Source: https://up.codes/viewer/massachusetts/ibc-2009/chapter/1/scope-and-administration
Timestamp: 2020-01-22 07:33:16
Document Index: 577746693

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 94', '§ 96', '§ 96', '§ 96', '§ 13', '§ 102', '§ 96', '§ 98', '§ 3', '§ 40', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 150', '§ 28', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§ 2', '§ 96', '§ 96', '§ 100', '§ 100', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 2']

Chapter 1: Scope and Administration, Massachusetts State Building Code | UpCodes
101.1.1 Appendix AA and Special Regulations
104.4.4 Property Maintenance
101.4.11 Duct Work and Sheet Metal
104.10.1 Areas Prone to Flooding
104.10.2 Matters Not Provided For
105.3.1.2 Other Requirements
105.9 Independent Structural Engineering Review
105.9.1 Condition for Permit
105.9.3 Disputes
107.2.5 Site Plans
107.2.5.1 Base Flood Elevations
107.6.2.3 Structural Tests and Special Inspections
107.6.2.4 Non Structural System Test and Inspection.
107.6.4 On Site Project Representation
109.4 Work Commencing Before Building Permit Issued
110.3.11 Workmanship
110.7.1 ABCC licensed Establishments
111.1.2 Massachusetts’ Licensed Care Facilities
111.5.3 lace of Assembly Posting
112 Service Utitlies
113.4.1 General
113.4.2 Review
113.4.3 Qualifications of Local Board Members
113.4.4 Chairman of Local or Regional Board
113.4.5 Absence of Members
116.2 Inspection
116.3 Removal or Making Structure Safe
116.4 Failure to Remove or Make Structure Safe, Survey Board, Survey Report
116.5 Removal of Dangerous or Abandoned Structures
116.6 Remedy of Person Ordered to Remove a Dangerous Structure or Make It Safe
116.7 Standards for Making Buildings Safe or Secure
116.8 Marking or Identifying Certain Buildings That Are Especially Unsafe in the Case of Fire
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) adopts and incorporates by reference, the International Building Code, 2009 edition (IBC), including Appendices A through J. The International Building Code together with modifications as set forth, shall collectively comprise the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), Eighth Edition, Base Volume, and referred to as “this code”.
BBRS also adopts and incorporates by reference the International Energy Conservation Code, 2009 edition (IECC) with modifications as Appendix AA. Special Regulations unique to Massachusetts are found at 780 CMR 110.R1 through 110.R7.
This code shall be the building code for all towns, cities, state agencies or authorities in accordance with M.G.L. c. 143, § 94. The provisions of this code and other referenced specialized codes shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures, and residences with five or fewer occupants that are operated or licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services shall comply with 780 CMR One- and Two-family Dwellings.
Referenced codes include the specialized codes of M.G.L. c. 143, § 96 and other codes and regulations listed in 101.4.1 through 101.4.12 and shall be considered part of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
Note 1. Work regulated by the specialized codes of M.G.L. c. 143, § 96 shall be designed, installed and inspected by individuals authorized to do so in accordance with the specialized codes. However, the impact of work regulated by the specialized codes of M.G.L. c. 143, § 96 and other codes and regulations on work governed by this code shall be subject to inspection by the building official.
Note 2. Work regulated by the Architectural Access Board regulations (521 CMR) shall be enforced by the building official. See M.G.L. c. 22, § 13A.
Note 3. The design and construction requirements of bunkers and magazines for the storage of explosive materials, flammable/combustible liquids and chemical process safety, shall default to the specific requirements of 527 CMR and are not enforceable by the building official but rather by the head of the fire department or his/her designee.
Note 4. Work regulated by the Board of Sheet Metal Regulations shall be enforced by the building official. See M.G.L. c. 13, § 102.
Reference to the International Fuel Gas Code shall be considered reference to the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters regulations at 248 CMR. Gas fired appliances are governed by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Oil fired appliances are governed by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations at 527 CMR 4.00: Oil Burning Equipment.
Reference to the International Plumbing Code shall be considered reference to the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters regulations at 248 CMR. For sewerage disposal or water connections also see 310 CMR 15.00: The State Environmental Code, Title 5: Standard Requirements for the Siting, Construction, Inspection, Upgrade and Expansion of On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems and for the Transport and Disposal of Septage and 314 CMR 3.00: Surface Water Discharge Permit Program, 5.00: Ground Water Discharge Permit Program and 20.00: Reclaimed Water Permit Program and Standards.
