXISTING BUn J)ING UNDERGOING RENOVATIONS, ADDITIONS 

' AND/OR CHANGE IN USE 


Existing Use Group: 


Proposed Use Croup: 




Existing Hazard Index (780 CMR 34): 


Proposed Hazard Ind 


ex (780 CMR 341: 



^^m^^l^^^si^Pii^j^Bsip^ 






BUILDING AREA 


Existing {If appUcable) 


Proposed 


Number of Floors or stories include 
basement levels 






Floor Area per Floor (si) 






Total Area (sfl 






Total Height (ft) 







Brief Description of the Proposed Work: 



680 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 




WILU/IM F. WELD 



KATHLEEN M. OTOOLE 



TEL: (817) 727-3200 FAX; (8X7) 227-1754 



S£NTARO TSUTSUMI 



-mOMASL-ElOCEItS 



STATE BUILDING COBE APPEALS BOAKB - SERVICE NOTICE 



^as. 



for the 



Appellant/Petitioner 



in an appeal filed with the 



State Building Code Appeals Board on 



.19. 



HEREBY SWEAR UNDER TEIE PAINS AND PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT IN ACCORDANCE 
WITH THE PROCEDURES ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULAHONS AND 
STANDARDS AND SECTION 122.3.1 OF THE STAIE BUILDING CODE, I SERVED OR CAUSED TO 
BE SERVED, A COPY OF TfflS APPEAL APPLICATION ON THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IN IHE 

FOLLOWING MANNER: 



NAME AM) ADDRESS OF 

persqn/aqency s ervk;) 



METHOD OF SERVICE 



DATE OF SERVICE 



Signature: APPELLANT/PETTIIONER 



On the 



_Day of _ 



BEFORE ME THE ABOVE NAMED 



19 



^ PERSONALLY APPEARED 



(Type or Print the Name of the Appellant) 
AND ACKNOWLEDGED AND SWORE TEE ABOVE STATEMENTS TO BE TRUE. 



NOTARY PUBLIC 



MY COMMISSIONEXPIRES 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



681 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

ENERGY CONSERVATION MANDATORY CHECKLIST FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION 
(OTHER THAN LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL) 780 CMR, 1301.8.1 

Owner/Agent Name: Phone: 

Owner/Agent Address: 

City/State/Zip: 

Project Name: 

Site Address: City/Town 

Applicant's Name: Signature: 

Applicant's Phone: Date of Application: 




I. Envelope Compliance Option (check ONE) 

D Trade-Off (1304.5) - Attach software Compliance Report (COMcheck-EZ) 

D Appendix J (1301.2 - For buildings up to 10,000 sf only) - Attach Appendix J compliance documentation 

D Systems Analysis (1309) - Attach Registered Architect's or Engineer's report 



D Prescriptive (1304.2) - Complete this section, and attach copy of applicable Table (1304.2.1 through 13.4.2.12) 
Climate Zone (from Table 1303,1) D Zone 12a D Zone 13a D Zone 14a 

a. Gross above-grade wall area ^sq.ft. 

b. Total window & glass door area sq.ft. 

c. Glazing % (100 x b^a) % Table # utilized: - 



ELHVAC (check ONE) 

D Simple Systems & Equipment (1305.2) D Conq>lex Systems & Equipment (1305.3) 

D Systems Analysis (1309) - Attach Registered Architect's or Engineer's report 

m. Lighting (check ONE) 

D Building Area Method (1308.6.2.1) >. 

D Space-by-Space Method (1308.6.2.2) / ^"^^ CompUance Documentation (COMcheck-EZ or other) 

D Systems Analysis (1309) - Attach Registered Architect's or Engineer's report 

IV. Approval & Acceptance Construction Documents (1301.8.4.1) 

Attach a narrative report describing the HVAC, Lighting, and Electric Distribution systems, including: 



ForOfficial Use.QNLY: 



check off cbraijletediin: 
^^s^tipns'crfTCpoit 



1. Design Intent 

2. Basis of Design 

3. Sequence of operation / systems interaction 

4. Description of the systems (capacities, etc.) 

5. Testing requirements / criteria acceptance 

6. Requirement for submittal of operation manuals and maintenance manuals 

7. Requirement for submittal of record drsiwings and control documents 



682 780 CMR -Sixth Edition 1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 

This Side For Use by Building Department Only 

Official's Name: Title: „ 



I. Flams Reyiew 

Date Application Received: 

D Complete Narrative Report Received (1301.8.4.1) 

□ Design and Specification Documents prepared by legally recognized professional (1301.8.4.3) 

Application is: Approved D Date: Signature: 

Denied D Date: 

Reason(s) for Denial: (provide additional details as needed on separate sheet) 



Ho Acceptance (130UA4) 

D Successful system tests witnessed by Building Official, OR D satisfactory test report received (check one) 

D Certification by Registered Professional (per 780 CMR 116.2) that systems are installed in accordance with 
construction documents 

D Confirmation by owner (or their authorized representative) that they have received record drawings, reviewed for 
reasonable accuracy 

D Confirmation by owner (or their authorized representative) that they have received reports, controls documentation, 
operations manual(s), maintenance mianual(s), and other documents specified in 1301.8.4.1 

Building Official's Signature: 



1/19/01 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 682. 1 




780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

CONSUMER INFORMATION FORM - "SUNROOMS" 
assachiisetts State Bmlding Code (780 CMR, Appendix J, Section Jl.1.23.1) 

The Massachusetts State Bmlding Code (780 CMR) includes provisions to ensure that houses and house 
additions meet energy efficiency standards. This supplemental CONSUMER INFORMATION FORM is to be 
filed as part of the building permit application when a builder/contractor or homeowner, constructing/installing 
a house addition with very large percentage of glass to opaque wall, seeks to utilize a special energy conservation 
exemption option for "sunroom" additions to an existing house (780 CMR, Appendix J, Section Jl, 1.2.3.1). 
This FORM is not intended to prevent a homeowner from selecting a "sunroom" of any size, configuration, 
orientation, form of construction or percent glazing, but rather is only intended to. assist homeowners in 
becoming aware of some of the important energy conservation and year-round comfort considerations involved 
in selecting and utilizing a "sunroom" addition. 

The connection of "sunroom" structures to residential buildings may create comfort and energy consumption 
issues due to uncontrolled solar gain or uncontrolled radiation cooling of the main house. In the selection and 
construction/installation of "sunrooms", included below is a non-required, open-ended list of product and design 
considerations that a homeowner may wish to consider before actually constructing/installing a "sunroom". It 
is recommended that consumers carefully review these options with their designer, builder, or contractor, in 
order to minimize potential energy consumption and/or house discomfort issues. In addition, the qualifications 
and reputation of the company or individuals to be hired are important considerations. 

PRODUCT AND DESIGN CONSmERATIGNS RELATED TO ^'SUNROOMS" 

• Solar Orientation and Natural Shading 

• Type of Glazing 

• Insulating value 

• Solar heat gain 

• Frame materials 

• Glazing to frame sealing and gasketing materials/ seal durability and/or weather 
tightness of the sunroom 

• Adequate ventilation - Operable windows and fans 

• Applied Shading Systems 

• Insulation level in floors, walls, and ceilings 

• Possible Sunroom isolation from the main house via a wall and/or door or slider 

• Heating and Cooling Methods: Efficiency, Ztoning and Controls 



Homeowner Acknowledgment 

The Massachusetts State Building Code, Section Jl. 1.2.3.1, requires that the actual propertv owner (not tht 
owner's agent or representative) acknowledge receipt of this Consumer Information Form prior to issuance 
of a Building Permit for a project that includes "sunroom" additions to an existing residential building. In 
accordance with this requirement, the undersigned hereby acknowledges that she/he has read the information 
in this document concerning sunroom comfort and energy consarvation. 



Signature of Actual Building Owner Date 



Print Name Address of Permitted Project 



Owner Address (if different than project location) Owner's telephone number 



682.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 

Official Interpretation No. 1-85 

DATE: October 30, 1985 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 108.5. 1 

Question 1: Section 108.5.1 requires the periodic inspection of certain buildings, and the issuance of Certificates of 
Inspection for these buildings on a regular basis. The standard form Certificate of Inspection which was 
developed by the Commonwealth states that *The means of egress are sufficient for the following number 
of persons:" and provides space for the listing of permitted occupancy load by story and by place of 
assembly. Is it the intent of the Code to require a complete periodic reinspection of the entire building or 
is such an inspection limited to the building's egress system? 

Answer 1: No. Section 108.5. 1 states in part "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 ..." (emphasis supplied). The periodic reinspection is not necessarily 
limited to the building's egress system but may extend throughout to the entire building, or parts thereof 
requiring certification. The Certificate of Inspection serves as a spot check to ensure that other Code 
mandated procedures have been followed (e.g. permits obtained for alterations) and that the building has 
been maintained in a safe condition. The building has been maintained in a safe condition. The building 
official is free to use his judgment in determining how extensive a periodic inspection need be. 

Question 2: Do Code requirements for periodic reinspection include a requirement to reinspect by wiring, plumbing, gas 
fitting and elevator inspectors for compliance with the various applicable specialized codes? 

Answer 2: No. The Massachusetts State Building Code does not include a requirement for periodic reinspection by 
plumbing, wiring, gas fitting or other various specialized code enforcement officials. However, periodic 
inspections conducted by the building official may reveal conditions that would require further attention by 
local wiring, plumbing, gas or elevator inspectors. 

Question 3: May a professional consultant assume or be granted the powers and duties of the Building Official to issue 
permits and certificates or may he merely submit a report for the Building Official's review and acceptance? 

Answer 3'. Section 1 1 4. i states in part, 'The Building Commissioner or Inspector of Buildings shall examine or cause 
to be examined all applications for permits and annendments thereto within 30 days after filing. ... If he is 
satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this Code and all pertinent law applicable 
thereto, he shall issue a permit." Only a Building Official, appointed in accordance with Section 107 to 
enforce the building code may issue building permits and/or related certificates. A professional consultant 
may submit a report for the Building Official's review, but the issuance or denial of the permit or certificate 
is ultimately the Building Official's responsibility. 

Question 4: May such a professional consultant be hired by a municipality to perform inspections in the absence of any 
"unusual technical issues" as described in Section 108.5, or should the consultant more properly be engaged 
by the building owner in the absence of unusual technical issues? 

Answer 4: A professional consultant or expert retained by a municipality in the absence of any "unusual technical 
issues" to perform inspections would be required to meet the criteria and qualifications outlined in M.G.L. 
c. 143, § 3, and would be deemed a local inspector, and subject to all pertinent requirements of Code and 
law. However, a Building Official may review and/or accept reports from other qualified personnel, per 
Section 111.2.1 (see Question 3), 

Question 5: What, if any, liability under the Code would a municipality assume in utilizing a professional consultant for 
the various functions described above? 

AtiswerS: Opinions relative to broad legal questions of liability are beyond the purpose and scope of the Board of 
Building Regulations and Standards. Therefore, we must decline to answer this question, and would direct 
the municipality to its legal advisor(s) for such and opinion. 

Official Interpretations- No. 2-85 

DATE: October 30, 1985 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 1 19.3 

Question I: Do All existing buildings have a legal use group classification , whether in use or not? 

Answer I: Yes. Section 202. 1 states "All buildings and stmctures shall be classified with respect to use in one (1) of 
(he use groups listed...". The use group classification is based on the purpose for which a building or 
structure is designed, used or intended to be used. A use group classification is required to be assigned to 
a building or structure whether in actual use or'not.' 



n/27/98 . 780 CMR - Sixth Edition ...... . • 683 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Question 2: On what is the legal use based? 

Answer 2: The Massachusetts State Building Code defines use as "The purpose for which the building or structure is 
designed, used or intended to be used." The lawful use and/or use group classification of an existing 
building may be based upon the Building Official's records pertaining to the particular structure. In the case 
of a vacant structure, the last legal use of record would apply. 

Question 3: Does the legal use change or cease to exist when ownership changes? 

Answer 3: No. A change in ownership of a building would not change the use group classification of the building or 
cause the use to cease. A change of use and/or occupancy may take place regardless of ownership when 
done in accordance with a permit issued by the Building Official. 

Does the use have any relationship with ownership? 

The use and ownership are only related in that the owner, as defined by Code, is responsible to comply with 
the applicable sections of the Code as regard to use, and must obtain a permit to change the use of a 
building. 

Question 4: Is there ever any such thing as "abandonment" of a use group classification, so that an existing building has 
no use group? 

Answer 4: No. All buildings are required to be classified with respect to their use. The discontinuance or 
"abandonment" of the actual using of a building or structure would not change the use group classification. 
For example, a vacant office building (formerly legally occupied) would remain in use group "B" (Business 
Buildings), the last lawful use of the building, until a permit was obtained to change that use. 

Question 5: Upon request by an owner for a certificate of use and occupiuicy, is the Building Official obligated to cite 
in writing any violation of law or orders pending? 

Answer 5: Yes. If there are violations of law or orders pending, the provisions of Section 1 2 1 .0 would apply. Section 
121 .2. 1 states that every notice or order authorized by this Code shall be in writing and shall be served on 
the person responsible. 

Question 6: Can the use of a building or portion of a building, subsequent to January 1, 1975, legally change without the 
issuance of a building permit and a certificate of use and occupancy? 

AnsH'er 6: No. Section 11 3.0 and Section 113.1 state that a permit is required "...to change the use or occupancy of a 
building or structure. J'. 

Section 1 19.0 and Section 1 19.2 state " A building or stmcture, in whole or in part, altered to change from 
one use group to another: to a different use within the same use group...shaIl not be occupied or used until 
the certificate shall have been issued certifying that the work has been completed in accordance with the 
provisions of the approved permits...". 

The Massachusetts State Building Code became effective on January 1, 1975. All changes of use or 
occupancy subsequent to January 1, 1975 would be subject to the provisions of the Code. 

Official Interpretation No. 3-85 

DATE: October 30, 1985 

SUBJECT: . State Building Code Section 609.3 

Massachusetts State BuildingCode Section 609.2 requires not less than two approved independent exitways 
serving every building except as modified in Section 609.3. 

Massachusetts State Building Code Section 609.3 also allows one exitway in a building of the use group and 
characteristics as specified in Table 609. 

Massachusetts State Building Code Section 609.3 also allows one exitway from the first storv of a building 
when the first story is 2,(XX) square feet or less in area and with an occupancy load not exceeding 50 persons. 
Egress from other stories shall comply with Article 6. 

Massachusetts State Building Code Section 609.2 also specifies not less than two approved independent 
exitways serving every story, except in one and two family dwellings and as modified in Section 609.3. 

It is our interpretation that Section 609.3 deals with two distinct and separate building design configurations. 
In its first essence. Section 609.3 provides for certain buildings (those complying with Table 609)which are 
required to have only one exitway. The remaining sentences in Section 609.3 describe conditions (less than 
50 occupants and less than 2,000 square feet in area) in which the first story only of any building is required 
to have only ohe exitway. Table 609 does not relate to the latter case. 



684 . • 780 CMR - Sixth Editioii •. 11/27/98 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 

Offidal Interpretation No. 4°85 

DATE: October 30, 1985 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Table 214 and Section 217.4 

An existing three story building is proposed to be of type 3-C constriction. The exterior walls have a fire separation 
of 30 feet or more and the walls themselves are non-bearing. The loads are carried by a structural steel frame and 
there are structural beams and columns within the exterior wall which are part of the load bearing system. 
Therefore, the steel frame is load bearing. The walls themselves are essentially curtain walls. 

Question: Are the beams and columns which are on the exterior part of the building, required as load bearing numbers, 
to have a two hour fire rating? 

Answer: No. Table 2 14, line 8 of the State Building Code establishes the fire resistance rating required for the col- 
umns and framing(beams) and does not require a fire resistance rating for columns or beams for the proposed 
condition. However, it should be noted that, per Section 91 1.6, beams which support walls required to be 
fire resistance rated must be protected to afford not less than the fire resistance rating of the wall supported 
and, when supporting masonry walls, must carry a minimum fire resistance of one hour. Further, it should 
be noted that, if the framing supports a required fire separation wall such as an exitway enclosure. Section 
909.4 would require this framing to be protected to afford a fire resistance rating equal to the wall supported. 

OfflclaJ fnterpreeadon No. §'86 

DATE: January 28, 1986 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 2101.10.4.2 

Question: In a single family dwelling, the (nominal) width of a second means of egress doorway is required by Section 
2101.10.4.2 to be a minimum of 32 inches. Does a six foot wide sliding glass door providing a net clear 
opening of 29 % inches comply with this requirement? 

Answer: Yes. Section 2101.10.2 allows the use of sliding glass doors for egress. Section 612.3 of the Code allows 
means of egress doorways to have a minimum clear width of 28 inches in one- and two-family dwellings. 
Per Sections 857.5.6.1 (Item 2) and 2101.7.2 (Item 2) of the Code, and Massachusetts General Laws 
(M.G.L.) Chapter 143, Section 3T, safety glass must be used in these sliding glass doors. M.G.L., c. 143, 
§ 3U requires that safety glazing be etched or otherwise permanently identified as such. 

OfUclal lEiterpretatioED No. 6'86 

DATE: January 28, 1986 

SUBJECT: State Building? Code Section 909. 1 .2 

Question: Is it the intent to require a fire separation wall and/or fireresistive floor-ceiling assembly between units which 
has a fire rating of one hour, that is, an assembly with one face in one unit and the opposite face in another 
unit, with an assembly between the two faces producing a fireresistance rating of one hour, or, a one hour 
fire rated assembly for each dwelling unit, which in effect, produces a two hour fire rated assembly between 
the two dwelling units? 

Answer: It is the intent of Section 909. 1 .2 to require a one hour rated dwelling unit separation between dwelling units, 
rather than a one Iwur rated assembly ger dwelling unit. 

Official Interpretation No. 7-86 

DATE: January 28, 1986 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Table 214. Line 7 "Dwelling Unit Separations and other Non-Bearing Partitions" 

Question: Does Table 214, Line 7, control the fireresistance rating of only the vertical dwelling unit separations, with 
Line 10 controlling the horizontal separation? 

Answer: No. Table 2 1 4, Line 7, regulates the fireresistance rating required between.dwelling units. A rating of not 
less than one hour is required to be provided between dwellings regardless of their orientation and type of 
construction. If a certain type of construction is required by Table 214, Line 10 to provide a greater 
fireresistance rating for floor-ceiling assemblies, this assembly may also serve as the dwelling unit separation 
required by Table 214, Line 7, 

Official Interpretation No. 8*S6 

DATE: August 19. 1986. 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 607.3 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Question: Section 607,3 requires that building exitways be "...as remote from each other as practicable." Do so-called 
"scissor stairways" which are constructed side-by-side, usually located in the center of a building, violate 
this requirement? 

Answer: No. Section 607.3 also states that exit stairways must be "...arranged to provide direct access in separate 
directions from any point in the area served." Scissor stairways, especially when located in a center core, 
may well satisfy Section 607,3. The exit access passageways or corridors must provide direct access to the 
stairways in separate directions. Because the entrances to the scissor stairways are usually at opposite sides 
of the core, they may, in fact, be as remote as practicable and accessible in separate directions. Table 214, 
Line 4, provides fire resistance requirements for enclosure of the exitways, and Table 214, Line 6, and 
Section 610.4 specifies fireresistance requirements for exitway access corridors. 

Official Interpretation No. 9-86 

DATE: August 26, 1986 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Sections 504.2 and 1009.2 

Question: Does the Code allow the usage of flexible duct and duct connector in forced hot air heating systems for 
residential construction? 

Answer: Yes. Sections 504,2 and 1009.2, which speak to the use of ductwork for heating and ventilating, make 
reference to the mechanical code listed in Appendix B of die State Building Code, which is the BOCA Basic 
Mechanical Code, 1 978 edition. In Sections M-30 1 ,4,3 through M-30 1 .4,5 flexible duct and duct connector 
are permitted for all occupancies except one and two family dwellings when conforming to the UL 181 
standards, and subject to other limits stated therein. Section M-302,2, 1 allows non-metallic supply ducts in 
one and two family dwellings when in conformance with the applicable standard (UL 1 8 1 or SMACNA-75) 
listed in the appendix of the Mechanical Code. 

OfTicial Interpretation No. 10-86 

DATE: August 27, 1986 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Sections 1004.0 and 1006.0 

Question: Must condensing type oil-fired fiimaces (central heating appliances) always be vented into masonry 
chimneys? 

Answer: No. The purpose of the masonry chimney requirement is to provide safe venting of the high temperature 
exhaust gasses generated by conventional type oil-fired central heating appliances. However, certain 
condensing type oil-fired fumaces generate low temperature exhaust gases which also contain corrosive 
products that can adversely effect masonry. Consequently, condensing type oil-fired fumaces which operate 
to produce vent gas temperatures of no greater than 1 50 °F are to be approved for through-wall and/or 
through-roof venting with polyvinylchloride or similar pipe when installed according to the manufacturer's 
recommendations. The appliance and its venting system must have been tested together and "listed" or the 
provisions of Section 1006.0 for "unlisted appliance" apply. 

Offlcial Interpretation No. U-87 

DATE: December 30, 1986 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 2108.3.2 

Question: Do chimney lining and/or re-lining systems which do not use fire-clay flue lining (ASTM C315) require 
specific approval by the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards? 

Answer: No. Section 2108.3.2 of the Code permits the use as chimney lining of, "...other approved material that will 
resist corrosion, softening or cracking from flue gasses at temperatures up to 1700" Fahrenheit." 

Materials and/or systems which satisfy the high temperature provisions of the Underwriters' Laboratory Test 
Standard 1 03 (UL- 103 HT) satisfy this performance requirement for lining of masonry chimneys contained, 
in Section 2108.3.2. 

Since each system is tested in the configuration required by the manufactures' installation instructions, these 
instructions become the requirements for installation of the chimney lining system. 

OfTicial Interpretation No. 12-87 

DATE: February 24, 1987. 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Sections 616 and 2101 



686 



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1 1/27/98 •. 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 

Question: Are alternating tread stairways, such as the Lapeyre Stair, permitted by Massachusetts State Building Code 
as an element of required means of egress? 

Answer: No. The exit stairway requirements described in Sections 6 1 6 and 2 1 1 of the Code are intended to provide 
a stairway of certain minimum exit capacity, with the full width being available for occupant egress, at an 
incline that results in motion familiar to the occupants. Alternate tread stairways are intended for use where 
floor space is limited and therefore a steeper than usual incline is required. The steeper incline, when 
descending the stairway, requires an unfamiliar foot motion more downward and less outward than that 
typically required. Imposing such an unfamiliar motion on occupants exiting the building during a life 
threatening situation is unwarranted. 

The Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair exceeds the maximum incline permitted by Sections 6 1 6 and 2101 and 
will, therefore, require an unfamiliar motion by the occupants. 

In addition, the overall width of these stairs does not meet the minimum width requirement of Sections 616 
and 2101 , nor would the exit capacity be equal to that of a full stairway if the minimum width were satisfied 
since these stairs do not permit parallel egress of individuals. 

The Lapeyre Alternating Tread Stair is, therefore, not permitted as an element of a required means of egress. 

Official Interpretation No. IJ-SS 

DATE: October 25, 1988 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 2108 

Question: A single family dwelling is to be constructed with a fuel-fired water heater in the basement and a fireplace 
lined with a 2 inch thick refractory brick on the first floor. What construction is required to separate the 
water heater flue from the firebox and smoke chamber of the fireplace at the first floor? What separation is 
required within the chimney? 

Answer: Section 2108.7.2 requires that the firebox of a fireplace constructed of solid masonry and lined with 
refractory brick have back and side walls of at least 8 inches total thickness. 

Section 2108.7.4.5 requires that the walls of the snuike chamber be a minimum of eight inches thick. Thus 
a minimum of eight inches of solid masonry is required in these locations. Once the elevation of the fire- 
place flue is reached. Section 2108.3.2.4 allows two adjoining flues to be contained in the same chimney, 
so long as the flue liner joints are staggered at least seven inches. If this staggering of flue liner joints is not 
provided, or if more than two flues are present. Section 2108.3.2.5 requires that masonry flue partitions of 
at least four inch thickness, bonded into the chimney walls, be constructed to separate the flues. 

Official InlerpretatioBi No. 14=89 

DATE: March 28, 1989 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 437 and 616.8 

Question 1: Section 437. 1 .3.2 provides that "At least one required exitway shall be accessible without passage through 
an atrium." Section 437.2.2, which speaks to the enclosure of atriums, contains an exception which provides 
that "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." Is it the 
intent of Section 437. 1 .3.2 to require at least one required exitway to be accessible without passage through 
an atrium "on those floors exempted by Section 437.2.2 frorii the requirement for separation from the atrium? 

Answer 1: No. The exception in Section 437.2.2 allows the designer toeliminate atrium separations on any three floors 
so long as the additional spaces on these floors are added to the atrium volume for purposes of sizing the 
smoke control requirements of the atrium. What this allowance essentially does is to add these adjacent 
spaces to the atrium. It is impossible to provide an exit which is accessible without passage through an 
atrium for spaces within that atrium. The provisions of Section 437. 1 .3.2 are intended to ensure that spaces 
outside the atrium need not depend on the viability of the atrium in order to gain access to an exitway. 
Therefore, these provisions are not applicable for any spaces which are already included in the atrium space, 
including those spaces added when 'the exception in Section 437.2.2 is applied. 

Question 2: Is it the intent of the Code that stairways conforming to Section 616.8 and escalators conforming to Article 
16 be subject to the requirements of Section 437.3.1? 

Answer 2: Not necessarily. It is intended that unenclosed supplemental stairways be prohibited from connections with 
(required) exit stairways and exitway access corridors, and that these unenclosed supplemental stairways be 
equipped with a draft stop conforming to Section 437.3. 1 . While there are no provisions in the Code text 
to require that escalators be classified and protected as floor openings, it is possible that escalators can.be 



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so classified. However, escalators may also be enclosed in fire resistance rated construction, or may be 
located within an atrium. A supplemental stairway may also be enclosed in fire resistance rated construction, 
or may be located in an atrium, and may therefore not be classified as a fioor opening. 

Sequential Gap - Official Interpretation Number 15 

Official Interpretation No. 16-89 

DATE: August 29, 1989 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Sections 616 

Question: Does the installation of a handicapped stair lift in a required exit stairway constitute an obstruction to the 
means of egress? 

Answer: Yes. Section 616 of the State Building Code makes the following provisions: 

"Stairways shall not reduce in width in the direction 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 inches." (616.2.3) 

"The least dimension of landings and platforms shall be not less than the required width of stairway." 
(616.3,1) 

"Stairways shall have continuous guards and handrails on both sides..." (616.5) 

"An exitway enclosure shall not be used for any purpose other than means of egress." (616.9.2) 

Moreover, Section 605 states that "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." Section 
605 also requires that "All required means of egress components shall at all times be maintained in a safe 
usable condition." 

Handicapped stair lifts installed in required egress stairs can conceivably violate all of the above sections. 
When in use, such lifts render at least a portion of a stainvay unusable. Even when not in use, the lift 
equipment projects into the required width, interferes with the use of handrails, and presents a potential 
tripping hazard to persons using the stair. Also, the introduction of this equipment into a stair enclosure 
does, in a sense utilize an exitway enclosure as an elevator shaft, and there is the possibility that the 
equipment, motor, and wiring can catch fire, thereby rendering the exitway unusable. There is also reason 
to expect that loss of primary electrical power in an emergency situation could disable the lift in a position 
where it would present a greater obstruction than when not in use. For these reasons, we conclude that the 
installation of inclined stairway chairlifts in required exitway stairways is potentially hazardous, and is 
therefore not permitted. However, the building official may allow the installation of such lifts in stairways 
which are not a component of the required means of egress, so long as the building official determines that 
the particular installation is not hazardous. It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety, Division of 
Inspection, Elevator Section to require a letter of approval from the building official before granting a permit 
for an inclined stairway chairiift. 

OfTicial Interpretation No. 17-89 

DATE: October 24, 1989 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 1216 

Question: Under the new (ASME/ANSI A 17. 1) elevator code, smoke detectors are required in the elevator lobby for 
elevator control. Are these same smoke detectors required to be tied into the fire alarm system? 

Answer: Yes. NfiPA 72A, the applicable fire protection standard referenced in Section 1216.1, requires that these 
detectors be tied into the fire alarm system. 

Official Interpretation No. 18-90 

DATE: February. 27, 1990 

SUBJECT: State Building Code Section 1006.2 

Question: Is the "direct venting" (through-the-sidewall combustion product exhaust venting) of "listed" comfort heating 
and comfort cooling appliances allowed in lieu of venting to a masonry chimney as required in Section 1 004 
of the State Building Code? 

Answer: Yes, Section 1006 of the State Building Code (the Code) defines "listed appliances" and Section 1006.2 
addressing appliances to be vented states: 



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APPENDIX B 

- "Appliances shall be connected to a listed venting system or provided with other nieans for exhausting 
the flue gasses to the outside atmosphere in accordance with the venting system selection chart 
contained in the mechanical code listed in Appendix B." 

In Section 1001.2, the Code recognizes that appliances required to be vented "shall be connected to a vent 
or chimney..." and in Section 1002 addresses the performance test and acceptance criteria to insure safe and 
proper performance of the venting system. 

Direct venting systems that are "listed" or are part of a listed appliance conform to the requirements of the 
Code. 

OfTaclai Interpretation No. 19-90 
DATE: December 11, 1990 

SUBJECTS: of Section 602. 1 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code and. BBRS Approval of the Use of 
Power Venters 

In order to immediately correct an inadvertent oversight in Section 602. 1 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building 
Code, at is meeting of November 20, 1990, the Board unanimously voted that it should reflect the provisions of 
M.G.L c. 148, §§ 26A and 26AVz and, therefore, should read - 

602. 1 Applicability: the provisions of this section shall apply to all buildings more than 70 feet above mean 
grade, except that the provisions of this section shall not apply to airport traffic control towers conforming 
to the requirentents of Section 616.0. 

By way of clarification, Section 602. i , as cited in the Fifth Edition, is in conflict with statutory requirements 
of 2 counts: 

1 . It ties high rise provisions to floors used for human occupancy and located more than 70 feet above the 
lowest level of fire department vehicle access; whereas, the governing statues identify high rise buildings 
as sll buildings of more than 70 feet in height above the mean grade; and 

2. The cited section in the Fifth Edition measures from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access; 
whereas, the statutes measure from mean grade. 

As you know, statutory requirements govern and in this case also reference the high rise provisions of the 
State Building Code. 

POWER VENTERS 

Power Venters, as contained in Section 25 13 of the Fifth Edition, are ONLY allowed for use WITH GAS 
OR OIL FIRED comfort heating and/or cooling appliances. Approval from the BBRS is required for use 
with solid fuel burning appliances. 

Official InterpretatioM No. 21-91 
DATE: July 30, 1991 

SUBJECT: Section 908.1 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code as related to attached dwelling units (Use 
Group R-3). in whiqh the units are separated bv interior lot lines. 

Question: a) When side by side attached single family dwelling units (Use Group R-3) are constructed such that the 
exterior wail of each is located at the lot line which divides them, will two one-hour rated wood stud walls 
comply with Section 908. 1 (Fire Walls and Party Walls) of the 5th Edition of the Code? 
b) Could the two walls referred to in question a) above be supported on a single foundation wall. 

Atiswer: a) For multiple attached single family dwelling units, (Use Group R-3), which are separated by interior lot 
lines, the intent of section 908. 1 is satisfied by the construction of a single fire separation wall having a 
fireresistance rating of one-hour. Such fire separation walls may be used between attached dwelling units 
providing that the wall construction meets the requirements of Section 910 and the sound transmission 
ratings of Section 714. and that the allowable area limitations .between fire walls of Table 501 are not 
exceeded. Fire walls, constructed in accordance with Section 908, are required when the allowable area 
limitations of table 501 are reached, (e.g. 4800 sf per floor for multiple attached single family dwelling units. 
Use Group R-3). 

b) The wall referenced in answer a) above may be supported one a single concrete or masonry foundation 
wall of equivalent or greater fire resistance rating. 

Discussion: Section 908. 1 of the Code requires party walls to be constructed as fire walls if an interior lot line is present. 
Furthermore, the fire walls "....shall be constructed of any approved noncpmbustible materials providing 



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the required strength and fireresistance rating specified in Table 40 1 for the type of construction, but not less 
than the fire grading of the use group specified in Table 902. Strength ". 

The argun)ent can be made that such party walls can be considered to be exterior walls, thus causing the 
requirennents of section 908. 1 to be in conflict with the exterior wall fireresistance requirements of Table 
906.2 (for fire separations of five feet or less). 

Table 906.2 requires an exterior wall fireresistance rating of one hour for a fire separation distance of zero 
feet. If two dwelling units were constructed on adjacent lots and each were constmcted on the common lot 
line, such that the fire separation distance of each unit was zero, Table 906.2 would require each extenor 
wall to have a fireresistance rating of one hour. However, Code requirenients for multiple single family 
attached dwelling units when interior lot lines are not present, table 401 would simply require the 
construction of dwelling unit separation walls with a fireresistance rating of one hour, between dwelling 
units. It would appear to be inconsistent to require the same R-3 structure to have a greater degree of fire 
safety due simply to the separation of the dwelling units by an imaginary lot line. 

Official Interpretation No. 22>91 

DATE: September 24, 1991 

SUBJECT: Section 2102.4(0 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code as it relates to reconstruction in Coastal 
High Hazard Areas following Storm Damage. 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday 24, September 1991, the 
Board approved the following interpretation of Section 2102.4(1) of the 5th Edition of the Massachusetts State 
Building Code, effective immediately. 

Question: When a structure is located in a Coastal High Hazard Area ("V" zone) and is swept from its foundations 
during a storm, and the building remains intact but the foundation system is completely destroyed, does the 
code require that the structure be constructed on an elevated pile foundation, in accordance with Section 
2102.4? 

Answer: Yes. The structure, as described would be considered to be substantially damaged and as such would be 
required to be provided with a new foundation system. Section 3203.3, the foundation system would 
constitute a "new system", as defined in Section 3201 and therefore would be required to be constructed to 
meet the requirements for new construction. Since the structure is located within a "V" zone. Section 
2102.4(1) would require the structure to be elevated on piles. 

Question: When a structure is located in a Coastal High Hazard Area ("V" zone) and is swept from its foundations 
during a storm, and both the building and foundation system remain intact and if the costs associated in 
relocating the building onto its existing foundation system are less than 50% of the market value of the 
structure prior to the damage, does the code require that the structure be constructed on a raised pile 
foundation, in accordance with Section 2102.4 ? 

Answer: No. If both the foundation system and structure are intact and the cost associated in relocating the structure 
to its pre-damaged condition, then the structure is permitted to be relocated on the existing foundation unless, 
in the opinion of the building official, under Section 1 1 .3, the proposed reconstruction would constitute an 
unsafe structural condition, in which case the structure should be elevated in accordance with Section 
2102.4(1). 

Official Interpretation No. 23-91 

DATE: September 30, 1 99 1 

SUBJECT: Section 816 of the Fifth Edition of the Sta^e Building Code as It Relates to Requirements for Stairwavs 

Date of Interpretation: 

The State Board of Building Regulations and Standards, at it's regular monthly meeting of September 24, 1991, 
affirmed the following requirements: 

Question: To what extent are the provisions of Massachusetts State Building Code, Section 816, .applicable to a 
stairway providing access to an attic area in a business establishment; said attic area used for the storage of 
stock used in conjunction with that business? 

Answer: Section 8 1 6, INTERIOR STAIRWAYS, (in conjunction with Section 819, EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS), of 
the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code requires that all stairways, whether interior or 
exterior, required or supplemental, must be so constructed to satisfy the applicable requirements imposed 
for jnterior exit stairways. 



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This means that for interior or exterior, required or supplemental stairways, the width, headroom, stairway 
allowed width restrictions, the allowed dimensions of platforms and landings, the acceptable vertical rise 
between landings and platforms, riser height and tread depth and the dimensional uniformity required 
between adjacent risers and treads and the requirements for stairway guards and handrails are controlled by 
the requirements of Section 816. 

Note 1: If classified as a mezzanine, then the subject attic area would fall under the requirements of Section 60S of 
the State Building Code; otherwise such area would be treated as an additional story of the building, with 
the resulting classification determining what applicable State Building Code requirements apply. 

Note 2: Only fixed interior or exterior, required or supplemental stairways (dimensions and handrail/guardrail 
requirements) are controlled by Section 8 1 6 - ladder type stairs and "pull-down", non-fixed stair systems are 
not explicitly regulated by the Building Code. 

Note 3: Article 34, Section 340 1 , still controls dimensions and handrail/guardrail requirements for fixed stairways 
in one and two family detached dwellings. 

Offncial Imterpretadon No. 24-92 

DATE: January 28, 1992 

SUBJECT: Section 1205 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code as it relates to Frost Protection for Fence Posts 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday 28, January, 1992, the 
Board approved the following interpretation of Section 1 205 of the 5th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building 
Code, effective immediately. 

Question: Is it the intent of the Code to require a four foot deep concrete footing to the posts of a fence up to six feet 
in height ? 

Answer: No. The requirement of section 1205, which requires protection against frost for footings for permanent 
structures is not applicable to minor fences such as described in the above question. 

In certain fence applications, post embedment depths of four feet or more may indeed be required for fences 
of unusual size, or fences which are subjected to unusual loading conditions (such as a prison security fence, 
for instance which, in addition to wind loads, may also be subjected to vehicle impact loads). However, it 
is not the intent of the Code to require frost protection for fences which are only four feet in height. 

As an example consider the construction of a four foot high chain link fence, erected as a property line 
demarcation. The required post embedment depth is determined by a number of factors including; the 
height of the fence; the applied horizontal loads; the nature of the soil and; the intended function of the 
fence. Specific reference related to post embedment depths can be found in ASTM F 567-84 " Standard 
Practice for Installation of Chain Link Fence", and although not specifically referenced in the Code, is a 
recognized national standard of practice. Sections 4. 1 and 4.8 of ASTM F 567-84 specify minimum post 
embedment depths of 24 inches and 36 inches, for concrete encased and driven posts, respectively, when 
used in the construction of a four foot high chain link fence. For this particular type of fence, it is unlikely 
that movement due to frost heave would result in a life safety hazard or cause serious damage. However, 
it is incumbent upon the designer to make this determination on a site specific basis (and to submit his 
determination to the local building official for approval) and prepare the design accordingly. 

_In summary, the intent of the Code relating to these issues is expressed in Section 3 11 .0, USE GROUP U, 
UTILITY AND MISCELLANEOUS USES, which states ..."Buildings and Structures of an accessory 
character ... shall be constructed equipped and maintained to meet the requirements of this code 
commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their use, [emphasis added] Utility and 
miscellaneous uses shall include fences over 6 feet high,, tanks, cooling towers, retaining walls and buildings 
such as private garages, carports, sheds and agricultural buildings". The phrase "commensurate with the 
fire and life hazard incidental to their use" is the key phrase to consider, as it provides the necessary 
guidance to the designer and building code official to avoid the "blanket" literal interpretation of the 
requirements of Section 1205 and other inappropriate sections of the Code. 

Officiaa Interpretation No. 2S-92 

DATE: January 28, 1992 

SUBJECT: Section 92 1 .6.2 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code as it relates to Firestoppine. 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday 28 January, 1992, the 
Board approved the following- interpretation of Section 921.6.2 of the 5th Edition of the Massachusetts State 
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Question: In a building which has suspended ceilings and vertical partitions extending to the underside or suspended 
horizontal membrane of the ceiling, is it the intent of Section 92 1 .6.2 to require firestopping at the top of the 
partitions to eliminate the open connection between the vertical wall openings and the horizontal ceiling 
space ? 

If firestopping is required, is the requirement applicable to combustible and noncombustible construction? 

Answer: If the vertical partition does not penetrate the ceiling membrane, (i.e. if the partition terminates at the 
underside of the plane of the ceiling) there is effectively no connection between the horizontal space above 
the ceiling and the vertical space within the partition, therefore firestopping is not required. If, however, the 
vertical partition penetrated the plane of the ceiling, firestopping would be required at the interface of the 
ceiling and partition. For this situation, the firestopping would be required whether the partition and ceiling 
materials were combustible or noncombustible. 

OfTicial Interpretation No. 26-92 

DATE: January 28, 1992 

SUBJECT: Sections 706. 1 and 707. 1 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code as related to Mechanical Ventilation 
of Non Public Bathrooms 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday 28, January, 1992, the 
Board approved the following interpretation of Section 706.1 aiui 707.1 of the 5th Edition of the Massachusetts 
State Building Code, effective immediately. 

Question: Can a bathroom exhaust fan exhaust into an enclosed ventilated attic space which has soffit vents in 
conjunction with continuous ridge vents or eaves vents. 

Answer: No. Section 707. 1 requires that " Mechanical ventilation, when provided, shall conform to the requirements 
of the BOCA National Mechanical Code listed in Appendix A, unless expressly defined within this Code, 
and may be substituted for the requirements for natural ventilation." 

Article 16 of the BOCA National Mechanical Code (1987) lists the required mechanical ventilation air in 
Table 1602.2. 

Section M-1604. 1 (Mechanical Exhaust) of the BOCA National Mechanical Code (1987) states, in part, that 
".... The exhaust shall discharge directly to an approve<i location on the exterior of the building". 

Warm, moist air exhausted from bathroom spaces would condense in the cooler attic space, even if the attic 
space were adequately ventilated. Moisture from condensation will eventually cause damage to wood 
framing members (or sheathing), insulation and ceiling materials and may pose a threat of fire if electrical 
circuitry is contacted. 

Sequential Gap 27 and 28 

Official Interpretation No. 29-92 

DATE: January 12, 1993 

SUBJECT: Articles 6. 8 and 9 - Smoke Protection in Egress Corridors of Fully Suppressed Buildings 

Question J: In a fully sprinklered building, is it the intent of Section 810.4.1 of the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts 
State Building Code (the Code) that egress corridors be constructed so as to serve as an effective barrier to 
limit the transfer of smoke? 

Answer I: Yes, for USE GROUPS where "sleeping uses" are involved. 

The BOCA National Building Code/1987 Commentary, for Section 810.4.1- (the Massachusetts Code, 
utilizes the BOCA Building Code language for this Section) states that Section 810.4. 1 "...acknowledges that 
an automatic fire suppression system can serve to control or eliminate fire development which could threaten 
the exit access corridor. The nonsleeping occupancies are permitted to have nonrated corridors if the 
suppression system is installed throughout the area served by the corridor as well as the corridor itself. "In 
the sleeping uses ...the corridor fireresistance is reduced to one-half hour. The purpose of the fireresistance 
rated corridor is riot only to provide a fire endurance capability, but mainlv to provide a quality of 
construction that would ensure such walls would serve effectively as barriers to smoke. The dwelling unit 
(sleeping uses) separation walls, while reduced to Vi hour, are to be constmcted tight to the ceiling above 
(tight to the underside of the floor/roof deck above or tight to the rated fioor/ceiling assembly above), to 
complete the barrier to smoke function." 

The interpretation provided above is QOi meant to imply that Section 8 10,4 requires satisfying Section 911- 
"SMOKE BARRIERS", as "SMOKE BARRIERS" are unique to certain "defend-in-p)ace" concepts, ' 
specifically associated with Section 610.5, 1-2 USE. 

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APPENDIX B 

Note that Section 810.4.1 does allow that when an approved fire suppression system is installed and 
supervised in accordance with Section 1020. 1 , parts 1 , 2 or 3, and has its water flow alarm device connected 
to an approved central station system, proprietary system or remote station system of the jurisdiction, a fire 
resistance rating for exit access corridors, and tenant separation walls which are also corridor walls, is not 
required in USE GROUPS A, B, E, F, M and S. 

Question 2: In a fiilly sprinklered building of USE GROUP 1-2, is it the intent of Section 610.4 of the Fifth Edition of 
the Massachusetts State Building Code (the Code) that egress corridors be constructed so as to serve as an 
effective barrier to limit the transfer of smoke? 

Answer 2: Yes - Section 610.4 clearly states that "...in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire 
suppression system, the corridor wall fireresistance rating is not required provided the corridor walls form 
a barrier to limit the transfer of smoke." 

The BOCA National Building Code/ 1 987 Commentary, for Section 6 1 0.4 (the Massachusetts Code, utilizes 
the BOCA Building Code language for this Section) states that "...if the building is protected throughout with 
an automatic fire suppression system, thereby reducing the possibility that a fire will develop which is life- 
threatening to persons outside the room of origin, the corridor walls need only be able to resist the passage 
of smoke." 

"...when the building is protected with an automatic fire suppression system, the primary concern is to 
contain the smoke since the suppression system is expected to suppress and thereby contain the fire." 

The interpretation provided above is not meant to imply that Section 6 10.4 requires satisfying Section 911- 
"SMOKE BARRIERS", unless a wall of the exit access corridor is intended to be a "SMOKE BARRIER" 
wall. "SMOKE BARRIERS" are unique to certain "defend-in-place" concepts, specifically associated with 
Section 610.5, 1-2 USE. 

Question 3: In fully sprinklered buildings of USE GROUPS R-1, R-2 and 1-2, is it the intent of the Code that smoke 
dampers be provided at duct penetrations through the unrated corridor walls? 

Answers: No, provided in the case of the 1-2 USE, the corridor wall is not a portion of a "SMOKE BARRIER" 
(Section 91 1.5 would require a smoke damper in a "SMOKE BARRIER"/I-2 USE). 

Note that the Code is effectively silent on the use of "smoke dampers", but does provide guidance in Section 
918, on the use of "fire dampers". Section 918.2 states that "fire dampers" shall be provided at locations 
where air distribution systems penetrate assemblies required to have a fireresistance rating", thus the R- 1 and 
R-2 USES, having a one-half hour rating would require "fire dampers" but not smoke dampers" - the 1-2 USE 
corridor walls, if not a portion of a "SMOKE BARRIER" - Section 9 1 1 - would not be rated and would not 
require a "fire damper". 

Exceptions to Section 918.2 "fire damper" requirements include exception no. 3 to Section 918.2, where: 

Exception 3 states that a fire damper is not required "...at penetrations of tenant separation and corridor walls 
in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire suppression system." Here, the 1987 
Commentary states that "since an automatic fire suppression system reduces the potential for duct collapse, 
fire dampers are not required to protect penetrations of tenant separation and corridor walls in buildings 
protected throughout with an approved automatic suppression system." 

Utilizing this same reasoning, a smoke damper would not be required as it is not expected that a fire can 
develop sufficiently in R-1 and R-2 or 1-2 buildings that, are fully suppressed, thus the level of "passive 
defense"" required in corridor construction (where such corridor walls are not part of a "SMOKE 
BARRIER"/I-2 USE), is limited to the corridor walls being constructed tight to the ceiling above (tight to 
the underside of the fioor/roof deck above or tight to the rated floor/ceiling assembly above), to complete 
the barrier to smoke function and thus limit the transfer of smoke in the exit corridors of these "sleeping 
occupancies. 

Question 4: In fully sprinklered buildings of USE GROUP 1-2, is it the intent of the Code to allow the use of flexible duct 
(designed, listed and installed per the requirements of Section M-303 of the BOCA National Mechanical 
Code/ 1 987)? 

Answer 4: Yes. As is noted in answers #1, #2, and #3 above, the Code now places great emphasis on "active defense" 
in the form of full suppression and would allow the use of flexible duct when designed, listed and installed 
per the BOCA National Mechanical Code/1987 and additionally satisfies the requirements of NFiPA-90A 
in the case of the 1-2 USE. 

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SUBJECT: of Table 401. Item 12 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code as it relates to the Use of Skylights in 
Fire resistance Rated RoorConstruction 

Question: Is it the intent of the Code to allow the use of unrated skylights in roof construction that is required to have 
a fire resistance rating under the provisions of item 12 of table 401, by virtue of the type of construction and 
height from the floor to the lowest stroctural member ? 

Answer: Yes. The intent of the fire resistance rating requirements of tJible 40 1 are (in protected construction) to offer 
a degree of protection to the structural members of the roof system in order to prevent premature structural 
collapse of the roof. 

For a particular type of constmction, the degree of fire resistance required by table 401 to be provided for 
the roof construction is consistent with the protection required for the remainder of the stmctural elements 
of the building. Damage caused to a skylight during a fire event will not promote premature structural 
collapse of a rated roof system. 

Question: Is it the intent of the code to allow a roof assembly, which is required to be rated under table 401 (item 12), 
to be constructed wholly of non rated skylights. 

Answer: Yes. Provided that the following conditions exist: 

a. the structural members of the roof system are protected in accordance with the requirements of table 40 1 ; 

b. the subject building does not require the roof to be rated under the provisions of section 906.5. If the roof 
system is required to be rated due to vertical protection issues of section 906.5, unrated skylights are 
prohibited from being located within 15 feet of the adjacent building. 

Question: Are opening protectives required, in accordance with Section 906.5, for exterior wall openings which are 
located less than 15 feet vertically above the roof of an adjacent lower building, if the adjacent lower 
building has a roof assembly fire resistance rating of one hour or greater and the roof assembly contains 
unrated glass skylights ? 

Answer: Yes. Section 906.5 requires opening protectives for exterior wall openings in an adjacent higher building 
if the openings are located less than 15 feet vertically above the lower roof and the adjacent buildings are 
separated horizontally by a distance less than 15 feet, unless the roof construction of the lower roof has a fire 
resistance rating of one hour or greater. Fire in the lower building may be a source of exposure to openings 
in an adjacent higher building if the fire were to breech the roof construction. If the roof of the lower 
building has a fire resistance rating which affords the degree of safety against collapse of the roof, the 
potential for spread of fire to the adjacent (and taller) building would exist if fire penetrated the skylights 
and if the skylights were located within 15 feet vertically and 15 feet horizontally of the skylight. Section 
906.5 does not require exterior wall opening protectives, even if the lower adjacent roof assembly is unrated 
provided that the buildings are separated horizontally by a fire separation distance of over 15 feet. 

Therefore skylights would be permitted in rated roof constmction of the lower roof without the need for 
exterior wall opening protectives if either the buildings were separated horizontally 15 feet greater, if the 
skylights were a distance of 15 feet or more from the adjacent exterior wall, or if the adjacent exterior wall 
openings were greater than 15 feet above the lower roof level. 

Official Interpretation No. 31-93 

DATE: April 13,1993 

SUBJECT: of Section 1 13.3 and Section 201.0 Definitions (ownerl of the Fifth Edition of the State Building-Code as 
it relates to the definition of owner. 

Question /: If a contractor is hired by an owner, is the contractor considered an agent under the definition of owner 
(Section 201.0)? 

Answer 1: Yes 

Question 2: What information would be necessary to qualify that the contractor was an agent ? 

Answer 2: The contractor would need to produce ( 1 ) a letter stating that he/she has been granted the authority to act 
as an agent or (2) a copy of a written contract signed by the owner and the contractor as specified. 

Question 3: Can a city or town refuse to issue a permit to a contractor with (1) a letter stating that they may act as an 
agent or (2) with a signed contract between the two parties to remodel or construct a structure simply 
because he/she is not the owner of the structure or property ? 

Answer 3: No. The definition of owner (Section 201 .0 owner) states " Every person who alone or jointly or severally 
with others 



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(b) has care, charge or control of any building or structure in any capacity ". The contractor is considered 

to have control, care or charge of the building during the time of construction as ling as the contractor has 
a letter stating that he/she is authorized to take out a permit ( act as an agent of the owner) or the contractor 
has a signed contract with the owner. 

OfTicial InterpretatioBi No., 32-93 
DATE: May 14, 1993 

SUBJECT: of Section 827.1 of the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code as it relates to when 
guardrails are required. 

Question 1: Is the 30 inch elevation intended to be the limit above which guardrails are required to be installed in 
accordance with Section 827.1 ? 

Answer ]: Yes. It is generally established in the BOCA National Building Code (1987) that when the height difference 
between the walking surface and the adjacent lower walking surface or grade is 30 inches or greater, 
guardrails are required to be provided. 

Question 2: Is the 30 inch difference in elevation intended to be the point at which guardrails are required for ramps in 
addition to stairs or walking surfaces ? 

Answer: No. Ramps are required to be provided with guardrails (if the ramp has an open side) irrespective of the 
difference in elevation between the ramp and the adjacent walking surface. 

OfTicIai Interpretation No. 33-93 
DATE: May 14, 1993 

SUBJECT: Section 1 14.3 of the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code as i^ relates building permit 
extensions 

Question: May a building official, if work has not begun as required under a building permit, within the six month 
period after the issuance of such permit, issue an extension of time for a period of more than six months. 

Answer: No. Section 1 14.3 states that the building permit shall be considered abandoned unless the work authorized 
by it shall have commenced within six months after its issuance. Section 1 14.3 permits the building 
commissioner or inspector of buildings, for cause, to grant one or more extensions of time, for periods not 
exceeding six months , {emphasis added}. 

Building permit extensions may be granted for periods of greater than six months by variance from a local 
or State Building Code Appeals Board pursuant to sections 126 of the Building Code. 

Official InterpretatioE No. 34-93 

DATE: September 28, 1 993 

SUBJECT: Requirements of the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code for "Permanent Foundations". 

"Frost-Protected Foundations" and the Building Inspector's Responsibilities Under "Doubtfiil Use 

Classification" 

Question 1: Do Sections 1205.1 or 3402.3.4 of the Massachusetts State Building Code (the Code) mandate that aU 
buildings and structures that are constructed, be placed on "permanent", frost-protected foundation systems? 

Answer I: No. Neither Section 1 205. 1 , nor 3402.3.4 mandate permanent supports for aJl buildings and structures, but 
rather state that where permanent supports exist, they shall be frost-protected in a certain way (in order for 
supports to be considered "permanent", they must satisfy the requirements of either Section 1205.1 or 
3402.3.4 of the Code). 

Question 2: Does the State Building Code allow for other than frost-protected foundation systems or permanent 
foundation systems for new construction building and structures? 

Answer 2: Yes. 

(The issue of when such non-permanent foundation systems should be allowed, often arises when the 
Building Official is confronted with a "Doubtftjl Use" or "Utility Use" building - typically, storage sheds, 
carports, landscape type stmctures such as detached gazebos, etc.). 

Question 3: As the Code does allow for other than frost-protected or permanent foundation systems in buildings and 
structures, what Code guidance is provided to assess whether or not frost-protected/permanent foundation 
systems are required for. new construction buildings and structures? 



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Answer 3: Article 3 of the Code, Sections 301 through 313, address USE classification, and review of same will lead 
the reader to Sections 3 1 1 . 1 and 3 12. 1 of the Code. 

Section 311.1, in part, states: "Buildings and structures of an accessory 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. Utility and 
miscellaneous uses shall include... carports, sheds and agricultural buildings." (note underlining emphasis 
added). 

Section 3 12. 1 , in part, states: "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 resemWes in respect to the existing or proposed life and fire hazard , and it 
shall be so classified by the building official." (note underlining emphasis added). 

Review of these. Article 3 subsections, reveals that use classification, under utility or doubtful use, allows - 
in fact, mandates - that the Building Official make a judgement call and that the classification of use be 
commensurate with the fire and lift*- h ?yar d incidental to the use of the structure. On this basis, if, in the 
judgement of the Building Official (which is required to be made under Section 312.1), a utility type 
structure, such as a shed, would have a low fire and life hazard, the Building Official could allow a non-frost- 
protected, non-permanent foundation system. 

Official Interpretation No. 35-94 

DATE: April 12, 1994 

SUBJECT: Referenced Standards adopted as listed jn Appendix A. 

Question: Some of the reference standards, as listed in Appendix A, give the local authority having jurisdiction the 
power to amend or vary the requirements of certain provisions contained within the standard. Does this 
mean that a building official may, (or the fire official, when reviewing plans pursuant to article 10) when 
requested, or on his or her own initiative, waive or vary said requirements. 

Answer: No. The Board adopts the technical content of the reference standards, as written, but retains jurisdiction to 
adjudicate all variance requests pursuant to M.G.L. c. 143, § 100. The variance must be pursued through 
the appeals process pursuant to Section 126 of the Building Code and must be heard at the State level or by 
local or regional Building Code Appeals Board if local or regional boards exist within your jurisdiction. 

Official Interpretation No. 36-94 

DATE: April 12, 1994 

SUBJECT: Design of Connections in Stmctural Steel Braced Frames - Sections 1 1 13.5.2.2(a'> and 1 1 13.5.7.2 

Question: What design force should be considered for the members of a braced frame constructed of structural steel? 

Answer: The connection of members in a structural steel braced frame shall be designed for not less than the lesser 
of the following forces; 

a. 1.25 times the force determined in accordance with Section 1 1 13.4.1, without the allowable Va (one 
third) stress increase or; 

b. The fiill axial capacity of the member, based on 0.6 Fy multiplied by the member gross cross sectional 
area. 

This is a minimum requirement and may be followed in lieu of Section 1 1 13.5.7.2. 

DATE: April 12, 1994 

SUBJECT: Formal Interpretation Number 36-94 

The seismic advisory committee, at its meeting of April 7, 1994, voted to approve the attached formal interpretation 
number 36-94 relating to the design of connections in structural steel frames. The request for the interpretation 
was submitted by Weidlinger Associates, Inc. on December 6, 1993. 

Advisory Ruling No. 1-94 

DATE: April 14, 1994 

SUBJECT: Section 11 9.1 of the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code as it relates to the Issuance of 
the Certificate of Occupancv 

Question: If a conflict occurs between a building official and other local agencies as to whether or not a certificate of 
use and occupancy (c/o) is to issue for a building or structure, what action should the building official take 
pursuant to Section 1 1 9. 1 of the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code? 



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Answer The building official has the authority to issue a c/o pursuant to Section 1 1 9. Uf a conflict is created with 
other local agencies as a result of the issuance of the c/o, the aggrieved party/parties may, in accordance with 
M.G.L. c. 143, § iOO, appeal to the 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 conformance with 
M.G.L.c.30A,§14. 

OfTicial ImterpretatioiB No. 38-94 

DATE: August, 16, 1994 

SUBJECT: Use of a Registered Professional Engineers Seal as Required under Section s 1 13.5.2 and 127 

Discussion: Section 1 13.5.2 requires the seal of a qualified registered professional engineer or architect be con-tained 
on all plans and specifications for buildings and structures containing over 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed 
space. Additionally section 127.2.1 requires that all plans computations and specifica^tions involving new 
construction, alterations repairs, expansions or additions shall be prepared by ... a registered professional 
architect or engineer and shall bear his signature and seal ... 

The Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (the Board of Registration) is the 
Board having statutory authority to register professional engineers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
The Board of Registration registers engineers by discipline, perhaps the those most related to the 
construction of buildings and structures being civil, mechanical, HVAC, structural, sanitary, electrical and 
fire protection. 

Question 1: Consider the situation where a set of plans and specifications are filed with the building official at the permit 
application stage for an automatic fire suppression (sprinkler) system. The plans and specifications bear the 
seal and signature of a Massachusetts Registered Professional Structural (or any other discipline) Engineer. 
Do the plans, as filed comply with section 1113.5.2 and 127.2.1? Additionally, is it required that the 
discipline of the engineer to be shovim on the plans? 

Answer 1: The plans and specifications may be sealed by an engineer of any discipline with the following conditions;. 
The Board of Registration's regulations 250 CMR are the rules and regulations relating to the practice of 
engineering and land surveying. 

The Board of Registration initially registers an engineer in one branch of engineering only, following a 
determination that the engineer has been found competent by education, experience and specific examination 
passed by the registrant. The branch of engineering in which the engineer is registered shall either be 
included as part of the seal, or shall be handwritten above the registrant's signature (250 CMR 3.05(2). 

The Board of Registration's regulations 250 CMR 3.05(7) requires the engineer to limit professional practice 
to areas of professional competence as demonstrated to and approved bv (emphasis added} the Board of 
Registration. 

The Board of Registration does not limit the engineer to the discipline in which he/she is registered but 
allows the registrant to practice in branches of engineering outside that indicated on his/her seal provided 
that he he/she has demonstrated competence to the Board of Registration. (250 CMR 3.05(6) A registrant 
who wishes to practice engineering in an area of competence other than that in which registered may request 
a determination of competence by submitting such evidence as may be required by the Board of 
Registration). The Board of Registrations regulations mandate that the burden of proof of competence rests 
with the registrant should a question be raised as to that competence. The Board of Registration is the only 
authority empowered to determine competency and will do so if requested by the registrant or any person 
or entity. The entity could be a city or town and an individual could be the building official acting in his 
official capacity or acting as a private citizen. 

Question 2: Under the requirements of construction control (section 127), does the building official (or the fire official 
when reviewing plans pursuant to Article 10) have to accept the seal of any Massachusetts registered 
professional engineer even if the discipline noted on said seal is not the discipline associated with the reports, 
design, plans or specifications under the building permit review 7 . . 

Answer 2: No, the building official (or the fire official when reviewing plans pursuant to Article 10) does not have to 
accept the seal. In the case where the seal is a different discipline than the work contained in the report, 
design, plans or specifications, or where the reviewing official believes there is a question of competency, 
the building official, may require that the registered professional engineer demonstrate competence, in 
accordance with the Board of Registration's regulations (250 CMR 3.05(6) or (7)). When the registrant's 
competency is questioned, it is incumbent upon the registrant to apply to the Board of Registration for a 
determination of competency. It is not the responsibility of the building (or fire) official to make a 
determination relative to competency, but it is perfectly permissible for a building (or fire) official to request 
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OfTicial Interpretation No. 39-94 

DATE: July 12. 1994 

SUBJECT: The Impact on the State Building Code Due to the Mav 17. 1994 Emergency Updating of Reference 
Standards in Appendix A (NFiPA Reference Standards) 

Question 1: At its May 17, 1 994 Public Hearing, the Board, via emergency adoption, updated numerous NFiPA reference 
standards in Appendix A of the Code - did the Board, by this action, intend to cause substantive changes to 
the explicit regulatory requirements of the Code proper? 

Answer 1: No. The Board was simply updating Appendix A reference standards to reflect currently available NFiPA 
reference standards; there was no intention to change explicit requirements of the Code proper. 

Question 2: As NFiPA 72-1993, the "NATIONAL FIRE ALARM CODE" is one of the reference standards that was 
updated at the May 17, 1994 Public hearing and as Section 2-2.1.1.1 of NFiPA 72-93 requires that in new 
residential construction, there be smoke detectors installed in each sleeping room, would this requirement 
supersede smoke detector requirements historically mandated by the Code? 

Answer 2: No. As indicated in the response to the first question, above, there was no intention on the part of the Board 
to cause substantive changes to the explicit requirements of the Code when Appendix A reference standards 
were updated in May of 1994. 

Also, Section 1 01. 4 of Article 1 ofthe Code states that: "Wheredifferencesoccurbetween provisions of this 
Code and referenced standards, the provisions of this Code shall apply." 

In the case of smoke detector requirements for residential occupancies. Section 10 1 8 of the Code is explicitly 
prescriptive relative to the required location for smoke detectors and therefore supersedes the installation 
requirements of NFiPA 72-93. 

OfTicial Interpretation No. 41-94 

DATE: August 15, 1994 

SUBJECT: Section 109.1 .1 .1 - The Use of Municipal Construction Supervisor Licenses in Municipalities Where Such 
Licensing was Established Prior to January 1. 1975 

Background/Discussion: 

Section 1 09. 1 . 1 . 1 does not prohibit a municipality from requiri,ng a license for individuals engaged in directly 
supervising persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration.. .in those categories of buildings and 
structures for which the BBRS is not requiring a license. 

Section 109.1.1.1 goes on to say; provided that those municipalities which have established licensing 
requirements for construction supervisors prior to January I, 1975 may maintain their existing licensing 
requirements. 

As a result of a Building Code Appeal, a BBRS Appeals Board, on March 1 8, 1 992, unanimously agreed that 
no municipality can implement building licensing regulations that conflict with those promulgated by the 
Commonwealth. The City of Boston was ordered: ( 1 ) "to immediately issue appropriate building permits to 
the appellants, provided such work falls within the scope of their State Construction Supervisor's Licenses"; 
(2) "to immediately cease the illegal activity of denying building permits to holders of valid State 
Construction Supervisor's Licenses, provided such work falls within the scope of such State Construction 
Supervisor's Licenses"; and (3) to immediately cease the illegal activity of issuing building permits to holders 
of Boston Builders Licenses, but who do not hold a valid State Constmction Supervisor's License, where 
such work falls within the scope of the State Construction Supervisor's License program." 

Question: Considering the current practice of many Building Departments requiring a State Construction Supervisor's 
License (CSL) or a Municipal Construction License (of that Municipality, only) and where such Municipal 
License was established prior to January 1 , 1 975, is the Board, via the Board of Appeal ruling of March 1 8, 
1 992, ruling that all building permits awarded to holders of such Municipal Licenses are invalid and illegal? 

Also, is it the Board's intent to propose a Code Change to Section 109.1.1.1 eliminating Construction 
Licensing by Municipalities when such Municipal Licensing was established prior to January 1, 1975? 

Answer: The Board decision of March 1 8, 1992 was tied to the City of Boston refusing to issue building permits to 
holders of State CSL's and was based on the language of St. 1972, c. 802, § 75, which states "All by-laws 
and ordinances of cities and towns in conflict with the state building code shall cease to be effective on 
January 1, 1975." 

The Board is charged with promulgating a single uniform building code for the Commonwealth and Section 
109. 1 . 1 . 1 of the Code is an explicit portion of said Code and may be formally interpreted by the Board. To 
this end, it is.the Board's position that Section 109. 1 . 1 . 1 , for Municipalities that had appropriate construction 

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APPENDDC B 

supervisor licensing programs in effect prior to January 1, 197S, such Municipalities may maintain their 
existing practices of accepting either their local Municipal construction supervisor license or the State CSL - 
Note that a building permit may not be denied to holders of valid State CSLs (provided such work falls 
within the scope of the State CSL) even though such holders of the State CSL do not have the Municipal 
construction supervisor's license; also note that the holder of a local Municipal construction supervisor 
license may not utilize that license in another Municipality but must possess the State CSL when performing 
building permittable work within the scope of the State CSL in a community without a valid, local Municipal 
construction supervisor license program. 

Official Interpretatiosi No. 42-94 

DATE: September 13, 1994 

SUBJECT: Section 101 1 .2 - Acceptable Discharge Testing of Wet Chemical Range Hood Extinguishing Systems 

Background/Discussion: 

Section 101 1.2, "TESTS", in part, states that: "a completed system shall be tested by a discharge of wet 
chemical in sufficient amounts to verify that the system is properly installed and functional." 

In reality, that portion of the sprinkler installation industry installing specialized commercial kitchen 
suppression tests the various pre-engineered wet chemical systems, not by discharging wet chemical, but 
rather by utilizing pressurized gas - this industry approach allows for determination that piping to spray 
nozzle integrity exists and that nozzles are not blocked, but does not create a clean-up problem nor does 
such testing wet up the intemals of the piping /nozzle system. 

NfiPA 17A, "STANDARD ON WET CHEMICAL EXT!NGU!SHING SYSTEMS" 
and which is referenced in Section 1011 defmes pre-engineered wet chemical extinguishing systems as those 
having predetermined flow rates, nozzle pressures, and quantities of liquid agent. Such systems may have 
specific pipe sizes, maximum and minimum pipe lengths, flexible hose specifications, number of fittings, 
and number and types of nozzles prescribed by a testing laboratory. The hazards protected by these pre- 
engineered systems are specifically limited as to type and size by a testing laboratory. Limitations on hazards 
that can be protected and piping and nozzle configurations are contained in the manufacturer's listed 
installation and maintenance manual which is part of the listing. 

NfiPA 17A also notes that where required by the authority having jurisdiction, the approval tests shall 
include a discharge of wet chemical (such a test is not mandated, however, by NFiPA I7A) - the Standard 
further notes that the method of verification shall be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. 

Discussions with a major manufacturer of pre-engineered wet chemical range hood extinguishing systems 
indicates that since the basic system is a pre-engineered listed product, acceptance testing of the entire wet 
chemical/piping/nozzle system need only consist of ensuring piping integrity and further ensuring that the 
installed nozzles are not blocked and a fiill, wet chemical discharge for acceptance testing of a pre- 
engineered system is not necessary and a simplified gas discharge test would suffice. 

Question: For pre-engineered wet chemical range hood extinguishing systems as discussed inSection 101 1 of the Code, 
is it acceptable to substitute a pressurized gas discharge test for the full wet chemical discharge test as 
required by Section 101 1.2? 

Answer: YES, for pre-engineered systems, since such systems are tested, listed systems, it is sufficient for acceptance 
testing that a simple gas discharge test that ensures down stream piping integrity and further ensures that 
spray nozzles are not blocked, would be an acceptable test approach since the intent of the Code is to ensure 
that the installed range hood extinguishing system is functioning. 

Note that it would also be acceptable to test in accordance with the pre-engineered system manufacturer's 
recommendations. 

Official Interpretation No. 43=95 

DATE: May 9, 1995 

SUBJECT: Section 600.3 - Impact of Section 600.3 on Egress Require ments of Sections 631. 636 and 638 

Background/Discussion: 

Section 600.3 is language excerpted directly from the 1987 BOCA National Building Code and directly 
adopted into the Fifth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code - it's noted that the requirements 
of Section 600.3 of the 1 987 BOCA National Building Code were dropped in the 1 990 version of the BOCA 
National Building Code and additionally, such requirements are also absent in the latest, 1993 BOCA 
National Building Code. 



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In the current Massachusetts State Building Code, Section 600.3 , "MEANS OF EGRESS" states: 'The 
means of egress for buildings of special uses and occupancies shall conform to the requirements of Article 
8, except as is modified by more restrictive provisions of this article for specific uses." 

This language is sufficiently broad so that one current inteipretation of this Section is to require in Section 
631, 636 and 638 residences EXIT SIGNS and LIGHTS in accordance with Section 823 of Article 8 and 
MEANS OF EGRESS LIGHTING in accordance with Section 824 of the Code. 

Section 63 1 , "GROUP RESIDENCE"; Section 636, "LIMITED GROUP RESIDENCE"; and Section 638, 
"GROUP DWELLING UNITS" are sections of the Code that were developed on a consensus basis in 
conjunction with DMR'DMH/OFC** input and the specific requirements contained within these sections 
are intended to stand alone as express life-safety requirements for these special uses . 

