[MassHistPres] Fire Rating

[Thaddeus Soule]

There are several alternative means and methods under the Building Code that allow for constructing of a 1-hour rated firewall without the use of Hardi Plank. The Historic District Commission has purview over the materials outward appearance and a Building Commissioner may not issue a Building Permit for which a Commission has not issued a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Thaddeus J. Soulé
Town Planner
260 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA 02657
508-487-7000 Ext. 553
tsoule at provincetown-ma.gov

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Ralph Slate
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 3:51 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Fire Rating

Is there a building code requirement in Massachusetts to prohibit wooden siding under certain circumstances? If not, then is it permissible for a local building commissioner to enact such a prohibition?

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA
On 1/18/2022 3:42 PM, Michael J Tubin wrote:
We have been receiving more applicants that are being told by our new Building Commissioner he must consider fire rating when approving siding materials, based on his interpretation of MGL Chapter 40c section below.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature within an historic district which does not involve a change in design, material, color or the outward appearance thereof, nor to prevent landscaping with plants, trees or shrubs, nor construed to prevent the meeting of requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary for public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition, nor construed to prevent any construction or alteration under a permit duly issued prior to the effective date of the applicable historic district ordinance or by-law.

Decision is based on setbacks and proximity to other properties, we are being required to allow property owners to use Hardi Plank cement siding. This is very frustrating when trying to keep historic materials on buildings. We are trying to push a compromise that will allow public view façades to be original materials and non-public view façades to be non-historic fire rated materials. Has anyone else run into this situation? Any materials other than Hardi Plank that would meet fire safety requirements?

Michael Tubin
Plymouth



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