Public Meeting Notice  Board of Building Standards and Regulations Meeting - 6.9.26

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Meeting ID: 256 128 585 901 05 

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Phone conference ID: 549 419 396# 

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, notice is hereby given that the Board of Building Regulations and Standards will be convening a regular monthly 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 convened a regular monthly meeting on: 

Microsoft Teams Meeting June 9^th, 2026 

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 10:03 AM Chair Reade Milne 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

• Reade Milne, Chair
• Sy Nguyen, Vice Chair
• Jeffrey Clemons
• Lisa Davey
• Mark Hansen
• Tarica Leskiw
• Vineet Nair
• Atiya Rahim
• Jon Davine or Designee – Jake Nunnemacher
• Elizabeth Mahony or Designee – Ian Finlayson
• Sarah Wilkinson or Designee – Ross Seavey

Board Members Absent

• Darien Crimmin
• Jason Ferschke
• Luke McKneally
• David Riquinha

DOL Staff Present

• Tammy Gropman, Executive Director
• Charles Kilb, Senior Board Counsel
• Andrew Chase, Associate Executive Director

Acknowledged Public Attendees

• Andy Bobola
• David LeBlanc
• Mia Mansfield
• Sarah Alexander

1. Reviewed and Voted Meeting Minutes: 
   1. BBRS Minutes from May 12^th, 2026 – Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Mark Hansen. Jake Nunnemacher noted a correction. A roll call vote was held, Jake Nunnemacher opposed, Tarica Leskiw abstains. All other members voted yes.  Motion passes with majority.
   2. BOCC Minutes from April 7^th, 2026 – Jeff Clemons motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Lisa Davey. Vice Chair Sy Nguyen temporarily assumed the Chair role as Reade Milne experienced audio issues. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously. Reade Milne resumed role as Chair. 
   3. Climate Resiliency Minutes from February 27^th & and March 13^th, 2026 – Jeff Clemons motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Tarica Leskiw. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   4. Energy Advisory minutes from March 16^th, March 30^th, and April 27^th, 2026 – Jeff Clemons motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Tarica Leskiw. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   5. Fire Protection/Fire Prevention Minutes from April 8^th & May 13^th, 2026 – Tarica Leskiw motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Ian Finlayson. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   6. Residential Code Minutes from April 9^th, 2026 - Tarica Leskiw motioned to approve meeting minutes, seconded by Lisa Davey. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Reviewed and Discussed Board Counsel Report
   1. Board Counsel Charles Kilb discussed a minor procedural change to ensure roll call votes were taken consistently by ensuring that each members name is called followed by them stating their vote.  He also addressed a common question regarding minute approval, while members are free to vote as they wish, the open meeting law does not require members who were absent from the meeting in question to abstain as the main purpose of accepting minutes is to agree they represent the official record of that meeting, thus all members may vote to accept minutes if they so choose. He noted this practice is consistent with the full BBRS approving subcommittee minutes despite most members not being on those subcommittees. 
3. Reviewed and Discussed Report from Subcommittees
   1. BOCC - Andy Bobola noted the May BOCC meeting date had been moved and provided an update on two meetings. Andy Bobola discussed the May 13^th, 2026, meeting in Plymouth and provided the following information:
      1. The April 7^th, 2026, meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.
      2. The Executive Director Report noted an update to digital accessibility.
      3. The Board Counsel Report covered 780 CMR 110.R7 11^th edition updates. 
      4. 13 Applications for Examination were reviewed; all were approved. 
      5. Four Applications for Certification were reviewed; all were approved 
      6. 12 New Employee Report Forms were reviewed; one was tabled, 11 were approved.
      7. Four Extension of Time Requests were reviewed; all were approved.
      8. 18 Form A submissions were reviewed; all were approved.
      9. 10 Form B submissions were reviewed; all were approved with noted corrections.
   2. Andy Bobola discussed the June 2^nd, 2026, meeting in Norfolk and provided the following information:
      1. The May 13th, 2026, meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.
      2. One hearing was held, resulting in Examination Approval.
      3. Three courses were reviewed and approved.
      4. Five Applications for Examination were reviewed; four were approved and one was denied.
      5. Eight Applications for Certification were reviewed; all were approved. 
      6. Five New Employee Report Forms were reviewed; all were approved. 
      7. Three Extension of Time Requests were reviewed, all were approved.
      8. 18 Form A submissions were reviewed; all were approved.
      9. 11 Form B submissions were reviewed; all were approved with noted corrections.
   3. FP/FP – Dave LeBlanc noted that FPFP was finishing review of Chapter 4 and continuing with review of Chapter 9.
   4. Residential – Reade Milne noted that David Riquinha was voted in as the new Chair, discussed proposal regarding sprinkler requirements, and review of Chapter 4 and Appendix NB.
   5. Energy Advisory – Ian Finlayson noted that Energy Advisory met on May 18^th and June 1^st, 2026, was moving through review of Commercial chapters. 
   6. Climate Resiliency – Mia Mansfield reported that Climate Resiliency had completed majority of assigned chapters, as well as additional flood-hazard-related sections throughout, and noted it was on track to conclude in the summer. 
4. Reviewed and Discussed Executive Director Report
   1. Executive Director Tammy Gropman provided Construction Supervisor Licensing totals for the month of May, with 230 licenses issued and 1,485 renewed. E.D. Gropman also noted open BBRS seats on subcommittees. Jake Nunnemacher volunteered to serve on Existing Buildings and noted that he could provide additional support for Greenhouse/Cannabis if needed
5. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted BOCC appointment from MBCIA
   1. Ian Finlayson motioned to approve Jon Metivier, a new BOCC appointee nominated from MBCIA, seconded by Ross Seavey. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted Requests for Interpretation
   1. RFI 2026-08 submitted by C. Cannon
      1. Members discussed whether a basement bulkhead may serve as part of an emergency escape and rescue opening. The discussion focused on prior BBRS interpretations, changes in ICC code language over successive editions, and whether the removal of the term “bulkhead” from certain code sections was intended to prohibit its use.
      2. Several members noted that the emergency escape and rescue opening is the window or door itself, while the bulkhead functions as a cover or enclosure serving that opening. Concerns were raised about operability, potential locking mechanisms, snow accumulation, and whether a bulkhead could impede emergency egress. Other members pointed to the existing code provisions governing covers, grills, and enclosures, which require operation from the inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge. 
      3. Ross Seavey motioned to adopt the previous BBRS interpretation 2013-04 as applied to the 10^th edition of 780 CMR with changes necessary to conform to current code, seconded by Jeff Clemons. Jake Nunnemacher raised question regarding outstanding interpretations and whether they were still considered valid. A roll call vote was held, Jake Nunnemacher opposed, none abstained. All other members voted yes.  Motion passed with majority. 
