Bill > S1799

This bill further regulates certain light frame residential construction in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. New residential use structures with more than 2 dwelling or sleeping units under the R Occupancy in the International Building Code must use light frame construction only if certain requirements are met, such as installing automatic sprinkler systems, constructing fire partitions and horizontal assemblies with specific fire-resistance ratings, and limiting the number of stories and height based on whether the light framing is protected or unprotected. 2. Contractors and subcontractors for such construction projects must be registered and classified by the Division of Property Management and Construction, and a fire watch warden must be present 24 hours a day to monitor construction and alert emergency personnel if needed. 3. The Director of Housing and Community Development must require an identifying emblem to be affixed to the front of each exterior entrance of structures with light frame or truss construction, and must also require placards identifying the primary structural system to be placed near the fire alarm control panel and main entrance. 4. The state building code must require the use of noncombustible materials in any construction project of 4 stories or more.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1799