Obscure state board split on change in building code Environmental advocates and many state lawmakers want new homes and commercial buildings to come equipped with the electrical lines needed to hook up electric vehicle chargers. Developers and home builders, however, say customers don’t want electric vehicles, the lines needed to charge them, or the extra…
BOSTON (SHNS) – Along with a $40.5 billion spending plan, Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday filed legislation shaking up state government’s organization chart, eliminating the Department of Public Safety, and creating a new office to take over some of its functions.
No Expired Alarms; Replacement Alarms Must Have 10-year Batteries Starting December 1, older one- and two-family homes cannot be sold with expired or out-of-date smoke alarms. The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations has revised the State Fire Code to require that one- and two-family homes built before 1975 must have working smoke alarms that have…
Technical Bulletin Topic: Fire Barrier Requirements for 2 Part Foam Plastic Insulation and Rigid Foam Board Insulation The increased use of foam plastic insulation in CSG’s Home Performance programs makes it necessary to clarify what types of fire barriers are needed to cover this material, as required by code. Code requirements for fire barriers fall…
Effective August 12, 2016 On June 14, 2016, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (“Board”) held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the current, Eighth Edition of 780 CMR (the building code) concerning energy standards. Specifically, the Board solicited feedback and took testimony on amendments to 780 CMR 13 (commercial energy efficiency standards),…
Be smart and dial 811 before you dig.
MFBO issues strong opposition Curtis Meskus, Certified Building Commissioner for a Town, and currently the President of the MFBO (Massachusetts Federation of Building Officials) issued a letter commenting on some of the proposed code requirements for the 9th edition. Their position states they are against certain 3 proposed changes to the Mass building code. Stretch…
A new MA state requirement for insulation permits just became effective last month. Be sure you or your company are aware of the new rules.
Trench safety is on our minds given the recent story about the man being trapped in a trench after it partially collapsed. We’re happy that the outcome was good, but it makes us think of safety and if the trench was set up properly or not. We do know that OSHA is going to investigate.
Here are some highlights from BBRS March 2016 meeting. Discuss editing the drafted January 2016 meeting minutes.