Commonwealth of Massachusetts state building code

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by  Massachusetts State Building Code Commission

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THE MASSACHUSETTS
STATE BUn^DING CODE
USER'S GUIDE
to
CMR
780
Sixth Edition
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Publishedby
WilDamF.Gaj^.
SecretaryoftheCommonwealtfa
2/19/97

.
THEUSERS' GUIDETOTHE SIXTHEDITION
PART OVERALLCHANGES
I-
TheStahEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCodeisbasedonthepro^asionsofthe1993BOCA
NationalBuildingCode. However,sincesigmficantchangeshavebeennudetothenationalcode,theSixth
Edition is considered aunique document to the Commonwealth. One should not assume that the two
documentsarecompatible. Thereareseveralreasonsfordifferencesbetweenthetwocodes,someofwhich
areidentifiedbelow.
(1) Insomeinstances,requirementsofMassachusettsGeneralLaws(M.GX.)conflictwithprovisions
ofthenational tode. Sincelawissuperiorto regulation, thenational code must bestrippedofany
conflictinglanguage.
(a) TheBoardofBuildingRegulationsandStandards(BBRS)isfortunatetoemploytheservicesof
varioussubcommitteescomprisedoflearnedandexperiencedprofessionalswhodonatethdrtimein
reviewofthecode. Membersofthesesubcommitteesfocusoncertainaspectsofthecodeandadapt
its language to suit local peculiarities that may not be considered in the national code. These
subcommitteesinclude:
1 TheGeotechnicalAdvisoryComnuttee.
2. TheFirePrevention,RreProtectionAdvisoryCommittee,
3. TheLoadsAdvisoryComminee,
4. TheSeismicAdvisoryCommittee,and
5. TheEnergyAdvisoryCommittee.
Also,Massachusettsmustcoordinatetheprovisionsofthestatebuildingcodewiththeprovisionsof
otherspecializedcodesunderthecontrolofsq>aiateindependentboards. Someofthespecializedcodes
indude:
6. TheFirePreventionCode(527CMR),
7. TheElevatorCode(524CMR),
8. TheArchitecturalAccessRegulations(521CMR),
9. ThePlumbingandGasCode(248CMR),and.
10. TheElectricalCode(527CMR). '
(b) Thefollowingdiapters,areconsideredentirelytmiquetotheCommonwealthdifferingngnificantly
fiiomthenationalcode,andaresoidentifiedwithaparentheticalstatementbelowthechaptertitle.
Thechaptersindude:
Chapter1 - Administration
Chapter9 - FireProtectionSystems
Chapter11 - Accesability
Chapter13 - EnergyConservation
OaptcT16 - StructuralLoads
Chapter18 - FoundationsandRetainingWalls
Chapter27 - ElectricalWiringandEquipment
Chapter29 - PlumbingandGasFitting
Chapter30 - ElevatorandConveyingSystems
Chapter34 - Repair,AlterationandChangeofUseofExistingBuildings
Chapter35 - Manu&cturedBuildings,BuildingComponentsandMobileHomes
Chapter36 - TheOneandTwoFamilyDwellmgCode
(c) Changesinotherchaptersareidentifiedwithbolded.italidzedfacetype.
(2) PartnofthisGuidecontainsasummaryofsomeofthemajorchangesrelativetothenational.code
andtotheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsBuildingCode.
(a) The first change a userwill noteintheSixthEditionofthecode isthe numbering system.
Recently, threenationalcodeagenciesjoined forcesinthehopesofsomedayprodudngauniform,
intenationalbuildingcode. Thefirstmatterthattheseagendesagreeduponinthispursuitwastouse
achapterformatinlieuofthearticlesystem. MassachusflKs-hasfoUowedthislead.
(b) Recognizingthefiustrationthatmaydevelopinattemptingtoretrieveinformationutilizingthis
newsystem,across-indexofanicleandprimarysectionnumbersoftheFifthEditionrelativetothe
chapterandprimarysectionnumbersoftheSixthEditionisincludedasPartHIofthisGuide(again,
pleasenotethatPartHIiswimeantasanabsoluteauthoritativesourceidentifyingallchangesfromthe
FifthEdition-refertotheactualcodefordefinitiverequirements).