The adoption of Section 600.3 of the 1987 BOCA National Building Code was not intended to impose 
additional signage and lighting requirements in these dwelling units although should certain of these dwelling 
units be located, for example, in an R-2 USE apartment building, the common egress areas of the apartment 
building would be required by Code to possess exit signage and lighting appropriate to the building but exit 
signage and/or lighting for the dwelling unit proper and not expressly required by Section 63 1 or 636 or 638 
would not be required in the dwelling unit . 

** Department of Mental Retardation (DMR); Department of Mental Health (DMH); Office for Children 
(OFC) 

Question: Does Section 600.3, "MEANS OF EGRESS" of the Code require that the requirements of Section 823, 
"EXIT SIGNS AND LIGHTS" and/or Section 824, "MEANS OF EGRESS LIGHTING" automatically be 
imposed on dwelling units falling under Sections 631, 636 and 638 respectively? 

Answer: No. Numerous dwelling units with respect to Sections 631, 636 or 638 are found in one- or two-family 
buildings of R-4 or R-3 USE and it is not the intention of the Code to require exit signage or means of egress 
lighting in such dwelling units unless expressly required by the special Section. For example, the specific 
requirements of Section 636.3.3. 10 requires MEANS OF EGRESS LIGHTING in accordance with Section 
824, but nowhere in Section 636 is there a requirement for EXIT SIGNS and EXTT LIGHTS. 

Residences licensed under Sections 631, 636 and 638 are defined as RESIDENTIAL USES and are not 
classified as INSTITUTIONAL USE; therefore only the lighting/signage requirements of 63 1 , 636 and 638 
proper are to be imposed on the dwelling units of these residences - note the deliberate term " dwelling unit " 
as opposed to the term "building". . A Section 638 "GROUP DWELLING UNIT' , for example, could be 
found in an R-2 USE apartment building, and by Code, the common egress areas of the R-2 building would 
require exit signage, lights and means of egress lighting, but the Section 638 dwelling unit proper would not 
require such signage and lighting unless expressly required by Section 638 and /or other sections of Code 
expressly referenced in Section 638. 

Official Interpretation No. 44-95 

DATE: June 13, 1995 

SUBJECT: Use Group Cla.ssification - Warehouse-Mercantile Buildings and Structures. 

Discussion: Recent trends in retail marketing and sales have seen an upsurge in the numbers of the "warehouse- 
mercantile" type stores. These kinds of facilities utilize bulk storage on the actual sales floor area in racks. 
Commodities stored and sold range from hardware and household items through floorcoverings, cabinetry, 
lumber paint, adhesives and other building materials, flammables, aerosols, pool chemicals and fertilizers. 
The building typically functions as both a warehouse and a retail establishment, and the amounts of each type 
of product stored is typically orders of magnitude greater than a typical mercantile establishment. 
Furthermore, there is usually no, dedicated storage area separate from gross sales area. Aisles are used for 
staging product prior to storage in the high rack storage system, in addition to nnerchandizing. Typically, 
mercantile stores which utilize separated storage and sales areas are designed as mixed use buildings, and 
conform to the separated or non separated requirements of the code. The increasingly popular trend of the 
warehouse-mercantile occupancies has raised a question as to which use group is most appropriate for such 
occupancies. Depending upon the amounts and types of product stored, it is possible that the building could 
consist of a variety of uses such as; Mercantile (A/), Low Hazard Storage (5-2), Moderate Hazard Storage 
(5-7) and High Hazard (//) and/or other uses. 

Question: Since the State Building Code does not specifically address warehouse retail (retail warehouse) type 
occupancies or use groups (occupancies consisting of open type floor plan utilizing rack storage type 
structures con.sisting of any combination of horizontal, vertical or diagonal members that support stored 
material or displayed material generally exceeding 12 feet in height), is it the intent of the code to classify 
such uses as Mercantile, Use Group M, based on the stock of goods for sale and accessibility to the public? 



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Answer: No. Due to the life and fire hazard as noted in Section 312, Doubtful Use Classification, this type of 
occupancy should be classified Doubtiiil Use Group until sufficient information is provided to the 
satisfaction of the Building Official in order that the Building Official can determine the appropriate use (or 
uses) which it most resembles in terms of life and fire hazard in accordance with section 312. 

Regardless of the Use Group classifications determined by the Building Official, it is the responsibility of 
the permit applicant in accordance with section 113 {Applicationfor Permit), to provide sufficient informa- 
tion to show the nature and character of the work. As part of this section, the Building Official shall forward 
the available information to the Head of the Fire Department for review and approval of the applicable 
sections of Article 6, Special Use and Occupancy Requirements and Article 10, Fire Protection Systems. 

As addressed in Article 10, Section 1001.2, the information presented must be "... of sufficient detail to 
evaluate the hazard and the effectiveness of the system. The details of the hazards shall include materials 
involved, the location and arrangement, and the exposure to the hazard." 

To properly address the particular issues and acquire the required information for such a review as identified 
in Section 1001.2, any plans, documents and reports which are submitted to the Building Official in 
accordance with sections 1 13 and 127 must bear the seal of a qualified professional engineer or architect 
when required by the building code or statute. Since Section 1001 .2 addresses special fire protection features, 
it shall be noted that the Building Official and the Head of the Fire Department should refer to the official 
interpretation No. 38-94 Relating to the Use of Registered Professional Engineers Seal as required under 
Section 113.5,2 and 127, to determine whether the information submitted is sufficient and properly 
documented and sealed by engineers qualified in fire protection concerns, (see Official Interpretation No. 
38-94) 

Unless the necessary information and documentation is properly submitted in sufficient detail per Section 
1001 .2, the Head of the Fire Department will not hQ capable of proper evaluation and analysis of the hazards 
and exposures to property and life and any associated fire and life safety systems provided and therefore can 
not approve the plans. In order for the Head of the Fire Department to approve plans and specifications per 
Section 1 13.5( Plans and Specifications). 

Sufficient details and supporting documentation should be included to address, as a minimum, the following; 

® Material storage/display arrangement 

® Segregation/separation of incompatible/hazardous materials 

® Emergency evacuation plans (number and location of exits) 

® Warehousing operations (open and closed) 

® Employee training and drills 

® Management participation (housekeeping) 

® Fire initiation and development 

® Spread of smoke and toxic products 

® Smoke exhaust venting 

® Fire Suppression Systems 

® Standpipe systems (2"^" vs. 1 ^' outlets) 

* Requirements for rack sprinklers (NFiPA 23 IC) 
® Adequacy of water supplies 

« Egress relative to rack aisles (blockage/obstructions) 

* Occupant evacuation time 

® Fire alarm systems (automatic and manual) 

® Fire Department notification (master box/central station service) 

® Occupant notification 

® Fire Department site and building entry access 

® Seasonal changes in merchandising (introduction of additional fiammable and hazardous material) 

® Access to floor/merchandising plan (periodic review) 

® Review of other agency requirements (CMR 527, Fire Prevention Regulations) 

® Review of other nationally recognized engineering standards relative to fire hazards and life safety 

If sufficient client information is not provided to the Head of the Fire Department as identified above, then 
the Building Official shall classify the building as Doubtful Use Group per Section 312, Doubtful Use 
Classification, and the structure shall be included in the use group it most nearly resembles, (such as a Use 
Group H, High Hazard Uses, Section 306 or as described in Section 308, Mercantile Uses, Use Group A^, 
or as the Building Official so deems until adequate information is provided as per Section 1001.2, to 
determine otherwise. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

If sufficient information is submitted in detail satisfactory to the Building Official and the Head of the Fire 
Department to achieve the desired level of life safety and fire: hazard protection, then the building could be 
classified Use Group M or other as determined by the Building Official in cooperation with the Head of the 
Fire Department. 



OfHcial Interpretation No. 45-96 

DATE: June 27, 1996 
SUBJECT: Impacts of M.G.L. c. 148, 



26G, 26H and 261 



At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Thursday 27, June 1996, the 
Board approved the following interpretation of the application of M.G.L c. 148, § 26G, 26H and 261 as they 
impact the building permit process. 

Discussion: M.G.L. c. 148, §§ 26G, 26H and 261 are "local option statutes". These are state laws which are not 
applicable in a municipality until a municipality elects to adopt them, at which time they become law in 
that municipality. The statutes are "Fire Safety Statutes", and require the installation of automatic 
sprinkler systems in specific buildings identified in the statutes. Once adopted, they are enforced by the 
Head of the Local Fire Department (the Fire Chief). 

In summary, the statutes require the following 



Statute fM.G.L.)^'') 


Reouirements 


ADoeal Provision 


c.l48,§26d^^ 


Automatic Sprinkler System in: 

1) New buildings over 7,500 sf 

2) Additions to existing buildings (addition only) over 
7,500 sf 

3) Major alterations to existing buildings over 7,500 sf 


Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board 


c. 148, § 26H 


Automatic Sprinkler System in lodging and boarding 
houses 


Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board 


c. 148, § 261 


Sprinkler system installation in; 

1) New multiple family dwellings containing four or 
more dwelling units. 

2) Substantially rehabilitated buildings in multi family 
dwellings containing four or more dwelling units. 


State Fire Marshal 



Notes: 

(a) Refer to statute for exact wording 

(b) Residential uses exempted 

In some municipalities, the adoption of these statutes has created an apparent regulatory conflict and has, 
in extreme cases resulted in omission of sprinkler systems at the outset of construction resulting in 
lawsuits and courtjudgments requiring the installation ofthe sprinkler systems after occupancy. Needless 
to say, such cases have proved to be extremely costly. 

Question: How do these particular statutes affect the responsibilities of the Building Official in the enforcement of 
the State Building Code? In particular, what action does the Building Official take at the building permit 
application stage? 

Answer: In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L c. 143, § 3, the Building Official is empowered to enforce 
the provisions of the State Building Code and the Architectural Access Board Regulations (521 CMR). 
The Fire Chief is empowered to enforce the provisions of M.G.L c. 148, §§ 26G, 26H and 261. 

■ The statutes link the requirement to install the automatic sprinkler to the building code by requiring the 

installation to be "....in accordance with the provisions ofthe state building code " . This language shall 

be properly interpreted as "....in accordance with standards referenced for the installation of an automatic 

sprinkler system", e.g. NFiPA 13, 13R or 13D, etc. Such interpretation would also extend to the 

■ permitting requirements of Article 1 . 

The Building Official's approach in municipalities which have adopted said statutes shall be; 

The Building Official should become generally aware ofthe requirements of M.G.L c. 148, §§ 26G, 26H 
and 261. 

If a building permit application is made which may trigger the enforcement of the statutes, the 

determination is (by law) made by the Fire Chief. It is clear in the subject statutes that the Fire Chief is 

• the sole authority to determine whether or not a particular construction activity. is subject to said statutes 

. and the municipality and its agents, including the Building Official are bound by. this determination. The 



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APPENDIX B 

permit applicant is provided avenues of administrative appeal from the Fire Chiefs determination, by way 
of the State Fire Marshal or the Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board. Once a determination has been made 
by the Fire Chief that the statute is applicable, the Building Official must ensure, at the building permit 
a pplication stage, that provision has been made for the design and installation of the automatic sprinkler 
system. If plans submitted at the building permit application stage do not include the sprinkler system, 
the application shall be denied based on non compliance v/ith Section 1 13 of the Massachusetts State 
Building Code, i.e. incomplete plans and/or application materials. 

If an appeal is taken, the Building Official, pending the outcome of the appeal, may issue a permit in part 
arid shall, in writing, concurrently notify the Fire Chief and the permit applicant. Said notification must 
clearly identify the limits placed on the construction. 

In communities which have adopted the provisions of M.G.L. c. 148, § 26H, a certificate of inspection, 
as required by Table 108 for a lodging or boarding house, shall not be issued if an automatic sprinkler 
system has not been installed within the time provided for by said statute, providing that the Building 
Official has been notified by the Fire Chief of the date of the adoption of said statute. If an appeal is 
pending a temporary certificate of inspection may be issued and renewed, each for periods not exceeding 
30 days, pending the outcome of the appeal. 

This interpretation is made to foster cooperation between building and fire officials in this particular area 
of law which has caused some confusion in the past. 

Official iMterpretatioE Noo 46-96 

DATE: June 27, 1996 

SUBJECT: Handrails and Guardrails in One and Two Family Dwellings 

Section 3401.1 1 of the Fifth Edition of the State Building Code 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Thursday 27, June 1996, the 
Board approved the following interpretation of the application of Section 3401. 1 1 of the Fifth Edition of the State 
Building Code. 

Section 340 1 . 11 states that ". . . Handrails having [a] minimum and maximum height of thirty (30) inches 
and 34 inches, respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads shall be provided on at 
least one side of stairways of three or more risers. Open sides of all stairs shall be similarly protected 
by guards. . . " 

Question 1: Is it the intent of Section 3401. 11 to require both handrails and guardrails set at different heights on the 
open sides of stairs in a one or two family dwelling? 

Answer 1: No. It is the opinion of the Board that the word similarly refers to the handrail description, which means 
that the open side of the stair must be protected with a guardrail that also acts as a handrail. It is not 
necessary to provide a guardrail set at 36 inches in height with a handrail set between 30 and 34 inches. 

Question 2: At what height should the guardrail be set? 

Answer 2: The guardrail may be set between 30 and 34 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the 
tread. If a handrail is provided on the opposite side of the stair, it shall be set at the same height. 

Official Interpretation No. 4,1-9% 

DATE: March 10, 1998 

SUBJECT: Application of 780 CMR 3408.6.3 (2) and 2305.6.4 of the Sixth Edition of the State Building Code. 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday 10, March, 1998, 
the Board approved the following interpretation of the application of 780 CMR 3408.6.3 (2) and 2305.6.4 of 
the Sixth Edition of the State Building Code. 

Discussion: Chapter 34, See 780 CMR 3408.6.3(2), under certain conditions during the renovation of an existing 
building, requires masonry walls to be connected to floors and/or roofs in order to improve (or affect) 
lateral support of the walls. 

All masonry walls shall be connected to floor or roof diaphragms, or other elements providing their 
lateral support, so as to conform to the requirements of 780 CMR 1612.7. The design force for the 
connection shall not be less than 1 00 pound per linear foot of wall. Connections shall not produce cross- 
. grain bending in wood members. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

In existing buildings with wood framed floor and roof systems and masonry loadbearing walls, building 
codes have traditionally required (based on traditional construction methods) wood floor and roof 
members framing into masonry walls to be "fire cut". 

2305.6.4: Fire Cuts: All wood and other combustible floor, roof and other structural members framing 
into masonry walls shall be cut to a bevel of three inches (76 mm) in depth and shall project not more 
than four inches (102 mm) into the wall. 

Fire cuts are representative of traditional construction detailing methods stemming principally from older 
"mill" type buildings which, in the event of a fire resulting in the their collapse of a floor or roof are 
intended to allow the framing members to rotate at supports allowing the floors to collapse without 
causing the collapse of the wall systems. 

Question: Does the seismic requirement for connection of masonry walls to floors override or negate the 
requirement to preserve existing fire cuts in wood structural members ? 

Answer: No. The provision for fire cuts and lateral support of masonry walls serve different purposes and are 
independent requirements. Compliance with both code provisions is required.. The designer of the lateral 
support details requirement must exercise care in the detaihng of such connections. The connections must 
be detailed to allow the framing members at the wall connection to rotate in the event of a fire while 
additionally providing the lateral support for the walls in the event of an earthquake. 

Official Interpretation No. 48*98 

DATE: March 10, 1998 

SUBJECT: Application of 780 CMR 1012.6 and 101.6 of the Sixth Edition of the State Building Code. 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday 10, March, 1998, 
the Board approved the following interpretation of the application of 780 CMR 1012.6 and 101.6 of the Sixth 
Edition of the State Building Code. 

Discussion: 780 CMR 1012.6 of the Sixth edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code governs the requirements 
for assembly aisles and aisle accessways. 780 CMR 1012.6 specifically addresses the required width of 
an aisle accessway (row) and states; 

780 CMR 1012.6: Row Widths: The minimum clear row width shall not be less than 12 inches (305 mm) 
measured as the clear horizontal distance from the back of the row ahead and the nearest projection of 
the row behind. Where chairs have automatic of self rising seats, the measurement shall be made with 
the seat in the raised position. Where any chair in the row does not have an automatic or self rising seat, 
the measurement shall be made with the seat in the down position. Where tablet arm seating is used the 
measurement shall be made with the tablet- arm in the useable position. 

The state building code appendix A references the Life Safety Code NFPA 101 (1994), which, in section 
8-2.5.7.6, states; 

Rows of seating utilizing tablet-arm chairs shall be permitted only if the clear width of aisle accessways 
complies with the requirements of 8-2.5.7 where the tablet is in the useable position. 

Exception: Tablet arms shall be permitted to be measured in the stored position where the tablet arm automatically 
returns to the stored position when raised manually to a vertical position in one motion and falls to the 
stored position by force of gravity. 

Question: Is the life safety code section applicable? Can the exception in NFPA 101 8-2.5.7.6 be utilized ? 

Answer: The State Building Code 780 CMR 101.6 explains under what circumstances referenced standards are 
applicable; 

101.6 Referenced Standards: The standards referenced in 780 CMR and listed in Appendix A shall be 
considered part of the requirements of 780 CMR to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where 
differences occur between the provisions of 780 CMR and referenced standards, the provisions of 780 
CMR shall apply 

Therefore the answer to the forgoing questions is in the negative, for the following reasons; 

780 CMR 1012.6 provides no direct reference to NFPA 101 and therefore the provisions of NFPA 101 
as they relate to the measurement of row widths are inapplicable. It is incorrect to assume that simply 
because NFPA 101 is referenced in 780 CMR that it is referenced in its entirety, and; 

• If NFPA 101 were referenced in the subject section, the provisions of NFPA 101, section 8-2.5.7.6 
(exception) is in conflict with 780 CMR 1012.6 relative to the measurernent of row widths where tablet- 



7.04. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 

arm seating is present ( 780 CMR contains no such exemption for automatic return of tablets). In such 
instances 780 CMR 101.6 directs that the provisions of 780 CMR are applicable should a conflict occur 
between a provision of 780 CMR and a referenced standard. 

In order to use this section of NFPA 101, an applicant must apply for and receive a variance from the 
State Building Code Appeals Board in accordance with 780 CMR 126. 

Official Interpretation No. 49=98 
DATE: March 23, 1998 

SUBJECT: Smoke Detector and Heat Detector Requirements in One- and Two-Family Dwellings - 780 CMR 3603. 16 
of the Sixth Edition of the State Building Code. 

At a regular meeting of the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday, March 10, 
1998, the Board approved the following interpretation of the application of 780 CMR Chapter 36, 780 CMR 
3603. 16. "FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS" of the Sixth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code. 

Background/Discussion: 

The Sixth Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code (the Code), 780 CMR 3603.16 is titled: 
"FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS" and specifies all required fire protection system requirements for new 
construction one-and two-family dwellings that are single or two-fanuly detached buildings; additionally, 
780 CMR 3603. 16. 13 sets requirements for when smoke detector requirements for new construction will 
apply to additions, alterations and/or repairs. 

The Sixth Edition One- and Two-Family fire protection system requirements, differ from those of the 
Fifth Edition Code in several ways. 

The Sixth Edition reflects the philosophy of NFPA 72-1996', "National Fire Alarm Code" in that: 

1 . Household fire warning systems may consist of either ac primary powered single and multiple station 
smoke detectors complying with ANSI/UL 217, or; 

2. Household fire warning systems (note that these household fire warning systems could be referred 
to as "a fire alarm panel with low voltage connection to detectors, etc."), may consist of a listed control 
unit complying with UL 864 or UL 985 with automatic smoke detectors complying with UL 268 and 
occupant notification appliances complying with UL 464 or UL 197 1 if such notification appliances incor- 
porate strobe lights - if supplementary visual signals are utilized they should comply with UL 1638, and; 

3. All household fire warning systems shall have secondary power supplied from monitored batteries, 
and; 

4. Massachusetts provisions require the use of photo electric smoke detectors, rather than the ionization 
type smoke detectors when such smoke detectors are on the same floor and within 20 feet of a kitchen or 
bathroom containing a tub or shower (to prevent nuisance false alarms characteristic of ionization type 
smoke detectors in proximity to kitchens and tub or shower areas), and; 

5. Electrical compatibility (listed for intended purpose - see 780 CMR 3603.16.2) between smoke 
detectors and/or notification appliances to ensure that all portions of the household fire warning system 
will operate properly, and; 

6. In addition to smoke detector requirements, the Sixth Edition of the Code has been structured to 
address heat detector requirements but at this timg. and until 780 CMR 3603. 16.4 is othenvise amended. 
HEAT DETECTORS ARE NOT REQUIRED IN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS , and; 

7. 780CMR 3603. 16.8. 1 addresses "non-required" alarm notification appliances and non-required smoke 
or heat detectors and requires that such are to be installed so that the actuation of any non-required 
detector shall cause the alarm in all required and non-required detectors in the dwelling unit to sound, and; 

8. 780 CMR 3603.16.13 requires fire waming systems for new construction throughout an existing 
dwelling when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in an existing dwelling. 

Answers to some frequently asked questions about smoke detectors and heat detectors 

Question 1: Are ionization type smoke detectors still allowed in new construction one- and two-family dwellings? 

Answer 1: Yes, provided such smoke detectors satisfy the applicable general listing requirements of 780 CMR 
3603, 1 6 and are not located (on the same floor) within 20 feet of a kitchen or a bathroom containing a tub 
or shower (780 CMR 3603.16.11). Ionization smoke detectors that otherwise satisfy the general 
requirements of 780 CMR 3603.16 shall be allowed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom containing 
a tub or shower when the ionization detector is on a different floor than the subject kitchen or bathroom. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Question 2: Would ionization smoke detectors be allowed in bedrooms when the bedrooms are separated from the 
kitchen or bath by both a bedroom door and a kitchen or bath door, even if such ionization smoke 
detectors are within 20 feet of a kitchen or bath door? 

Answer 2: No. Once the smoke detector is within 20 feet of a kitchen or bath, then a photo-electric type smoke 
detector must be utilized. 

Question 3: How does one measure the 20 foot distance from a kitchen or from a bathroom containing a tub or 
shower? 

Answer 3: Refer to the sketches and note that the 20 foot rule applies to smoke detectors only on the same floor as 
kitchens or bathrooms containing a tub or shower and that the 20 foot distance from the smoke detector 
(ceiling or wall mounted) to the kitchen or bath shall be "true length", measured from: 

the centerline of the smoke detector to the nearest edge, front face of the doorway separating the kitchen 
or bath from the area in which the smoke detector is located (in "two room" layouts), and; 

in "open plan" areas where no doorway separates the kitchen from the detector, the 20 foot rule shall be 
the shortest, "true length" 20 foot distance measured from centerline of ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted 
smoke detector to nearest edge of fixed smoke-producing appliance (stove, oven, broiler, etc.-note that 
movable appliances and/or microwave ovens are not to be considered relative to the 20 foot distance). 




Ceiling or wall 
mounted smoke 
detector 



Kitchen 

on 
Bathroom 



doorway 



Section view of a "two room" layout with the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted smoke detector (•) shown in the 
room on the left and the kitchen or bathroom represented by the room on the right. 

If true length of "x" is less than or equal to 20 feet, then a photo electric smoke detector must be utilized. The true 
length of "x" is the actual distance from the centerline of the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted smoke detector to the 
nearest edge of detector-side, front face of doorway. 




Kitchen 

or 

Bathroom 

_ Doorway 



Plan view of a "two room" layout with either a ceiling-mounted or a wall-mounted smoke detector (B) shown in the 
room to the left and the kitchen or bathroom represented by the room on the right. 

If true length of "x" is less than or equal to 20 feet, then a photo electric smoke detector must be utilized. The true 
length of "x" is the actual distance from the centerline of the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted smoke detector to the 
nearest edge of detector-side, front face of doorway. 



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APPENDK : 




Section view of an "open plan" layout with the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted smoke detector (H) shown on the 
left and the kitchen represented to the right. 

If true length of "x" is less than or equal to 20 feet, then a photo electric smoke detector must be utilized. The true 
length of "x" is the actual distance from the centerline of the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted smoke detector to the 
nearest edge of fixed, smoke-producing appliance. 




Plan view of an "open plan" layout with the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted smoke detector (H) shown on the 
left and the kitchen represented to the right. 

If true length of "x" is less than or equal to 20 feet, then a photo electric smoke detector must be utilized. The true 
length of "x" is the actual distance from the centerline of the ceiling-mounted or wait-mounted smoke detector to the 
nearest edge of fixed, smoke-producing appliance. 

Question 4: Are bedrooms now the only areas in which smoke detectors are required to be located? 
Answer 4: No. 780 CMR 3603. 16. 10 defines all required smoke detector locations. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Question 5: 780 CMR 3603. 1 6.7 titled "Secondary electric power" states that all household fire warning systems shall 
have secondary (standby) power supplied from monitored batteries in accordance with the household fire 
warning equipment requirements of NFPA 72. Does this mean that all smoke detector systems must have 
a battery room providing standby power? 

Answer 5: No. Single and multiple station, hard-wired smoke detectors that are ac primary powered are now 
available with attached, replaceable battery and similar to battery-only single station smoke detectors, the 
battery is monitored via the detector circuitry. 

For "alarm panel systems" (listed control unit with automatic detectors and occupant notification 
appliances), the monitored battery schemes tested and listed via the manufacturer's compliance to NFPA 
72, suffice. 

Question 6: 780 CMR 3603. 16. 10 (5) states that fixed temperature heat detectors shall be installed in accordance with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 3603.16.4. Does this mean that as of March 1, 1998, heat detectors are 
required in one- and two-family dwellings controlled by the requirements of 780 CMR Chapter 36 of the 
Sixth Edition of the Code? 

Answerd: No. AsofMarch 1, 1998. heat detectors are still not required by 780 CMR Chapter 36 of the Sixth Edition 
of the Code as 780 CMR 3603.16.4 is currently "RESERVED" , thus, at this time and until 780 CMR 
3603. 16.4 is otherwise amended, heat detectors are not required by Chapter 36 of the Sixth Edition of the 
Code. 

Question 7: 780 CMR 3603. 16.13 requires that an existing one- or two-family dwelling be provided with a household 
fire warning system for new construction when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in the 
existing dwelling. What constitutes a bedroom under this Section? 

Answer 7: The State Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), as the Agency promulgating the 
Massachusetts State Building Code, is the "AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION" (AHJ) regarding 
the interpretation of regulations of the State Building Code and has determined that it is the responsibility 
of the building owner or the agent of the building owner to identify any new or newly created bedrooms 
or other space USES. If submitted plans and/or narratives that describe the work intended identify such 
new additions or newly created spaces as other than bedrooms then 780 CMR 3603. 1 6. 1 3 does not apply 
(note that it is the "REGULATED COMMUNITY" and not the "REGULATOR" who identifies, on plans 
and/or narratives submitted as part of the building permit application to the Building Department, if a 
bedroom is being added or created). 

' Note that although NFPA 72-1996 is titled the "National Fire Alarm Code", NFPA 72 is a national reference 
standard and where Massachusetts State Building Code regulations explicitly differ from the requirements set forth 
in the reference standard, the requirements of the State Building Code govern. 



708 . 780. CMR -Sixth Edition . . 11/27/98. 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



OfHcial Interpretatson No. S0°98 
DATE: January 28, 1999 

SUBJECT: Height and Area Requirements for Type 5B, One and Two-Family Dwellings as Defined by the Sixth 
Edition of the Code 

Background: 

A one- or two-family dwelling designed and constructed as an R-4 Use in accordance with the provisions 
of Chapter 36 of the Sixth Edition of the Code is typically built of Type 5B Construction. Chapter 36 
does not define a one- or two- family structure in terms of its construction type. Referencing the 
definition section of this chapter, we learn only the number of lodgers and/or boarders legally allowed 
to occupy each dwelling, but do not learn much about the structure itself. However, the materials 
generally employed in one- and two-family dwelling construction most closely resemble those used in 
a Type 5B building as defined in Chapter 6 of the base code. 

Also, Chapter 36 does not provide guidance in respect to the maximum size of a one-or two-family 
dwelling in terms of its height above grade (number of stories, and dimensional height) or in terms of 
its square foot area per fioor. 

Question: Absent this information, how does one determine the maximum size of a one and two-family dwelling 
building (both in terms of stories above grade and maximum square foot area per floor) if it is designed 
and constructed as an R-4 Use according to the provisions of Chapter 36? 

Answer. Since Chapter 36 does not provide the answers we seek, we must first turn to Chapter 3, Section 3 1 0.6 
which defines an R-4 structure as a "detached one- or two-family dwelling(s) not more than three stories 
in height, and (its) accessory structures. " This section states further that "All such structures shall be 
designed in accordance with 780 CMR 36 (Chapter 36 of the Sixth Edition) or in accordance with the 
requirements of 780 CMR (this code) applicable to Use Group R-3". 

This section provides the code user with two distinct options for the design and construction of R-4 
structures (detached one or two family dwellings and their accessory structures). Option 1; design in 
accordance with Chapter 36. Option 2; design in accordance with the requirements applicable to R-3 
structures. 



Questioni 



Answen 



Does this mean that such buildings may be designed and constructed with habitable fioors 1 
above the exterior grade plane? 



uree stories 



Yes. However, one must assure that all applicable code requirements are satisfied for all inhabited fioors 
including the upper-most floor (i.e.: light, ventilation, means of egress requirements, etc.). 

At times, depending upon the configuration of the exterior grade, it may be difficult to determine the 
number of stories above which a building projects. Therefore, we have provided examples of buildings 
correctly configured xinder this definition. (See Figures la and lb). 






Fjgnre la. 



Habitable 



Habitable 



Figure, 



1/19/01 



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708.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUEDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Note: Figures la and lb illustrate typical gable roof, single family dwellings. Figure la depicts a dwelling 

consisting of three floors of habitable space and a basement. Figure lb shows a dwelling consisting of 
three floors of habitable space, a basement and attic space above the third floor. Assuming requirements 
set by local zoning ordinances are met, each stracture as depicted satisfies building code requirements 
in terms of its allowable number of stories above grade. However, be cautioned that the attic area shown 
in Figure lb shall only be used as storage (not habitable or occupiable) space. 

Question: Figure lb illustrates a stmcture with attic space as the upper-most level. How does one distinguish 
habitable space from attic space? 

Answer: Habitable space is defined in Chapter 2 of the code as "space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, 
or cooking. Bathrooms, toilets compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space and similar areas 
are not considered habitable space". Attic is defined in Chapter 12 as '7Ae space between the ceiling 
beams of the top story and the roof rafters" . 

Attic space may only be provided if it does not constitute an additional story (i.e.: the head height and 
other conditions of this area do not allow for human occupancy. Remember that by deflnltion, the 
structure may only be three stories in height above the exterior grade plane. 

Question: Since bathrooms are not considered habitable space, is it permissible to locate a bathroom in this attic 
level? 

Answer. No. The upper-most level, as illustrated in Figure lb, is intended to be used as storage or utility space 
only and is limited by one or more construction features which fall short of that required for habitable 
or occupiable space (i,e.: ceiling height measures less than seven (7) feet, structural members will 
support only loads that are less than that required for habitable space, or room dimensions measure less 
than required, etc.). 

Question'. What about an existing, two story home with attic space; may it be converted into a three story structure 
with each floor made habitable? 

Answer. Again, the key to this question is, does the attic comply with all applicable sections of Chapter 36 for 
habitable spaces (i.e.: design loads, light, ventilation, means of egress, etc.). If the answer is yes, then 
the structure may be converted. If portions of the third story do not satisfy code requirements (i.e.: the 
access stair is too narrow or rise and run dimensions are not satisfactory) the building official must reject 
the permit application. However, an applicant may seek relief through administrative appeal procedures 
(the Building Code Appeals Board) as defined in Chapter 1, Section 126, or offer compliance alternatives 
as defined in Chapter 34 of the code. 

Question: Is a walk-out basement defined as a story above grade, and is it considered to contribute to the height of 
the building? 

Answer. Chapter 5, Section 502.1 defines a story above grade as "Any story having its finished floor surface 
entirely above grade except that a basement shall be considered as a story above grade where the 
finished surface of the floor above the basement is: 

1 . More than six feet (1829mm) above [the] grade plane; 

2. More than six feet (1829 mm) above the finished ground level for more than 50% of the total 
building perimeter, or 

3. More than 12 feet (3658mm) above the finished ground level at any point". 

As demonstrated by the definition above, the answer to this question is dependent upon exterior grade 
conditions; which makes sense. The code limits the numl)er of stories above grade which a building may 
be constructed as a direct function of an occupant's ability to exit the building in the event of an 
emergency. The higher up in the building one resides, the farther one must travel to exit the building. 
In a fire condition, the code is concerned with smoke conditions in open stairwells and other factors that 
may limit one's ability to escape from a building. Consequently, a walk-out basement (or any basement 
meeting a part of the definition identified above) may very well contribute to the height of the building 
above grade, if it is constructed according to one of the methods defined above. 

Figures 2a through 2c illustrate conditions where a basement contributes to the number of stories above 
grade. 



708.2 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUELDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX B 




Figure 2z. 



Flgiiir€2c. 



Note: Both Figures 2a and 2b depict a single family dwelling which is four stories above grade (in reference 

to the definition for story above grade). Since the definition of an R-4 limits the building to three stories 
in height, these buildings (Figures 2a and 2b), erected of Type 5B constraction, would be in violation 
of building code provisions. However, as is illustrated in Figure 2c, if the upper-most floor is designed 
and used as an attic (as defmed in 780 CMR 202), it shall not be considered an additional story). 

Question: To this point, only the height of the building has been addressed. What about the maximum area per 
floor for an R-4 structure? 

Answer, Unlike the number of stories above grade, the code is silent on the issue of floor area for these structures. 
Essentially, the area is unlimited. This is not to imply that the code is not concerned with the size of the 
building in terms of its area, and that additional safeguards should not be considered in the design and 
construction of very Jarge R-4 structures. However, these safeguards are built into the code in that very 
large buildings will be afforded additional smoke detection (see Chapter 36, Section 3603.16) and large 
structures are generally designed with egress capacity well in excess of what the code would normally 
require; usually with many exterior decks and balconies providing additional means of egress and/or 
routes of escape from the building. 

Question: At the start of this interpretation, it was mentioned that Section 3 10.6 affords the code user two options 
when designing and building R-4 structures. We spoke of Chapter 36 requirements, but what about the 
option of designing the building as an R-3 using code provisions applicable to that use group? 

Answer. It is clear that the code allows one to utilize this option. In doing so, however, one must recognize that 
different code requirements apply. Why? The Sixth Edition of 780 CMR is based on two separate 
national model codes; the 1993 BOCA National Building Code and the 1995 CABO One and Two 
Family Dwelling Code. As one might expect, uniting these two codes into a single document (as was 
done with the Sixth Edition of the Massachusetts State Code) sometimes results in conflicts between the 
two texts. The subject matter this interpretation illustrates one of these conflicts. 

In explanation, R-3 structures are typically designed as multiple, smgle family, attached units (what are 
commonly referred to as row houses). Because these units are adjoined, the code is more concerned with 
conflagration and other safety issues, and therefore restricts the design of these structures more 
rigorously than it does for detached one and two-family dwellings. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



708.3 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

We know that Chapter 36 is silent on height and area limitations for one and two family structures. 
Reviewing code provisions relative to R-3 structures, we find that 780 CMR Chapter 5, Table 503 
defines height and area limitations for the R-3 Use Group Classification, but does not include reference 
to detached one and two-family buildings, as does the 1993 BOCA National Code. This reference was 
purposely deleted in the Massachusetts code to illustrate that the intended height limitations for detached 
one and two-family dwellings is to be three stories above grade as defined herein (and 780 CMR 3 10.6). 



708.4 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 1/19/01 



APPENDIX C 



RECOMMENDED FASTENING SCHEDULE 



Building element 


- Nail size and £ype 


Number and locatiots 


Stud to sole plate 


8d common 
16d common 


4 toe-nail or 2 direct-nail 


Stud to cap plate 


16d common 


2 toe-nail or 2 direct-nail 


Double studs 


lOd common 


12" o.c. direct 


Comer studs 


I6d common 


24" o.c. direct 


Sole plate to joist or blocking 


16d common 


16" o.c. 


Double cap plate 


lOd common 


16" o.c. direct 


Cap plate laps 


lOd common 


2 direct-nail 


Ribbon strip, 6" or less 


lOd common 


2 each direct bearing 


Ribbon strip, 6" or more 


lOd common 


3 each direct bearing 


Roofrafter to plate 


8d common 


3 toe-nail 


Roof rafter to ridge 


I6d common 


2 toe-nail or direct nail 


Jack rafter to hip 


lOd common 
16d common 


3 toe-nail or 2 direct-nail 


Fl(X)rjoists to studs 
(No ceiling joists) 


lOd common 
lOd common 


5 direct or 3 direct 


Floor joists to studs 
(With ceiling joists) 


lOd common 


2 direct 


Floor joists to sill or girder 


^ 3d common 


3 toe-nail 


Ledger strip 


16d common 


3 each direct 


Ceiling joists to plate 


16d common 


3 toe-nail 


Ceiling joists (laps over partition) 


~ lOd common 


3 direct-nail 


Ceiling joists (parallel to rafter) 


lOd common 


3 direct 


Collar beam 


lOd common 


3 direct 


Bridging to joists 


8d common 


2 each direct end 


Diagonal brace (to stud & plate) 


Sd common 


2 each direct bearing 


Tail beams to headers 
(When nailing permitted) 


20d common 


1 each end 4 sq. ft. floor area 


Header beams to trimmers 


20d common 


1 each end 8 sq. ft. floor area 


r roof decking 
(over 6" in width) 


8d common 
8d common 


2 ea. direct rafter 

3 each direct rafter 


1 " subflooring (6" or less) 


8d common 


2 each direct joist 


1 " subflooring (8" or more) 


8d common 


3 each direct joist 


2" subflooring 


16d common 


2 each direct joist 


1 " wall sheathing (8" or less in width) 


Sd common 


2 each direct stud 


i " wall sheathing (over 8" in width) 


8d common 


3 each direct stud 


Plywood roof & wall sheathing 
C/s" or less) 
(%" or greater) 
($/16",%".or'/a") 

(%") 


6d common 
8d common 

16 gauge galvanized wire staples, %" 

minimum crown; length of 1 " plus 

plywood thickness 

Same as immediately above 


6" o.c. direct edges & 12" o.c intermediate 
6" o.c. direct edges & 12" o.c. intermediate 

4" o.c. edges & 8" o.c. intermediate 
254" o.c. edges & 5" o.c. intermediate 









('/,") 
(%".%") 
(r, 1%") 

('/,") 
(%") 



common or 6d annular or spiral thread 
common or 8d annular or spiral thread 

lOd common or 8d ring shank or 8d 

annular or spiral thread 

16d galvanized wire staples 

%" minimum crown, 1%° length 



Built-up girders and beams 
Continuous header to stud 
Continuous header, two pieces 



20d common 
8d common 
16d common 



6" o.c. direct edges & !0" o.c. intermediate 
6" o.c. direct edges & 10" o.c. intermediate 
6" o.c. direct edges & 6" o.c. intermediate 

4" o.c. edges & 7" o.c. intermediate 
IYt' o.c. edge 4" o.c. intermediate 



32" o.c. direct 
4 toe nail 
16" o.c. direct 



'/i" flber board sheathing 



I 'A" galvanized roofing nail or 16 gauge 
staple, 1 'A" long with min. crown of 7/16" 



3" o.c. exterior edge 6" o.c. intermediate 



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780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



709 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUIATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Building element 


Nail size and type 


Number and location 


25/32" fiber board sheathing 


W*' galvanized roofmg nail or 8d common 
nail or 16 gauge staple, 1 Vi" long with 
min. crown of 7/16" 


3" o.c. exterior edge 6" o.c. intermediate 


Gypsum sheathing 


12 gauge 1%" large head corrosion- 
resistant 


4" o.c. on edge 8" o.c. intermediate 


Particle board underlayment ('/i"-Vi") 


6d annular threaded 


6" o.c. direct edges 10" o.c. intermediate 


Particle board roof and wall sheathing 
'/j" or less 


6d common 


6" o.c. direct edges 12" o.c. intermediate 


%" or greater 


8d common 


6" o.c. direct edges 12" o.c. intermediate 


Particle board subilooring 
(%" or greater) 


8d common 


6" o.c. direct edges 12" o.c. intennediate 


Shingles, wood" 


No. 14 B«feS Gage corrosion resistive 


2 each bearing 


Weather boarding 


8d corrosion 


2 each bearing 



Note a: Shingle nails shall penetrate not less than '/«" into nailing strips, sheathing or supporting construction except 
as otherwise provided in 780 CMR 1225.4.4. 

Table C-1 

Maximum Spacing of Gypsum Wallboard Fasteners 

(For nonfireresistance rated construction assemblies) 



Thickness of 

gypsum 

wallboard 

(inch) 


Plane of 
framing 
surface 


Long dimension of 
gypsum wall-board 
sheets in relation to 
direction of framing 
members 


Maiimum 

spacing of 

framing members 

(center-to-center 

in inches) 


Ma'ximum spacing 

of fasteners 

(center-to- center 

in inches) 

Nails Screws 


Nails to wood 


•/i 


Horizontal 

Horizontal 

Vertical 


Either direction 


16 

24 
24 


7 12 


No. 13 gage, 1%" 
long. 19/54" head 
No. 098 gage, 1'// 
long. Annular ringed 
Sd cooler nail 




Perpendicular 


7 12 




Either direction 


8 12 


% 


Horizontal 

Horizontal 

Vertical 


Either direction 


16 
24 
24 


7 12 


No. 13 gage, 1%" 
long, 19/64" head 
No ,098 gage, 1%" 
long. Annual ringed 6d 
cooler nail 




Perpendicular 
Either direction 


7 12 




8 12 







Fastening required with adhesive application 






14 


Horizontal 


Either direction 


16 


16 


16 


As required for Vi" 


or 




Perpendicular 


24 


12 


16 


and %" gypsum 


% 


Vertical 


Either direction 


24 






wallboard, see 
above 


2 layers 


Horizontal 


Perpendicular 


24 


16 


16 


Base ply nailed as 


each%" 












required for 54" 


(%" total) 


Vertical 


Either direction 


24 


24 


24 


gypsum wallboard 
and face ply placed 
with adhesive 



Notes to Table C-1: 

Note a. 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 Vs 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 cooler nail (No. 

13 Vi gage, 1% inches long, is/64 inch head) for Vi inch gypsum wallboard; 6d cooler (No. 13 gage, 1% inches long, 

15/64 head) for %-inch gypsum wallboard. 

Note b. Two nails at 2 inches to 214 inches apart may be used if the pairs are spaced 12 inches center-to-center except 

aroimd perimeters. 

Note c Screws shall be No. 6 with tapered head and long enough to penetrate into wood framing not less than % inch 

and metal framing not less than % inch 

Note d. All nails shall meet ASTM C5 14 or Federal Specification FF-N- 1 05C. 

Note e. For fireresistance rated construction, see the pertinent fire test information. 

Note f. 1 inch = 25.4 mm. 



710 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX C 

Table C=2 

Allowable Shear for Wind or Seismic Forces in Founds Per Foot 

For Vertical Diaphragms of Lath and Piaster or Gypsum Board Frame Wall Assemblies 



Type of material 


Thickness of 

Material 

%" Lath and 
'/j" Plaster 


WaU 

Construction 


Nai! spacing 
maumum 
(in inches) 


Shear 
value 

100 


MinimuDn nai! size 


Gypsiim lath, plain or perforated 


Unblocked 


5 


No. 13 gage, VA' long, 19/64° head, 
plasterboard blued nail. 




Gypsum sheathing board 


'/2"x2'x8' 
!4''x4' 


Unblocked 

Blocked 

Unblocked 


4 
7 


75 


No. 1 1 gage, I'/i" long, 7/64" head, 
diamond point, galvanized. 




Gypsum Wallboard 
or Veneer base 


1/2" 
5/8" 


Unblocked 
Blocked 

Blocked 
Two ply 


7 

4 
7 
4 
4 

Base ply 9 
Face ply 7 


175 
100 

100 

125 

150 

175 

250 


5d Cooler nails 

6d cooler nails 

Base ply-6d cooler nails 

Face plv-8d cooler nails 


a^ 



Note a. These vertical diaphragms shall not be used to resist loads imposed by masonry or concrete construction. 

Values are for short time loading due to wind or earthquake and must be reduced 25% for normal loading 

Note b. Applies to nailing at all studs, top and bottom plates and blocking. 

Note c. Values shown are for gypsum board applied to one side only. The shear values may be doubled when identical 

materials are applied to both sides of wall 

Note d. 1 inch=25.4 mm. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR = Sixth Edition 



711 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



712 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Eflfective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX D 

GUIDANCE FOR SELECTION OF FOUNDATION MATERIAL CLASSES 

IN TABLE i804c3 



D-aOloO Purpose: The purpose of Appendix D is to 
provide guidance for the selection of the material 
class and consistency in place when usmg Table 
1804.3. 

I>°102.0 Application: Appendix D is provided only 
as a general guide to engineering judgment. All 
available data should be evaluated and professional 
engineering judgment exercised in selection of the 
^propriate material classification for use with Table 
1804.3. The references on soil and rock 
classification and typical ranges of index properties 
provided in this appendix should not be considered 
to be code requirements. 

1>°1L03.0 CiassiOcatioii of Soil: Guidelines for 
generally accepted engineering practice in the 



description and classification of soils are provided in 
ASTM D2488-84 Description and identification of 
Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) and ASTM D2487- 
85 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes. 

B°104.0 Oassification of Rock: Guidelines for 
generally accepted engineering practice in the 
description and classification of rocks are provided 
in Chapter 1 of Design Manual 7. 1 - Soil Mechanics, 
Naval Facilities Engineering Command, May 1982 
(NAVFACDM-7.1) 

D=10S.O Typical Index Properties: Typical ranges 
of index properties for the Material Classes listed in 
Table 1804.3 are provided in Table D-1. 



TABLE ©-I 
TYPICAL RANGE OF INBEX PROPERTIES 



Material 
Class 

la 
lb 


BescriptioBD 


CoBslsSeocy 
istWl&cs 


Rock Quality 

Designation 

(RQD%) 


Unconfioed 

Compressive 

Strengtii 

(PSF) 


Stamdard 

Penetration 
Resistance 
(Blows/Foot) 


Massive bedrock - granite, diorite, gabbro, 

basalt, gneiss. 

quaitzite, well-cemented conglomerate 


Hard rock, minor 
jointing 

Hard sound rock, 
moderate jointing 


>75 

50 to 75 

>50 


>8000 




2 
3 


FoUiatedbednxsk 


Medium hard rock minor 
jointing 


>8000 


- 


Sedimentaiy bedrock-cementation shale, silt- 
stone, sandstone, limestone, dolomite, 
conglomerate 


Soft rock, moderate 
jointing 


>50 




" 


4 


Weakly cemented sedimentary bedrock <■ 
compaction shale or other similar rock in 
sound condition 


Veiy soft rock 


<50 






5 
6 


Weathered bedrock - any of the above except 
shale 


Very soft rock, 
weiihered and/or major 
jointing and fracturing 


<50 




" 


Slightly cemented sand and/or gravel, glacial 
till (basal or lodgement), haropan 


Very dense 


- 




>50 


7 

8 

9 


Gravel, widely graded sand and gravel, and 
granular abiation till 


Very dense 
Dense 

Medium dense 
Loose 
Veiy loose 






>50 
41-50 
16-40 

8-15 

<8 


Sands and non-plastic stity sands with little 
or no gravel (except for Class 9 materials 

Fine sand, silty sand and non-plastic 
inorganic silt 


Dense 

Medium dense 
L<K>se - 
Veiy loose 
Den.«!e 

Meditmi dense 
loose 
Veiy loose 


- 




>30 

11-30 

6-10 

<6 




>30 

11-30 

6-10 

<6 


.0 


Inorganic sandy or silty clay, clay^ sand, 
clayey slit, clay or varved clay low to bigji 
plasticity 


Hard 
Stiff 
Medium 
Soft 






>20 
9-20 
4-8 
<4 



9/19/97 (Effeaive 2/28/97) - correaed 780 CMR - Sbcth Edition 



713 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



|l 1 1 lO reanic soils - peat organ ic silt, organic clav 



Notes to table D-1 

Note 1: For discussion of RQD values see Deere, D.U., Rock Mechanics in Engineering Practice (Chapter 1), Slagg 

and Zinkiewicz, Eds., 1968, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 

Note 2: For determination of Unconfmed Compressive Strength see ASTM D2938. 

Note 3:For determination of Standard Penetration Resistance N-value see ASTM D1586. The presence of large 

particles (coarse gravel, cobbies, boulders) may cause N-values to be unrealistically high. Such values should not be 

used. Also standard penetration resistance should not be used over depths less than five feet. 



714 780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX E 



PROCEDURE FOR ACCOUNTING FOR SERIES 
AND PARALLEL HEAT FLOW PATHS 



£1: For envelope assemblies contaSiiiog metal 
framing: The Ui shall be determined by using one 
of the following methods: 

1. Results from laboratory or field test 
measurements. One of the procedures specified in 
780 CMR 3 108.2 shall be used. 

2 . The thermal resistance of those roof and wall 
assemblies listed in Tables E-i and E-2 shall be 
corrected using the following procedures: 

The total resistance of the heat flow path (Rt) 
is determined from the Equation E-1 : 

Rt = Ri + Re 
Where: 
R = 1/U 
Rt = the total resistance of the envelope 

assembly. 
Ri for: i = 1 to n, is the resistance of the series 
elements. 

Re is the equivalent resistance of the element 
containing the parallel path, and the value of 
Re is: 

Re = R value of insulation x Fc 
(where Fc is the parallel path correction factor) 

The Parallel Path correction Factors (Fc) may be 
obtained from tests conducted using procedures 
listing in 780 CMR 3 1 08.2. Parallel Path Correction 
Factors for some envelope assemblies are listed in 
Tables E-1 and E-2. 

Table E-1 

ROOFS: PARALLEL PATH 

CORRECTION FACTORS' 



10 15 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 



1.0 0.96 0.92 0.88 0.85 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.71 0.69 0.67 



Bndged 
R-Va!ue 

Conec- 

tion 

Factor 

Note L Table E-i values are based upon: Metat trusses 
with 4-ft spacing that penetrate the insulation, and 0.66 
inch diameter crossmembers eveiy one ft. 



Table E-2 

WALL SECTIONS WITH METAL STUDS: 

PARALLEL PATH CORRECTION FACTORS 



Size of 
Members 

2x4 
2x4 
2x6 
2x6 



Cavitv 

Gauge of Spacing of . . ."' Correctio 

Stud Framing n y i ^ Factor 

18-16 16"o.c. R-11 0.50 

18-16 24''o.c. R-ll 0.60 

18-16 16"o.c. R-11 0.40 

18-16 24''o.c. R-ll 0.45 



Table E-3 
CALCULATION PROCEDURES FOR 

EVALUATING ALL SERIES 
AND PARALLEL HEAT FLOW PATHS 





Metal 


BRIDGE TYPE 




Metal 


Non-Metal 


Type of Material 

to whuch bridge 

is attached 


Thermal 

Bridges in 

Sheet Metal 

Construction 

Method 


Parallel Path 




Non-Metal 


Zone Method 


Parallel Path 



3. For elements with internal metallic structures 
bonded on one or both sides to a metal skin or 
covering, the "Thermal Bridges in Sheet Metal 
Construction," the calculation procedure as 
specified in "Thermal Bridges in Sheet Metal 
Construction," Studies in Building Physics 
(Johannesson, Gudni. 1981. Division of Building 
Technology, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund, 
Sweden. Report of TVBH-3007) shall be used. 

4. For elements other than those covered above, 
the zone method described in Chapter 23 of the 
ASHRAE Handbook, 1985 Fundamentals Volume 
shall be used. The formulas on pages 23. 13-. 14 
shall be used for calculation. 



£2: For envelope assemblies contalmisig Non° 
met&l Framing, the Ui shall be determined from 
results from one of the laboratory or field test 
measurements specified in 780 CMR 3108.2 or from 
the ASHRAE series parallel method. Formulas in 
Chapter 23, page 23.2 of the ASHRAE Handbook, 
1985 Fundamentals Volume shall be used for these 
calculations. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



.716 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX F 



REFERENCE DATA FOR REPAIR, ALTERATION, ADDITION AND 
CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS • 



PART ONE- GUIDELINES FOR 

APPLICATION 

F401 PURPOSE 

F-1§1,1 Intent of 780 CMR 34: The purpose of 
Appendix F is to provide guidance to users of 
780 CMR (the Massachusetts State Building Code) 
as to techniques of acceptable practice which can be 
used to assess the acceptability of various methods 
of meeting the intent of code provisions of 780 CMR 
34 on a case-by-case basis. The purpose of the 
provisions in 780 CMR 34 and Appendix F is to 
allow the 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 
780 CMR 34 and Appendix F recognize that the 
provisions of 780 CMR for new construction reflect 
the latest improvements in materials, construction 
techniques, standards of living and safety and, 
therefor, may preclude the repair, alteration, 
addition, or change of use of existing buildings that 
have demonstrated their usefulness and safety. 

F402J SCOPE 

F-102.1 Techniques: Appendix F is intended to 
demonstrate techniques of analysis and compliance 
with 780 CMR 34 in the repair, alteration, addition, 
and change of use of existing buildings. 

F403«0 

F°103.1 GeneraB conditions: Conceptually, it is 
the intent of 780 CMR 34 and Appendix F to allow 
repair, alteration, addition, or change of use of 
existing buildings v\nthout meeting all new 
construction requirements 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 780 CMR 34 
will require compliance with requirements more 
stringent than that required for new construction. 

F404.0 IMPLEMENTATION 

F-104J Framework: Implementation of the above 
concept requires that a framework be established for 
evaluating the condition of the building; determining 



the potential for modification; and establishing the 
acceptability of proposed changes. 

F°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 
Appendix F-104.1.1 through F-104.2.7 can be used 
for determining the condition of the structure. 
However, this list is not necessarily complete and 
the use of other methods should not be precluded. 

F'>i04,2.1 Available documentatiosi of esisting 
fouildirag: Prime sources of design information for 
existing buildings are the architectural and 
engineering drawings and specifications used in 
the construction of the building. Although the 
passing of time often obscures depositaries of 
such documents, the foUoAving are likely 
prospects in attempting to locate such 
information: 

1. If the building is currently in use, an 
individual or office responsible for its 
management may have retained drawings and 
specifications to facilitate maintenance. A 
building manager, resident engineer, 
superintendent, custodian, stationary engineer 
or plant engineer may be the most direct 
contact at the building site. 

2. Other potential sources (especially if the 
building is not in use) include 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; i.e.: the mason, carpenter, 
plumber, electrician, HVAC installer, steel 
erector, etc., as well as manufacturers of 
component parts, as potential sources of 
documentation. 

5. In the case of large corporations or 
government agencies, a separate 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 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



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. 

F-104.2.2 Field surveys: Having drawn upon 
available documentation to help evaluate a 
building's condition, such documentation may be 
augmented 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. 

F-104.2.3 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 voluntarily on the part of the permit 
applicant or may be required by the building 
official in the absence of approved rules as 
indicated in 780 CMR 109.0. 1 16.0, and 34. The 
costs of all such tests are to be borne by the 
permit applicant 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 
fi"om the test results. 

F-104.2.4 Nondestructive testing: This includes 
techniques where the structural integrity of the 
building is not aiTected, 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 fiaws in 
ferrous metal; 

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 infi-ared-ray photographic 
techniques used to evaluate portions of 
elements whose integrity is questionable. 



F-104.2.6 Destructive testing: In destructive 
testing a sample of the building could be removed 
and tested (e.g., concrete core), or components of 
the building could be reconstructed and tested in 
the laboratory. 

F-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 test; 

2. optical or electronic microscopic examin- 
ation which can help identify and evaluate the 
soundness of materials where decay or other 
molecular degradation is involved; 

3. conventional laboratory tests for deter- 
mining physical properties (strength, ductility, 
abso)rption, solubility, permeability, stifftiess, 
etc.; and/or 

4. testing of a scale model of the building 
(computer model, wind tunnel model, etc.). 

F-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 
evaluation of the change in hazard levels of each 
attribute can be accomplished using various tools 
singly or in combination as described below in 
Appendix F -104.3. 1 through F-104.3.5. 

F-104.3.1 Data on archaic systems: Performance 
data on architectural and structural systems 
encountered are tabulated in Appendix F, Part 
Four. This data can be compared to the proposed 
altered isystems to determine if the performance is 
adversely affected. 

F-104.3.2 Compliance alternatives: Alternate 
solutions tabulated in Appendix F, Part Two were 
developed firom appeal data and firom accepted 
practice. The list is not all-inclusive and should 
not preclude consideration of other alternatives. 

F-104.33 Analysis methods: Analytical methods 
based on good engineering practice may be used 
to determine changes in performance levels. 

F-104.3.4 Test methods: Test procedures as 
discussed in Appendix F-104.2.3 through F- 
104.2.6 can be used to evaluate the performance 
of existing construction. 

F-104.3.5 Professional judgement: Professional 
judgement based on previous experience with 
similar buildings should be used to the fijllest 
extent possible. 



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APPENDIX F 



FART TWO- SUGGESTED COMPLIANCE 
ALTERNATIVES 

F-20L0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 

F-201.1 Purpose: The purpose of Appendix F-201.0 
is to assist the building official and those regulated 
by 780 CMR in judging the acceptability of 
compliance alternatives to specific provisions 
required by 780 CMR. 

F-20i.2 Application: Appendix F-201.0 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 
acceptabiliQ^. 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 v^rill be added to Appendix F-201.0 
through the mechanism of appeal decisions and 
from results of research bemg conducted by 
various organizations in the field of relative 
permanence of life safety systems. 

F°2Q10 COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES 
FOR EGRESS REQUIREMENIS 

F-202J Nismber of exits: 

F°202Jol General compliance alteroativss: 

1 . Provide connecting fire balconies. 

2. Provide alternate egress facilities (windows, 
etc.). 

3 . Provide a fire escape. 

4. Provide fire-rated areas of refuge. 

F=202J.2 Examples: 

Example 1 involves a five-story Building of Use 
Group B v^thout a fire suppression system and 
with only one meam of egress. 

Soletlon A. Add one or more fire escapes as 
may be necessary to provide all tenants with 
reasonable access to two meam of egress m 
separate directions. Access to a street, public 
way or area of refuge shall be provided at the 
termination of the fire escape. 
Solution B. Add connecting fire balconies 
across fire walls if the above solution is 
impractical due to construction difSculties. 
Example 2 involves a building of Use Group R-2 
occupancy with an apartment in the basement. 



There is only one means of egress fi-om the 

basement. 

Solution A. Provide egress windows in each 
apartment that comply with 780 CMR 10. 

F=202.2 Travel Distance: 

F-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. 

F-202.2.2 Example: This example mvolves a four 
story building of Use Group R-2 v\^thout a fire 
suppression system. The length of exitway access 
travel is 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, 
if less than 100 feet, v\dth smoke doors. 
Solution C. If not required by other sections 
of 780 CMR, install smoke and fire detectors 
with audible alarms in the corridor. 
Solution D. Increase the fireresistance rating 
of the exit access corridor from one hour to 
two hours and provide "B" label self-closing or 
automatic closing fire doors in all openings 
into the corridor. 

F°202.3 Enclosure of exitways: 

F-'202.3.1 General Compliance alternatives: 

1 . Improve enclosure of exitway. 

2. Add a partial fire suppression system. 

3. Add a detection system. 

F=2©2o3.2 Examples: This example involves a 
four story row buildmg of Use Group R-2 v^th 
connecting fire balconies and an interior stair. 
The stair is enclosed with lath and plaster, wood 
stud partitions and paneled doors. 

Solution A. Cover partitions on the apartment 
side with %" Type X gypsum wallboard or its 
equivalent. Replace or build up panel doors 
until minimum solid portion is P/s" 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. 

F-202,3.3 Commentaiy: The above example, 
while pertaining to a four story, Use Group R-2 
building, can also be applied to other buildings of 
occupancies and floor levels. The principle that 
the degree of code compliance may not be 
reduced should be remembered. If the existing 



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enclosure is of fireresistive construction, it must 
be maintained. Tlie primary principle to 
remember, in the required enclosure of exitway, is 
that an enclosure must be provided, whether 
fireresistive or not, so as to provide a smoke 
barrier. The purpose of providing a smoke barrier 
is to prevent the passage of smoke fi-om a fire on 
one floor to the exitways and exit access corridors 
of other floors and thus render them unusable for 
egress. This principle is illustrated by solutions 
A, B, and C in the above example. 

F-203.0 COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVES 
FOR FIRE HAZARDS 
F-203.1 Fire separations and partitions; 

F-203.1.1 General compliance alternatives: 

1. Improve fire separation. 

2. Add a fire suppression system. 

3. Add a detection system. 

F-203.1.2 Examples: Example 1 involves a 
three story building of Type 3A construction, 
containing a Mercantile (M) Use Group, on the 
first floor and occupancy Business (B) Use on the 
second and third floors. The required separation 
is three hours. - 

Solution A. Add a fire suppression system to 
the first and second floors. 
Solution B. Add % inch Type X gypsum 
v/allboard 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 
tenants of wood lath and plaster on a wood studs 
partition. The required separation is one hour. 
Solution A. Add % inch Type X gypsum 
wallboard or its equivalent to either side of the 
existing partition. 
Example 3 involves a building of Use Group B 
with unrated exit access corridors. 

Solution A. Install a partial fire suppression 
system in the exit access corridors. 
Solution B. Add % 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 v^th and alarm audible 
to all tenants on the floor and install self- 
closers on all corridor doors. 

F-203.2 Openings and exterior .wall protection: 

F-203.2.1 General compliance alternatives: 

1 . Add fire suppression system. 

2. Improve fireresistance. 

3. Remove or improve openings. 

F-203.2.,2 Examples: Example 1 involves a two 
story of Type 5B construction building, with Use 
Group M, on the first floor the basement and 
upper floors. The distance between the building 
and the side lot line is five feet and ten feet 
between it and the adjacent building. The 
adjacent building is of Type 5B construction and 
Use 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 % 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 vwth one hour fireresistive 

construction. 

Solution B. Remove Avindows and install fire 

windows. 

Solution C. Install a deluge sprinkler system 

as in solution A to example 1. 

PART THREE- DETAILED CLASSIFICATION 
OF OCCUPANCY BY HAZARD 
INDEX NUMBER AND USE 
GROUP 

Appendix F, Part Three provides a more detailed 
guide for users of 780 CMR to determine hazard 
index numbers and use groups for various types of 
occupancies. It supplements 780 CMR 3 and Table 
34 contained in 780 CMR 3404, 



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APPENDIX : 



TABLE F-1 






HAZARD DWEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION 




Use of Structure 


Hazard Lades No. 


Use Group 


Advertising Displays Manufacture including billboards 


3 


S-1 


Airport or other aircraft landing or ser\'ice facility (see also: Helicopter 






rooftop landing facility 


3 


F 


Amusement park, indoor 


4 


A-3 


Animal 






Crematorium 


3 


F.2 


Hospital, kennel, pound 


2 


B 


Apartment (see Residences) 






Appliances 






Manufacture 


3 


F-1 


Sales 


3 


M 


Arenas 


4 


A-3 


Asphalt 






Processing and products manufacture 


8 


H 


Athletic equipment 






Manufacture 


3 


F-l 


Sales 


3 


M 


Auditoriums 


6 


A-1 with stage 




5 


A-1 without stage 




4 


A-3 


Automobile and other motor vehicles 






Gasoline service station 


3 


M 


Rental agency within a building 


2 


B 


Repair 


3 


S-1 


Repair incidental to auto sales with limitation 


3 


S-1 


Sales within a building 


3 


M 


Wrecking 


3 


F 


Washing 


3 


S-1 


Awning manufacturer 


3 


F-1 


Baked goods shop 


3 


M 


Bakeries 


3 


F-1 


Banks 


2 


B 


Banquet halls 


5 


A-3 


Barber shops 


2 


B 


Beauty shops 


2 


B 


Beverages 


2 




Bottling 




F-l 


Manufacture 






Alcoholic 


8 


H 


Less than 0.5% alcohol @ 60» 


3 


F-l 


Bicycle 






Manufacture 


3 


F-l 


Rental or repair conducted within a building 


3 


S-1 


Sales 


3 


M 


Billiard Parlor 


4 


A.3 


Blacksmith shops 


3 


F-l 


Blueprinting, etc. establishments 


3 


F-l 


Boarding house 


2 


R-lorR.2 


Boats or ships 






Building or repair of boats 


3 


F-l 


Bone distillation 


3 


F-l 


Bowling alleys 


4 


A-3 


Broom or brush manufacture 


3 


F-l 


Building materials 






Wholesale business in roofed structures 


3 


MorS-l 


Bus terminals or stations 


4 


A.3 


Business schools or colleges 




A-4. B or dependent 




4,2 or other 


upon use 


Camera and other photo equipment 






Manufacture except iihn sales 


3 


M 


Sales 


3 


M 



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TABLE F-1 (continued) 
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION 



Use of Structure 



Hazard Index No. 



Use Group 



Canvas or canvas products 

Manufacture or repair 
Carpet and rug 

Cleaning establishments 

Manufacture or repair 
Catering for outside consumption 

Cemeteries 

Crematoiy in cemetery 

Mausoleiun, crypt, columbarium 

Mortuary chapel in cemetery 
Ceramics products manufacture, including pottery, small glazed tile and 

similar items 
Charcoal, fuel, briquettes, or lampblack manufacture 
Chemicals 

Packaging 

Manufacture 

Churches or other places of worship 

Circuses, temporary 

Cleaning (see Diycleaning & dying; Laundries; Automobiles, washing) 

Clothing 
Manufacture 

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 and 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 

Aniinal 

Human 
Dance halls 
Day care agencies 
Day nurseries 

Dental offices (see Medical & dental) 
Department stores 
Dormitories 

Dressmaking shops, custom 

Drinking places (see Eating & drinking establishments) 
Drive-in restaurants 
Drug stores 
Dry cleaning and dying establishments 

Dwellings (see Residences) 



F-l 



8or3 


H.F-1 


3 


F-l 


3 


F-l 


3 


F-2 


1 


S-2 


4 


A-4 


3 


F-2 


8 


H 




H or F- 1 depending on 


8 or 3 


nature of material 




H or F-l depending on 


8 or 3 


nature of material 


4 


A-4 


4 


A.3 




H or F- 1 depending on 


8 or 3 


nature of material 


3 


M 


3 


M 


3 


M 


4 


A-3 without residence 


8 


H 


4 


A-3 


2 


R-2 


2 


R-2 


4 or 2 


A-3, or B 


2 


R-2 


8 


H 


8 


H 


8 


H 


2or4 


B or A-3 


3 


F-2 


3 


F-2 


7 


A-2 


4 


1-2 or E 


4 


1-2 


3 


M 


2 


R- 1 or R-2 


8 


H 


5 


A-3 


3 


M 




H or F- 1 depending on 


8or3 


solvents used 



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APPENDIX F 



TABLE F-1 (continued) 

HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION 




Use of Structure 


Haxard lodes No. 


Use Group 


Eating or drinking establishments 

Lunchrooms, restaurants, cafeterias, etc., primarily enclosed 

Drive-in 

With entertainment or dancing 


5 
4 
7 


A-3 
A-3 
A.2 


Electric =. 
Power or steam generating plants 
Substation 


3 

3 


F-1 
F-1 


Electrical appliances, bulbs, wiring, supplies, etc. 
Manufacture 
Sales 


3 
3 


F-1 

M 


Electronic components & supplies 
Manufacture or repair 


3 


F-l 


Feathers 

Curing, dyeing, washing or bulk processing 
Manufacturing exclusive of above 

Felt 

Curing, dyeing, washing or bulk processing 
Products manufacture, exclusive of above 


8 
8 

3 
3 


H 
H 

F-1 
F-l 


Fertilizer manufacture 


8 


H 


Film, photographic, manufacture 

Storage and studios 
Fire stations 


3 or 8 
3 or 8 

2 


F-lorH 
F-lorH 

B 


Fish processing 

Florida shops 

Food 

Product processing except meat & fish ^ 
Retail sales 


3 
3 

3 
3 


F-l 

M 

F-l 
M 


Fraternities or sororities ^ 


2 


R-lorR-2 


Funeral establishments 


4 


A.3 


Fur 

Curing, dyeing, finishing, tanning 
Products manufacture exclusive of above 


8 
3 


H 
F-l 


Garage (see Parking garage) 
Garbage incineration or reduction 


3 


F-l 


Gas 

Manufacture 

Public utility stations for metering or regulating 

Storage 

2500 cu. ft. or less 

more than 2500 cu. ft. 


8 
2 

3 
8 


H 
B 

• S-1 
H 


Gasoline service station (see Automobiles) 
Gelatin manufacture 


3 


F-l 


Generating plants, electric or steam 

Gift shops 

Glass products from previously manufactured 

Glue manufacture 


3 
3 
3 
3 


M 
F-2 
F-l 


Golf 

Indoor courses or driving ranges 

Gymnasiums 

Grain storage 

Hair 

Curing, ^eing, washing, bulk processing 
Product manufacture exclusive of above 


4 
4 
8 

3 
3 


A-3 

A-3 

H 

F-l 
F-l 


Hardware 
Manufacture 
Retail sales 


3 
3 


F-l 

M 


Hat bodies manufacture 


3 


F-I 


Helicopter landing facility, rooftop 
Home occupations 
Homes for the aged 
Hosiery manufacture 


3 
2 
4 
3 


S-1 
B 

r-2 

F-l 



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TABLE F-1 (continued) 
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION 



Use of Structure 



Hazard Index No. 



