- Division of Occupational Licensure
Effective October 11, 2024, the 10th Edition of the State Building Code will take effect.
Promulgated over a number of years by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), the 10th Edition is an important update that will modernize the Building Code and better align it with the Fire and Stretch Energy Codes.
Notable additions in the 10th Edition include:
- Improvements related to climate and sustainability, including flood protection, energy storage systems and a more robust base energy code;
- New rules for the construction of smaller units - known as “tiny houses” - to help facilitate their construction by relaxing otherwise prohibitive rules.
- The addition of specific provisions governing buildings and structures utilized in the newly emerging cannabis industry, ensuring industry buildings have adequate ventilation and other life safety systems.
The BBRS is a 15-member board administratively supported by the Division of Occupational Licensure. It is statutorily mandated to update the Building Code every 5 years and the BBRS has already begun working on the 11th Edition.
The 9th Edition of the Building Code will apply concurrently with the 10th Edition for the remainder of 2024. Building permit applications for projects utilizing the 9th Edition need to be filed on or before December 31, 2024. Applications received on or after Jan. 1, 2025, that are based on the 9th Edition will not be accepted and will not be granted a building permit. Breaking ground on a jobsite does not need to begin immediately when obtaining a permit. However, if breaking ground does not commence within 180 days of a permit being issued, the permit may expire unless extended. See 780 CMR 105.5 for more information.