Massachusetts State Building Code

Who is Responsibly for the Building Code?

All construction and renovation projects in the state of Massachusetts are governed by the Massachusetts State building code.  The Board of Building Regulations and Standards administers the Massachusetts State building code. This is an eleven-member board that derives authority from the State of Massachusetts.  The eleven members of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards also comprise the Building Code Appeals Board for the purpose of deciding appeals and interpreting the Massachusetts State building code. The Board of Building Regulations and Standards also deals with the education and certification of local building officials.

What does the Building Code Regulate?

All contractors must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor and/or licensed as a Construction Supervisor, depending upon the type of work to be done, prior to the start of any work.  A complaint can be reported to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards regarding any Home Improvement Contractor, Construction Supervisor or local building official for noncompliance to the Massachusetts State building code or other regulation. 

Operating without a certificate of registration issued by the department, abandoning or not completing a contract without justification, changing building plans or materials without owner approval or failing to pay for services and/or materials supplied by a subcontractor are just a few examples of violations of the Massachusetts State building code and can be the basis for a complaint. Some other violations of the Massachusetts State building code include offering to obtain or negotiate a mortgage on behalf of a mortgage lender, advertising without declaring a valid contractor registration number or knowingly making any misrepresentations or false promises in order to procure a contract.  

What Does the Building Code Require for a Building Permit?

The minimum construction documents, according to the Massachusetts State building code, required to obtain a building permit include a site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing plans, exterior elevations, constructions schedules, fire protection locations and energy conservation plans.  Of course, other documents might be required depending upon the size, type and location of the construction project.