Use Group 



Hospitals 

Including convalescent, nursing, or rest homes and sanitariums, provided 
custodial care is not provided for drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill 
or mentally deficient 
For care of drug addicts, mentally ill, or mentally deficient 
Research or teaching laboratories 
(see also Animal hospitals) 
Hotels 

Ice manufacturing (dry or natural) 
Ice skating rinks 
Incineration or reduction of garbage, offal, or dead animals 

Industiy uses (see specific items) 

Without resulting noise, vibration, special danger, hazard, dust, smoke, 

fumes, etc. 
Other than above 

Ink or inked ribbon manufacture 

Jewelry 

Kennels (see Animal) 

Laboratories 

Research laboratory not accessory to school or hospital 
Scientific research or teaching laboratory, non-profit, accessoiy to school, 
or hospital, subject to limitations 

Laundries 

Hand laundry 

Self service; pick-up and delivery station of laundiy or diy 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 & dental offices 

(see also Laboratories; Orthopedic & medical appliances; Hospitals) 
Meeting hall 
Metals, manufacture 

Reduction, refming 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 appliance manufacture 
Paint, turpentine or varnish 

Manufacture 

Spraying booths 



4 


1-2 


5 


1-3 


2 


B 


2 


R-1 


3 


F-2 


4 


A-3 


3 


F-l 


3 


F-2 


3or8 


F-1 or H 


3 


F-1 


3 


F-1 


2 


B 


2 


B 


2 


B 


3 


F-1 


3 


F-1 


3 


F-l 


4 


A-3 


3 


F-1 


3 


M 


3 


F-1 


3or8 


F-1 or H 


8 


H 


3 


F-1 


3 


M 


3 


F-1 


2 


B 


4 


A-3 


3 


F-2 


8 


H 


2 


R2 


2 


R-1 


3 


F-I 


3 


F-1 


3 


M 


3 


F-I 


4 


1-2 


2 


B 


3 


F-1 


3 


F-1 


3 


1-2 


3 


F-1 


8 


H 


8 


H 



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APPENDIX F 



TABLE F-1 (coatlnued) 






HAZARD INBEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION 




Use of Structure 


Hazard Indes No. 


Use Group 


Paper products manufacture 


3 


F-1 


Parish houses 


4 


A-3 


Parking garages 






Group 1 


3 


S-1 


Group 2 


1 


S-2 


Petroleum or petroleum products 






Refining 


8 


H 


Storage 


3 


S-1 


Pharmaceutical products manufacture 


3 


F-l 


Photography studio 


2 


B 


Plastics 






Product manufacture 


8 


H 


Raw, manufacture 


8 


H 


Police stations 


2 


B 


Poolrooms 


4 


A-3 


Post offices 


2 


B 


Printing 






Plant 


3 


F-l 


Printing or newspaper publishing 


3 


F-1 


Prisons & other correctional or detention institutions 


5 


1-3 


Pumping station or substation, water or sewage 


3 


F-2 


Radio 


3 




Sales 


5 


M 


Studios with audience 


2 


A-l-B 


Studios without audience 




B 


Railroad 






Freight terminal 


4 


A-3 


Passenger station 


3 


S-1 


Recreation 






Center, indoor 


4 


A-3 


Community center building 


4 


A-3 


Rectories 


2 


R-2 


Residences 






One-family 


2 


R.3,orR-4 


Two-family 


2 


R.3,orR-4 


Apartment 


2 


R.2 


Temporary dwelling structure 


2 


R-3 


Boarding or lodging house 


2 


R-I or R-2 


Dormitoiy 


2 


R"IorR-2 


Frateniity or sorority 


2 


R-1 or R-2 


Hotel, motel apartment with accessory services 


2 


R-1 


Convents, monasteries, rectories 


2 


R-2 


Research laboratories ( see Laboratories) 






Restaurant, lunch room, cafeteria or other establishments primarily for eating 


5 


A-3 


Retail business 


3 


M 


Stores with combustible or flammable goods constructing a high hazard 


8 


H 


Rubber 






Manufacture (natural or synthetic), including tires, tubes, or similar 






products 


8 


H 


Products (exclusive or processing) including washers, gloves, footwear 






bathing caps and the like 


3 


F-l 


Sanatariums 






Not providing custodial care for drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill, or 






mentally deficient 


4 


1-2 


Providing care for the above 


5 


1-3 


Schools 


4 


E 


Seminaries 


4or2 


A-4&R.1 


Settlement houses (depending on nature of activities) 


4 or 2 


A-3 or B 


Sewage 






Disposal plant 


3 


F-l 


Pumping station 


3 


F-l or F-2 


Shoddy manufacture 


8 


H 



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TABLE F-1 (continued) 
HAZARD INDEX AND USE GROUP CLASSIFICATION 



Use of Structure 



Hazard Index No. 


Use Group 


3 
2 


F-I 
B 


3 


F-1 


3 


A.3 


4 


A-3 


8 
3 


H 
F-1 


8 


H 


3 
3 


F-1 
M 


3 


S-1 


4 


A-5 


3orl 


S-lorS-2 

depending on nature of 

materials 



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 

Stores (see Retail stores; or specific items) 
Tailor shops, custom 
Tarming (see leather. Fur) 
Taxidennist shops 
Telephone exchanges 

Automatic 

Non-automatic 

Television 
Sales 
Studios 



Textiles 

Manufacture, including knit & yard goods, thread or cordage, spinning, 
weaving, dyeing & printing, shoddy manufacture 

Theaters 



Tires, manufacture 

Tobacco products manufacture including curing 

Tools & hardware 

Manufacture 

Sales 
Toys 

Manufacture 
Trailer park (see Mobile homes) 

Truck 

Repairs 

Sales 
Trucking terminals 
Turpentine manufacture 
Warehouses 

Waterpumping stations 
Wax products manufacture 



M 



2 
2 


B 
B 


3 
3 
6 
5 
2 


M 

M 

A-1 with scenery 

A-1 np scenery 

B no audience 


3 


F-1 


6 

5 
8 


A-1 with scenery 

A-1 no sceneiy, motio 

picture 

H 


3 


F-1 


3 
3 


F-1 
M 



F-1 



3 
3 


S-1 

M 


3 


S-1 


8 


H 


8, 3, or 1 


H, S-1, or S-2 depending 
on nature of materials 


2 


F-2 


8 


H 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX F 



PART FOUR- ARCHAIC CONSTRUCTION 
SYSTEMS 

F-401.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 
F-401.1 Purpose: The puq)Ose of of Appendix F, 
Part Four is to assist the building official and those 
regulated fay780 CMR in evaluating the properties 
of archaic construction systems. 

F-40L2 Scope: Appendix F, Part Four contains data 
on construction 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. 

F-40L3 Application: In any given problem, all 
available data should be collected and professional 
judgement exercised in aniving at decisions. 
Evaluative judgment should be used when test data 
does not exist or when applying the data contained 
in this standard. 

F-402.0 ARCHAIC FIRERESICTIVE 
SYSTEMS 

F-402.1 General: Appendix F, Part Four contains a 
list of fireresistive 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 contained 
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. 

F-402.2 Fireresistive materials and coiBstruction: 

F=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 Appendix F F-402.2.2 through F- 
402.2.19. 

.F-402.2.2 Class 1 comcrete: Concrete of Class 1 
shall be so proportioned as to have a strength of at 
least 1500 pounds per square inch (psi) and the 
coarse aggregate shall consist of limestone, trap 
rock, blast furnace slag, cinders containing not 
more that 20% of combustive material, burned 
clay or shale. 

F-402.2.3 Class 2 concrete: Concrete of Class 2 
shall be so proportioned as to have a strength of at 
least 1500 pounds psi, the coarse aggregate 
consisting of sandstone, granite, quartzite, 
siliceous gravel or other similar material not over 
one inch in size. 



F-402.2.4 Masonry: Masonry shall be laid in 
lime-cement or cement mortar, or approved 
masonry cement mortar, except that masonry of 
gypsum tile shall, and masonry of structural clay 
tile may, be laid in gypsum mortar. Masonry shall 
be thoroughly bonded by breaking joints in 
successive courses or by the use of metal ties. 

F-4§2.2.5 Brick: Brick shall be burned clay or 
shale, concrete or sand-lime brick of Grade C or 
better. 

F-402,2.6 Stone: Stone shall be limestone, 
marble, slate or equally fireresistive natural stone. 
Sandstone, granite or other stone which, because 
of its crystalline structure or for other reason, is 
less fireresistive, shall not be considered fire 
protection for structural metal, but may be used in 
a masonry wall not less that 12 inches thick 
required to have fireresistance. Stone masonry 
shall have the same fireresistive rating as brick 
masonry. 

F=402.2.7 Cast stone: Cast stone masonry shall 
have the same fireresistive rating as brick 
masonry. 

F-402.2,S Concrete blocks: Concrete blocks, 
whether solid or hollow, shall have as coarse 
aggregate limestone, trap rock, blast furnace slag, 
cinders containing not more than 20% of 
combustible material, burned clay or shale. 

F-402.2.9 Structural day 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. 

F°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 3% by weight of wood or other combustible 
binder or filler. 

F°402.2.11 Gypsum concrete: Gypsum concrete 
shall not contain more than 12/4 by weight of 
wood or other combustive binder or filler and 
shall have a compressive strength of at least 500 
psi. It shall not be used where exposed to the 
elements. 

F-402.2.I2 Lath: Expanded metal or wire lath as 
a base or reinforcement for plastering shall weigh 
not less that 2.2 pounds per square yard and shall 
have not less than IVz meshes per inch. 

F-402.2.13 Metall 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. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



F-402.14 Metal mesh for concrete: Metal mesh 
reinforcement specified for concrete fire 
protection of structural metal shall consist of wire 
mesh weighing not less than 1/4 pounds per 
square yard with wire spaced not over four inches, 
or not less than No. 1 1 gauge steel wire spaced 
not over four inches apart, or its approved 
equivalent. 

F-402.2.15 Cement plaster: Cement plaster 
shall be proportioned of one part Portland cement, 
and not more than two parts of sand measured by 
volume dry and loose to which may be added lime 
putty or hydrated lime not exceeding 15% of the 
cement. 

F-402.2.16 Gypsum plaster: Gypsum plaster, 
except where otherwise specified, may contain 
sand, not in excess of three times the weight of 
the gypsum. 

F-402.2.17 Lime plaster: Lime plaster shall 
consist of a mixture of one part lime, not over 
three parts sand, and water. 

F-402.2.18 Pneumatically projected mortar: 

Pneumatically projected mortar made of Portland 
cement, sand nd water shall be rated for fire 
protection the same as Class 1 concrete. 

F-402.2.19 Concrete fill: Concrete fill, where 
specified in this appendbc in connection with 
hollow masonry umts shall consist of Class I or 
Class 2 concrete poured in the hollow spaces of 
the units as they are laid. 

F-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 projected mortar applied 
to structural steel as fire protection shall be 
reinforced with metal mesh reinforcement. 
Concrete protection for vertical columns of 
structural metal shall have reinforcing consisting 
of No. 5 wire spaced not over eight 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. 

F-402.2.21 Reinforced plaster: Plaster used as 
fire protection or to resist the spread of fire shall 
be reinforced v^th metal lath, except plaster less 
than one inch thick or masonry or concrete. 

F-402.2.22 Replacement material: In the 

protection of structural metal including 
reinforcement, /4 inch of cement or gypsum 
plaster may replace an equal thickness of poured 
concrete or pneumatically projected mortar as 
protective material; and one inch of cement or 
gypsum plaster reinforced with metal lath may 
replace an equal thickness of poured concrete. 



pneumatically projected mortar or masonry 
protection. 

F-402.2.23 Plaster: Where plaster is required 
wdthout other specification, it shall consist of V2 
inch of cement or gypsum plaster, except that only 
gypsum plaster shall be used on "gypsum masonry. 

F-402.2..24 Thickness: In this appendix, except 
where otherwise specifically stated, the thickness 
given m a list of materials applies to the next 
following item only, and not to the total thickness 
where additional materials are specified. 

F-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 building of 
Type 1 and Type 2 construction 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 expanding 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 ware mesh, 
provided they shall have protective covering 
except over the tops of beams and girders, at least 
as thick as required for the steel. 

F-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 ofGcial. 

F-402.2.27 Firestopping: Firestopping shall 
mean the stopping off or enclosure at the ends and 
wherever else specified of the spaced between 
studs of partitions, joists of floors and roofs and 
other similar spaces to prevent drafts of air and 
the communication of fire fi-om one such space to 
another. Fire-stopping shall consist of wood not 
less than ll4 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. 

F-402.3 Fire protection of steel columns: 

F-402.3.1 Protective thickness: Structural steel 
columns required to have fire protection of a 
given rating shall be covered on all sides with 



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APPENDIX F 



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 protection. 

F°402 ,3.2 Firereslstance rating: Materials shall 
be assumed to afford to steel columns fire 
protection of the rating indicated in the following 
Appendix F-402.3.3 through F-402.3.6: 

F-402.3.3 Four hour rating: 

1 . Two inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. Three inches Class 2 concrete, .metal mesh 
reinforcement. 

3 . 3/4 inches brick masonry. 

4. Two layers two inch structural clay 
partition tile masonry, metal mesh in beds. 

5. Two inches structural clay partition tile 
masonry, concrete fill, metal mesh in beds, ^ 
inch gypsum plaster. 

6. Four inches structural clay partition tile 
masonry, concrete fill, metal mesh in beds, % 
inch lime plaster. 

7. Four inches structural clay partition tile or 
concrete block masonry, concrete fill, plaster. 

8. Three inches hollow gypsum tile masonry 
and plaster. 

9. Two inches gypsum concrete, metal mesh 
reinforcement. 

10. Two inches solid gypsum tile masonry 
and plaster. 

1 1. Three inches solid cinder concrete block 
masonry and plaster. 

12. Four inches hollow cinder concrete block 
masonry and plaster 

F=402.3.4 Three iioor rating: 
L PA inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. Two inches Class 2 concrete, metal mesh 
reinforcement. 

3. Two inches gypsum concrete. 

4. Two inches solid cinder concrete block 
masonry and plaster. 

5. Two inches structural clay partition tile 
masonry, concrete fill. 

6. Four inches structural clay partition tile 
masonry, concrete fill, metal mesh in beds, % 
inch lime plaster. 

F=402.3.S Two hmr rating: 

1. 1/4 inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. Two inches Class 2 concrete, metal mesh 
reinforcement. 

3. One inch Class 1 or Class 2 concrete 
encased in standard weight steel or wrought 
iron pipe. 

4. Two inches structural clay partition tile 
masonry and plaster. 



5. Two layers plaster, each on metal lath, with 
Va inch air space between, two inches total 
thickness. 

6. Two inches gypsum concrete. 

7. Two inches solid or three inches hollow 
gypsum tile masonry. 

F-402.3.6 One hour rating: 

1. One inch Class 1 concrete. 

2. IV2 inches Class 2 concrete with metal 
mesh reinforcement. 

3 . 2% inches brick masonry. 

4. Two inches structural clay partition tile or 
concrete block masonry. 

5. One inch cement or gypsum plaster on 
metal lath. 

F-402.3o7 Thickness: The thickness of protection 
on the outer edges of lugs or brackets need not 
exceed one inch. 

F=402.4 Fire protection of cast iron coMmns: 

F-402.4.i Protective thickness: Cast iron 
columns required to have fire protection of a 
given rating shall be covered on all sides with 
protective materials having not less than the 
thickness necessary for the required 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. 

F-402,4.2 FireresEstance rating: Materials shall 
be assumed to afford to cast iron columns fire 
protection of the rating indicating in the following 
Appendk F-402.4.3 through F-402.4.5: 

F-402.4o3 Four hour rating: Cast iron columns 
shall not be used where the protection of a four 
hour rating is required. 

F=402,4.4 Three hour raiting: 

1 . Two inches Class 2 concrete. 

2. Three inches Class 2 Concrete, metal mesh 
reinforcement. 

3. Two inches structural clay partition tile or 
concrete block masonry concrete fill. 

4. 1 Ys inches cement or gypsum plaster on 
metal lath and metal furring to form V2 inch air 
space. 

5. 1/4 inches Class 1 concrete. 

6. Two inches Class 2 concrete with metal 
mesh reinforcement. 

F-402.4.5 One hour rating: 

1. One inch Class 1 concrete. 

2. iVi inches Class 2 concrete with metal 
mesh reinforcement. 

3. One inch cement or gypsum plaster on 
metal lath. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



F-402.5 Fire protection of steel in reinforced 
concrete columns: 

F-402.5.1 Protection thickness: The main steel 
reinforcement, including spiral reinforcement and 
ties larger than V2 inch, in reinforced concrete 
columns required to have fire protection of a 
given rating shall be covered with concrete having 
not less than the thickness listed in Appendix F- 
402.5 for the rating indicating in the following 
Appendix F-402.5. 2 through F-402.5.6. 

F-402.5.2 Four hour rating: 

1. 1/4 inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. Two inches Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.5.3 Three hour rating: VA inches Class 1 
or Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.5.4 Two hour rating: 

1. One inch Class 1 concrete. 

2. IV^ inches Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.5.5 One hour rating: One inch Class 1 or 
Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.5.6 Ties less than V^ inch: The thickness 
of protection on column ties not larger than 14 
inch may be 14 inch may be V2 inch thinner than 
that listed above. 

F-402.6 Fire protection of steel beams, girders, 
and trusses: 

F-402.6.2 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. 

F-402.6.3 Four hour rating: 

1 . Two inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. Three inches Class 2 concrete. 

3. Three inches structural clay partition tile or 
concrete block masoniy and plaster. 

4. Three inches hollow gypsum tile masonry 
and plaster. 

5. Two inches gypsum concrete. 

6. Two inches solid gypsum tile masoniy and 
plaster. 

F-402.6.4 Three hour rating: 

1 l'^ inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. 2V2 inches Class 2 concrete. 

3. Two inches gypsum concrete. 

4. Two inches structural clay partition tile, or 
concrete block masonry and plaster. 

5. Two inches solid, or three inches hollow 
gypsum tile masonry. 

F-402.6.5 Two (2) hour rating: 

1 . 1 14 inches of Class 2 concrete. 

2. Two inches gypsum concrete. 



F-402.6.6 One hour rating: 

1 . One inch Class 1 concrete. 

2. I V2 inches Class 2 concrete. 

3. Ve inch or cement or gypsum plaster on 
metal lath. 

F-402.7 Fire protection of steel in reinforced 
concrete beams: 

F-402.7. 1 Protective thickness: The main steel 
reinforcement, including stirrups larger than '/i 
inch, in reinforced concrete beams, girders and 
trusses, including the ribs of reinforced concrete 
ribbed floors or roofs where one or both sides of 
the ribs, in addition to the sofBt, 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 
i^pendix F-402.7 for the required rating. Where 
a reinforced concrete floor or roof has a flush 
ceiling formed with approved permanent masonry 
filler between ribs, the reinforcement shall have 
the protection required for reinforcing steel of 
floors and roofs in Appendix F-402.8. 

F-402.7.2 Four hour rating: 

1 . 1 1/2 inches Class 1 concrete. 

2. Two inches Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.7,3 Three hour rating: \Vi inches Class 1 
or Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.7.4 Two hour rating: 

1. One inch Class I concrete. 

2. 1 Vz inches Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.7.5 One hour rating: One inch Class 1 or 
Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.7.6 Stirrups less than Vt. inch: The 

thickness of protection on stirrups not larger than 
Vi inch may be less than that listed by not more 
than Vz inch. 

F-402.8 Fire protection of steel reinforcing in 
floors and roofs: 

F-402.8.1 Protection thickness: The steel 
reinforcement in reinforced concrete floors and 
roofs with flush or plane ceiling, such that the 
exposure 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 Appenfix F-402.8 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 or both sides in addition to the soffit, 
such reinforcement shall have the protection 
specified in Appendix F-402.7 for steel in 
reinforced concrete beams. 

F-402.8.2 Four hour rating: 

1. One inch Class 1 concrete. 



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APPENDIX F 



2. 1 1/4 inches Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.8.3 Three hour rating: One inch Class 1 
or Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.8.4 Two hour rating: 

1 . Vi, inch Class 1 concrete. 

2. One inch Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.8.5 One hour rating: Va inch Class 1 or 
Class 2 concrete. 

F-402.9 FIreresistive floor and roof construction: 

F-402=9.1 Protective thiciaiess: Floors and roofs 
required to have resistance 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 hour 
or longer resistance to fire 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 % its thickness, of 
the floor or roof construction material specified in 
Appendix F-402.9, provided that such floors and 
roofs shall have adequate thickness for structural 
purposes. 

F-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 Appendix F-402.9.3 through F-4029.6: 

F-402.9.3 Four hour rating: 

1. Four inches solid slab of reinforced 
Portland cement concrete or reinforced precast 
gypsum concrete. 

2. Four inches solid masonry arched or slabs. 

3. Four inches structural clay floor tile 
masonry arches or slabs with top covering of 
not less than two inches of solid masonry or 
reinforced concrete. 

4. Five inches combination reinforced 
Portland cement concrete slab consisting of 
permanent fillers of concrete block, gypsum or 
structural clay tile and VA inches of concrete 
topping; but if structural clay partition tiles are 
used for fillers, they shall be plastered on the 
soffit. 

F"402.9c4 Three hoMr rating: 

1. Three inches solid slab of reinforced 
Portland cement concrete or reinforced precast 
gypsum concrete. 

2. Three inches solid masonry arches or slabs. 

3. Four inches structural clay floor tile 
masonry, arches or slabs with top covering of 



not less than 1 Vz inches of solid masonry or 
reinforced concrete. 

4. Four inches combination reinforced 
Portland cement concrete slab consisting of 
permanent fillers of concrete block, gypsum or 
structural clay tile and one inch concrete 
topping; but if structural clay partition tiles are 
used for fillers, they shall be plastered on the 
soffit. 

F-402.9.5 Two hour rating: 

1. 2/4 inches solid slab of reinforced Portland 
cement concrete or reinforced precast gypsum 
concrete. 

2. 2V2 inches solid masonry arches or slabs. 

3. Three inches structural clay floor tile 
masonry, arches or slabs with top covering of 
not less than one inch of solid masonry or 
reinforced concrete. 

F-402,9.6 One hour rating: 

1. Three 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 vinth joists 
not less than 1% inches in least dimension, 
firestopped, double board floor, approved 
asbestos felt between lay of boards, and v^ath a 
ceiling of at least % inch cement or gypsum 
plaster on metal lath. 

3 . Steel beams or steel joists not more than 3 6 
inches apart on centers with noncombustible 
floor and a ceiling of at least % inch cement or 
gypsum plaster on metal lath furring. 

F=402.10 Fireresistive ceiling construction: 

F-402.1§.i Protective thickness: Ceilings 
required to afford fire protection of a given rating 
to the floor or roof fi-aming under which it is 
supported shall be of fireresistive materials of at 
least the thickness necessary 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 firom fire as specified in Appendix F= 
402.8 for reinforcing in a floor. 

F=402.1Cli.2 Fireresistarace rating: Ceiling 
construction shall be assumed to afford to floor or 
roof framing fire protection of the rating indicated 
in the following Appendix F-402. 10.3 through F= 
402.10.6. 

F-402,10.3 Four hoar rating: 

\. lYi inches solid slab of reinforced Portland 
cement concrete or reinforced precast gypsum 
concrete. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



2. Two inches precast reinforced gypsum 
concrete, plastered. 

F-402.10.4 Three hour rating: 

1. Two inches solid slab of reinforced 
Portland cement concrete or reinforced precast 
gypsum concrete. 

2. Two inches precast reinforced gypsum 
concrete, lapped or rabbeted joints. 

F-402.10.5 Two hour rating: iVi inches solid 
slab of reinforced Portland cement concrete or 
reinforced precast gypsum concrete. 

F-402.10.6 One hour rating: Va inch cement or 
gypsum plaster on metal lath. 

F-402.11 Fireresistive bearing walls and 
partitions: 

F-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 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 Appendix F- 
402.9 for floors. 

F-402.1L2 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 Appendix F-402. 11.3 through F- 
40211.6: 

F-402.11.3 Four hour rating: 

1 . Eight inches solid brick masonry. 

2. 12 inches hollow wall of brick masonry, 
minimum eight inch masonry thickness. 

3. 12 inches structural clay load-bearing tile 
masonry with two units and not less than three 
cells in the thickness of the wall. 

4. Eight inches structural clay load-bearing 
tile masonry with one unit and not less than 
two cells in the thickness of the wall, plastered 
both sides. 

5. 12 inches concrete block masonry with one 
unit and not less than two cells in the thickness 
of the wall. 

6. Eight inches one piece concrete block 
masonry with shells and webs at least lYz 
inches thick, plastered both sides. 

7. 12 inches total thickness of brick masonry 
facing bonded to structural clay load-bearing 
tile masonry backing. 

8. Eight inches solid concrete. 

9. Six inches solid reinforced concrete. 

10. A steel or reinforced concrete fi'ame 
bearing wall in which the steel has fire 
protection of four hour rating, with panel 



filling as specified in Appendix F-402. 12 for a 
nonbearing wall of four hour rating. 

F-402.1L4 Three hour rating: 

1. Eight inches structural clay load-bearing 
tile masonry with two units and not less than 
four cells in the thickness of the wall. 

2. 12 inches structural clay load-bearing tile 
masonry with one unit and not less than three 
cells in the thickness if the wall. 

3. Eight inches one piece concrete block 
masonry with shells and webs not less than 1 Vz 
inches thick, plastered both sides. 

4. Eight inches one piece concrete block 
masonry with shells and webs not less than two 
inches thick. 

5. Five inches solid reinforced concrete. 

6. A steel or reinforced concrete fi'ame 
bearing wall in which the steel has fire 
protection of three hour rating, with panel 
filling as specified in Appemdix F-402. 12 for 
a nonbearing wall of three hour rating. 

F-402.11,5 Two hour rating: 

1. Eight inches structural clay load-bearing 
tile masonry with not less than three cells in 
the thickness of the wall. 

2. Eight inches concrete block masonry with 
shells and webs not less than 1 Yi inches thick. 

3. A steel or reinforced concrete fi-ame 
bearing wall in which the steel has fire 
protection of two hour rating, with panel filling 
as specified in Appendix F-402. 12 for a 
nonbeeiring wall of two hour rating. 

F-402.11. 6 One hour rating: 

1. A steel or wooden stud bearing wall 
covered on both sides with one inch cement or 
gypsum plaster on metal lath, firestopped if of 
wood. 

2. A steel or reinforced concrete fi'ame 
bearing wall in which the steel has fire 
protection of one hour rating, with panel filling 
as specified in Appendix F-402. 12 for a 
nonbearing wall of one hour rating. 

F-402. 12 Fireresistive nonbearing walls and 
partitions: 

F-402.12.1 Protective thickness: Nonbearing 
walls and partitions required to have resistance to 
fire and the spread of fire of a given rating shall 
be constriicted of fireresistive materials and shall 
have at least the thickness necessary for the 
required rating. Walls required to have two hour 
or longer rating shall be of incombustible 
materials. Steel reinforcement in reinforced 
concrete walls shall have the same protection for 
the given rating as is required in Appendix F- 
402.8. 



732 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX F 



F-402.12o2 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 Appendix F- 
402.12.3 through F=402. 12.6. 

F-402.12.3 Four hour rating: 

1 . Eight inches solid brick masonry. 

2. 3/4 inches solid brick masonry, plastered 
goth sides. 

3 . Six inches structural clay load-bearing tile, 
plastered both sides. 

4. Six inches solid concrete. 

5. Four inches solid reinforced concrete. 

6. Any wall which, as a bearing wall, has a 
three hour or four hour rating in Appendix F= 
402.1 1, except the steel or reinforced concrete 
fi-ame bearing wall. 

F=402.12.4 Three hour rating: 

1 . 3 V2 inches solid brick masonry. 

2. Four inches structural clay load-bearing 
tile, plastered both sides. 

3. Four inches solid concrete. 

4. Three inches reinforced concrete. 

5. Any wall which, as a bearing wall, has a 
two hour rating in Appendix F-402. 1 1 except 
the steel or reinforced concrete fi-ame bearing 
wall. 

F=402.12„S Two hour rating: 

1. Three Inches gypsum tile masonry 
plastered both sides except in exterior walls. 

2. Eight inches structural clay partition tile 
masonry, plastered both sides. 

3. Eight inches structural clay load-bearing tile, 
with three cells in the thickness of the wall. 

4. 1V% inches solid cement or sanded gypsum 
plaster on metal lath and noncombustible 
studding. 

5. Three inches total thickness of hollow wall, Vs, 
inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath and 
noncombustible studding. 

6. Three inches total thickness of hollow wall, % 
inch cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath and 
wooden studding, firestopped. 

F-402.13 Fjrereslstlvc doors: 

F-402J3.I General: Doors which are required to 
be fire doors, fireresistive doors, or of fireresistive 
construction shall conform to the requirements of 
Appendix F-402.13 and Appendix F-402.14 

1-402.13.2 Classificatioii: Fire doors shall be 
classified for the proposes of this code as Class A, 
Class B, and Class C. 

F-402,13.3 Qass A lire doors: Class A fire doors 
shall be doors of the following construction and as 
specified in Appendix F-402. 14: 

1 . Tin-clad, three ply wood core, sliding. 



2. Tin-clad, three ply wood core, swinging 
single leaf, doorway not over six feet wide. 

3. Tin-clad, three ply wood core, swinging in 
pairs, doorway not over feet wide. 

4. Hollow metal, springing single leaf, 
doorway not over four feet wide. 

5. Hollow metal, swinging in pairs, doorway 
not over eight feet wide. 

6. Sheet metal, sliding, single, doorway not 
over ten feet v^ade. 

7. Sheet metal, sliding in pairs, doorway not 
over 12 feet v^ade. 

8. Sheet metal, swinging single leaf, doorway 
not over feet wide. 

9. Sheet metal, swinging in pairs, doorway 
not over ten feet wide. 

10. Steel rolling doorway not over 12 feet 
wide. 

1 1 . Steel plate, doorway not over four feet 
v«de. 

12. Any other construction equal or superior 
to a tin-clad three ply wood core door in a 
standard fire test, for resistance to fire, the 
spread of fire and smoke, and transmission of 
heat. 

F-402.i3,4 Qass B fire doors: Class B fire doors 
shall be doors of the following construction and as 
specified in Appendix F-402.14: 

1 . Tm-clad, three ply wood core. 

2. Tm-<:lad, two ply wood core, sliding, 
doorway not over ten feet wide. 

3. Tin-clad, two ply wood core, swinging 
single leaf, doorway not over six fQet wide. 

4. Tin-clad, two ply wood core, swinging in 
pairs, doorway not over ten feet wide. 

5. Hollow metal, sliding, doorway not over 
eight feet vwde. 

6. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging single leaf, 
doorway not over three feet wide. 

7. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging in pairs, 
doorway not over six feet wide. 

8. Any other construction equal or superior to 
a tin-clad two ply wood core door in a standard 
fire test, for resistance to fire, the spread of fire 
and smoke, and transmission of heat. 

F-402. 13.5 Class C fire doors: Class C Fire 
doors shall be doors of the following construction 
and as specified in Appendix F-402. 14: 

1. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging single leaf, 
doorway not over four feet wide. 

2. Metal-clad, paneled, swinging in pairs, 
doorway not over eight feet wide. 

F'402,13,6 SubstitutJoffl: 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 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. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



733 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



F-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 ar fitted. A swinging fire 
door shall either overlap both jambs and the head 
of the opening not less than four inches or be 
fitted to a fireresistive fi^ame with a rabbet the fiill 
thickness of the door and with not less than 14 
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 inches. A sliding fire 
door in an enclosure about a passenger elevator 
shall overlap jambs, head and adjoining panels not 
less than Vi inch. Fire doors shall fit closely at the 
floor with clearance of not over '/< inch. 

F-402.13.8 Thresholds: In buildings with 
combustible floors, doorways required to have 
fire doors shall have noncombustible thresholds 
the fiill thickness of the wall, extending at least 
four inches fi"om the face of the wall where a door 
is hung and extending laterally at least sbc inches 
behind each jamb of the doorway. Thresholds 
may be flush with the floor. 

F-402.13.9 Kabbeted frame: The rabbeted fi-ame 
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 fi-ame 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. 

F-402.13.10 Fit: Fire doors when closed shall fit 
tightly against the wall or firame so as to provide 
an effective stop for fire and smoke. Except for 
the metal-covered wooden fi-ame specified in 
Appendix F-402.10, combustible material shall 
not intervene between the door and the 
fireresistive material of the wall, floor or roof to 
which it is fitted. 

F-402.13.11 Hardware: Hinge hardware for fire 
doors shall be of malleable iron or rolled 
structural steel not less than % inch thick except 
that tubular steel track for sliding doors may be 
not less than Vb 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. 

F-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 
through bolts and to concrete walls by through 
bolts or approved built-in inserts. Expansion 
shields shall not be used to support fire doors. 



F-402.13.13 Hinges: Hinges for swinging fire 
doors, except in wooden stud walls, shall be 
riveted or through-bohed to the structural steel 
fi"ame of the opening, through-bolted to the wall 
if of masonry or concrete or secured by approved 
inserts in the concrete or built into masonry in an 
approved manner 

F-402.13.14 Strap hinges: Strap hinges and 
sliding door hangers shall be secured to fire doors 
by thi-ough-bolting, riveting or welding. 
Swinging fire doors in rabbeted fi^ames, except 
tin-clad, wood core doors, may be hung on butts. 
Other SNvinging fire doors shall have strap hinges. 

F-402.13.15 Straps, locks and latches: Sliding 
■fire doors shall have adequate stops for the closed 
position. Svrtnging Class A fire doors shall have 
surface ilathes or unit locks. Class B and C doors 
shall have surface latches, unit or mortise locks. 
The latch bolts of unit or mortise locks on fire 
doors shall have a throw of Va 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 swinging fire 
doors shall have push bolts at top and bottom with 
a throw of ^/^ inch and the other shall be held by 
latch to the first. 

F-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 fi-om inside without use of a key when 
the building is occupied. 

F-402.14 Fire door construction: 

F-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 fi-ame by bolting, riveting or 
welding. 

F-402.14.2 Glass: Class A doors shall not have 
glass panels. Class B doors may have glass 
panels not larger than 100 square mches in 
exposed area nor more than 12 inches in width or 
height. Class C doors amy have glass panels not 
larger titan 2,016 square inches in total exposed 
area, and any single light shall not have an 
exposed area exceeding 1,296 square inches. 
Glass in fire doors shall be wire glass not less than 
Va inch thick and shall be set % inch in grooves 
Va ofan inch deep. 

F-402.14.3: Deleted 

F-402.14. 4 Tin-clay, two ply: In-clad, two ply 
wood core doors shall be 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. 



734 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX F 



F=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. 

F-402,14.6 Sheet metals: Sheet metal doors 
shall be constructed with a rolled steel rigid frame 
covered both sides with V,j inch asbestos board 
and No. 26 gauge corrugated steel metal, with 
corrugations vertical on one side and horizontal 
on the other, bound on the edges with rolled steel 
or pressed steel shapes. 

F-402.14.7 Steel rolling: A steel rolling fire door 
shall be constructed of sheet steel interlocking 
slats, sliding in grooves, counterweighted by 
springs, vAth the roller and mechanism enclosed 
in heavy sheet metal. 

F-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 weldmg or riveting. 

F=402.14.9 Metal dad: A metal dad, paneled 
fire door shall have a wood core with stiles and 
rails not less than 1% inches thick covered with 
No. 26 gauge sheet steel; panels % inch thick 
covered with No. 26 gauge sheet steel, set % inch 
in grooves; joints of metal lapped and well nailed. 

F=.402ol4,10 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. 

F=402J4.11 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 feet shall not be 
accepted as Class B doors. 

F-402.14.12 Qass C label: A door properly 
bearing the Underwriters' label certifying that it is 
suitable for the protection of a Class C opening 
shall be acceptable as a Class C door. 

F-402.iS Flreresistave shutters: Shutters required 
to be fire shutters or fireresistive shutters shall be 
constructed and hung as specified for Class B 
fireresistive doors in Appendbc F-402.13 and F- 
402.14. 

F-4®2o!6 FSreresistave windows: 

F"402,16.1 General: Windows which are 
required to be fire windows, fireresistive 
windows, or of fireresistive construction shall 
conform to the requirements of Appendix F- 
402.16. 



F-402,16,2 Moveable: Firereisistive 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 without buckling. 
Moveable firereisitive v/indows shall be opened 
or closed in one of the follov/ing manners: 

1. One or more sashes may slide horizontally 
in a fireresistive frame. 

2. One or more sashes may slide vertically 
with counterweights or with tow 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 maimer, with approved 
hardware. 

F=402.16.3 Sash: Moveable sashes in 
fireresistive windows shall be furred to 
fireresistive frames of the same or similar 
construction. Both sashes and frames, and metal 
mullions between wndow 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. 

F°402,16.4 Glass: Glass in firereisistive 
windows shall be mred glass not less than Va 
inch thick and the area of a single light shall not 
exceed 720 square inches. Glass shall be set % 
inch grooves at least Vz inch deep. Glass shall be 
secured by glazing angles or molding screwed to 
the sash and forming continuous grooves for the 
glass. 

F-402,16.5 Construction: Fireresistive windows 
shall be of the follovk'ing construction: 

1. Hollow sheet metal sashes and frames 
fabricated by pressing, welding, riveting or 
crimping vHthout the use of solder or other 
fusible alloy, except for filling joints, and 
bearing the label of Underwriters' Laboratories. 

2. Rolled steel or pressed steel sashes 
fabricated by pressing, welding, riveting or 
crimping, of a make and style approved by the 
commissioner. 

3. Any other approved constructions as 
fireresistive as that specified in Appendix F- 
402.16.5 item. . 

F=402.!6.6 Hollow sheet metal: Fired 
fireresistive windows of hollow sheet metal 
construction shall not exceed seven feet in width 
not ten feet in height. Fireresistive windows of 
hollow sheet metal construction with moveable 
sashes shall not exceed six feet in width nor ten 
feet in height. 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



735 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
TEE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



F-402.16.7 Rolled steel: Fireresistive windows 
of rolled steel construction shall not exceed 84 
square feet in area not 12 feet in either height or 
width. 

F-402.16.8 "Wind pressure: Fireresistive 
windows and their fastenings shall be capable of 
resisting the wind pressure on the wall of the 
building applied either on he inside or the outside 
of the window exceeding allowable stresses. 

F-402.16.9 Substitution: Where fireresistive 
windows are required, wooden windows and plain 
glass may be substituted provided the openings 
are protection by fireresistive doors or shutters, 
or, in buildings of approved occupancy and 
construction, by an approved system of open 
sprinklers. 

F-402.17 Fireresistive roof covering: 

F-402.17.1 Qassiflcation: Roof covering allowed 
under this code shall be classified as fire-retardant 
or ordinary, according to resistance to fire outside, 
as provided in Appendix F-402. 17. Fire-retardant 
roof covering is the more firereisistive and may be 
used where fire-retardant roofing is specified. 
Roof covering less fireresistive than ordinary roof 
covering shall not be used on any building. 

F-402. 17.2 Fire-retardant roofing: Fire- 
retardant roofing shall be any roof covering than 
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 impregnated 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 impregnated 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 impregnated with asphalt; 
a final layer of asbestos roofing felt 
impregnated with asphalt weighing not less 
than 14 pounds per 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 impregnated 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. Singles of sheet metal not less than No. 26 
gauge in thickness. 

9. Shingles of asbestos board not less than Va 
inch thick. 

10. Shingles of asphalt saturated felt surfaced 
with granulated slate or other similar material 
and carrying the Underwriters Class "C" label. 

1 1. Corrugated sheet metal with lapped joints 
not less than No. 26 gauge in thickness. 

12. Corrugated asbestos board not less than 
Vis) inch thick. 

F-402. 17.3 Ordinary roofing: Ordinary roofing 
shall be of any roof covering which meets the 
requirements of Class C roofing under the 
specifications 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 impregnated 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. 

F-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 molted asphalt or tar mopped on the 
roof deck, after the deck is properly primed, or 
by muling a layer of building paper to nailing 
inserts other than wood placed in the deck. 

2. 0^'er 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 by nailing, bolting, 
wiring, or other approved methods. 



736 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX G 



UNIT DEAD LOADS FOR DESIGN PURPOSES 



The intent of 780 CMR Appendix G"is to assist the designer and building of5icial 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 considerable 
deviation, the actual weight should be determined. 

Note on use of 780 CMR Appendix G tables: When making calculations based on the tables in 780 CMR 
Appendix G, the weights of masonry include mortar but not plaster. For plaster, add 5 psf for each face 
plastered. Values given represent averages. In some cases there is a considerable range of weight for the 
same construction. For metric conversion, 1 psf equals 4.882 kg/m'. 



Table G-1 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR CONCRETE SLABS 



Concrete slabs 


1 

Pounds per square foot 


Concrete, reinforced stone, per inch of thickness 
Concrete, reinforced lightweight sand, per inch of thickness 
Concrete, reinforced, lightweight, per inch of thickness 
Concrete, plain stone, per inch of thiclgiess 
Concrete, plain, lightweight, per inch of thickness 


12^/2 
9'/2 

9 
12 
8V2 







Table G=2 








UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR RIBBED SLABS 






Pounds per square foot | 


Ribbed slabs 




Width of rib, in inches 




Depth in inches 








(rib depth plus slab 








thickness)* 






9 




4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


12-inch clay tile fillers 














(normal 














weight concrete) 














4 plus 2 


49 


51 


52 


54 


= 





6 plus 2 


60 


63 


65 


67 





- 


8 plus 2'/2 


79 


82 


85 


87 


= 


= 


10 plus 3 


96 


100 


103 


106 


° 


= 


12 plus 3 


108 


112 


116 


120 


- 


- 


20=inch wide 














forms: 


45 


48 


50 


50 


.. 


» 


6 plus 2'/3 


51 


54 


57 


60 


- 


= 


8 plus 2'/2 


57 


60 


64 


68 


- 


- 


10 plus 2'/2 


63 


67 


72 


76 


- 


- 


12 plus 2'/2 


= 


74 


79 


84 


- 


- 


14 plus 2'/2 


- 


= 


88 93 


98 


» 


16plus2'/2 


- 


= 


111 


118 


= 


20 plus 2'/2 




" 









Make appropriate allowances for tapered ends 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



737 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table G-2 (continued) 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR FMBBED 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 


30-inch wide 
forms: 
6 plus 2'/2 
8 plus 2'/2 
10 plus 2 V2 
12 plus 2'/2 
14 plus 2'/2 
16plus2'/2 
20 plus 2'/2 


41 
45 
49 
53 


43. 
47 
52 
57 
62 


45 
50 
55 
60 
66 
72 


47 
53 
58 
64 
70 
76 
90 


80 
95 


101 


Two-way clay tile fillers 
(12x12): 
4 plus 2' 
6 plus 2 
8 plus 2V2 
10 plus 3 
12 plus 3 


,61 
87 
100 
121 
136 


62 
89 
103 
126 
141 


64 

90 

107 

131 

146 


- 




- 



Table G-3 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR WAFFLE SLABS 



Waffle slabs 

Depth, in inches 

(Rib depth plus slab thickness) 


Pounds per square foot 


19x19, 5 @ 24 

6 plus 2'/2 

8 plus 2'/2 

10 plus 2»/2 

12 plus 2»/2 

30x30, 6 @ 36 
8 plus 3 
10 plus 3 
12 plus 3 
14 plus 3 
16 plus 3 
20 plus 3 


66 
78 
84 
101 

73 
83 
95 
106 
114 
135 



738 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STA>JDARDS 

APPENDIX G 

Table G»4 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR FLOOR FINISH 



Floor finish 


Pounds per square foot 


Double Ve-inch wood on sleepers, light concrete fill 


19 


Double Va-inch wood on sleepers, stone concrete fill 


28 


Single %-inch wood on sleepers, light concrete fill 


16 


Single Va-inch wood on sleepers, light concrete fill 


25 


3 -inch wood block on mastic, no fill 


10 


1-inch cement finish on stone concrete fill 


32 


1-inch terra2zo on stone concrete fill 


32 


Marble and mortar on stone concrete fill 


33 


Linoleum on stone concrete fill 


32 


Linoleum on light concrete fill 


22 


r/2-inch asphalt mastic flooring 


18 


3-inch wood block on i4-inch mortar base 


16 


Solid flat tile on 1-inch mortar base 


23 


2-inch asphalt block, 14- 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 


(as determined by test) 


Hardwood flooring per inch depth 


4 


Underflooring per inch depth 


3 


Linoleum 


2 


Asphalt tile 


2 


Brick pavers per inch thickness 


10 



Table G=5 

UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR WATERPROOFING 



Waterproofing 



Pounds per square foot 



Five-ply membrane 



Table G-6 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR FLOOR FILL 



Floor Fill 


Pounds per square foot 


Cinder fill, per inch 
Cinder concrete per inch 
Lightweight concrete, per mch 
Sand, per inch 
Stone, concrete, per inch 


5 
9 
7 
8 
12 



Table G°7 

UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR WOOD JOIST FLOORS 



1 

Wood joist floors (no plaster) 
° double wood floor joist sizes in inches 


Pounds per square foot 
12-inch 16-inch 
spacing spacing 




2x6 


6 


5 




2x8 


6 


6 




2x10 


7 


6 




2x12 


8 


7 




3x6 


7 


6 




3x8 


8 


7 




3x10 


9 


8 




3x12 


11 


9 




3x14 


12 


10 





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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table G-S 
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, 

nonloadbearing 25-50 

Other light aggregate, loadbearing 70-105 

Concrete, reinforced: 

Cinder Ill 

Slag 138 

Stone (including gravel) 150 

Earth (dry) 96 

Earth (damp) 108 

Earth (wet) 120 

Cork 15 

Masonry, ashler: 

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 

Rubble stone masonry 156 

Terra cotta, architectural: 

Voids filled 120 

Voids unfilled 72 

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 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDDC G 

Table G=9 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR ROOF AND WALL COVERINGS 



Roof and wall coverings 


Pounds per square foot 


Asphalt shingles 
Cement asbestos shingles 
Cement tile 


2 
4 
16 


Clay tile (for mortar add 10 lb): 
2-inch book tile 


12 


3 -inch book tile 


20 


Roman 


12 


Ludowici 


19 


Composition: 

Three-ply ready roofing 

Four-ply felt and gravel 

Five-ply felt and gravel 

Copper or tin 

Corrugated asbestos cement roofing 

Fiber board, '/a inch 


10 
1 

5'/2 

6 

1 
1-3 


Formed sheet steel 
Formed steel decking 
Gypsum sheathing, '/4 inch 
Rigid insulation, 54 inch 
Sheet lead 


(see manufacturer) 
2 
% 
3 
8 


Skylight, metal fi-ame, %-inch wired glass 
Slate 3/16-inch 


7 

10 


Slate "A inch 


20 


Spanish tiie 

Wood sheathing, per inch thickness 

Wood shingles 


3 
3 



Table G°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 
Suspended metal lath and cement plaster 
1 Plaster on wood lath 


10 
15 
8 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table G-11 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR UNPLASTERED WALLS AND PARTITIONS 

Walls and partitions (unplastered) Pounds per square foot 

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, 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 

I2V2 - inch concrete brick, heavy aggregate 130 

1214 - inch concrete brick, light aggregate 98 

1 7 -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 loadbearing structural clay - tile backing 75 

8 -inch brick, 4 inch loadbearing structural clay - tile backing 102 

8 -inch combination brick and concrete block 72 

12 -inch combination brick and concrete block 90 

8 -inch loadbearing structural clay tile 42 

12 -inch loadbearing structural clay tile 58 

8 -inch concrete block, heavy aggregate 55 

12 -inch concrete block, heavy aggregate 85 

8 -inch concrete block, light aggregate 38 

12 -inch concrete block, light aggregate 55 

2 -inch furring tile, one side of masonry wall, - add to above figures 12 

4 -inch hollow concrete block - stone aggregate 30 

-lightweight 20 

6 -inch hollow concrete block - stone aggregate 42 

-lightweight 30 

8 -inch hollow concrete block 55 

-lightweight 38 

10 -inch hollow concrete block - stone aggregate 62 

-lightweight 46 

12 -inch hollow concrete block - stone aggregate 85 

-lightweight 55 

4 -inch solid concrete block - stone aggregate 45 

-lightweight 34 

6 -solid concrete block - stone aggregate 50 

-lightweight 37 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX G 

Table G-IS (continued) 

UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR UNPLASTERED WALLS AND PARTITIONS 

Walls and partitions (unplastered) Pounds per square foot 



8 -inch solid concrete block - stone aggregate 67 

-lightweight 48 

10 -inch solid concrete block - stone aggregate 84 

-lightweight 52 

12 -inch concrete block - stone aggregate 108 

-lightweight 72 

4 -inch loadbearing clay tile 24 

6 -inch loadbearing clay tile 36 

2 -inch nonloadbearing clay tile 11 

3 -inch nonloadbearing clay tile 18 

4 -inch nonloadbearing clay tile 20 

6 -inch nonloadbearing clay tile 30 

8 -inch nonloadbearing clay tile 36 

10 -inch nonloadbearing clay tile 40 

4 -inch nonloadbearing hollow concrete block 20 

6 -inch nonloadbearing hollow concrete block 30 

8 -inch nonloadbearing hollow concrete block 40 

T.C. I'/a-inch split terra cotta furring 8 

2 -inch split terra cotta furring 10 

3 -inch split terra cotta furring 12 

2 -inch hollow gypsum block 9.5 

3 -inch hollow gypsum block 10 

4 -inch hollow gypsum block 15 

5 -inch hollow gypsum block 18 

6 -inch hollow gypsum block 24 

2 -inch solid gypsum block 12 

3 -inch solid gypsum block 18 

4 -inch solid gypsum block 24 

2 -inch facing tile 15 

4 -inch facing tile 25 

6 -inch facing tile 38 

2 -inch solid plaster 20 

4 -inch solid plaster 32 

4 -inch hollow plaster 22 

Wood studs 2x4, unplastered 4 

Wood studs 2x4, plastered one side 12 

Wood studs 2x4, plastered two sides 20 

4 -inch glass block 18 



Table G=12 

UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR LATH AND PLASTER PARTITIONS 

Lath and plaster partitions Pounds per square foot 

2 -inch solid cement on metal lath 25 

2 -inch solid gypsum on metal lath 18 

2 -inch solid gypsum on gypsum lath 18 

2 -inch metal studs, gypsum and metal lath both sides 18 

3 -inch metal studs, gypsum and metal lath both sides 19 

4 -inch metal studs, gypsum and metal lath both sides 20 

6 -inch wood studs, plaster and wood Jath both sides 18 

6 -inch wood studs, plaster and metal lath both sides 18 

6 -inch wood studs, plaster and plaster boards both sides 18 

6 -inch wood studs, unplastered gypsum board both sides (dry wall) 10 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Table G-13 
UNIT DESIGN DEAD LOADS FOR PLASTER WORK 

Plaster Work Pounds per square foot 

Gypsum (one 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 



744 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX H 

HISTORIC STRUCTURES 

Historic structures eligible for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying as 
totally preserved buildings (see 780 CMR 3409.0). 

Acton Faulkner Homestead, High Street 
Agawam Capt. Charles Leonard House, Main Sti'eet 

Amesbury Rocky Hill Meetinghouse, Portsmouth Road 

Amherst: Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main Street 

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, 1 17 Cabot Street 
Rev. John Hale House. 39 Hale Street 

Boston Gleason House, Beacon Street 

James Blake House, E. Cottage Street (Dor.) 
Clapp Plouses, 105 Boston Street (Dor.) 
Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street (JP) 
Old State House, 15 State Street 
Pierce House, 24 Oakten Avenue (Dor.) 
South End Historical Soc, 532 Mass. Avenue 
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway 

Boxford Holyoke-French House, Elm Street 

Sylvanius-Thayer Birthplace, 786 Washington St 

Brookline Edward Devotion House, 347 Harvard Street 

Burlington Francis Wyman House, Francis Wyman Road 

Cambridge Cooper-Frost- Austin House, 21 Linnaean St. 

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 

Cuimnington William Cullen Biyant Homestead, Bryant Road 

Danvers Fowler House, 166 High Street 
Rebecca Nurse House 
Glen Magna House 

Dennis Josiah Dennis Manse, Nobscuset Road 
West Schoolhouse 

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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Duxbury Gershom Bradford House, 931 Tremont Street 
King Caesar House, King Caesar Road 
Nathaniel Winsor House, 479 Washington Street 

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 

Lenox Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker Street 

Lexington JBuckman Tavern, 1 Bedford Street 

Sanderson House, 314 Massachusetts Ave, 
Monroe Tavern, 1332 Massachusetts Ave. 

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 

Nantucket Whaling Museum, Broad Street 

Fire Hose Cart House, 8 Gardner Street 
Greater Light, 8 Howard Court 
Old Gaol, 15 Vestal Street 
1800 House, 4 Mill Street 
Old Mill, 50 Prospect Street 
Hawden House, 96 Main Street 
Nathaniel Macy House, 12 Liberty Street 
Thomas Macy Warehouse, 10 Straight Wharf 
Fair Street Museum, 7 Fair Street 
Quaker Meeting House, 7 Fair Street 

New Bedford Benjamin Rodman House, 50 North Second Street 

New Salem Whitaker-Claiy House, Elm Street 

Newbury Tristram Coffin House, 16 High Road 
Spencer-Pierce-Little House, Little Lane 

Newton Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street 

No. Andover Parson Barnard House, Osgood Street 

No. Easton Old Colony Railroad Station, Oliver Street 

Norwood Fred Holland Day, 93 Bay Street 

Orleans French Cable Station, Cove Road 

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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BLHLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX H 

Oxford Clara Barton Homestead, Clara Barton Road 

Peabody Gen. Gideon Foster House, 35 Washington Street 

Pittsfield Herman melville House, 78 Holmes Road 

Plymouth Plymouth Antiquarian Society, 126 Water Street 
Harlow Old Ft. House, 19 Sandwich Street 
Pilgrim Hall, 75 Court Street 
Richard Sparrow House, 42 Summer Street 

Quincy . Adams Academy, 8 Adams 

Quincy Homestead, 34 Butler Street 
Josiah Quincy House, 20 Muirhead Street 

Randolph Johnathan Belcher House, 360 N. Main 

Reading Parker Tavem, 103 Washington Street 

Rockport Old Castle, Castle Lane 

Salem 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 

Sandwich Hoxie House, 18 Water Street 
Eldred House, 4 Water Street 
Wing Fort House, Spring Hill Road 

Sheffield Col. John Ashley House, Cooper Hill Road 

Shrewsbury Gen. Artemas Ward Homestead, Main Street 

Springfield Alexander House, State Street 

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum 

Stockbridge Naumkeag, Prospect Hill 

Swansea The Luther Store, 160 Old Warren Road 
The Martin House, 22 Stoney Hill Road 

Taunton Old Colony Historical Society, 66 Church Green 
Parson Capen House 

Waltham Robert Treat Paine House, 577 Beaver Street 

Watertown Edmimd Fowle House, 26 Marshall Street 

Wenham Claflin-Richard House, 132 Main 

West Springfield Josiah Day House, 70 Park Street 

Weston Gold Ball Tavem, Old Post Road 

Wobura Loammi Baldwin Mansion, 2 Alfred Street 

Wilmington Harden Tavem, 436 Salem Street 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Worcester Timothy Paine House, 140 Lincoln Street 
National Historic Landmarks 

Amesbury John Greenleaf Whittier Home, 86 Friend Street 

Boston Afiican Meeting House, 8 Smith Court 

Mchols 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 

Concord Ralph Waldo Emerson House, 28 Cambridge Tpk. 

The Old Manse 
Orchard House, 299 Lexington Road 

Dedham Fairbanks House 

Deerfield Old Deerfield Village Historic District 

Hancock Hancock Shaker Village 

Harvard Fruitlands, Prospect Street 

Hingham Old Ship Meetinghouse, Main Street 

Ipswich John Whipple House, 53 S. Main Street 

Lexington Hancock Clarke House, 35 Hancock Street 

Marblehead Jeremiah Lee House, Washington Street 
King Hooper Mansion, Hooper Street 

Marshfield Daniel Webster Law OflBce, Webster Street 

Medford Peter Tufts House, 350 Riverside Drive 

Isaac Royal House, 15 George Street 

Milton Capt. R. B. Forbes House, 215 Adams 

Nantucket Nantucket Historic District 

Jethro Coffin House, Sunset Hill 

New Bedford New Bedford Historic District 

Newburyport Caleb Cushing House, 98 High Stieet 

Quincy John Adams Birthplace, 133 Franklin Street 

John Quincy Adams Birthplace, 141 Franklin Street 

Peabody Museum 

The Custom House, 178 Derby Street 

Scotch Boardman House, 1 17 HoAvard Street 

Chesterwood, Williamsville Road 
The Mission House, Main Street 

The Vale, Lyman Street 



Salem" 

Saugus 
Stockbridge 

Waltham 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX H 

Gore Place, 52 Gore Street 
Wobum Count Rumford Birthplace, 90 Elm Street 

Worcester American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street 



Historic structures determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places not qualifying 
as totally preserved buildings (see Partially preserved buildings, 780 CMR 3409.0). Refer to: 

1 . National Register of Historic Places, 

U.S. Federal Register, February 1, 1978, Part II. 

2. National Register of Historic Place (additions). Contact the Massachusetts Historical 
Commission at the Massachusetts Archives Building, 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 
02125. 

Historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Refer to: 

1 . National Register of Historic Places, U. S. Federal Register, February 1 , 1 979, Part II. 

2. National Register of Historic Place (additions). Contact the Massachusetts Historical 
Commission at the Massachusetts Archives Building, 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 
02125. 

Structures proposed for certification as partially preserved not listed in the national register of historic places. 
Refer to Massachusetts Kstorical Commission Inventory Forms. 

Contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission at the Massachusetts Archives Building, 220 
Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125. 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



750 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX I 



INDEPENDENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER REVIEW 



I-l Primary structure: For the purposes of the 
independent structural engineering review, the 
primary structure shall be defined as the structural 
frame, the load supporting parts of floors, roofs, and 
walls, and the foundations. Cladding, cladding 
framing, stairs, equipment supports, ceiling supports, 
non-load bearing partitions, and railings are 
excluded from this definition of primary structure. 

I°2 Reviewing engineer: The reviewing engineer 
shall be engaged by the owner. 

1-2.1 Qualiflcations: The reviewing engineer 
shall be a registered professional engineer, 
registered in Massachusetts, qualified by 
experience and training and who shall have had 
structural design experience with buildings or 
structures similar to that covered by the 
application for the building permit. The reviewing 
engineer shall be impartial, and shdl be 
independent of the architect of record, structural 
engineer of record, and contractors and suppliers 
who will be involved in the construction of the 
structure. 

1-3 Criteria for review: The reviewing engineer 
shall review the plans and specifications submitted 
with the application for the building permit for 
compliance with the structural and foundation design 
provisions of the Code. The reviewing engineer shall 
perform the following tasks: 

1 . Check to assure that the design loads conform 
with 780 CMR; 

2. Check that other design criteria, and design 
assumptions, conform to 780 CMR and are in 
accordance with accepted engineering practice; 

3. Review geotechnical and other engineering 
investigations that are related to the structural 
design to determine if the design properly 
incorporates the results and recommendations of 
the investigations; 

4. Check that the organization of the structure is 
conceptually correct ; and 

5. Make independent calculations for a 
representative fraction of systems, members, and 
details to check their adequacy. The number of 
representative systems, members, and details shall 
be sufficient to form a basis for the reviewer's 
conclusions. 

I-3.I Structural Calculations: The structural 
calculations prepared by the structural engineer of 
record shall be submitted to the reviewing 
engineer, upon the reviewing engineer's request, 
for his or her reference only. The reviewing 
engineer shall not be obligated to review or check 



these calculations. If the design criteria and 
design assumptions are not shown on the 
drawings or in the computations, the structural 
engineer of record shall provide a statement of 
these criteria and assumptions for the review. 

1-4 StnicturaS engineer of record: The structural 
en^eer of record shall retain sole responsibility for 
the structural design, and the activities and reports of 
the reviewing engineer shall not relieve the 
structural engineer of record of this responsibility. 

IS Report and follow-up: 

1. The reviewing engineer shall prepare a report 
to the building official stating whether or not the 
structural design shown on the drawings and the 
specifications conform with the structural and 
foundation requirements of 780 CMR. Said 
report shall be based on the review as prescribed 
in this appendix and shall include a summary of 
all deficiencies, if any, which cannot be resolved 
with the structural engineer of record. 

2. The structural engineer of record shall review 
the report of the reviewing engineer, and notify 
the building official in writing, whether or not he 
agrees with or disputes the conclusions and 
recommendations of the reviewing engineer. 

3. Unresolved disputes between the structural 
engineer of record and the reviewing engineer 
shall be submitted by the building official, the 
owner, the structural engineer of record or the 
reviewing engineer to the Structural Peer Review 
Advisory Board for resolution. 

4. Any changes to the structural design 
subsequent to the original submission of the plans 
and specifications shall be shown on revised 
drawings and specifications, submitted with an 
amendment to the application for permit. The 
reviewing engineer shall review the changes on 
the revised drawings and specifications, and, if 
the original report does not account for the 
changes in said drawings and specifications, a 
supplementary report relating to the changes and 
prepared by the reviewing engineer shall be made 
to the building official. 

1-6 Foundation permits: When the plans and 
specifications are partially complete and an 
application is made for a foundation permit, the 
reviewing engineer may review the foundation plans 
and specifications on a conditional basis, provided 
that the reviewing engineer is given sufficient 
documentation so that he can perform Appendix 1-3 
Tasks 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the whole structure, and so 
that he can perform Appendix 1-3 Task 5 for that 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

part of the foundation covered by the application for specifications as prescribed in Appendix 1-3, the 

foundation permit. The reviewing engineer shall reviewing engineer shall reperform Tasks 1, 2, 3, 

prepare a report on that part of the foundation and 4, as necessary, to include all the revisions to the 

covered by the application for foundation permit, as design subsequent to the application for the 

prescribed in Appendix 1-5, stating all conditions foundation permit, 
upon which the report is based. When the reviewing 
engineer reviews the completed plans and 



752 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX, 



ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION 

LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

(780 CMR Appendix J is based upon the Council of American Building Officials 

Model Energy Code 1995 Edition.) 



780 CMR JLO ADMINISTRATION AND 
ENFORCEMENT 
Jl.l Scope and Geeeral Requirements: 

Jlol.l Title: Appendix J reflects tiie technical 
requirements of the Model Energy Code 1995 
Edition, but also contains material which reflects 
the unique requirements of Massachusetts. 

J1.L2 Scope: 780 CMR Appendix J sets forth 
minimum requirements for the design and 
construction of new residential occupancy 
buildings and additions to existing residential 
occupancy buildings three stories or less in height 
by regulating the design and construction of 
building envelopes for adequate thermal resistance 
• and low air leakage, and by the design, selection, 
and installation of mechanical, electrical, and 
service water heating systems and equipment to 
enable efficient use of energy. It is mtended that 
these provisions provide flexibility to permit the 
use of innovative approaches and techniques to 
achieve effective utilization of energy. 780 CMR 
Appendix J is not intended to abridge safety, 
he^th, or environmental requirements under other 
applicable code sections or ordinances. 

Note: For alterations to existing buildings, see 
780 CMR Jl. 1.2.3 and Chapter 34. 

Jl.1.2.1 Building Types: 

11.1.2.1.1 Group R resldentlalbiilldings: - 
New construction buildings, or new portions 
thereof, that must comply with the 
requirements of Appendix J are: 

1. Detached one- and two-family dwel- 
lings (Use Groups R-4 or R-5 in 780 CMR 
310); and, 

2. All other residential buildings, three 
stories or less in height (Use Groups R-2, 
R-3, or R-5 in 780 CMR 310). Note that 
Use Group R-;l buildings are to be treated 
as commercial buildings. 

Jl.1.2.1.2 Other BuUdlngs: New construc- 
tion buildings and structures not included in 
780 CMR Jl.1.2.1.1. shall be classified as 
Commercial/High-Rise Buildings and shall 
be designed and constructed to comply with 
the requirements of 780 CMR 13. 



JI0I22 Exempt boildimgs: The following 
buildings or structures shall be exempt from the 
requirements of 780 CMR Appendix J: 

1. Buildings and structures or portions thereof 
whose peak design rate of energy usage is less 
than 3.4 Btu/h per square foot (10.7 W/m^) or 
1.0 watt per square foot (10.7 W/m^) of floor 
area for all purposes; 

2. 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; 

3. Buildings with less than 100 square feet of 
gross floor area, and; 

4. Buildings and structures or portions thereof 
which are neither heated nor cooled. 

Jl.1.23 Appllcatloin to existleg buildings: 

Jl.1.23.1 Additions to existing buildlngsi 
Additions to existing buildings or structures 
shall comply with one of the applicable 
criteria below: 

1. The new addition, by itself, shall 
conform to the applicable provisions of 
Appendix J, orj 

2. The new addition plus the existing 
building/dwelling unit may be considered 
together to ensure compliance with all 
applicable provisions of Appendix J, or; 

3. Additions that are open to or separated 
by an exterior wall from the existing house/ 
dwelling unit shall meet the prescriptive 
envelope component criteria of Table 
J 1.1.2.3.1. The total area (rough opening or 
unit dimensions) of glazed fenestration 
products (windows, skylights, and glazed 
portion of doors) shall not exceed 40% of 
the gross wall and gross ceiling area of the 
addition combined. If any individual fenes- 
tration component exceeds the maximum U- 
value listed in Table J 1.1. 2.3.1, then the 
area-weighted average U-value for all 
fenestration components must be less than or 
equal to the listed value. The R-value 
requirements for opaque thermal envelope 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASS ACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



components indicate insulation products 
(cavity and/or insulating sheathing), and shall 
be equal to or exceed the applicable listed 
values found in Table Jl.1.2.3.1. If such 
additions are separated firom the main house by 
a wall and are conditioned, then a readily 
accessible manual or automatic means shall be 
provided to partially restrict or shut off the 
heating and/or cooling input to the addition 
space. That portion of a wall that separates the 
addition from the existing building/dwelling 
unit, if an existing exterior wall, shall be 
allowed to remain and neither that portion of 
said wall or any fenestration within said portion 
of wall common to the addition need comply 
with the thermal envelope requirements of 
Appendix J. 

TABLE JL1.2^.1 
Prescriptive Envelope Component Criteria 
Additions to Existing Low-Rise Residential 
Buildings 



^lAXIMlJM 


MINIMUM 


Fenestration 
U-value 


Ceiling 
R-Value 


Wall 
R-Value 


Roor 
R-Value 


Basement 

Wall 
R-Value 


Slab 
Perimeter 
R-Value 
and Depth 


0.39 


R-37' 


R-13 


R-19 


R-10 


R-10. 4 ft 



' R-30 ceiling insulation may be used in place of R- 
37 if the insulation achieves the full R-value over the 
entire ceiling area (i.e. - not compressed over 
exterior walls, and including any access openings.) 

Exception: Sunroom Additions / Consumer 
Notification: Sunrooms, as defined in 780 CMR 
Appendix J2.0 DEFINITIONS, shall be exempt 
from the compliance requirements set forth in 780 
CMR Jl.1.2.3.1 and Jl.1.3 provided that the 
actual property owner (not the owner's agent or 
representative) of the structure onto which the 
sunroom addition is being made, provides a 
signed copy of the Sunroom "CONSUMER 
Information Form" (found in 780 CMR, 
Appendix B) to the Building Department. This 
signed "Consumer Information Form" shall 
be submitted to the building official as a require- 
ment of building permit issuance, and shall remain 
as part of the construction documents. If such 
sunroom additions are separated from the main 
house by a wall and are conditioned spaces, then 
a readily accessible manual or automatic means 
shall be provided to partially restrict or shut off 
the heating and/or cooling input to the sunroom 
addition space. That portion of a wall that 
separates the sunroom addition from the existing 
building/dwelling unit, if an existing exterior wall, 
shall be allowed to remain and neither that portion 
of said wall or any fenestration within said portion 
and common to the sunroom addition, need 
comply with the thermal envelope requirements of 
Appendix J. 

Jl.1^.3.2 Historic buildings: Historic 



buildmgs, as defined in 780 CMR 3409, are 
exempt from Appendix J. 

31.1.233 Change of occupancy: A 

change in the occupancy or change in use of 
an existing building or structure shall be 
permitted, subject to the provisions of 
780 CMR 3407. 

Jl.1.2.4 Mixed occupancy: When a building 
houses more than one occupancy, each portion 
of the building shall conform to the 
requirements for the occupancy housed therein. 
Where minor accessory uses do not occupy 
more than 10% of the area of any floor of a 
building, the major use shall be considered the 
building occupancy. 

31J.3 Compliance: Compliance with Appendix 
J shall be determined by one of the following 
alternatives: 

1. 780 CMR J5.0, Residential Building 
Design by Prescriptive Practice (or Default 
Package Approach) in which the U and R 
values are given for the thermal envelope. 
Additional requirements are stated in 780 CMR 
J4.0, or; 

2.. 780 CMR J6.0, Residential Building 
Design by Component Performance (or Manual 
Trade-off Approach) which allows trade-offs 
between building envelope components and 
heating and cooling equipment efficiencies to 
minimize cost. Additional requirements are 
stated in 780 CMR J4.0, or; 

3. 780 CMR J7.0, Residential Building 
Design by MAScAec^ Software which achieves 
similar results as the Manual Trade-off 
Approach. Additional requirements are stated 
in780CMRJ4.0,or; 

4. 780 CMR J8.0, the Systems Approach or 
Total Energy Analysis for the entire building 
and its energy using sub-systems, or; 

5. 780 CMR J9.0, Buildings Utilizing 
Renewable Energy Resources. 

6. 780 CMR Jll.O, a Home Energy Rating 
issued for the home with a score of 83.0 or 
more points 

J1.2 Construction Documents: 

J1.2»l General: Construction documents 
including necessary computations shall be submit- 
ted to the building official as part of the building 
permit application process. Such construction 
documents shall indicate conformance with 
780 CMR J 1.2 and other applicable sections of 
780 CMR, and in accordance with 780 CMR 1 10. 

Jl.2.2 Details: The construction documents shall 
show in sufficient detail pertinent data and 
features of the building project and the equipment 
and systems as herein govemed, including, but not 
limited to, design criteria, exterior envelope 
component materials, C/-values of the envelope 
systems, /{-values of insulating materials, size and 
type of apparatus and equipment, equipment and 



754 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUtt^DINGS 



systems controls, energy calculations if applicable, 
and other pertinent data to indicate conformance 
with the requirements of the Building Code. 

When HVAC equipment sizing information is 
not available at the time of initial building permit 
application, such information shall be submitted 
prior to the installation of said equipment, and 
supporting calculations shall demonstrate compli- 
ance with 780 CMR J4.4. Installed equipment 
must meet or exceed the efficiency rating listed in 
the submitted construction documents. 

Jlo3 Inspections 

Jl.3.1 General: Construction or work for which 
a permit is required shall be subject to 780 CMR 
111 and 115. 

J1.4 Precedence: When provisions of 780 CMR 
Appendix J and a section of a referenced standard 
specify different materials, methods of construction, 
or other requirements, the explicit provisions of 
780 CMR shall govern. 

