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Building Code Issues of Interest

In this page:
Fireplaces and Chimneys
Swimming Pool
House Planning
Modular Homes

Fireplaces and Chimneys

There has been some question as to clearances to combustibles for fireplaces. The Mass. Bldg. Code was revised 3/1/98. Section 3610.4.7 and figures 3610.4.7a and 7b prescribe the following:

1. The exterior surface of fireplace walls shall have a minimum of four inches to combustibles.@ This is interpreted to mean combustible framing (as shown in fig.3610.4.7a), not trim or mantels.
2. "Combustible materials attached to fireplace face, such as trim and mantels, shall have a minimum of six inches from fireplace opening." Note, the code is permitting trim and mantels to be attached to the face of the fireplace as long as there is a clearance of six inches to the fireplace opening. However, there is an exception:. If the mantel or trim directly above opening and projects more than 1 2 inches beyond the fireplace face, the clearance increases to 12 inches.

Swimming Pools

Private Pool Enclosures

Summary of Mass Building Code regulations regarding enclosures of in, on, or above ground private swimming pools, hot tubs, or spas. The Mass Building Code is a minimum requirement. Local Zoning Codes may be more restrictive.

A) Barriers

1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48" above finished ground level, measured from the outside of the pool.
2. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere.
3. If the barrier is not solid or a chain link fence, refer to 780 CMR: 421.10.1(4-5).
4. If the barrier is a chain linked fence the maximum mesh size is 1 1/4 inch square, unless the fence has slats fastened at the top or bottom, in which case a maximum mesh size of 1 3/4" square is permitted. Diagonal chain link fences are allowed to have a maximum mesh size of 1 3/4" without slats.
5. Where a wall of dwelling serves as a barrier, refer to 780 CMR:421.10.9

B) Access Gates:

1. Gates must comply with regulations for barriers above.
2. Must be equipped to accommodate a locking device.
3. Shall open outwards(away from pool).
4. Shall be self-closing, and self-latching.
5. Release mechanism must be located 54" from the bottom of the gate. If not 6) applies.
6. Release mechanisms below 54" must be on the pool side of the gate, located at least 3" below the top of the gate. There must not be an opening in fence or gate within 18" of the release mechanism larger than 1/2".

C) Ladders

1. Ladders accessing above ground pools must be enclosed according to the specifications for barriers and access gates, mentioned above. Even if a ladder is removable, it must be enclosed.

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Key Issues for House Planning

Live Loads

• balconies and decks: 60
• garages (passenger cars only): 50
• attics(3 or less pitch-no storage): 10
• attics (limited storage): 20
• living spaces (except sleeping): 30
• sleeping rooms: 30
• stairs: 40
• guardrails, handrails (single conc. load at top): 200

Snow Loads

• 40lb- ashfield, buckland,charlemont, conway, hawley, heath, leyden, monroe, shelburne
• 35lb- bernardston, erving, gill, leverett, shutesbury, whately

Wind Loads - 70mph all towns

Garage Separation

• Openings from a private garage directly into a sleeping room are prohibited. Garages must have a door that is 1 3/4 solid wood or 20 min. fire-rated. The sill for door must be at least 4" above garage slab.
• fire separation-5/8" sheetrock, taped
• floor surface-non combustible, min floor thickness 3 1/2", sloped toward doors

Ventilation, Glazing

• bathroom must have exhaust fan vented to the outside, not in attic
• every house must have natural or artificial lighting and ventilation:
  --lighting - 8% of floor area
  --ventilation - 4% of floor area
  --roof spaces - 1/150 of the area or 1/300 if vapor retarder (1perm)

Room Dimensions

floor area - kitchens-50sft, other habitable rooms-70sft

ceiling height - habitable rooms-7'3" for at least 50% of floor area except for kitchens - 7'0"-no portion less than 5', furred ceil-7'0"

exceptions: beams may be 6" below ceiling height, basements: 7'0" ceiling height

access: crawl spaces- 18" x 24"min, attics- 22" x 30" min.

means of egress: 2 means of egress on same level, except for raised ranches. Minimum size-3'0" x 6'8" -other door may be 2'6" x 6'6", sliders may be 6'0"

window egress: 44" above floor max. 20" x 24" min opening

interior doors: 2'6" x 6'0" min except for baths, 2'0"

landings: interior-3' x3' (not more than 1 1/2"below threshold) exterior- 48"x42"(not more than 8" below threshold) exceptions-interior stairs

stairways:

• min width-36" above handrail
• 32" at handrail, one side
• 28" at handrail, two sides
• max riser-8 1/4"
• min tread-9"
• max deviation between 2 treads-3/16"
• min headroom-6'-6"

guardrails

• 36" high rails needed when 30" above grade or floor level
• stairway handrails can be used as guardrails if 34" high
• baluster spacing must prevent passage of 5" dia. object except for triangular portion of steps--6"allowed

ramps

• max slope- 1 in 8 (12.5%)
• for disabled-1 in 12
• guardrails-needed on both sides of ramp
• handrails on at least one side if slope exceeds 1 in 12
• landing-3' x 3'

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Modular Homes

Building Permiting and Inspection Policy

In response to an evaluation by State Building Inspector, Gordon Bailey, of the FCCIP's treatment of Modular Home permit applications and inspections, this office will be enforcing the following requirements.

The Permit Application--In addition to the ordinary requirements of permit applications, where a modular home is concerned, the following requirements must be met before issuing a building permit:

1. A foundation plan, including pad locations and sizes, separate from the generic modular plans, must be submitted.
2. Manufacturer's plans must be specific to the actual building. Applicable connection details and pertinent information relevant to setting must be highlighted or a set manual provided detailing exactly how the building is to be attached to the foundation, supports, glue-lams, girders, and to other boxes. It is the responsibility of the CSL to identify all critical connections to be done at setting.
3. Any additional construction on site must be indicated on permit application and appropriate plans submitted.
4. Any additional construction that may affect the construction of the modular home (i.e. bulkheads, underhouse garages, decks, porches etc.) must be indicated on plans and accompanied with a letter of approval from the manufacturer.
5. An energy analysis must accompany permit application. It is the responsibility of the CSL to insure that insulation and window/door placement done on site complies with the analysis.
6. A copy of the site installers Construction Supervisors License and the Manufacturer's Certificate for the installer along with a copy of the "set manual" specific to the unit(s) involved must be submitted to this office.

Inspections: This office must receive notice 48 hours before the actual set of the modular units. As the building inspector must be present before the set and before critical connections are covered, it is important to notify us of the exact time of the set. The Certified Installer or CSL must be present during the set. In addition to foundation/soil inspections, the following inspections are required:

1. Modular units - Before units are set, there will be an inspection of BBRS labels and data
   plate and a visual inspection for damage or obvious noncompliance with the code.
2. Sills/anchorage - Before units are set, there will be an inspection of anchor spacing and sills for proper sizing (Note: if sill width is smaller than manufacturer's requirement, this office must receive the approval of such substitution, in writing, from the manufacturer).
3. Initial placement - All attachments and critical connections must be inspected and found to be in compliance with the installation manual or approved connection drawings. Do not cover any attachments or connections until inspected.
4. Final Certificate of Occupancy Inspection. (See our Certificate of Occupancy page for more info.)

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