[MassHistPres] IECC, Mass adoption of the stretch code, and historic buildings

[Ward Hamilton at Olde Mohawk Historic Preservation]

I am assisting a client in Boston who is renovating the interior of an
historic residential building in both the South End District and South End
Landmark District.  In the course of applying for the permit he was told
by ISD that the new framing in front of the exterior brick masonry walls
need to be insulated to meet energy code requirements.  He cited an
exemption under IECC (2009)101.4.2 which states:

"Historic buildings. Any building or structure that is listed in the State
or National Register of Historic Places; designated as a historic property
under local or state designation law or survey; certified as a
contributing resource with a National Register listed or locally
designated historic district; or with an opinion or certification that the
property is eligible to be listed on the National or State Registers of
Historic Places either individually or as a contributing building to a
historic district by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper
of the National Register of Historic Places, are exempt from this code."

Apparently the ISD inspector stated that Boston had adopted the
Massachusetts stretch code and that that exemption no longer applied.  Yet
I found this on Mass.gov:

12. Does the stretch code apply to historic buildings?

"Both the stretch code and the base energy code exempt historic buildings
listed in state or national registers, or designated as a historic
property under local or state designation law or survey, or with an
opinion or certification that the property is eligible to be listed."

Source: 
http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/doer/green-communities/grant-program/stretch-code-qa-feb10-2011.pdf


The inspector supposedly advised my client to design a wall system with a
vapor barrier against the inside of the brick masonry wall and closed foam
insulation between the studs.  He allegedly also stated that that's what
they (ISD) are looking for.  Has anyone else run into this with Boston ISD
or anywhere else?  And by "this" I mean ISD ignoring the language of the
code and forcing compliance where exemption is clearly granted.  Thoughts
and input greatly appreciated.


Ward Hamilton

OLDE MOHAWK HISTORIC PRESERVATION INC
877.622.8973 online at OldeMohawk.com
Slate Roofing | Masonry | Restoration