JU MMeriaEs and Equipment 

Jl.S.l Identification: 

Jl.5.1.1 General: Materials and equipment 
shall be identified in a manner that will allow 
a determination of their compliance with the 
applicable provisions of Appendix J. 
Jl.S.1.2 Building envelope Insulation: A 
thermal resistance {R) identification mark shall 
be required on each piece of building envelope 
insulation 12 inches (305 mm) or greater in 
width. 

Alternatively, the insulation installer shall 
provide a signed and dated certification for the 
insulation installed in each element of the 
building envelope, listing the type of insula- 
tion, the manufacturer and the /?-vaIue. For 
blown-in or sprayed insulation, the installer 
shall also provide the initial installed thickness, 
the settled thickness, the coverage area and 
number of bags installed. The installer shall 
post the certification in a conspicuous place on 
the job site. 

Jl.S.1.3 Insulation Installation: Roof-ceiling, 
floor and wall cavity insulation shall be 
installed in accordance with manufacturer's 
instructions, and in a manner which will permit 
inspection of the manufacturer's /f- value 
identification mark. 

Alternatively, the thickness of roof-ceiling 
insulation that is either blown or sprayed shall 
be identified by thickness markers that are 
labeled in inches installed at least one for every 



300 square feet (28 m^) through the attic space. 
The markers shall be affixed to the trusses or 
joists, and marked with the minimum initial 
installed thickness and the minimum settled 
thickness with numbers at least LO inch (25 
mm) in height. Each marker shall face the attic 
access. The thickness of installed insulation 
shall meet or exceed the minimum initial 
installed thickness shown by the marker. 

JU.2 Maintenance information: Required 
regular maintenance actions shall be clearly 
stated and incorporated on a readily accessible 
label on the equipment or made otherwise 
available for permanent reference. Such label 
may be limited to identifying, by title or pub- 
lication number, the operation and maintenance 
manual for that particular model and type of 
product. Maintenance instructions shall be 
furnished for equipment which requires 
preventive maintenance for efficient operation. 

J1J.3 Fenestration product rating, 
certification and labeling: U-values of 
fenestration products (windows, doors and 
skylights) shall be determined in accordance 
with the NFRC 100, as listed in Appendix A, 
and labeled (see Figure J 1.5.3 below) and 
certified by the manufacturer. Such certified 
and labeled values shall be accepted for 
purposes of determining compliance with the 
building envelope requirements of Appendix J. 

Note 1: NFRC certification and labeling 
requirements take effect January 1, 1999. 
Prior to January 1, 1999, window, door, and 
skylight U-values may be assigned using 
manufacturers' calculations or the default 
values in Tables J 1.5.3a and J 1.5.3b. 

Note 2: After January 1, 1999, when a 
manufacturer of windows, glazed and un- 
glazed doors or skylights has not determined 
product U-value in accordance with 
Ji.5.3for a particular product line, 
compliance with the building envelope 
requirements of Appendix J shall be 
determined only by assigning such products 
a default U-value in accordance with Tables 
J 1.5.3a and J 1.5.3b. Product features must 
be verifiable for the product to qualify for 
the default value associated with those 
features. Where the existence of a particular 
feature cannot be determined with 
reasonable certainty, the product shall not 
receive credit for that feature. Where a 
composite of materials from two different 
product types are used, the product shall be 
assigned the higher U-value. 



1 1/27798 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



755 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

FIGURE Jl.5.3 




National Fenestration 
Rating Council 



naiuDA 



AeersdKad 

Cartlfleatlon 

Program 



Manufacturer stipulatas that ttwsa rating* wero dotenninvd 
In accordant with NFRC 100-91f'' 



U'Value 



Upvalue 



AA 



BB 



36"x60" 



48''x72" 



0.33 



0.31 



With 5/8" HP 5-Argon Filled 
Low-E Glazing 



NFRCnllnsfiandatwmlntdk)rMlb»d8alofmtv6amantateonittlonsMnimayi)otbt 
$Pfnfitiat» lor cte(«nnMn0 saawnif «M<ty p«rfomianea. For adbWwu/ Infonnatfon 
eentact: /VWWDA 1400 Eut TouhyAvtnut, SuHt G-S* Dm Plakm. Onols 60018; 
Phono (TOO) 299-3200, Fax: (TOO) 299-1200 



Meets or exceeds C.E.C. Air Infiltration Standards 



Table J1.5.3a 
U-value Default Table for Windows, Glazed Doors, and Skylights 





Single Glazed 


Double Glazed and 
Single Glazed with Storm 


Metal Without Thermal Break 






Operable 
Fixed 


1.30 
1.17 


0.87 
0.69 


Door 


1.26 


0.80 


Skylight 


1.92 


1.30 


Metal with Thermal Break 






Operable 
Fixed 


1.07 
1.11 


0.67 
0.63 


Door 


1.10 


0.66 


Skylight 


1.93 


1.13 


Metal-Clad Wood 






Operable 
Fixed 


0.98 
1.05 


0.60 
0.58 


Door 


0.99 


■ 0.57 


Skylight 


1.50 


0.88 


WootWinyl 

Operable 
Fixed 


0.94 
1.04 


0.56 
0.57 


Door 


0.98 


0.56 


Skvliuht 


1.47 


0.85 



For SI: I inch = 25.4 mm. 

Glass block assemblies shall have a U-value of 0.60. 



756 



780 CMR T Sixth Edition 



. 11/27/98 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

Table Jh§3h 
U°value Default Table for Non-giazed Doors 





With Foam Core 


Without Foam Core 


Steel Doors {!-% Inches Thick) 


0,35 


0.60 




Without Storm Door 


With Storm Door 


Wood Doors (1-% Inches Thick) 






Panel with 7/16-inch panels 


0.54 


0.36 


Hollow core flush 


0.46 


0.32 


Panel with l-Vs-inch panels 


0.39 


0.28 


Solid core flush 


0.30 


0.26 



For SI: I inch =: 25.4 mm. 

J1.6 Alternate Materials — Method of 
Construction, Design Or Insulating Systems: The 
provisions of Appendix J are not intended to prevent 
the use of any material, method of construction, 
design or insulating system not specifically 
prescribed herein, provided that such construction, 
design or insulating system has been approved, if 
necessary, by the BBRS as meeting the intent of 
Appendix J. 

780 CMR J2.0 DEFINniONS 
7S0 CMR J2.i Genera! DeOnltions 

J2,2 Meaning: Unless otherwise expressly stated, 
the following terms shall, for the purpose of 
780 CMR Appendix J, have the meaning indicated 
in780CMRJ2.0. 

J2.3 Tense, gender and number: Words used in 
the present 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. 

J2.4 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 electrical wiring shall 
have their terms as defined by the Regulations of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts pertaining to 
plumbing and electrical wiring. 

ACCESSIBLE (AS APPLIED TO 
EQUIPMENT): Admitting close approach 
because not guarded by locked doors, elevation or 
other effective means (see "Readily accessible"). 

AIR CONDITIONING, COMFORT: The process 
of treating air so as to control simultaneously its 
temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and 
distribution to meet requirements of the 
conditioned space. 

AIR TRANSPORT. FACTOR: The ratio of the 
rate of useful sensible heat removal from the 
conditioned space to the energy input to the 
supply and return fan . motor(s), expressed in 
consistent units and under the designated 
operating conditions. 

ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY 
(AFUE): The ratio of annual output energy to 
annual input energy which includes any non- 
heating season pilot input loss, and for gas or oil- 



fired furnaces or boilers, does not include 
electrical energy. 

AUTOMATIC: Self-acting, operating by its own 
mechanism when actuated by some impersonal 
influence, as, for example, a change in current 
strength, pressure, temperature or mechanical 
configuration (see "Manual"). 

BASEMENT WALL: The opaque portion of a wall 
which encloses one side of a basement and is 
partially or totally below grade. 

BOILER CAPACITY: The rate of heat output in 
Btu/h (W) measured at the boiler outlet, at the 
design inlet and outlet conditions and rated 
fuel/energy input. 

BUILDING ENVELOPE: The elements of a 
building which enclose conditioned spaces 
through which thermal energy may be transferred 
to or from the exterior or to or from spaces 
exempted by the provisions of 780 CMR J 1 . 1 .2.2. 

BUILDING PROJECT: A building or group of 
buildings, including on-site energy conversion or 
electric-generating facilities, which utilize a single 
submittal for a construction permit or are within 
the boundary of a contiguous area under one 
ownership. 

COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE 
(COP)— COOLING: The ratio of the rate of 
heat removal to the rate of energy input in 
consistent units, for a complete cooling system or 
factory assembled equipment, as tested under a 
nationally recognized standard or designated 
operating conditions. 

COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE 
(COP)— HEAT PUMP— HEATING: The ratio 
of the rate of heat delivered to the rate of energy 
input, in consistent units, for a complete heat 
pump system under designated operating 
conditions. Supplemental heat shall not be 
considered when checking compliance with the 
heat pump equipment (COPs listed in the tables in 
780 CMR J4.4). 

COMFORT: The physical conditions represented in 
the area on a psychometric chart enclosing all 
those conditions described in Figure I in 
ASHRAE 55, as listed in Appendix A, as being 
comfortable. 

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: For purposes of 
energy conservation, a commercial building is any 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



building other than a low-rise residential building, 
as defined in 780 CMR J2.0. 

CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA: The horizontal 
projection of that portion of interior space which 
is contained within exterior walls and which is 
conditioned directly or indirectly by an energy- 
using system. 

CONDITIONED SPACE: Space within a building 
which is provided with positive heat supply (see 
definition), or which has heated and/or cooled air 
or surfaces, or where required, with 
humidification or dehumidification means so as to 
be capable of maintaining a space condition 
falling within the comfort zone set forth in 
ASHRAE 55, as listed in Appendix A. 

COOLED SPACE: Space within a building which 
is provided with a positive cooling supply. 

CRAWL SPACE WALL: The opaque portion of a 
wall which encloses a crawl space and is partially 
or totally below grade. 

DEADBAND: The temperature range in which no 
heating or cooling is used. 

DEGREE DAY, COOLING: A unit, based upon 
temperature difference and time, used in 
estimating cooling energy consumption. For any 
one day, when the mean temperature is more than 
65 °F (18°C), there are as many degree days as 
degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) temperature 
difference between the mean temperature for the 
day and 65°F. (18°C.). Annual Cooling Degree 
Days (CDD) are the sum of the degree days over 
a calendar year. 

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 temperature is less 
than 65 °F (IS'C), there exists as many degree 
days as there are Fahrenheit degrees difference in 
temperature between the mean temperature for the 
dayand65°F(18°C). 

DWELLING UNIT: A single housekeeping unit 
comprised of one or more rooms providing 
complete independent living facilities for one or 
more persons, including permanent provisions for 
living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. 

EFFICIENCY, HVAC SYSTEM: The ratio of 
useful energy output (at the point of use) to the 
energy input in consistent units for a designated 
time period, expressed in percent. 

ENERGY: The capacity for doing work taking a 
number of forms which may be transformed from 
one into another, such as thermal (heat), mechani- 
cal (work), electrical and chemical in customary 
units, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or Brit- 
ish thermal units (Btu) (J) (see "New Energy"). 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (EER): The 
ratio of net equipment cooling capacity in Btu/h to 
total rate of electric input in watts (W) under 
designated operating conditions. If the output 
capacity in Btu/h is converted to watts (to create 



consistent units) the result is equal to the cooling 
COP (EER 3.41 = COP.) See also Coefficient of 
Perfonriance. 

ENERGY, RECOVERED: See "Recovered 
energy." 

EXISTING BUILDINGS: For purposes of energy 
conservation, and existing building which has 
been legally occupied and/or used for a period of 
at least five years. (Also see 780 CMR 2.0 and 
780 CMR 3400.3.1.) 

EXTERIOR ENVELOPE: See "Building 
envelope." 

FURNACE, DUCT: A furnace normally installed 
in distribution ducts of air conditioning systems to 
supply warm air for heating and which depends on 
a blower not furnished as part of the duct furnace 
for air circulation. 

FURNACE, WARM AIR: A self-contained, 
indirect-fired or electrically heated furnace that 
supplies heated air through ducts to spaces that 
require it. 

GLAZINC; AREA: Interior surface area of all 
glazed surfaces (such as windows, sliding glass 
doors, skylights, etc.), sash, curbing, jambs, or 
other framing elements that enclose conditioned 
spaces. 

GROSS AREA OF EXTERIOR WALLS: The 

normal projection of the building envelope wall 
area bounding interior space which is conditioned 
by an energy-using system including opaque wall, 
window and door area. 

The jpross area of exterior walls consists of all 
opaque wall areas, including between floor 
spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and 
basement knee walls, walls enclosing a mansard 
roof, window areas including sash, and door areas 
when such surfaces are exposed to outdoor air, 
unconditioned spaces, or mechanically cooled 
space, including interstitial areas between two 
such spaces. For each basement wall that encloses 
heated space, if the average below-grade area is 
less than 50% of the total area for that wall, 
including openings, the entire wall, including the 
below-grade portion is included as part of the 
gross aiea of exterior walls. Non-opa.que areas 
(windows, doors, etc.) of all basement walls are 
included in the gross area of exterior walls. 
(Note: if the basement is not heated space, and if 
the basement ceiling is insulated, then the 
basement walls are not included in the gross area 
of exterior walls. 

GROSS FLOOR AREA: The sum of the areas of 
the several floors of the building, including 
basements, cellars, mezzanine and intermediate 
floored tiers and penthouses of headroom height, 
measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls 
or from the center line of walls separating 
buildings, but excluding: 

1 . Covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, 
porches and si.nilar spaces. 

2. Pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, 
chimneys, roof overhangs and similar features. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 



GROUP R RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: For the 
purpose of Appendix J, Group R residential 
buildings include: 

1. Detached one and two family dwellings 
(Use Groups R-4 and R-5 in 780 CMR 310); 
and, 

2. All other residential buildings, three stories 
or less in height (Use Groups R-1, R-2, R-3, R- 
5 in 780 CMR 310). 

HEAT: The form of energy that is transferred by 
virtue of a temperature difference or a change in 
state of a material. 

HEATED SLAB: Slab-on-grade construction in 
which the heating elements or hot air distribution 
system is in contact with or placed within the slab 
or the sub-grade. 

HEATED SPACE: Space within a building which 
is provided with a positive heat supply. Space 
within a basement with registers or heating 
devices designed to supply heat to a basement 
space shall automatically define that space as 
heated space. 

HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE 
FACTOR (HSPF): The total heating output of a 
heat pump during its normal annual usage period 
for heating, in Btu, divided by the total electric 
energy input during the same period, in watt 
hours, as determined by Code of Federal 
Regulations, 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Test 
procedures and based on Region 4, as listed in 
Appendix A. 

HUMIDISTAT: A regulatory device, actuated by 
changes in humidity, used for automatic control of 
relative humidity. 

HVAC: Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. 

HYAC SYSTEM: The equipment, distribution 
network, and terminals that provide either collec- 
tively or individually the processes of heating, 
ventilating, or air conditioning to a building. 

HVAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS: HVAC system 
components provide, in one or more factory- 
assembled packages, means for chilling and/or 
heating water with controlled temperature for 
delivery to terminal units serving the conditioned 
spaces of the building. Types of HVAC system 
components include, but are not limited to, water 
chiller packages, reciprocating condensing units 
and water source (hydronic) heat pumps (see 
"HVAC system equipment")- 

HYAC SYSTEM EFFICIENCY: See "Efficiency, 
HVAC system." 

HVAC SYSTEM EQUIPMENT: HVAC system 
equipment provides, in one (single package) or 
more (split system) factory-assembled packages, 
means for air circulation, air cleaning, air cooling 



with controlled temperature and dehumidification, 
and, optionally, either alone or in combination 
with a heating plant, the functions of heating and 
humidifying. The cooling function may be either 
electrically or heat operated and the refrigerant 
condenser may be air, water or evaporatively 
cooled. Where the equipment is provided in more 
than one package, the separate packages shall by 
designed by the manufacturer to be used together. 
The equipment may provide the heating function 
as a heat pump or by the use of electric or fossil- 
fuel-fired elements. (The word "equipment" used 
without modifying adjective may, in accordance 
with common industry usage, apply either to 
HVAC system equipment or HVAC system 
components.) 

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 outdoor air density. 

INTEGRATED PART=LOAD VALUE (IPLV): 
A single number figure of merit based on part- 
load EER or COP expressing part-load efficiency 
for air-conditioning and heat pump equipment on 
the basis of weighted operation at various load 
capacities for the equipment. 

LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: 
Residential occupancy buildings (R-2, R-3, R-4, 
or R-5) three stories or less in height. (Exception: 
For purposes of energy conservation, R-1 use 
group buildings shall be treated as commercial 
buildings as defined in 780 CMR J2.0.) 

MANUAL: Capable of being operated by personal 
intervention (see "Automatic"). 

MULTIFAMILY DWELLING: A building 
containing three or more dwelling units. 

NET AREA OF EXTERIOR WALLS: The gross 
area of exterior walls, minus the total rough 
opening area of all windows and doors set in the 
exterior walls. 

NEW ENERGY: Energy, other than recovered 
energy, utilized for the purpose of heating or 
cooling (see "Energy"). 

OPAQUE AREAS: All exposed areas of a building 
envelope which enclose conditioned space, except 
openings for windows, skylights, doors and 
building service systems. 

OUTDOOR AIR: Air taken from the outdoors, (i.e. 
- not previously circulated through the HVAC 
system.) 

PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER 
(PTAC): A factory-selected wall sleeve and 
separate unencased combination of heating and 
cooling components, assemblies or sections 



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780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



759 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



(intended for mounting through the wall to serve 
a single room or zone). It includes heating 
capability by hot water, steam, or electricity. (For 
the complete technical definition, see ARI 
Standard 310 listed in Appendix A.) 

PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMP: A 

FT AC capable of using the refrigeration system in 
reverse cycle or heat pump mode to provide heat. 
(For complete technical definition, see ARI 380 
listed in Appendix A.) 

POSITIVE COOLING SUPPLY: Mechanical 
cooling deliberately supplied to a space, such as 
through a supply register. Also, mechanical 
cooling indirectly supplied to a space through 
uninsulated surfaces of space-cooling 
components, such as evaporator coil cases and 
cooling distribution systems which continually 
maintain air temperatures within the space of 
85 °F (29°C) or lower during normal operation. 
To be considered exempt from inclusion in this 
definition, such surfaces shall comply with the 
insulation requirements of Appendix J4. 

POSITIVE HEAT SUPPLY: Heat deliberately 
supplied to a space by design, such as a supply 
register, radiator or heating element. Also, heat 
indirectly supplied to a space through uninsulated 
surfaces of service water heaters and space 
heating components, such as furnaces, boilers and 
heating and cooling distribution systems which 
continually maintain air temperature within the 
space of SCF (10°C) or higher during normal 
operation. To be considered exempt from 
inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall 
comply with the insulation requirements of 
Appendix J4. 

READILY ACCESSIBLE: Capable of being 
reached quickly for operation, renewal or 
inspections, without requiring those to whom 
ready access is requisite to climb over or remove 
obstacles or to resort to portable ladders or access 
equipment (see "Accessible). 

RECOOLING: The removal of heat by sensible 
cooling of the supply air (directly or indirecdy) 
that has been previously heated above the 
temperature to which the air is to be supplied to 
the conditioned space for proper control of the 
temperature of that space. 

RECOVERED ENERGY: Energy utilized which 
would otherwise be wasted (i.e., not contribute to 
a desired end use) from an energy utilization 
system. 

REHEAT: The application of sensible heat to 
supply air that has been previously cooled below 
the temperature of the conditioned space by either 
mechanical refrigeration or the introduction of 
outdoor air to provide cooling. 

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: Sources of 
energy (excluding minerals and solid fuels) 



derived from incoming solar radiation, including 
natural daylighting and photosynthetic processes; 
from phenomena resulting therefrom, including 
wind, v/aves and tides, lake or pond thermal 
differences; and from the internal heat of the 
earth, including nocturnal thermal exchanges. 

RESET: Adjustment of the set point of a control 
instrument to a higher or lower value 
automatically or manually to conserve energy. 

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: For the puiposes of 
Appendix J, Group R residential buildings 
include: 

1. Type I (R-4, R-5): Detached one and two 
family dwellings; and, 

2. Type H (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5): All other 
residential buildings, three stories or less in 
height. 

ROOF ASSEMBLY: A roof assembly shall be 
considered as all components of the roof/ceiling 
envelope through which heat flows, thus creating 
a building transmission heat loss or gain, where 
such assembly is exposed to outdoor air and 
encloses a heated or mechanically cooled space. 
The gross area of a roof assembly consists of 
the totJil interior surface of such assembly, 
including skylights exposed to the heated or 
mechanically cooled space. 

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 
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. 

SASH CRACK: The sum of all perimeters of all 
window sashes, based on overall dimensions of 
such pajis, expressed in linear feet. If a portion of 
one sash perimeter overlaps a portion of another 
sash perimeter, only count the length of the 
overlapping portions once. 

SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO 

(SEER): The total cooling output of an air 
conditioner during its normal annual usage period 
for cooling, in Btu/h (W), divided by the total 
electric energy input during the same period, in 
watt-hours, as determined by Code of Federal 
Regulations, 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Test 
procedures, as listed in Appendix A. 

SEQUENCE: A consecutive series of operations. 

SERVICE SYSTEMS: All energy-using systems in 
a building that are operated to provide services for 
the occupants or processes housed therein, 
including HVAC, service water heating, 
illumination, transportation, cooking or food 
preparation, laundering and similar functions. 



760 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1 1/27/98 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUBLDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 



SERVICE WATER HEATING: Supply of hot 
water for purposes other than space heating. 

SLAB.ON=GRADE FLOOR INSULATION: 
Insulation around the perimeter of the floor slab or 
its supporting foundation when the top edge of the 
floor perimeter slab is above the finished grade or 
12 inches (305 mm) or less below the finished 
grade. 

SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE: Source of natural 
daylighting and of thermal, chemical or electrical 
energy derived directly from conversion of 
incident solar radiation. 

SUNROOM; An addition to an existing 
building/dwelling unit where the total area (rough 
opening or unit dimensions) of glazed fenestration 
products of said addition exceeds 40% of the 
combined gross wall and ceiling area of the 
addition. 

SYSTEM: A combination of central or terminal 
equipment or components and/or controls, 
accessories, interconnecting means, and terminal 
devices by which energy is transformed so as to 
perform a specific function, such as HVAC, 
service water heating or illumination. 

THERMAL CONDUCTANCE (C): Time rate of 
heat flow through a body (frequently per unit area) 
from one of its bounding surfaces to the other for 
a unit temperature difference between the two 
surfaces, under steady conditions (Btu/hft.^°F) 
[W/(m^k)]. 

THERMAL RESISTANCE (iJ): The reciprocal of 
thermal conductance (hft.^°F/Btu) [(m^K)AV]. 

THERMAL RESISTANCE, OVERALL (R^ ): 
The reciprocal of overall thermal conductance 
(hft.^°F/Btu) [(m^k)AV]. The overall thermal 
resistance of the gross area or individual 
component of the exterior building envelope 
(roof/ceiling, exterior wall, floor, crawl space 
wall, foundation, window, skylight, door, or 
opaque wall, etc.) which includes the weighted R- 
values of the component assemblies (such as air- 
film, insulation, drywall, framing, glazing, etc.). 

THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE (U): The 
coefficient of heat transmission (air to air). It is 
the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit 
temperature difference between the warm side and 
cold side air films (Btu/h- ft.^ °F) [W/(m^ k)]. The 
(/-value applies to combinations of different 
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. The term F-value 
applies to U properties for concrete slabs. 



THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE, OVERALL 
iU,): The overall (average) heat transmission of 
a gross area of the exterior building envelope 
(Btu/h ft.^°F) [W/(m^k)]. The C/„ value applies to 
the combined effect of the time rate of heat flow 
through the various parallel 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/ceilings. 

THERMOSTAT: An automatic control device 
actuated by temperature and designed to be 
responsive to temperature. 

UNITARY COOLING AND HEATING 
EQUIPMENT: One or more factory-made 
assemblies which include an evaporator or cooling 
coil, a compressor and condenser combination, 
and may include a heating function as well. When 
heating and cooling equipment 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 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. When heat pump equipment is 
provided in more than one assembly, the separate 
assemblies shall be designed to be used together. 

VENTILATION: The process of supplying or 
removing air by natural or mechanical means to or 
from any space. Such air may or may not have 
been conditioned. 

VENTILATION AIR: That portion of supply air 
which comes from outside (outdoors) plus any 
recirculated air that has been treated to maintain 
the desired quality of air within a designated 
space. (See BOCA Mechanical Code, as listed in 
Appendix A, 780 CMR J3, and definition of 
"Outdoor air.") 

WATER HEATER, NON-STOIRAGE: A water 
heater with an input rating of at least 4,000 Btu/h 
per gallon (310 W/L) stored water and a storage 
capacity of less than ten gallons (38 L). 

WATER HEATER, STORAGE: A water heater 
with an input rating of less than 4,000 Btu/h per 
gallon (310 W/L) of stored water or storage 
capacity of at least ten gallons (38 L). 

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. 



1 i/27/98- 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



760.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR J3.0 DESIGN CONDITIONS 
J3.1 Design Criteria: 

J3.1.1 General: The criteria of 780 CMR J3.0 
establish the design conditions for use with 
780CMRJ5,J6,J7,J8andJ9. 

J3.2 Thermal Design Parameters 

J3.2.1 Exterior design conditions. As 

applicable, the design parameters in Table J3.2.1 
shall be used for calculations required under 
Appendix J. 

TABLE J3.2.1 

Exterior Design Conditions 

Heating Degree Days Base 65 (HDD55 ) 

Outside Ambient 





Heating 


Cooling 


Cooling 


Heating 




Degrees 


Degrees 


Degrees 


Degree 


Location 


(»F) 


CF) 


CF) 


Days' 




Dry Bulb 


Wet Bulb 






Winter' 


Summer' 


Summer' 


Base 65 


Boston 


9 


88 


74 


5641 


Clinton 


2 


87 


73 


6698 


Fall River 


9 


84 


73 


5774 


Framingham 


6 


86 


73 


6262 


Gloucester 


5 


86 


74 


- 


Greenfield 


-2 


85 


73 


- 


Lawrence 





87 


74 


6322 


Lowell 


1 


88 


74 


6339 


New Bedford 


9 


82 


73 


5426 


Pittsfield 


-3 


84 


72 


7578 


Springfield 





87 


73 


5754 


Taunton 


9 


86 


74 


6346 


Worcester 


4 


84 


72 


6979 



ForSI:°F=1.8°C.+32. 

1 The outdoor design temperature shall be selected from 
the columns of 97'/2% values for winter and 2'/4% values 
for summer from tables in the ASHRAE Handbook of 
Fundamentals, as listed in Appendix A. Adjustments 
may be made to reflect local climates which differ from 
the tabulated temperatures, or local weather experience 
determined by the building ofTicial. 

2 The Degree Days Heating (base 65°F.) and cooling 
(base 65°F.) shall be selected from "NOAA Annual 
Degree Days to Selected Bases Derived from the 1961- 
1990 Normals," ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, 
as listed in Appendix A, data available from adjacent 
military installations. Table J3.2.1, or other source of 
local weather data acceptable to the building official. 

J3.2.2 Interior design conditions. 

J3.2.2.1 Indoor design temperature: Indbor 
design temperature shall be 72 °F for heating 
and 78 °F for cooling, 

J3.2.2.2 Design humidity: Indoor design 
relative humidity for heating shall not exceed 
30%. For cooling, the actual design relative 
humidity within the comfort envelope as 
defined in ASHRAE Standard 55-92 listed in 
Appendix A shall be selected for minimum 



total HVAC system energy use in accordance 
with accepted practice. 

J3.3 Living Space Ventilation Criteria. 

J3.3.1 Ventilation: Living space fresh air 
ventilation shall conform to the requirements of 
780 CMR 12 and the BOCA Mechanical Code, as 
listed in Appendix A. 

Exception: If outdoor air quantities other than 
those specified in the BOCA Mechanical Code 
are used or required because of special 
occupancy or process requirements, source 
control of air contamination, health and safety, 
or other standards, the required outdoor air 
quantities shall be used as the basis for 
calculating the heating and cooling design 
loads. 

780 CMR J4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 
J4.1 Scope. 

J4.1.1 General: All buildings that are 
mechanically heated or cooled and meet the 
provisions of Appendix J using the compliance 
paths of 780 CMR J5.0, J6.0, or J7.0 shall also 
meet tlie requirements of 780 CMR J4.0. 
Buildings that meet the provisions using the 
compliance paths of 780 CMR J8.0 or J9,0 are 
exempt from the requirements of 780 CMR J4.0. 

Exception: All buildings must comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR J4.2.1 

J4.2 Building Envelope Requirements. 

J4.2.1 Vapor Retarder: The design shall not 
create conditions of accelerated deterioration fi-om 
moisture condensation. In all firame walls, floors, 
and ceilings not ventilated to allow moisture to 
escape, an approved vapor retarder having a 
maximum rating of 1.0 perm, when tested in 
accordance with Standard ASTM E 96, as listed 
in Appendix A, shall be installed on the warm-in- 
winter side of the thermal insulation. 

Exception: In construction where moisture or 
its fireezing will not damage the materials or 
adversely affect the performance of the 
insulation. 

J4.2.2 Basements: The exterior walls of 
basements below uninsulated floors shall be 
insulated fi'om the top of the foundation wall to a 
depth of ten feet (3048 mm) below the outside 
finish ground level, or to the level of the basement 
floor, whichever is less. Basement walls shall be 
insulated if the basement is a conditioned space. 

J4.23 Slab-on-grade floors: Insulation shall be 
placed on the outside of the foundation or on the 
inside of a foundation wall. In climates with less 
than 6,000 annual Fahrenheit heating degree days 
(HDDgj), the insulation shall extend downward 
from the elevation of the top of the slab for a 



760.2 



780 CMR -.Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/9.8) 



780 CMR: STAITE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 



minimum distance of 24 inches (610 mm), or 
downward to at least the bottom of the slab and 
then horizontally to the interior or exterior for a 
minimum total distance of 24 inches (610 mm) 
and shall be an approved type. Ixi climates equal 
to or greater than 6,000 annual Fahrenheit heating 
degree days (HDDgj), the insulation shall extend 
downward from the elevation of the top of the 
slab for a minimum of 48 inches (1219 mm), or 
downward to at least the bottom of the slab and 
then horizontally to the interior or exterior for a 
minimum total distance of 48 inches (1219 mm). 
In all climates, the horizontal insulation extending 
outside of the foundation shall be covered by 
pavement or by soil a minimum often inches (254 
mm) thick. The top edge of the insulation 
installed between the exterior wall and the edge of 
the interior slab shall be permitted to be cut at a 
45-degree angle away from the exterior wall, (see 
Figure J4.2.2.) 

Figure J4.2,2 
Typical SIab°on-grade Imuiatlon Examples 




a = Insulation depth 




'f f f rV ii f fi T 



a<j-b3fnsiJlaiiondepUi 



J4.2,4 Crawl spaces: The floor above a crawl 
space shall be insulated to a minimum of R-19. 
See also 780 CMR 3603.6.8.2 

J4.2 J Access openings: Access doors, hatches, 
scuttles, pull down staircases and . similar 
constructions that are part of the building 
envelope shall be insulated to a level equivalent to 
the insulation of the surrounding floor, wall, and 
ceiling. 

Exception: If the access opening has less 
insulation than the surrounding area, for 
calculation purposes the U-value of the 
surrounding floor, wall, and ceiling shall be 
increased accordingly. 

J4.2.6 Masonry veneer: When insulation is 
placed on the exterior of a foundation supporting 
a masonry veneer exterior, the horizontal 
foundation surface supporting the veneer is not 



required to be insulated to satisfy the foundation 
insulation requirement. 

J4.2.7 Retnra-AIr Ceiling Pleniims: When 
return-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. 

780 CMR J43 Air leakage. 

J43,l The requirements of 780 CMR J4.3 shall 
apply to those locations separating outdoor 
ambient conditions or exempted portions of the 
building (e.g.- attics, unconditioned basements) 
from interior conditioned spaces.The require- 
ments are not applicable to the separation of 
interior conditioned spaces from each other. 

J43.2 Window and Door Assemblies: Exterior 
doors and windows shall be designed to limit air 
leakage into and from the building envelope. 
Manufactured doors and windows shall comply 
with the maximum allowable infiltration rates in 
Table J4.3.2, 

Exception: Site constructed windows and 
doors sealed in accordance with 780 CMR 
J4,3.3. 



Alowable Air InfilitraiSon Rates^ 



Frame Type 



Windows 

(cfm per ft of 

operable sash 

crack) 



Doors 

(cfm per ft^ of door 

area) 



Wood* 



Alum' 



PVC 




1. When tested in accordance with Standard ASTM E 
283, as listed in Appendix A. 

2. See Standard ANSI/NWWDA I.S.2, as listed in 
Appendix A. 

3. See Standard ANSI/AAMA 101, as listed in 
Appendix A. 

4. See Standards AAMA 101 V and ASTM D 4099, each 
as listed in Appendix A. 

5. Requirement based on door area specified in Standard 
ANSI/NWWDA I.S.3, as listed in Appendix A. 

6. Requirement based on assembly area; except for 
manufactured (mobile) housing for which the 
requirement shall be 1.0 cfm/ft^ (5.08 L/s/m^ ) of door 
area; in accordance with Standard AAMA 1701.2 as 
listed in Appendix A. 

J4.33 Joints, seams or penetrations in the 
building envelope that are sources of air leakage 
shall be sealed with durable caulking materials, 
closed with gasketing systems, taped or covered 
with moisture vapor permeable house-wrap per 
manufacturer's directions. Air leakage locations 



1 1/27/98 (Effective 3/1/98) -corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.3 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



to be treated shall include openings, cracks and 
joints between framing members and window or 
door frames; between wail assemblies or their sill- 
plates and foundations; between walls and 
roof/ceilings or attic/ceiling seals and between 
separate wall panels; between walls and floor 
assemblies; penetrations of utility services through 
walls, floors and roof assembhes, penetration 
through the wall cavity of top and/or bottom 
plates; and all other such openings in the building 
envelope. Sealing materials shall be compatible 
with the construction materials, location, and 
anticipated conditions. Sealing materials 
spanning joints between dissimilar construction 
materials shall allow for differential expansion 
and contraction of the construction materials. 

This includes sealing around tubs and showers, 
at the attic and crawl space access panels, at 
recessed lights and around all plumbing, 
electrical, and HVAC penetrations. These are 
openings located in the building envelope between 
conditioned space and unconditioned space or 
between the conditioned space and the outside. 

J4.3.4 Recessed lighting Hxtures: When 
installed in the building envelope, recessed 
lighting fixtures shall meet one of the following 
requirements: 

1. Type IC rated, manufactured with no 
penetrations between the inside of the recessed 
fixture and ceiling cavity and sealed or 
gasketed to prevent air leakage into the 
unconditioned space. 

2. Type IC rated, in accordance with Standard 
ASTM E 283, as listed in Appendix A, with no 
more than 2.0 cfrn (0.944 I7s) air movement 
from the conditioned space to the ceiling 
cavity. The lighting fixture shall have been 
tested at 75 Pa or 1.57 lbs/ft.^ pressure 
difference and shall be labeled, 

J4.4 Building Mechanical Systems 

J4.4.1 General: 780 CMR J4.4 covers the 
determination of heating and cooling loads, design 
requirements, system and component performance 
control requiresments, insulating systems and duct 
construction. 

Note: 780 CMR 14.4 addresses, in depth, 
requirements for "simple" heating and cooling 
systems. "Simple" systems are characterized as 
those typically found in one-and two-family 
hoiises (such as standard design boilers, furnaces, 
air conditioners, or heat pumps that provide 
heating and/or cooling). 780 CMR J4.4 also 
covers requirements for more "complex" systems 
(such as those designed to deliver heating and 



(»oling simultaneously, evaporative coolers, 
water chillers, and others,) but such "complex" 
systems are only cited in this section, with 
reference to the other sections of 780 CMR 
where detailed criteria are given. 

34.42 Calculation of heating and cooling loads: 

J4.42.1 Calculation procedures: For the 

purpose of sizing HVAC systems, heating and 
cooling design loads shall be determined in 
accordance with techniques recommended in the 
ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals or the Air 
Conditioning Contractors Association's Manual 
".r', or other procedure ^proved by the Board of 
Building Regulations and Standards. The design 
parameters specified in 780 CMR .J3.0 shall 
apply for all computations. 

J4.42.1.1 System heating/cooling capacity: The 

rated output capacity of the heating/cooling 
S5'Stem at design conditions shall not be greater 
than 125% of the design load calculated in 
accordance with this article. Equipment designed 
for standby purposes is not included in the 
capacity limitation requirement. For a single 
pi'sce of equipment which has both heating and 
cooling capability, only one function, either the 
heating or the cooling, need meet the 
re<iuirements of 780 CMR J4.4. Capacity for the 
otlier function shall be, within available 
equipment options, the smallest size necessary to 
meet the load. 

Exception 1: If the rated output capacity of 
available equipment options exceeds 125% of the 
design load, then equipment with the smallest 
output capacity above 125% of the load shall be 
utilized. 

Exception 2: Where the HVAC system for the 
building uses mterconnected equipment designed 
to sequence with the load and it can be shown 
that such design will use less energy on an annual 
basis than one large unit 

J4.4^.U Simultaneous heating and cooling: 

Set; 780 CMR 1305.3.5. 

J4.4J2^ Infiltration: Infiltration for heating and 
cooling design loads shall be calculated for all 
buildings except one- and two-family dwellings 
by the procedures in Chapter 22 of the ASHRAE 
Haidbook of Fundamentals. Calculations for 
one and two family dwellings may use the 
methods identified above or other accepted 
engineering practices. 

J4.4.3 HVAC equipment performance 
requirements. 

J4.43.1 Equipment and components: 



760.4 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTLy. BUILDINGS 



J4.4J«L1 The requirements of 780 CMR 
J4.4.3.1 apply to equipment and mechanical 
component performance for heating, ventilating, 
and air-conditioning systems. Equipment 
efficiency levels are specified. Data fumished 
by the equipment supplier or ceitifled under a 
nationally recognized certification program or 
rating procedure shall be used to satisfy these 
requirements. 

MA3A2 Where components from more than 
one manufacturer are assembled into systems 
regulated under 780 CMR J4.4.3, compliance 



shall be as specified m 780 CMR J4.4.3.2 
through J4.4.3.6. 

MA313 Omission of minimum perfonnance 
requirements for certain classes of HVAC 
equipment does not preclude use of such 
equipment where appropriate. 

J4.43,>2 HVAC system combustioiin 
eqisipment: Gas^ and oil-fired comfort heating 
equipment shall have minimum efficiency levels 
not less than the values in Table J4.4.3.2a 
through J4.4.32C. 



TABLE J4.43 Ja 
GAS" AND OIL-FIRED STEAM ANB HOT WATER BOILERS- 
STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD 


CATEGORY 


RATING CONDITION 


MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE 


Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 


Gas-Fired 
<30O,0O0 Btu/h 


Seasonal Rating 


AFUE 80%'-^ 


Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix N 


Oil-Fired 
<300,000 Btu/h 


Seasonal Rating 


AFUE 80%' 


ANSI Z21.13, as listed in Appendix A 

ANSI/ASMEPTC4.1, 

UL 795, each as listed in Appendix A 


Gjs-Fired 
^300,000 Btu/h 


1. Maximum Rating CapaciQ^' 
Steady-State 

2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


£,» 80% 


UL 726, as listed in Appendix A 


Oil-Fired 
^300,000 Btu/h 

Oil-Fired 
(Residual) 

^300,000 Btu/h 


1 . Maximum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


4* 83% 


ANSI^ASME PTC 4.1, as listed in 
Appendix A 


2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 




Hydronics Institute, Testing & Ratings 
Standard for Heating Boilers, 1982 
ANSI/ASME PTC 4.1, as listed in 
Appendix A 


I. Maximum Rating Capacity* 
Steady-State 


£/ 83% 




2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steadv-State 





FcrSI: 1 Btu/h = 0.293 IW. 

1 Provided and allowed by the controls. 

2 £c = combustion efficiency, 100% minus flue losses. See reference standard for detailed information. 

3 To be consistent with National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-12). 

4 Except for gas-fired steam boilers for which minimum AFUE is 75%. 

TABLE J4.4o3 Jb 

WARM AIR BUCT FURNACES AND UNIT HEATERS- 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD 


CATEGORY 


RATING CONDITION 


MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE 


ANSI Z83.9, as listed in 
Appendix A 


Duct Furnaces 
Gas-Fired 


1 . Maximum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


£,^ 78% 




2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


£,' 75% 


ANSI Z83.8, as listed in 
Appendix A 


Unit Heaters 
Gas-Fired 


1. Maximum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


£/ 78% 




2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


E- 74% 


UL 731, as listed in 
Appendix A 


Unit Heaters 
Oil-Fired 


I. Maximum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


£,^ 81% 




2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steadv-State 


E,' 81% 



1 Provided and allowed by the controls. 

2 E,= thernia/ efficiency, 100% minus flue losses. See reference standard for detailed definition. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.5 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE J4,43Jc 

WARM AIR FURNACES AND COMBINATION WARM AIR FURNACES/AIR-CONDrnONING 

UNITS- STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD 


CATEGORY 


RATING CONDITION 


MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE 


Regulaticms, lOCFR 


<^'s,mBtaJh 


Seasonal Rating 


AFUE 78%' 
V 80% 


!lrpen¥ix^^"''P^ ^' 


mM^mlH 


Seasonal Rating 


AFUE 78%' 
V 80% 


ANSI Z21.47. as listed in 
Appendix A 


Gas-Fired 
i225,000 Btu/h 


1. Maximum Rating Capaci^' 
Steady-State 


£,' 80% 




2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steady-State 


E; 78% 


UL 727, as listed in 
Appendix A 


Oil-Fired 
i225,000 Btu/h 


1. Maximum Rating Capacity' 
Steady^State 


£/ 81% 




2. Minimum Rating Capacity' 
Steadv-State 


E; 81% 



For SI: "F. = 1 .8*C. + 32, 1 Btu/h = 0.293 1 W. 

1 Minimum and maximum ratings as provided for and allowed by the unit's controls. 

2 These requirements apply to combination units not covered by NAECA (three phase power or cooling capacity > 65,000 
Btu/h). 

3 This is used to be consistent with National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) of 1987 (Public Law 100-12). 
These values apply to furnace and combination units covered by NAECA. 

4 See referenced standard for detailed definition of thermal efficiency (£,) = (100% minus flue losses). 



34.433 HVAC system heating equipment, 
heat pump, heating mode. Heat pumps whose 
purchased energy input is entirely electric shall 
have efficiency levels for heating not less than 
the values in Table J4.4.3.3a through J4.4.3.3d. 
(NOTE: When more than one rating condition is 
listed by the manufacturer for a single piece of 
equipment, the rating type closer to the intended 
design conditions should be chosen.) 



J4A33.1 780 CMR J4.4.3 applies to, but is not 
limited to, unitary (central) heat pumps (air 
source and water source) in the heating mode, to 
water-source (hydronic) heat pumps as used in 
multiple-unit hydronic HVAC systems, and to 
heat pumps in the packaged terminal air- 
conditioner and room air-conditioner fomis in 
the heating mode. 



TABLE J4.433a 

HEAT PUMPS - AIR COOLED, ELECTRICALLY-0PER4.TED, <135,000 Btu/h COOLING 

CAPACITY STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD' 


CATEGORY 


SUB-CATEGORY & RATING 

CONDITIONS 

(Outdoor Temperature °F.)^ 


MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE 


ARI 2 10/240, as 
listed in Appendix A 


<65,000 Btu/h 

Cooling Capacity 
Heating Mode 
(Heat Pump) 


Sea.sonal Rating' 






Split systems 
Single Package 


5.8 HSPF 
6.6 HSPF 




>65,000 Btu/h 
< 1 35,000 Btu/h 
Cooling Capacity 
Heating Mode 


Split Systems & Single Package 






High Temperature Rating 
(47<'Fdb/43'Fwb) 
Low Temperature Rating 
(17Tdb/15°Fwb) 


3.0 COP 
2.0 COP 



For SI: ''F= 1.8'C + 32, 1 Btu/h = 0.293 1 W. 

1 For multi-capacity equipment, the minimum performance shall apply to each capacity step provided. Multi- capacity 
refers to manufacturer published rating for more than one capacity mode allowed by the products' controls. 

2 db = dry bulb; wb = wet bulb. 



760.6 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

TABLEJ4.4JJfe 

PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMPS - AIR COOLED, ELECTRICALLY OPERATED 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE STANDARD 



CATEGORY 

PTAC 
HEAT PUMPS 



SUB-CATEGORY & RATING 

CONDITIONS 

(Outdoor Temperature °F)' 



EFFICIENCY 

RATING 



MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE- 



■<i'(0-(yy-6yC^r^l.(m^ 



ARfma5;liftfedinA^penriivA 

For SI: °F= 1.8*C + 32, 1 Btu^ = 0.293I W. 

1 db = dry bulb; wb = wet bulb. 

2 Capacity (Cap) means the rated cooling capacity of the product in Btu/h in accordance with Standard ANSI 221.13, as 
listed in Appendix A. If the unit's capacity is less than 7,000 Btu/h, use 7,000 Btu/h in the calculation. If the unit's 
capacity is greater than 15,000 Btu/h, use 15,000 Btu^ in the calculation. 

TABLE J4.4J3€ 

WATER^OURCE AND GROUNDWATER SOURCE HEAT PUMPS = 

ELECTRICALLY-OPERATED <135,000 Btu/h COOLING CAPACITY 

STANDARD R ATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 

REFERENCE STANDARDS 



RATING CONDITION T' 



MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



Water Source Heat Pumps: 
ARI 320, as listed in Appendix A 



Standard Rating 
TO'F entering water 



3.8 COP 



Groundwater-Source Heat Pumps: 
ARI 325, as listed in Appendix A 



1. High Temperature Rating 
TO'F entering water' 



3.4 COP 



2. Low Temperature Rating 



3.0 COP 



ForSI:'*F=l.8"C + 32. 

1 Air entering indoor section 70"*F db/60**F wb (max.). 

2 Water flow rate per manufecturer's specifications. 

TABLE J4.4J3d 

LARGE UNITARY HEAT PUMPS - AIR COOLED HEATING MODE-ELECTRICALLY^ 

OPERATED > 135,000 Btu/li COOLING CAPACITY 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE STANDARDS 



EFFICIENCY RATING 



MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



ARI 340, as listed in Appendix A 
Unitary Heat !>iimpF<^uinment 



COPjAVF) 



2.9 



C0P-n7°Fl. 



MA332 Heat Pump Supplementary heater. 
The rated output capacity of a heat pump 
supplementary heating source shall not be 
greater than 125% of the design load as 
calculated in accordance with 780 CMR 
J4.4.2.1. The heat pump shall be installed with 
a control to prevent supplementary heater 
operation when the operating 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 advance 
and during defrost. 

A two-stage thermostat, which controls the 
supplementary heat on its second stage, shall 
be accepted as meeting this requirement. The 
cut-on temperature for the compression heating 



shall be lower than the cut-on temperature for 
the supplementary heat, and the cut-off 
temperature for the compression heating shall 
be lower than the cut-off temperature for the 
supplementary heat. Supplementary heat may 
be derived from any source including, but not 
limited to, electric resistance, combustion 
heating or solar or stored-energy heating. 

J4A3A HVAC system equSpment, 
electricaliy operated, coolisig mode. HVAC 
system equipment whose energy input in the 
cooling mode is entirely electric, shall have 
efficiency levels not less than the values in 
Tables J4.4.3.4a through J4.4.3.4f 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.7 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUL/iTIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE J4.43.4a 

UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT PUMPS - AIR COOLED, ELECTRICALLY 

OPERATED, <135,000 Btn/h COOLING CAPACITY - 

EXCEPT PACKAGED TERMINAL AND ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD 


CATEGORY 


SUB-CATEGORY & RATING 

CONDITIONS 

(Outdoor Tcmiwrature 'F)' 


MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE 


ARI 2 10/240. as listed 


<65,000 Bni/h 
Cooling Capacity 
Cooling Mode 


Seasonal Rating^ 




in Appendix A 


Split systems 
Single Package 


10.0 SEER ^ 




9.7 SEER 




1.65,000 Btu/h and 
<135,000 Bni/b 

Cooling Capacity 
Cooling Mode 


Standard Rating (95»F db) 


8.9 EER 




Integrated Part Load Value (80°F db) 


8.3 IPLV 



For SI: °F = 1.8°C + 32, 1 Btu/h = 0.2931 W. 

ldb = dry bulb. 

2 This is consistent with the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-12). 

TABLE J4.4.3.4b 
UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT PUMPS - EVAPORATIVELY COOLED, 

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED, 

AND COOLING MODE <135,000 Btu/h COOLING CAPACITY EXCEPT PACKAGED 

TERMINAL AND ROOM AIR CONDltTIONERS 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD 



CATEGORY 
(Cooling Capacity) 



RATING CONDITIONS 
INDOOR OUTDOOR 
(Temperatuni °F)' 



MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE 



ARI 210/240, as listed 
in Appendix A 



<65,000 Btu/h 



Standard Rating 
SO'Fdb/eT'Fwb 



9.3 EER 



95°F db/75»F wb 



<65,000 Btu/h 



Integrated Part Load Value (SOT db/67°F wb) 



8.5 IPLV 



CTl Standard 201, as 
listed in Appendbc A 



>65,000 but 
<135,000 Btu/h 



Standard Rating 
80°F db/67°F wb 



10.5 EER 



95»F.db/75'Fwb 



>65,000 but 
<l 35,000 Btu/h 



Integrated Part Load Value (80* F db/67°F wb) 



9.7 IPLV 



For SI: »F = 1.8 "C + 32, 1 Btu/h = 0.2931 W. 
1 db = dry bulb; wb = wet bulb. 

TABLE J4.4J.4c 

WATER COOLED AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT PUMPS - ELECTRICALLY 

OPERATED, AND COOLING MODE <135,000 Btu/h COOLING CAPACITY 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 







RATING CONDITIONS 1 




REFERENCE 


CATEGORY 
(Cooling Capacity) 


INDOOR AIR 


ENTERING WATER 1 


MINIMUM 


STANDARD 


(Temperamre 'F)' 


PERFORMANCE 


Water Source 
Heat Pump 


<65,000 Btu/h 


Standard Rating 
80«Fdb/67''Fwb 


85»F 


9.3 EER 


ARI 320, as listed in 
Appendix A 


Low Temperature Rating 
80°Fdb/67»Fwb 


75'F 


10.2 EER 


CTI Standard 201, as 
listed in Appendix A 


i 65,000 but 
< 135.000 Bhi^ 


Standard Rating 
80''Fdb/67''Fwb 


85'F 


10.5 EER 


Groundwater Cooled 
Heat Pumps 
ARI 325, as listed in 
Appendix A 


< 1 35,000 BUi^ 


Standard Rating 


10"? 


ll.OEER 


Low Temperature Rating 


50°F 


1 1.5 EER 


Water Cooled 
Unitary 


<65,000 Bni/h 


Standard Rating 
80"F db/67»F wb 


85°F 


9.3 EER 


Air Conditioners 

ARI 210/240, as listed in 

Appendix A 

CTl Standard 201, as 

licfcH in Ann^nriix A 


Integrated Part Load Value 


75»F 


8.3 IPLV 


1.65,000 but 
< 135.000 Btu/h 


Standard Rating 
80'Fdb/67°Fwb 


RVF 


10.5 EER 



For SI: °F= 1.8''C + 32, 1 Btu^ = 0.293l W 
1 db = dry bulb; wb = wet bulb. 



760.8 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

TABLE J4.43.4«i 

PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONERS = AIR COOLED, ELECTRICALLY OPERATED 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARD 

ARI Standard 310, as 
listed in Appendix A 



CATEGORY 

PTAC's&PTAC 

HEAT PUMPS 



SUB-CATEGORY & RATING 

CONDITIONS 

(Outdoor Temperature)' 



Cooling Mode 



Standard Rating (95 "F db) 



Low Temperature Ratine (82''F db) 



EFFICIENCY 

RATING 



EER 



EER 



MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE' 



lO.O- (0.16 X Cap/1,000) 
12.2 - (0.20 xCap/l. OOP) 



For SI: "F = 1 .8 "C + 32, 1 Btu/h = 0.293 1 W. 

1 db = diy bulb. 

2 Capacity (Cap) means the rated cooling edacity of the product in Btu/h in accordance with the cited ARI Standard. 
If the unit's edacity is less than 7,000 Btu/h, use 7,000 Btu/h in the calculation. If the unit's capacity is greater than 
1 5,000 Btu/h, use 1 5,000 Btu/h in the calculation. 

TABLE MA3.4e 

ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS AND ROOM AIR CONDITIONER HEAT PUMPS 

STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE 
STANDARDS 


CATEGORY 


MINIMUM 
PERFORMANCE' 


ANSI/AHAM 
RAC-1-, as 
listed in 
Appendix A 


Without Reverse Cycle and With Louvered Sides 

<6,000 Btu/h 

>6,000 Btu/h and <8,000 Btu^ 

>8,000 Btu/h and <14,000 Btu/h 

>14,000 Btu/h and <20,000 Btu/h 

>20,000 Btu/h 


8,0 EER 
8.5 EER 
9.0 EER 
8.8 EER 
8.2 EER 




Without Reverse Cycle and Without Louvered Sides 

<6,000 Btu/h 

>6,000 Btu/h and <20,000 Btu/h 

>20,000 Btu/h 


8.0 EER 
8.5 EER 
8.2 EER 




With Reverse Cycle and With Louvered Sides 


8.5 EER 




With Reverse Cvcle and Without Louvered Sides 


?.0EER 



ForSI: 1 Btu/h = 0.293 IW. 

1 To be consistent with National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-12). 

TABLE MA3Af 
LARGE UNITARY AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT PUMPS ELECTRICALLY- 
OPERATED >13S,0D0 Btu/h COOLING CAPACITY 
STANDARD RATING CONDITIONS AND MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 



REFERENCE STANDARDS 


EFFICIENCY 
RATING 
EER 

IPLV 

EER 


MINIMUM PERFORMANCE 


Air-Conditioners 


<760,000 Btu/h: 
8.5 


>760,000 Btu/h: 
8.2 


Air Cooled ARJ 360, as listed in 
Appendix A 

Air<Conditioners 


7.5 
9.6 


Water/Evjq). Cooled 

CTI Standard 201, ARI 360, each 

as listed in Appendix A 


IPLV 
EER 


0.9 




Heat Pumps" 

Air Cooled-Cooling . 


<760,000 Btu/h 
8,5 


^760,000 Btu/h 
8.2 


ARI 340, as listed in Appendix A 


IPLV 


7.5 


Condensing Units^ 


EER 


9.9 


Air Cooled ARI 365, as listed in 
Appendix A 


IPLV 


11.0 




Condensing UmV 
Water/Evap. Cooled 
CTI Standard 201, ARI 365, each 
as listed in Appendix A 


EER 
IPLV 


12.9 
12.9 



ForSI: lBtuAi = 0.293 IW. 

1 For units that have a heating section, deduct 0.2 from all required EER's and IPLV's, 

2 Condensing unit requirements are based on single-number ratings defmed in paragraph 5.1.3.2 of UL 731, as listed 
in Appendix A 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



760.9 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



J4.4J.5 Mechanical Ventilation: Each 
mechanical ventilation system (supply and/ or 
exhaust) shall be equipped with a readily 
accessible switch or other means for shutoff or 
volume reduction and shutoff when venti-lation 
is not required. Automatic or gravity dampers 
that close when the system is not operating, or 
other acceptable method to prevent air leakage 
through ducts, shall be provided for outdoor 
air intake and exhausts. 

J4.4.3.5.1 780 CMR J4.4.3.5 applies to, but is 
not limited to, unitary (central) cooling 
equipment (air cooled, water cooled and 
evaporatively cooled), the cooling mode of 
unitary (central) and packaged terminal heat 
pumps (air source and water source), and 
packaged terminal air conditioners and room 
air conditioners. 

J4.4.3.6 Applied ETVAC system components, 
electrically operated, cooling mode: See 

780 CMR 1305.3.3c. 

J4.4.4 Transport energy: See 780 CMR 

1305.3.9. 

J4.4.5 Balancing: The HVAC system design 
shall provide means for balancing air and water 
systems. In doing so, the considerations shall 
include, but not be limited to, dampers, 
temperature and pressure test connections and 
balance valves. 

J4.4.6 Controls. 

J4.4.6.1 Temperature control: Each system 
shall be provided with at least one adjustable 
thennostat for the regulation of temperature. 
Each thermostat shall be capable of being set 
by adjustment or selection of sensors as 
follows: 

J4.4.6.1.1 When used to control heating only: 
55to75'F(12.8to23.9°C). 

J4.4.6.1^ When used to control cooling only: 
70to85°F(21.1to29.4°C). 

J4.4.6.13 When used to control both heating 
and cooling, it shall be capable of being set 
from 55 to 85 *F (12.8 to 29.4''C) and shall be 
capable of operating the system heating and 
cooling in sequence. The thermostat and/or 
control system shall have an adjustable 
deadband of lO'^F (5.6''C) or more. 

J4.4.6.2 Humidity control:See 780 CMR 

1305.2.4.2, 1305.3.4.5, and 1305.3.4.6. 

J4.4.6.3 Zoning for temperature control. 

J4.4.6.3.1 One and two family dwellings: At 

least one 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. 

J4.4.6.3.2 Multifamily dwellings three 
stories or less in height: For multifamily 
dwellings, each individual dwelling unit shall 
have at least one thermostat for regulation of 
space temperature. A readily accessible 
manual or automatic means shall be provided 
to partially restrict or shut off the heating 
and/or cooling input to each room. For spaces 
other than living units at least one thermostat 
for regulation of space temperature shall be 
provided for 

1. Each separate system. 

2. Each separate zone as defined in 780 CMR 
J2. As a minimum, each floor of a building 
shall be consid-ered 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 
accessible manual or automatic means shall be 
provided to partially restrict or shut off the 
heating and/or cooling input to each floor. 

34A.633 Control setback and shutoff: The 

thennostat required in 780 CMR J4.4.6.3. 1 and 
J4.4.6.3.2 or an alternate means, including, but 
not limited to, a switch or a clock, shall provide 
a readily accessible manual or automatic means 
for reducing the energy required for heating 
and cooling during periods of non-use or 
reduced need including, but not limited to, 
unoccupied periods and sleeping hours. 
Lowering thermostat set points to reduce 
energy consumption of heating systems shall 
not cause energy to be expended to reach the 
reduced setting. 

J4.4.7 Air-handling duct system insulation: 

Ducti>, plenums, and enclosures installed in or on 
buildings shall be thermally insulated as follows: 

J4.4.7.1 Duct systems, or portions thereof, 
shall be insulated to provide thermal resistance, 
as specified in Table J4.4.7.1. 

Exceptions: Duct insulation, except as 
required to prevent condensation, is not 
required in the following cases: 

1. When supply- or retum-air ducts are 
installed in basements or cellars having 
insulated walls. 

2. When the heat gain or loss of the ducts, 
without insulation, will not increase the energy 
requirements of the building. 

3. Within HVAC equipment. 

4. Exhaust air ducts. 



760.10 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 





TABLE J4A7.1 
MINIMUM DUC'l' INSULATION^ 






COOLING^ 


HEATING^ 


Duct location 


Annual Cooling Degree Insulation /{-Value^ 
Days base 65"? CDD (hft^'IO/Btu 


Annual Heating Degree 
Days base 65 °F 


Insulation /J-Value' 
(hft^'F)/Btu 


Exterior of building 


below 500 


3.3 


4,501 to 7,500 


6.5 




500 to 1,150 


5.0 


above 7,500 


8.0 



Inside of building envelope 
or in unconditioned spaces* 










TD'<15 





Not Required — 


Not Required 




40>TD*>15 





3.3 — 


3.3 




TDS40 


— 


5.0« _ 





For SI: °F = 1.8°C + 32, 1 (h-ft''F)/Btu = 0.176 m^kAV, 1 ft = 304.5 mm. 
L Insulation /?- values shown are for the insulation as installed and do not include film resistance. The required 
minimum thicknesses do not consider water vapor transmission and condensation. Where control of condensation 
is required, additional insulation, vapor retarders, or both, shall be provided to limit vapor transmission and 
condensation. For ducts which are designed to convey both heated and cooled air, duct insulation shall be as required 
by the most restrictive condition. Where exterior walls are used as plenum walls, wall insulation shall be as required 
by the most restrictive condition of 780 CMR J4.4.7. 

2. Cooling ducts are those designed to convey mechanically cooled air or return ducts in such systems. 

3. Heating ducts are those designed to convey mechanically heated air or return ducts in such systems. 

4. Unconditioned spaces include basements, crawl spaces, and attics. 

5. TD is denned as the temperature difference at design conditions between the space within which the duct is located 
and the design air temperature in the duct. 

6. Insulation resistance for runouts to terminal devices less than ten feet in length is not required to exceed an R- value 
ofR-3.3. [(h-ft'-°F)/Btu.] 

7. Insulation resistance measured on a horizontal plane in accordance with ASTM C 5 1 8-85, Test Method for Steady 
State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus, 
at a mean temperature of 75 °F at the installed thickness. 



J4.4oS Duct constructioffl: As applicable, 
ductwork shall be constructed and erected in 
accordance with: 

ACCA Manual D.- 
BOCA National Mechanical Code: 
ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and Equipment: 
SMACNA. Installation Standards for Residential 

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems: 
SMACNA. HVAC Duct Construction Standards • Metal 

and Flexible: 
SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards: 
ASHRAE HVAC AoDlications Handbook: 
NAIMA Fibrous Class Duct Construction Standards. 

each as listed in Appendix A. 



J4.4.8.1 EQgh<-pressure aisd medium- 
pressure ducts: See 780 CMR 1305.3.13.2. 

J4.4.8.2 Duct sealing: The accessible joints, 
seams, and connections of all low-pressure 
supply and return ductwork that is located 
outside conditioned space, including stud bays 
or joist cavities/spaces used to transport air, 
shall be sealed using mastic with :&brous 
backing tape installed in accordance with the 
manufacturer's installation instructions. Other 
sealants may be approved by the Board of 
Building Regulations and Standards. For 
fibrous ducts, pressure sensitive tape may be 
used if installed in accordance with NAMA 
Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, as 
listed 'm Appendix A. Duct tape is not 
permitted as a sealant on any ducts. 



Exception 1: Fibrous backing tape need not 
be used in the following cases: 

1. On duct connections which are 
overlapped. 

2. Where gaps are less than 1/8" in any 
dimension. 

3. On flex duct connections with properly 
installed tension straps. 

Exception 2: Lengthwise snap-lock joints 
on round or rectangular ducts need not be 
sealed if they are tight fitting. 

J4.4o9 Piping insulation: Piping installed for 
space conditioning shall be thermally insulated in 
accordance with Table J4.4.9. For service water- 
heating systems, see 780 CMR J4.5. 

Exceptions: Piping insulation is not required in 
the following cases: 

1 . Piping installed within HVAC equipment. 

2. Piping at fluid temperatures between 55 "F 
and 120°F (12.7°C and 48.9'*C) when not 
required for energy conservation purposes. 

3. When the heat loss and/or heat gain of the 
piping without insulation does not increase die 
energy requirement of the building. 

4. When piping is installed in basements or 
cellars having insulated walls in one and two 
family dwellings. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.11 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE J4.4.9 
MINIMUM PIPE INSULATION' (Tliickness in Inches) 



PIPING SYSTEM TYPES 


FLUID 
TEMPERATURE 

RANGE, 'F 


Pipe Sizes 




Run Outs 2»2 


r and Less 


l'/4"to2" 


2'/2"to4" 


5" to 6" 


8" and Larger 


HEATING SYSTEMS 
Steam and hot water 
High pressure/temp 


30M5O 


VA 


254 


m 


3 


3yj 


31/2 


Med. pressure/temp 


251-305 


V/2 


2 


214 


2'/2 


3 


3 


Low pressure/temp 


201-250 


1 


1!4 


1/2 


2 


2 


2 


Low temperature 


120-200 


Vz 


1 


1 


l'/2 


V/2 


1/2 


Steam condensate (for 
feed water) 


Any 


1 


1 


V/i 


2 


2 


2 


COOLING SYSTEMS 
Chilled water, 


40-55 


V2 


V2 


Va 


1 


1 


1 


Refrigerant or brine 


below 40 


1 


] 


\Yt 


VA 


VA 


]V, 



For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, "F = l.S'C + 32, 1 ft = 304.8 mm. 

1 . For piping exposed to outdoor air, increase insulation thickness by !4 inch. 

2. Runouts not exceeding 12 feet in length to individual terminal units. 



J4.4.9.1 Other insulation thicknesses: 

Insulation thicknesses in Table J4.4.9 are based 
on insulation having thennal resistivity in the 
range of 4.0 to 4.6 hft^'T/Btu per inch (0.704 
to 0.810 m^k/W per 25 mm) of thickness on a 
flat surface at a mean temperature of 75**? 
(24°C). 

Minimum insulation thickness shall be 
increased for materials having values less than 
4.0, or may be reduced for materials having 
values greater than 4.6 as follows. 

For materials with thermal resistively greater 
than 4.6, the minimum insulation thickness 
may be reduced as follows: 



4.6 X Table 503.9 Thickness 
Actual Resistivi^ 



New Minimum Thickness 



For materials with thermal resistively less 
than 4.0, the minimum insulation thickness 
shall be increased as follows: 



4.0 X Table 503.9 Thickness 



New Minimum Thickness 



Actual Resistivi^ 
J4.5 Service Water Heating 
J4.5.1 Scope: The purpose of 780 CMR J4.5 is to 
provide criteria for design and equipment 
selection that will produce energy savings when 
applied to service water heating. Water supplies 
to ice making machines, refrigerators, and toilets 
shall be taken from a cold-water line of the water 
distribution system. 

J4.5.2 Water heaters, storage tanks and boilers. 

J4.5^.1 Performance efficiency: Water heat- 
ers and hot water storage tanks shall meet the 
minimum performance of water heating equip- 
ment specified in Table J4.5.2. Where multiple 
criteria are listed, all criteria shall be met. 

Excption: Storage water heaters. Storage 
water heaters and hot water storage tanks 
having more than 140 gallons (530L) of 
storage capacity need not meet the standby 
loss (SL) or heat loss (HL) requirements of 



table J4.5.2 if the tank surface area is 
thermally insulated to R-12.5 and if a standing 
pilot light is not used. 

J4.S22 Insulation: Heat loss from unfired hot- 
water storage tanks shall be limited to a 
maximum of 6.5 Btu/h/ft.^ (20.5 W/m^) of 
external tank surface area, based on 80 °F 
(176°C) water-air temperature difference. 

Exception: Unfired hot water storage tanks 
having more than 500 gallons (1893 L) of 
storage capacity thermally insulated to R-\2.5. 

J4.5.2 J Combination service water heating/ 
space heating boilers: Service water-heating 
equipment shall not be dependent on year-round 
operation of space heating boilers; that is, boilers 
that have as another function winter space 
heating. 
Exceptions: 

1 . Systems for which the input rating of the 
combined system is less than 150,000 Btu. 

2. Systems for which the combined system 
capacity (input rating or storage volume) is 
less than twice that of the smaller of the 
separate heaters required in a system with 
separate space and water heating. 

3. Systems with service/space heating boilers 
having a standby loss (Buj/h) (W) less than: 

133 pmd 400 
n 

determined by the fixture count method where: 
pmd =probable maximum demand in 
gallons/hour as determined in accordance with 
Chapter 37 of the ASHRAE HVAC Systems 
and Applications Handbook, as listed in 
Appendix A. 

n =fraction of year when outdoor daily mean 
temperature exceeds 64.9°F (18.3°C) 
The standby loss is to be determined for a test 
period of 24 hour duration while maintaining 
a boiler water temperature of 90°F (32.2^*0 
above an ambient of 60 to 90**F (15.6 to 
32.2°C) and a five-foot (1524 mm) stack on 
appliance. 



760.12 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 









TABLE J4S.2 










MINIMUM PERFORMANCE OF WATER HEATING EQUIPMENT 






CATEGORY 


TYPE FUEL 
all electric 


INPUT 
RATING 


Vt' 


INPUT TO 
7, RATIO 
(Btu/h/gal) 


TEST 
METHOD 


ENERGY 
FACTOR' 


THERMAL 
EFFICIENCY 


STANDBY 
LOSS 

%/hr' 


NAECA 


<I2kW 


all* 




Code of 


>0.93-0.00132K 






Covered 


storage gas 


<75,000 Btuh 


all* 




Federal 


>0.62-0.0019F 






Water Heating 


instantaneous 


gas 


<200,000 Btuh* 


all 




Regulations, 


>0.62-0.0019F 






Equipment* 


storage 


oil 


<1 05,000 Btuh 


all 




lOCFRPart 


>0.59-0.0019F 








instantaneous 


oU 


^10,000 Btuh 


all 




430 Subpart 
B, Appendix 


>0.59-0.0019K 










gal/oil 


aU 


all 




E 




>78% 




pool heater 












ANSIZ21.56. 
as listed in 
Appendix A 








Other Water 


storage 


electric 


all 


all 




ANSI 






<p.3Q+27/V, 


Heating 






>1 55,000 Btuh 


all 




Z21.10.3,as 








Equipment* 


storage/ 


gas/oil 


>155,000 Btuh 


all 


<4,000 


listed in 




>78% 


kl.3+II4/F, 




instantaneous 






<10 
>10 


<4,000 
>4,000 


Appendix A 




>78% 
>80% 


S1.3+95/J; 












>4,000 






>77% 


5.3+67/r. 


Unfired 








all 










<6.5 Btuh/ ■ 


Storage Tanks 


















Spuare foot* 



For SI: I Btuh/ft^ = 3.155 W/m^ 1 Btuh = 0.2931 W, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, °F. = 1.8°C + 32. 
1 . PV Is the storage volume in gallons as measured during the standby loss test. For the purpose of estimating the 
standby loss requirement using the rated volume shown on the rating plate, Vj- should be no less than 0.95 V for gas 
and oil w^ater heaters and no less than 0.90 F for electric water heaters. 