Reference to the International Property Maintenance Code shall be considered reference to this code, the specialized codes of M.G.L. c. 143, § 96, and 105 CMR 410.000: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (State Sanitary Code, Chapter II).
Reference to the International Fire Code (IFC) or International Mechanical Code (IMC) for fire prevention issues shall be considered reference to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations at 527 CMR. If 527 CMR does not address an issue covered by the IFC or IMC, then that said reference code shall apply. If a conflict regarding fire prevention requirements exists between 527 CMR and 780 CMR the more stringent standard shall apply.
Note: building code requirements in the IFC and IMC are made a part of 780 CMR and are enforceable by the building official.
The provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code, 2009 edition, with Massachusetts Amendments shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
See the Department of Environmental Protection regulations at 310 CMR and the Division Water Pollution Control regulations at 314 CMR
See the Massachusetts Board of Elevator Regulations at 524 CMR.
Reference to the International Electrical Code shall be considered reference to 527 CMR 12.00: 2008 Massachusetts Electrical Code (Amendments).
See the Board of Examiners of Sheet Metal Workers regulations at 271 CMR.
Reference to the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings shall be considered reference to 780 CMR 51.00 through 120.00, (One-and Two-family Dwellings regulations).
Organization and duties of technical advisory committees to the BBRS may be viewed on the Department of Public Safety website (www.mass.gov/dps).
Additional building features required by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) do not change the classification of residences operated or licensed by DDS as dwellings subject to the 780 CMR One and Two-family Dwellings.
When provisions of this code conflict with municipal bylaws and ordinances, this code shall govern unless the bylaws or ordinances were promulgated in accordance with M.G.L. c. 143, § 98.
The provisions of this code shall not nullify any provision of state or federal law. Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.s) and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMRs) are often referenced in this code. It is the code user’s responsibility to determine all applicable laws and regulations relevant to sections in this code. For example, care facilities licensed or operated by Massachusetts agencies often have CMRs with building requirements beyond this code for buildings licensed or operated by the respective agency.
The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code or as deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the public.
Unless specifically provided otherwise in this code, and narrow to the provisions of this code, 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 by the owner in accordance with this code. Also see Chapter 34.
In cases where applicable codes, rules or regulations, bylaws or ordinances were not in use at the time of such construction or alteration, the building or structure shall be maintained by the owner in accordance with this code.
In cases where the provisions of this code 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 this code shall apply, providing such application can be reasonably demonstrated to not result in danger to the public, as determined by the building official.
The building official shall cite the following condition in writing as a violation and order the abatement within a time frame deemed necessary by the building official to make the building environment safe, healthy or otherwise comply with this code.
Less than the required number of means of egress.
Egress components with insufficient width or so arranged to be unsafe or inadequate, including signage and lighting.
Unsafe lighting and ventilation.
The building official shall declare a building or structure unsafe in accordance with section 116.0 when, in the building official’s opinion, means of egress are hazardous or dangerous. Where full compliance for means of egress, lighting and ventilation are not practical, the building official may accept compliance alternatives, engineering, or other evaluations that adequately address the deficiency. Also see Existing Hazardous Conditions in Chapter 34.
This code shall be enforced, and enforcement officials shall be appointed, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 143, §§ 3 and 3A and M.G.L. c. 22. Reference to The Department of Building Safety shall be considered reference to the building official.
The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code in accordance with M.G.L. c. 143.
Whenever in the enforcement of this code, or another code or ordinance, the responsibility of more than one enforcement official of the jurisdiction is involved, it shall be the duty of the enforcement 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 enforcement official observes an apparent or actual violation not within the official’s authority, the official shall report the findings to the official having jurisdiction.
Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the building official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application of the owner or owner’s representative, provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or structural requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the building official and a copy forwarded to the BBRS within seven days. A building official may seek assistance from the district’s state building inspector for modifications.
The building official shall not grant modifications to any provision related to areas prone to flooding as established by this code without the granting of a variance to such provisions by the building code appeals board. Also, no variance to requirements of this code can be solely utilized to argue for lawful construction/reconstruction where such construction/reconstruction would conflict with requirements ofM.G.L. c. 131, § 40: Removal, Fill, Dredging or Altering of Land Bordering Waters (the Wetlands Protection Act), and/or 310 CMR and 314 CMR, as applicable.
