Public Meeting Notice  BBRS Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Advisory Committee Meeting - 5.27.26

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Meeting ID: 265 866 077 077 77 

Passcode: pB2cw3Bc 

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Phone conference ID: 711 630 778# 

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, notice is hereby given that the Board of Building Regulations and Standards 11^th Edition Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Subcommittee will be convening a meeting. 

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting, please reach out to Cheryl Yebba at 617- 701-8711. The Agency will make best efforts to accommodate requests received in a timely manner.

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards Fire Prevention Fire Protection Committee convened a regular monthly meeting on: 

Microsoft Teams Meeting May 27^th, 2026 

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 9:46 AM Chair Dave LeBlanc called the open meeting to order. 

Informational note: All votes were taken by roll call. Where each member voted in favor, the vote will be reported as unanimous.

Board Members Present

• Dave LeBlanc, Fire Protection Engineer
• Matt Bourque, Developer
• Tom Farland, Municipal Fire Official
• Luke McKneally, BBRS Member
• Jake Nunnemacher, BBRS Member
• Michael Yanovitch, Building Contractor

Board Members Absent

• Carissa Lisee, DOL Appointee
• Steven Nocco, Municipal Building Official
• Eric Svahn, Architect

DOL Staff Present

• Tammy Gropman, Executive Director
• Charles Kilb, Senior Board Counsel

1. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted Meeting Minutes 
   1. May 13, 2026 – Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. 
2. Reviewed and Discussed Code Change Tracker Form
   1. Members briefly reviewed the code change tracker. Luke McKneally reported that the tracker had been updated to reflect all Chapter 4 decisions made to date, as well as Chapter 9 discussions already completed, including the secondary power source discussion associated with Section 913.6 and prior work related to Section 916.11.
3. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted Assigned code sections with track changes
   1. Chapter 4 IBC 2024
      1. Members continued review of Chapter 4, particularly Section 415 (Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies and hazardous materials). Members engaged in extensive discussion regarding the appropriate use of signpost references to the Massachusetts Fire Code (527 CMR 1.00), balancing the need to provide meaningful guidance to building officials and designers while avoiding conflict and duplication of fire code requirements. 
      2. Members discussed whether references within Section 415 should direct users generally to 527 CMR 1.00 or provide more targeted references to specific fire code chapters. Several members expressed concern that broad references could make code navigation difficult and provide limited guidance to designers and code officials, while others cautioned that narrowly focused references could overlook applicable requirements found elsewhere in the fire code. 
      3. Particular discussion centered on hazardous materials provisions that may originate outside Chapters 60–75, including Chapter 10 emergency planning requirements and Chapter 22 provisions related to explosives and airbag storage. Following discussion, the committee generally favored retaining targeted references to Chapters 60–75 as signposts for hazardous materials requirements while recognizing that compliance with other applicable fire code provisions would still be required. Michael Yanovitch motioned to approve language for Section 415.1 and 415.2, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, Jake Nunnemacher opposed, none abstained, all other members voted yes. Motion passed with majority. 
      4. The committee reviewed Sections 415.6.1 and 415.6.2 concerning closed and open systems using flammable and combustible liquids. Members agreed that references to NFPA 30 should remain because the standard is already incorporated by the building code and aligns with fire code requirements. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.6.1 with signpost references directing users to 527 CMR 1.00, Chapters 60 and 66, seconded by Michael Yanovitch. Additional discussion occurred regarding proper citation format and consistency of references throughout the chapter. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      5. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.6.2 references, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      6. For Section 415.6.3 concerning spray paint booths, members discussed whether language regarding exterior wall placement and fire official approval should remain in the building code. Concerns were raised about placing operational fire code decisions within the building code. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve amended language to Section 415.6.3, seconded by Tom Farland. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      7. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.6.4, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      8. Considerable discussion occurred regarding Sections 415.6.4.1 and 415.6.4.4 involving H-1 occupancy setbacks and explosive materials separation distances. Members debated the relationship between building code setback requirements and fire code determinations by local fire officials. Concerns were raised that differing setback determinations between building and fire officials could create conflicts after permits are issued. 
      9. For explosive materials separations, members agreed to reference NFPA 495 and add it as a referenced standard, while also retaining signposts directing users to applicable fire code provisions. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.6.1, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. 
      10. Luke McKneally motioned to amend Section 415.6.4.4 to include reference to NFPA 495, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, Jake Nunnemacher and Tom Farland opposed, all other members voted yes none abstained. Motion failed to pass the 70% threshold.
      11. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.8.2, seconded by Tom Farland. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. 
      12. Tom Farland motioned to approve Section 415.9, seconded by Michael Yanovitch.A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      13. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.9.1, seconded by Jake Nunnemacher.A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      14. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.9.1.3, seconded by Luke McKneally. Members discussed jurisdiction of fire officials regarding tanks of 10,000 gallons or more.A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      15. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.9.1.4, seconded by Jake Nunnemacher. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      16. Michael Yanovitch motioned to approve Section 415.9.1.6, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      17. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.9.1.7, seconded by Luke McKneally. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      18. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.9.1.9, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      19. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.9.2, seconded by Jake Nunnemacher. Members briefly discussed jurisdiction of LPG facilities. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. 
      20. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.9.3, seconded by Michael Yanovitch. Members noted references to the International Plumbing Code would be replaced with 248 CMR. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. 
      21. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.10, seconded by Michael Yanovitch. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      22. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.11, seconded by Luke McKneally. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      23. Tom Farland motioned to approve Section 415.11.1.7, seconded by Luke McKneally. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      24. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.11.5, seconded by Matt Bourque. Members discussed storage of hazardous production materials and added a new subsection for 415.11.5.1 regarding reference to 527 CMR. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      25. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.11.1.8, seconded by Matt Bourque. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      26. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.11.10.3(7), seconded by Michael Yanovitch. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      27. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve Section 415.11.10.3 in its entirety, seconded by Michael Yanovitch. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      28. Luke McKneally motioned to approve Section 415.11.11.1 (9) & (10), seconded by Jake Nunnemacher. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      29. Luke McKneally motioned to approve edits to Section 425, seconded by Tom Farland. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted Code change proposals and Front-end amendments 
   1. Chapter 4 IBC 2024 – Members discussed the process for preparing Chapter 4 front-end amendments for submission to the BBRS. Significant discussion focused on the distinction between the committee’s working blended track-change document and the formal front-end amendment package ultimately submitted for adoption. Legal counsel emphasized that the front-end amendment version would ultimately be the formal version filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, thus it must always be included.  Members agreed that the official submission should consist of clean front-end amendment language without track changes, while the blended document could continue to be used as a working reference for committee members. Concerns were raised about creating unnecessary additional work and ensuring that the final amendments accurately reflected committee votes. The committee confirmed that Chapter 4 amendments would be assembled into a single front-end amendment package for future review and vote by the Subcommittee and BBRS.
5. Review/Discuss Homework assignments
   1. Members discussed upcoming homework assignments associated with Chapter 9 review. The Chair reported that draft track-change documents had already been prepared for Sections 904, 905, and 909. Members responsible for other Chapter 9 sections were encouraged to complete their assignments and submit Word documents with track changes before the next meeting. The committee emphasized that receiving draft language in advance would allow for more productive review during future meetings. It was also noted that Section 917 had already been reviewed and no amendments carried over from the 10th Edition, although new IBC 2024 language had been identified.
6. Discussed Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance of the Meeting
   1. No matters were discussed.
7. Adjournment – The next meeting is on June 10^th, 2026, at 9:30 AM.
   1. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to adjourn, seconded by Tom Farland. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. 
   2. Meeting adjourned at 12:32 PM.

Items Relied Upon During Open Meeting

• Agenda
• Meeting Minutes
• 2024 IBC Chapter 4

It is anticipated that the topics shown below will be discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 

1. Review/Discuss/ Vote Minutes of the following meeting: 
   1. May 13, 2026
2. Review/Discuss Code change tracker form
3. Review/Discuss/Vote Assigned code sections with track changes
   1. Chapter 4 IBC 2024 
   2. Chapter 9 IBC 2024
4. Review/Discuss/Vote Code change proposals and Front-end amendments 
   1. Chapter 4 IBC 2024
5. Review/Discuss Homework assignments
6. Discuss matters not reasonably anticipated by the chair, 48 hours in advance of the meeting

Adjournment – the next scheduled meeting is June 10, 2026