[MassHistPres] Historic Structures and the State Building Code

[Dana Bixby]

Ms Freeman,

The current building code (MA 780 CMR 8th edition) regulates historic 
buildings with varying latitude dependingon the circumstances of the 
historic structure and the use. The MA 8th edition MA code is based on 
the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 International 
Existing Building Code (IEBC).  Chapter 11 of the IEBC is the section on 
historical buildings - here is a link to a public version of that of the 
IEBC -

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/iebc/2009/icod_iebc_2009_11_sec001.htm?bu2=undefined 


MA amendments to 2009 IEBC also have to be checked - here is a link to 
chapter 34 on existing buildings, look at p 132 for historic structures -

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dps/8th-edition/34-existing-structures.pdf

You will see a good portion of the 2009 IEBC is modified by the MA 
amendments. (and no one will ever said they designed this to be 
particularly easy to find your way through.)

The MA handicap code (MA 521 CMR) has some latitude for historic 
buildings, opportunities for variances. See sec 3.9

Part of MA CMR 780 Building Code regulates relocated historic 
buildings.  Any relocation would also be subject to local zoning regs.

As to proximity to water, if the building is in a flood plane then the 
building code has regulations that might apply.  It may be that 
proximity to water is an issue of compliance under the Wetlands 
Protection Act and/or the Rivers Protection Act.

As others have noted each case is analyzed on its own specificties and 
circumstances.

Dana
*
*
*Dana Bixby Architecture PO Box 556 24 Swamp Road West Stockbridge, MA 
01266 (o) 413-232-7834 (c) 413-329-3913 www.danabixby.com*


On 11/10/2012 10:16 AM, james hadley wrote:
> Ms. Freeman'
> The code is quite complicated WRT historic structures, and not easily 
> summed up. Best for anyone working with an historic building, 
> especially one on the NRHP to develop a relationship with a code 
> consultant. Since the code is continuously changing these days, we 
> have found that the best hope for staying current is to be in touch 
> with someone whose business it is to be current.
> James Hadley, AIA
> Chair, Orleans Historical Commission
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: freeannie at comcast.net
> To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
> Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2012 16:05:09 -0500
> Subject: [MassHistPres] Historic Structures and the State Building Code
>
> 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
>
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