Codes & Regulations

Home Builders Association of Western Ma - Announcement of the 7th Edition Basic Building Code Book

The Department of Public Safety and the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) are pleased to announce the completion of the Seventh Edition Basic Building Code (780 CMR).

The Seventh Edition Massachusetts Basic Building Code addresses all building uses except One and Two-Family detached buildings and is based on the ICC International Building Code-2003 (IBC-2003) with measurable Massachusetts modifications, particularly, but not exclusively, to: Chapters 1,4,9,16,17,18,19, portions of 21 and 22, 23, 34 and the appendices.

In addition, the Seventh Editions Massachusetts Basic Building Code refers the User to applicable Massachusetts Specialty Construction Codes where certain IBC-2003 Chapters otherwise speak to electrical wiring, plumbing and gas-fitting, elevator machine regulations, fire prevention regulations, architectural access matters, pressure vessel requirement and certain environmental requirements that otherwise, individually or collectively, can impact building construction.

The Seventh Edition Basic Building Code will bear a September 1, 2008 effective date and as a matter of BBRS policy, there will be a six (6) month concurrency period allowed following the 9/1/08 effective date where the User may choose to use the Sixth or Seventh Edition of the code (without mixing provisions) to design and/or construct a building. A viable permit application would need to be filed prior to the expiration of the six-month concurrency period for projects designed to the Sixth Edition. If the application is filed after the expiration date, the applicant would need to file appeal(s) to address any inconsistencies between the two codes or redesign to the new code.

The 7th Edition Basic Building Code is now available at the State Hour Bookstore (617-727-2834). The Code may be purchased at the Bookstore or by placing an order via US Mail. An order form can be found at www.sec.state.ma.us/spr/sprcat/catidx.htm.