Ninth Edition of the State Building Code (780 CMR)
As you may be aware, the Ninth Edition of the State Building Code (780 CMR) is nearly complete. The new, Ninth Edition code is based on modified versions of the following 2015 codes as published by the International Code Council (ICC).
- The International Building Code (IBC);
- International Residential Code (IRC);
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC);
- International Mechanical Code (IMC);
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC);
- International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC); and
- Portions of the International Fire Code (IFC).
In addition to review via Governor Baker’s Executive Order (EO) 562, contents of the Ninth Edition was the subject of public hearings convened on March 7, 2017 in Boston and March 28, 2017 in Springfield.
Currently, Ninth Edition amendments are under final, internal legal review. Once completed, the new code will be filed with Secretary of State, who will establish an effective date beginning the concurrency period; likely in late August/early September. During the concurrency period, practitioners may choose to comply with either the current, eighth edition or new ninth edition of the code, without mixing provisions. Regardless of when it may begin, members of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) have declared that the concurrency period will end on January 1, 2018, so the period will be less than the anticipated 6 full months, depending on when the code is filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Building permit applications for projects utilizing Eighth Edition code provisions will need to be filed on or before December 30, 2017. Applications received on or after January 1, 2018, where the project has been designed to the Eighth Edition, shall be returned to the applicant. The applicant will either need to revise construction documents to comply with ninth edition standards or seek relief through the Building Code Appeals Board (BCAB).
Due to statutory obligations, the one exception to this message is that the 2015 IECC went into effect on August 12, 2016 as an amendment to the Eighth Edition.
Changes to 5.4 Continuing Education
5.4 CONTINUING EDUCATION
110.R5.4.1 Standards. The BBRS may by rule adopt standards for continuing education requirements and course and instructor approval. The standards must include requirements for continuing education as applicable to buildings and building codes and referenced standards.
110.R5.4.2 Hours. A qualifying licensee must provide proof of completion of required hours of continuing education per two year license cycle in the appropriate category in which the licensee is licensed. Credit may not be earned if the licensee has previously obtained credit for the same course as either a student or instructor during the same licensing period.
- Construction Supervisors License — 12 Hours
- Construction Supervisors License (One- and Two-Family Dwellings) — 10 Hours
- Construction Supervisors Specialty License — 6 Hours
Exception. Building officials who are certified and in good standing in accordance with 780 CMR 110. R7 are exempt from 780 CMR 110.R5.4.
110.R5.4.3 Education Topics. Construction Supervisor License holders are required to complete the appropriate minimum number of continuing education hours each two-year renewal cycle as described in 780 CMR 110.R5.4.2. The following hour(s) of continuing education topics are required for twelve and ten hour trainings as identified above:
- Code Review — four hours
Code review courses shall include specific concentration to requirements of the license category. For instance, One- and Two-Family license courses shall focus, but not be limited to, residential code requirements.
- Workplace Safety — one hour
- Business Practices / Workers’ Compensation — one hour
- Energy (except Demolition Specialty License — one hour
- Lead Safe Practices (only first renewal cycle) — one hour
The remainder credit hours to be completed by approved electives.
Specialty Construction Supervisor Licensees holders are required to complete the appropriate number of continuing education each two-year renewal cycle as described in 780 CMR 110.R5.4.2. The following hour(s) of continuing education topics are required for six hour trainings as identified above:
- Code Review — two hours
Code review courses shall include a specific concentration to requirements of the license category. For instance, Residential Roof Covering license courses shall focus, but not be limited to, roof covering, underlayment and similar code requirements.
- Workplace Safety — one hour
- Business Practices / Workers’ Compensation — one hour
- Energy (except Demolition Specialty License) — one hour
- Lead Safe Practices (only first renewal cycle) — one hour
Qualified licensees may acquire up to a maximum of six hours of continuing education via on-line training. Remaining hours shall be acquired through in-person, classroom training.
Mass Nail It will keep you up to date and share more information regarding the changes as we get them.
Thanks, for update. When is it we need to get six hours online, then six in person?
Jan 1 st 2018
I am due for new unrestricted CSL in October. I took my last Continuing Education classes with you on line. Just wondering if you have any specials going on and if the classes work the same way as my last two renewal classes.
Thanks,
Ron Wagner
Robert, we run specials every so often. Have you signed up for our newsletter? We do send special offers via those as well as important industry news.
Will the 12 hr. class i took on line be OK for my 8/29/58 renual
Hi I can assume you mean 8/29/18
The BBRS has changed the on line option starting 1/1/18 so send your renewal in on the month of December for your 2018 renewal.
For further questions Kim Spencer at the BBRS can help you. Her number is 508-422-1962
As always feel free to contact me on my cell 774-573-1895
Thank you for being a customer
Mike
Hello, I’m looking for 12 hrs CSL live Class for August Date 26th Do. U have any available in Plymouth? To get my certificates to renew CSL . My Name is Chester Baron and from New Bedford.
Chester, there are plenty of spaces in our Plymouth CSL live class. You can click here to sign up:
Or feel free to call us at (508) 488-9874 and we’ll help you sign up.
Do you offer a preparatory class for the initial MA CSL licensing exam? Also, do you offer or do you know of a any one week long preparatory MA CSL licensing exam courses? Thank you.
hi dave,
thank you for your questions. I do offer an on line version of exam prep for the unrestricted and restricted for CSL. I do not run a one week crash course and do not know anyone who does however I do run a 6 week exam prep course in the fall as well as spring night school at three vocational schools. Marlborough will start in October, fitchburg and Charlton November through to January. Feel free to call my cell phone if you have any other questions 774-573-1895
Thanks
Mike
Well,thanks for keeping us updated.The state has again made it harder though for us in the industry,while have nothing against live classes it costs more and one can not do it in the wee hours of the night when done working and the family off to bed.As I have said before the state in many ways once again is in my opinion committing economic suicide and making it harder for the small business,yep,working part time in N.H. looking better as a full time option,my next renewal may be my last as far as state license goes.
I recently got another osha card online and did live course for lead renovator/supervisor certificate(thankfully good in all states excepting R.I.),to me,no course better then other excepting online can do early am hours(my best mindset time for learning),doubt many live courses with a 5 am start time!I will also say the courses just learning how to read a blueprint/how to learn,it is research yourself and practice that gets one real knowledge,a license/certificate ect. in itself does not do that,as a drivers license/hunting license does not make one a good driver or hunter,hence,forced into a live class see no advantage,yep,time for more work in N.H. and a final total move commitment,best of luck to us all.
Hmmmm….,just spoke with Karen(again) and as of moment any hours done now will count for 2018,she did say though no definitive answer till after Aug.8,my license up for renewal in 3/2018 so in theory cannot renew before 60 days.She did tell me in June when did the 12 C.E. that would count for 2018,if this changes we need to know and I see a potential class action suit for those of us who did do our hours in a timely fashion,we all need to keep an eye on this.
On a side note,Karen comes across as a nice person,so,call with any ?’s.