   2. RFI 2026-15 submitted by P. Lawton
      1. Members conducted a review and concluded that it did not present a true request for interpretation but rather contained straightforward code questions relating to basement access structures and door configurations. Discussion noted that some terminology used in the submission was inaccurate and that the issues raised could be addressed directly through existing code provisions.
      2. Members emphasized that the submitter would still receive a response explaining the applicable code requirements. Ian Finlayson motioned to take no action, seconded by Mark Hansen. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted Code Change Proposal Forms
   1. Energy Storage Systems R328.3.1 and AJ102.3.4 from Abid Anwar
      1. Jake Nunnemacher noted that the proponent had requested to withdraw submission, and motioned to dismiss agenda item, seconded by Mark Hansen. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   2. Floodplain Proposal from Sarah Alexander
      1. Sarah Alexander presented a proposal to expand certain flood-resilient construction requirements beyond FEMA’s mapped 1% annual chance floodplain to include the mapped 0.2% annual chance floodplain (the 500-year floodplain).
      2. Discussion focused on evidence that significant flood losses occur outside currently regulated floodplain boundaries, the use of FEMA’s existing mapping as a practical regulatory tool, and the proposal’s intent to provide a greater margin of safety against future flood risk.
      3. Members discussed implementation considerations and consistency with existing building code risk-management. Ian Finlayson motioned to refer the code change proposal to the Climate Resiliency subcommittee, seconded by Mark Hansen. The chair then called for discussion.
      4. Members agreed that portions outside the scope of the building code, such as the fuel gas code, should be removed before further consideration. Ian Finlayson amended motion to delegate code change proposal to Climate Resiliency on the condition that references to external codes like the Fuel Gas Code would be removed, seconded by Mark Hansen. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Ross Seavey was not present for vote. All other members voted yes.  Motion passed with majority. 
8. Reviewed, Discussed, and Voted Code Change Proposals with Front-End Amendments
   1. IECC 2024 Residential Chapters 1 and 2
      1. Members reviewed proposed front-end amendments. Discussion focused primarily on the definition of “small dwelling unit,” including whether size should be based on gross floor area or conditioned floor area. Members also discussed the proposed definition of “substantial project” and whether it should be tied to the percentage of the thermal envelope exposed to framing. 
      2. Following discussion, the Board amended the substantial project language and ultimately revised the small dwelling unit definition to use conditioned floor area, relying on existing IECC definitions.
      3. Jeff Clemons motioned to amend language in proposed definition of Substantial Project to remove reference relative to combined surface area of walls and ceilings, seconded by Sy Nguyen. A roll call vote, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
      4. Members discussed public comment process and potential options for receiving feedback on proposed language.
      5. Ian Finlayson motioned for BBRS to approve front end amendments for 2024 IECC Chapters 1 and 2, seconded by Jake Nunnemacher. Jeff Clemons discussed providing definition of Gross Floor Area. 
      6. Members discussed various definitions before reaching consensus on a definition of Conditioned Floor Area. Ian Finlayson modified motion to include new definition, seconded by Jake Nunnemacher. A roll call vote, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   2. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 4 R401 - R403
      1. Members reviewed proposed front-end amendments and several carry-forward provisions from the 10th Edition. Jeff Clemons motioned to accept proposed front-end amendments R401-R403, seconded by Mark Hansen. The chair then called for discussion. 
      2. Members discussed revised window performance requirements, including lowering allowable U-factors for new windows and establishing separate treatment for replacement windows and windows in historic buildings. Members also discussed cost implications of new window performance requirements.
      3. Members discussed the potential cost implications of more stringent window performance standards and the balance between energy efficiency goals and construction costs. A roll call vote, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   3. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 4 R404- R406
      1. Members reviewed amendments related to electric vehicle readiness, HERS ratings, and dwelling-unit terminology. Discussion focused on maintaining consistent terminology throughout the code and eliminating references to accessory dwelling units where broader dwelling-unit language was more appropriate. Several minor wording changes were made to improve consistency and clarity. Ian Finlayson motioned to approve amendments to R404-R406 with noted edits, seconded by Jeff Clemons. A roll call vote, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
   4. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 4 R408
      1. Members discussed the IECC’s additional efficiency credits system. The Energy Advisory Committee had proposed simplifying the extensive list of available credit options by reducing the number of choices while retaining the overall performance requirements.
      2. Discussion centered on whether reducing the number of options would unnecessarily limit flexibility for builders or whether simplification would improve usability and enforcement. Members also reviewed proposed embodied carbon credits, energy efficiency measures, water-heating options, ventilation provisions, renewable energy credits, and battery-storage credits.
      3. Jeff Clemons motioned to approve amendments to R408, seconded by Tarica Leskiw. A roll call vote was held, Sy Nguyen and Jake Nunnemacher opposed, none abstained. All other members voted yes.  Motion passed with majority. 
   5. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 6 Reference Standards
      1. Members reviewed updates to referenced standards, largely consisting of replacing older editions with newer versions already reflected in the 2027 IECC. 
      2. Discussion focused on references to the National Electrical Code and whether those references were necessary given that electrical work is regulated through the Massachusetts Electrical Code. Members agreed that the National Electrical Code reference could be removed because Chapter 1 already directs users to the applicable Massachusetts electrical regulations.
      3. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to approve amendments to Chapter 6, seconded by Jeff Clemons. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Lisa Davey not present for vote. All other members voted yes.  Motion passed with majority. 
9. Discuss Matters Not Reasonably Anticipate, 48 Hours in Advance of the Meeting
   1. Jeff Clemons noted he is retiring as Pittsfield commissioner and noted he will stay on the BBRS until a replacement is appointed. Reade Milne noted that she had resigned as Building Commissioner in Edgartown and moved to Chilmark.
10. Adjournment – The next meeting is scheduled for July 14^th, 2026, at 10 AM. 
    1. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to adjourn, seconded by Tarica Leskiw. A roll call vote was held, none opposed, none abstained. Motion passed unanimously.
    2. The meeting adjourned at 1:13 PM. 

