23B-077 approval letter sample 08-08-2011 remodel bath kitchenJames Van Natta
403 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
August 8, 2011
Subject Location: 74 South Main Street
Map Block: 23B-077
Mr. Van Natta
As of August 4th 2011 the 8th Addition MA code is the 2009 IRC with MA amendments.
In the following are some generic requirements which seem to be problematic.
This is not a substitute for purchasing and reading the MA codes.
Specific items:
LVL engineering required before rough inspection.
Generic item
Structures shall conform to 780 CMR 8th addition 1 and 2 family building codes with MA amendments.
Grading plan for structures being constructed required. See 780 CMR R401.3 for drainage requirements.
Where ceiling joist are not directly connected to the rafters, rafter ties are required. See 780 CMR R802.3.1. Minimum 2x4 16” OC nailed per 780 CMR Table R802.5.1(9) 4” slope 8-16nd
common at each connection.
Steel straps over the ridge or 1x4 minimum collar ties are required 4’ OC in the upper 1/3rd 780 CMR R802.3.1
Ridge boards must be the full depth of the cut 780 CMR R802.3.
A complete window and header schedule is required. See 780 CMR Table R502.5 for header sizing and number of jack studs required.
All framing materials which are not code prescriptive must have stamped engineering.
LVLs
I-joist and or Floor Truss
Roof truss
A braced wall plan identifying appropriate braced wall areas and braced wall method being used. See 780 CMR 602.10.
Garage corners and large corner window/door layout may require special solutions.
All corners must be appropriately attached to the foundation.
Ceiling heights minimum 7’ for habitable spaces, 6’8” for bathrooms includes tub/shower area if a shower head is used, 6’8” for basement without habitable space, 6’4” at beams/ducts.
780 CMR R305.1.
Hazardous glazing locations, within 24” of a door, or within 60” of a stair, or across from hot tubs, spas, bathtubs within 60” if not 60” above the walking surface, and other locations.
See 780 CMR R308.4
Windows over 72” above grade with the opening less than 24 above the finished floor shall meet the 4” sphere rule. See 780 CMR R612.2
Egress and emergency escape requirements shall be strictly met.
Windows within 44” of floor, DH 3.3 sqft min window size, Casement 20”x41” exception 5 sqft at 1st floor. Minimum clear opening 20”x24” or 24”x20”. 780 CMR R310.1.1
Two doors remote as possible at the normal level of travel, opening measured from the face of the slab to the stop with door at 90 degrees, one 32” and one 28” minimum 78” high. 780
CMR R311.2
Landing at each door 36” out and the width of the door minimum 36”, maximum step 7 ¾” from the top of the threshold and only in-swinging doors. 780 CMR R311.3
Stairs have critical standards, make sure you know the floor finishes when planning. Minimum tread 9”, maximum riser 8 ¼”, maximum overall variance for the run is 3/8”, 4” sphere rule
on risers, 4 3/8” on balustrade, 6” in the triangle. Gripable rail minimum 34” maximum 38”, required for 4 or more risers. Landing to landing constitutes a new run. Minimum 6’8” ceiling
height from nosing. 780 CMR R311.7.
Gaurds 36” minimum height above walking surface, a bench is a walking surface, required for more than 30” above floor or grade within 36”, 4” sphere rule. See 780 CMR R312.1.
Educate the plumber and electrician about maximum notch and hole sizes and placement. See 780 CMR R502.8 and R602.6. In studs hole not lager than 40% of a stud no closer than 5/8 to
the edge, in bearing walls if more than 50% of a plate is cut or notched a 1 ½” 16ga. strap must extend a minimum of 6” past the cut both directions and be nailed with 8-10d per side,
or holes in joist are a maximum 1/3 the depth not closer than 2” from the top or bottom. Notches are different.
Fire and draft stopping shall be completed before rough inspection. See 780 CMR R302.
Ignition barriers in place before final. See 780 CMR R316.
Energy aspects shall comply with the stretch energy code. See 780 CMR Appendix 115AA and 2009 IECC.
An initial HERS evaluation is required including insulation levels anticipated.
A final HERS evaluation confirming code requirements have been met including duct testing.
Energy information including mechanical equipment posted on the electric panel.
Remodeling and Additions can be completed in accordance with IECC 2009 with Energy Star Building Option Package.
Deck ledgers and post must be appropriately attached. Note: TimberLoks are not engineered for rail post attachment. See 780 CMR R502.2.2.1
Smoke and CO detectors as required. See 780 CMR R314 and R315.
Relevant items must be submitted to the building department for approvals before inspections and or CO can be signed. Other items are intended to avoid costly issues at inspections.
Feel free to call if you have any questions. My telephone number is 587-1240 and office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excepting we close for walk-ins at 12:00
noon on Wednesdays. My email address is: cmiller@northamptonma.gov
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Chuck Miller
City of Northampton
Assistant Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement
cmiller@northamptonma.gov