DHCD Building Code Subcommittee Report

Process

The Building Code Subcommittee was charged with identifying specific barriers regarding interpretation, enforcement and processes related to the state building code and local bylaws that act like the building code and to propose recommendations to overcome those barriers. The subcommittee was made up of twenty-one individuals representing interests from state regulatory agencies, municipal government, professional trade and licensing organizations, the State Fire Marshall's office and local building and fire inspectors. (see Exhibit 1). The Subcommittee met four times to identify and discuss the ways in which building codes impacted the various local and state regulators and users. In addition, DHCD representatives who staffed the subcommittee held two focus groups - one was with the Southeastern Massachusetts Building Officials Association and the other one was with the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Association.

Problem Statement I: Conflicting and Duplicative Building Codes

In October 2000, The Executive Office of Administration and Finance issued a policy report, entitled Bringing Down the Barriers: Changing Housing Supply Dynamics in Massachusetts. In it the authors identified the regulatory environment for residential development as a possible area for improving our ability to preserve and develop much needed housing in the Commonwealth. One key area identified was the promulgation and enforcement of the building codes in an effort to identify and recommend ways to improve this condition the report states: