The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PETITION OF:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PETITION OF:
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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. The General Laws, as appearing in the 2002 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after chapter 143 section 96, the following section:---
SECTION 96A:-- The Board shall adopt and administer policies that are consistent with the following as part of the state building code:
Definition:
“One Story” A unit with a roof of under 20 feet in height with one floor.
(a) In an owner occupied 1-unit home the home owner may perform any plumbing, other than waste disposal or waste venting pipes and gas supply pipes, without a license if a one-way valve has been installed by a licensed plumber on the water supply pipe as it enters the house.
(b) In an owner occupied 2-unit home the home owner may perform any plumbing, other than waste disposal or waste venting pipes and gas supply pipes, without a license if a one-way valve has been installed by a licensed plumber on the water supply pipe as it enters the house and on the water supply pipe as it enters the second unit from the first unit.
(c) One story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 300 square feet shall not require a permit or notice to the building inspector.
(d) A foundation or footings shall not be required for detached one story accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses that do not exceed 300 square feet.
(e) A foundation or footings shall not be required for a one story attached or detached greenhouse regardless of square footage.
(f) A building permit is not required for “ordinary” work, repairs or improvements which do not affect the structure, egress, fire protection systems, fire ratings, energy conservation provisions; including but not limited to:
The addition of a new wall or structure that does not prevent or significantly impede entrance or egress to/from the building or any room in the building. A wall with a working door shall not considered to prevent or significantly impede entrance or egress
On a home where a one-way valve has been installed on the water supply pipe as it enters the home, any plumbing work other than waste disposal or waste venting pipes and gas supply pipes shall not require a licensed contractor/plumber.
(g) Any work done by a licensed construction supervisor, which does not include or affect fire protection systems, fire ratings, electrical, gas, sanitary or other utilities, on their own 1 or 2 unit owner occupied home shall not require a building permit or notice to the building official.
(h) Any electrical work done by a licensed electrician, which does not include or affect fire protection systems, fire ratings, gas, sanitary or other utilities, on their own 1 or 2 unit owner occupied home shall not require a building permit or notice to the building official.
(i) Any plumbing work done by a licensed plumber, which does not include or affect fire protection systems, fire ratings, gas(please delete “gas” from this item), or other utilities, on their own 1 or 2 unit owner occupied home shall not require a building permit or notice to the building official.
(j) A building permit or notice to the building official is not required for the construction of greenhouses covered exclusively with plastic film below 18 inches from the floor and on the roof or any non-vertical surface. Glass may be used to cover any vertical surfaces above 18 inches from the floor.