In recognition of the inherent difficulty of drafting a functional code that contemplates every situation that may arise in the area of building safety, this section provides the building official, the building code appeals board, or the BBRS itself, with reasonable discretion to ensure that all life safety issues that may arise in the enforcement of this code may be appropriately addressed. Matters not specifically provided for in this code regarding structural, egress, fire, energy, sanitary or other requirements essential to occupant safety shall be determined by the building official or, in the case of an appeal, the building code appeals board. If this provision is used, the building official shall notify the BBRS in writing within seven days of such determination. For highly specialized buildings and structures that conform to unique code requirements or nationally recognized standards not required in this code, registered design professionals shall provide sufficient information to the building official to support their approval. For fire protection design, see Chapter 9.
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 this code without first filing a written application with the building official and obtaining the required permit.
Where equipment replacements and repairs governed by this code must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.
One story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
Fences six feet in height or less.
Ordinary repairs as defined in Chapter 2.00 and 9.00.
Greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film intended for agricultural use.
To obtain a permit, the applicant shall file a permit application on a form furnished by the building official for that purpose. Standard application forms, along with application forms that some municipalities use, can be found at www.mass.gov/dps. Such applications shall at a minimum:
Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitively locate the proposed building or work.
Be accompanied by construction documents and other information as required in section 107. Construction documents shall list any additional building features required by a Massachusetts state agency for its facilities that go beyond the requirements in this code. Any additional building features required by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services shall not result in a change in the classification of a DDS operated or licensed residences for five or fewer occupants and their compliance with the 780 CMR One- and Two-family Dwellings.
Be signed by the applicant and the owner or the applicant and the owner’s authorized agent.
Give such other data and information as required by the building official in accordance with this code.
The building official shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments, and take action, within 30 days of filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the building official shall reject such application in writing, to the applicant, stating the reasons. If the building official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and applicable laws and ordinances, the building official shall issue a permit forthwith or as soon as practicable.
The following requirements must be satisfied before a building permit is issued:
Water Supply: in accordance with M.G.L. c. 40, § 54; also refer to DEP regulations 310 CMR 22.00: Drinking Water and/or 310 CMR 36.00: Massachusetts Water Resources Management Program, when applicable.
Wastewater: in accordance with 310 CMR 15.00: The State Environmental Code, Title 5: Standard Requirements for the Siting, Construction, Inspection, Upgrade and Expansion of On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems and for the Transport and Disposal of Septage , and 314 CMR 3.00: Surface Water Discharge Permit Program, 5.00: Ground Water Discharge Permit Program, 7.00: Sewer System Extension and Connection Permit Program and 20.00: Reclaimed Water Permit Standards Program.
Debris Removal: in accordance with M.G.L. c. 40, § 54 and M.G.L. c. 111, § 150A; also refer to DEP Regulations 310 CMR 7.09(2) and 310 CMR 7.15, when applicable.
The building official shall be notified at least 24-hours before work starts.
For permits that include work under Chapters 4 or 9, or 34, construction documents shall be filed simultaneously with the head of the local fire department and building official for review and approval. The fire department shall complete its review within 10-working days after receiving the documents. Upon the fire department’s request, the building official may grant one or more extensions up to a total review period maximum of 30- days. If the fire department review is not received within the allowed time frame the building official may upon review deem the documents in compliance with Chapters 4 or 9, or 34. If the head of the local fire department disapproves such construction documents, he or she shall notify the building official (refer to M.G.L. c. 148, § 28A) in writing citing relevant sections of noncompliance with this code or the section of the referenced standards of Chapter 35.
The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades and, as applicable, flood hazard zones, high hazard zones, floodways, and base flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The building official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
Base Flood Elevations shall be determined in accordance with Appendix G.
Notwithstanding these exemptions, professional engineering services shall be required for activities which 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 required profession or as provided in M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R. Where work is performed by licensed trades people pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, § 81R, plans and specifications prepared to document that work shall not be required to bear the seal or signature of a registered design professional.
All plans, computations and specifications involving new construction, alterations, repairs, expansions or additions or change in use or occupancy of existing buildings shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered design professional and shall bear his or her signature and seal (see Section 107.1.1). Said signature and seal shall signify that the plans, computations and specifications meet the applicable provisions of this code and accepted engineering practices. Any alternative means and methods which deviate from prescriptive requirements of this code shall be submitted to the building official for approval in a narrative form separate from the plans.
Review, for conformance to this code and the design concept, shop drawings, samples and other submittals by the contractor in accordance with the requirements of the construction documents.
Perform the duties for registered design professionals in Chapter 17.
