Massachusetts · Building code

The building code in force in Massachusetts now.

780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th edition, based on 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IMC/IECC/ISPSC with extensive Massachusetts amendments, effective Oct 11, 2024. Enforced by Local inspector of buildings/building commissioner in each city and town (MGL c.143 s.3); State Building Inspector for Commonwealth-owned buildings (780 CMR 104.1); BBRS promulgates. Reported, in verification; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Building code in Massachusetts

Reported, in verification

In force

780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th edition, based on 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IMC/IECC/ISPSC with extensive Massachusetts amendments, effective Oct 11, 2024

Concurrency with the 9th edition ended Jun 30, 2025. Base energy code is 2021 IECC (780 CMR Ch. 13/11R); DOER opt-in Stretch and Specialized codes (225 CMR 22/23) apply where adopted. DOER proposed 2026 Stretch/Specialized revisions (hearing Jun 16, 2026; comments closed Jun 24, 2026); not adopted, no effective date. BBRS 11th-edition work continues.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Local inspector of buildings/building commissioner in each city and town (MGL c.143 s.3); State Building Inspector for Commonwealth-owned buildings (780 CMR 104.1); BBRS promulgates

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

Rulemaking pending

Proposed 2026 Stretch/Specialized code revisions (225 CMR 22/23) await final adoption; no effective date posted (DOER energy-code page read Oct 21, 2026). BBRS Oct 13, 2026 notice listed an 11th-edition timeline vote; outcome not posted. BBRS met Nov 10, 2026 (outcome not posted); the 10th-edition handbook page (read Nov 10, 2026) lists no 11th-edition timeline

Dated items

Next 24 months

Jun 30, 2027

Large Building Energy Reporting: owners of buildings 20,000 sq ft or larger report non-utility energy (oil, propane, wood, on-site renewables) for calendar 2026; utilities report metered use by May 30Department of Energy Resources (DOER), MGL c.25A s.20 / 225 CMR 27.00

Confirmed date

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Monthly

Accessible pool entry: a pool lift or sloped entry in place and working whenever the pool is open (pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need two accessible entries; a spa needs one: lift, transfer wall or transfer system); the rule sets no inspection interval; a monthly check that it works and is charged is common practice2010 ADA Standards §242 and §1009; 28 CFR 36.211 · U.S. Department of Justice (enforced through complaints and lawsuits) · Checked against the source 2026-09-28.

Questions about the building code in Massachusetts

Which building code applies in Massachusetts today?

780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code, 10th edition, based on 2021 IBC/IRC/IEBC/IMC/IECC/ISPSC with extensive Massachusetts amendments, effective Oct 11, 2024. Concurrency with the 9th edition ended Jun 30, 2025. Base energy code is 2021 IECC (780 CMR Ch. 13/11R); DOER opt-in Stretch and Specialized codes (225 CMR 22/23) apply where adopted. DOER proposed 2026 Stretch/Specialized revisions (hearing Jun 16, 2026; comments closed Jun 24, 2026); not adopted, no effective date. BBRS 11th-edition work continues.

Who enforces the building code in Massachusetts?

Local inspector of buildings/building commissioner in each city and town (MGL c.143 s.3); State Building Inspector for Commonwealth-owned buildings (780 CMR 104.1); BBRS promulgates.

What changes next for the building code in Massachusetts?

Rulemaking pending. Proposed 2026 Stretch/Specialized code revisions (225 CMR 22/23) await final adoption; no effective date posted (DOER energy-code page read Oct 21, 2026). BBRS Oct 13, 2026 notice listed an 11th-edition timeline vote; outcome not posted. BBRS met Nov 10, 2026 (outcome not posted); the 10th-edition handbook page (read Nov 10, 2026) lists no 11th-edition timeline