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Official interpretations of the building code

By the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS).

Official interpretations clarify matters that the BBRS considers aren’t adequately addressed by the building code.  An official interpretation must be approved by the BBRS and if approved may be considered official guidance for using the building code.

To request an official interpretation of a specific provision of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), see the BBRS Request for interpretation form page.

The list below includes official interpretations issued starting in 2012.

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Open PDF file, 215.04 KB,  780 CMR Section 414.2 Control Areas (English, PDF 215.04 KB)
Open PDF file, 138.86 KB,  2024-01: A2L Refrigerants Advisory (English, PDF 138.86 KB)
2012-01: Native lumber approved
2012-03: Restaurant nightclub deck egress approved
2012-04: Modular building repair and renovation approved
2012-05: Entrance door apartment houses approved
2012-06: Construction control
2012-07: Fire rating exterior composite walls
2012-08a: Sprinklers antifreeze
2012-08b: Sprinklers 13R approved
2012-09: Replacement windows approved
2013-02 Plain concrete foundation walls
2013-03: Fire service access elevator and lobby requirements
2013-04: Emergency escape and rescue opening
2013-06: Type III construction exterior walls
2014-01: Existing buildings
2014-03: Floor protection
2014-04: Stretch and base code application approved
2014-05: Change of occupancy seismic
2014-06: Masonry buildings
2016-01: Barriers around swimming pools
2016-02: Reissued

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