3. V is rated storage volume in gallons as specified by the manufacturer. 

4. Consistent with National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) of 1 987. 

5. All except those water heaters covered by NAECA. 

6. Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR Part 430 Subpart B, Appendix E, as listed in Appendix A, applies to electric 
and gas storage water heaters with rated volumes 20 gallons and gas instantaneous water heaters with input ratings of 
50,000 to 200,000 Btuh. 

7. When testing an electric storage water heater for standby loss using the test procedure of Section 2.9 of ANSI 
Z2 1.1 0.3-1 990 Gas Water Heaters, Volume HI, Circulating Tank, Instantaneous and Large Automatic Storage-Type 
Water Heaters, the electrical supply voltage shall be maintained within ±1% of the center of the voltage range specified 
on the voltage range specified on die water heater nameplate. Also, when needed for calculations, the thermal 
efficiency (Et) shall be 98%. 

When testing an oil water heater using the test procedures of Section 2.8 and 2.9 of ANSI 221.10.3, as listed in 
Appendix A, ^e following modifications will be made: 

A vertical length of flue pipe shall be connected to the flue gas outlet of sufficient height to establish the minimum 
draft specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions. All measurements of oil consumption will be taken by 
instruments with an accuracy of ±1% or better. 

The burner rate shall be adjusted to achieve an hourly Btu input rate within ±2% of the manufacturer's specified input 
rate with the COj reading as specified by the manufacturer with smoke no greater than 1 and the fuel pump pressure 
within +1% of the manufacturer's specification. 

8. Heat loss of tank surface area (Btuh/ft.^ based on 80°F. water-air temperature difference. 



J4.5.3 Automatic controls: Service water- 
heating systems shall be equipped with automatic 
temperature controls capable of adjustment &om 
the lowest to the highest acceptable temperature 
settings for the intended use. Temperature setting 
range shall be in accordance with Table 2 in 
Chapter 37 of ASHRAE HVAC Systems and 
Applications Handbook, as listed in Appendix A. 

J4.S.4 Shutdown: A separate switch shall be 
provided to permit turning off the energy supplied 
to electric service water-heating systems. A 
separate valve shall be provided to permit turning 
off the energy supplied to the main bumer(s) of 
all other types of service water-heating systems. 

M.5.S Pump operation: Circulatmg hot-water 
systems shall be arranged so that the circulation 



pump(s) can be conveniently turned off, 
automatically or manually, when the hot-water 
system is not in operation. 

J4,S.6 Pipe imsulatloBi: For re-circulating 
systems, piping heat loss shall be limited to a 
maximum of 17.5 Btu/h per linear foot (5.13 W 
per m^) of pipe in accordance with Table J4.5.6, 
which is based on design external temperature no 
lower than SS^F (18.3 "C). Other design 
tempera:tures must be calculated. 

Exception: Piping insulation is not required 
when the heat loss of the piping, without 
insulation, does not increase the annual energy 
requirements of the building. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.13 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

TABLE J4J.6 

MINIMUM PIPE INSU1.ATI0N 

(Thickness in Inches) 



SERVICE WATER 
HEATING 

TEMPERATURES °F 


PIPE SIZES' 


Noncirculating 
Runouts 


Circulating Mains and Runouts 


Up tor 


• Up to l»/4" 


IVi" to 2" 


Over 2" 


170-180 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


2.0 


140-160 


0.5 


0.5 


1.0 


1.5 


100-130 


0.5 


0.5 


0.5 


1.0 



For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °F = 1.8X + 32. 

1. Nominal iron pipe size and insulation thickness. Conductivity K = 0.27 



J4.5.7 Swimming pools. 

J4^.7.1 All pool heaters shall be equipped 
with an ON-OFF switch mounted for easy 
access to allow shutting off the operation of the 
heater without adjusting the thermostat setting 
and to allow restarting without re-lighting the 
pilot light. 

J4.5.7.2 Pool covers: Heated swimming pools 
shall be equipped with a pool cover. 

Exception: Outdoor pools deriving over 
20% of the energy for heating from 
renewable sources (computed over an 
operating season) are exempt from this 
requirement. 

J4.5.7^ Time clocks: Time clocks shall be 
installed so that the pump can be set to run in 
the off-peak electric demand period and can be 
set for the minimum time necessary to maintain 
the water in a clear and sanitary condition in 
keeping with applicable health standard. 

J4.5.8 Conservation of hot water. 

J4.5.8.1 Showers: Shower heads shall have a 
maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute 
(gpm) (0.158 L/s) at a pressure of 80 pounds 
per square inch (psi) (551 kPa) when tested in 
accordance with ASME Al 12.18.1, as listed in 
Appendix A. 

J4.6 Electrical Power and Lighting. 

J4.6.1 Electrical energy consumption: In 

multifamily dwellings, provisions shall be made 
to determine the electrical energy consumed by 
each tenant by separately metering individual 
dwelling units. 

Exception: Motels, hotels, college dormitories 
and other transient facilities. 

J4.6.2 Lighting power budget: The lighting 
system shall meet the applicable provisions of 
780 CMR 1308. 

Exception: One-and Two-Family dwellings 
and the dwelling portion of multifamily 
residential buildings. 



780 CMR J5.0 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING 
DEHGN BY PRESCRIPTIVE PACKAGE 

(Also see 780 CMR JLU) 
Compliance Approach #i 

Notes: 

1. The Prescriptive Package Approach is 
expectedly the most conservative for building 
envelope compliance. It does not require 
calculation of a building's thermal performance, 
but jillows the user to simply select a set of 
components from a pre-determined group after 
establishing the weather site and glazing area of 
the building. 

2. There is no interpolation or extrapolation 
allowed between packages in Table J5.2.1b. 

3. The Prescriptive Package Approach 
(780 CMR J5.0) is intended for one and two- 
family detached buildings heated with fossil fuels 
and having glazing representing no more than 
18% of the gross wall area. Also, such buildings 
must be either wood frame or mass wall 
constniction (concrete, masonry, log): metal frame 
buildings are excluded. 

4. For one and two-family buildings that do not 
meet the requirements in Note 3, and for all multi- 
family buildings, refer to 780 CMR Jl.1.3. 
compliance alternatives 2. through 5. 

5. Table J5.2.1b is based on a number of 
assumptions about the buildings it covers. These 
assumptions are stated fully in the Footnotes to 
that table, and should be reviewed to assure that 
the Table is suitable for use with any given 
proposed building. 

J5.1 Scope. 

J5.1.1 General: Buildings constructed to 
780 CMR J5.0 that are heated and/or 
mechanically cooled shall meet the applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR J5.0 and 780 CMR 
J4.0. 

J5.2 Exterior Envelope Requirements 

J5.2.1 General: The various building assemblies 
(window, wall, ceiling, floor, etc.) shall conform 
to the thermal transmittance and resistance values 
inTableJ5.2.1b. 



760.14 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



1/19/01 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUELDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW=RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

TABLE JSo2ols 
HEATING DEGREE DAYS BASE 65 (HDD,^) 




Note 1 : Table J5.2. 1 a is only utilized to support Table J5.2« ! b. 

Note 2: The heating degree day value for Springfield is only to be used for the cities and towns of Chicopee, Holyoke, 
West Springfield, Springfield, Agawam and Longmeadow. For all other surrounding towns of Springfield, design to 
the HDD value of Amherst. 



Table JS^Jb 
Prescriptive Packages for One- and Two°Family Residential Buildings Heated with Fossil Fuels 




MAXIMUM 


MINIMUM 


Package 


Glazing 
Area' (%) 


Glazing 
U-vaiue* 


Ceiling 
R-value' 


Wall 
R-value^ 


Floor 
R-value' 


Basement 

Wall 
R-value' 


Slab 
Perimeter 

R-valu«' 


Heating/Cooling 
Equipment Efficiency^ 









Less than 5501 Heatine Decree Davs' 






A 


UP to 12% 
up to 12% 


0.50 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


B 


0.52 


30 


13 


19 


10 


6 


82 AFUE 


C 


12.1 to 15% 


0.42 
0.50 


38 
38 
38 


13 
13 
13 


19 
19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


D 


12.1 to 15% 


10 


6 

N/A 


85 AFUE 


E 


15.1 to 18% 


0.39 


25 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


F 


15.1 to 18% 


0.42 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


85 AFUE 









5501 to 5700 Heating Deeree Davs' 






G 


up to 12% 


0.46 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


H 


up to 12% 


0.52 


30 


13 


19 


10 


6 


85 AFUE 


I 


12.1 to 15% 


0.41 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


J 


12.1 to 15% 


0.50 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


K 


12.1 to 15% 


0.46 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


85 AFUE 


L 


15.1 to 18% 


0.36 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


M 


15.1 to 18% 


0.43 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


N 


15.1 to 18% 


0.42 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


85 AFUE 





15.1 to 18% 


0.46 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


90 AFUE 


P 


15.1 to 18% 


0.50 


30 


19 


19 


10 


6 


87 AFUE 




5701 to 6500 Healing Degree Days' 


Q 


up to 12% 


0.40 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


R 


UP to 12% 


0.52 


30 


19 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.15 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 





MAXIMUM 


MINIMUM 


Package 


Glazing 
Area' (%) 


Glazing 
U-vaiue- 


Ceiling 
R-value' 


Wall 
R-value* 


Floor 
R-value* 


Basement 

Wall 
R-value* 


Slab 
Perimeter 
R-value^ 


Heating/Cooling 
Equipment Efficienc/ 


S 


up to 12% 


0.50 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


85AFUE 


T 


12.1 to 15% 


0.36 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


U 


12.1 to 15% 


0.46 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


V 


12.1 to 15% 


0.44 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


85AFUE 


W 


12.1 to 15% 


0.52 


30 


19 


19 


10 


6 


85AFUE 


X 


15.1 to 18% 


0.32 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


Y 


15.1 to 18% 


0.42 


38 


19 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


Z 


15.1 to 18% 


0.42 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


90AFUE 


AA 


15.1 to 18% 


0.50 


30 


19 


19 


10 


6 


90AFUE 




Greater Than 6500 Heatin? Degree Days' 


BB 


up to 12% 


0.31 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


minimum from J4 Tables 


CC 


up to 12% 


0.43 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


minimum from J4 Tables 


DD 


UP to 12% 


0.45 


38 


13 


19 


10 


6 


90AFUE 


EE 


up to 12% 


0.50 


30 


19 


19 


10 


6 


85 AFUE 


FF 


12.1 to 15% 


0.40 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


90AFUE 


GG 


12.1 to 15% 


0.50 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


90 AFUE 


HH 


12.1 to 15% 


0.43 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


85 AFUE 


II 


15.1 to 18% 


0.35 


38 


13 


25 


N/A 


N/A 


90 AFUE 


JJ 


15.1 to 18% 


0.35 


30 


19 


19 


10 


6 


90 AFUE 


KK 


15.1 to 18% 


0.42 


38 


19 


19 


10 


6 


90 AFUE 



N/A - This package may not be used for buildings with insulated Basement Walls or Slabs. 

Footnotes to Table J5.2. i b: 

1 . Glazing area is the ratio of the rough opening area of the glazing assemblies (including sliding-glass doors, 
skylights, and basement windows if located in walls that enclose conditioned space, but excluding opaque doors) to 
the exterior wall gross area, expressed as a percentage. Up to 1% of the total glazing area may be excluded from the 
U-value requirement. For example, 3 ft' of decorative glass may be excluded from the U-value requirement of a 
building design with 300 f\? of glazing area. 

2. After January 1, 1999, glazing U-values must be tested and documented by the manufacturer in accordance with 
the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) test procedure, or taken from Table J1.5.3a. U-values are for whole 
units: center-of-glass U-values cannot be used. 

3. The ceiling R-values do not assume raised or oversized framing construction. If the insulation achieves the ftill 
insulation thickness over the exterior wails without compression, or if n(}n-compressible insulation is used to achieve 
full R-value, R-30 insulation may be substituted for R-38 insulation. Ceiling R-values represent the sum of cavity 
insulation plus insulating sheathing (if used). For ventilated ceilings, insulating sheathing must be placed between the 
conditioned space and the ventilated portion of the roof. 

4. Wall R-values represent the sum of the wall cavity insulation plus insulating sheathing (if used). Do not include 
exterior siding, structural sheathing, and interior drywall. For example, an R-19 requirement could be met EITHER 
by R-19 cavity insulation OR R-13 cavity insulation plus R-6 insulating sheathing. Wall requirements apply to wood- 
frame or mass (concrete, masonry, log) wall constructions, but do not apply to metal-frame construction. 

5. The floor requirements apply to floors over unconditioned spaces (such as unconditioned crawlspaces, basements, 
or garages). Floors over outside air must meet the ceiling requirements. 

6. The entire opaque portion of any individual basement wall with an average depth less than 50% below grade must 
meet the same R-value requirement as above-grade walls. Windows and sliding glass doors of conditioned basements 
must be included with the other glazing. Basement doors must meet the door U-value requirement described in Note 
b. 

7. The R-value requirements are for unheated slabs. Add an additional R-2 for heated slabs. 

8. If the building utilizes electric resistance heating use the compliance approaches found in 780 CMR J6, 7, 8, or 9. 
If you plan to install more than one piece of heating equipment or more than one piece of cooling equipment, the 
equipment with the lowest efficiency must meet or exceed the efficiency required by the selected package. 

9. For Heating Degree Day requirements of the closest city or town see Table J5.2. 1 a 

NOTES: 

a) Glazing areas and U-values are maximum acceptable levels. Insulation R-values are minimum acceptable levels. 
R-value requirements are for insulation only and do not include structural components. 

b) Opaque doors in the building envelope must have a U-value no greater than 0.35. Door U-values must be tested and 
documented by the manufacturer In accordance with the NFRC test procedure or taken from the door U-value in Table 
J 1 .S.3b. If a door contains glass and an aggregate U-value rating for that door is not available, include the glass area 
of the door with your windows and use the opaque door U-value to determine compliance of the door. One door may 
be excluded from this requirement (i.e., may have a U-value greater than 0.35). 



760.16 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUDDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

c) If a ceiling, wall, floor, basement wall, slab-edge, or crawl space wall component includes two or more areas with 
different insulation levels, the component complies if the average R-value is greater than or equal to the R-value 
requirement for that component Average R°value must be calculated by applying area-weighted Upvalues to the 
components, and determining the reciprocals. Glazing or door components comply if the area-weighted average U- 
yalue of all windows or doors is less than or equal to the U°value requirement (0.35 for doors). 



780 CMR J6.0 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING 

DESIGN BY COMPONENT PERFORMANCE 

(Manual Trade-off or 

"Paper and Pencil " Approach) 

(Also see 780 CMR J LIJ) 

Compliance Approach #2 

Notes: 

1. The Component Performance Approach 
shown in 780 CMR J6.0 is a design-specific 
alternative to the Prescriptive Package Approach 
of780CMRJ5.0. 

2. The Component Performance Approach 
ailov/s for trade-offs between all building 
envelope components, and heating and cooling 
equipment efficiencies. This approach allows 
greater flexibility than that allowed in the 
Prescriptive Packages listed in Table J5.2.ib. 

3 . The Component Performance Approach may 
be used only for wood or metal framed buildings, 
1 6" or 24" on center. For other framing materials 
or configurations, use 780 CMR J7.0, J8.0, or 
J9.0. 

J6,l Scope 

J6.L1 General: Buildings constructed to 
.780 CMR J6.0 that are heated and/or 
mechanically cooled shall meet all applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR J6.0 and 780 CMR 
J4.0. 

M2 Exterior Envelope RequtremeHts 

J6.2.1 General: To determine thermal 
transmittance compliance with the various wall, 
roof and floor assemblies, the Trade-Off 
Worksheet must be completed using the figures 
and tables provided. 

J6.2.2 Instructions for Using the Trade-off 
Approach: 

STEP 1 : Find your climate zone based on the 
county in which your building is to be located 
shovra in Figure J6.2.2. 

STEP 2: Complete the general information at 
the top of the Trade-off Worksheet. 

STEP 3: Complete the PROPOSED section 
of the Trade-off Worksheet. Provide the area, 
R-value and U-value of each component. Use 
net areas for walls and roof assemblies that 
contain windows, doors, or skylights. U- 



values can be found in Tables J6.2.2a through 
J6.2.2g. R-values in tables are based on cavity 
insulation plus insulating sheathing (if used). 
If more than one type of insulation or glass 
is used for a building component (i.e. two 
different R-values in the ceiling) use the 
additional blank lines for each R or U value 
provided in each block of the proposed section. 

(Note: Remember that, for heated 
basements, foundation walls that are 50% 
and greater above grade are considered 
. "Walls" while foundation walls less that 
50% above grade are considered "Basement 
Walls." 

STEP 4: Compute the total Proposed UA. 
Multiply all proposed U-values by their 
corresponding area. Enter the results in the 
UA column. Sum the proposed UAs for all 
components and enter this sum in the Total 
Proposed UA box. Also sum the areas for 
Ceilings and Walls, and enter in the "Total 
Area" boxes. Transfer these "Total Areas" to 
the respective Required "Area" boxes. 

STEP 5: Complete the REQUIRED section 
of the Trade-Off Worksheet. Table J6.2.2h 
lists building component U- value requirements 
for each climate zone in Massachusetts. Enter 
the required U-values in the appropriate 
Required U-value column. Copy the total 
areas to the Area column of the Required side. 

STEP 6: Multiply U-values in the Required 
column by their corresponding area; enter 
results in the UA column. Sum the UAs on the 
right side of the worksheet. 

STEP 7: If high efficient HVAC is to be 
taken into account, complete the HVAC Trade- 
off Worksheet. Replace Total Required UA 
with HVAC adjusted UA (the new required 
UA mix increase) from HVAC Trade-off 
worksheet. 

STEPS: Check for compliance. If the Tom/ 
Proposed UA is less than or equal to the Total 
Required UA then your building complies with 
the thermal envelope requirements of 
Appendix J. If not, you must adjust insulation 
R-values, areas, and/or HVAC system 
efficiency in your proposed building. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.17 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



FIGURE J6.2.2 
State Map with Climate Zones 



CO 
H 

I- 
LJJ 

CO 

O 
< 
CO 
CO 

< 




9 ^^ k. 



g eM-<rcvjcMc«)<*^'*«ojncMn'* 



760.18 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW°RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 







TABI 
Cellin 


g U-vaines 






Insulation 
R-Vaiue<^' 


Standard Framing 
U-Value 


Raised Framing 

U-Value*> 


— 


Insulation 
R-Value^'^ 


Standard 
Framing 
U-Value 


Raised Framing 
U-Value''> 


R-0 


0.568 
0.119 


0.568 


R-33 

R-34 


0.033 
0.032 


0.029 


R-7 


0.119 


0.028 


R-8 


0.108 


0.108 


R-35 
R-36 


0.032 


0.028 


R-9 


0.098 


0.098 


0.031 


0.027 


R-IO 


0.089 


0.089 


= 


R-37 


0.031 


0.026 


R-ll 


0.082 


0.082 


R-38 


0.030 


0.025 


R-12 


0.076 


0.076 




R-39 


0.030 


0.025 


R-13 


0.070 


0.070 




R-40 


0.029 


0.024 


R-14 


0.066 


0.066 . 




R-41 


0.029 


0.024 


R-I5 


0.062 


0.061 




R-42 


0.028 


0.023 


R-16 


0.059 
0.056 


0.058 
0.055 
0.052 




R-43 


0.028 


0.023 


R-17 


»^ 


R-44 


0.027 


0.022 


R-.18 


0.053 
0.051 


R-45 


0.027 


0.022 


R-19 


0.049 


^ 


R-46 


0.027 


0.021 


R-20 


0.048 


0.047 


R.47 


0.026 


0.021 


R-2r 


0.047 


0.045 
0.043 
0.041 


-. 


R-48 


0.026 


0.020 


R-22 


0.045 


R-49 


0.026 


0.020 


R-23 


0.043 




R-50 


0.026 


0.020 


R-24 


0.042 


0.040 




R-51 


0.025 


0.019 


R-25 


0.040 


0.038 




R-52 


0.025 


0.019 


R-26 


0.039 


0.037 




R-53 


0.025 


0.019 


R-27 


0.038 


0.035 


1 R.54 


0.025 


0.018 


R.28 


0.037 
0.036 


0.034 




R-55 


0.024 


0.018 


R-29 


0.033 




R-56 


0.024 


0.018 


R-30 


0.035 


0.032 




R.57 


0.024 


0.018 


R-31 


0.034 


0.031 




R-58 


0.024 
0.024 


0.017 


R-32 


0.O34 


0.030 




R-59 


0.017 



(a) R-values represent the sum of the ceiling cavity insulation plus the R-value of insulating sheathing (if used.) For 
example, R-19 cavity insulation plus R-5 sheathing is reported as R-24 ceiling insulation. For ventilated ceilings, 
insulating sheathing must be placed betvi/een the conditioned space and the ventilated portion of the roof (typically 
applied to the trusses or rafters immediately behind the diywal! or other ceiling flnish material.) 

(b) To receive credit for raised framing, the insulation must achieve its full thickness over the exterior walls, or non- 
compressible insulation must be used to achieve full R-value. 



TABLE J6.2^b 
Frame Wail U-vataes 



Insulation R- Value® 


16-in.O.C. 
Wall U- Value 


2'i'in. O.C. 
Wall U-Value 


R-0 


0.238 


0.241 


R-7 


0.105 


0.104 


R-8 


0.099 


0.097 


R-9 


0.094 


0.092 


R-10 


0.090 


0.088 


R-ll 


0.089 


0.087 


R-12 


0.085 


0.083 


R.13 


0.082 


0.080 


R-14 


0.079 


0.077 


R-15 


0.077 


0.074 


R-16 


0.066 


0.064 


R-17 


0.064 


0.062 


R-18 


0.062 


0.060 


R-19 


0.060 


0.059 


R-20 


0.059 


0.057 


R-21 


0.057 


0.056 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.19 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Insulation R-Valuc" 


16-in. O.C. 
Wall U-Value 


24-in. O.C. 
Wall U-Value 


R-22 


0.056 


0.054 


R-23 


0.055 


0.053 


R-24 


0.054 


0.052 


R-25 


0.053 


0.051 


R-26 


0.052 


0.050 


R.27 


0.051 


0.049 


R-28 


0.050 


0.048 



(a) U-va!ues are for uncompressed insulation. 

(b) Wall R-values are the sum of the cavity insulation plus insulating sheathing (if used.) 

TABLE J6.2.2C 
16 inches O.C. Metal Frame Wall U-values 





Insulatin.? Sheathing R-Value 


Cavity 
R-Value 


R-0 


R'2 


R-3 


R-4 


R-5 


R-6 


R-7 


R-8 


R-9 


R-10 


R-0 


0.270 


0.205 


0.170 


0.146 


0.127 


0.113 


0.101 


0.092 


0.084 


0.078 


R-ll 


0.120 


0.106 


0.096 


0.087 


0.080 


0.074 


0.069 


0.065 


0.061 


0,057 


R-I3 


0.114 


0.100 


0.091 


0.084 


0.077 


0.072 


0.067 


0.063 


0.059 


0.056 


R-15 


0.109 


0.096 


0.088 


0.081 


0.075 


0.070 


0.065 


0.061 


0.058 


0.054 


R-19- 


0.101 


0.090 


0.083 


0.077 


0.071 


0.066 


0.062 


0.059 


0.055 


0.052 


R-21 


0.098 


0.088 


0.081 


0.075 


0.070 


0.065 


0.061 


0.058 


0.054 


0.052 


R-9S 


094 


n,0R5 


on?}? 


071 


068 


0,061 


0,060 


056 


0.051 


nn^i 



TABLE J6.2.2d 
24 inches O.C. Metal Frame Wall U-values 





Insulating Sheathing R-Value 


Cavity 
R'Value 


R-0 


R-2 


R-3 


R-4 


R-5 


R-6 


R-7 


R-8 


R-9 


R-10 


R-0 


0.270 


0.205 


0.170 


0.146 


0.127 


0.113 


0.101 


0.092 


0.084 


0.078 


R-Il 


0.106 


0.104 


0.086 


0.080 


0.074 


0.069 


0.064 


0.060 


0.057 


0.054 


R-13 


0.100 


0.98 


0.082 


0.076 


0.071 


0.066 


0.062 


0.058 


0.055 


0.052 


R-15 


0.094 


0.093 


0.078 


0.073 


0.068 


0.063 


0.060 


0.056 


0.053 


0.051 


R-19 


0.088 


0.086 


0.074 


0.069 


0.064 


0.060 


0.057 


0.054 


0.051 


0.049 


R-21 


0.085 


0.084 


0.072 


0.067 


0.063 


0.059 


0.056 


0.053 


0.050 


0.048 


R.^^; 


081 


nosn 


069 


064 


060 


nn-?? 


0,0M 


OO*?! 


049 


046 



TABLE J6.2.2e 
Floor U-values 



Insulation R-Value 


Floor U-Value 


R-0 


0.249 


R-7 


0.096 


R-ll 


0.072 


R-13 


0.064 


R-15 


0.057 


R-19 


0.047 


R-21 


0.044 


R-26 


0.037 


R-30 


0.033 



760.20 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW=RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

TABLE J6.2o2ff 
Basement U-vaiues 



Insulation 


Basement Wall 


Insulation 


Basement Wall 


R-Value 


CAFfl/ttc 


— 


R-Value 


U' Value 


R-0 


0.360 


R-IO 


0.072 


R-1 


0.244 




R»ll 


0.067 


R-2 


0.188 




R.12 


0.062 


R-3 


0.155 




R-13 


0.059 


R-4 


0.132 




R-14 


0.055 


R»5 


0.115 




R-I5 


0.052 


R-6 


0.102 




R-I6 


0.050 


R.7 


0.092 




R-17 


0.047 


R-8 


0.084 




R-1 8 


0.045 


R-9 


0.077 




R-19 
R.2n 


0.043 
0.041 



(a) Insulation R-values represent the sum of exterior and/or interior insulation. Basement walls must be insulated from 
the top of the basement wall to ten ft. below ground level, or to the floor of the basement, whichever is less. 



Slab F-valyes 





Slab U-Value 


Perimeter Insulation 
R-Value 


24-in. 
Insulation Depth 


48-in. 
Insulation Depth 


R-0 


1.04 


1.04 


R-l 


0.91 


0.89 


R-2 


0.86 


0.83 


R-3 


0.83 


0.79 


R-4 


0.82 


0.76 


R-5 


0.80 


0.74 


R-6 


0.79 


0.73 


R-7 


0.79 


0.71 


R-8 


0.78 


0.70 


R-9 


0.77 


0.69 


R-10 


0.77 


0.68 


R-ll 




0.68 


R.12 




0.67 


R-13 




0.66 


R-I4 




0.66 


R-l 5 




0.65 


R-16 




0.65 


R.17 




0.65 


R-l 8 




0.64 


R-19 




0.64 


R.20 




0.64 







TABLE J6,2«2h 
U-value Requirements by Climate Zone 






Climate 
Zone 


Ceiling U- 
value 


|'"g.!« Multi- 

^-'^ PamilyWall 

,, , , U-value 
U-value 


Floor U- 
value 


Basement 

Wall 

U-value 


Unhealed 

Slab 
F-value 


Heated 

Slab 

F-value 


12 


0.026 


0.13 0.22 


0.05 


0.079 


0.80 


0.79 


13 


0.026 


0.12 0.20 


0.05 


0.078 


0.74 


0.71 


14 


0.026 


0.11 0.18 


0.05 


0.077 


0.73 


0.70 



Note I : Buildings heated by electric resistance require a U=0. J 05 for a Single Family Wall U-value in all zones. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Si.xth Edition 



760.21 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

Manual Trade-Off Worksheet 



Buiider Name 



Builder Address 

Site Address 

Submitted By 



Date- 



Zoneni2 DlS DM 



Phone . 



Permit # 



Checked By 



Date 



PROPOSED 
Ceilings. Skylights, and Floors Over Outside Air 



Description 



Insulation 
R-Value 



xNetArea 



U-Value 



Ceiling 
(Table J6.2.2a) 



Floor Over Outside Air 
(Table J6.2.2a) 



Walls. Windows, and Doors 



Description 



Insulation 
R-Value 



Total Area 



U-Value 



le 



te 



fe 



te 



ft^ 



x Net 
Area 



Walls 

(Table J6.2.2b.c.d) 



Windows 

(NFRC or Table J 1.5.3a) 



Doors 

(NFRC or Table Jl. 5.3b) 



Sliding Glass Doors 
(NFRC or Table J 1.5.3a) 



Total Area 



tf 



fe 



tf 



tf 



f^ 



te 



te 



Floors and Foundations 



Statement of Compliance: The proposed building design represented in 
these documents is consistent with the building plans, specifications, 
and other calculations submitted with the pennit application. 



UA 



UA 



REQUIRED 



Required 

U-Value 

(Table J6.2.2h) 



X Area 



UA 



Description 


Insulation 
Depth 


Insulation R- 
Value 


U-Value 


X Area or 
Perimeter 


'=UA 


Floor Over Unconditioned (Table 
Space J6.2.2e) 






f^ 




Basement Wall (Table J6.2.2n 






te 




Unhealed Slab 
(Table J6.2.2p) 


in. 






ft 




Heated Slab 
(Table J6.2.2g) 


in. 






ft 












ft^ 












ft^ 




Total Proposed I 
than or equal to Total (oi 


lA must be less 
■Adjusted) Req 


tired UA 


T 
Propo 


Otal 
sedUA 





Required 
U-Value 



X Area 



UA 



Required 
U-Valuc 


X Area 


= UA 








































Total 
'.quired UA 

Adjusted 
quired UA 




OR Rt 
1 




Re 



Builder/Designer 



Company Name 



Date 



760.22 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



7S0 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 

HVAC Trade-Off Worksheet 



1 . Calculate efficiency Increase in percent: 

EFFj^itd - EFFaandani = "/<> Jncrcase — ^ — =„„__ 

•fci'i' standard 

2. Adjust the % increase according to Trade-off Ratio (Table 1 below): 



{Vo increase X Trade-off Ratio) + 1 = Adjusted Ratio ■ 

3. Adjust Total Required UA (from Manual Trade -Off Worksheet): 

Total Required UA X Adjusted Ratio = Adjusted Required UA- 

4. Use Adjusted Required UA as new Total Required UA, and check if 



Total Proposed UA is now less than or equal to it. 
Total Proposed UA 

(from Manual Trade-Off Worteheet) 



Work Space: 





Total Required UA 



Trade-off Ratios 



|City/Town 


HDD., 


Ratio, fi 


City/Town 


HDD,, 


Ratio. B 


Amherst 


6404 


1.15 • 


- 


Hyannis 


6137 


1.13 


Bedford 


6521 


1.15 


Lawrence 


6322 


1.14 


Blue Hill 


6398 


1.15 




Middleton 


6268 


1.14 


Boston 
Brocton 


5641 


1.11 




Nantucket 


5848> 


1.12 


6225 


1.14 




New Bedford 


5426 


1. 10 


Chatham 


6058 


1.13 


- 


Plymouth 


6333 


1.14 


Clinton 


6698 


1.16 


Provincetown 


6044 


1.13 
1.14 


East Wareham 


6297 


1.14 




Rochester 


6267 


Edgartown 


5916 


1.13 




Springfield 


5754 


1.12 


Falmouth 
Framingham 


5713 


1.12 




Stockbridge 


7060 


1.17 


6262 


1.14 




Taunton 


6346 


1.14 


Haverhill 


6413 


1.15 




Tully Lake 
Worcester 


7552 
6979 


1.19 
1.17 











NAECA Minimum Equipment Efftciencles' 




1 Equipment Tvpe 


Minimum 




Equipment Type 


Minimum 


Furnace 


78 AFUE 




Heat Pump: Heating Mode 


6.8 HSPF 


Boiler: Except Gas Steam 


80 AFUE 


_ 


Heat Pump: Cooling Mode 


10 SEER 


Boiler Gas Steam 


75 AFUE 


Air Conditioner 


10 SEER 



1 . Note: No Trade-off available for electric Resistance Heating. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.23 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR J7.0 RESTOENTIAL BUILDING 
DESIGN BY MAScheck SOFTWARE 

(Also see 780 CMR JL 1.3) 
Compliance Approach #5 

Notes: 

1. The lAAScheck Software produces similar 
results to the Component Performance Approach 
stated in 780 CMR J6.0. However, the software 
produces results in less time, performs trade-offs 
quickly, and creates a spread sheet of building 
components and an inspection report 

2. Installation and operating mstructions are 
contained in the Users Guide, which comes with 
MAScheck Software. 

3. Minimum computer requirements for 
operating MAScheck Software are: 

(a) a personal computer with the Intel 80386 
(386) processor (or higher), 

(b) a 3/2" diskette drive, 

(c) 530 kilobytes (KB) of conventional RAM 
memory, 

(d) a hard disk with 1 megabyte (MB) of free 
disk space, 

(e) VGA or Super VGA monitor, 

(f) MS-DOS Version 3. 1 or later, 

(g) Microsoft-compatible mouse is highly 
recommended but not required. 

J7.1 Scope 

J7.1.1 General: Buildings constructed to 
780 CMR J7.0 that are heated and/or 
mechanically cooled shall meet the applicable 
requirements of 780 CMR J7.0 and 780 CMR 
J4.0. 

J7.2 Exterior Envelope Requirements 

J7.2.1 General: To determine thermal 
transmittance compliance with the various wall, 
roof and floor assemblies, the MASc/iecfc 
Software analysis must be completed, and the 
"Your Home" UA value must be less than or 
equal to the "Required" UA value calculated by 
the software. 

780 CMR J8.0 RESIDENTIAL BUIUDING 
DESIGN BY SYSTEMS ANALYSIS 

("Total Energy Analysis ") 
(Also see 780 CMR J 1.1. 3) 
Compliance Approach U4 

Notes: 

1. The Systems Design Analysis outlined in 
780 CMR J8.0 is the most refined means for 
Energy Code compliance. 

2. If the proposed design takes credit for reduced 
air changes per hour (below 0.5 ACH), 



documentation of post-construction testing to 

verify air change rate shall be provided. 

3. Calculation tools shall be approved by the 

BBRS. 

J8.1 Scope 

J8.1.1 General: 780 CMR J8 establishes design 
criteria in terms of total energy use by a 
residentid building, including all of its systems. 

J8.2 Systems Analysis 

J8.2.1 Energy Analysis: Compliance with 
780 CMR J8 will require an analysis of the annual 
energy uiaige, hereinafter called an annual energy 
analysis. 

Exception: 780 CMR J4 and J6 establish 
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 Appendix J. 

A building designed in accordance with 780 
CMR J8 will be deemed as complying with 
Appendix J if the calculated annual energy 
consumption is not greater than a similar 
building (defined as a "standard design") 
whose enclosure elements and energy- 
consuming systems are designed in accordance 
with 780 CMR J4 and J6. 

For a proposed alternate building design to 
be considered similar to a "standard design," it 
shall utilize the same energy source(s) and 
equipment types for the same functions and 
have equal floor area and the same ratio of 
thermal envelope area to floor area, exterior 
design conditions, occupancy, climate data, 
and usage operational schedule. 

Building designs and energy calculations 
shall he supported by documentation consistent 
with Massachusetts registration laws for engin- 
eers aind architects, and otherwise consistent 
with the requirements of Appendix J. 

J8.2.1.1 Input values for Group R 
buildmgs: The following input values shall be 
used in calculating annual energy performance. 
The requirements of 780 CMR J8 specifically 
indicate which variables shall remain constant 
between the standard building and the 
proposed building calculations. The standard 
building shall be a base-version of the design 
that directly complies with the provisions of 
Appendix J4 and J6. The proposed building 
may utilize a design that is demonstrated, 
through calculations satisfactory to the 
building official, to have equal or lower annual 
energy use than the standard design. 



760.24 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



• 780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUE.DING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW=RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 



Glazing Systems 

Orientation of the standard design 
Shading, standard design 



Equal area on north, south, east and west exposures. 

Draperies shall be assumed to be closed during periods of 

mechanical air conditioning operation. 

Glazing areas in the standard design shall not be provided with 
extra exterior shading beyond shading that is provided by typical 
construction practices — such as roof overiiangs. Energy 
performance Impacts of added exterior shading for glazing areas 
may be accounted for in the proposed design for a specific 
building, provided that the actual installation of such systems is 
approved by the building official Results from exterior shading 
calculations on one proposed building shall not be used for groups 
of buildings. 

Heat Storage (Thermal Mass) 

Internal mass .8 pounds per square foot (39 kg/m^ 

Structural mass ^ 3.5 pounds per square foot ( 1 7 kg/m*) 

Passive solar building designs shall utilize at least 45 Btu/'F (26 kJ/'C) of additional thennal mass, per square foot (m^ 

of added glass area, when added south-facing glass area exceeds 33% of the total glass area in walls. 

Building Thermal Envelope — Surface Area and Volume 



Floor, walls, ceiling 
Foundation and floor type: 

Glazings, including sl^rlights 



Doors of TYPE I structures 
Building volume 

PARAMETER 



The standard and proposed designs shall have equal areas. 

The foundation and floor type for both the standard and the 

proposed design shall be equal. 

The area of glazing in the standard design shall not be greater than 

the area of glazing in the proposed design. The U^-value of the 

standard design shall be selected to permit calculated U.-wall 

compliance of the standard design. 

The standard design shall have at least 40 square feet (3.7 m*) of 

door area. 

The volumes of both the standard and proposed design shall be 



VALUE 



Thermostat (constants) 

Heating set point 

Cooling set point 

Night set back 

Set back duration 

Number of set-back periods 

h/Iaximum number of zones 

Number of thermostats per zone 
Internal Sensible Heat Gains (constants) 

TYPE I Units 
TYPE II Units 

Domestic Water Heater (calculate, then constants) 

Temperature set point laO'F (49*0) 

Daily hot water consumption Gallons = (30 x «* - units) + 

(10 x«- bedrooms) 

a units = number of living units in proposed design (n). 

b bedrooms = number of bedrooms in each living unit. 



eS^F. (20»C.) 

78°F. (26*C.) 

60°F. (16°C.) 

7 hours 

l(n)' 

2 

1 

1,500 Bni/hr (440 W) 
3,000 Btu/hr (879 W) 



Site Weather Data (constaBts) 
The typical meteorological year (TMY), or its 
"Ersatz" equivalent, from the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Table 
J3.2.1, or an approved equivalent, for the closest 
available location shall be used. 

Distribution System Loss Factors 

Ouct Location 

Mode Outside inside 

Heating 0.75 1. 00 

Cooling 0.80 1.00 



The Heating and Cooling Systems Efficiency 
shall be proportionally adjusted for those portions 
of the ductwork located outside or inside the 
conditioned space using the values shown above, 
in the following equation: 



AdJMSted System Efficiency = 
Equipment Efficiency x Distribution Loss 
Factor x percent of ducts outside + Equipment 
Efficiency x Distribution Loss Factor x percent 
of ducts inside. 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.25 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGUL«lTIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Note: Ducts located in a space which 
contains a positive heat supply shall be 
considered as in an inside location. 

Air Infiltration 

Air changes per hour (ACH) for the standard 
design is 0.50 (for purposes of calculation only). 
If the proposed design takes credit for ACH 
levels below 0.50, results of a post-construction 
blower-door test shall be provided to the building 
official using Standard ASTM E 779, as listed in 
Appendix A. 

J8.2.2 Design: The standard design, conforming 
to the criteria of Residential Building Design by 
Component Performance Approach or Residential 
Building Design by Acceptable Practice and the 
proposed alternative design shall be designed on 
a common basis as specified herein: 

1 . The comparison shall be expressed as Btu 
input per square foot of gross floor area per 
year .at building site. 

2. If the proposed alternative design results in 
an increase in consumption of one energy 
source and a decrease in another energy source, 
even though similar sources are used for 
similar purposes, the difference in each energy 
source shall be converted to equivalent energy 
units for purposes of comparing the total 
energy used. 

3. The different energy sources shall be 
compared on the basis of energy use at the site 
where: lkWh = 3,41 3 Btu. 

J8.2.3 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 and cooling load 
calculation procedures used for annual energy 
consumption analysis shall be detailed to 
permit the evaluation of effect of factors 
specified in 780 CMR J8.2.4. 

2. The calculation procedure used to simulate 
the operation of the building and its service 
systems through a full-year operating period 
shall be detailed 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 systems and equipment. The 
calculation procedure shall be based upon 
8,760 hours of operation of the building and its 
service systems and shall utilize the design 
methods specified in ASHRAE Handbook of 
Fundamentals, ASHRAE HVAC Systems and 
Applications Handbook, ASHRAE, Energy 
Calculations I, ASHRAE, Energy Calculations 
II, each as listed in Appendix A. 



J8 J.4 Calculation Procedure: The calculation 
procedure shall cover the following items: 

1. Design requirements — Environmental 
requirements as reqtiired in 780 CMR J3. 

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, 
mass, air, moisture, and heat transfer 
characteristics. 

4. Operational characteristics ~ Temperature, 
humidity, ventilation, illumination, control 
mode for occupied and unoccupied hours. 

5. Mechanical equipment — Design capacity, 
part load proflle. 

6. Building loads - Internal heat generation, 
lighting, equipment, number of people during 
occupied and unoccupied periods. 

J8.2.4.1 Use of Approved Calculation Tool: 

The same calculation tool shall be used to 
estimate the aimual energy usage for space 
heating and cooling of the standard design and 
the proposed design. 

J8.2.5 Documentation: Proposed alternative 
designs, submitted as requests for exception to the 
standard design criteria, shall be accompanied by 
an energ;^^ analysis comparison report. The report 
shall provide technical detail on the two building 
and system designs and on the data used in and 
resulting from the comparative analysis to verify 
that botli the analysis and the designs meet the 
criteria of 780 CMR J8 of Appendix J. 

Exception: Proposed alternative designs for 
one and two family dwellings and multifamily 
buildings having a conditioned floor area of 
5,000 square feet (464 m-) or less are exempted 
from the full-year analysis described in 
780 CMR J8.3 and J8.4. However, comparison 
of heating, cooling and service water heating 
equipment energy consumption between the 
alternative design and the standard design shall 
be provided. 

780 CMR J9.0 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING 

DESIGN UTILIZING RENEWABLE 

ENERGY SOURCES 

(Also see 780 CMR JI. 1.3) 
Compliance Approach #5 

Notes: 

1 . The Renewable Energy approach outlined in 
780 CMR J9.0 allows for portions of a proposed 
building's energy use to be discounted when 
performing energy compliance calculations. 

2. 780 CMR J9.0 must be used in conjunction 
with 780 CMR J8.0. 



li 



760.26 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
ENERGY CONSERVATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS 



J9.0 Renewable Energy Source Analysis 

J9ol General: A proposed building utilizing solar, 
geothermal, wind or other renewable energy sources 
for all or part of its energy source shall meet the 
requirements of 780 CMR J8.0, except such 
renewable energy may be excluded from the total 
annual energy consumption allowed for the building 
by780CMRJ8.0. 

J9.1,l To qualify for this exclusion, such 
renewable energy must be derived from a specific 
collection, storage, and distribution system. The 
solar energy passing through windows shall also 
be considered as quaUiying if such windows are 
provided with: 

Operable insulation shutters or other devices 
which, when drawn or closed, shall cause the 
window area to reduce maximum outward heat 
flows to those in accordance with 780 CMR 
J4.3.2. 

J9.1<,2 Exclusion shall be granted for solar energy 
passing through windows provided: 

1 . The glass is double or triple pane insulating 
glass with a low emittance coating on one or 
more air space surfaces of the glass, or 
insulating glass with a low-emittance plastic 
film suspended in the air space, and 

2. The glass areas are shaded from direct solar 
radiation during periods when mechanical 
cooling is requested. 

J9.13 Other criteria covered in 780 CMR J8.0 
shall apply to the proposed altemative designs 
utilizing renewable energy sources of energy. 

J9.2 Documentation: Proposed altemative designs 
submitted as requests for exception to the standard 
design criteria shall be accompanied by an energy 
analysis, as specified in 780 CMR J8.0. The report 
shall provide technical detail on the altemative 
building and systems designs and on the data 
employed in and resulting from the comparative 
analysis as to verify that both the analysis and the 
designs meet criteria of 780 CMR J8.0. 

The energy derived from renewable sources and 
the reduction in conventional energy requirements 
derived from nocturnal cooling shall be separately 
identified from the overall building energy use. 
Supporting documentation on the basis of 
performance estimates for the aforementioned 
renewable energy sources or nocturnal cooling 
means must be submitted. 



ExcepMon: Proposed altemative designs for 
residential buildings of less than 20,000 square 
feet (1858 m^) that derive a minimum of 30% of 
their total annual energy usage from renewable 
energy sources or from nocturnal cooling shall be 
exempt from the requirement of a full-year energy 
system analysis, providing that the annual input of 
such renewable sources or the extent of such 
nocturnal cooling can be expected to meet the 
demands imposed by the proposed altemative 
design. 

780C3ViRjm(D VAUDHY 

if a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of 
Appendix J is, for any reason, held to be 
unconstitutional, such section shall not affect the 
validity of the remaining portions of 780 CMR. 

J11.0 Home Eoesigy Hating 

Jllol General: A proposed building, for which the 
builder or the buyer obtains a Home Energy Rating 
by an accredited Home Energy Rating System 
(HERS), will be considered to comply with the 
intent of Appendix J if the rating score on the 
building is 83.0 or more points. 

JILU Accreditatloii: Accreditation of the rating 
organization or agency with the Residential 
Energy Services Network (RESNET) or the 
Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources is 
required for acceptance of the energy rating as a 
compliance tool for Appendix J. 

J1llolo2 Rating Score: The minimum compliance 
score of 83 points will be based on the national 
HERS Council's guidelines for Home Energy 
Ratings, and the rating score shall be determined 
with an acceptable software analysis program as 
required by I5^SNET accreditation procedures, on 
a scale of 0-100 points. 

J11.2 Dociunentatlon: Compliance report which 
includes a proposed Energy Rating score of 83.0 or 
more points, a description of the building's energy 
features, and a statement that the rating score is 
"based on plans" will be required for issuance of a 
building permit. A copy of the final rating certificate 
indicating the score of 83.0 or more points for the 
finished building will be submitted to the building 
official before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued. 



1/19/01 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



760.27 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS A>D STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



APPENDIX J 


REFERENCED STANDARDS 


Standard Reference Number 


Where Referenced in Appendix J (by Section Number) 


ACCA Manual D 


J4.4.8 


ANSI/ASMEPTC4.1 


Table J4.4.3.2a 


ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 


Table J4.4.3.4e 


ANSIZ21.10.3 


J4.5.2 


ANSIZ21.47 


Table J4.4.2.2c 


ANSIZ21.56 


J4.5.2 


ANZI Z21.13 


Tables J4.4.3.2a; J4.4.3.3b 


ANZIZ83.8 


Table J4.4.3,2b 


ANZIZ83.9 


Table J4.4.3.2b 


ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook 


J4.4.8 


ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and 
Equipment 


J4.4.8 


ASHRAE 55 


J2.0 


ASTME779 


J8.2.1.1 


ARI 210/240 


Tables J4.4.3. 3a; J4.4.3.4a-d 


ARI320 


Tables J4.4.3.3c;J4.4.3.4c 


ARI 325 


Tables J4.4.3.3d;J4.4.3.4d 


ARI 340 


Tables J4.4.3.3d;J4.4.3.4f 


ARI 360 


Table J4.4.3.4f (also see 780 CMR 13, Table 131 1.6) 


ARI 365 


Table J4.4.3.4f 


ARI 380 


J2.0; Table J4.4.3.3b 


ARI 550 


Table J4.4.3.4f (also see 780 CMR 13, Table 131 1.6) 


CTI Standard 201 


Tables J4.4.3.4b,c £ind f (also see 780 CMR 13, Table 131 1 .6) 


Code of Federal Regulations, 
10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, 
Test Procedures 


J2.0; Tables J4.4.3.2a and c; Table J4.5.2 


NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction 
Standards 


J4.4.8 


SMACNA Duct Construction Standards, 
Metal and Flexible 


J4.4.8 


SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction 
Standards 


J4.4.8 


UL726 


Table J4.4.3.2a 


UL727 


Table J4.4.3.2c 


UL731 


Tables J4.4.3.2b; J4.4.3.4f 


UL795 


Table J4.4.3.2a 



ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Washington, DC 

ANSI American National Standards Institute, Inc., New York, NY 

ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., Atlanta, GA 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA 

ARI Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, Arlington, VA 

CTI Cooling Tower hstitute, Houston, TX 

NAIMA North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Alexandria, VA 

SMACNA Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, Inc., Chantilly, VA 

UL Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL 



760.28 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



APPENDIX K 



■ FLOOR PROTECTOR THERMAL CONDUCTIYITY CALCULATIONS 
(Reference 780 CMR 3610J.1 and 3610.6.7.1.1) 



OVERVIEW 

Floor protection requirements for heat producing 
appliances are typically included as part of the 
tested/listed installation criteria for such appliances. 

Such floor protection, listed as a thermal 
conductivity factor is often developed utilizing 
NFPA SUBJECT 1618, "OUTLINE OF 
INVESTIGATION FOR WALL PROTECTORS, 
FLOOR PROTECTORS, AND HEARTH 
EXTENSIONS". (Note that an NFPA SUBJECT is 
not treated nor maintained in the same manner as an 
NFPA STANDARD). 

When floor protection is developed utilizing OTPA 
SUBJECT 1618, or developed via "good Engineer^ 
ing Practice", such methodology will typically estab- 
lish floor protection based on % inch millboard. 

As the thermal conductivity of such millboard can 
vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, it will be 
necessary to obtain the thermal conductivity value 
from a specific manufacturer for a specific millboard 
product. 

Typical thermal conductivity values can range from: 

k = 0.21 (Btu) (inch) / (foot^) (hour) ("F) 

to 
k = 0.84 (Btu) (inch) / (foot^) (hour) ("F) 

Thus the necessity for product specific themial 
conductivity. 

Note that the lower the algebraic value of "k", the 
lower the thermal conductivity and the less heat per 
given time that is transferred across the floor 
protector. 

Note that in the following discussions it is necessary 
to maintain consistent dimensions ° i.e.; in dealing 
with the thickness of materials, do not mix feet with 
inches, but rather keep all dimensions in inches. 

COMPLIANCE 

If the manufacturer of the appliance specifies an 
acceptable material and thickness- for floor 
protection it is necessary, utilizing that specific 
material with specific thermal conductivity, k, to 
meet or exceed the thickness specified in order to 
assure compliance with the listed floor protection 
requirements of the appliance. 

ESTTABUSHING EQUIVALENCY 

If it is determined that another material of different 
thermal conductivity is desired to be utilized for 
floor protection (i.e., perhaps for aesthetic reasons or 



in order to minimize the thickness of the floor 
protector) and noting that the thermal conductivity, 
k, is linear as a frmction of thickness (for a given 
single material) then: 

k,/t,=k2/t2, 

where: 
k = thermal conductivity in 

(Btu) (inch) / (foot^) (hour) ("F) and 
t = thickness in inches 

and therefore knowing any three of the variables of 
k and t allows one to solve for the remaining 
variable; i.e., : 

Knowing kj, ti and t2, one can solve for k^: 
k2=(k,)(t2)/(t,) 

Knowing k,, %i and ki, one can solve for t2: 
t2 = (k2)(t,)/(k,) 

COMPOSITE FLOOR PROTECTOR 
ASSEMBLIES 

When an assembly consists of more than one 
material, the assembly is defined as a composite 
'•material". 

When a floor protector is constructed of more tkm 
one material; i.e., some form of backer board with 
decorative tile over, it is helpful to first establish the 
thermal resistance, r, of each material as thermal 
resistances may be directly added together and then 
convert the resulting total R to an equivalent 
thermal conductivity. 

r = (foot^) (hour) (°F)/(Btu) (inch) and; 

R = (r)(t) 

where r is for a particular material in the composite 
and t is the thickness of that particular material. 

Thus for the two-material example of backer board 
plus decorative tile, 

R total ~ ^ backer Board "*" ^ decorative tile 

and; 

^backerboard "(^ backer board) ( ^ backer board) 

and; 

R tile ~ ( f tile ) ( ^ tile ) 

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN k AND R 

By definition: 

R = ( 1/k) ( t ) for each distinct material 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



761 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



762 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



APPENDIX L 



SCHEDULE OF FEES 



L lo® Fee Schedule: In accordance with the author- 
ity conferred by M.G.L. c 143, § 94, the State Board 
of Building Regulations and Standards hereby estab- 
lishes the following fees as specified in Table L-1. 

Excepltions: 

1 . Fees for projects which are under the jurisdic- 
tion of a city or town shall be as duly established 
by said city or town in accordance with 780 CMR 



1 14.0. 

2. Fees for construction related licenses issued by 
a city or town shall be in accordance with fee 
schedules established by said city or town. 

3. Fees for administrative appeals hearings in 
cities of towns having duly established building 
code appeals boards in accordance with 780 CMR 
122 shall be as established by said city or town. 



Table L=l 



Fee Item 



Period of 
Certification or 

Licensure 



L 



(Doliars) 




Concrete Testin g Laboratory 

Initial license . . 
Renewal 

^ Concrete Test TcchniclaB - Class A 

Initial license 

Renewal ; 

Initial license & Renewal Fees for employees of: municipalities, 
counties, Federal Government, Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts or any department, commission, agency or 
authority of, or created by the Commonwealth 

Examination 

Manufactured Buildings 

Manufacturer - initial certification (per system) 

Manufacturer -renewal of certification 

Labels per unit 

Replacement label 

Labels per component 

Inspection Agency - initial certification 

Inspection Agency - certification renewal 

Registration of Producers of Native Lumber 

Initial registration fee 
Registration renewal . 

Construction Supervisor License (CSL) 

Unrestricted license (any building enclosing up to 35,< 
ctablc feet of space) 

Initial license 

Renewal 

Examination fee 

Restricted License (one and two family dwellings) 

Initial license 

Renewal 

Examination fee 

Restricted License - Masonry only 

Initial license 

Renewal 

Examination fee 



780 or M.G.L. 

Authority or 

Reference 



780 CMR Rl 




50.00 
50.00 

No Fee 



Note 1 



780 CMR R2 

780 CMR R2. 1.9 
780 CMR R2. 1.11 
780 CMR R2. 1.9 



780 CMR R2. 1.7 



780 CMR R3 




One year 
One year 
Per label 
Per label 
Per label 
One year 
One year 



1200.00 
650.00 
50.00 
2.00 
2.00 
500.00 
500.00 



780 CMR R3. 18.1 
780 CMR R3. 18.3 
780 CMR R3. 18.4 
780 CMR R3. 18.4 
780 CMR R3. 18.4 
780 CMR R3. 18.2 
780 CMR R3. 18.3 

780 CMR R4 




780 CMR R4. 1.4 
780 CMR R4. 1.5 

780 CMR R5 



780 CMR R5.2.5 
780 CMR R5.2.5 
780 CMR R5.2.5 

780CMRR5.2.5 
780CMRR5.2.5 
780CMRR5.2.5 

780CMRR5.2.5 
780CMRR5.2.5 
780 CMR R5.2.5 



1 1/27/98 



780 CMfl.-Sixth.Ediiion 



.762.1 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Fee Item 


Period of 

Certification or 

Licensure 


Fee 
(Dollars) 


780 or M.G.L. 

Authority or 

Reference 


Home Improvement Contractor Registration 


M.G.L. c 142A & 
780 CMR R6 


Initial Certiflcatlon (applicants holding CSL License) 


Two years 
Two years 
Two years 
Two years 

Note 2 
Note 2 
Note 2 
Note 2 


No fee 
100.00 
No fee 
100.00 

100.00 
200.00 
300.00 
500.00 




Initial Application (all other applicants) 


Renewal (applicants holding CSL License) 


Renewal (all other applicants) 

Guaranty Fund Payment (upon Initial registration - all 
applicants) 

0-3 employees 

4-10 employees 

1 1-30 employees 

over 30 employees 


Certification of Building Commissioners, Inspectors of 
Bulldiiigs and Local Inspectors. 


M.G.L. c 143 § 3 & 
780 CMR R7 


Certification fee 




no fee 
Notel 

Reserved 




Examination registration 


Continuing education programs provided directly by 
the Board of Building Regulations and Standards 




State Building Code Appeal Board 


M.G.L. c 143 § 100 


Administrative Hearing 


Per hearing 


150.00 


780 CMR 122.3.1 


Structural Peer Review Advisory Board 


780 CMR 125 


Mediation Hearing 




No fee 


780 CMR 125.3 




Building Permits and Construction Inspection for State 

Projects (except Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 

Projects) subject to 780 CMR and under the Jurisdiction of 


M.G.L. c 143 §§ 93 & 

94 

M.G.L. c 143 § 3A 


Plans examination, construction inspection, issuance of building 
permit and certificate of and occupancy 

Note: This fee structure shall be deemed to include, but not be 
limited to, electrical, plumbing mechanical and fire protection 
work. Fees shall not be permitted to be levied by local 
jurisdictions. 


Per building or 
structure. 


0.001 times 

the contract 

amount 

(Note 3) 


M.G.L. c 143 §§ 93 & 
94 


Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Projects 


M.G.L.cl61A§18 


Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Projects subject to 
780 CMR 




No fee 


M.G.L. cl6IA§ 18 




Periodic Inspections of Existing Buildings under the 
Public Safety 


780 CMR 106.5 & 
M.G.L. c 111 


Hospitals and Clinics (certificate of inspection) 
First 1 00 beds 


Two years 
Two years 

Two years 


50.00 
10.00 

50.00 


M.G.L. c 11 1§ 51 
M.G.LC1115 71 


Each additional 25 beds 


Infirmaries; Convalescent Homes; Nursing Homes; Charitable 
Homes for the Aged; Rest Homes; Intermediate Care Facilities 
for the Mentally Retarded, (certificate of insnection) 



762.2 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition. 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SCHEDULE OF FEES 

T 




Notes; 

1 . Examination fees established by examining institution. 

2. M.G.L. c 142 A § 11 provides that additional payments into the guaranty fund may be required if the fund 
administrator determines that the amount of the fund is insufficient to maintain it at a level commensurate with 
claims made against said fund. 

3. Contract amount, for the basis calculation of permit fees, shall include the entire scope of work of the 
project and shall include all incidental constructions. Contract amount, for the basis of calculation of permit 
fees, shall not be deemed to include design fees or any other professional fees associated with construction 
observation or supervision or construction management. 

4. Fees for continuing education of building officials and building code training will be established by the 
agency and may vary due to costs associated with each individual training session. Cost of materials, space 
rental, and contracted instructors, may influence fees. 



1 1/27/98 



780 CMR -Sixth Edition 



762.3 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



.762.4 780 CMR - Sixth Edition . 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780CMRR1 



CONCRETE TESTING LABORATORIES LICENSING 



780CMRR1J ADMINim^TION 

RlJ.l Title As authorized by M.G.L. c. 143, §§ 93 
through 100, and in accordance with 780 CMR 
123.0, establishing the Construction Materials Safety 
Board,780 CMR Rl is adopted for Licensing of 
Concrete Testing Laboratories. 

Rlol.2 Definitions Unless otherwise expressly 
stated m 780 CMR, the following terms shall, for the 
purpose of 780 CMR Rl, have the meamng 
indicated in 780 CMR R1.2: 

Accredited Laboratory: A laboratory which has 
been licensed in accordance with 780 CMR Rl 
bytheBBRS. 

BBRS: State Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards 

Board: Construction Materials Safety Board 
(CMSB). 

Braiish Laboratories: A branch of a Testing 
Laboratory physically removed from the 
location of the headquarters or main testing 
facility of the Testing laboratory. 

Laboratories: Testing laboratoiy, 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 concrete testing services for 
a specific project under the direction of a 
testing or branch laboratory licensed by the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Testing Agency: National Institute of Standards 
and Technology (NIST), Cement and Concrete 
Reference Laboratoiy (CCRL), the Army 
Corps of Engineers, or other agency designated 

bytheBBRS. 

Testtsig Laboratoiy: A proprietorship, 
corporation, partnership or agency which 
conforms to the requirements of ASTM E 329- 
72 as modified in 780 CMR Rl. 

RL1.3 Licensing Alt laboratories defmed by 
780 CMR Rl.1.2 as Testing Laboratories, Branch 
Laboratories and Project Laboratories which are 
engaged in the testing of concrete and concrete 
materials for use in buildings and structures subject 
to control according to the provisions of 780 CMR 



116 will be licensed by the BBRS in accordance 
vdth780CMRRl. 

M.L4 Application for Licensing Each laboratory 
desuing to obtain such license shall make 
application to the BBRS upon such form and in such 
manner as the BBRS shall prescribe and shall 
fenish evidence satisfactory to the BBRS that the 
laboratory equipment meets the requirements of 
780 CMR R1.2 and its management personnel are 
qualified in accordance with 780 CMR R1.4 and .5. 
Such application shall also include payment of the 
licensing fee set forth in 780 CMR Ri.1.8. 

R1.1.S Pre=quallfying Agency The BBRS hereby 
designates the Construction Materials Safety Board 
as its Pre-Qualifying Agency, provided, however, 
that the BBRS 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 performed by the Testing 
Agency and the personnel on each Concrete Testing 
Laboratory application and make its 
recommendation to the BBRS regarding such 
license. 

R1.L6 Testing Agency The BBRS hereby 
designates the Cement and Concrete Reference 
Laboratory of the National Institute 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, 
Ihowever, that the BBRS may revoke such 
designation at any time, and may designate any other 
agency or agencies which it deems qualifed, from 
time to time, to act as its Testing Agency. 

RioL7 Notification of Testing and Testing 
Results The Testing Agency shall notify the 
applicant of the date for evaluation and shall provide 
fihe audited laboratoiy with a report of audit findings. 

Note: Unless specific permission has been granted 
by the BBRS, accredited laboratories must have 
the capability to test both concrete and concrete 
aggregate. 

RLloTol Audit findings response: The audited 
laboratory shall request that the testing agency 
forward a copy of the audit report to the BBRS. 

The audited laboratoiy shall prepare formal 
responses to each and ail audit fmdings and issue 
such response report to the BBRS for reviewt. 
(Also see 780 CMR Rl. 3 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



763 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Rl.1.8 Licensing Fee The fee for licensing shall be 
$150.00 per annum or in accordance with the fee 
schedule established by the BBRS from time to time. 

Rl.1.9 Number and Classification Each 
laboratory so licensed by the BBRS shall be issued 
a number and classification. 

Rl.1.10 Renewals Commencing January 1, 1978, 
all licenses issued shall expire on December 31 of 
the year issued. Within 60 days before the 
expiration date of any such license, the 
Administrator of the BBRS shall forward to each 
laboratory so licensed an application form for 
renewal. Said renewals shall be returned to the 
BBRS by December 31. The said Administrator, 
upon receipt of the completed form and fee, shall 
renew the license for a period of one year or notify 
such applicant of the BBRS's refusal with reasons 
thereof 

Rl.1.11 Penalties Any such person and/or 
laboratory who fails to comply with the 
requirements of 780 CMR Rl or who files a false 
report shall be subject to the penalties and actions as 
prescribed in 780 CMR 118. 

780 CMR R1.2 LABORATORY LICENSING 
REQUIREMENTS 

RL2.1 ASTM Testing Requirements Except as 
modified in 780 CMR Rl, 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. 

RL2.2 ASTM Equipment and Personnel 
Requirements: All laboratories subject to 
780 CMR Rl 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 
persoimel, as modified in 780 CMR Rl. 

780CMRR13 PRE-QUAIJFICATION 
REQUIREMENTS FOR LABORATORIES 

RlJ.l Evaluation: 

a. Testing and branch laboratories subject to 
780 CMR Rl shall be examined and evaluated, 
upon notification from the BBRS, by a testing 
agency designated by the BBRS. The interval 
between such examination and evaluation shall 
not exceed three 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 780 CMR shall conform to the requirements of 
ASTM E 329 as modified by 780 CMR R1.2. 

c. Reports of evaluations by the testing agency 
shall be filed with the BBRS within ten 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 BBRS by the testing 
agency,. 

d. Lal>oratory deficiencies cited in the report of 
the testing agency shall be corrected within 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 BBRS. 

R132 Review of Deficiencies: Laboratories which 
fail to meet the requirements of 780 CMR Rl.3.1 
items c. and d. shall be subject to review and 
revocation of their license by the BBRS. 

RUJ Testing Machines: Compression testing 
machines used for testing materials subject to 
780 CMR Rl shall be calibrated and verified, with 
equipment traceable to the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST), at least annually 
or as required by the BBRS, and the results 
submitted to the BBRS. 

780 CMR Rl^ PERSONNEL 

The manai^ement and supervision of each laboratory 
subject to 780 CMR Rl shall be m accordance with 
the following requirements: 

RL4.1 Required: Each accredited licensed 
Concrete Testing Laboratory must have an 
individual approved by the BBRS in each of three 
distinctly different categories: Director of Testing 
Services, Supervisory 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 780 CMR Rl . 

R1.42 Filing of Qualifications: Each individual 
being certified for a position must submit his or her 
credentials and qualifications under penalty of 
perjury vdth signature notarized. Individuals 
applying for certification in more than one category 
must file separate applications for each position as 
described in 780 CMR R1.5. Application for 
certification shall be filed within 30 days of 
employment for such duties. It is the responsibility 
of the Director of Testing Services to notify the 
BBRS within seven days of any vacancy of any 
position. Any vacant position shall be filled within 
30 days. 



764 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

• CONCRETE TESTING LABORATORIES LICENSING RULES AND REGULATIONS 



780 CMR ms QUALIFICATIONS 
RLSol Quaiificatioiis 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 vi^ho shall 1^ a full- 
time resident employee of that laboratory and shall 
be qualified in accordance with any one of the 
following three sets of requirements: 

a. He or she shall be a Professional Engineer, 
registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
with a least five years of experience in responsible 
charge of work related to Structural Engineering, 
Construction Engineering or Construction 
Materials Testing. 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, 

b. He or she shall have a Bachelor's Degree in 
Engineering &om an accredited institution and an 
additional total of three years experience 
performing tests on concrete and concrete materi= 
als which shall include two years as a laboratory 
technician or supervisor. He or she 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 

c. He or she shall have at least eight years 
experience including five years experience as a 
laboratory technician or supervisor and 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. 

Ri.5.2 Qualiiicatioiis for Supervisory Ltbors- 
tory Teclinidan: A Supervisory Laboratory 
Technician shall have at least five years' experience 
performing tests on construction materials including 
concrete and concrete aggregates. He or she shall be 
subject to demonstrate his ability to perform 
correctly tests of concrete and aggregates as stated in 
ASTM E 329-72. "Class A" accreditation by the 
Pre-Qualifying Agency shall be required as 
qualification for concrete only. (See 780 CMR R2 
Concrete Testing Personnel Licensing Rules and 
Regulations.) 

RLS3 Quailficalioiis for Siapervisosy Field 
Teelmiciaii: A Supervisory Field Technician shall 
have at least five years experience performing tests 
on construction materials including concrete. He or 
she shall be subject to demonstrate either by oral or 
written examination, or both, 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 780 CMR R2 Concrete 
Testing Personnel Licensing Rules and Regulations.) 

780 CMR m.6 PROJECT AFFTOAVir 

In accordance with 780 CMR H0.12, those 
structures subject to control as required in 780 CMR 



1 16, affidavits must be submitted -with the building 
permit application that the individuals and testing 
laboratories responsible for canying out the duties of 
780 CMR 116 have been licensed and registered by 
the BBRS. 

El.6.1 Affidavit: In accordance vrith 780 CMR 
R1.6, an affidavit shall be furnished to the building 
department by the licensed laboratory and shall be 
provided hy the licensed laboratory for each building 
project. 

R1.6o2 Notice of Termiaation: The building 
official shall receive vmtten notification of the 
termination of laboratory functions certifying that 
the ovmet has also been so notified. Such 
termination shall be effective no earlier than three 
working days from the notification received by the 
building official. 

ML63 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 afGdavit shall be filed 
with the buildmg official. 

78© CMR Rl,7 REVOCATION AND 
SUSPENSION PROCEDURES 

MJ.1 Revocation and Suspension: The BBRS 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 780 CMR Rl, 780 CMR, 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 vwth 780 CMR 1 18.6. 

M1J7JZ Notice and Comfference: Prior to 
suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew the 
license of an accredited laboratory, written notice of 
mch intent shall be served by the Construction 
Materials Safety Board of BBRS in accordance with 
780 CMR 1 1 8.6. Within ten calendar days of receipt 
of such notice, the affected accredited laboratory 
may request a conference before a three member 
panel designated by the Chairman of the 
Construction Materials Safety Board; said panel will 
hear facts and make their reconmiendations to the 
Construction Materials Safety Board, who in turn 
shall report such findings to the BBRS for BBRS 
consideration and action. 

RIJJ Effect ofsuspemlosi or revocation: Upon 
suspension or revocation of the license, the accredit- 
ed laboratory shall immediately cease engaging in 
the testing of concrete and concrete materials for use 
In buildings and structures which are subject to the 
provision of 780 CMR 1 16 and no action brought 
before the Board of Appeals as specified in 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



765 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

780 CMR Rl.8.1 or in any court of competent 780 CMR Rl may appeal to the State Building Code 

jurisdiction shall stay the said suspension or Appeals Board as provided in 780 CMR 122; 

revocation unless said Board of Appeals or court however, entry of an appeal from the BBRS's order 

shall issue an order for a stay of the BBRS's of revocation or suspension shall not stay such 

suspension or revocation. revocation or suspension unless so ordered by the 

State BmLdlng Code Appeals Board in a preliminary 

780 CMR Rl,^ APPEALS hearing conducted expressly for the purpose of a 

Rl.8.1 Building Code Appeals Board: Any stay in accordance with that part of 780 CMR 

laboratory or individual aggrieved by the suspension 122.3.2 dealing with procedure required for a 

or revocation of their license or by an interpretation, hearing on such stay, 
order, requirement, direction or failure to act under 



766 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR R2 



CONCRETE TESTING PERSONNEL LICENSING 



780CMRR2,1 ADMINISTRATION 

K2JJ Title: As authorized by M.G.L. c. 143. 
§§93 through 100, and in accordance with 780 
CMR 123.0 establishing the Constraction Materials 
Safety Board, 780 CMR R2 is adopted for Concrete 
Testing Personnel. 

R2ol.2 Definitions: Unless otherwise expressly 
stated in 780 CMR, the following terms, for the 
purpose of 780 CMR R2, shall have the meaning 
indicated in 780 CMR R2.L2. 