780CMR-SixthEdition /
780CMR; STATEBOARDOFBUILDINGREGULATIONSA>JDSTANDARDS
THEMASSACHUSETTSSTATEBUILDINGCODE
PARTli-SUMMARYOFCHANGESTO EACHCHAPTER
CAUTION
ThesesummariesaremeantasatransiiiontoolforusersoftheSixthEditionoftheMassachusettsState
Building Code and only highlight cenain major changes. The summaries are not designed as an
authoritativesourceforall changeseitherfromtheNationalBuildingCodeortheFiptEditionofthe
Massachusetts State Building Code. Always refer to the actual code documents for definitive
requirements.
PannofthisGuidecontainsbriefsummariesofthemajorchangesfromBOCANationalBuildingCode,
andfromtheFiflhEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode.
CHAPTER1-ADMINISTRATION
(FrfihEditionArticle1)
DifTerencesfromNationalBuildingCode:
Chapter 1 is considered unique to Massachusetts. Essentially it is a combination ofFifth Edition
requirementsandthenationaldocument.
ChangesfromthtFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode:
Some ofthe majorchanges in Chapter 1 occur in Section 105, v^^ch defines the qualifications and
Cceormtmiofincwaeuaolnthr;eqSuiercenmoennt1s10f.0o.rwahllicthhdoesleinweahtoespsreorvceeduarsesbufUorditnhgepcloadceemeenntfoorfcmeamneunftacotfufriceidalbsuUidnintghse
m(rseoqDuutmhgeastHrcuectnusreed);coSnescttriuocnti1o1n6.s0u,pewrhviiscohrmtoorseecuclreearaiypedremfiitnefsorthteherwooleriocfarnedgiastceerretidfiaerdchsiettecctrsewantdo
profeaaonalcn^neersinthecourseofbufldingconstruction;andSection121.0whichdefinestheremedy
availabletopersonorderedtoremoveadangerousstiucmre(therouteisthroughthecourts notthroueh
aboardofappeals).
CHAPTER2-DEFlNrnONS
{FifthEditionAi^d&l)
DifTerencesfromtheNationalCode
,
ADd^'onsfr6mthenationalcodeappearinthischapter. Inafewinstances,thewordingwasmodified
twoerreetald«daedM,asssuacchhuasseitntsspleaaworoorftboucflladriinfgysaandedfilnoictailoni.nsAplesaoo,r.somedefinitionsspecifictoMassachusetts
ChangesfromtheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuUdingCode:
^'Sr^u^'^'"?areprovidedforinChapter2.thenationalcodechoosestoseparateothersand
f1o0.me^a«n„sroffegressrequ"i^r^em"e^nt"sa"r^e"f^ou"nd^^in'C°h°a«pt=e*r°10^,n^o't^"C^hap^t°e'r'2."'^^^OTdsandtermsspecific
CHAPTER3-USEOROCCUPANCY
(F^EdidonArticle3)
DifTerencesfromtheNationalCode:
frTeJeaiT'T"'""'^'l*'°"^'"°"^"'^'- ^°^^'P^™^'^"^Section313.0.MixedUseGroups,
buUdiJs ' "" " ^^P^^ ' ^^^^^ ^° ^'^ suppression requirements ofcertSn-
ChangesfromtheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode:
oc'Z^cfartl^^^tir^TJ-""'"'!f°""'"^='°"'°'-"^=^'^^^-^requirementsforcertainspecific
tia.araUseCroupClassiftcatjon,whereas,theFifthEditiondefinesonlyone.
