Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program
7th Edition Commercial Code In Effect
The 7th Edition Commercial or Base Building Code is in effect as of September 1, 2008. Any application received after February 28, 2009, must comply with the 7th edition. New code books are available at the State Book Store (617-727-2834). They can be ordered on line at: www.sec.state.ma.us/.
The 7th edition is based on the 2003 International Building Code, with amendments (in bold, italicized). There are many important changes. Here are a few:
- The A-2 use classification reserved for night clubs in the 6th edition extends to restaurants, taverns, bars, and banquet halls. The classification for these uses is A-2r. Nightclubs are A-2nc.
- Townhouses are now an R-2, with its own appendix (120z). For the most part, construction is governed by 1-2family requirements if building is no more than 3 stories.
- Assembly areas less than 750 sq.ft. are considered accessory to main use group
- Stricter requirements for sprinkler and smoke control for atriums.
- New construction type nomenclature (roman numerals).
- In general, the tabular allowable height and area has increased.
- There is more allowable area increase for sprinkled buildings.
- Exterior wall ratings can no longer be reduced for sprinklered buildings.
- Fire rating for Fire Walls has increased for most use groups.
- The term “fire barrier” has replaced fire separation assembly, but with the same continuity requirements.
- UL listing not required for all fire rated assemblies. Table assigns fire rating to certain assemblies
- Rated corridors require fire and smoke dampers
- All A-1 use groups(Theatres, concert halls, etc.) must be sprinklered no matter what the size.
- All R use groups(except 1 and 2 family dwellings) must be sprinklered regardless of size
- A-2nc(night clubs) with occupancy>50 must be sprinklered.
- A-2r(restaurants, halls) must be sprinklered if over 5,000 sft, occupant load >300, or area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. Other A use groups also have lower thresholds for requiring sprinklers
- All R use groups, including townhouse buildings with more than 2 units must be sprinklered.
- Snow load for FCCIP towns is 65, with a wind load of 100. (Note difference from 1-2 family)
This page was last updated on 09/04/2009 .