BBRS: State Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards 

Board: Construction Materials Safety Board 
(CMSB) 

Concrete Testing Fersonmel: A person issued a 
Class "A" license by the BBRS authorizing 
such person to test/inspect concrete. 

Field Concrete Technician: A person issued a 
Class "A" license by the BBRS to test concrete 
in the field. 

Pre-Qmalifying Agency: Construction Materials 
Safety Board (CMSB) 

Testing Agency: Massachusetts Construction 
Industry Board (MCIB) 

M2.L3 Licensing: All Concrete Personnel engaged 
in the testing/inspection of concrete for use in 
buildings and structures subject to control according 
to the provisions of 780 CMR 116.0 shall be 
licensed by the BBRS in accordance with 780 CMR 
R2. 

E2<,1.4 Application for Licensing: Each- person 
desiring to obtain such license shall make 
application to the BBRS upon such form and in such 
manner as the BBRS shall prescribe and shall 
furnish evidence satisfactory to the BBRS that he is 
qualified to be licensed in accordance with 
780 CMR R2. 

R2.L5 Pre-qualifying Agency: The BBRS hereby 
designates the Construction Materials Safety Board 
as its Pre-Qualiiying Agency, provided however, 
that the BBRS 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 



recommendation to the BBRS regarding such 
license. 

E21o6 Testing Agency: The BBRS 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 BBRS 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 Fre-Qualification Agency 
regarding such license. 

M2J.7 Ejsamination: 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 retesting. The Testing 
Agency is authorized to require the applicant to 
provide all required test equipment. 



]R2.L§ NotincatloD of 
Examination Results: The Testing Agency shall 
notify the applicant of the time and place for the 
examination. The BBRS shall be informed by the 
Testing Agency/Pre-Qualifying Agency of the 
examination results, evaluation and 
recommendations. Within 14 days therefrom, the 
BBRS 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 BBRS that he has met all the 
requirements herein established, he shall submit to 
the said BBRS, the license fee in accordance with 
780 CMR 2. 1 .9, and his 1 %" x I 'A\ frill face, black 
and white or color photograph. 

R2.L9 Licensing Fee: The fee for licensing shall 
be $50 in accordance with the fee schedule 
established by the BBRS. Concrete Testing 
Personnel employed for that purpose by a 
municipality or county or the federal government, or 
the Commonwealth or any department, commission, 
agency or authority of, or created by, the 
Commonwealth, shall be exempt from this fee. 

M2JJ0 Number and Classification: Each person 
so licensed by the BBRS shall be issued a number 
and classification. 



12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



767 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



R2.1.11 Renewals: Licenses shall be valid for one 
year and the license renewal fee shall be $50 dollars. 
Within 30 days before the expiration date of any 
such license, the Administrator of the BBRS shall 
forward to each person so licensed an application 
form for renewal. The said Administrator, upon 
receipt of the completed form and fee, shall renew 
the license for a period of two years or notify such 
applicant of the BBRS's refusal with the reasons 
thereof. An applicant shall submit a renewal 
application with fees within one year of the 
expiration date of the license. Failure to submit a 
renewal application within this time period shall be 
cause for examination or re-examination. Upon 
successful completion of a Class A Technician's 
examination said applicant is eligible to be licensed 
upon submittal of an application and fee. Said 
application and fee shall be submitted within one 
year of the date of the examination. Failure to 
acquire a license within this time period shall be 
cause for examination or re-examination. 

780CMRR22 PREK^UALMCATION 

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS 

DESIROUS OF BEING UCENSED FOR 

CONCRETE TESTING 

R2.2.1 Evaluation: Field Concrete Technicians, 
subject to 780 CMR R2, 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 C 172: Sampling Fresh Concrete 

b. ASTM C 143: Test for Slump 

c. ASTMC31: Making and Curing Test 

Specimens in the Field 

d. ASTMC231: Test for Air Content - Pressure 

Method 

e. ASTMC173: Test for Air Content - 

Volumetric Method 

f. ASTM CI 38: Test for Weight per Cubic Foot 

(Density) 

g. ASTMC192: Storage and Transportation of 

Test Cylinders 
The applicant's performance of these tests is to be 
observed and evaluated by two qualified jurors 
designated by the Testing Agency (MCIB), using 
detailed data sheets. The said jurors' evaluations are 
appraised by the Certification Committee of the 
Testing Agency and reappraised by the Board of 
Trustees of the said Testing Agency. Three 
categories of performance are to be used in the final 
evaluation process as follows: 

1. PASS: The applicant has satisfactorily 

completed the examination. 

2. PARTIAL: The applicant has failed one of 

the five performance tests and 
must take a partial re-test. 

3. FAIL: The applicant has failed two or 

more of the five performance 



tests and must take a complete re- 
test. 

780CMRR23 REVOCATION AND 
SUSPENSION PROCEDURES 

R2.3.1 Revocation and Suspension: The BBRS 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 licenses of any one so engaged 
in the practice of Concrete Testing found to be in 
noncompliance with 780 CMR R2, 780 CMR 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 780 
CMR 118.6. 

R2.3.2 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 BBRS in accordance with 
780 CMR 1 18.6. Within ten calendar days of receipt 
of such notice, the affected licensee may request a 
hearing before a three member panel designated by 
the chainiLan of the said agency, who will hear facts 
and make recommendations to the Pre-Qualifying 
Agency. 

R2.3.3 Effect of Suspension or Revocation of 
License: 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 provision of 780 CMR and no 
action brought before the State Building Code 
Appeals Board as specified in 780 CMR R2.4. 1 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 
BBRS's suspension or revocation. 

780 CMR R14 APPEALS 
R2.4.1 Massachusetts State Building Code 
Appeals Board Any one engaged in the practice of 
Concrete Testing aggrieved by the suspension or 
revocation of their license or by an interpretation, 
order, requirement, direction or failure to act under 
780 CMR R2 may appeal to the State Building Code 
Appeals Board as provided in 780 CMR 122.0; 
however, entry of an appeal from the BBRS'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 780 CMR 122.3.2 
dealing with the procedure required for a hearing on 
such stay. 



768 



780 CMR.- Sixth Edition 



1 1/27/98 



780CMRR3 



MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMPONENTS 
AND MOBILE HOMES 



PARTI GENERAL 



780 CMR R3ol ADMINIOTRATION 

R3.1,lTltle: The BBRS, Massachusetts Board of 
Fire Prevention Regulations (Massachusette 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, 
Manufactured Building Components and 
Manufactiired Homes. 

R3J.2 BefmitioQs: Unless otherwise expressly 
stated in 780 CMR, the following terms shall, for the 
purpose of 780 CMR R3, have the meaning 
indicated in 780 CMR R3.L2: 

Approval: Approval by the State Board of Building 
Regulations and Standards (BBRS) 

BuiMliig System: Plans, specifications and 
, documentation for a system of manufactured 
buildings or for a type or a system of 
manufactured building components, which may 
include structural, electrical, mechanical, 
plumbing and fire protection systems and other 
systems affecting health and safety, including 
variations which are submitted as part of the 
building system. 

Certlflcatiosi: Any manufactured building, 
manufactured building component or 
manufactured home which meets the provisions 
of the applicable Codes and Rules and 
Regulations pursuant thereto; and which has been 
labeled accordingly. 

Code: 780 CMR or Specialized Codes as defined 
herein. 

Department ■» DPS: The Department of Public 
Safety, Division of Inspections. 

luspcetlon Agency: Independent agency, 
sometimes referred to as "third-party agency", 
retained by the manufacturer and approved by 
BBRS to perform inspections and evaluations of 
building systems, compliance assurance 
programs, manufactured buildings, and 
manufactured building components. 

Installation: The process of affixing, or assembling 
and affixing a manufactured building, 



manufactured building component or manufac^ 
tured home on the buildmg site, and connecting it 
to utilities, and/or to an existing building. 
Installation may also mean the connecting of two 
or more manufactured housing imits designed and 
approved to be so connected for use as a dwelling. 

Installer of Manufactured Buildings: An 
individual, who on the basis of training and 
experience, has been certified by a specific manu- 
facturer of manufactured homes as competent to 
supervise the placement and connection required 
to install the manufactured homes of that manu- 
facturer. Said certification by the manufacturer 
shall be in writing; additionally, the certified 
installer shall possess picture identification in the 
form of a driver's license or other picture 
identification acceptable to the building official. 

Label: An approved device or seal evidencing 
certification in accordance with the applicable 
Codes and Rules and Regulations promulgated 
pursuant thereto. 

Local Eiiforcemeiat Agency: A department or 
agency in a municipality charged with the 
enforcement of 780 CMR and appropriate 
specialized codes which include, but are not 
limited to, 248 CMR (the State Plumbing and Gas 
Fitting code) and 527 CMR 12.00 (the State 
Electrical Code) as listed in Appendix A. 

Mamufactiired Buildimg: Any mamifactured 
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 assembled in 
accordance with 780 CMR and pertinent 
regulations, in manufacturing facilities, on or off 
the building site. Also, any manufactured 
building as defined above which does not have 
concealed elements, but which has been approved 
by the BBRS at the request of the manufacturer. 
"Manufactured building" does not mean 
"manufactured home". 

Manufactured Buildmg Component: Any 
manufactured subsystem, manufactured 
subassembly, or other system designed for use in 
or as part of a structure having concealed 
elements such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing 



2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



769 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



and fire protection systems and other systems 
affecting health and safety. 

Manufactured Homes (Housing): As defined in 24 
CFR, Part 3280.2; a structure, transportable in 
one or more sections, which in the traveling 
mode, is right body feet or more in width or forty 
body feet or more in length, or, when erected on 
site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built 
on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as 
a dwelling with or without a permanent 
foundation when connected to the required 
utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air- 
conditioning, and electrical systems contained 
therein. Calculations used to determine the 
number of square feet in a structure will be based 
on the structure's exxedoT dimensions measured at 
the largest horizontal projections when erected on 
site. These dimensions will include all 
expandable rooms, cabinets, and other projections 
containing interior space, but do not include bay 
windows. (See 24 CFR, Part 3280.2 for a more 
detailed description of manufactured homes as 
defined by the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development.) 

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 
fi'om tune to time by the General Court of the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The 
specialized codes shall include, but not be limited 
to, 248 CMR (the State Plumbing and Gas Fitting 
Code )and 527 CMR 12.00 (the Electrical Code) 
as listed in Appendix A. 

State Administrative Agencies: Boards, 

commissions, departments or agencies authorized 
to promulgate, adopt and amend codes and rules 
and regulations relating to buildings and 
structures and parts thereof and limited to the 
BBRS, Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention 
Regulations, Massachusetts State Examiners of 
Electricians, and the Massachusetts Board of State 
Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. 

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, 
Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of 
Plumbers and Gas Fitters, and the Massachusetts 
State Examiners of Electricians. 



R1.3 Scope: 

1. 780 CMR R3 shall govern the design, 
manufacture, handling, storage, transportation and 
installation of manufactured buildings, and 
manufactured building components intended for 
installation in this State and/or manu&ctured in 
thiis State for shipment to any other state in which 
such building, building components, or 
manufactured homes and the labels thereon are 
accepted. 

2. The Federal Manufactured Home 
Construction and Safety Standards promulgated 
by the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development govern the design, manufacture, 
handling, storage and transportation of 
manufactured homes for installation in this state. 

3. Subject to local zoning ordinances and by- 
lav^s, manufactured buildings, manufactured 
building components or manufactured homes may 
be sold for, delivered to, or installed on, building 
siUts located in any jurisdiction of this State if 
such buildings, building components or 
manufactured homes have been approved and 
certified pursuant to the applicable Codes and 
780 CMR R3. 

R3.L4 Administration and Enforcement: The 

BBRS and the State Enforcement Agencies shall 
enforce all provisions of 780 CMR R3. The State 
Enforcement Agencies shall have the responsibility 
for e^/aluating and recommending approval to the 
BBRS of building systems, and for inspecting and 
recommending certification of manufactured 
buildings and manufactured building components for 
compliance with 780 CMR R3 and the applicable 
codes. The State Enforcement Agencies and the 
local enforcement agencies shall accept 
manufactured buildings, manufactured building 
components, building systems and compliance 
assunmce programs labeled and certified by 
inspection agencies approved by the BBRS and 
those manu&ctured homes certified as in 
conformance with the Federal standards by the 
application of the applicable required HUD label. 

R3.L:5 Authorization of Third Party Inspections: 

Upon recommendation of the State Enforcement 
Agencies, the BBRS may authorize inspection 
agencies, sometimes referred to as third party 
inspeaion agencies, to perform all or part of the 
inspection and certification of manufactured 
buildings and manufactured building components, 
building systems and compliance assurance 
programs, including either or both the issuance and 
the attachment of labels thereto. The BBRS may 
suspend or revoke and such authorization for cause. 

R3.1.6 Approvals and Compliance: Upon the 
recommendation of the State Enforcement Agencies, 
the BBRS may approve building systems and 
compliance assurance programs which comply with 



770 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMPONENTS AND MOBILE HOMES 



the codes, standards, specifications and requirements 
and 780 CMR R3. 

R3.L7 Time of Manufacture; For purposes of 
780 CMR R3, a manufactured building, 
manufactured building component or manufactured 
home is deemed to be manufactured at such time as 
the label is attached to it in accordance with the 
approved compliance assurance program. 

R3.1,8 Retroactive Changes: No changes in the 
codes, standards, specifications and requirements of 
780 CMR R3 shall apply retroactively. 

R3.1.9 Amendments: The State Administrative 
Agencies shall notify the BBRS, and the BBRS shall 
notify all interested parties including State 
Enforcement Agencies, inspection agencies, 
manufacturers with approved building systems, and 
local governmental jurisdictions of all amendments 
to 780 CMR R3, and each manufacturer shall have 
no more than 180 days following the sending of 
notification to submit to the BBRS 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, standards, specifications 
and requirements so adopted. 

780 CMR m2 COMPUANCE ASSURANCE 
PROGRAMS 

MR3.2,1 Approval: In order to obtain approval for 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components a manufacturer shall submit a building 
system for evaluation to the BBRS for approvals in 
accordance with 780 CMR R3 . 

K3,2.2 SialtabHity: Prior to a full evaluation, the 
State Enforcement Agencies shall determine that 
buUding 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 unsuitable for processing, 
the applicant shall be notified in writing of such 
unsuitability and the basis thereof, vwthin 30 days of 
the date the application is received by the BBRS. In 
such event, all but $25 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. 

K3.2.3 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 documentation. The 
procedures used shall be reviewed and evaluated by 
the BBRS in accordance with 780 CMR R3. The 
costs of such tests shall be borne by the applicant. 



R3.2.4 Notification of Disapproval: In the event a 
compliance assurance program is disapproved by the 
BBRS, the BBRS shall notify the applicant with a 
written explanation of the reasons for such 
disapproval thereto. 

R3=2.S Approval - Evidence: Approval of a 
compliance assurance program shall be evidenced by 
a letter of certification issued by the BBRS. 

M32.6 Approval - Report: The State Enforcement 
Agencies shall prepare and the BBRS shall issue to 
the applicant a building system approval report 
which shall include therein any conditions imposed 
for its use. 

R2o7 Approval = Variations: A building system 
and compliance assurance program or any 
amendment there to which has been approved, shall 
not be varied in any way without prior written 
authorization by the BBRS. All amendments shall 
be in writing and shall be made a part of the written 
record of the approval. 

M2,8 Amendments - Proposed: Amendments to 
compliance assurance programs may be proposed by 
submitting to the BBRS for its approval, appropriate 
plans, specifications, or documentation showing the 
effect of the proposed amendment on each building 
system and the required fee. 

E3.2o9 Compliance Assurance Program: A 
manufacturer shall obtain approval from the BBRS 
of a compliance assurance program for his building 
system. Buildings or building components shall be 
manufactured in accordance with an approved 
program in order to be certified. Compliance 
assurance programs shall be submitted to the BBRS 
for its approval in accordance with 780 CMRR3. 

7M CMR R3 J CERUFfCAlION 

Manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components or manufactured 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 BBRS upon the recommendation of the State 
Enforcement Agencies as complying with the 
requirements of the applicable codes and 780 CMR 
R3. Certification shall be evidenced by the 
attachment of a label to each certified manufactured 
building or manufactured building component (or 
groups of components). 

R3o3ol ManiafacftMrer's Data Plate: 

M3,3.L! Contents: The following information 
shall be placed directly or by reference on one or 
more permanent manufacturer's data plates in the 
vicinity of the electrical distribution panel, or in 



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some other designated location acceptable to the 
State Enforcement Agencies, on the manufactured 
building or manufactured 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 electrical 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; 

h. Electrical ratings - instructions and 

warnings on voltage; 

i. Special conditions or limitations on use of 

the units, including unsuitability for areas in 

which specified environmental conditions 

prevail; 

j. Methods of assembly or joining multiple 

umts; 

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 fiiture 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. 

R3.3.2 Labels: Each manufactured building or 
manufactured building component which is certified 
pursuant to the applicable codes and 780 CMR R3, 
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. 

R3.3.2.1 Contents: An approved label shall bear 

the following information: 

a. "This label certifies that this building (or 
building component) has been manufactured in 
accordance with an approved building system 
and compliance assurance program approved 
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board 



of Building Regulations and Standards and 
inspected by ."; 

b. Label serial number; 

c. Building system approval number; 

d. Manufacturer's serial number; 

e. The words "See data plate located on 
."; and 

f Date of manufacture. 
At the direction of the BBRS labels and data 
plates may be limited in size and content for 
components whose shape and size does not permit 
the fiill information to be placed thereon. 

R3.3.2.2 Issuance: The approved label shall be 
issued by the BBRS or its agents in accordance 
with the following: 

a. If the BBRS delegated the issuance of 
labels to an inspection agency, the agency shall 
be required to obtain approval from the BBRS 
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 
780 CMR R3 shall include requirements for 
issuance, possession of, attachment of and 
accounting for all labels to assure that labels 
are attached only to manufactured buildings, 
manufactured building components, or 
manufactured 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 
BBRS may determine that the manufacturer's 
record of compliance is such that the 
inspection agency need not maintain an 
inspector in a given plant at all times, 
inspection agency may entrust labels to the 
custody of one 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 BBRS or an 
inspection agency shall immediately regain 
possession of all labels that have not been 
applied to the manufactured buildings or 
manufactured building components and shall 
take such further action with respect to future 
labeling, as it may deem necessary to assure 
compliance with the applicable codes and 
780 CMR R3. 

R3.3.3 Records of Labels: Permanent records shall 
be kept of the handling of all labels, indicating at 
least how may labels have been applied to 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components (or groups of components), which labels 
have been applied to which buildings or building 
components, the disposition of any damaged or 
rejected labels, and the location and custody of all 
unused labels. Such records shall be maintained by 



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the manufacturer or by the inspection agency. A 
copy of such records covering attachment of each 
label shall be sent to the. BBRS on the tenth of each 
month and the BBRS shall forward all such records 
to the State Enforcement Agencies. 

R3.3.4 Attachment of Labels: The inspection 
agency shall attach in numerical sequence labels to 
oianufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components manufactured In accordance with an 
approved building system and meeting the 
requirements of an approved compliance assurance 
program. 

Manufacturers shall attach labels in the same 
manner to manufactured buildings or building 
components manufactured in accordance with an 
approved buildmg system and meeting the 
requirements of an approved compliance assurance 
program. 

Manufacturers shall attach labels in the same 
manner to manufactured buildings or building 
components manufactured in accordance with a 
approved compliance assurance program, if custody 
of the labels has been entrusted to them in 
accordance with 780 CMR R3.3.3.4. 

R3J.S Suspension md Revocation: The BBRS 

may suspend or revoke, or cause to be suspended or 

revoked, the certification of any manufactured 

building or manufactured building component which 

the State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection 

agency linds not to comply vtdth the applicable codes 

or 780 CMR R3, 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 removed, labels from any 

such manufactured building, manufactured building 

component or manufactured home until it is brought 

into compliance with the applicable codes and 

780 CMR R3. Notice of suspension or revocation of 

certification shall be in vmting 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 fijrther labels shall be attached to any 

manufactured buildings or manufactured buildmg 

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 manufactured building 

components manufactured 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 
requkements for certification have been met. If 
the State Enforcement Agency acts under 
780 CMR R3.3.5, it must notify the inspection 
agency. 

b. The manufacturer shall return all labels 
allocated for a manufactured building or 
manufactured building component to the BBRS 
no later than 30 days &om the effective date of 
any suspension or revocation of the State 
Enforcement Agencies or inspection agency, of 
the building system or compliance assurance 
program pursuant to which the manufactured 
building or manufactured building component is 
being manufactured. The manufacturer shall also 
return to the BBRS all labels which it determines 
for any reason are no longer needed. 

R3.6 Variations of Certified Units: Manufactured 
buildings, manufactured buildmg components or 
manufactured homes certified and labeled pursuant 
to the applicable codes and 780 CMR R3 shall not 
be varied in any way prior to the issuance of a 
certificate of occupancy without resubmission to the 
BBRS 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 manufactured building, manufactured 
building component or manufactured home wherever 
it is located and such inspection may include such 
tests or destructive or nondestructive disassembly as 
the State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection 
agency deems necessary to assure compliance with 
the applicable Codes and 780 CMR R3. Local 
Enforcement Agencies may be designated by the 
BBRS or State Enforcement Agencies as inspection 
agencies for such purposes. 

780 CMR R3.4 Dif SPECTEON 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 manufactured building components produced 
pursuant to approved building systems as they deem 
necessary. 

E3.4ol Inspection of Facilities: As part of the 
process of evaluating building systems and 
compliance assurance programs, the State 
Enforcement Agencies shall inspect, or cause to be 
inspected, the manufacturing facilities in which the 
buildings or building components are to be 
manufactured. 

R3.4.2 Inspectioa According to Compliaiicis 
Assurance Programs: The State Enforcement 
Agencies or an inspection agency shall make such 



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inspections as may be required by an approved 
compliance assurance program, or as may be 
deemed necessary by the State Enforcement 
Agencies. 

K3.43 Inspection of Banuiged 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 manufactured building 
components which it determines to have been 
sufficiently damaged after certification to warrant 
such mspection and to take such action with regard 
to such buildings or buUding components as is 
authorized hereof, or as is otherwise necessary to 
eliminate dangerous conditions. The local 
enforcement agencies may be designated by the 
BBRS or the State Enforcement Agencies as the 
inspection agency. 

R3.4.3.1 Repairing Damaged Components: 

The State Enforcement Agencies or an inspection 
agency shall require manufactured buildings or 
manufactured building components which are so 
damaged as to no longer comply with the 
applicable Codes and 780 CMR R3, 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 fi'om such buildings, building 
components or manufactured homes. A report 
under this section shall be filed with the 
inspection agency, BBRS and State Enforcement 
Agency. 

R3.4.3.2 Irreparably Damaged Components: 

Irreparably damaged buildings or building 
components shall be disposed of by the 
manufacturer. 

R3.4.4 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 
inspeaion, tests, production methods, process 
controls, operator performance, materials, receipts, 
storage and handling, workmanship standards, 
records and ail other activities which implement 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 
BBRS. Copies of such reports shall be sent to the 
inspection agency and the State Enforcement 
Agencies. Inspection agencies shall be specifically 



notified by the BBRS 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 BBRS 
as provided herein. 

R3.4.4.1 Prior to Approval: Such examinations 
may also be conducted before approving an 
inspection agency. 

R3..5 Inspection by Disassembly: No inspection 
entailing disassembly, damage to or destruction of 
certified manufactured buildings, manufactured 
building components or manufactured homes shall 
be conducted except to implement 780 CMR R3. 

780 CMR B33 LOCAL ENFORCEMENT 
AGENCY PROCEDURES AND INSPECHONS 

R3.5.1 Issuance of building permits: Upon 
application and in conformity with the provisions of 
780 CMR, the building official shall issue building 
permits for installation of certified manufactured 
buildings, manufactured building components or 
manufactured housing. 

R3.5.1.1 Licensed Construction Supervisors 
and (Certified Installers: A construction 
supervisor, duly licensed in accordance with 
780 CMRR5, shall, in accordance with 780 CMR 
108.3.5,, act as the agent for the owner for the 
purpose of applying for and obtaining any and all 
building permits required for the field erection of 
all one or two fimiily manufactured dwellings 
subject to the provisions of 780 CMR 35 and 
applicable 780 CMR R3. 

As part of the building permit application 
process, the licensed construction supervisor shall 
submit to the building official, in writing, the 
name of the installer, who shall be duly certified 
by the manufacturer to install said manufacturer's 
product, and is identified as a certified installer of 
marmfactured buildings (certified installer) by 
said manufiicturer. The certified installer shall be 
responsible for the safe and proper placement and 
connection of the manufactured home units in 
accordance with 780 CMR 35, 780 CMR R3 and 
specialized codes as listed in Append A. 

The licensed construction supervisor shall be 
r^ponsible for the construction of the foundation 
system, and all pertinent site work, in accordance 
with 780 CMR 35 and 780 CMR R3 listed in 
Appendix A. The licensed construction 
supervisor shall provide at least 48 hours notice to 
the building official before the placement and 
connection of such units shall begin An 
application to local enforcement agencies for an 
appropriate permit shall, when reque«;^ed, in 
addition to any other requirements contain: 

R3.5.L2 Permit Application - Statement of 
Content: A statement that the work to be 



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performed under such permit is to include the 
installation of a certified manufactured building, 
manufactured building component or 
manufactured 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. 

R3.5°13 Permit Application ■> Bulidmg System: 

A true copy of the approved building system with 
respect to which the manufactured building or 
manufactured building component was 
manufactured or is to be manufactured, where one 
has not previously been furnished to that local 
enforcement agency. 

R3. 5.1.4 Permit Application - Building System 
Approval: A copy of the Building System Report, 
as approved by the BBRS, where it has not 
previously been fiimiished to the Local 
Enforcement Agency, 

E3o 5^ Inspection of Site Preparation and Service 

Co0iiections: Appropriate local enforcement 
agencies shall inspect site preparation work 
including foundations, not within the scope of the 
approval and certification, and the structural, 
mechanical, plumbing and electrical connections 
among units, for compliance with applicable law, 
rules and regulations. 

R3<>S3 Compliance with InstractioEis: Appropriate 
local enforcement agencies shall inspect ail 
manufactured buildings, manufactured building 
components or manufactured homes upon, or 
promptly after, installation at the building site to 
determine whether all instractions 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. 

K3.5 J.l 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 780 CMR 
R3.3.4.3, 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" Manufactured Home Construction and 
Safety Standards. 

R3,53,2 Opening Panels: Nondestructive 
disassembly may be performed only to the extent 
of opening access panels and cover plates. 

R3J.4 Noncomplying New Units: Local 
enforcement agencies shall report to the BBRS in 
accordance with 780 CMR R3.5.6 any 



noncomplying manufactured buildings and building 
components. 

R3.5.S Certificates of Occwpancy: Appropriate 
local inspectors shall issue certificates of occupancy 
for certified manufactured buildings and 
manufactured homes containing certified building 
components which otherwise comply with all the 
applicable codes, after they have been installed and 
inspected pursuant to the applicable codes and 
780 CMR R3, provided that any manufactured 
building or manufactured building component found 
not to comply with the Building System Approval 
Report or any manufactured home found not to 
comply with "Hud's" Manufactured Home 
Construction and Safety Standards shall be brought 
into compliance before such certificate of occupancy 
shall be issued. 

R3o5.6 Reporting of Violations to Department of 
Pmblic Safety: When any local enforcement agency 
is making an inspection and finds violations or 
suspected violations, it shall report die details of the 
violations in writing to the BBRS. 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 temporary 
certificate of occupancy may be issued. 

780 CMR R3.6 FEES 

IR3.6,1 Deposit for Application to the BBRS: A 
deposit shall be required upon application to the 
BBRS to perform any of the fimctions in 780 CMR 
R3. 

1R3.6^ Establishment of Fees: Fees charged by the 
BBRS for functions performed shall be in 
accordance with the fee schedule^stablished by the 
State Administrative Agencies as specified in 
780 CMR R3. 18. 

780 CMR R3.7 NOHFICATION OF 

CHANGES IN NAME, ADDRESS, 

OWNERSHIF OR LOCATION 

M3.7.1 Notification by Manufacturers: 

Manufacturers shall notify the BBRS in writing 

within ten days of any of the following occurrences: 

a. The corporate name is changed; 

b. The main address ofthe company is changed; 

c. There is a change in 25% or more of the 
ownership interest of the company within a 12 
month period; 

d. The location of any manufacturing facility is 
changed; 

e. A new manufacturing facility is established; or 

f. There are changes in principal officers of the 
firm. 

The BBRS shall notify the State Administrative 
Agencies of such occurrences. 



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R3.7.2 Notification by Inspection Agencies: 

Inspection agencies shall notify the BBRS in writing 
within ten 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 25% or more of the 
ownership interest or control of the company 
within a 12 month period; 

d. The location of any testing facility is changed; 

e. A new testing facility is established; or 

£ There are changes in principal officers and key 
supervisory and responsible personnel of the firm. 

The BBRS shall notify the State Administrative 

Agencies of such occurrences. 

780 CMR K3.8 PROPRIETARY 
INFORMATION 

All information relating to building systems and 
compliance assurance programs which the 
manufacturer or other party considers proprietary 
shall be so designated by him at the time of its 
submission, 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 780 CMR R3. 

PARTE REQUIREMENTS FOR 

SUBMISSION OF BUILDING 
SYSTEMS AND COMPLLVNCE 
ASSURANCE PROGRAMS 

780 CMR R3.9 BUILDING SYSTEMS 

Building systems shall meet the requirements set 
forth below to be evaluated for compliance with the 
standards, specifications and requirements adopted 
by the State Administrative Agencies. 

R3.9.1 General Requirements: 

R3.9.1.1 Plans, Speciflcations and 
Documentation: Building systems, including all 
plans, specifications and other documentation, 
shall be submitted in quadruplicate to the BBRS 
who shall act as the depository and disburser of 
all such items. The BBRS shall forward to the 
appropriate State Enforcement Agencies plans, 
specifications and documentation for their 
recommendations. 

R3.9.L2 Form and Fees: Building systems shall 
be submitted in the form prescribed by the BBRS 
and shall be accompanied by all required fees. 

R3.9.L3 Identification: All documents 
submitted with the application shall be identified 
to indicate the manufacturer's name, office 
address and address of the manufacturing facility. 



R3.9.L4 Plans Showing Elements: Plans shall 
be subnnitted showing all elements relating to 
specific systems on properly identifiable sheets. 

R3.9.1.5 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. 

R3.9.1.(> On-site Work Identified: All work to 
be performed on-site, including connection of all 
systems,, equipment and appliances, shall be 
identified and distinguished fi'om work to be 
performed in the manufacturing facility. 

R3.9.L7 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 BBRS's stamp of 
approval. 

R3.9.L8 Material Grade and Quality: Grade, 
quality smd identification of all material shall be 
specified. 

R3.9.1.9 Calculations and Test Reports: Design 
calculations and test reports shall be specified. 

R3.9.L9.1 Drawings to Scale: Drawings shall 
be drawn to scale and be legible. 

R3.9,1.9.2 Label and Data Plate Location: 

Drawings shall indicate the location of the 
approved label and data plate. 

R3.9.1.9.3 Drawings Dated and Identified: 

Drawings shall be dated and identified. The 
number of sheets in each set shall be indicated. 

R3.9.2 Required Construction Details: Building 
systems for manufactured buildings shall provide or 
show, but not be limited to, the 4gtails 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. 

R3.9.2JI General: 

a. Details and methods of installation of 
manufectured buildings or manufactured 
building components on foundations and/or to 
each other. 

b. All exterior elevations. 

c. Cross sections as necessary to identify 
major building components. 

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. 



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g. Interior wall and ceiling finish material. 

h. Fire separation walls. 

i. Sizes, locations and types of doors, 

windows and fire/smoke detectors. 

j. Recommended foundation plans, vents and 

underfloor access. 

3<,9o2.2 Building ClassincatioE: 

a. Occupancy or use. 

b. Area, height, and number of stories, 

c. Type of construction. 

d. Fireresistance ratings. 

3'.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 shajft 
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. 

3o9.2o4 Structural Detail Requirements: 

a. Engineer's calculations of structural 
members, where appropriate. 

b. Structural and framing details of all floors, 
roof and walls. 

c. Details and stress diagrams of roof trusses. 

d. Detailsof reinforcing steel. 

e. Complete loading schedule. 

f Column loads and column schedule. 

g. Lintel schedule. 

h. Size, spacing and details of all structural 

elements. 

8. 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. 

S.9.2.5 Mechanical Detail Requlrememts: 

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 separations. 

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. 

R3<,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 appliances 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. 

e. Location of vents above roofs and required 
clearances, including but not limited to 
clearances from air intakes, other vents and 
flues. 

f Methods of testing. 

E3.9.2.7 Electrical Detail Requirememts; 

a. Plan of service equipment, including 
service entrance, conductors, 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 

disconnect/overcurrent protective devices. 

g. Method of interconnection between 

manufactured buildings or manufactured 

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. 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR R3.10 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE 

PROGRAMS FOR MANUFACTURED 

BUILDINGS AND MANUFACTURED 

BUILDING COMPONENTS 

Compliance assurance programs shall be 
approved if they meet the requirements set forth in 
780 CMR R3.3.10. It is the manufacturer's 
responsibility to execute every aspect of this 
program. The manufacturer shall continue to be 
responsible for all corrective actions required and 
the contractual 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, documents, records, facilities, 
equipment, samples and other assistance for assuring 
compliance. 

The manufacturer's compliance assurance 
program shall be submitted to the BBRS 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: 

R3.10.1 Organization Requirements: 

a. A procedure for periodic revision of the 
manual; 

b. An organizational structure for implementing 
and maintmning the compliance assurance 
program and its functional relationship to other 
elements of the organization structure of the 
manufacturer, which structure shall provide for 
independence from the production department; 
Company officer^ and employees in charge of the 
compliance assurances 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. 



R3.10.2 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 certified buildings or building 
component; and 

d. Provision for disposal of rejected materials, 
supplies and other items. 

R3.10.3 Production Control: 

a. Procedures for timely remedial and preventive 
measures to assure product quality; 

b. Provision, maintenance and use of testing and 
inspection; 

c. JProvision 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 mandatory inspection 
characteristics; 

f Inspection and test procedures, including 

accept/reject criteria and mandatory inspection 

characteristics; 

g. Standards of workmanship; and 

h. Provision of disposal of rejects. 

R3.10.4 Finished Product Control: 

a. Procedure for final inspection of all 
manufactured buildings or manufactured 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 manufactured 
building components, both at the manufacturing 
plant or other storage point and afler 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 protect against damage while in 
transit, and setting forth the modes of 
transportation to be utilized and the carrying 
equipment and procedures. 

R3.10.S Installation Control: 

a. Installation procedures including component 
placement, equipment and procedures, field 
erection and finishing work, utility connection 
instructions and all appropriate on-site inspection 
criteria and test descriptions; and 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMPONENTS AND MOBILE HOMES 



b. Organizational provisions for field repair and 
disposal of rejects. 

R3.10.6 Fermissioia for Inspectlora: The 
manufacturer shall provide the BBRS with written 
pennission, 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 
announcement. 

R3.10.7 Inspections by the State Enforcement 
Agencies: The Compliance Assurance Manual shall 
contain detailed plans for inspections by the State 
Enforcement Agencies or inspection agency. 



PARXm APPROVAL 
AGENCIES 



OF INSPECTION 



780 CMR R3oll REQUIREMENTS FOR 
SUBMISSION 

An inspection agency seeking approval shall 
submit a quadruplicate application to the BBRS 
which shall include the items listed in 780 CMR 
3.11. 

R3.11.1 Articles of Incorporation: The original 
Articles of Incorporation of the agency and all 
subsequent amendments thereto, as filed in the State 
oflncorporation. 

R3,1L2 By-laws: The by-laws of the organization, 
if any. 

R3.iio3 Business AflHlatlons of Members: The 
names, addresses and business afHliations of all 
members of the Board of Directors and of top 
management personnel. 

E3,11.4 Stock : Individual interests representing 
more than 10% of the outstanding ownership 
reflecting the financial interest of the agency's 
Board of Directors and top management personnel. 

R3J1,5 Certifications: Certification by the agency 
that: 

a. Its Board of Directors, as a body, and its 
technical personnel, as individuals, can exercise 
independence of judgment; and 

b. Its activities pursuant hereto will result in no 
financial benefit 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. 

R3J!.6 Experience of Directors: Names, years of 
experience, state in which professionally registered 
and other qualifications of the directors of Inspection 
or evaluation programs. 



R3.1L7 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. 

R3JL8 Organization Chart: An organization 
chart showing management and supervisory persons 
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. 

R3.11.9 Number and Location of Personnel: 
Number and location of factory inspectors, 
supervisors, and other technicians, including 
evaluators of factory inspectors and the 
qualifications of each specialized group, including 
records of work experience, licenses held and other 
pertinent qualifications; description of types of work 
each group and each technician is expected to 
perform and the qualifications of each group and 
each technician to perform the work assigned. 

K3.11J§ Employees Training Programs: An 
outline of the training program, if any, of the agency 
to assure that all inspectors, evaluators and other 
technicians are properly trained to do each job 
assigned to them. 

S3.11J1 Employee Supervision: An outline of the 
general procedures for supervision of inspectors and 
evaluators, including checking and evaluation of 
their work. 

R3.liol2 Non-employees Relationships: All 
engineers, technicians and other persormel who will 
perform services for the organization but who are 
not employees of the organization, and the 
supervisory and other relationships which each will 
have to the agency. 

R3J1.13 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 requirements with respect to which the 
organization has had experience in providing 
evaluation, inspection or testing services, and the 
number of years experience with each. 

M3.11ol4 Frequency Capability: Description of 
the frequency with which the agency is capable of 
performing inspections or evaluations. 

E3JI.1S State Approved in: List of the states in 
which the agency is now approved to inspect or 



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780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



779 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



evaluate manufactured buildings or manufactured 
building components or parts thereof for compliance 
with approved building systems. 

780 CMR R3. 12 PROCEDURES FOR 
APPROVING INSPECTION AGENCIES 

R3.12.1 Qualifications: Upon the recommendation 
of the State Enforcement Agencies, the BBRS may 
approve inspection agencies which meet the 
requirements of the applicable codes and 780 CMR 
3.0 and which the State Administrative Agencies 
find otherwise qualified to perform the functions 
proposed to be delegated to them. 

R3.12.2 Suitability of Application: Prior to a full 
evaluation of an application for approval, the BBRS 
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 
unsuitability and the basis thereof within 30 days of 
the date of the application is received by the BBRS. 
In such event, all but $25.00 of the fee will be 
returned, and the rulings of unsuitability shall be 
without prejudice. Any subsequent submission shall 
be treated as a new application. 

R3.12J Approvals: In the event of approval of the 
BBRS, an inspection agency shall be notified by a 
letter from the BBRS 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. 

780 CMR R3. 13 SUSPENSION AND 
REVOCATION 

R3.13.1 Grounds: The BBRS may suspend or 
revoke its approval of any inspection 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 780 CMR R3; if the 
inspection agency violates any of the applicable 
Codes or 780 CMR R3; 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. 

R3.13.2 Procedures: 

R3.13.2.1 General: If the BBRS suspends or 
revokes the approval of an inspection agency, the 
inspection agency shall be given notice in writing 
from the BBRS of the suspension or revocation 
with the reasons therefore set forth therein. 
Manufacturers being evaluated or inspected by 
such agencies, ail 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 instructions to the manufacturer and to the 
local enforcement agency as to the procedures to 
be followed regarding manufactured buildings or 
manufactured building components previously 
certified by an agency whose approval has been 
suspended or revoked. 

R3.13.2,2 Records: An inspection agency whose 
approval has been suspended or revoked shall 
within 90 days of the suspension or revocation 
deliver to the custody of the BBRS the originals 
of all records required to be maintained during the 
course of the inspection agency's operations 
pursuant to the applicable codes and 780 CMR 
R3.0 

R3. 13.2.3 Labels: An inspection agency for 
which approval has been suspended or revoked 
shall within 90 days of the suspension or 
revocation deliver to the custody of the BBRS all 
labels in the agency's possession, under its 
control, or for which it is responsible pursuant to 
the applicable codes and 780 CMR 3.0. 

PART IV RECIPROCITY 

If the BBRS finds that the standards for the 
manufacture and inspection of manufactured 
buildings or manufactured building components 
prescribed by statute or rules and regulations of 
another state, governmental agency or private 
agency meet the objectives of the applicable codes 
and 780 CMR 3.0, and are enforced satisfactorily by 
such other state or other agency, or by their agents, 
the State Enforcement Agencies shall accept 
manufactured buildings or manufactured building 
components which have been certified by such other 
state or other agency, and the BBRS 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 BBRS and State 
Enforcement Agencies and so notify the BBRS. The 
BBRS shall notify the State Enforcement Agencies 
of any action taken under 780 CMR R3,3.13. 

780 (CMR R3.14 PROCEDURES FOR 

GRANTING OR REFUSING REdPROOTY 

TO ANOTHER JURISDICTION 

R3.14.1 Evaluation: The State Enforcement 
Agencies may evaluate the statute, codes, rules and 
regulations of another state or other state or other 
agency at any time. 

R3.14.2 Methods of Extending Reciprocity: If the 
BBRS find that the standards prescribed by the 
statute or rules and regulations of another state or 
another agency meet the objectives of the 
appropriate codes and that 780 CMR 3.0 are 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
• MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMPONENTS AND MOBILE HOMES 



satisfactorily enforced, it may upon the 
recommendation of the State Enforcement Agencies, 
as provided in 780 CMR 3.2.1, extend reciprocity to 
that jurisdiction by: 

a. Giving notice to any requesting manufacturer; 

b. Giving notice to the Administrative Agency of 
the other jurisdiction; 

c. Giving notice to the State Enforcement 
Agencies and all local enforcement agencies in 
this state. 

R3..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 BBRS shall notify any requesting 
manufacturer and the Administrative Agency of the 
other state or other agency of the refusal and the 
reasons therefore. 

780 CMRR3.1S PROCEDURES FOR 

RECIPROCITY CERTIFYING 
MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS OR 

BUILDING COMPONENTS 

A manufacturer fi:om a jurisdiction to which 
reciprocity has been extended shall submit to the 
BBRS evidence that his building system and 
compliance assurance program have been approved 
by such state or other agency. The BBRS shall 
verify the approval and shall notify the State 
Enforcement Agencies, local enforcement agencies 
and the manufacturer in writing of such verification 
and that properly labeled buildings or building 
components of his manufacture will be accepted. 

780 CMR R3.16 SUSPENSION AND 
REVOCATION 

The BBRS shall suspend or revoke, or cause to be 
suspended or revoked, the acceptance or certification 
or both of such reciprocally certified manufactured 
buildings or manufactured building components if 
the State Enforcement Agencies determine that the 
standards for the manufacture and inspection of 
which manufactured buildings or manufactured 
buildmg components of such other state or other 
agency do not meet the objectives of the appropriate 
codes and 780 CMR R3.0, 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 780 CMR 3.16 
shall be revoked or suspended accordingly. Notice 
to the State Enforcement Agencies, local 
enforcement agencies, manufacturer and to the 
Administrative Agency of such other state or agency 
of such suspension 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. 



PARTY APPEALS 

780 CMR R3.17 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. 

FART VI SCHEDULE OF FEES 

780CMRR3.18ECTABLISHMENT • 

The following is the SCHEDULE OF FEES 
established by the BBRS for certifying manufactured 
buildings or manufactured building components. 
Fees shall be made payable to the "Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards" and shall accompany all applications for 
certification. 

R3.18.il Compliance Assyramce Programs airadl 
Building Systems: An initial fee of $1,200.00 shall 
be charged each manufacturer for its certified 
compliance assurance program for each plant 
desiring certification. Tlie maximum fee charged 
under 780 CMR R3.18 shall be $1,200.00 for each 
manufacturing plant. 

E3.18.2 TMrd Party Inspection Ageneles: An 
initial fee of $500.00 shall be charged to each third 
party inspection agency. 

E3.1S3 Annua! Renewal F«es: 

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 $650.00 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 $500.00. 

M3olS.4 Labels 

a. A fee of $50.00 per unit of a manufactured 
building shall be charged for each label issued by 

the BBRS. 

N©t(g: A "unit" as used in 780 CMR R3.I8 
shall mean any building or proportion thereof 
which is towed or shipped separately to be 
somehow tied together at the site. 

b. A fee of $ 1 .00 per building component shall 
be charged for each label issued by the BBRS for 
building components. 

Not®: Manufacturers of building components 
shall be permitted to use any labels as 
approved by the BBRS. If such labels are 
supplied by any source other than the BBRS, 
there shall be no charge for such labels. . 

c. Mutilated labels may be replaced at the option 
of the BBRS at a cost of $2.00 each. 



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781 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

d. Upon satisfactory proof to the BBRS of lost or e. Labels shall be purchased from the BBRS by 
stolen labels, not the result of negligence, labels the inspection agency or manufacturer, 
may be replaced at a cost of $2.00 each. 



782 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 12/12/97 (Effective 8/28/97) 



780 CMR R4 



USE OF NATIVE LUMBER 



780CMRR41 ADMBSKTRAHON 
R4,l.l Title: As authorized by St. 1972, 802, and 
in accordance with 780 CMR 123 establishing the 
Construction Materials Safety Board, 780 CMR R4 
is adopted for Controlling the Use of Native Lumber. 

R4.i.2 Definitions: Unless otherwise expressly 
stated in 780 CMR, the following terms shall, for the 
purpose of 780 CMR R4, have the meaning 
indicated in 780 CMR R4.i.2. 

BBRS: State Board of Building Regulations and 
- Standards 

Board: Construction Materials Safety Board 

Native Lumber: Native lumber is wood 
processed in the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts by a mill registered in 
accordance with the regulations of the BBRS. 
Such wood is ungraded but is stamped or 
certified in accordance with the requirements 
of 780 CMR 2303.1.1. For the purpose this 
definition, native lumber shall be restricted to 
use in one-and two-story dwellings, bams, 
sheds, agricultural and accessary buildings and 
structures and other uses as permitted by 
780 CMR 23. 



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. 

R4.1.3 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 BBRS. 

R4.1.4 Application for Registration: Each person 
desiring to obtain registration as a wood producer of 
native lumber shall make application to the BBRS 
upon such form and in such manner as the BBRS 
shall prescribe and shall furnish evidence 
satisfactory to the BBRS that he is qualified to be 
registered in accordance with 780 CMR R4. 

R4ol.S Application Fee: Applications shall be 
accompanied by a registration fee of $50.00. This 
initial registration fee shall be for two years. 
Registration shall be reviewed every two years in 
accordance with 780 CMR R4. The fee thereafter for 
a two year renewal shall be $25.00. 



R4J.6 Renewals: Registration shall be valid for 
two years and shall be renewed biennially. Within 
30 days before the expiration date of any such 
registration, the Administrator of the BBRS 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 years or notify 
such applicant of his refusal with reasons thereof. 
Any application for renewal of registration which 
has expired shall require the payment of a new 
registration fee. 

M4.1o7 Pre=qualifying Agency: The BBRS hereby 
designates the Massachusetts Wood Producers' 
Association as its pre-qualifying agency, providing, 
however, that the BBRS may revoke such 
designation at any time and may designate any other 
agency or agencies which it deems qualified, from 
tiirie to time, to act as its pre-qualifying agency for 
pre-examination registration. 

R4.1.8 Penalties: Any such person who fails to 
comply with the requirements of 780 CMR 4 or who 
files a false report shall be subject to the penalties 
and actions as prescribed in 780 CMR 1 18: 

780 CMR 4. 2 MEGISIRATION 

4.2ol Stamp: Each person registered by the BBRS 
shall be issued a name and number for use in 
stamping or certifying the native lumber which he 
produces. 

^22 Stamp Contents: Each stamp filed with the 
BBRS shall be a minimum of two inches by four 
inches with a minimum of 36 pt. letters and shall 
contain the following information: 

a. Name of native lumber producer; 

b. Registration number; and 

c. Species of wood. 

4.2.3 Stamp Use: Each piece of native lumber 
produced shall bear the stamp so registered with the 
BBRS. 

4.2.4 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. 

R4.2.5 Stamp - Manufacture: Each producer shall 
be responsible for the manufacture and use of his 
stamp in accordance with the requirements of the 
BBRS and 780 CMR R4. 



1 1/27/98 



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783 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



780 CMR R43 REVOCATION AND 
SUSPENSION PROCEDURES 

R4.3.1 Revocation and Suspension: TheBBRSon 
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 780 CMR R4, 780 CMR or the 
standards of good practice. Notice of suspension or 
revocation of such registration shall be in writing 
with the reasons for suspension or revocation clearly 
set forth therein, and served in accordance with 
780 CMR 118.6. 

R4.3.2 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 780 CMR 1 18.6. Within 
ten calendar days of receipt of such notice, the 
ajBFected mill may request a conference before a three 
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. 

R4.3.3 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 780 CMR 122.3.2. 

780CMRR4.4 APPEALS 

R4.4.1 Building Code Appeals Board: Anyone 
aggrieved by the decision of the BBRS, the 
Construction Materials Safety Board, the 
Massachusetts Wood Producers' Association or 
others may appeal to the State Building Code 
Appeals Board in accordance with 780 CMR 122. 

780 CMR R4^ QUAUFICATEON 

R4.S.1 Evaluation: Evaluation by the pre- 
qualifying agency shall be required prior to 
registration of a mill subject to 780 CMR R4. 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 BBRS who shall act on the 
application of the mill so requesting registration. 



784 



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780CMRRi 



CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS 



780 CMR R5 covers the licensing rules and regulations for construction supervisors as defined in 780 CMR 



109.11 

780 CMR RS.1 GENERAL 

R5.L1 Title: As authorized by M.G.L. c. 143. 
§ 94(i), theBBRS herewith establishes the Rules and 
Regulations for Licensing Construction Supervisors. 

RS.1.2 Definitions: Unless otherwise expressly 
stated in 780 CMR, the following terms shall, for the 
purpose of 780 CMR R5, have the meaning 
indicated in 780 CMR R5. 1.2: 

■ BBRS: State Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards 

Construction Supervisor: Any individual directly 
supervising persons engaged in construction, 
reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or 
demolition involving any activity regulated by any 
provision of 780 CMR. Such term shall also 
apply to persons supervising themselves. 

A licensed construction supervisor shall be 
required for the installation of all manufactured 
one and two family homes as required by 
780 CMR 3508. 1.1, 

Hearings. Olflcer: The- Hearings Officer is the 
person selected by the Chairman of the BBRS to 
carry out the disposition of complaints against 
licensed construction supervisors. 

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 780 CMR R5.2.12. Such designee shall 
also hold a Construction Supervisor's License, but 
his name or license number heed not be contained 
on the building permit application. 

Ilecognltion: The approval by the BBRS of an 
application and related documents by one desirous 
of being licensed as a construction supervisor. 

RS.L3 Scope: 

1. 780 CMR R5 shall govern the testing and 
licensing of individuals who are found to possess 
the requisite qualifications to be licensed as quali- 
fied to have charge or control of construction, 
reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or 
demolition of buildings or structures. 

2. Except for those structures governed by Con- 
struction Control as regulated by 780 CMR 1 1 6.0, 
any individual directly supervising persons en- 
gaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration, 
repair, removal or demolition involving the 
structural elements of buildings and structures 
shall be licensed according to 780 CMR R5. 

RS.1.4 Administration and Enforcement: The 
BBRS shall administer and enforce the provisions of 



780 CMR R5. The BBRS or those designated by it, 
shall administer examinations, under 780 CMR R5, 
of persons desirous of being registered as qualified 
to receive a license as a construction supervisor. 

RS J.S Hearings Officer: The Chairman of the 
BBRS shall appoint a Hearings Officer who shall 
serve for one year or until a successor is appointed, 
whichever is later. 

RS.L6 Meetings: The Hearings Officer shall 
convene Licensed Construction Supervisor 
Complaint Hearings at such times as the Hearing 
Officer deems necessary to carry out his/her function 
estiablished herein by the BBRS. 

RS.1,7 Cities and Towns: 

5.L7.1 Existing Licensed Construction 
Supervisors: (Historical Note) All individuals 
directly supervising persons engaged in construc- 
tion, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or 
demolition involving structural 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. 

780 CMR RS2 REGISTRATION AND 
OCENSING ■ 

R5.2.1 Experience: Each applicant for license 
must prove to the Board that he has had at least three 
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. Successful completion 
of a three or four year vocational high school or 
other vocational school program in the field of buil- 
ding construction shall be deemed as satisfying one 
year of the required three years experience as cited in 
780 CMR R5 .2. 1 . (The BBRS shall determine when 
vocational training other than in building construc- 
tion, satisfies a portion of the three year experience 
criteria. 

R5.2.1.1 Other Requisites: (Historical Note) 
Any person who met one *of the following 
requisites shall be licensed by the Board without 
testing until July 1, 1982. 

1. Filed with the BBRS prior to July 1, 1982 

an application and applicable documents inclu- 

' ding an affidavit on a form provided by the 

BBRS attesting to his meeting the following 



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qualifications: 

a. A registered professional architect or 
engineer; or 

b. A four-year undergraduate degree in a 
field related to building construction or de- 
sign and at least one year, out of the previous 
ten years, of experience in the supervision of 
building construction or design; or 

c. At least three years, out of the previous 
ten years, of experience 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. 

R5.2.2 Examinations: Examinations shall be held 
only by appointment. All applications must be filed 
in accordance with the Massachusetts Construction 
Supervisor (MACS) Candidate bulletin of 
Information. 

R5.2.3 License Approval: A majority vote of the 
members of the Board shall be required to grant a 
license. 

R5.2.4 Expirauon: Licenses i5:>ued pursuant lo 
these rules and regulations shall expire three 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 one year of the 
date of expiration of the most recently issued license. 
Failure to submit a renewal application and to 
acquire a license within this time period shall be 
cause for examination or re-examination. 

R5.2.5 Fees: Any and all fees charged for examin- 
ation, for license ftes, or for licensed renewal fees 
shall be determined by the Commonwealth and 
enforced by the BBRS. Examination fees are to be 
established from time to as necessary. 

RS.2.S.1 Building Omcial Fees: TheBBRS.shall 
grant a license at no fee to any building official 
who, as a condition of his employxDeiir requires, 
such license; provided that 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 employment and 
shall be appropriately stamped to indicate as such. 

R5.2.6 Procedure for Obtaining a License: 

R5.2.6.1 Application: Applications shall be 
submitted on forms supplied by the BBRS or its 



authorized agent. 

RS.2.6.2 Forms: The applicable forms may be 
mailed to the appropriate testing agency as 
detailed in the Massachusetts Candidates Bulletin 
(MACS). It shall be the responsibility of the 
applicant to assure that the required forms are 
received by the testing agency. Ail forms shall be 
accompanied by the required license fee. 

R5.2.6.3 Records: The BBRS shall keep a copy 
of the application and a computer file listing all 
licensed construction supervisors. 

R5.2.6.4 Notification of Examination Date: 

Upon receipt of a fully completed application, an 
examination date shall be set and the applicant so 
notified. 

R5.2.7 False Statements: 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. 

RS.2.8 Cause forSuspension or Revocation: Any 

false statement on the application for license, or in 
answer to. any subsequent request for information, 
shall be cause for suspension or revocation of 
license. Any violation of a provision of 780 CMR 
shall be cause for suspension or revocation of a 
license as the committee sees fit, or any false- 
•.s'tatt;ment:as identified in 780CMR R"5.2.7, or work,., 
perfomled without a building permit as identified in 
780CMRR5:2.9.1.1 

R5.2.9 Procedure for Suspension And/or 
Revocation of License: 

RS.2.9.1 Complaints: 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 Hearings Officer 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 the Licensed 
Construction Supervisor being licensed or prior to 
January 1, 1982, whichever is later. 

Exception: See 780 CMR R5.2.9.1.1 for 
complaints that may involve Home Improvement 
Contractor complaints. 

RS.2.9.1.1 Basis of Complaint: 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 
suspension or revocation. 

Exception: If, upon review of a Constmction 
Supervisor License complaint the Board or the 
Hearings Officer deterniines that such 
complaint may involve possible Home 
Improvement Contractor violations of M.G.L. 
c. 142 A and/or 780 CMR R6. such Home 
Improvement Contractor complaint hearing 
may be conducted simultaneously with the 



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CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS RULES AND REGULATIONS 



Construction Supervisor License complaint 
hearing. 

Where possible violations of M.G.L. c. I42A 
and/or 780 CMR R6 exist, the notification and 
hearing shall also conform to the requirements 
of 780 CMR R6 as applicable. 

RS.2,9.2 Hearings on Complaints: If the 
Hearings Officer shall so determine that a hearing 
shall be held, he/she shall give at least seven days 
notice to the complainant and license holder in 
accordance with 780 CMR 1 1 8.6. The sending of 
notice to the address recorded on the records of 
the BBRS shall be deemed sufficient notice to the 
license holder. 

R5.2i9.3 Notice of Hearing: The notice of 
hearing shall contain: 

1 . The name of the complainant. 

2. A copy of the complaint. 

3. The date, time and place of said hearing. 

The complete file of complaint is available for 
inspection at the Office of the BBRS during its 
regular hours. 

The license holder may present oral and written 
evidence to refute or mitigate any charge 
contained in the complaint and present witnesses 
in his behalf. 

Anyone may be represented b^ legal counsel. 

All license holders shall have his/her license in 
„ hj.£.,po.sscs3ion st-.tiie time of the hearing. 

RS.2.9.4 Continuation of Hearings: The 
Hearings Officer in his/her discretion may 
continue the date for hearing or in his/her 
discretion and upon request by the license holder 
or complainant may continue the date for hearing. 

RS.2.9.S Timing of Decision: The Hearings 
Officer shall make a decision within ten days after 
the hearing. A written decision shall be issued 
within 30 days of the hearing date. Failure to 
render a decision within 30 days-shall not affect 
the- validity of any such decision or appeal. 

RS.2.9.6 Decision of the Hearings Officer: The 
Hearings Officer is authorized to determine and 
issue decisions relative to Licensed Construction 
Supervisor complaints via the process set forth in 
780 CMR R5. 

RS.2.9,6.1 Decisions: The decision of the 
Hearing Officer shall be final and binding upon 
the license holder and the complainant. If the 
Hearings Officer votes to revoke or suspend the 
license o{ a cbnstrucdon supervisor at ihe lime 
of the hearing, the holder shall immediately 
surrender said license to the Hearings Officer. 
The Hearings Officer may, at his/her discretion, 
determine that instead of suspension or 
revocation, the actions of the license holder 
warrant a letter of warning be placed on file 
with the BBRS. Said letter of warning will be 
referenced in the event of future complaints 
against the license holder. Future complaints 
against a license holder who has received letter 



of warning may result in a suspension or revo- 
cation of the license after a hearing before the 
Hearings Officer. The Hearings Officer may, 
at his/her discretion, order the license holder to 
take the Construction Supervisor License 
examination or re-examination. A decision of 
the Hearings Officer that orders the Licensed- 
Construction Supervisor to take the Construc- 
tion Supervisor License examination or re- 
examination may be rendered even if the 
Hearings Officer has determined to suspend, 
revoke or issue a letter of warning against the 
license holder. 

R5.2.9.6.1,l Decisions also involving 
Home Improvement Contractor 
responsibilities: If the Decision involves 
consideration of Home Improvement 
Contractor matters per M.G.L. c. 142A 
and/or 780 CMR R6 then such Decision 
shall also comply with the requirements of 
780 CMR R6 as applicable. 

R5.2.9.7 Suspension, Revocation or 
Continuance: If, after notice has been duly 
given, a licensee shall not attend a hearing, the 
Hearings Officer may in his/her discretion . 
immediately suspend/revoke said ' license or 
proceed with the hearing so scheduled and make 
decision on the evidence so presented, or continue 
the heriring to another date. 

RS,2.9.8 Notice of Suspension, Revocation, 
Letter of Warning or Order of Examination: 
In the event that the Hearings- Officer determines 
to suspend, revoke or issue a warning against said 
license holder pursuant to this hearing or, if the 
Hearings Officer orders the license holder to take 
an examination or re-examination, the license 
holder, upon notice of the written decision, shall 
immediately comply with said orders. A refusal 
to comply shall automatically revoke the licensee's 
right to supervise construction. 

R5.2.9.8.1 Terms of Suspension: Suspension 
by the Hearings Officer shall be for a definite 
term. 

RS.2.9.8.2 Reapplication: Any licensee whose 
license has been revoked by the Hearings 
Officer may reapply for a license in accordance 
with 780 CMR R5 only after seeking and 
, receiving approval to reapply from the BBRS. 

R5.2.10 Appeal: Any person aggrieved by a 
decision of the Hearings Officer may, in writing, 
request review of said decision by the'BBRS (If the 
Licensed Construction Supervisor determines not to 
seek administrative review by the BBRS then appeal 
of said decision shall be in accordance with 
780 CMR R5.2.10.1). The BBRS may or may not 
review such decision at its discretion. Such review is 
an administrative review and is not to be construed 
as a second Hearing on the same complaint(s). The 
BBRS may concur with the decision or not. If the 
BBRS does not concur with the decision, the BBRS 



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shall remand the case back to the Hearings Officer 
with written reason as to why the case is being 
remanded and the Hearings Officer shall re-open the 
case for further consideration and decision. 

If the BBRS determines that the decision is 
acceptable a record of such determination shall be 
made and the decision stands and appeal of said 
decision shaljl be in accordance with 780 CMR 
R5.2.I0.1. 

R5.2.10.1 Appeal to a court: Any person 
aggrieved by a decision of the Hearings Officer 
may appeal such decision to a court of law or 
equity in conformance with M.G.L. c. 30A, § 14. 

R5.2.11 Change of Address: The license holder 
shall have the responsibility of reporting any change 
of address and/or change of circumstance to the 
BBRS. The information on file at the BBRS shall be 
deemed accurate unless changed by the license 
holder. 

R5,2.12 On-site Presence of Supervisor: A 

licensed individual or a licensed designee shall be 
present on the site at some point to approve 
construction, reconstruction, alterations, removal or 
demolition involving the' following work: 

1. Excavation 

2. Foundation (pouring or other) 

3. Decking" 

4. Rough framing 

5. Hnished framing ' 

6. Chimneys 

a. Excavation/foundation. 

b. At the top of the smoke chamber and support 
of the flue liner. 

c. When erection of the chimney is completed. 
Exception A licensed construction supervisor 
shall be required for installation of manufactured . 
one and two family homes as required by 
780CMR3508.J.1. 

RS.2.13 Lost/stolen Licenses: License holders are 
required to keep the license in their possession at all 
times during the course of construction 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 BBRS. 

R5,2,14 Requirement to Show License: Any 

building official may require the license holder to 
produce the license at any time on a job site. 
RS.2.15 Responsibility of Each License Holder: 

R5.2.15.1 Responsibility Cor W<Jrk: 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 780 CMR and the drawings as 
approved by the Building Official. 

RS.2.15.2 Responsibility to Supervise Work: 
The license holder shall be responsible to 
supervise the construction, reconstruction, 



alteration, repair, removal or demolition involving 
any activity regulated by any provision of 
780 CMR only pursuant to 780 CMR 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. 

RS.2.15.3 Notification of Violations: The 

license holder shall irmnediately notify the 
building official in writing of the discovery of any 
violations which are covered by the building 
permit. 

R5.2.15.4 Willful Violation: Any licensee who 
shall willfully violate 780. CMR R5.2.I5.1, 
5.2.15.2 or 5.2.15.3 or any other Sections of 
780 CMR R5 and any procedures, as amended, 
shall be subject to revocation or suspension of 
license by the BBRS in accordance with the 
applicable complaint requirements of 780 CMR 
R5. 

RS.2.16 Permit Applications: 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 780 CMR 
108.3.5 and 780 CMR R5 in the .event that such 
licensee is no longer supervising said persons, the 
'work'shail immediately cease until a successor ■ 
license holder is substituted on the records of the 
building department. 

R5:2.17 GENDER OF TERMS: The term "he " as 
used in 780 CMR R5 shall include the pronoun "he" 
and/or "she." 

780 CMR R53 ADMINISTRATION 
R5.3.1 Identification: The BBRS shall issue a card 
or a certificate or other form of identification. 

R5.3,.2 Records of Licensees: The BBRS shall 
maintain a computer listing which will be available 
to the public at the office of the BBRS containing all 
licenses issued by the BBRS. 

R5.3.3 Examination: The Board shall determine 
whether an examination shall be required, or shall be 
oral or written and shall determine the content of the 
examination, if applicable 

R5.3.4 Subject to Rules, Regulations and 
Procedures: All persons licensed shall be'subject to 
these regulations as well as other rules, regulations, 
and procedures promulgated by this BBRS. 

R5.3.5 Fees: Any and all fees charged for license 
fees, examination fees, renewal fees, and registration 
fees shall be determined by the Commonwealth and 
enforced by the BBRS. Examination fees shall be 
established from time to time as necessary. 



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780CMRR6 



REGISTRATION ANB ENFORCEMENT OF 
HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



FORWARD 

780 CMR R6 covers the registration of home improvement contractors and subcontractors and enforcement of the 
requirements of M.G.L. c. 142 A as they pertain to home improvement contractors and subcontractors. Other 
regulations applicable to the Home Improvement Contractor program include: 

201 CMR 14.00 Operation of the home improvement arbitration program authorized by M.G.L. c. 142A, 
promulgated by the secretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations. 

201 CMR 15.00 Operation of the home improvement guaranty fund, promulgated by the secretary of the Office 
of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations. 



780 CMR R6.1 General Provlsioiis 
R6.1.1 Title 
R6.L2 Definitions 
R6.L3 Scope 
R6. 1 .4 Administration and Enforcement 

R6. 1 .4. 1 Director responsibility 

R6. 1.4,2 Advisory board 
R6. 1 .5 Persons Who Must Register 

R6. 1.5.1 Filing of application 

R6. 1 .5 .2 Designated individual 

R6.L5.3 Liability 
R6. 1 .6 Persons Exempt From Registration 

780 CMR R6.2 Regtstration Procedrar® 

R6.2.1 Applicant Actions 
R6.2,L1 Application 
R6.2. 1 .2 Supporting documentation 
R6.2.L3 Mailing address 
R6.2. 1 .4 Certified check/money order 
R6.2. 1 .5 Lost^destroyed certificate 
R6.2. 1 .6 Licensee liability 

R6.2.2 Director's Action on Application 
R6.2.2. 1 Issuance of certificate 
R6.2.2.2 Grounds for refusal to register 
R6.2.2.3 Application refused 
R6.2.2.4 Record retention 

R6.2.3 Duration of Registration 

R6.2.4 Fees to be Paid Upon Registration or 
Renewal 
R6.2.4. 1 Registration and renewal fee 
R6.2.4.2 Contribution to guaranty fond - 
initial registration 

R6.2.5 Responsibilities of Each Registrant 
R6.2.5 . 1 Changes in status 
R6.2.5.2 Display of certificate number 
R6.2.5.3 Return of certificate 

780 CMR R63 Enforcement Procedure 
R6.3. 1 Notification of Violation 
R6.3.2 Consideration of Factors 
R6.3.3 Letter of Reprimand 
R6.3.4 Suspension, Revocation^ Administrative 
Penalties 
R6.3 .4. 1 Hearing procedure 



R6.3.5 Injunction, Restitution 
R6.3.6 Fines and Criminal Penalties 

780 CMR R6.4 Enforcement Actions 
R6.4.1 Administrative Penalties 

R6.4.1.1 Allowable actions 

R6.4. 1 .2 Pendency of claims 
R6.4.2 Fines and Criminal Penalties 

R6.4.2. 1 Sought by attorney general or 
district attorney 

R6.4.2.2 Operating without certificate 

R6.4.2.3 Other violations 
R6.4.3 Injunction, Restitution 

R6.4.3 . 1 Order fi-om superior court 

R6.4.3.2 Director bond not required 
R6.4.4 Permit Requirements, Prohibited Acts 
and Penalties 

R6.4.4.1 Permit requirements 

R6.4.4.2 Prohibited acts 

R6.4.4.3 Penalties 

R6.4.4.4 Deceptive act 

780 CMR R6.5 Contracts 
R6.5.1 Contract in Writing 
R6.5.2 Contents of Contract 

R6.5.2. 1 Documents and information 

R6.5.2.2 Permit notice 

R6.5.2.3 Acceleration of payment 

R6.5.2.4 Copy to owner 

R6.5.2.5 Alternative dispute resolution 
R6.5.3. Dispute Resolution 

R6.5.3.1 Court action 

R6.5 .3 .2 Owner right to arbitration 

R6.5.3.3 Contractor right to arbitration 
R6.5.4 Validity of contract 

780 CMR R6.6 Syppkmentary Identificatiom 
Cards 

R6.6.1 Definitions 

R.6.6.2 Certificates of registrants 
R.6.6.2.2 Non-Individual Registrants 

R6.6J Fees 

R6.6,4 Expiration 



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780 CMR R6.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 

R6.1.1 Title: 780 CMR R6 is authorized and 
promulgated by the administrator of die State Board 
of Building Regulations and Standards under the 
authority of M.G.L. c. 142 A. 

R6.1.2 Definitions: 

Application: The form provided by the director 
which, along with other documentation and fee(s) 
that may be required, must be duly filed to 
become a registered home improvement 
contractor or subcontractor. 

Advertisement: Any commercial message in any 
newspaper, magazine, leaflet, flyer, catalog, 
display space in the telephone book, on radio, 
television, public address system, or made in 
person, by letter or other printed material, or any 
interior or exterior sign or display, including on a 
vehicle, which is delivered or made available to 
an owner by a registrant in any manner 
whatsoever. 

Applicant: Any person who files an application to 
become registered as a home improvement 
contractor or subcontractor. 

BBRS: The State Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards 

Certificate: The document provided to the registrant 
which lists the certificate number and other 
information required by the director. 

Certificate number: See registration number. 

Clear and Conspicuous: The material 
representation being disclosed is often point type 
and is so presented as to be readily noticed and 
imderstood by a reasonable person. Language in 
the body of a contract is "conspicuous" if it is in 
larger or contrasting type or color, or underscored. 

Contract: Unless specifically noted otherwise in 
the text, a written agreement between a home 
improvement contractor and an owner contained 
in one or more documents for the performance of 
certain residential contracting work, including all 
labor, material, goods and services set forth under 
said agreement for a total amount exceeding 
$1,000.00. 

