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Code Status: Massachusetts

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Massachusetts. Information for all 50 States is also available. Massachusetts Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: Code for Single and Two Family Dwellings; latest (7th) edition based on the 2003 IRC and IBC with state-specific amendments, mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: MA State Building Code, based on ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1999, 2000 IECC, and additional state-developed amendments, mandatory statewide; can use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: The State Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) is required to revise the building code at least every five years. Public hearings are held each May and November to consider proposed modifications to the code.
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: Code amendment cycles occur twice a year, as required by statute, and include a public hearing process. The Board of Building Regulations & Standards has sole authority to promulgate the Massachusetts State Building Code (MSBC). Anyone can submit code change proposals to the Board. Adopted code changes are typically promulgated during the year of adoption.

State Code History: By statute, the uniform MSBC has been the single, legal statewide building code since January 1, 1975. The MSBC applies to all new construction and certain work in existing buildings. The energy provisions in the MSBC were developed by the Board's Energy Advisory Committee, working with staff supported by a federal grant from USDOE, and with additional support from the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources which administers utility rebate programs and establishes state energy policy.

On April 1, 2007, the Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two Family Dwellings became effective. A six month overlap period until October 1, 2007 allows a code user to use either the sixth or seventh edition of the code (without mixing provisions). A permit applicant would have to file an application on or before October 1st in order to utilize provisions of the sixth edition.

On July 2, 2008, the state of Massachusetts updated its 7th Edition One- and Two-Family (low-rise residential) Energy Code with state-specific front-end amendments. The code update includes extensive changes to both Chapter 13 (commercial energy) and Chapter 61 (residential energy). To meet Chapter 61, a one- or two-story dwelling will have to comply with either the 2007 Supplement to the 2006 edition of the IECC or score 100 or less on an accredited Home Energy Ratings System (HERS). To meet Chapter 13, a commercial building must meet either ASHRAE 90.1-2007 or the 2007 Supplement to 2006 edition of the IECC. The air barrier requirements for commercial buildings are more stringent than those in the IECC. There are also provisions mandating that any changes relative to the IECC must improve energy efficiency as well as updating the state code every three years per the standard ICC code update cycle .

The 7th Edition will become effective on October 6, 2008. The residential code update will become fully effective immediately. For commercial buildings, there will be a 6-month interim period in which either the 6th or the 7th edition of the commercial code may be used.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2005, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 473.6 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 396.0 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 869.6 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 6,349,097
  • Total Housing Units2: 2,649,029
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 21,044
    • 1 unit: 13,751
    • 2 units: 952
    • 3 and 4 units: 660
    • 5+ units: 5,681
    • structures of 5+ units: 323

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
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Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Tom Riley
Code Development Manager
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State Board of Building Regulations and Standards
One Ashburton Place, RM 1301
Boston, MA 02108

Tel: (617) 727-3200 Ext. 25250
Fax: (617) 227-1754
tom.riley@state.ma.us

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