Ladies and Gentlemen:
This message is forwarded to provide an update on the Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings, Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Exam categories and exam transition to the Seventh Edition of the Code.
As you are aware, the new Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings became effective on April 1, 2007. As is customary with the introduction of a new code, members of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (Board) approved a six (6) month concurrency period where, at his\her option, a code user may choose to use either the Sixth or Seventh Edition of the Code when designing, building, renovating and\or adding to a single or two-family dwelling. The six (6) month concurrency period is due to expire on October 1, 2007.
In response to some concerns with regard to certain new code requirements, Board members have voted to extend the concurrency period until January 1, 2008.
The following is intended to provide guidance to building officials, home builders and other code users as well as CSL exam candidates and instructors as to what to expect with regard to the new code as time progresses. It is presented in question and answer format for ease of use and understanding. Please feel free to pass this message along to other interested parties.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Rob Anderson
DPS Chief of Inspections
Building Division
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATING TO SEVENTH EDITION OF THE CODE FOR SINGLE AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS
1. Question: Why did Board members decide to extend the concurrency period?
Answer: Board members decided to extend the concurrency period to allow further study of matters relating to wind borne debris and newly defined wind load zones along coastal areas, the cape and islands. For those who may not be aware, design wind loads were increased in the International Residential Code for many areas of the country, including the east coast. These increases were further strengthened in portions of the commonwealth based on recommendations provided by the Board’s Loads Advisory Committee. With increased design wind loads comes requirements for increased glazing strength. Essentially, window, door and other glazing installed in high wind areas would be expected to absorb the impact of wind-borne debris by using high-strength glazing or other protective methods. Additionally, advanced
framing details would be required for buildings in high wind areas in order to comply with new design loads.
At the request of homebuilders, building officials, and others in affected areas, Board members agreed to assemble a task group to study the benefits of such requirements in relation to public safety and cost. The task group is comprised of those listed above as well as insurance professionals, state and local government officials and product providers. To ensure that all matters are appropriately considered and addressed, Board members have agreed to take a more tempered approach to implementing new code requirements and has therefore approved an extension of the concurrency period until January 1, 2008. Additionally, this lengthened period will afford greater training opportunities before the code becomes in full force and effect.
2. Question: What happens if I have already started a design based on the Seventh Edition in anticipation of the October 1, 2007 date?
Answer: It is entirely up to the code user to choose either the Sixth or Seventh Edition of the Code, without mixing provisions, until the new code comes into full force and effect on January 1, 2008. However, please be aware that if you decide to use the Seventh Edition of the Code, the design must comply with all provisions of the new code at the time of design. The construction documents, permit application and permit card should clearly indicate which version of the code was used for the project.
3. Question: When is the latest date that I may file a permit application for a design based on the Sixth Edition of the Code?
Answer: A permit application must be filed with the municipal or state building inspector having jurisdiction for the project prior to the January 1, 2008 date. In this instance, it is essential that the construction documents and permit application identify that the project has been designed to conform with provisions of the Sixth Edition of the Code rather than the Seventh. The building official will have all time periods normally associated with plan review and approval following the filing of a permit application. If an application is received on or after January 1, 2008 (recognizing that this is New Years Day, it is unlikely), the application shall be rejected and the permit applicant should either re-design the structure to conform with the new code or seek relief in the form of a variance through the
Building Code Appeals Board.
4. Question: What is the schedule for transitioning the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Exam to the new code?
Answer: As of November 1, 2007, CSL exams will be administered as follows.
? Restricted Exam (Restricts license holders to the supervision of single and two-family homes and appurtenant structures.)
All questions shall be referenced to the Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings.
? Masonry Exam (Restricts license holders to the supervision of masonry structures relating to single and two-family home construction.)
All questions shall be referenced to the Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings.
? Unrestricted Exam (This license allows an individual to supervise construction for any single or two-family dwelling or appurtenant structure, regardless of size, as well as any other building type up to 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space.)
Therefore, exam questions relating to single and two family homes shall be referenced to the Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings and questions relating to other building types shall be referenced to the Sixth Edition of the Code.
5. Question: Will the exam still be a 50 question, open book, computer-based test?
Answer: Yes. Thomson Prometric will continue to administer the computer-based test. License candidates will be allowed to bring the appropriate code or codes to the exam test center as identified in question 4 above.
6. Question: What about other license categories defined by the new, Seventh Edition Code?
Answer: The new license categories will be phased in after a sufficient grandfathering period. The scheduled date to begin testing for the new license categories is July 1, 2008. Licenses are not required for these new categories (such as roofing and siding) until at least the July 1, 2008 date.
7. Question: What about continuing education requirements for license holders?
Answer: Although continuing education for all license holders remains a primary concern for the agency, it has been determined that legislative change may be required to authorize continuing education. It appears likely that such legislation may pass. Therefore, Board members have decided that the prudent approach is to wait to see if legislative authority is granted before instituting continuing education requirements.
8. Question: What about the code for all other building types (referred to as the Base or Basic Code)?
Answer: The Base Code has been vetted through the Building Code Coordinating Council (BCCC) and has been approved to move towards public hearing. A hearing will be held in November, 2007 to view requirements of the Base Code, with an intended release date at the turn of the year.
It is hoped that these questions suitably address concerns with regard to the new code. Please feel free to return a message if questions remain and we will provide responses as quickly as possible.
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