Contractor: Any person who, through himself or 
others, undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to 
have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid 
for construction work. (See "home improvement 
contractor") 



Director: The administrator of the State Board of 
Building Regulations and Standards, an agency 
within the executive office of public safety, 
established by M.G.L. c. 6A, § 1 9. 

Employee: For the purposes of 780 CMR R,6 in 
determining the number of employees of an 
applicant for registration, any individual engaged 
in construction related activities who, in the 
weekly pay period prior to the date of registration 
worked 20 or more hours for the registrant and for 
whom, the registrant withheld or was required to 
withhold federal or state income taxes and who, 
during the same pay period, was not otherwise 
paid or had such taxes withheld by any other 
registrant Included would be all construction 
workers, supervisors, sales personnel, designers,, 
estimators, active partners and officers of 
corporations. 

Fund: The residential contractor's guaranty fund. 
See "guaranty fund". 

Fund administrator: the administrator of the 
residential contractor's guaranty fund, appointed 
by the secretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs 
and Business Regulation. 

Guaranty fund: The residential contractor's 
guaranty fund. A fund out of which an owner, as 
defined herein, aggrieved by a registrant(s) may 
be paid part or all of their damages under rules 
and regulations promulgated by the secretary of 
the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business 
Regulation. 

Home improvement contractor: Any person who 
owns or operates a contracting business who, 
through himself or others, undertakes, purports to 
have title capacity to undertake, offers to 
undertake, or submits a bid for residential 
contracting work to an owner, as such work is 
defined in 780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A, and 
such work for each project is in a total amount in 
excess of $ 1 ,000, and is registered or required to 
be registered in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142A 
and 780 CMR R6. 

Homeowner: See "owner". 

Local consumer group: A local or regional agency 
which deals with the resolution of consumer 
problems and who is determined eligible by the 
attorney general under standards set by the 
attorney general in accordance with M.G.L. c. 12, 
§11G. 

Mortgage broker: Any person, who, for 
compensation or gain, or in the expectation of 
compen:;ation or gain, directly or indirectly 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STAl^JDARDS 

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



negotiates, places, assists in placement, finds or 
offers to negotiate, place, assist in placement of 
mortgage loans on residential property for others, 
or as otherwise defined in M.G.L. c. 255E. 

Mortgage lender: Any person engaged in the 
business of making mortgage loans, or issuing 
commitments to fund mortgage loans, or 
accepting applications or fees associated with the 
making of mortgage loans which are secured by a 
mortgage on residential property, or as otherwise 
defmed in M.G.L. c. 255E. 

Mortgage loam: A loan to any person made 
primarily for personal, family, or household 
purposes, secured wholly or partially by a 
mortgage on a residential property, or as 
otherwise defined by M.GX c. 255E. 

Owner; Any homeowner ofa building which is an 
existing building at the time ofa contract that is 
owner occupied, containing at least one but not 
more than four dwelling units, or a tenant 
authorized by the homeowner thereof, who orders, 
contracts for, or purchases the services of a 
contractor or subcontractor. An owner occupying 
a condominium unit in a building containing no 
more than four dwelling imits qualifies as an 
owner under this defmition, provided the owner 
owns a total of not more than four condominium 
imits. A condominium association does not 
qualify as an owner. 

OwEer=0£cupied: The residential building of at least 
one but not more than four dwelling units and 
occupied by the owner as a primary residence. 

Permits For the purposes of 780 CMR R6, any 
construction-related permit, excluding any 
permits required by the owner which are not 
considered construction-related, such as zoning, 
environmental, historical commission, and the 
like. 

Persons Any individual, partnership, corporation, 
society, trust, association, or any other legal 
entity. 

Registrant; Any duly registered home improvement 
contractor or subcontractor. 

Registration namberi The number assigned to the 
applicant after he has been approved for 
registration by the director and the Board of 
Building Regulations and Standards. 

Residential contracting: The reconstruction, 
alteration, renovation, repair, modernization, 
conversion, improvement, removal or demolition 
or the construction of an addition to any pre- 



existing owner-occupied building containing at 
least one but not more than four dwelling units, 
which building or portion thereof is used or 
designed to be used as a residence or dwelling 
unit, or to structures which are adjacent and 
accessory to such residence or building, includmg 
but not necessarily limited to: garages, sheds, 
cabanas, poolhouses, gazebos. 

Salesperson: any person, other than a supplier of 
materials or a laborer, who solicits, offers, 
negotiates, executes, or otherwise endeavors to 
procure by any means whatsoever, dkectly or 
indirectly, a contract for residential contracting 
services from an owner on behalf of a home 
improvement contractor or subcontractor. 

Secretary: The secretary of the Office of Consumer 
Affairs and Business Regulations. 

Subcontract: A contract, written or verbal, in any 
amount, between a home improvement contractor 
and a subcontractor or between two 
subcontractors for the performance of any part of 
the home improvement contractor's or 
subcontractor's contract 

SmbcDustracton Any person, other than a supplier 
of only materials, who enters into a contract, 
written or verbal, with a home improvement 
contractor for the performance of any part of a 
home improvement contractor's contract wife an 
owner for residential contracting, or who enters 
into a contract with any other subcontractor for 
the perforaiance of any part of the subcontractor's 
contract. 

R6.L3 Scope: 

R6.L3.1 M.G.L. c. 142A and 780 CMR R6 
require the registration of persons who engage in 
residential contracting work as defined in 
780 CMR R6 and M.GX. c. 142A after July 1, 
1992, and define the requirements of M.G.L. 
c. 142A and enforcement of these requirements, 
as they pertain to home improvement contractors 
and subcontractors. 

R6.13.2 Except for those persons who are 
specifically exempt from the provisions of 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A, all contractors 
and subcontractors who engage in residential 
contracting as defined in 780 CMR R6 and 
M.G.L. c. 142A shall be subject to and shall 
comply with 780 CMR R6 and M,G.L. c. 142A. 

R6.1.4 Administration and Enforcement: 

R6,l,4.1 Director responsibility: The director 
shall promulgate and enforce the provisions of 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A as to all home 



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THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



improvement contractors and subcontractors who 
are registered or required to register. 

R6.1.4.2 Advisory board: The director may 
appoint an advisory board which may review 
proposed suspensions, revocations, and 
administrative penalties against any registrants, 
and shall make recommendations to the director 
relative thereto. The advisory board shall include 
six members, any four of whom will constitute a 
quorum; the fund administrator, a representative 
of the attorney general, a representative of a 
consumer group appointed by the secretary, a 
representative of the Massachusetts Homebuilders 
Association who is a registered home 
improvement contractor or subcontractor, a 
Representative of the National Association of the 
Remodeling Industry, and a BBRS staff member. 

R6.1.5 Persons Who Must Register: 

R6.1.5.1 General: AH home improvement 
contractors and subcontractors, as defined in 
780 CMR R6, except those exempt in 780 CMR 
R6. 1 .6, shall register with the director by filing an 
application prescribed by the director. 

R6.L5.2 Designated individual: In the case of 
registration by a corporation or partnership, an 
individual shall be designated to be responsible 
for the corporation's or partnership's residential 
contracting work. 

R6.1.5.3 Liability: The corporation or 
partnership and its designee shall be jointly and 
severally liable for the payment of the registration 
fee, the payment to the guaranty fund, and for 
violations of any provisions of 780 CMR R6, 
including actions by the registrant's employees, 
subcontractors or salespersons. 

R6.1.6 Persons Exempt From Registration or 
Renewal: Any person exempt from registration 
under 780 CMR R6.1.6, and does not voluntarily 
register, is not subject to any of the provisions of 
780 CMR R6 or M.G.L. c. 142A. Persons exempt 
from registration are: 

1. the Commonwealth or its political 
subdivisions; 

2. any school, public or private, offering as part 
of a vocational education program courses and 
training in any aspects of home construction or 
home improvements; 

3. electricians, plumbers, architects or any other 
persons who are required by law to attain 
standards of competency or experience as a 
prerequisite to licensure for and engaging in such 
trade or profession and who are acting exclusively 
within the scope of the profession for which they 
are currently licensed pursuant to such law, 
construction supervisors excepted. 



4. persons dealing in the sale of goods or 
materials who neither arrange to perform nor 
perform directly or indirectly any work or labor in 
connection with the installation of or application 
of the goods or materials; 

5. any owner personally doing residential 
contiracting work on his/her own home; 

6. any individual who performs construction 
related labor or services for a home improvement 
conti^actor or subcontractor, for wages or salary 
and who does not act in the capacity of a home 
improvement contractor or subcontractor; 

7 . any contractor or subcontractor who works on 
one residential contracting undertaking or project 
by one or more contracts where the aggregate 
contract price to the owner is less than $500; 
provided, however, that the contract is not in an 
amount of less than $500 for the purpose of 
evading 780 CMR R6 or M.G.L. c. 142A. 

8. any person who engages in the business of a 
home improvement contractor or subcontractor on 
other than a full-time basis, and who has earned in 
gross revenues from residential contracting work, 
less than $5,000 in the previous 12-month period; 

9. any person acting as a home improvement 
contractor or subcontractor who was enrolled as a 
full-time student in a secondary school or college 
with degree granting authority from the 
government of the state in which the school is 
located, for the immediately preceding academic 
semester and is also enrolled as a full-time student 
for the next academic semester, in the same or a 
simikir degree granting secondary school or 
college provided that at least Va of the number of 
employees of the contractor or subcontractor are 
simihirly enrolled in secondary schools or colleges 
and that the home improvement contractor or 
subcontractor does not reasonably expect to earn 
or do<;s not in fact earn, in gross revenues, more 
than $5,000 from residential contracting work; 

10. persons who install any or all of the 
follov/ing: 

• central heating, 

• aiir-conditioning systems, 

• energy-conservation devices, or 

» provides conservation services conducted by 
or on behalf of a public utility under a program 
approved by the department of public utilities; 

1 1 . any conttactor or subcontractor who works 
exclusively in any of the following home 
improvement areas: 

• landscaping; 

• interior painting or wall covering; 

• finished floor covering, including, but not 
limited to, carpeting, vinyl, tile, non-structural 
hardwood; 

• fencing or freestanding masonry walls; 
» above-ground swinoming pools; 



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CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



° shutter or awning installation; 

° ground level patios; includes flagstone, 

concrete, block, and wood set directly onto the 

ground; excludes decks which are supported 

above ground. 

° asphalt and driveway installation and 

maintenance. 

780 CMR R62 REGISTRATION 
PROCEDURE 

R6o2<,l Applicant Actions: 

R6.2olol Application: Each applicant for 
registration as a home improvement contractor or 
subcontractor shall submit a completed copy of an 
application form supplied by the director and 
necessary supporting documents to the director, 
along with such fees as required by the provisions 
of 780 CMRR6.2.4, and M.G.L. c. 142A. 

R6.2.1.2 Supporting documentation: 

Supporting documentation shall include, as 
applicable: 

1. For corporations: an official document 
which lists the names and addresses of officers, 
directors, and major stockholders suchlis: a 
copy of the articles of incorporation, a current 
annual report as filed with the Secretary of 
State, a copy of the registration as a foreign 
corporation ffled with the Secretary of State, or 
any other documentation which lists the names 
and addresses of officers, directors, and major 
stockholders, will be accepted in lieu of listing 
these names on the application. 

2. For partnerships: either a copy of the 
current partnership agreement containing the 
requested information, or listing of the names 
and addresses of all partners on the application 
form. 

3. For all non-corporate applicaiats: a copy 
of the business registration certificate filed 
with a city or town pursuant to M.G.L. c. 110, 
§ 5, if applicable. 

K6.2.13 Mailing address^ The application, 
supporting documentation and fees may be mailed 
or delivered as follows: 

Director 

Home Improvement Contractor Registration 

One Ashburton Place, Room 1301 

Boston, MA 02108 

It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to 
assure that the requked registration material is 
received by the director. 

R6o2.i.4 Certifled check/money mderi All 
applications shall be accompanied by the 
registration fee or by evidence of exemption, and 
by the fee for the guaranty fund. Fees shall be in 
the form of a money order or certified check. 
Two money orders or certified checks shall be 



included - one for the registration fee, if required, 
and one for the guaranty fund. Make checks or 
money orders payable to the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts. 

As noted in 780 CMR R6.2.4.L2, licensed 
individual construction supervisors and individual 
motor vehicle repair shops who desire to register 
are exempt from the registration fee only; there 
are no exemptions to the requirement for a 
contribution to the guaranty fund 

R6.2.1.5 Lost/destroyed certificate olf 
registration: Upon receipt of a nominal fee as 
established by the Commonwealth, and a 
completed affidavit provided by the director, that 
a certificate of registration has been lost or 
destroyed, a replacement certificate clearly 
identified as such, shall be issued by the director. 

R6.2.1<,6 Licensee liabilities: The provisions of 
780 CMRR6 and those of M.G.L. c. 142 A shall 
not be construed to relieve or lessen the 
responsibility of any person registered under 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142 A or licensed 
under M.G.L. c. 143. § 94(i), nor shall the 
Commonwealth be deemed to have assumed any 
such liability by reason of the issuance of 
registration or licensure. 

R6o2.2 Director's Action on Applicatloss: 

R6,2.2.1 Issuance of certificate: Upon receipt of 
a completed application form, supporting 
documentation, and the proper fee(s) therefor, the 
director shall: 

® ascertain whether such applicant meets all of 
the registration requirements and there are no 
grounds for rejection as specified in 780 CMR 
R6.2.2.2; 

=> if all requirements are met, the Director, 
within 30 days of receipt of the application 
shall assign a registration number, with the 
approval of the BBRS; 

» prepare and send by first class mail to such 
applicant, at the address stated on the 
registration form, a certificate indicating the 
applicant's registration number, name, address, 
name of the entity of the applicant, and such 
other information as is deemed necessary by 
the director. The registration certificate is not 
transferable to any other person. 

R6.2,2.2 Grounds for refusal to register or 
renew: No application for registration or renewal 
conforming to 780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A 
may be denied except for a finding by the director 
that the applicant has done one or more of the 
following acts which are grounds for denial afler 
the effective date of 780 CMR R6: 

1 . made material omissions or mis° 

representations of fact oh the home 



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improvement contractor or subcontractor 
application for registration or renewal and 
supporting documentation or on an application 
for licensure or renewal under M.G.L. c. 143, 
§ 94(i). (construction supervisor license); 

2. failed to pay either the registration fee or the 
payment to the fund as required under 
780 CMR R6.2.4. 

3. failed consistently to perform contracts or 
has performed said contracts in an 
unworkmanlike manner or has failed to 
complete said contracts vAth no good cause or 
has engaged in fraud or bad faith with respect 
to said contracts; 

4. failed to meet or has violated any of the 
requirements for registered home improvement 
contractors or subcontractors as defined in 
780 CMR R6, or has performed or is 
attempting to perform any act prohibited by 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A. 

5. is under suspension or revocation of 
registration as a home improvement contractor 
or subcontractor; 

6. has failed to repay the guaranty fund for 
any payments made by the fund on the 
registrant's account. 

R6.2.2.3 Application refused: If the application 
is refused, the director shall, within thirty days of 
the application, notify the applicant in writing by 
first class mail of the reasons for the rejection. 

R6.2.2.3.1: If applicable, the applicant may 
correct the deficiencies in the application 
material and return the corrected data to the 
director within ten days of the date of mailing 
of the director's notice of refusal, who will then 
assign a registration number and issue a 
certificate. 

R6.2.2.3.2: If the grounds for rejection are 
based upon substantive grounds for refusal of 
780 CMR R6.2.2.2, and M.G.L. 142A, the 
applicant may request that the director 
reconsider the application as submitted by 
stating his/her reasons therefore, in writing, 
within ten days of the date of mailing of the 
notice of the director's rejection of the 
application. 

R6.2.2.4 Record retention: The director shall 
keep a record of the date the application and all 
pertinent documents are received. In addition, the 
director shall keep on file, in convenient form and 
open to public inspection, all applications for 
registration, copies of certificates issued, and the 
names of all home improvement contractors or 
subcontractors whose registration has been 
revoked, suspended or surrendered. 



R6.2.3 Duration of Registration: 

R6.2.3.1 Initial registration: Each such 
registration shall be in effect for two years from 
the date of issuance, unless suspended or revoked 
prior to that time, as provided in 780 CMR R6 
and M.G.L. c. 142A. 

R6.2.3.2 Renewal of registration: Not less than 
90 days before the date of the expiration of such 
registration, the director shall send or cause to be 
sent, to each registered contractor or 
subcontractor, at the address on record, a notice 
for renewal of the registration and a copy of all 
forms necessary for such renewal, by first class 
mail, along with a schedule of such fees as are 
necessary for said renewal. Renewals will remain 
in effect for two years from date of renewal if not 
suspended or revoked prior to that time. The 
responsibility for timely renewal of registration 
remains with the registrant, notwithstanding this 
notice. An applicant shall submit a renewal 
application with fees within one year of the 
expiration date of the registration. Failure to 
submit a renewal application within this time 
period shall subject the applicant to a fee equal to 
the amount for initial registration. 

R6.2.4 Fees to be Paid Upon Registration or 
Renewal: 

R6.2.4.1 Registration and renewal fee: All 

home improvement contractors and 
subcontractors, except those that are exempt from 
the registration or renewal fee in 780 CMR 
R6.2.4.1.2, shall, at the time of registration or 
renewal, pay to the Commonwealth, a fee in the 
amount of the fee then being charged for the 
construction supervisor's license under M.G.L. 
c. 143, § 94(i). 

R6.2.4.L2 Exemptions from registration 
and renewal fee: 

1. Every individual construction supervisor 
licensed by the BBRS in accordance with 
M.G.L. c. 143, § 94(i), and every individual 
motor vehicle repair shop registered in 
accordance with M.G.L. c. lOOA, § 2, who 
desires to be registered or renew their 
registration as a home improvement 
contractor or subcontractor, and whose 
license or registration fee has been paid and 
is current, shall be deemed to have paid the 
registration fee required by 780 CMR 
R6.2.4.1. 

2. If the applicant is a corporation or 
partnership and the named individual 
responsible for home improvement 
contracting work is a licensed construction 
supervisor and a substantial owner (10% or 
more of ownership), the applicant entity is 
exempt from the registration and renewal fee. 



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CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



R6.2.4.2 Contribution to guaranty fund - Initial 
registration: At the time of initial registration, 
contractors and subcontractors shall also pay to the 
Commonwealth, in a separate certified check or 
money order from the above stated registration fee, 
if any, a fee payable to the guaranty fund. 

R6.2.4.2.1 The fee paid by contractors and 
subcontractors to the guaranty fund shall be 
determined based on the number of employees 
(active construction-related personnel) of the 
home improvement contractor or 
subcontractor, as defined in 780 CMR R6.1 .2, 
on the date of initial registration, as follows; 

1 . Zero to 3 employees $100.00 

2. 4 employees up to and including 10 $200.00 

3. 1 1 employees up to and including 30 $300.00 

4. More than 30 employees $500.00 

R6.2.4.2.2: The fee to the guaranty fund shall 
be paid by every registered home improvement 
contractor and subcontractor regardless of 
whether such registrant is exempt from paying 
the registration fee because of the home 
improvement contractor or subcontractor's 
status as a licensed construction supervisor or 
registered motor vehicle repair shop owner. 

R6i2.4.2.3: Any registrant who fails to 
accurately determine the number of employees 
and pay the correct fee therefor shall be 
deemed to have failed to pay the fees required 
for registration and shall be subject to 
enforcement action by the director, in 
accordance with 780 CMR R6.2.2.2, 4.1 and 
4.3. 

R6.2.4.2.4: No home improvement contractor 
or subcontractor shall be required to pay the 
contribution to the guaranty fund more than 
once unless the fund administrator determines 
that the amount of the fund is insufficient to 
maintain it at a level commensurate with 
claims made against the fund. If such a 
determination is so made, after conducting a 
public hearing, the director, in consultation 
with the fund administrator, may assess each 
registered home improvement contractor or 
subcontractor an appropriate fee, the amount to 
be determined .by the commissioner of 
administration and finance, which shall not 
exceed the amount of the original assessment; 
provided, however, that the director shall not 
assess any registrant more than once in any 12 
month period. 

R6.2.5 Responsibilities of Each Registrant: 

R6,2.S.l Changes in status: Each registrant 
shall be responsible for reporting, in writing, 
within thirty days, changes in trade name or 
address or additions of business name(s), and any 



other pertinent changes in circumstances to the 
director. 

R6.2.S.2 Display of certificate number: Every 
contract, building permit and advertisement for 
residential contracting as defined in 780 CMR R6 
shall display the home improvement contractor's 
or subcontractor's certificate of registration 
number. 

R6.2.S.3 Return of certificate: Upon the 
expiration, termination or voluntary surrender of 
a registration, the registrant shall deliver. the 
certificate to the director who shall cancel the 
registration and endorse the date of expiration, 
termination or surrender. In such case, no further 
residential contracting work will be engaged in by 
the contractor or subcontractor. 

780 CMR R63 ENFORCEMENT 
PROCEDURES 
M6.3.1 Notification of Violation: The fund 
administrator shall notify the director if a registrant 
fails to repay the fund for any payment made from 
the fund to an owner because of the conduct of said 
registrant. In addition, the secretary, attorney 
general, district attorney, or local consumer groups 
as defined in 780 CMR R6.1.2, shall advise the 
director of orders resulting from arbitration or court 
action, or other significant complaint activity against 
individual registrants, accompanied by a 
recommendation for enforcement action against a 
registrant. Significant complaint activity shall 
include but not necessarily be limited to: 

1, repeated acts prohibited under 780 CMR 
R6.4.4; 

2. a flagrant complaint or complaints involving 
substantial harm to an owner or owners. 

Nothing in 780 CMR R6.3.1 shall preclude the 
director from initiating enforcement action on his 
own initiative. 

R6.3.1.1 Determination that a Home 
Improvement Contractor complaint may 
involve Construction Supervisor Licensing: If, 
upon review of a Home Improvement Contractor 
complaint the Board or the Hearings Officer 
determines that such complaint may involve 
possible Construction Supervisor License 
violations per 780 CMR R5, such Construction 
Supervisor License complaint hearing may be 
conducted simultaneously with the Home 
Improvement Contractor complaint hearing. 

Where possible violations of 780 CMR R5 
exist, the notification and hearing shall also 
conform to the requirements of 780 CMR R5 as 
applicable. 

M6.3.2 Consideration of Factors: The director, 
upon receipt of the notification under 780 CMR 
R6.3.1 shall consider the pertinent factors in the 



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particular situation, and decide what enforcement 
action in accordance with 780 CMR R6.4, if any, 
shall be taken against the registrant considering, 
among any other pertinent factors, the recommenda- 
tions of the secretary, attorney general, district 
attorney, and/or the local consumer group(s), the 
severity of the vio]ation(s), the frequency of repeti- 
tive violations, the harm to the complainant or the 
general public, and the impact upon the registrant. 

R6.3.3 Letter of Reprimand: The director, on his 
own initiative, may send a letter of reprimand to the 
registrant containing the facts of the situation, which 
may include that the incident has been noted on the 
registrant's official records, and the possibility of 
more severe disciplinary action in the event of 
repetitive violations. 

R6.3.4 Suspension, Revocation, Administrative 
Penalty: The director may institute a suspension or 
revocation of registrant's certificate of registration, or 
administrative penalty against a registrant, subject to 
the following hearing provisions: 

R6.3.4.1 Hearing procedure: 

R6.3.4.1,l Notice of hearing: 

1. The director shall give at least 14 days 
notice of a scheduled hearing to the 
registrant, and all parties to the hearing i.e., 
the secretary, the attorney general, the district 
attorney, and/or the local consumer group 
from whom the recommendation for 
enforcement action was received. Notice to 
the registrant will be deemed sufficient if it is 
mailed to the most recent address of record in 
the director's file. 

2. The notice of hearing shall contain, at 
minimum: 

a. The nature of the violation; 

b. A statement of the enforcement action 
recommendation; 

c. The date, time and place for the 
hearing; 

d. Notice that the registrant may be 
represented by legal counsel; 

e. Advise that the complete investigation 
file is available for review at the office of 
the director during regular business hours; 

f. Notice that the registrant may present 
written and oral testimony and evidence to 
mitigate any planned enforcement action. 

3. The hearing will be conducted by the 
director or a hearings officer appointed by the 
director. 

R6.3.4.1.2 Rescheduling of hearing: The 

director, at his discretion, may delay and 
reschedule the date for such hearing upon 
written request of the registrant, the secretary, 
the attorney general, a district attorney, or the 
involved local consumer group, provided the 



request is received not less than seven days 
prior to such hearing. 

R6.3.4.1.3 Decision: Following the close of 
the hearing, the director shall issue a written 
decision on the violation within 30 working 
days. A copy of the decision shall be sent to 
the registrant, the secretary, the attorney 
general, the involved district attorney and local 
consumer group. 

R6.3.4.1.3.1 Decisions also involving 
Construction Supervisor License 
responsibilities: If the Decision involves 
consideration of Construction Supervisor 
License matters per 780 CMR R5 then such 
Decision shall also comply with the require- 
ments of 780 CMR R5 as applicable. 

R6.3.4.1.4 Appeal: Any party to the hearing 
who is aggrieved by the decision may appeal 
under the applicable provisions of the 
Massachusetts Administrative Procedures Act, 
M.G.L. c. 30A. 

R6.3.5. Injunctions, Restitution: The director, on 
his own initiative, may institute court action in 
accordance with 780 CMR R6.4.3, to obtain a 
permanent or temporary injunction or an order 
requiring restitution or completion of a home 
improvement contractor's contract with an owner. 

R6.3.6 Fines and Criminal Penalties: The attorney 
general or a district attorney may initiate court action 
on his own initiative in accordance with 780 CMR 
R6.4.2. 

780 CMR R6.4 ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS 
R6.4.1 Administrative Penalties: If the director 
determines that any registrant is liable for a violation 
of any of the provisions of 780 CMR R6 or M.G.L. 
c. 1 42 A, the director may institute one or more of the 
following actions: 

R6.4.1.1L Allowable actions: 

1. suspend the registrant's certificate of 
registration for such period of time as shall be 
determined by the director; 

2. revoke the registrant's certificate of 
registration; 

3. send a letter of reprimand to the registrant; 

4. assess an administrative penalty not to 
exceed $2,000, payable within 30 days of the 
date of the order of assessment, for each 
violation of any provisions of 780 CMR R6 
and M.G.L. c. 142A committed by the home 
improvement contractor(s) or subcontractor(s) 
who Jire registered or required to be registered 
under 780 CMR R6. This penalty shall be 
deposited to the fund. 



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CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



R6.4J<,2 Pendency of a claim: The pendency of 
a claim against the fund shall not limit the director 
from taking enforcement action against any 
registrant pursuant to 780 CMR R6 or M.G.L 
c. 142A. 

R6.4.2 Fines and Criminal Penalties: 

R6.4.2.1 Souglit by attorney general or district 
attorney: Fines and imprisonment specified in 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A may be sought 
by the attorney general or a district attorney, and 
such fines and imprisonment shall be in addition 



to any administrative penalty otherwise applicable 
thereto. 

R6.4.2.2 Operating without a certificate: Any 
home improvement contractor or subcontractor 
who shall knowingly, willfully, or negligently 
operate without obtaining a certificate of 
registration as required by 780 CMR R6 and 
M.G.L. c. 142A and who is not otherwise exempt 
from the registration requirements or any home 
improvement contractor or subcontractor who 
continues to operate after revocation of or during 
suspension of, or who had failed to renew his 



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CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



certificate of registration, shall be punished by a fine 
not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not 
exceeding two years or both. 

R6.4.2.3 Other violations: Any person who 
knowingly and willfully violates any of the 
provisions of 780 CMR R6 or M.G.L. c. 142 A 
with respect to which a greater penalty is not 
otherwise provided by the provisions of 780 CMR 
R6 or M.G.L. c. 142 A or by any other law may be 
punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by 
imprisonment for not more than one year or both. 

R6.4.3 Injunctions, Restitution: 

R6.4.3.1 Order from superior court: If the 
director concludes that the continuing conduct of 
any person alleged to be in violation of 780 CMR 
R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A may result in substantial 
or irreparable harm to any citizen of the 
Commonwealth, the director may seek: 

1 . a permanent or temporary injunction with 
respect to the conduct from the superior court 
of any county in which the alleged violation is 
occurring, or in which the violator has its 
principal place of business; or 

2. an order requiring restitution or satisfactory 
completion of the home improvement 
contractor's contract with an owner. 

R6.4.3.2 Bond not required: The director shall 
not be required to file a bond or to show a lack of 
an adequate remedy at law when seeking an 
injunction under M.G.L. c. 142A against any 
person, association, partnership, or corporation 
not registered under 780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. 
c. 142A. 



^.4 Permit Requirements, 
Penalties: - 



Prohibited Acts 



R6.4.4.1 Permit requirements: All building 
permits for residential contracting work covered 
by 780 CMRR6 and M.G.L. c. 142A shall: 

1 . clearly state that persons contracting with 
unregistered contractors do not have access to 
the guaranty fiind; , 

2. contain the registered home improvement 
contractor's or subcontractor's certificate 
number. 

R6.4.4.2 Prohibited acts: The following acts 
are prohibited by registered home improvement 
contractors or subcontractors, and those required 
to register under the provisions of 780 CMR. R6 
and M.G.L. c. 142A: 

1. operating without a certificate of 
registration issued by the director; 

2. abandoning or failing to perform, without 
justification, any contract or project engaged in 
or undertaken, or deviating fi-om or 
disregarding plans or specifications in any 
material way without the consent of the owner. 



except for changes in plans, specifications, or 
construction techniques required by building 
regulations; 

3. failing to credit the owner any payment 
they have made to the contractor or his 
salesperson in connection with a residential 
contracting transaction; 

4. making any material misrepresentation in 
the procurement of a contract or making any 
false promise of a character likely to influence, 
persuade or induce the procurement of 
contract; 

5. acting directly, regardless of the receipt or 
expectation of receipt of compensation or gain 
fi'om the mortgage lender, in connection with 
a residential contracting transaction by 
preparing, offering or negotiating or attempting 
to or agreeing to prepare, arrange, offer or 
negotiate a mortgage loan on behalf of a 
mortgage lender; 

6. acting as a mortgage broker or agent for 
any mortgage lender; 

7. publishing, directly or indirectly, any 
advertisement relating to residential 
contracting which does not contain the home 
improvement contractor's or subcontractor's 
certificate of re^stration number or which does 
contain an assertion, representation or 
statement of fact which is false, deceptive, or 
misleading; 

8. advertising in any manner that a registrant 
is registered under 780 CMR R6 unless the 
advertisement includes an accurate reference to 
the home improvement contractor's or 
subcontractor's certificate of registration; 

9. violating any of the building laws of the 
Commonwealth or of any political subdivision 
thereof; 

10. misrepresenting a material fact by an 
applicant in obtaining a certificate of 
registration; 

1 1 . failing to notify the director of any change 
of trade name or address as required by 
780CMRR6.2.5.1; 

12. conducting a residential contracting 
business in any name other than the one in 
which the home improvement contractor or 
subcontractor is registered; 

13. failing to pay for materials or services 
rendered in connection with his/her operating 
as a home improvement contractor or 
subcontractor where he/she has received 
sufficient funds as payment for the particular 
construction work, project or operation for 
which the services or materials were rendered 
or purchased; 

14. failing to comply with any order, demand 
or requirement lawfully made by the director 
or fund administrator under and within the 
authority of 780 CMRR6 and M.G.L. c. 142 A; 



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15. demanding or receiving payment in 
violation of 780 CMR R6.5.2. item 5, 6, or 
5.2.2; 

16. violating any other provisions of 
780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A. 

17. failing to pay to the guaranty fund in full, 
including interest, any amount paid from said 
fund because of the conduct of the registrant. 

18. any of the grounds for refusal to register 
or renew in 780 CMR R6.2.2.2 are also 
considered prohibited acts. 

19. failing, within 2 1 days, to comply with, or 
advise the owner of intent to comply with, or 
appeal the decision of, an arbitrator as provided 
for in M.G.L. c. 142A and 201 CMR 14:00. 

20. failing to display the registration number 
on every contract, building permit and 
advertisement as required by 780 CMR 
R6.5.2. 1 item 2, R6.4.4. 1 item 2, R6.4.4.2 item 
7, and R6.4.4.2 item 8. 

R6.4.4.3 Penalties: Violations of 780 CMR R6 
or M.G.L. c. 142A shall subject the violator to the 
administrative sanctions of 780 CMR R6.4. 1 and 
to criminal prosecution or other court action as 
prescribed in 780 CMR R6.4.2 and 4.3. 

R6.4.4.4 Deceptive act: Violations of any of the 
provisions of 780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A 
shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act under 
the provisions of M.G.L. c. 93 A. 

780CMRR65 CONTRACTS 

R6.5.1 Contract in Writing: Every agreement 
between a home improvement contractor and an 
owner to perform residential contracting services in 
an amount in excess of $1,000 shall be in writing. 

R6.5.2 Contents of Contract: 

R6.5.2.1 Documents and information: Every 
agreement to perform residential contracting 
services in excess of $1,000 shall include, but not 
be limited to, the following documents and 
information: 

1 . the complete agreement between the owner 
and the contractor and a clear description of 
any other documents which are or shall be 
incorporated into said agreement; 

2. the full names, federal ID number if 
applicable, (exclusive of social security 
number), address (exclusive of post office box 
addresses), registration number of the home 
improvement contractor, the name(s) of the 
salesperson(s), if any, who solicited or 
negotiated the contract and the date when said 

. contract was executed by the parties; 

3. the date on which the work under the 
contract is scheduled to begin and the date on 
which said work is scheduled to be 
substantially completed; 



4. a detailed description of the work to be 
done and the materials to be used; 

5. the total amount agreed to be paid for the 
work to be performed under the contract; 

6. a time schedule of payments to be made 
under said contract and the amount of each 
payment stated in dollars, including all finance 
charges, if any. Any deposit required under the 
contract to be paid in advance of the 
commencement of work under said contract 
shall not exceed the greater of Va of the total 
contract price or the actual cost of any material 
or equipment of a special order or custom made 
nature, which must be ordered in advance of 
the commencement of the work, in order to 
assure that the project will proceed on 
schedule. No final payment shall be demanded 
until the contract is completed to the 
satisfaction of the parties thereto; 

7. the signature of all parties shall be affixed 
to the contract; 

8. there shall be a clear and conspicuous 
notice appearing in the contract slating: 

a. that all home improvement contractors 
and subcontractors shall be registered by the 
director and that any inquiries about a 
contractor or subcontractor relating to a 
registration should be directed to: 

Director 

Home Improvement Contractor Registration 

One Ashburton Place, Room 1301 

Boston, MA 02108 

(617) 727-8598 

b. the registration number of the home 
improvement contractor on the first page of 
the contract. 

c. the owner's three-day cancellation rights 
under M.G.L. c. 93, § 48; M.G.L. c. HOD, 
§ 10 or M.G.L. c. 255D, § 14, as may be 
applicable. 

d. £ill warranties and the owner's rights under 
the provisions of 780 CMR R6 and M.G.L. 
c. 142A; 

e. in ten point bold type or larger, directly 
above the space provided for the signature, 
the following statement: 

DO NOT SIGN THIS CONTRACT IF THERE 
.ARE ANY BLANK SPACES 

f. v/hether any lien or security interest is on 
the residence as a consequence of the 
contract; 

(9) an enumeration of such other matters upon 
which the owner and the contractor may 
lawfully agree; provided, however that no such 
agreement may waive any rights conveyed to 
the owner under the provisions of 780 CMR 
R6 and M.G.L. c. 142A; 

(10) any other provision otherwise required by 
the applicable laws of the Commonwealth. 



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CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT 

CONTRACTOR PROGRAM 



R6oS.2,2 Permit notlee: Any contract entered 
into between a home improvement contractor and 
an owner shall contain a clause informing the 
owner of the following: 

1 . any and all necessary construction=related 
permits; 

2. that it shall be the obligation of the home 
improvement contractor to obtain such pennits 
as the owner's agent; 

3. that owners who secure their own 
construction-related permits or deal with 
unregistered contractors will be excluded from 
the guaranty fund provisions of M.G.L. 
c. 142A; 

R6.5.2J Acceleration of payment: No contract 
shall contain an acceleration clause under which 
any part or all of the balance not yet due may be 
declared due and payable because the holder 
deems himself to be insecure. However, where the 
contractor deems himself to be insecure he/she 
may require as a prerequisite to continuing said 
work that the balance of fiands due under the 
contract, which are in the possession of the owner, 
shall be placed m a joint escrow account requiring 
the signatures of the home improvement 
contractor and owner for withdrawal. 

R6.5.2.4 Copytoownen At the tune of signing, 
the owner shall be fiimished with a copy of the 
contract signed by both the home improvement 
contractor and the owner. No work shall begin 
prior to the signing of the contract and transmittal 
to the owner of a copy of such contract 

R6J.2.5 ArbitratioE; Any contract entered into 
between a home improvement contractor and 
owner may provide that the home improvement 
contractor may Initiate alternative dispute 
resolution through any private arbitration services 
approved by the secretary, as provided in M.G.L. 
c. 142 A; provided, that said alternative dispute 
resolution provision is clearly and conspicuously 
disclosed in the contract, in language designated 
by the secretary, and that each party separately 
signs and dates the provision, thereby assenting to 
the procedure. The following language and format 
is acceptable: 

THE CONTRACTOR AND THE 
HOMEOWNER HEREBY MUTUALLY 
AGREE IN ADVANCE THAT IN THE 
EVENT THE CONTRACTOR HAS A 
DISPUTE CONCERNING THIS 
CONTRACT, THE. CONTRACTOR MAY 
SUBMIT SUCH DISPUTE TO A PRIVATE 
ARBITRATION SERVICE WHICH HAS 
BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY 
OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF 
CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND BUSINESS 
REGULATIONS AND THE CONSUMER 
SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO 



SUCH ARBITRATION AS PROVIDED IN 
M.G.L. C.142A. 

Contractor 



Owner 

NOTICE; THE SIGNATURES OF THE 
PARTIES ABOVE APPLY ONLY TO THE 
AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES TO 
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 
INTHATED BY THE CONTRACTOR. THE 
OWNER MAY INITIATE ALTERNATIVE 
DISPUTE RESOLUTION EVEN WHERE THIS 
SECTION IS NOT SEPARATELY SIGNED BY 
THE PARTIES. 

R633 Dispute Resolul^om 

R6.SJ.1 Court actiomi Any party may bring an 
action to enforce any provisions of 780 CMR R6 
and M.G.L. c. 142A, in superior court, the district 
court, or the small claims division of the district 
court. 

R6J3.2 Owner right to arbitrations In the 
alternative, an owner may request that a dispute 
resulting from and relatmg to residential 
contracting be decided under the terms of a 
private arbitration service approved by the 
secretary. 

R6JJJ Contractor rigiit to arbitrationi The 
home improvement contractor may initiate dispute 
absolution through private arbitration services 
approved by the secretary, provided: that the 
contract between the owner and the home 
improvement contractor contains such a clause as 
provided in 780 CMR R6.5.2.5. 

E6.S.4 Validity of contrast: Contracts which fail 
to comply with the requirements of 780 CMR R6 
and M.G.L. c. 142A shall not be invalid solely 
because of noncompliance. 

78® CMR R6.6 SUPPLEMENTARY 
IDENTIFICATION CARDS 

RL61 Deiialtions 

Certificate of registration: The document issued by 
the Director showing the registrant's certificate 
number and other data as required by the director. 

MentMcation card: The document Issued to the 
responsible individual or to one or more 
individuals in the employ of the 
applicant/registrant. 

E6.6.2 Certificates of registrants: For applicants 
registering as individuals, the certificate of 



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registration and identification card will be issued in 
the name of the registrant. Only one identification 
card Avill be issued to individual registrants. 

R6.6.2.2 Non-Individual Registrants: 

R6.6.2.2.1 If the Applicant is a corporation, 
partnership, proprietorship vnth a fictitious 
name, or other non-individual entity, the 
certificate of registration and the initial 
identification card will bear the name of the 
registrant entity and the individual responsible 
for the home improvement residential 
contracting activities of the registrant. 

R6.6.2.2.2 Supplementary identification cards 
may be issued, upon request of the registrant, 
to named officers, partners, of key individuals 
in the employ of the registrant under the 
certificate of registration number of the 
applicant entity, upon submission of the 



appropriate request form and fee. The 
applicant is responsible for the prompt return 
of individual identification cards if there is a 
change in status of individuals holding such 
supplementary cards. 

R6.6J Fees: For each additional identification card 
request in accordance Avith 780 CMR R6.2,2.1, an 
additional fee per card in an amount of $10.00 must 
accompany the request for additional cards. 

R6.6.4 Expiration: Supplementary cards will 
expire on the same date as the expiration date of the 
registrant (»itity, and must be renewed along vnth the 
renewal of the registrant entity's registration by 
submission of the required application and fee of 
$10.00 per card requested. 



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78© CMR R7 

CERTIFICATION OF INSPECTORS OF BUILDINGS, BUILDING 
COMMISSIONERS AND LOCAL INSPECTORS 

FORWARD 

Contained herein are the RULES cmd REGULATIONS for the certification of all inspectors of buildings, 
building commissioners and local inspectors (collectively referred to as building code enforcement officials) 
of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). In accordance with M.G.L. c. 143 §§3 and 94, 
the BBRS is authorized to adopt rules and regulations which govern the administration of such program. 

780 CMR R7 covers the certification rules and regulations for inspector of buildings, building 
commissioners and local inspectors as defined in M.G.L. c. 143, § 3, and 780 CMR 105. 

General Provisions 



R7 
R7 

R7, 
R7 
R7 
R7 
R7 



1 Title 

2 Definitions 

3 Scope, intent 

4 Powers and duties 

5 Inspector Certification Advisory Committee (Building Official Certification Committee) 

6 Categories of certification 

7 Certifications required 



Requirements for Initial Certification 

R7.2.I Application 

R7.2.2 Building Code Enforcement Officials in office as of November 12, 1992 

R7.2.3 AfterNovemberl2, 1992 

R7.2.4 Requirements for certification as a local inspector 

R7.2.5 Requirements for certification as an inspector of buildings/building commissioner 

Requirements for Maintenance of Certification 
R7.3 . 1 Continuing education 
R7.3.2 Renewal of certification 

Procedures for Complaints 

R7.4. 1 Complaints 

R7.4.2 Revocation of certificates and alternate sanctions 

R7.4.3 Violations and penalties 

780 CMR RXl GENERAL PROVISIONS WJd3 Scope, intent: 780 CMR R7 shall control all 

R71ol Title: 780 CMR R7 entitled "Certification of ^^^^^ relating to qualifications and certification of 

Inspectors of Buildings, Building Commissioners ^ building code enforcement officials engaged in or 

and Local Inspectors" (hereinafter collectively to be engaged in the administration and enforcement 

referred to as Building Code Enforcement Officials) °^ '^^^ ^^^ categories of certified building code 

is authorized and promulgated by the State Board of enforcement officials; procedures for application, 

Building Regulations and Standards under the issuance, denial and revocation of certifications; 

authority of M.G.L. c. 143, §§ 3 and 94. approval of training and/or educational programs 

offered to meet the requirements for certification; 

R7.1.2 Definitions: Any terms not herein defined maintenance of certification through continuing 

shall assume the definition of the tem as used in the education; application fees for certification; and 

Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). enforcement of 780 CMR R7. 

It is the purpose of 780 CMR R7 to establish 

BBRS: State Board of Building Regulations and standards and procedures for certification, and to 

Standards require all persons performing duties with respect to 

Registrant: Any individual registered with the ^^^ inspection of building construction for any 

Board of Building Regulations and Standards P°^^ subdivision within the Commonwealth to be 

(BBRS) as a building code enforcement certified as provided in 780 CMR R7. 
official in the capacity of an inspector of 

buildings/building commissioner or local ^^''^''^ ^°^®" ^^^ ^^^'^- The BBRS, working 

inspector through the Administrator and the Board staff, shall 



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have the follo\\dng responsibilities in addition to all 
others provided m 780 CMR R7. 

R7.1.4.1 Upon recommendations from the 
Building Official Certification Committee, 
established under 780 CMR R7.1.5, to issue 
certifications to individuals deemed qualified as 
provided for herein. 

R7.1.4.2 To maintain accurate records of all 
applications for certification and any official 
action thereon and to make such records available 
for inspection by the public at all reasonable 
times. 

R7.1.4.3 To suspend or revoke a certification 
provided for herein upon the establishment of 
good cause. 

R7.1.4.4 Any person aggrieved by any notice, 
action, ruling or order of the Board, or the 
Building Official Certification Committee with 
respect to 780 CMR R7, may have a right to a 
hearing as provided for by law. 

R7.1.5 Inspector Certification Advisory 
Committee (Building Oflicial Certification 
Committee): 

R7.1.5.1: There is hereby established in the 
BBRS the Inspector Certification Advisory 
Committee hereafter known as the Building 
Official Certification Committee. This Committee 
shall be supported by such staff of the BBRS as 
may be required for the efifective operation of 
780 CMR R7. 

R7.1.5.2 Powers and Duties: The Building 
Official Certification Committee shall have the 
responsibility to advise and to reconunend to the 
BBRS on all items relating to the certification of 
building code enforcement officials, including, 
but not limited to: 

a. issuance of certificates 

b. review of credentials of applicants 

c. maintenance of applicant records 

d. hearing of complaints and appeals pertain- 
ing to inspector certification 

e. review and ^proval of all courses of study, 
seminars, and other educational programs as 
deemed necessary, for credit toward continuing 
education requirements. 

f monitoring all appointments to assure com- 
pliance with 780 CMR R7. 
g. reciprodty may be considered upon petition 
of the Building Official Certification 
Committee on forms provided for such 
purpose. 

R7.1.5.3 Make-up of the Committee: The 

Building Official Certification Committee shall 
consist of nine members appointed by the BBRS 
as follows: (Terms of committee members are as 
established by lot at the March 31, 1993 meeting.) 



a. One member of the BBRS or his/her 

designee 

b Six members who are active building 

officials consisting of: 

- One member from each of the three 
Municipal Building Official's Associations 

(Southeastern Building Officials 
Association, Building Officials of Western 
Massachusetts, Massachusetts Building 
Commissioners and Inspectors 
Association). 

- Three members at large to be appointed by 
the BBRS. 

c. One member from academia who is an 
educator of construction at the college level 
(e.g. architectural, civil, structural) to be 
appointed by the BBRS. 

d. One member of the Massachusetts 
Municipal Association. 

R7. 1.6 Categories of Certiflcation : 

R7.1.6.1 Categories of certification for building 
code enforcement officials are as follows: 

R7.1.6.1.1 Inspector of Buildings or 
Building Commissioner: An individual 
certified as an inspector of buildings building 
conmiissioner shall perform the duties as 
defined in 780 CMR 105.3 and M.G.L. c. 143. 

R7.1.6.1.2 Local Inspector: An individual 
certified as a local inspector shall perform the 
duties as defined in 780 CMR 105.4 and 
M.G.L. c. 143. 

R7.1.6.1.3 Conditional appointment of a 
building code enforcement official: A 

conditional appointee shall meet the 
requirements of 780 CMR R7. 1.7.4 through 
1.7.6.3. 

R7.1.6.1.4 Alternate inspectors of buildings/ 
building commissioners: An ahemate 
inspector of buildings/building commissioner 
shall be certified prior to appointment. 

R7.1.7 Certtifications required: 

R7.1.7.1: After November 12, 1992, no 
individual shall be permanently appointed to the 
position of inspector of buildings, building 
commissioner or local inspector in a local 
enforcing agency for which a certification 
requirement has been established by 780 CMR 
R7, unless that individual has been deemed 
qualified Jind certified in that category by the 
Building Official Certification Committee. 

R7.1.7.1.1 Conditional appointments: 

Conditional appointments may be made 
pursuant to 780 CMR R7. 1.7.4, 1.7.5 and 1.7.6. 

R7.1.7.2 Reporting by appointing authorities: 

Immediately upon the appointment of an inspector 



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CERTMCATION OF INSPECTORS OF BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMMISSIONERS 

AND LOCAL INSPECTORS 



of buildings, building commissioner or local 
inspector, the appointing authority shall notify the 
BBRS in writing on forms provided for such 
purpose of the name of the appointee, the 
appointed position and the date of appointment. 

R7.1.7.3: Any individual employed as inspector 
of buildings, building commissioner or local 
inspector and who was in office on November 12, 
1992 and who was qualified (in accordance with 
M.GL. c. 143, § 3) to be in office at time of hire, 
and who has presented acceptable evidence of 
these facts to the BBRS, shall be deemed certified 
in the category held on said date, and shall be 
provided with a certificate by the BBRS. 

R7,1.7.4 Conditional Appointments: After 
November 12, 1992, individuals who meet or 
exceed the experience requirements pursuant to 
M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 and 780 CMR but who are not 
certified under the provisions of 780 CMR R7 
may be appointed on a conditional basis only. 

R7.1.7.5 Regulations for the Conditionail 
Appointment of Building Code Enforcement 
Officials: 

R7.1.7.S.1: Any individual conditionally 
appointed as a building code enforcement 
official, on or after November 12, 19.92 who is 
not certified in the appropriate category of 
certification at the time of the conditional 
appointment; shall comply with the following: 

a. Immediately upon appointment, the 
appointing authority shall report the 
conditional appointment to the BBRS in 
accordance with 780 CMR R7. 1.7.2. 

b. Within the first six months of 
employment the conditional appointee shall 
make application to take the examination(s) 
required for the appropriate category of 
certification as identified in 780 CMR 
R7.2.0. 

c. Within one year following the first six 
months of employment the conditional 
appointee shall attain a passing score on all 
of the examinations required for the category 
of certification of the conditional 
appointment. 

d. In accordance with 780 CMR R7. 1 .7.6, 
a conditional appointee may petition the 
Building Official Certification Committee in 
writing for an extension of time to comply 
with the examination schedule of 780 CMR 
R7. Upon establishment of cause, the 
Building Official Certification Committee 
may grant such extensions of time as it may 
consider appropriate. 

R7.1.7.S.2: Conditional appointees shall 
notify the BBRS of any change in the status 
of their employment, within one month of 
such change. 



R7.1.7.6 Requests for Extensions of Time to 
Comply with Examination Schedules: 

R7.1.7.6.1: Any conditional appointee unable 
to comply with the examination schedule as 
cited in 780 CMR R7.L7.5 may, for cause, be 
granted an extension of time in order to 
comply, upon written petition to the Building 
Ojficial Certification Committee. Petitions 
shall be forwarded to the clerk of said 
committee, and addressed to the office of the 
BBRS (current address listed at the front of the 
building code). The conditional appointee shall 
state all reasons to substantiate the request for 
an extension of time. 

R7.1.7.6,2: The Building Official Certification 
Committee shall, within ten days of any action 
taken by the committee pursuant to 780 CMR 
R7, notify' the appointing authority in writing of 
such action. 

780 CMR R12 REQUIREMENTS FOR 
INITIAL CERTIFICATION 

R7.2.1 Application: Any candidate for certification 
in any category of building code enforcement official 
issued pursuant to 780 CMR R7 shall submit an 
application to the BBRS, accompanied by the 
required application fee as prescribed, on forms 
provided for this purpose by the BBRS. The 
application shall include such information and 
documentation as the BBRS may require pursuant to 
780 CMR R7. 

R7.2.2 Building Code Enforcement OfOcials in 
Office as of November 12, 1992: Upon receipt of 
acceptable evidence as established by the BBRS, 
signed by the city or town clerk and the appointing 
authority in attestation that the applicant for 
certification was employed in the position of 
inspector of buildings, building commissioner or 
local inspector and met the qualificational 
requirements of said position pursuant to M.G.L. 
c. 143, § 3 and 780 CMR as of the date of hire, the 
applicant shall be deemed certified in the applicable 
category and shall be issued a certificate. The 
certificate shall indicate the name of the individual 
and the category of certification and other 
information as may be deemed necessary by the 
BBRS. 

R7.2.3 After November 12, 1992, applicants for 
certification as a Building Code Enforcement 

Official shall meet the following requirements: 

R7.2.4 Requirements for certification as a Local 
Inspector: 

R7.2.4.1: All candidates shall meet or exceed the 
qualifications for the position of local inspector 
pursuant to M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 and 780 CMR prior 



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to any examinations. The Board of Building 
Regulations via the certification committee shall 
approve all candidates prior to any examinations. 
The certification committee shall maintain a list of 
all qualified candidates for any and all city and 
towns appointing building officials. 

R7.2.4.2: All candidates shall attain a passing 
score in all examinations required for certification 
as either a Building Plans Examiner or a 
Building Inspector under the Construction Code 
Inspector Certification Program of the Building 
Officials and Code Administrators International 
(BOCA). 

R7.2.4.3 Prior approval for examination as a 
Local Inspector; No candidates shall be allowed 
to take said examinations without prior approval 
of the Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards or the certification committee at the 
Board's discretion. 

R7.2.5 Requirements for Certification as an 
Inspector of Buildings/Building Commissioner: 

R7.2.5.1: All candidates shall meet or exceed the 
qualifications for the position of local inspector 
pursuant to M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 and 780 CMR prior 
to any examinations. The Board of Building 
Regulations via the certification committee shall 
approve all candidates prior to any examinations. 
The certification committee shall maintain a list of 
all qualified candidates for any and all city and 
towns appointing building officials. 

R7.2.5.2: All candidates shall meet the 
examination requirements for certification as a 
local inspector pursuant to 780 CMR R7.2.4.2 
herein, or hold a certification as a local inspector 
pursuant to 780 CMR R7. 

R7.2.5.3: All candidates shall attain passing 
scores in all examinations required for 
certification as a Certified Building Official 
under the Certified Building Official Program of 
the Council of American Building Officials 
(CABO). 

R7.2.5.4 Prior approval for examination as a 
Local Inspector: No candidates shall be allowed 
to take said examinations without prior approval 
of the Board of Building Regulations and 
Standards or the certification committee at the 
Board's discretion. 

780 CMR 73 REQUIREMENTS FOR 
MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION 

R7.3.1 Continuing education: 

R7.3.1.1: Within each three year period following 
initial certification, the registrant shall complete 
45 hours of continuing education credit acceptable 
to the Building Official Certification Committee. 



R7.3.L2: The Committee may publish a list of 
acceptable educational programs, courses, 
seminars, and the like. The Committee may also 
accept educational activities in which registrants 
have participated after the fact, upon application 
and review of the course information. The 
Committee shall assign credits to each 
educational/training event. 

R7.3.2 Renewal of certificate: 

R7.3.2.1 Term of certificate: Each certified 
individual shall maintain a record of his/her 
continuing education credits and forward such 
information to the office of the BBRS in care of 
the Building Official Certification Committee 
(address is listed at the front of the building code) 
as it is accumulated. The BBRS shall maintain a 
record of each inspector's progress. 

At the end of each three year period, each 
inspector who has successfully maintained his/her 
continuing education credit shall be duly notified 
by the BBRS. 

R7.3.3: In accordance with M.G.L. c. 143, § 99, no 
building code enforcement official attending BBRS 
required educational programs, shall lose any rights 
relative to compensation or vacation. 

780 CMR R7.4 PROCEDURES FOR 
COMPLAINTS 

R7.4.1 Complaints: 

R7.4.1.1 Cause for complaint: Any individual 
who has been alleged to have violated the 
provisions of 780 CMR R7 or 780 CMR may be 
entitled to a hearing in accordance with M.G.L. c. 
30A before the Building Official Certification 
Committee or subcommittee thereof. A complaint 
shall be made in writing to the BBRS, attention; 
Building Official Certification Committee. 

R7.4.1.2 Hearings on complaints: If a hearing is 
to convene, the committee shall give at least ten 
days notice to all those party to the complaint. 
The sending of notice to the address recorded on 
the records of the BBRS shall be deemed 
sufficient notice. 

R7.4.L3 Notice of hearings: The notice shall 
contain: 

a. The name of the complainant 

b. A copy of the complaint 

c. The date, time and place of said hearing. 
The complete file of complaint shall be available 
for inspection at the office of the BBRS during 
regular business hours. Parties may present 
written or oral evidence to refute or mitigate any 
charge contained in the complaint and present 
witnesses in his/her behalf In the event that the 
committee votes to take action against said 



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CERTinCATION OF INSPECTORS OF BUILDINGS, BUILDING COMMISSIONERS 

AND LOCAL INSPECTORS 



certification pursuant to this hearing, the building 
code enforcement official, upon notice of the 
decision, shall immediately comply with said 
orders. 

R7.4.1.4 Continuation of hearings: the 
committee, in its discretion, may continue the date 
for hearing upon request by building official, the 
complainant or the coimnittee itself 

R7.4.1.S Timing of decisions: The committee 
shall make a decision within 15 days of the 
hearing. A written decision shall be issued within 
30 days of the hearing date. 

R7.4.1.6 Decisions: The decision shall be final 
and binding upon the building code enforcement 
official and the complainant. 

R7.4,1.7 Notice of action: In the event that the 
committee votes to take action against said 
certification pursuant to this hearing, the building 
code enforcement official, upon notice of the 
decision, shall immediately comply with said 
orders. 

R7 .4.1.8 Appeal: Any person aggrieved by a 
decision of the committee may appeal such 
decision to a court of law or equity in 
conformance with M.G.L. c. 30A, § 14. 

R7.4.2 Revocation of certificates and alternative 
sanctions: 

R7.4.2.1: The BBRS, upon recommendation of 
the Committee, and subject to the requirements of 
the Administrative Practices in accordance with 
M.G.L. c. 30A, may suspend or revoke a 
certification, or assess any other penalties as 
provided for by law, if it is determined that the 
registrant: (The following is not an exhaustive 
list.) 

a. Has obtained a certification by fraud or 
misrepresentation, or the person named in the 
certificate has obtained it by fraud or 
misrepresentation; 

b. Has aided or abetted in practice as a 
certified building code enforcement official any 
person not authorized to practice as a certified 
building code enforcement official under the 



provisions of 780 CMR R7; 

c. Has fraudulently or deceitfully practiced as 
a certified building code enforcement official, 

d. Has been grossly negligent or has engaged 
in misconduct in the performance of any of his 
duties; 

e. Has failed, over a period of time, to 
maintain continuing education requirements as 
specified in 780 CMR R7; 

f Has been found to have failed to report an 

offer, or bribe, or other favor in a proceeding 

under 780 CMR R7 or other appropriate law of 

this or any other state or jurisdiction; 

g. Has made a false or misleading statement, 

or has made a material omission in any 

submission to the BBRS; 

h. Has failed to enforce the provisions of 

780 CMR as prescribed by M.G.L. c. 143, § 3. 

R7.4.3 Violations and Penalties: 

R7.4.3.1: It shall be a violation of 780 CMR R7 
on or after November 12, 1992, for any individual 
to represent himself/herself to be qualified for a 
position that the individual does not currently 
hold, or to use a title or otherwise represent 
himself/herself to be qualified for a position that 
the individual does not currently hold, or to use a 
title or otherwise represent himself/herself as 
certified or authorized to act under the 780 CMR 
if that individual does not possess a certificate, 
unless such person is appointed subject to the 
provisions of 780 CMR R7 1.6.1.3. In addition to 
any other remedy available under law, such 
representation shall be deemed a violation of 
780 CMR R7 and any other penalties as provided 
for by law. 

R7.43.2: It shall be a violation of 780 CMR R7 
on and after November 12, 1992, for any local 
enforcing agency to offer employment, to retain 
for employment or to permanently appoint any 
individual who is not certified in accordance with 
780 CMR R7, except on a conditional basis in 
accordance with 780 CMR R7. 1.6. 1.3. 



9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05) 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



805 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 

NON-TEXT PAGE 



806 780 CMR . Sixth Edition 9/9/05 (Effective 8/26/05) 



INDEX 

By section number 



A, use group, assembly, 303.0 

Access 

Attics, 1211.2 

Courts, 1212.4 

Crawl spaces, 1211.1 

Roofe, 1027.0 
Accessibility, 780 CMR 1 1 

Accessory structures 
Definition, 202.0, 3602.2 
Use Group U, utility and miscellaneous, 3 12.0 

Adjoming property 
Demolition and excavation, 33 10.0 
Existing buildings, 3309.0 
Fences, 33 11.0 
Grade control, 3310.4 
Notice to owners, 3310.1 
Protection of, 3308.0 
Storage of materials, 3312.0 

Adjoining spaces 
Natural light, 1206.0 
Natural ventilation, 1208.0 

Administrative 

Administration, Chapter 1, 3601.0 

Alternate materials and methods, 109.3 

Application for permits, 106.2 

Board of appeals, 122.0 

Building classified by code ofQcial, 302. 1 

Certificate of occupancy, 120,0 

Code official approves plans, 109.0 

Code official, definition, 202.0 

Conditions of permit, 1 1 1.0, 1 13.0 

Drawings and specifications required, 1 10.8 

Existing structures, 102.5 

Foundation permits, 108.7, 111.13 

^pections required, 1 15.0 

Inspectors appointed, 105.1 

Liability, 105.7 

Maintenance of buildings, 103.1,3401.2 

Organization of building department, 105.0 

Pennit fees, 114.0 

Permits required, 110. 1, 110.2 

Powers and duties of code official, 105.0 

Records of department, 105.8 

Requirements not in code, 102.2, 102.3 

Restrictions on employees, 105.6 

Revocation of permits, 111.12 

Scope of code. 101.2 

Stop work orders, 119.0 

Tests and test reports, 1708.0 

Unsafe structures, 121.0 

Validity of code, 104.0 

Violations and penalties, 1 18.0 
Aged, homes for 

Use Group I, institutional, 308.0 
Aggregates 



Concrete, 1906.3 

Masonry, mortar and grout 2105.0 
Special tests, 1906.3.1 
Air ducts (see Ducts) 

Air intakes 

Combustion, 3620.0 

Courts, 1212.5 

From attic areas, 3620.3, 3620.3.3 

From under floor areas, 3620.3, 3620.3.4 

Return, 3619.2 

Supply, 3619.3 

Air plenum (see Plenums) 

Airplane hangars (see Garages) 

Airport traffic control towers, 414.0 

Air-supported structures 

Membrane structures, general, 3103.0 
Temporaiy,3104.0 

Aisles 

Assembly, Use Group A, 101 1 .3, 1012.0 
Exit access, other use groups, 101 1. 
Illumination, 1024.0 

Alarm systems (see Fire protection systems) 

Allowable areas and heights of buildings (also see Areas, 
building) 

Existing buildings, 3400.3 
General, 503.0, Table 503 
Unlimited areas, 507.0 



Allowable spans 

Floor joists, 3605.2.3.1 

Headers, 3606.2.6 

Rafters and ceiling joists, 3608.2.4 
Alloys 

Aluminum, 2002. 1 

Special steel, 2207.1 

Alterations 

Additions, 3404.2, 3408.2.3 , 3408.4 

Area and heigjit limitations, 3404.9 

Certificate of occupancy, 120.0 

Definition, 202.0 

Existing buildings, 3400, 3404.0 

Inspections, 115.0 

Li^t and ventilation in existing buildings, 3400.6 

Minor changes, 3404.1 

Nonstructural alterations and repairs, 3401.2 

Permit fees, 114.0 

Permit required, 111.0 

Signs, 3 102.4.2 

Structural alterations and repairs, 3404.0 
Alternative materials and construction 

Approved by code official. 109.0, 3601 

Board of appeals, 122.0 

Suitability of, 1707.1 

Aluminum alloys, 2002.0 
Amendments to plans, 1 10. 12, 1 10. 13 



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807 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Anchorage, anchors 

Flood-resistant construction, 3107.5.2 
Framing into girders, 23 05 . 6. 1 
Intersecting masonry walls, 21 11. 2 
Masonry, general, 2 1 1 0.0, 2 1 1 1 .0 
Masonry, veneer, 1405.5 
Metal veneers, 1405.4.1 
Projecting masonry, 21 12.0 
Wood, sill, 2305.16 

Antennas, radio and television, 3109.0 

Apartment house (see Multiple dwellings) 

Appeals, board of, 122.0 

Application for permit 

Action by code official on application. 111.1 

Application form, 1 10.4 

Awnings, 3205.0, 

Conditions of permit, 1 13.0 

Drawings required, 1 10.8 

For demolition of buildings, 1 12.0 

Foimdation permits, 108.7, 111.13 

Moving buildings, 3407. 1 

Permit fees, 114.0 

Plot diagram required, 107.6 

Records to be kept, IQ5.8 

Registered architect or engineer, 107.3 

Signs, 3102.4 

Swimming pools, 421.3 

Temporary structures, 3 104.0 

What required, 1 10.0, 1 11 .0 

When required, 1 10.0, 1 1 1.0 

Appointment of code official, 105. 1 

Approval 

Alternative materials and methods of construction, 

109.3 
Certificate of occupancy, 120.0 
For use of plastic material, 260 1 .3 
General, 106.0 
Inspections, 1 15.0 
Materials, 1704.0 
Modifications, 106.2 
Moving buildings, 3407.0 
Of plans for pennit, 108.5 
Used materials, 109.2 

Approved, definition, 202.0, 3602.2 

Approved agency 
Criteria, 1704.3.1 
Definition, 202.0 

Architect 
Report, permits issued, 1 16.4 
Drawings and specifications, by, 1 10.8 
Special professional services, 1 1 6.2 

Architectural trim (see Exterior trim restrictions) 
Areas, building 

Allowable areas for buildings (also see Allowable 

areas and heists of buildings), 503.0, Table 503, 

3408.6.2 

Allowable, required reductions of, 506.4, Table 506.4 

Definition, 202.0 

Existing buildings, 3404. 1 

Floor area, definition, 202.0 

General area limitations, 503.0 

Increase for street fi-ontage, 506.2 

Increase for suppression, 506.3 

Mezzanines, 505.2 

Modifications, 506.0, 506.4 



Open parking structures, 406.4 
Separate buildings, 3 13. 1.3, 503. 1, 402. 16 
Special industrial uses, 503. 1 . 1 
Unlimited areas, 507.0 
Waiting rooms, 409.2 . 1 

Areaways, 3203.12.1 
Artificial liglit, 1207.0, 1024.1 
Asphalt roof shingles, 1507.2.3, 3609.3 
Assembly buildings 

Aisles, 1 012.0 

Area allov^ed, 503.0 

Classification of, 303.0 

Determinuig capacity of means of egress, 1009.0 

Fire suppression requirements, 904.0, 914.0 

Occupanc}r' load requirements, 1008.0 

Stages and platforms, 412.0 

Use Group A, 303.0 

Atriums, 404.0 

Attic 

Access, 1211.2 
Combustion air, 3620.3.3 
Definition, 202.0 
Draflstopping, 720.7.2 
Furnaces, iinsulation in. 
Insulation, exposed, 722.2 
Ventilation of. 1210.1 

Auditoriums 

Foyers and waiting spaces, 1006.2.4 
Means of egress, 1006.2.2 
Use Group A-1, assembly, 303.2 
Use Group A-3, assembly, 303.4 

Automatic fire detection systems (see Detection systems, 
automatic fire) 

Automatic fire suppression systems (also see Sprinklers) 
Atriums, 404.2 

Carbon dioxide systems, 909.0 
Covered mall buildings, 402. 10 
Dry-chemical systems, 910.0 
Foam systiims, 9 1 1 .0 
General, 901.0 
Halogenati^ systems, 912.0 
High-rise buildings, 403.2, 403.3 
Limited ariea systems, 907.0 
Plans and specifications (construction documents), 

903.1 
System selection, 905.0 
Water sprinkler systems, 906.0 
Where required, 904.1 

Automobiles, parkmg 

Open pailcing structures, 313.2, 406.0 

Private gai-ages, 202.0, 407.0 

Public garages, 202.0, 402.16, 408.0 
Awnings 

Clearance, 3205.0 

Covers and boxes, 3203. 10 

Fixed, 3205.3 

Loads, 1609.0 

Moveable, 3205.2 

Over public property, 3203.9, 3205. 1 

Pennit for 3205.1 

Plastic, 2604.8 

Retractable. 3205.2 



808 



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780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



B, luse group, business, 304.0 

Balcony- 
Exits, 1006.2.2 

Exterior balconies, 3203.8 

Exterior construction of, 1406.4 

Live loads, 1606.0 

Over public property, 3203.8 

Permissible street projections, 3203.8 

Railings, 1012.8, 1021.4, 1615.5 

Steps, 1012.0 

Banner and cloth signs, 3 102. 12. 1 

Barricades 

Construction, where required, maintenance, 3304.2, 
3310.1 

Bars, reinforcing 

Clear cover in concrete footings, 1810.3.2 
Details of reinforcement, 1910.0, 1911.4 
Reinforcing steel, 2208.0 

Basement 

Dampproofing, 1813.0 

Definition, 202.0 

Enclosure of stairways, 1014. 1 1 

Fire suppression system required, 904.10 

Floors above, protection of, 1006 3. 1 

Ratproofing, 1215.0 

Required exits, 1010.2 

Stairway construction 1014 

Underground structures, 405.0 

Waterproofing, 1813.0 
Bathrooms 

Light and ventilation, 1205.0 

Mechanical ventilation allowed, 1205.2 

Window area required for, 1208 2 

Bay window (also see Windows, bay) 
Construction of, 1406.5 
Over public property, projection, 3203.7 

Beams 

Bottom flange protection, 715.6 

Fireresistance, rating of. Table 602, 715.0 

Fireresistance, reinforced concrete. Table 602 

Reinforced concrete 1901. 