Items Relied Upon During Open Meeting

• Agenda
• Meeting Minutes
• Code Change Proposals
• Front-End Amendments
• Requests for Interpretation

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

1. Review/Vote Minutes of the following meetings: 
   1. BBRS minutes from May 12, 2026
   2. BOCC minutes from April 7, 2026
   3. Climate Resiliency minutes from February 27, 2026, and March 13, 2026
   4. Energy Advisory minutes from March 16, 2026, March 30, 2026, and April 27, 2026
   5. Fire Protection/Fire Prevention minutes from April 8, 2026, and May 13, 2026
   6. Residential Code minutes from April 9, 2026 
2. Review/Discuss Board Counsel Report
3. Review/Discuss Report from Subcommittees
   1. BOCC
   2. FP/FP
   3. Residential Code
   4. Energy Advisory
   5. Climate Resiliency
4. Review/Discuss Executive Director Report
   1. Construction Supervisor License
      1. Totals for the month of May 2026 including waivers and reinstatements
5. Review/Discuss/Vote BOCC appointment from MBCIA
6. Review/Discuss/Vote Request for Interpretation
   1. RFI 2026-08 submitted by C. Cannon
   2. RFI 2026-15 submitted by P. Lawton
7. Review/Discuss/ Vote Code Change Proposal Forms
   1. Energy Storage Systems R328.3.1 and AJ102.3.4 from Abid Anwar
   2. Floodplain Proposal from Sarah Alexander 
8. Review/Discuss/ Vote Code Change Proposal Forms and Front-End Amendments
   1. IECC 2024 Residential Chapters 1 and 2
   2. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 4 R401 - R403
   3. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 4 R404- R406
   4. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 4 R408
   5. IECC 2024 Residential Chapter 6 Reference Standards
9. Discuss matters not reasonably anticipated by the chair, 48 hours in advance of the meeting

Adjournment – the next scheduled meeting is July 14, 2026