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 if the work is being performed in a manner consistent with the construction documents and this code.
The permit application shall not be deemed completed until all of the construction documents required by this code have been submitted. Documentation indicating that work complies with the plans and specifications shall be provided at the completion of each phase when required by the building official.
Structural tests and special inspection shall be provided in accordance Chapter 17.
Tests and inspections of non structural systems shall be performed in accordance with applicable engineering practice standards, referenced standards listed in Chapter 35, or as otherwise specified in this code.
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:
Execution and control of all methods of construction in a safe and satisfactory manner in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal statutes and regulations.
Upon completion of the construction, certification in writing to the registered design professional in responsible charge that, to the best of the contractor’s knowledge and belief, construction has been done in substantial accord with section 107.6 and with all pertinent deviations specifically noted. The building official may require a copy of this certification.
When applications for unusual designs or magnitude of construction are filed, or where reference standards require special architectural or engineering inspections, the building official may require full time project representation bya registered architect or professional engineering addition to that provided in Section 107.6. 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 design professional shall file a final report indicating that the work has been performed in accordance with the approved plans and this code. 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 shall result in the denial of the permit. All fees and costs related to the performance of on-site project representation shall be borne by the owner.
Nothing contained in section 107.6 shall have the effect of waiving or limiting the building official's authority to enforce this code with respect to examination of the contract documents, including plans, computations and specifications, and field inspections.
Temporary structures and uses must be approved by the building official in consultation with the head of the local fire department.
Upon declaration by the Governor of a State of Emergency under St. 1950, c. 639, or of an emergency detrimental to the public health under M.G.L. c. 17, § 2A a building or space within a building may be used as a temporary emergency use for purposes of housing and/or caring for persons in accordance with procedures established for such purpose as contained in this code (also see Chapter 31).
For state building permit fees, see 801 CMR 4.02: Rates. For municipal building permit fees, refer to the municipality.
The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated permit value at time of application. If, in the opinion of the building official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.
Any person who commences any work on a building or structure governed by this code before obtaining the necessary building permit shall be in violation of this code and subject to penalties. See section 114.
The building official shall conduct inspections during construction intervals sufficient to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code which may include inspections set forth in sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.10 (Also see 110.4). The building official shall inform the applicant of the required points of inspection at the time of application.
Per Appendix G, in flood hazard zones and high hazard zones, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification required in Appendix G, shall be submitted to the building official.
All work shall be conducted, installed, protected and completed in a workmanlike and acceptable manner so as to secure the results intended by this code.
It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the building official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this code. The building official may require the permit holder or his representative to attend these inspections.
The building official shall inspect periodically existing buildings and structures and parts thereof in accordance with Table 110 entitled Schedule for Periodic Inspections of Existing Buildings. Such buildings shall not be occupied or continue to be occupied without a valid Certificate of Inspection. Periodic inspections required by this section do not apply to residences operated or licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and subject to 780 CMR One- and Two-family Dwellings.
Schedule for Periodic Inspection of Existing Buildings
(See Chapters 3 and 4 for complete descriptions of use groups.)
Building inspections in this use group may be performed by a qualified third party acceptable to the building official that includes but is not limited to: registered design professional or individuals with qualifications comparable to a building official as per section 103.
One year for facilities licensed or operated by DMH.
General Note: It isthe responsibility of building “owner”, as defined in Chapter 2, to meet the inspection requirements in this table for continued use and occupancy. The maximum certification period specified in the table is intended to provide administrative flexibility. For uses allowing more than one year maximum certification period, the building official may determine the certificate validity term. For example, an R-2 building could be certified for one, two, three, four or five years
No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefore as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Conformance to all applicable specialized codes of M.G.L. c. 143, § 96 is a requirement of the issuance of the Certificate of Use and Occupancy, including, when applicable, 310 CMR 7.00: Air Pollution Control, 310 CMR 15.00: the State Environmental Code, Title 5: Standard Requirements for the Siting, Construction, Inspection, Upgrade and Expansion of On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems and for the Transport and Disposal of Septage, 310 CMR 22.00: Drinking Water or 310 CMR 30.000: Hazardous Waste. The certificate shall not be issued until all the work has been completed in accordance with the provision of the approved permits and of the applicable codes for which a permit is required, except as provided in section 111.3.
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits under section 105.2
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 maximum live load capacity, or 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.
Certificate of occupancy inspections for Massachusetts licensed care facilities, including inspection of special building features required by the licensing agency, shall be limited to verifying compliance with the provisions of this code.
