Staying abreast of the latest building codes and related regulations is critical to architecture. Here are some resources to help.
The most commonly consulted building codes in the State of Massachusetts are indicated below. An updated list can be found on the AIA Massachusetts page for State Boards and Construction Regulations.
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) monitors Massachusetts building codes and construction supervisor licensing. The Board also licenses concrete testing labs and technicians, approves manufactured buildings and related inspection procedures, approves native lumber producers, and certifies municipal building inspectors.
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) promulgates the State Fire and Electrical Codes.
The Architectural Access Board (AAB) develops and enforces regulations designed to make public buildings accessible to, functional for, and safe for use by persons with disabilities.
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) oversees Massachusetts Stretch Energy Codes.
Key municipal codes and policies for the City of Boston are indicated below. These links are specific to the City of Boston. To find your city’s municipal codes, please look at your municipality’s website.
Planning & Zoning (P&Z), a Division within the City of Boston’s Planning Department, manages short- and long-term planning at a variety of scales—hyper-local, neighborhood level, and citywide.
Boston's Environment Department is centered around Boston’s just transition to a thriving green economy and a citywide Green New Deal.
Please consult the resources below for additional and in-depth information about codes and regulations that pertain to architecture in Massachusetts.
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