On June 14, 2016, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards for the Commonwealth held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the current, Eighth Edition of 780 CMR (the building code) concerning energy conservation standards. Subsequently the Board reviewed all feedback and at its regular meeting on July 19, 2016 enacted changes to the building code. The effective date of the new energy provisions in 780 CMR building code is August 12, 2016.
As part of enacting these new codes, the Commonwealth has provided a so called “concurrency provision. For the period of August 12, 2016 through January 1, 2017 (inclusive), all residents seeking building permits may submit plans and other required documents that conform to either the existing energy provisions (in effect prior to August 12, 2016), or the amended energy provisions (effective August 12, 2016). During this period, residents may choose; they do not have to comply with both sets of provisions. At the end of the concurrency period (January 2, 2017) all building permits and submitted documents must conform to the newly amended energy provisions of the building code.
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards website has more detailed information concerning this code change, as well as copies of their filings with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Please note however that this synopsis is not intended to be all-encompassing, nor to replace the officially published versions of 780 CMR. Follow the link below to the Commonwealth’s website for more information.