Home Builders Association of Massachusetts

BBRS to hold a Public Hearing re: Adoption of IECC 2012

DSchaeffer — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:00:52 +0000

The BBRS will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 regarding the adoption of the International Energy Conservation Code 2012 (IECC 2012). The energy code adoption cycle in mandated under the Green Communities Act. Adoption has been targeted for July and will likely have a 6 month (or 12 month) concurrency period, [...]

Chapter 40B Regulatory Changes

DSchaeffer — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:55:02 +0000

DHCD has recently announced regulatory changes to Chapter 40B. The links below include a summary of proposed changes to the program and a redline version of the regulations showing specific draft amendments. http://hbama.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/40B-Regs-Summary.pdf http://hbama.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Amended-40B-Regs-4-30-12-00045739.pdf

Secretary Bialecki Proposes Zoning Reform to Promote Economic Growth

DSchaeffer — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:53:21 +0000

Secretary Bialecki, of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, has proposed zoning reform initiatives to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. A summary of these reform initiatives and the text of the proposed legislation is attached in the links below. HBAM continues to review these proposals and monitor their progress before [...]

CHAPA Announces New Executive Director, Brenda Clement

DSchaeffer — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:55:04 +0000

CHAPA is pleased to announce that we have hired Brenda Clement as our new Executive Director. Brenda is a nationally-recognized expert in affordable housing, with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is currently the Executive Director of the Housing Action Coalition of Rhode Island, a statewide advocacy organization, and former Executive Director [...]

HBAM Leads Opposition to Further Amendments to the Stretch Energy Code

DSchaeffer — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:23:20 +0000

Below you will find a letter to Mr. Brian Gale, chairman of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards regarding concerns about the 780 CMR, Appendix 115.AA, the Stretch Energy Code. Click here for the full letter.

The BBRS is Poised to Adopt the 2012 IECC. A Public Hearing will be scheduled in May, 2012. The following is an outline of the IECC update and adoption process.

DSchaeffer — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:14:40 +0000

Memo on IECC 2012 update to Massachusetts Building Energy Codes A. Background The Massachusetts building code is governed by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), housed within the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The work of the BBRS is supported by DPS staff. With the passage of the Green Communities Act in 2008, the development [...]

Stretch Spinkler Code Proposal Fails BBRS Vote!

Richard Gagnon — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:22:17 +0000

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) voted on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, turning down the Stretch Sprinkler Code proposal, which would have amended the Massachusetts One and Two Family Building Code.

Massachusetts 2011 Building Permit Activity at Historic Low

DSchaeffer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:53:18 +0000

According to recent Census Bureau estimates, building permits were issued for a total of 6,387 units in Massachusetts in the first 11 months of 2011, meaning the annual total is likely to be the lowest or second lowest recorded in the 52 years that the Bureau has been publishing this data (started in 1960). Currently, [...]

BBRS Publishes Official Interpretation on Smoke Alarm Requirements in Existing Buildings

DSchaeffer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:49:04 +0000

OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION No. 2012-001 DATE : January 10, 2012 SUBJECT: Smoke, Heat, Carbon Monoxide Detection and Alarm Systems At a regular meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, the Board approved the following interpretation of the application of 780 CMR Appendix J, Section AJ102.3 of the Eighth Edition of the [...]

President McDowell’s Verbal Testimony from Dec. 13th Sprinkler Hearing

DSchaeffer — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:36:20 +0000

My name is Michael McDowell and I am the President of the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts, a position I assumed last month following the passing of our former President, John DeShazo. Those of you who knew John know that his energy, his wit and his insight is sorely missed by our association, and I only hope I [...]