[MassHistPres] Historic Structures and the State Building Code

[Garrett Laws]

Gloria,

An historic structure (just like any other) has a number of issues that
must be adhered to, building code is just one. From your question it sounds
like you are also putting some zoning issues into the same group and
although they are similar, different people in your city or town address
those issues.

The short answer is that there is flexibility for some issues / ordinances
and none for other issues. You would be well served hiring an architect or
well respected general contractor to aid in determining what is allowable
on your plot and with your house.

Garrett Laws
The Copper & Slate Company

On Friday, November 9, 2012, Gloria Freeman wrote:

>   Hi-
>
>     Is anyone familiar with the new State Building Code and whether or not
> it contains any flexibility in its application to historic structures?  We
> have been told that there are *no* exceptions for historic structures,
> and that they all must be brought to code if they are to be relocated.
> Then, however, we heard that if an historic structure is being relocated on
> the same lot, the Building Commissioner has discretion to decide whether or
> not it has to be brought to code.  Also, we are told that special stricter
> requirements are in place for structures close to the water and that *no*exceptions for historic structures are applicable for these either.  Thanks
> for any input on this.
>
> Gloria Freeman
>


-- 

Cheers,
Garrett

The Copper & Slate Company, Inc.
Fine Roofing and Exterior Finish Carpentry
238B Calvary Street,
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 893-1916

Work we do:
http://picasaweb.google.com/copperandslate

Where we've worked over the years:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=206210316541901083869.00049065ef8543e1ef9c3&ll=42.40115,-71.126862&spn=0.125241,0.289421&t=h&z=12
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