Bill > S473

This bill aims to promote climate-safe buildings in Massachusetts. It does this by: 1) Defining key terms related to climate resilience, such as "expanded floodplain map," "base flood elevation," and "climate risks." 2) Expanding the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards to include members with expertise in areas like climate resilience and adaptation planning. 3) Requiring the board to adopt standards and regulations that support climate resilience and adaptation, in addition to existing goals like public health and safety. 4) Allowing municipalities to request the use of expanded floodplain maps that go beyond federal flood maps, and requiring the state to adopt rules and regulations for using these expanded maps. 5) Establishing criteria for the appeals board to consider when granting variances for buildings in floodplains. 6) Directing the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop and promulgate a specialized "stretch resilience code" as an optional appendix to the state building code, with enhanced requirements related to flooding, extreme weather, and other climate impacts. Overall, the bill aims to better integrate climate resilience considerations into building codes and standards across Massachusetts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S473