13. If the facility is licensed by a State agency, the name of the agency and the name and number of any relevant Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) that apply regarding building features.
14. Prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy, the building official shall consult with the head of the fire department.
A suitably designed placard, approved by the building officialshall be posted by the owner on all floors of every building and structure, except High Hazard, Factory, and I-3 use occupancies, as defined in Chapter 3. In addition to the per floor requirement, all rooms used as a place of assembly or as an R-1 sleeping space shall have the required egress posting. Said placard shall be securely fastened to the building or structure in a readily visible place, showing exiting paths per floor.
A placard suitably designed in contrasting colors and 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 (use groups A). Said placard shall designate all of the occupant loads approved for each configuration within each room or space.
The building official may periodically inspect all existing buildings and structures except one and two family dwellings for compliance with this code in respect to posting; or he may accept the report of such inspections from a registered design professional or others certified by the BBRS; and such inspections and reports shall specify any violation of the posting requirements of this code.
Section 112 Service Utitlies
Appeals of orders, decisions, determinations and failures to act made by any state or local agency or any person or state or local agency charged with the administration or enforcement of the state building code or any of its rules and regulations, except the specialized codes of M.G.L. c. 143, § 96 relative to the application and interpretation of this code shall be addressed by the building code appeals board in accordance with M.G.L. c. 143, § 100.
If a city, region or town had not duly established by ordinance or bylaw or otherwise a local or regional building code board of appeals prior to January 1, 1975, said city, region or town may establish a local or regional board of appeals in accordance with section 113.0, referred to as the local board of appeals, consisting of not less than three nor more than five members appointed by the chief administrative officer of the city, region or town. Any appeal originating in a city or town that has a local board must be heard by the local board before being heard by the state building code appeals board.
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 section 113.
Each member of a local board of appeals established under M.G.L. c. 143, § 100 shall have had at least five years experience in the construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of building and building codes. At least one member shall be a registered structural or civil professional engineer and one member a licensed registered architect.
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
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 shall meet the qualifications as outlined in section 113.0.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, occupy or change the use or occupancy of any building, structure or equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code
By sending the party responsible or their agent authorized to accept service of process in the Massachusetts a copy of the order by registered or certified mail return receipt requested, if he is within the Massachusetts; or
Violations to this code shall be enforced in accordance with the applicable provisions of M.G.L. c. 143, §§ 6 through 10, M.G.L. c. 148, and M.G.L. c. 148A.
Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure, or makes a change of use in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
The provisions of this section are established by M.G.L. c. 143, §§ 3, 3A, and 59.
The building official immediatelyupon being informed byreport 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 abandoned and open to the weather. 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.
Any person so notified shall be allowed until 12:00 P.M. 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 passers-by, or to be made secure.
If an owner of such unsafe structure refuses or neglects to comply with the requirements of such notice within the specified time limit, and such structure is not made safe or taken down as ordered therein, a careful survey of the premises shall be made by a board consisting; in a city, of a city engineer, the head of the fire department, as such term is defined in 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.
If such survey report as outlined in section 116.4 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 to adjacent grades with 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 section 114. The provisions of M.G.L. c. 139, § 3A, 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.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 114, 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 section 116; and provided, further, that this section shall not prevent the city or town from recovering the forfeiture provided in said section 116.5 from the date of the service of the original notice, unless the order is annulled by the jury.
Any owner of a building who has been notified that said building shall be made safe or secure under section 116.2, shall:
a. Secure all window and door openings in accordance with the U.S. Fire Administration, National Arson Prevention Initiative Board Up Procedures (www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/napi4.pdf) continuouslyuntil 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.
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 ownershall 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 section 116.7.2.b. or c. are used.
The requirements of section 116.7.1. through 4. do not prevent a building official from ordering or taking expeditious, temporarysecuritymeasures in emergency situations pending the completion of the requirements of section 116.7.1. through 4.
For the purposes of section 116., 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 ownerto complywith such notice, anybuilding official acting under the authority of section 116.3 or 116.5, 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 section 116.7 during vacancy may be reoccupied under its last permitted use and occupancy classification, provided that anysystems which were disconnected or shut down during the period of vacancy are restored to fully functional condition and subject to section 105 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 section 34.
Any building official who determines that a building is especially unsafe in case of fire under section 116.2, 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 marking requirements established by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations in 527 CMR 10.00: Fire Prevention, General Provisions.