The Massachusetts Building Code is approved and administered by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), consisting of eleven members and is staffed by the Department of Public Safety. The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) is a fourteen member board responsible for promulgating a comprehensive fire safety code (527 CMR) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The BBRS is responsible for reviewing and recommending which building codes are adopted in Massachusetts. Additionally, the members of the BBRS comprise the Building Code Appeals Board for purposes of deciding appeals of interpretations of the Building Code made by building officials and other similar officials. Amendments may be made by jurisdictions with State approval. 

Please review the information found here for code adoption:
https://www.mass.gov/handbook/ninth-edition-of-the-ma-state-building-code-780 

The BBRS’s reviews of the provisions of the 2021 I-Codes have been significantly delayed due to COVID-19. Significant outreach and education efforts regarding the fire performance of Tall Mass Timber and CLT have been undertaken with the office of the State Fire Marshal. No significant opposition to Tall Mass Timber is expected in Massachusetts.   

Page last updated: December 2023