BOCC time extension policy

Learn about the policy for applicants seeking extensions of time for certification.

Extension of time policy

The Building Officials Certification Committee (BOCC) seeks to manage and regulate the process and procedure by which extensions of time are granted.   The policy shall require all applications for extensions be filed electronically to streamline the process and refute any issues of missing or late applications.  This policy shall be posted on the BOCC website and included on the extension request/application form so that the public, as well as applicants can be knowledgeable about the requirements and the process.  Any request for extension filed outside of this policy shall require an extreme hardship to be documented in advance for the BOCC to review on an as needed basis. 

Currently, applicants are required to adhere to the following;

In accordance with 780 CMR R7, the “Rules and Regulations for the Certification of Inspectors of Buildings, Building Commissioners and Local Inspectors”, a conditional employee may petition the Building Official Certification Committee in writing for an extension of time to comply with the examination schedule of 780 CMR R7. Upon establishment of cause, the Building Official Certification Committee may grant such extensions of time as it may consider appropriate. Conditional appointees who have not attempted the examination schedule as herein defined during the prescribed period shall not be granted an extension, and no conditional appointee shall be afforded more than three extensions of time beyond the prescribed period for the level of certification sought.

R7.1.7.4.1: Any conditional appointee unable to comply with the examination schedule as cited in 780 CMR R7.1.7.4 may, for cause, be granted an extension of time to comply, upon written petition to the Building Official Certification Committee. Petitions shall be forwarded to the clerk of said committee and addressed to the office of the BBRS or emailed to [e-mail]. The conditional appointee shall state all reasons to substantiate the request for an extension of time.

Policy

The BOCC shall review applications for extension submitted in a timely manner only.  This requires the applicant to proactively submit their request before the expiration of time they seek relief from.  It is required that the applicant make such requests 30 days^[1] prior to their existing time-period expiration. If an applicant submits their extension request and for some reason it is not possible for the BOCC^[2] to review the application or conduct the required, in-person meeting at the next regularly scheduled BOCC meeting, the BOCC shall allow a 30-day extension for the request.  Applicants shall be notified of their request being received, reviewed and the meeting date which the applicant is scheduled to present their request in person (mechanics of this still need staff input as there are questions if this process shall be completely digital).  No request shall be presumed to be granted without the express notification from the BOCC.

All applicants shall be required to furnish the following information on their written request(s);

1. The original date of their appointment
2. Any and all dates of testing with results (pass/fail)
3. Any and all dates of prior requests for extension(s) whether granted or not

The failure to provide any of the required information shall deem the application incomplete and it will not be reviewed, nor will the applicant be scheduled for any in-person meeting.  It is the responsibility of every applicant to monitor their timely progress through the certification process.

It is possible that an untimely request for extension could result in an applicant being required to restart the process from the beginning and the BOCC accepts no responsibility for any such situations.  If a request is received timely and the BOCC schedules the required in-person meeting, any applicant who fails to attend their required, scheduled meeting, shall be denied their request for extension based upon the applicant’s default. 

The BOCC shall follow the below list which establishes the length of time that shall correspond with each step of the process and is contained in the regulations;

1. Extension 1 - 6 month
2. Extension 2 - 6 month
3. Extension 3 - 1 year

The BOCC shall continue to automatically deny the following applicants for any extension;

1. Applicants who fail to attempt an exam during the (required) relevant time period AND
2. No applicant shall receive more than three extensions

If an extension request is denied for any reason OR extensions applied for after the time frames have expired the BOCC also reserves the right to review cases of extreme hardship submitted with supporting documentation within 10 days of the date of a denial. Requests shall be submitted to the Building Official Certification Committee and emailed to [e-mail].

[1]The BOCC reserves the right to grant relief from this requirement in extreme and extraordinary cases upon request.  Applicants seeking said relief shall be required to submit supporting evidence to the Board with their application

[2]For example but not limited to; the BOCC having to cancel the meeting or any issues related to the lack of a quorum for review.