The Building Codes Symposium

Wednesday, November 19

The BSA Codes Committee hosts its annual day-long examination of current building code issues including the new Massachusetts State Building Code and the IBC.

B03 Open to below
8:30 – 10:00 am

Multistory atria and grand stairways are common architectural design features. Early code analysis of these floor openings can lead to more cost-effective designs without sacrificing the architectural design intent. Our goal is to provide design professionals with a greater understanding of the various code options allowing floor openings without smoke control and strategies for reducing the size of smoke control systems when required. We discuss the design implications and offer some of the advantages and disadvantages to common design strategies. Through examples and case studies, we discuss the prescriptive requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code, the International Building Code, and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, as well as performance-based design strategies.

B29 A form-based code for “old urbanism”: The Hamilton Canal District in Lowell
10:30 am - noon

Form-based codes are becoming increasingly popular as tools for establishing planning and design criteria for large-scale development. Originally created within the New Urbanist/Traditional Neighborhood Development movement and aimed at new communities as an alternative to traditional use-based zoning, form-based codes are now being applied to urban redevelopment. In the current mixed-use redevelopment of the 13-acre Hamilton Canal District, in the heart of Lowell’s historic district and adjacent to the city’s downtown, this Massachusetts city has elected to amend its existing zoning regulations. Officials are working with the designated development team to establish a form-based code to guide the 2-million GSF, 10-year build-out of the District. This workshop provides insights into the collaborative process, the innovative product, and the mutual benefits of adopting a legally binding Form-Based Code.

B48 How to get a building permit in Boston and Cambridge
1:00 - 2:30pm

What does it take to get a building permit in Boston and Cambridge, two of Massachusetts’ hottest construction locations? How do requirements and procedures differ in these neighboring jurisdictions? What can each city learn from the other in terms of applications, interdepartmental communication, and inspections/enforcement? This workshop includes role-playing and other interactive opportunities to highlight the hidden bureaucratic workings of critical stages in the construction process.

B67 Introducing the 7th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code
3:30 - 5:00pm

The 7th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code, based on the 2003 International Building Code (IBC), was adopted this year and is currently in full force and effect. We describe how the 7th edition differs from the 6th edition, and how it doesn't, with particular emphasis on changes brought about by a first-time adoption of the IBC.

B87 Getting to the 8th Edition: a roundtable discussion
6:00 - 7:30pm

The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) hopes to have an 8th edition of our statewide building code within a few years to be based on the 2009 IBC. How do we get there without the delays and frustrations that accompanied the adoption of the 7th edition? This workshop is an unscripted discussion among the players, with plenty of opportunity for audience interaction. The adoption procedures of other states are also described and discussed.

The package cost for the symposium is $325 if you register before October 24 and $365 if you register after that date (this is a significant savings over the individual workshop costs). However, you may choose to register for one or more individual sessions by selecting the individual workshops in the a la carte section of the online registration site or under section 3 on the paper registration form.