Steel, formed, 2206.0 

Steel, structural, 2203.0 

Structural, glued-laminated, 2307.1 

Supports, 3605.2.4 

Wood, 2303.0, 2305.0 

Wood in heavy timber construction, 2304.0 
Bearing (Loadbearing) 

For wood beams and girders, 2305.6. 1, 2305.6.3 

On hollow masonry units. 1812.3.3. 2112.1.2.2 

Bearing partitions (see Walls) 

Bearing, soil capacity, 1804.0 

Bearing walls (see Walls) 

Bleachers, J013.0 

Blocks concrete masonry units (see Masonry) 

Board and care facilities (see 1, use group, institutional) 

Board of appeals, 121.0 

Boarding houses (see Residential buildings) 



Bond, masonry 

Foundation walls, 1 8 1 2.3 .5 
Masonr>' veneers, 1 405 . 5 
Masonry walls, 21 10.0, 21 1 1.0 

Borings and tests of soils, 1802.0, 1803.0, 1804.0 
Bracing 

Adjoining existing buildings, 3309.3 

Exterior stud walls, 2305.7 

For stud walls and partitions, bearing, 2305.4.2 

Masonry walls, lateral, 2108.0 

Seismic, 1903.0, 1904.0, 2104.0. 2204.0, 2305. 
2306.0 

Brick (see Masonry) 

Bridges 

Over sidewalks (wrecking), 3304.3 

Pedestrian walkways, 3 106.0 
Bridging, wood floors, 2305. 14.2 
Building 

Allowable areas and heights, 503.0, Table 503 

Alterations of existing buildings, 3400.0, 3404.0 

Ceiling height, 3603.8 

Certificate of use and occupanc>', 1 20.0 

Change in use, 3400.3 

Classified by type of construction, 602. 1 

Classified by use or occupancy, 302. 1 

Construction precautions. Chapter 33 

Definition, 202.0 

Design criteria, 3603. 1 

Doors, 3603.11 

Exits, 3603.10 

Flood resistant, 3107.0 

Garages, 3603.5 

General limitations. Chapter 5 

Glazing, 3603.20 

Height, definition. 202.0 

Height mcKiifications, 504.0 

Heights, allowable, 503.0, Table 503, 504.0, 507.1 

High-rise, 403.0 

Historic, 3409.0 

Maintenance, 103.0 

Permissible street projections, 3203.0 

Room dimensions, 3603.7 

Stairways, 3603. 13 

Temporary, 110.2 

Two or more on same lot, 503. 1.3, 1201.2 

Unlimited area, 507.0 

Unsafe, 121.0 

Building department 
Annual report, 105.5.1 
General, 1 05.0 
Records, 106.7 

Building of&cial (see Code ofiQcial), 202.0 
Building paper, 1405.3.6 
Building permits (see Permits) 
Business buildings, Use Group B, 304.0 



Caisson piles, 1824.0 
Calculations required, 110.8 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



809 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Canopies 

Construction, 3 105.0, 3205.4 
Loads, 1609.6.2 
On exterior walls, 3205.4 
Over public property, 3205. 1 

Caibon dioxide extinguishing system (see Automatic fire 
suppression systems) 

Cast iron, 2209.0 

Cast stone 

Bonding, 21 10.0 

General requirements, 2105.3 
Cavity walls 

Definition (see Walls), 202.0, 3606.6 

Ceilings 

Finishes, 3608.5 

Fireresistance rated assemblies, 713.0 

Height 1204.0, 3603.8 

Panels, 713.1.1 

Plenums, 2805.0 

Cellar (see Basement) 

Cement 

Ck)ncrete, materials, mixes, 1906.0 

Stucco, 2506.0 

Water-cement ratio, 1908.2 

Central-station system 
Definition, 202.0 
Fire suppression system supervision, 923.1 

Ceramic tile 
Mortar, types and mix, 2105. 10 
Veneers, 1405.5 

Certificate of occupancy 

Definition, 202.0 

Existing buildings, 120.2, 120.3, 120.4 
, General, 120.1 

Temporaiy occupancy, 120.3 
Change of use, 202.0, 3400.0, 3405.0 
Changes in plans, 1 10. 1 

Changes to buildings 

Alterations, 3400.1, 3404.0 

Existing, 3400.1 

Rehabilitation, 3400. 1, 3404.0 
Chases (see Masonry) 
Chemicals 

High-hazard use group, 307.0 

Child day care center 
Use Group E, 305.0 
Use Group 1-2,308.3.1 
Use Group R, 3 10.5.1 

ChimnQ's 

Chimn^s and fireplaces, 3610.0 
Clearance, 3610.2.14 
Crickets. 3610.2. 16 
Design, 3610.0 
Factoiy Built, 3610.3 
Firestopping, 3610.2.15 
Flue lining, 3610.2.7, 3610.2.8 
Load, 3610.2.4 
Masoniy, 

Multiple flue, 3610.2.9 
Support, 3610.2.1 
Termination, 3610.2.5 
Wall thickness, 3610.2.6 



Churches 

Use Group A-4, assembly, 303.0 

Chutes 

Linen and refiise, 2807.0 

Classification 

Of buildings, by code official, 302. 1 

Of buildings, by occupancy, 302.0 

Of buildings, by types of construction, 602.0 

Of types of constniction, 603.0. 604.0, 605.0, 606.0 

Clay tile 

General, 2105.0 
Veneer, 1405.0 

Clearances 

Around concrete reinforcing, 1 8 1 0.3 .2 

Around fireplaces, 21 14.6 

Around timber in masoniy, 2305.6.3 

Awnings, movable, 3203.9, 3203. 10, 3205.2 

Marquee a^Miings, 3203. 1 1 

Minimum ceiling heights, 1204.0 

Of balconits above grade, 3203.8 

Of wood above grade, 23 1 1.4.2 

Projection over sidewalks, 3203.0 

Under fu-st floor joists, 1210.2 

Coal pockets, 418.3.1.6 

Code official 

Appoints inspectors, 105.1 

Charge of building department (duties and powers), 

106.1 
Classifies building, 302. 1 
Definition, 202.0 
Deputies, 104.4 

Duties and powers of, 105.0, 106.0, 1 10.0 
Inspections by, 106.4, 115.0 
Issues permits, 105.0, 106.2, 108.0 
Liability, 105.7 

Record of permits required, 105.8 
Records, of ficial, 105.8 
Reports, 105.5 
Rule-makisig authority, 108. 1 

Columns 

Cast-iron construction, 2209.4.1 

Concrete-fiUed pipe, 1912.0 

Fireresistance and protection of. Table 602, 715.0 

FireresistaoLce tests, 704.0 

Heavy timber constniction, 605. 1 , 2304.0 

Live load reduction, 1608.0 

Working stresses, cast iron. Table 2210.2 
Combustibility tests, 704.7 
Combustible 

Dusts, grain processing and storage, 307.4, 4 1 8.3. 1 

Fibers, 307.5 

Liquids, 307.4, 418.3.2 

Combustible materials 
Decorative material restrictions, 807.0 
Definition, 202.0 
Exterior trim restrictions, 1406.0 
Flameresistance tests, 807.2 
Insulation, 707.4, 722.0 
Interior trinj, 803.5 

Permitted in noncombustible construction, 602.4, 
806.0 

Compliance with permit, 113.3 
Computations,, required, 107.7 



810 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Eflfective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



Concealed spaces, 605.1, 720.6.1, 720.7.2, 722.3 

Concentrated loads, 1613.0 

Concrete 
Aggregates, 1906.3 
Caissons, 1824.0 

Cementitious material, limitations, 1 907. 1 .2.2 
Columuas, concrete-fiUed pipe, 1912.0 
Definition, 202.0 
Ducts, 3619.1 
Floors (on grade), 3605.5 
Footings, 1810.0 
Minimum dimensions, 1905.0 
Piles, 1818.0, 1819.0, 1820.0, 1821.0 
Pipes in, 1909 3 
Plain concrete, 1901.2, 1904.0 
Reinforced (also see Reinforced concrete), 1901.1, 

1910.0 
Shingles, 3609.6 
Shotaete, 1911.0 
Units (also see Masonry), 2105. 1 
Weathering, 3604.2.2 

Concrete, masonry blocks (see Blocks, concrete masonry 

units) 
Condensation, 1210.0, 1405.3.10 
Condition of permits, 113.0 

Construction 
Approval of materials, etc., 109.0, 1704.0 
Element walls, 3604.4 
Cavity wall masomy, 3606.6 
Classification of construction materials, 1707.0 
Concrete, 1908.0 
Covered by code, 102.0 
Fences, 3304.2 
Footings, 3604.3 
Foundations, 3604.0 
General requirements, 602.0, 1 70 1 .0 
Grouted masonry, 3606.7 
Inspection, 115.0, 1705.0 
Masonry, 2112.0, 3606.4 
Metal, 3608.4 

Reinforced hollow masomy, 3606.7.4 
Roof-ceiling, 3608.0 
Stage, 413.2 

Steel, 2203.0, 2205.0, 2206.0, 2207.0, 2209.0, 2210.0 
Types of construction, 603.0, 604.0, 605.0, 606.0 
WaU, 3606.0 
Wood, 2305.0 

Construction op^ations 
Demolition, 33 10.0 
Excavation, 3310.0 
Existing buildings, 3309.0 
Fire hazards, 3305.0 
General, 3301.0 
Lighting, 3315.0 
Retaining walls, 33 11.0 
Storage, materials, 33 12.0 

Conveyors, 3010.0 
Cooling towers 1510. 
Coping 

Flashing, 1405.3.10 

On retaining walls, 1825.4 

Corbeling 
Foundation walls, 1 8 12.5 
Masomy, 21 12.2 



Cornices 

Masonry, 21 12.2.1 
Projections, 3203.3 
Type of construction, 1406.0 

Corridors 

Arrangements, 1006.2. 1011. 1 
Capacity of egress width, 1009.0 
Deadends. 1011.2 
Defmition. 202.0 
Fireresistance ratings. Table 602 
Height, 1204.1 
Obstructions, 1011.1 
Prohibited use, 1005.0 
Widths, 1009.2, 1011.3 

Courts 

Defmition. 1202.0 

General, 1212..1 

Obstructions, 1213.0 

Permissible encroachments , 1 2 1 3 .2 
Covered mall buildings 

Definition, 402.2 

General, 402.0 

Smoke control systems, 92 1 . 1 
Coverings 

For exterior stairs, 1014.12 

For exteriors, weather protection, 1405.2. 1. 3607.3 

Interior fmishes, 803.0, 3607.2 

Roofs, Chapter 15, 3609.0 

Wall, 3607.0 

Crawl spaces 
Foam plastics, 2603.4. 1 .4 
Plenums, 2805.1 
Ventilation, 1210.2,3604.9 
Waterproofing, 18 13. 1.2, 3604.9. 1 

Curiain boards, 922.3 

Curtain wall 

Ratproofing, 1215.0 

Curtains (also see Decorations) 
Atrium separations, sprinkler obstructions, 404.5 
Decorative material.restrictions, 404.3, 807. 1 
Proscenium, 412.3.6 



Fire, accessibility, 717.3 
Fire, approved type, 717.1 
Fire, definition, 202.0 
Where required, 717.2 

Dampproofing 1813.0 
Dance halls 
Use Group A-2, assembly, 303.2 

Dangerous structures, 121.0 

Day care facilities (see Child day care center) 

Dead loads 
I^ay, 3603.22 
Definition (see Load), 202.0 
Design, 1605.0 

Decisions of board of appeals, 122.4 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



811 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



E)ecorations (also see Interior fmish and trim) 
Atriums, 404.3 

Curtains, 404.5, 412.3.6, 807.1 
Flameresistance tests, 807.2 
Restrictions, 807.1 
Stages, 412.3.5.1 

Decorative features 
Projections, 3203.4 

Definitions, 202.0 

Deflection criteria, 604.5.1, 709.3.2, 2308.2.6 

Demolition 
General, 112.0 
Permit, when required, 1 12. 1 
Standpipes maintained, 3305.3.4 
Unsafe buildings, 121.0, 121.5 

Depth of footings 

Governed by frost line, 1806.1 
Governed by loading, 1805.0 

Design 

Approved by code official, 1704. 1 

Cast-in-place concrete piles, 1 820.0 

Composite piles, 1823.1 

Dead load, 1605.0 

Fire protective requirements (see Fire protection 

systems) 
Fonned steel construction. 2206. 1 
Foundation walls, 1 8 1 2. 1 
General 1601.0 
Glass, glazing, 2402.0, 2403.0 
Liveloads, 1606.0, 1607.0 
Lumber and timber construction, 2303. 1 
Masonry wall construction, 2101.0 
Plain concrete, 1901.2 
Plastics, 2603.0 
Precast concrete piles 1 82 1 . 1 
Proscenium curtains, 412.3.6 
Reinforced concrete, 190. 1 
Retaining walls, 1825.2 
Safe load, 1604.0 
Seismic (earthquake), 1612.3 
Signs, general requirements, 3 102.6 
Special steels, 2207.1 

Steel pipe and tapered tubular piles, 1819.0 
Wind loads,161 1.0 

Detection systems, automatic fire (also see Fire protection 
systems) 

Airport traffic control towers, 4 14.3 
Approval, 918.3 
Atriums, 404.6 
Definition, 202.0 
General requirements, 918.0 
High'rise buildings, 403.4 
HPM facilities, 416.9.2 
Plans and specifications, 918.2 
Sprinklered buildings exception, 918.5 
Use Group 1-2,409.5.1 
Where required, 918.4 
Zones, 918.6 

Deviations 
From code, 109.3 

Devices for window cleaning, 3 1 10.0 



Display of permit, 111.14 
Doors 

Air-supported structures, 3 104.8 

Approved type, foe, 716.1, 716.2 

Arrangement, 1006.2, 1017.2.3 

Automatic-closing devices for, 7 16.5 

Bolts, surf ace, 1017.4.1.1 

Corridors 409.3.1, 1011.1.3. 1011.4.2 

Egress, means of, 1017.0 

Exterior walls, 706.4 

Fire (see Fire doors) 

Fire partitions, 711.0 

Fire separation assemblies, 709.0 

Fire walls, 707.0 

In horizontal exits, 1019.2 

Locationof, 1006.0, 1017.4 

Panic hardware, 1 1 7.4.2 

Power operated, 1017.4.3 

Rated fire door assemblies, 716.1 

Required to open out, 1014.8.2, 1017.4 

Revolving, 1018.0 

Stairways, exterior, 1014. 12 

Stairways, interior, 1014.8, 1014.11 

Security grilles, 1017.5 

Signs, 1017.4.1, 1017.4.1.2 

Smokeproof enclosures, 1015.4.1, 1015.5.1. 1015.5.2, 
1015.6.1 

Stages, 412.3.4 

Use Group 1-2.409.3.1 

Use Group 1-3,410.3,410.4 

Width of, 1017.3 

Wiredglass in, 719.2 

Dormers, 1510.6 

Dormitories 

Defmition (see Dwellings), 202.0 
Use Group R-i, residential, 3 10.0 

DoubtfiU use classification, 302. 1 

Downspout 

For roofs, 3203. 11.3 

Materials, 1406.0 
Draftstoppmg 

Definition, 202.0 

General, 720.0 

Drainage 

Foundation systems, 1813.5 
Marquees, 3203.1 1.3 

Dressing rooms (see Theaters) 
Dry cleaning plants 

General, 418.3.4 

Use group classification, 306.0 
Drying rooms, 2806.0 
Diywall (see Gypsum board) 
Ducts 

Fire dampers required in, 717.0 

Firestopping openings, 720.6.4 
Dumbwaiter 

Definition, 202.0 

Dusts, combustible, 307.2, 418.3. 1 



812 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



Duties 

Of board of appeals, 122.0 
Of code official, 106.0 

Dwellings 

Area and height limitations, general, S03.0, Table S03 

Ceiling height, 1204.1 

Definition, 202.0 

Fire partitions in, 3 10.5, 7 II. 4 

Floor area, minimum, 1204.2 

Use Group R, residential, 310.0 



£, use group, educational, 305.0 

Earthquake (seismic) design 
Concrete,1903.0,1904.0 
Foundations, 1810.2.1, 1815.2.1, 1816.3, 1816.7.1, 

1816.11.1, 1818.3 1819.3, 1820.1.2, 1820.5.4, 

1821.3.5, 1821.3.6, 1824.3 
Inspection related to 1705.3.3.2, 1705.4.5, 1705.9, 

1705.10,1705.11 
Loads, 1612.0 
Masonry, 2101.2, 2104.0 
Soils,1802.1. 1,1805.2,1805.3 
Steel, 2203.2, 2203.2.1, 2204.0, 2206.3, 2207.2.1 
Wood, 2305.8, 2305.9, 2306.0 

Eaves 

Construction, 1406.0 
Draftstopping, 720.7.2 
Projection, 3203.0 

Educational buildings. Use Group E, 305.0 

Egress (see Means of egress) 

Electrical equipment and systems. Chapter 27 

Elevated walkways, 3 106.0 

Elevators, 3000.0 . 

Emergency 

Controls, proscenium curtains, 412.3.6.4 

Escape, 1010.4 

Lighting, 1024.0 

Signs for exits, 1023.0 

Emergency electrical systems (also see Standby power 
systexas) 
High-rise buildings, 403.9.3 

Emergency measures 
Closing streets, 121.5 
Cost of emergency repairs, 121.5 

Emergency repairs, 121.2,121.4 
Temporaiy safeguards, 121.3 
Vacating structures, 120.1 

Employees, E<estrictions on, 105.6 

Enclosure 

For elevators, 3007.1.1 

For mtenor stairs, 1014. 1 1 

For motion picture projection rooms, 4 1 1 .2 

Of exterior staiiways,1014.12 

Ramps, 1016.0 

Shafts, 710.0 

Enclosure walls (see Walls) 



Encroachments 

Awnmgs and canopies, 3203.9 

Court, 1213.0 

Existing, 3202.6 

General, 3201.0 

Special and temporaiy, 3204.0 

Street, 3202.0 

Yard, 1213.0 

Energy conservation 

Alternative systems, 13 16.0 

Exceptions, 1301.4 

Exterior envelope requirements, 1309.0. 1 3 14.0 

General, 1300.0 

hi electrical distribution systems, 13 12.0 

In mechanical systems, 13 10.0, 13 1 1 .0 

In water heating systems, RESERVED 

Plans and specifications, 1303.0 
Enforcement of code, 106.0 
Engineering calculations, 107.7, 110.8 
Engineenng practice, 116.0 
Escalators, 1006.6,3001.0 
Excavations 

Protection of, 33 10.0 

Protection of adjoining property, 3308.0 

Walkways over, 3304.3 

Exhaust systems 

Contaminants to outdoor air, 1208.3 
Spray spaces, 419.2 

Existing buildings 

Additions, alterations, repairs. Chapter 34 

Areas, allowable. Table 5 03, 3404. 9 

Certificate of (xxupancy, 120.0 

Change in existing use, 3405.0 

Change of occupancy, 3405.0 

Condemnation of, 1 19. 1 

Continuation of, 102.2 

Definition (see Building), 202.0 

Demolition, 1 12.0 

General requirements, 3400.1 

Inspection of, 106.4, 106.5. 115.0 

Moving, 102.5.6, 3407.0 

Nonstructural alterations and repairs, 3404.4 

Protection during construction operations, 3304.0 

Roof coverings, 1512.0 

Unsafe, 121.0 

Existing electrical installations, 2708.0 
Existing signs, 3401 
Exitlights, 1023.0, 1024.0 
Exit signs, 1023.0 ^ 
Exits (see Means of egress), 3603. 10 
Expiration of permit 111.7 
Explosion hazards, 307.3, 417.5. 1 
Exterior envelope 

Definition, 202.0 

Requirements, 1301.0,1305.0, 1309.0. 1314.0 
Exterior opening, protection required, 706.0 
Exterior stairways, 1 1 4. 1 2 
Exterior trim restrictions, 1406.0, 705. 1.2 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



813 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Exterior walls 

Fireresistance ratings, 507.2, Table 602, 705.0 
General, Chapter 14 

Extinguishers, fire, 920.0 



F, use group, factory and industrial, 306.0 
Faced (veneered) walls (see Walls) 
Factory buildings 

Use Group F, factory and industrial, 306.0 

Use Group H, high-hazard, 307.0 

Fasteners 

Roof construction, 1505.2, 1507.0 
Schedule, Table 2305.2 
Weather coverings, 1405.3.7 
Wood construction, 2305.2 

Fees 

For demolition, 1 12.2 

For moving of buildings, 112.2 

For new construction and alterations, 1 14.3 

For signs, 1 12.2 

General, 1 14.0 

Payment of, 113.1 

Refiinds, 112.5 

Schedule, 114.3.1 

Special, 114.2 
Fences 

Excavations, 3310.0 

For construction purposes, 3304.2 

General requirements, 33 1 1 .0 

Use Group U, 312.0 

Film 

Projection rooms, 411.0 

Storage and use of flammable fihn, 411.1 

Finish, interior (see Interior finish and trim) 
Fire 

Alarm system (see Fire protection system) 

Area, definition, 202.0 

Dampers, 717.0 

Firestopping, 202.0, 720.0 

Hydrants, 916.0 

Sprinklers and standpipes, 904.0, 906.0, 914.0, 915.1 
Fire department 

Central control station for, 923.0 

Connections, 915.0, 915.2 

Fire detection systems, 918.0 

Fire doors 

Closing devices, 716.5 
Corridors, 1011.4.2 
Definition (see Doors), 202.0 
Dressing rooms, 412.5.2 
Exterior walls, 706.0 
Fire partitions, 711.3 
Fire sq)aration walls, 709.3 
Fire walls, 708.3 
General, 704.3, 716.0 
Horizontal exits, 1 1 9.2. 1 
Proscenium walls, 412.3.5 
Shafts, 710.3.1 
Smoke barriers, 712.3 
Stage enclosures, 412.3.4 



Stairways, 1014.9 
Wiredglass, 716.4, 719.0 

Fire escapes 

General, 1025.0 

Maintenance of 1028.0 
Fire extinguishers, 920.0 
Fire protection systems 

Area increased by, 506.3 

Automatic fire detection systems, 918.0 

Automatic fire detection, where required, 918.4 

Carbon dioxide extinguishing system, 909.0 

Design, 903. 1.3 

Dry-chemiical extinguishing system, 910.0 

Fire department connection, 915.0 

Foam-extinguishing system, 91 1.0 

General requirements, 901.0 

Halogenated fu-e-extinguishing system, 912.0 

Height increased by, 504.2 

Limited area sprinkler system, 907.0 

Manual fue alarm system, 917.0 

Manual fiie alarm system, where required, 917.4 

Nonrequired systems, 901.3 

Outside sprinklers, 706.2 

Plans and specifications, 903.0 

Smoke control systems, 921.0 

Standpipea, where required, 914.2 

Supervision, 923.0 

Suppression system selection, 905.0 

Temporal^' standpipe requirements, 3305.3 

Water-spray fixed systems, 908.0 

Water sprinkler system, 906.0 

Where required, 904. 1 

Yard hydriints 916.0 

Fire pumps, power source, 403.9. 1 .3 

Fire separation distance, 202.0, 507. 1, Table 602, 705.0 

Fire shutters, 718.0 

Fire suppression system (see Automatic fire suppression 
systems) 

Fire towers (see Smokeproof enclosure), 1015.0 
Fire walls, 707.0 
Fire windows, 718.0 
Fireplaces, 21 14.0, 3610.0 
Fireresistance ratings 

Assemblies:, Table 602, 704.0 

Definition, 202.0 

Exterior opening protectives, 706.0 

Exterior wjUIs, 705.0 

Fire dampers, 717.0 

Fire doors, 7 16.0 

Fire partitions, 711.0 

Fire separation walls, 709.0 

Fire wall openings, 708.0 

Firewalls, 707.0 

Fire windows, 718.0 

Floor construction, 709.0, 713.0 

General, 701.0 

Plans and specifications, 703. 1 

Roof constiruction, 714.0 

Shafts, 710.0 

Smoke baniers, 712.0 

Special requirements, 504.6, 504.7 

Structural members, 715.0 

Tests, 704.0 



814 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



Fireresistance ratings of structure elements. Table 602 

Fireretardant-treated wood 
Labeling, 2310.2.2 
Strength modifications, 23 10.2. 1 
Tests, 2310.2 
Use limitations, 23 1 0. 1 

Firestopping 

Architectural trim, 720.6.5,1406.2.4 

Between wood sleepers, 806.2 

Definition, 202.0 

Floor/roof ceiling assemblies, 720.0, 720.7.1, 3606.2.7 

General requirements, 720.0, 720.1 

Of attic spaces, 720.0, 720.7.2 

Flagpoles, 1510.1 

Flameresistance 

General, 807.2 

Interior floor finishes, 805.0 

Interior hangings and decorations, 807.0 

Interior trim, 803 .5 

Interior wall and ceiling finishes, 803.4 

Tests, 807.2.2 

Textile wall coverings, 803.6 
Flammable liquids, 307.0, 417.0, 418.0 
Flashing, 1405.3.10 
Floodproofing, 3107.0 



Area, 503.0, Table 503, 506.0, 507.0 

Assemblies, construction, 713.0 

Combustible materials permitted in Types 1 and 2 

construction, 602.4,806.0 
Concrete, 3605,5 
Metal, 3605.6 
Treated-Wood, 3605.4 
Wood, 3605.2 

Floor 
Area, definition, 202.0 
Level of exit discharge protection, 1006.3. 1 
Loads, 1606.0 
Public garages, 408.3.3 
Ratproofing, 1215.0 
Theater stages, 412.3.1 
Wood panel sheathing, 2307.3.1 

Floor openings 

Atriums, 404.0 

Public garages, 408.3.3 

Shaft enclosure exceptions, 713.3 
Floor surface at doors, 1017.L1 
Foam°extinguishing systems, 91 1.0 
Foam plastics 

Diversified tests, 2603.8 

Exterior walls, 2603.4. 1.8 

General, 2603.1 

Insulation, 722.0, 2603.4.1.5 

Interior finish and trim, 804.3.1, 2603.7 

Labeling, 2603.2 

Prescriptive installations, 2603.4.1 

Footings 

Allowable loads, 1804.0, 1805.0 
Concrete, design, 1810.0, 3605.2 
Depth, 1806.0 
Design, 1807.0 
Forming, 1810.6 
Frost Protection 1806.1 
Masonry, 1811.0 



Prepared fill, 1705.7 
Reinforced concrete, 1810.3.2 
Soils report, 1804.1 
Steel griUage, 1809.0 
Timber. 1808.0 

Formed steel construction, 2206.0 
Foundation systems 

Allowable loads, 1805.0 

Caissons, 1824.0 

Cripple walls, 3606.2.8 

Design, 1812.1 

Footings (see Footings) 

For neighboring building, 33 10.2 

May project beyond property line, 3202.4 

Minimum depth, 1806.0 

Minimum thickness, 1812.3 

Piers. 1815.0 

Piles, 1816.0 through 1824.0 

Ratproofing, 1215.1 

Steel grillage, 1809.0 

WaUs, 1812.0 

Wood and timber, 1808.0 

Frame construction, wood 

General requirements, 2303.0, 2305.0. 2306.0 

Frost protection 

Depth of footings, 1806.2 



Garages 

Beneath a dwelling, 407.3 

Construction of public garages, 408.3 

Definition, 202.0 

Fire doors, 407.6 

Open Parking structures, 406.0 

Private, 407.0 

Public, 408.0 

Separations, 407.3, 407.4, 407.7 

Storage of flammables, 408.4, 408.5 

Ventilation, 408.5 

Garages, private 

Connected to dwelling, 407.3, 407.4, 407.7, 3603.5 

Defimtion, 202.0 

Use Group U, utility and Eniscellaneous, 3 12.0 
Garages, public 

Construction Umited, 408.3 

Definition, 202.0 

Fire suppression system required, 408.3.1 

Use Group S-1, storage, 3 1 1.0 

Ventilation required, 408.5 

Gardens, roof, 1008.3 

Gas 

Hazardous, 307.0, 417.0, 418.1 

Glass and glazing 

Area required for natural light, 1206.2, 1208.2 

Atrium enclosure, 404.5 

Block reinforcement, 2 11 5. 4 

Block walls, 2105.5, 21 15.0 

Dimensional tolerances, 2402.4 

Doors, 2405.2 

Fire windows, 718.0 

Greenhouses, 2404.4 

Guards, 2406.0 



9/19/97 (EfFective 2/28/97) = corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



815 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Handrails, 2406.0 

Impact loads, 2405. 1 

In fircdoors, 718.0, 719.2 

Jalousies, 2402.5 

Labeling, 2402.1 

Plastic (see Light-transmitting plastics) 

Protected openings, 718.0, 719.0 

Racquetball and squash courts, 2407.0 

Safety, 2405.0, 3603.20.4 

SkyUghts, 2404.0 

Sloped, 2404.0 

Supports, 2402.2 

Unsupported edges, 2402.3 

Veneer, structural, 1405.7 

Wind loads, 1611.0,2403.1 

Wired glass, 7 19.0 

Glazed masonry units, 2105.2 

Glazing (see Glass and glazing) 

Glued-laminated lumber construction, 23 13. 1 

Grade 

Definition, 202.0 

Depth of footings and foundations below, 1806.0, 
1808.0, 1810.0, 1812.0 

Grading a lot, 3310.4 

Grain processing and storage, 4 18.3. 1 

Grandstands, 1002.1, 1013.0 

Greenhouses 
Glazing, 2404.4 
Membrane structure materials, 3 103.3.2 

Grounding 

Metal veneer, 1405.4.3 

Radio and television antennas, 3 109.3 

Radio and television towers, 3108.5 

Group homes 

Use Group M, institutional, 308.0 
Grout (also see Mortar), 2105.0 
Guards 

Balconies, 1005.5 

General, 1021.0, 3603.14.2 

Glass in, 2406.0 

Open parking structures, 406.5 

Retaining vralls, 1 825 .5 

Stairways, 1014.7 

Structural design, 1615.5, 1615.8 

Wheel 406.6, 408.3.2 

Gutters 

For roof, 3203.11,3 

Materials, 1406.0 
Gypsum 

Construction, 2504.0 

Gypsum board 
Installation, 2503.3 
Materials, 2503.0 
Standards. 2503.2, 3607.2.3 



H 



H, use group, high-hazard, 307.0 

Habitable space 
Definition, 202.0 



Halogenated extinguishing systems, 9 12.0 

Handicappecl and aged, requirements for, Chapter 11, 
3006.3 

Handrails 

Details, 1022.2 
General, 1022.0,3603.14 
Grandstands and bleachers, 1 022 . 
Ramped aisles, 1012.5 
Ramps, 1016.5. 1022.2 
Retaining walls, 1825.5 
Stairways, 1014.7, 1022.2 
Structural design, 1615.5 

Hardware on exit doors, 1 1 7.4 

Hazardous uses 

General, 416.0, 417.0, 418.0 
High-haziird, 307.0 
Low-hazard, 311.1 
Moderate-hazard, 31 1.2 
Production materials (HPM), 416.0 
Prohibitedl locations, 313.2 
Storage segregation, 417.0 

Headroom 

Ceiling heights, 1 204. 1 

Ramps, 1016.2.2 

Stairways, 1014.4 
Hearth for fiieplace, 21 14.5, 3610.4.5, 3610.5.1 
Heated space, definition, 202.0 

Heating systems 
Fireplaces, 2114.0 
Gas-fired equipment, 280 1 .2 
General requirements, 2801.0 

Heavy timber construction, 605.0, 2306. 1 
Height 

Awnings, 3203.9, 3203.10 

Buildings (see Height, buildings) 

Ceiling, 1204.1,3603.8 

Guards, 1021.2 

Handrails, 1022.2.2 

Marquees, 3203.11.1 

Masonry veneers, 1 405 . 5 . 1 

Parapet wjills, 705.6 

Permissible street projections, 3203.0 

Stairway, maximum vertical rise, 1014.5 

Towers, spires, cupolas, aerial supports, poles, etc., 
1510.0 

Height, buildings 

Airport traifGc control towers, 414.0 

Allowable, 503.0, Table 503 

Alteration; for existing buildings, 3403. 1 , 3404.4 

Covered mall buildings, 402.1, 402.7 

Day care centers, 504.4 

Defmition, 202.0 

Higih-rise, 403.1, 403.3.3.1 

HPM facilities, 416.3 

Membrane structures, 3 103.3.5 

Modifications, 504.0 

Open parking structures, 406.4 

Restrictions, 503.3, 507. 1 

Special industrial uses, 503.1.1 

Unlimited area buildings. 507.0 



816 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



High-hazard 
Accessory areas to, 302. 1 .2. 1 
Application of flammable finishes, 4 1 9.0 
Classification, 302. 1.2.1 
Control areas, 307.8, 417.2 
Definition, 307.2 
Exceptions, 307.8 
Exempt quantities, 307.8, Table 307.8(1), Table 

307.8(2) 
Explosion control, 417.5.1 
Flammable and combustible liquids, 41S.3.2 
Hazardous materials, 417.0 

Liquefied petroleum gas distribution facilities, 418.3.3 
Multiple hazards, 307.7 

Outside storage, dispensing and utilization, 417.6 
Unlimited area structures, 507.1, 507.1.2 
Use group requirements, 417.0, 418.0 
Use group structure height exemption, 504.5 
Use groups, 307.0 

High-rise buildings 

Alarm and communication systems, 403.5, 403.6 

Applicability, 403.1 

Automatic sprinkler system, 403.2, 403.3 

Central control station, 403.7 

Elevators, 403.8 

Emergency systems, 403.9 

Exits in, 403.10 

Maintenance and inspection, 901.4 

Seismic consideration in, 1612 6 

Smoke detection systems, 403.4 

Historic buildings and districts, 3409.0 
Homes for aged 

Use Group 1-1, institutional, 308.2 

Horizontal exits 

Definition (See Means of egress), 202.0 
General irequirements, 1019.0 

Hospitals 

Use Group 1-2, institutional, 308.3 

Hotels 
Definition (see Dwellings), 202.0 
Use Group R=l, residential, 310.3 

House, lodging 

Use Group R, residential, 310.0 

HPM use facilities, 416.0 

Hydrants, fire yard systems, 916. 1 



Insane asylums 

Use Group 1-3, institutional, 308.0 

Inspection 

By code official, 105.4, 106.4, 115.0 

Final, 115.5 

Of electrical wiring, 2704.0 

Of existing buildings, 106.4 

Of heating systems, 2804.0 

Of prefabricated construction, 1 13 2.2 

Of signs, 3102.5.4 

Of unsafe buildings, 12 10 

Required preliminary, 115.1, 115.2 

Special, 202.0, 1705.0 

Insulation 

Fiberboards for roof, 2309.3 

Fiberboards for wall. 2309.4 

Foam plastics, 803.3.1, 2603.0 

Thenna! insulating materials, requirements, 722.0 
Interior environmental requirements. Chapter 12 

Interior fmish and trim 
Application of, 804.0 
Classification of materials, 803.2. 803.4 
Decorative material restrictions, 807. 1 
Flame spread of, 803.2, 803.4 
Flameresistance tests, 807.2 
Floor finishes, 805.1, 805.2 
Foam plastics, 803.3. L 2603.0 
General requirements, 803.0 
Lath, 3607.2.2 
Plaster, 3607.2.2 

Restrictions in Types 1 and 2 buildings, 806.0 
Special amusement buildings, 413.6 
Textile wall coverings, 803. 7 
Use group requirements, 803.4, Table 803.4 

Interior lot lines 

Definition (See Lot), 202.0 



Jails 

Use Group 1-3, institutional, 308.4 
Jalousies 

Windows and doors, 2402.5 

Judsdiction 

Adopting this code, 101.1 



I, use group, institutional, 308.0 
Identification for plastics, 260 1 .4 
Identification for signs, 3 102.4.5 
Illuminated signs, 3 102. 13 
Industrial 

Use Group F, factory and irulustrial, 306.0 

Industrial heating appliances, classification, 2801.2. 1 

Infirmaries 

Use Group 1=2, institutional, 308.3 

Inner court 

Definition (see Courts), 202.0 



L 



Label, definition, 202.0 

Labeling, 1703.1.1, 1704.3 

Landing of stairs,1014.3.2, 1014.5 

Landings of ramps, 1016.4 

Lathing and plastering, 2505.0, 2506.0 

Liability, code official, 105.7 

Licenses 

Fees for, 1 14.0 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



817 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Light, illumination 

Artificial, 1207.0, 3603.6.5 
Court requirements for, 1212.0 
For existing buildings, 3401 
For exit signs, 1023.0 
General, 1201.0 
Natural, 1206.0 
Required, 1205.0 
Window requirements, 1206.2 

Light-transmitting plastics 

Approved types, 2604. 1 

Bathroom accessories, 2604.7 

Connections, 2604.3 

Definition (see Plastics), 202.0 

Glazing of unprotected openings, 2606.0 

Light-diffusing systems, 2604.5 

Partitions, 2604.6 

Roof panels, 2607.0 

SkyUghts, 2608.0 

Linen chutes, 2807.0 

Lintel 

Fire protection, 715.2 

Masonry support, 1405.5.2 

Over openings, fi'ame construction, 2305. 1 1 

Liquids 

Flammable and combustible, .307.4, 417.3, 418.3.2 
Liquefied petroleum gases, 307.4, 418.3.3 
Load design, 1604 0, 1605.0, 1607.0, 1708.0 
Load earthquake (see Earthquake design) 

Load, glass 
hnpact loads, 2405.1 
Jalousies, 2402.5 
Wind loads, 2403.1 

Load, impact 
Assembly structures, 1614.5 
Craneways, 1614.4 
Definition, 202.0 
Elevators, 1614.2 
General, 1614.1 
Machinery, 1614.3 

Load (live, dead, floor) 
Combination of, 1616.0 
Concentrated, 1613.0 
Craneways, 1614.4 
Definition, 202.0 
Deflections allowable, 1604.5 
Documentation of, 1603.0 
Earthquake, 1612.0 

Floor loads, occupancy, 1606.1, Table 1606.1 
Footings and foundations, 1805.0, 1807.0 
For concrete footings, 1807.0, 1810.0 
For retaining wall design, 1615.2 
Glass (see Load, glass) 
Guards, 1615.8 
Impact (see Load, impact) 
Interior finish, 803.7 
Piles, allowable, 1817.0 
Railings, 1615.5 
Reductions allowed, 1608.0 
Roof; 1609.0, 1611.0 
Snow. 1610.0, 3603.1 J 
Soil, bearing capacity, 1804.0 
Special, 1615.0 
Tests, 1604.3 
Uniform, 1606.0 



Wind (see Load, wind) 
Load, wind 

Chimneys., 1611.12 
Exterior walls, 1611.0 
General requirements, 161 1.0 
Glass, 2403.1 

Roofs, 1609.0,1611.10, 1611.11 
Signs, 1611.12.2 

Lobbies and jpassageways as exits, 1020.0 
Lodging houf>es 

Defmition (see Dwellings), 202.0 

Use Group R residential, 3 10.0 

Lot 

Defmition, 202,0 

Interior lot line, defmition (see Lot line), 202.0 

Line fences, 3311.1 

Regulations for, 33 10.4, 33 10.5 

Lumber (also see Wood construction) 
Grade of, 2301.1, 3606.2.2 



M 

M, use group,, mercantile, 309.0 

Maintenance 

Of exit facilities, 1028.2 

Of fire protection systems, 901 .4 

Of signs, 3102.5.2 

Malls, covered, 402.0 

Manlifts, 3000.1 

Manual fire alarm systems, 917.5.1 

Marquees and canopies 

Construction requirements, 3105.0, 3203.1 1.5, 3205.3 
Definition (see Signs), 202.0 
Drainage of water, 3203. 1 1 .3 
Signs, 3102.11, 3203.11 

Masonry 

Anchorage, 2 1 1 1 .0, 3606.4. 10 

Attachment, 3607.3.7.2 

Bonding, 21 10.0, 21 11.2.1 

Brick, 2105.0 

Cavity wall, 3606.6 

Chases and recesses, 2113.1 

Concrete units, 2105. 1 

Construction requirements, 21 12.0 

Corbeled and protected, 21 12.2 

Cornices, 2112.2.1 

Definition, 202.0 

Design, 2101.1.1, 2101.1.2 

Fireplaces, 2114.0 

Footings, 1811.0 

Foundations, 1812.3.2 

Freezing protection, 21 12.3 

General, 3606.4.1 

Glass bloclc, 21 15.0 

Glazed unite, 2105.2 

Grouted, 3606.7 

Hollow, definition of, 202.0 

HoUow units, 2105.1, 3606.5.1.2.2, 3606.7 

.Lateral bracing, 2106.0, 2108.0 

Lintels, 2113 2 

Minimum thickness, 2 109. 1 . 1 

Mortar, 2105.7 

Reinforced, 2101.1.1, 3606.7.3 



818 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



Reuse of, 2105.6 
Solid, definition of, 202.0 
Solid units, 2105.1, 2105.2 
Stone, cast, 2105.3 
Stone, natural, 2105.3 
Support on wood, 2113.3 
Tests, general, 1701.0 
Tile, structural, 2105.2 
Veneers, 1405.5.3 

Matches 

Use Group H, high-hazard, 307.0 

Materials 

Alternative, 1701.2 

Approvals, 1704.0 

Used, 1701.3 
Matters not provided for, 102.3 

Means of egress 

Aisles and aisle accessways, 1012.0 

Arrangement, 1006.2 

Buildings with one exit, 1010.3. Table J0I0.3 

Capacity, 1009.0 

Corridors, 1011.0 

Corridors and passageways, required v^dth for, 

1011.3,1012.0 
Definition, 202.0 
Doors, revolving, 1018.0 

Doorw^s, 1011.4.2, 1014.8, 1017.0, 1018.0, 1019.2.1 
Elevator and escalator restrictions, 1006.6 
Exit signs, 1023.0 
Exterior exit stairwe^s, 1014.12 
Fire escapes, 1025.0 
From places of assembly, 1006.2.2 
General provisions, 1001.0 
Hardware, 1017.4 
Hazards to, 1005.0 
Horizontal exits, 1019.0 
Interior exit stairways, 10 14.0 
Length of travel, 1006.5 
Level of exit discharge passageways and lobbies, 

1020.0 
Lighting, 1024.0 
Location and type of, 1006.0 
Maintenance of exits, 102S.0 
Nuoiber of exits required, 1 1 0. 
Occupant load, 1008.0 
Opening protectives, 101 1.4 
Passageways and conidors. 101 1.0 
Prohibited use, 1005.0 
Ramps, 10 16.0 
Siidescapes, 1026.0 
Smokeproof enclosure, 1015.0 
Spiral stairways, 1014.6.4 
Stairway, construction, 1014.9 
Through adjoining spaces, 1006.2.1 
To roof, 1027.0 

Mechanical ventilation (see Ventilation) 

Membrane structures 
Definition, 202.0 
General, 3103.1 

Metal siding 
Corrosion protection, 1405.3.8 
Thickness, 1403.3 



Mezzanines 

Definition, 202.0 
General, 505.0 

Miscellaneous buildings 

Use Group U, utility and miscellaneous. 3 12.0 

Miscellaneous signs, 3 102.0 

Mixed uses, 313.0 

Mobile units, requirements, 420.0 

Modification of code provisions 
By board of appeals, 122.0 
Of area, 506.0 
Of height, 504.0 
Variations, 105.6, 106.2, 106.4 
Written, 106.2.1 
Mortar, 2105.7, 21 12.0 

Motion picture film storage, 411.1 

Motion picture projection and screening rooms, 411.0 

Motion picture screening rooms, 41 1.6 

Motion picture studios, 41 1.7 

Moved structures, 3407.0 

Multiple dwelling 

Definition (see Dwellings), 202.0 

Use Group R-2, residential, 310.0 



Nails 

Fastening schedule, 2305.2, Table 2305.2 

New materials or methods of construction 

Alternative materials and methods of construction, 
106.4, 1701.0 

Board of adjustments and appeals, 121.1 
Noncombustible construction 

Definition, 202.0 

General, 603.0 

Noncombustible material (see Definitions), 202.0. 
704.4.1.1 

Notices 

Board of appeals meeting, 121.3 

Of violations, 116.1 

Of work starting, 108.9 

Posting occupancy load, 1003.2, 1003.3 

Posting permits, 108.8 

Stop work order, 1 17.0 

Unsafe buildings.l 19.3,1 19.4,120. 1 



Occupancy 

Certificate of, 120.0 
Change in occupancy, 3405.0 
Covered by code, 102.0 
Definition, 202.0 

Occupant load 
Allowances, 1008.0, Table 1008.1.2 
Definition, 202.0 
Maximum, 1008.1.5 
Posted, 1003.3 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



819 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Occupiable room, definition, 202.0 

Ofiice buildings 
Use Group B, business, 304.0 

Oil storage, 2801.2 

Open parking structures 

Height and area, 406.4 

Protective railings, 406.5 

Type of construction permitted, 406.2 

Use Group S-2, storage, low-hazard, 311.0 

Wheel guards required, 406.6 

Openings 
Exterior opening protectives, 706.0 
Horizontal protection, 705.3 
In fire partitions, 71 1.0 
In floors, 713.3 

In shaft enclosure walls, 710.3. 1 
On or near exterior stairways, 1014. 12.2 
Protected with fire doors or windows, 704.3 
Vertical protection, 705.5 

Ordinary repairs, 3401.2 

Oriel window 

Definition, 202.0 

Materials, 3203.2 
Owner 

Definition, 202.0 

Responsibility, 1401.2 



Paint 

Offormed steel, 2206.4 
Of structural steel, 2203.5 
Spraying and spray booths, 419.0 
Storage, 419.2.3 

Panel walls 

Glass block, 2115.0 
Thickness, 1404.6 

Panels 
Stressed skin, 2313.2 

Panic hardware, on exit doors, 1 1 7.4 

Parapet wall, 705.6, 707.5 

Parking structure, open (see Open paridng structures) 

Particleboard 

Definition, 202.0 

Requirements, 2308.0, 3606.1 1 

Party walls 
Affected by excavations, 33 10.0 
Construction of, 707.0 
Continuity, 707.5 
Definition (see Walls), 202.0 
Parapets required, 707.5 
Size and construction of openings, 708.2 

Passageways 
Corridors, 1011.0 
Horizontal exits, 1019.0 
Lobbies as exits, 1020.3 
Obstructions prohibited, 1028.1 

Pedestrian walkways, 3 106.0 

Penalties and violations, provided by code, i 18.0 



Penthouse 

Definition, 202.0 

General requirements, 15 10.3 

Permits 

Action om applications, II 1.1 

Amendments to, 1 1 0. 14 

Application for, 110.4, 110.13. 110.14 

Approval in part, 11 0.2.2 

Awnings, 3205. 1 

Conditions of, 111.0 

Defmition, 202.0 

Electrical., Chapter 27 

Examination of drawings, 108.5 

Expu-ation, 110.14 

Fees, 1 14.0 

For awnings and canopies, 3205. 1 

Issued upon affidavits, 1 10.12 

Posting of. 111.14 

Records to be kept 106.6, 106.7 

Required, 107.1 

Revoked, 111.12 

Signs, 3 102.4 

Suspension of, 108.2 

Temporary, 110.2.1 

Time limitation, 1 10. 14 

To demolish buildings 1 12.0 

To move buildings, 3407.0 

Validity, 103.0 

Valuatioas, 1 12.0 
Petroleum storage 

Flammable and combustible liquids, 4 1 7.0, 418.0 

Liquefied petroleum gases, 418.3.3 
Piers 

Isolated masonry, 21 10.0 
Piles 

Cast-in-pliice concrete, 1820.0 

Composite., 1823.0 

Foundations, 1816.0 

Loads allowable, 1817.0 

Precast concrete, 1821.0 

Special, 1824.0 

Steel pipe and tubular, 1 8 1 9.0 

Structural steel, 1818.0 

Timber, 1822.0 

Pipe 

Columns, rx>ncrete-filied,1912.0 

Piles, 1819.0 
Plans and specifications 

Approval of, 108.5 

Changes in, 107.1 

Required, 107.5, 107.6 
Plastering and lathing 

Application, interior, 2505. 1 

Exterior, 3607.3.6 

Fireresistaiice requirements, 721.0 

General re<iuirements, 2505.0, 2506.0 

Gypsum plaster, 2505.0 

Interior lathing and gypsum plastering, 2505.0, 
3607.2.2 

Materials, 2505.0 

Portland cement stucco, 2506.0 



820 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



Plastics 

Approval for use, 2601.3 

Approved, 2601.2 

Bathroom accessories, 2604.7 

Definition, 202.0 

Design and installation, 2604.0 

Fastenings, 2604.0 

Foam, 803 3.1,2603.0 

Glazing of unprotected openings, 2606.0 

Interior finish and trim, 803.0 

Light-diffusing systems, 2604.5 

Ofsigns, 3102.6.4 2 

Partitions, 2604.6 

Roof panels, 2607.0 

Scope and use, 260 1 . 1 

Skylights, 2608.0 

Structural requirements, 2604.2 

Thermoplastics, defmition, 202.0, 2604.1 

Thermosetting, definition, 202.0, 2604. 1 

Veneer, 2605.1 

Wall panels exterior, 2605. 1 

Platforms 

Construction of, 412.4 

Fire suppression, 412.6 
Plenums, 1005.7,2805.0 
Plot plan, required, 11 0. 1 

Plumbing 

Certificate of approval, 2904.3 

Existing, 2908.0 

Permits. 2904.0 

Plans and specifications, 2902.0, 2904. 1, 2904.2 

Sewer and water supply data, 3404.0 

Violations, 2904.5 

Water supply systems, 2905.0 

Plywood. 2307.0, 3607.3.3, 3606.10 

Portable signs, 3102.14 

Positive heat supply, definition, 202.0 

Posting 

Occupant load, 1003.3 
Permits, 111.14 
Unsafe building, 121.0 

Projecting signs, 3102. 10 

Projection rooms 

Construction of, 41 1.2 
General requirements, 41 1.0 
Ventilation of. 411.3 

Projections fi'om buildings 

Awnings and canopies. 3203.9, 3205.0 

Projections 

Balconies and stairs, 3203.8 

B^ windows, 3203.7 

Below sidewalk, 3202.2 

Belt courses, 3203.4 

Cornices and eaves, 3203.3 

General, 3201.1 

In alleys, 3204.0 

Marquees, 3203.11 

Signs, 119.0,3102.11,3202.10 

Special and temporaiy, 3204.0 

Street encroachments, 3202.0 

Street projections, permissible, 3203.0 

Yard and court, 1213.0 



Protected construction 
Defmition, 202.0 

Protection against corrosion 

Formed steel, 2206.4 

Structural steel, 2203.5 
Protection against dampness 

Of crawl spaces, 1210.2 

Of foundation walls, 1813.0 
Protection against decay and termites, 23 1 1.0, 3603.22 

Protection during construction 
During wrecking, 3304.0 
Of adjoining property, 3308.0 
Of excavation, 3310.0 

Protection of exterior openings 
Of exterior waU, 706.0, 718.0 
Of fire wall opening, 708.0 

Public assembly 

Use Group A, assembly, 303.0 

Public way, definition, 202.0 



Qualifications 

Of board of appeals, 121.2.1 



R, use group, residential, 3 10.0 

Radio antennas and towers, 3108.0, 3109.0 

Rafiters 

Grade of lumber, 3608.2 

Railings (see Handrails) 

Ramps, 1016.0 

Raq)roofing, 1215.0 

Recesses (see Masonry and Walls) 

Records 

Of decisions, 121.6 

Of departments, 104.7 

Recreation buildings 

Use Group A, assembly, 303.0 

Reductions, live load, 1608.0 

Refmeries 

Use Group H, high-hazard, 307.0 
Reformatories 

Use Group 1-3, institutional, 308.0 

Refiise, chutes, 2807.0 
Refuse vaults, 2808.0 
Reinforced 

Definition, concrete, 202.0 

Foundation walls, concrete, 1812.3.1 

Grouted masomy, 3606.7.3 

Gypsum concrete, 2504.0 

Hollow-unit masonry, 3606.5.1.2.2, 3606.7.4 

Masonry, foundation wails, 1812 3.2 

Walls, 1812.0 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



821 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Reinforced concrete (also see Concrete) 
Definition (see Concrete), 202.0 
Design, 1901 1 
Footings, 1811.0 
Gypsum, 2504.0 
Pipes in, 1909.3 

Removal 

Of buildings and structures, 121.3 
Of waste during construction, 33 13.0 

Repair 

Of existing buildings, 107.1.1, 3401.2, 3404.0 
Of unsafe buildings or structures, 121.0 
Permit not required, 107.1.1 
To roofs of existing buildings, 15 12.0 

Repair shops, motor vehicle 

Defmition (see Garage, pubhc), 202.0 

Public garages, 408.0 

Use Group S-1, storage, moderate-hazard, 3 1 1.0 
Residential buildings 

Sound transmission control, 1214.0 

Use Group R, 3 10.0 

Restaurants 

Use group A-3, assembly, 303.0 

Restrictions 
Area, 503.2 
Height, 503.3 
On employees, 104.5 
Special occupancy, 40 1.0 

Retail stores 
Use Group M, mercantile, 309.0 

Retaining wall 

Definition (see Walls), 202.0 
Design, 1825.2 
General, 1825.1 
Guardrails for, 1825.5 

Reviewing stands , 1013.0 

Revocation of permit, 111.12 

Revolving doors, 1018.0 

Right of entry, 113.4 

Risers for stairways (see Stairways) 

Roof construction 

As required by type of construction, 603.0, 604.0, 

605.0, 606.0 
Builtup, 3609.7 
Cooling towers, 1510.8 
Covering, 1503.0, 3609.0 
Definition of roof structure, 202.0 
Drainage, 3608.1.3 

Fireresistance requirements. Table 602 
Flashing, 3607.3.8 
Loads, 1609.0, 1611.0 
Mansard or ordinary construction, 5 10.5 
Of approved plastics, 2604. 1, 2607.0 
Parapets above, 705.6, 707.5 
Ponding 1609.5 
Stadiums, 714.2 
Wind loads, 1611.0 
Wood construction, 2305. 15 

Roof covering 

Classified, 1506.0 

General, Chapter 15 
Roof signs, 3102.8 



Roof structures, 1510.0 

Roofing repairs on existing buildings, 15 12.0 

Room size, 3603.7 

Rooming houses 

Use Group R, residential, 3 10.0 

Rubbish chutes, 2807.0 

Rubble stone foundation walls, 1812.3.4 

Rule-makmg authority 

Promulgated by code official, 1 08.0 

Rust protection 

For formed steel, 2206.4 
For structural steel, 2203.5 



S, use group,, storage, 311.0 
Safe loads on soil, 1804.0 
Safeguards during construction, 3301.0 
Safety devictss for window cleaning, 3 1 10.0 

Sanitariums 

Use Group 1-2, institutional, 308.0 
Scale of plans, 107.5 
Schools 

Use Group E, educational, 305.0 
Scope of code 

General 101.0 

Screening rooms, motion picture, 411.0 
Scrwns for skyhghts, 2404.3 
Scuttle 

Scuttle size and construction, 15 10.2 
Seating 

Aisles and, 1012.0 

Folding and telescopic, 1013.0 

Seismic (earthquake) design 
Concrete, 1903.0, 1904.O 
Foundations, 1810.2.1, 1815.2, 1816.3, 1816.11.1, 

1818.3, 1819.3.1, 1820.1.2.1, 1820.5.4, 1821.3.5, 

1821.3.6, 1824.3 
Inspection related to, 1705.3.3.2, 1705.4.5, 1705.9, 

1705.10,1705.11 
Loads, 1612.0 
Masonry, 2101.2, 2104.0 
Soils, 1802.1.1, 1805.2,1805.3 
Steel, 2203.2, 2203.2.1, 2204.0, 2206.3, 2207.2.1 
Wood, 2305.8, 2305.9, 2306.0 

Shaft 

Definition, 202.0 
General, 710.0 

Shall, definition, 202.0 

Sheathing 

Floor, 2307.3.1, 2307.3.2 

CJeneral re<quirements for, 2307.0, 2308.0, 2309.0 

Roof, 2305.15.1, 2307.3.1, 2308.4 

Subfloor, 2307.3.3 

Wall, 2305.13 

Shed 

Sidewalk, 3304.4 



822 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



Shingles and shakes 
Asphalt shingles, 3609.3 
Materials, 1507.0 
Metal, 3609.5 
Slate, 3609.4 

Tile, cl^, or concrete, 3609.6 
Wood shakes, 3609.9 

Shutters 

Shutters on exterior wall openings, 718.0 

Sidewalks 
Bridge, 3304.3 
Elevated pedestrian walkways, 3 1 06.0 

Siding, 3607.3.2 

Minimum material requirements, 1403.3 

Signs 

Alley, 119.2.4 

Alterations to, i 19.0 

Banner and cloth, 3 102. 12. 1 

Definition, 202.0 

Design loads, 3 1 02.6, 3 1 02. 1 0.4 

Doors, 1017.4.1,1017.4.1.2 

Exemptions, 3102.4.3 

Existing, 102.2 

Extending over curb prohibited, 3 102. 10.2 

For exits, 1023.0 

General requirements, 3 102.6 

Ground, 3102.7 

Identification, 3102.8.3 

lUuminated, 3102.6.3, 3102.13 

Inspection of, 3102.5.4 

Maintenance, 3102.5.2 

Marquee, 3102.11 

MisceUaneous,3102.l2 

Permits for, 3102.4 

Plans and specifications, 3102.4 

Plastics for, 3 102.6.4.2, 2601.2 

Pole, 3 102.7 

Projecting, 3102.2 

Roof, 3 102.8 

Temporaiy, 3102.12 

Unsafe, unlawfiil, 1 19 

WaU, 3102.9 

Wind ioads,161 1.0,3 102.6.1 

Skylights 

General, 2404.0, 3603.20.5 
Plastic, 2601.2, 2608.1 

Slidescapes, 202.0,1026.0 
Smoke detection, 3603. 16.3 
Smokeproof enclosure, 202.0, 1015.0 
Snow load 1610.0,3603.1.5 

Soil 

Bearing, aUowable. 1804.0, 1805.0 

Bearing capacity, 1804.0,1 805.0 

Prepared fiU, 1705.9, 1804.3.2 

Soilsreport, 1804.1, 1804.1.1 

Tests. 1802.0, 1803.0 
Sound stages, motion picture, 411.0 
Sound transmission control in residential buildings 

Air-borne noise, 1214.2 

Scope, 1214.1 

Structure-borne sound, 1214.3 



Spans 

Allowable, 3605.2.3, 3608.2.4 
Special fu'eresistance requirements 

For grade floor protection, 1 006.3. 1 

For residential buildings, 313.3 
Spray painting 

Booths, 419.2. 1 

Construction requirements for booths. 419.2. 1 

Fire protection, 419.3 

Rooms 419.2.2 
Sprinklers (also see Automatic fire suppression systems) 

Area increase permitted, 506.3 

Capacity of means of egress, vAdth permitted 1009.0. 
Table 1009.2 

General requirements, 901.0, 906.0 

Length of travel, increase permitted. 1006.5 

Outside, 706.2 

Where required, 904. 1 
Stadiums 

Roof construction, 714.2 

Use Group A-5, assembly, 303.6 
Stages 

Construction, 412.3 

Curtain, proscenium, 412.3.6 

Defmition, 412.2 

Fire suppression, 412.6 

Proscenium wall, 412.3.5 

Rooms, accessory, 412.5 

Standpipes, 412.7 

Ventilation of, 412.3.8 
Stairways 

Access to roof, 1027.0 

Circular, 3603.13.6 

Defmition, 202.0 

Door to stairway, 1014.8 

Enclosures, exterior, 1014.12.2 

Enclosures, interior, 1014.11 

Exterior, 1014.12 

Fire escapes, 1025.0 

Guardrails, 1014.7, 1021.0 

Handrails, 1014.7, 1022.0 

Headroom clearance, 1014.4, 3603.13.3 

Illumination, 3603.13.7 

Landings, width, 1014.3.2,1014.5 

Means of egress, 1010.2,1014.0 

Means of egress lighting, 1024.0 

Rise between landings, 1014.5 

Slidescapes, 1026.0 

Spiral, 1014.6.4,3603.13.5 

Treads and risers, 1014.1.1,1014.6,3603.13.2 

Width, 1014.3,3603.13.1 

Winders, 1014.6.3, 3603. 13.4 

Stmdards, referenced, \^ch governs, 101.6, 102.4 
Standby power systems, 2707.0 

Standpipes 

Definition, 202.0 

During construction, 3305.3 

Water supply, 914.0 

Where required, 914.0 
Starting work 

Notice to building official, 108.9 



9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



823 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STAl^ARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Steel, construction 

Cast-iron construction, 2209.0 

Cast-steel construction, 2208.0 

Definition, 202.0 

Fire escapes, 1025.0 

Grillages in footings, 1809.0 

Joists, open- web construction, 2205.0 

Light gage and fonned steel construction, 2206.0 

Painting, 2203.5 

Reinforcing. 2105.9.3, 2105.9.4, 2208.0 . 

Special steel, 2207.0 

Structural, 2203.0 

Steel pipes 

Concrete-filled, 1819.1, 1819.5 

Stone 

Cast, 2105.3 

Foundation walls, 1812.3.4 

Natural, 2105.3 

Veneer, 1405.5.6 
Stop work orders, 11 9.0 

Storage 

Of combustible dusts, grain processing and storage, 

418.3.1 

Of flammable Liquids, 418.3.2 

Of liquefied petroleum gas, 4 1 8.3 .3 

Use Group S, storage, 3 11.0 
Story above grade, definition, 202.0 
Street 

Definition, 202.0 

Encroachments, 3202.0 

Pemiissible projections, 3203.0 

Structural clay tile, 2105.2 

Structural glass block, 2115.1 

Structural panels, wood. Chapter 23 

Structural requirements for plastics, 2604.2 

Structural steel (see Steel, construction) 

Structure 

Definition, 202.0 
Unsafe, 121.0 

Stucco, 2506.0 
Swimming pools 

Definition, 421.2 

Design and construction, 421.5 

Hot tiib, 421.2, 421.10 

Permit and plans, 421.3 

Safety precaution, 42 1 .9, 42 1 . 1 

Spa, 421.2, 421.10 

Water supply treatment and drainage system, 421.6 



Tanks 

Storage of flammable liquids, 418.3.2 
Storage of liquefied petroleum gas, 418.3.3 

Telescopic seating, 1013.0 



Television antennas and towers, 3 108.0, 3 109.0 

Temporary 

Buildings or structures, 1 10.2, 3 104.0 

Electrical use, 2705.0 

Occupancy, 120.3 

Permits, 11 1.0 

Safeguards, 120.1 

Signs, 3 102. 12 

Stairs, 33 114.1 

Termination of approval for temporary buildings, 

110.2.3 

Tents, air-supported structures, requirements, 3104.0 

Termite prot{5ction 

Approved pressure preservative treatment of wood. 
2311.0 

Tests 

Fireresistance, 704. 1. 1 
Flameresiatance, 802.0 
General, Chapter 17 
New materials and devices, 1701.2 
Of construction equipment, 3303.0 
Of fire protection systems. Chapter 9 
Pile capacity, 1817.0 
Prefabricated construction, 1703.3 
Procedure for soil, 1803.3 
Soil bearing values, 1 804.0 
Structural steel unit, 2203.0 
Ties veneer, 3607.3.7.2.1 

Theaters 

Aisles, 1012.0 

Use Group A-1, assembly, 303.2 

Thermal insulating materials, 722.0 

Thermoplastics, accepted, 2604.0, 2606.3 

Thermosetting plastics, accepted. 2604.0 

Towers 

Cooling, 1510.8 

Radio and television, requirements, 3 108.0 

Wind, loads, 1611.0,3108 4 

Travel, lengtli of, to exits, 1006 5 

Treads, stairs, 3402.2 

Trim, exterior, 1406.0 

Trim, interior (see Interior fmish and trim) 

Trusses 

Individual encasement, 714.1 

Roof slabs and arches, 714.4 

Roofs, 20 feet or higher, 714.3 

Wood construction, 2305.14, 2305.15, 3605.2.10, 

3608.2.11 

Tunnel flame spread test, 1702 4. 1 

Types of construction 

Type 1, noncombustible, 603.0 

Type 2, noncombustible, 603.0 

Type 3, noncombustible/combustible, 604.0 

Type 4, heavy timber, 605.0 

Type 5, combustible, 606.0 



824 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 



INDEX 



u 



U, use group, utility aiid miscellaneous, 3 12.0 

Underground structures, 405.0 

Underpinning, 3309.3 

Unfired pressure vessels, 2801.2 

Unlimited area, buildings, 507.0 

Unsafe structures, 121.0 

Unusable space, 713.1.2 

Use Group 
DoubtM classification, 302.1 
Classification, 302.0 
Mixed use classification, 3 13.0 

Utilities public, discontinuance of 
In demolition of structures. 1 12.0 



Validity 

Of code, 104.0 
Vapor retarder, 722.3.1, 1403.3 
Vaults, refuse, 2808.0 

Veneers 

Height of, for frame buildings, 1405.5. 1 

Masonry,1405.5, 1405.6, 3607.3.7 

Metal, 1405.4 

Plastic, 1404.6 

Stone and tile, 1405.5.6 

Structural glass, 1405.7 

WaU facings and, 1403.3 

Weather resistance, 1403.3, 3607.3.2 
Ventilation 

Attics, 1210.1 

Court requirements for, 1212.0 

Crawl space, 1210.2 

Definition, 202.0 

For existing buildings, 3400.6 

Garages, 408.5 

General requirements, 1201.0 

Mechanical, 1209.0 

Motion picture projection rooms, 4 1 1 .3 

Natural, 1208.0 

Roof, 3608.6 

Windows, 1208.2 
Vertical openings 

Conveyor openings, 3009.1 

Enclosures, 710.4, 710.5 

Violations and penalties 
Abatements, 118.5 
Notice of, 118.6 
Penalties, 118.4 
Stop work, 119.0 
Unsafe building 121.0 



Walkways, pedestrian, 3106.0 
Wall signs, 3102.9 



Wallboard (also see Sheathing) 
Fiberboard, 2309.0 
For frame construction, 2305. 1 3 
Gypsum. 2503.0, 3607.2.3 
Hardboard, 1403.3 
Particleboard, 2308.0 
Wood structural panel, 2307.0 

Walls (also see Masonry) 
Basement, 3604.4 

Bearing, chases and recesses in, 21 13.1 
Bearing, lateral bracing of, 2108.2 
Bearing, wood frame construction, 2305.4 
Bonding of, 21 10.0, 2111.0 
Bracing, 3606.2.9 
Concrete masonry units, 2 105. 1 
Construction, 3606.2.3 
Corbeled and projecting masonry, 21 12.2 
Defmition, 202.0 
Deflection, 3607.3 

Design for wind on vertical surfaces, 161 1.0 
Ducts in fircrcsistance rated walls, 717.0 
Enclosures for theater stages, 412.2 
Exterior protection, 3607.3 
Fire and party, 707.0 
Fire partitions, 711.0 
Fire separation, 709.0 
Fire wall openings, 708.0 
Fireplace, 3610.4.3 
Foundation walls, 1812.0 
Glass block, 21 15.0 
HoUow, 2105.1, 2105.2 
Hollow panels, thickness of, 1404.6 
Masonry wall construction, 2113.1 
Panel, 1404.6 
Parapet, 705.6, 707.5 
Penthouse, 1510.3 
Plain concrete, 1901.2 
Proscenium, 412.3.5 
Protection of exterior openings in, 706.0 
Reinforced concrete, 1901.1, 191 0.0 
Reinforced concrete walls, 1 8 12.3. 1 
Retaining, 1825.0 
Roof structure, 1510.0 
Shaft enclosure, 710.3. 1 
Smoke barriers, 712.0 
Stone foundation, 1812.3.4 
Thickness of panel, 1404.6 
Veneers, glass, 1405.7 
Veneers, metal, 1405.4 
Veneers, plastic, 2605.0 
Veneers thickness of, 1403.3 
Veneers thin and tile, 1405.5.6 

Warehouse 

Use Group S, storage, 3 1 1.0 

Waste chutes, 2807.0 

Waste to be removed, 3 3 1 3 .0 



Supply, definition, 202.0 
Supply for plumbing, 2905.0 
Tanks, 1510.7 

Waterproofing of exterior structural elements, 1813.0 

Waterproofing of foundation walls, 1813.4.2, 3604.6 



9/19/97 (Efifective 2/28/97) - corrected 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 



825 



780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE 



Welding 

Inspection, 1705.3.3.2 
Width 

Aisles, 1012.0 

Lobbies used as an exit element, 1020.3 

Means of egress doors, 1017.3 

Stair exit doors, 1014.8.1 
Units of exit width, 1009. 1 

Wind load design Zoning 
Buildings, 1611.0 
Definition, 202.0, see Load 
Glass, 2403.1 

Radio and television towers. 3108.4 
Signs, 1611.12,3102.6.1 

Winders, 1014.6.3 

Windows 
Bay, 1406.5 

Cleaning safeguards, 3110.0 
Dormer, 1 5 10.6 
Fire, 718.0 

Fireresistive design, 718.1 
Glass area required, 1206.2,1208.2 
Required for light and ventilation, 1205.0 

Wired glass 
In fireresistive doors and windows, 719.0 

Wood construction 
Bearing walls, 2305.4 
Bracing, 2305.7 
Bridging, 2305.14.2 
Cambering, 2301.1 
Cornices, 1406.2.2 
Cutting and notching, 2305.3 
Designated type of, 606.1 
Fiberboards, 2309.0 
Fireretardant-treated, 707.5.2, 23 10.0 
Flashing, 1405 3.10 
Floor sheathing, 2307.3.1 
Floors, 3605.2 

Foundation anchorage, 2305.16 
Foundation, general, 1812.0, 3604.4.3, 3604.5.2 
Framing around flues and chimne3/s, 2304. 1 1 
Heavy timber construction, 2304.0 



Nailing, 1405.3 7,2305.2 

Nonbearing walls, 2305.5 

Piles. 1822.0 

Plywood, 2307.0 

Prefabricated 1-joists, 2313.5 

Protection near grade, 2311.4 

Roof-ceiling, 3608.2 

Roof sheathing, 2305.15.1, 2307.3. 1 

Shear walls, 2502.0 

Sheathing lath, 2305.13.2 

Shingles and shakes, 1506.3, 1507.2.8, 1507.2.9. 

3609.8, 3609.9 
Spans for plywood sheathing, 2307.3 
Stressed skin panels, 23 13.2 
Structural glued-Iaminated timber. 23 13. 1 
Structural members, 2303.0 
Structural panels, 2307.0 
Stud spaciing, 2307.3.5 
Subfloors, 2307.3.3 
Trusses, 3605.2.10, 3608.2.11 
Veneer, height of, 1405.5.1 
Veneer, masonry, 1405 5 
Veneer, metal, 1405 4 
Wall sheathing, 2305.13. 3606.2 
Weatherboarding, exterior, 1403.3 

Woric 

Start, 111.15 

Stop order, 119.0 
Workmanship, 117.0 
Written notice 

Defmitiou, 202.0 



Yard 

Definition, 202.0 

Obstruction of, 1213.0 

Permissible encroachments, 1213.2 
Yard system fire mains, 916.0 



826 



780 CMR - Sixth Edition corrected - 9/19/97 (Effective 2/28/97)