7S0C.vm-SixthEdiiion
780CMR; STATEBOARDOFBUILDINGREGULATIONSANDSTANDARDS
USERS'GUIDE
CHAFTEK4-SPEOALUSEAP«)OCCUPANCY
{FifihEdjdonArtide6)
DifrerencesfromtheNationalCode:
Chapter 4 is conastent •with the National Code from Sections 401.0 to 421.0 excepting changes
incorporatedduetoconflictswithMassachusettslawsand\orregulations, suchasthosethatoccurin
Section 603.0. definingthelimitsofhighrisebuildings, and Section421.0, definingrequirementsfor
ingroundswimmingpools.
Sections422.0through429.0arcuniquetotheCommonwealth,definingspecialusesthatdonotappear
inthenationalcode. SomeofthesesectionshavebeenbroughtforwardfromtheFifthEditionofthecode
withlittlechange;theyincludeproviaonsforexisting structuresin Section422.0, summercampsfor
childreninSection425.0,anddetoxificationcentersinSection428.0.
Sections423.0,427.0and429.0whichdefinefecialcodeprovisionsforgroupreadences,limitedgroup
residences, andgroupdwellingunitshavebeenbroughtforwardbuthavebeenmodifiedtorefleanew
phQosophiesinthecareoftheoccupantsoftheseresidences. Thesechangesappearforthefirsttimein
theSixthEditionofthecode. ThedaycareproviaonsinSection424.0havealsobeenmodifiedtoincrease
occupantsafety.
Posably the most significant change to Chapter 4 appears in Section 426.0. This section defines
requirementsforbulkstoragemerchandisingbuildings. Suchbuildingscontainsalesareaswithhighpiled
combustiblecommodities,and^rhazardousmaterials. Inherently,thesestructurespresentdifferentfire
andfifesafetyriskstiiantraditionalretailstructures. Section426.0providesadequatesafetytothepatrons
ofthesefortiesandreducestheposabilityofexcessivepropertylossduetofire.Thesectionisnewly
devdopedfortheSixthEditionoftheocxle.
DifTerencesfromtheFiftkEdidonoftheMassachnsettsStateBnildingCode:
Chapter4issignificantlydifferentthanthecompatibleFifthEditionofthecode. Tostan. sf>ecialuse
provisionsarenolongerfoundinArticle6,alsoseveralnewprovisionshavebeenaddedsuchasthose
definedabove,andmoredetailedrequirementsforhighhazarduses.
CHAPTER5-GENERALBUILDINGUMTTATIGNS
(FyihEiMonArddeS)
DifferencesfromtheNationalCode:
Chapter5isahnostentirelycompatiblewiththenationalcode,exceptingtheadditionofnotemtoTable
503whichcautionsthecodeAisertoadistinctionofMassachusettsgenerallawrequirii»ghosptudxother
thancollegeorschoolinfirmaries,tobeerectedofTypeIBconstructionorbetter.
ChangesfromtheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode:
Chapter5isverysimilartothecomparableFifthEcBtionarticle. MethodoligiesreUtmgtobuildingsize
haveremainedconstantforyears,datingtoworkofinsurancecompaniesthatohgmaDydevelopedthe
requirements. However,somerequirementsthatappearedinthebmldir^linutatiomsectionofArticle5
havebeenmoved to amoreappropriateplace. Provisionsforaccesability, forinstance are found in
Chapter11.
CHAPTER6-TYPESOFCONSTRUCTION
{F^EditionAiUdt4)
DifferencesfromtheNationalCode:
Chapter6isentirelycompatiblewiththenationalcode.
ChangesfromtheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode:
TypesofconstructionarelocatedinArtide4intheFifth£drll»»^.Locationisthemajorchangeinthenew
code,somelanguageiscondensedrelatingtothedescriptionforthefivetypesofconstrucuon.
780CMR-SixthEdition
780CMR: STATEBOARDOFBUILDINGREGULATIONSANDSTANDARDS
THEMASSACHUSETTSSTATEBUILDINGCODE
CHAPTER7-FIRERESISTANTMATERIALSANDCONSmUCTlON
(fj/JAEtTawnArticle9)
DifTerencesfromtheNationalCode:
Chapter7isentirelycompatiblewiththenationalcode.
ChangesfromtheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode:
FireresistanceratingofconstructionmaterialswerelocatedinArticle9oftheFifthEdition. Alonewith
location,severalchangeshaveoccurredinthecodetext. ExamplesofchangearefoundinSection708.0
whichHmitsopeningsizesinfirewallassemblies. Section713.0whichdefinesminimumfireresistance
ratingsforfloor\ceilingandrooAceilingassembliesincertainresidentialbuildings. Section717.0wluch
determinesapprovaloffiredampers,andfiredamperratings,and720.0whichrequirestheinstallationof
firestoppinganddraftstopping.
CHAPTER8-INTERIORFINISHES
{FifthEdidonAnadtS)
DifferencesfromtheNationalCode:
Chapter8isentirelycompatiblewiththenationalcode.
ChangesfromtheFifthEditionoftheMassachusettsStateBuildingCode:
InteriorfinisheswerepartofArticle9intheFifthEditionunderSections922.0through925.0. Since
interiorfinishes can have a significant efifea on abuilding's internal fire load. These provisions are
separated in the Sixth Edition to emphaaze the importance ofproperly regulatingthe placement of
combustibletrim,floorfinishes,andinteriorhangingsanddecorations. Additionally,Section806.0limits
theuseofcombustiblematerialsinTypes1and2constniction. Chapter8shouldbeutilizedinconcert
withtheprovisionsof527CMR,TheMassachusettsFirePreventionCode.
CHAPTER9-FIREPROTECTIONSYSTEMS
(FifthEdhionArticle10)
DifferencesfromtheNationalCode:
TheprovisionsofChapter9weredevelopedbytheFirePrevention\FireProtectionAdvisoryCommittee
whosemake-upisdefinedintheforwardofthecode.
Chapter9isngnificantlydifferentthanthenationalcodeandisconsidereduniquetotheCommonwealth,
particularly in its requirements for fire suppression systems. Section 904.0 identifies where fire
suppressionsystemsarerequiredinbuildingsbaseduponthebuilding'ssizeandusegroupclassificanorL
Recogninng inherent life safetyhazards posed by certain buildingtypes, and fijrtherrecognizingthe
tremendouslossduetofirethathasoccurredincertainbuildingtypesovertheyears,theSixthEditionof
thecoderequiresfiresuppressionsystemstobe installed inbuildingsatlevelsnotantidpatedbythe
nationalcode. ForinstanceSection904.2ofthenationalcode,allowsanassemblyuse,suchasamotion
picturetheater,tobeereaedunsuppressedupto12,000squarefeet. ThecomparableSixthEditionsection
requiresafiresuppressionsystemtobeinstalledwhenitexceeds8,000squarefeet
Also,Chapter9doesnotrecognizethelermftrearea,whichisoftenusedinthepagesofthenationalcode.
Thetermfireareaisdefinedas "theaggregatefloorareaenclosedandboundedbyfirewalls, exterior
walls,orfireseparatingassemblies". Utilizingthisconceptinthedesignofmixedusebuildings(Seaion
313.0ofthecode)allowsthecodeusertodesignanderertbuildingsthatsacrificefiresuppressionforfire
resistiveconstruction. Essentially,theresultofsuchadesignisabuildingthatis(ormaybe)suppressed
inonearea,butnotanother. Suchbuildingsmayprovideafalsesenseofsecurityfortheoccupant,and
causelogistical problemsfor fireservicepersonnelwhomustfightthefire(ie:thefirefighterdoes not
necessaniyknowwhichportionofthebuildingisfittedwithasuppressionsystem,andwhichisnot;afact
heneedstoknowtoadequatelyfightthefireordealwiththeemergency). Thisisnottosaythatseparated
mixedusedbuildingsarenotanoptionunderthenewcode. However,oncethesizeofabuildingexceeds
acertaindimension(dependentuponitsusegroup),asuppreslitSfi'Systemisrequired,regardlessofwhether
the uses are separated fi-om one anotherwith fireresitancerating construction, which may render the
separatedmixeduseoptionirrelevam.
780CMR-SixxhEdition