780002
11/27/98 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 35
DEFINITIONS
780 CMR 201.0 GENERAL
80 CMR, have the meanings shown in 780 CMR 2.
r includes the plural and the
lural the singular.
e
e meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
ily
cepted meanings such as the context implies.
.L. c. 40A and 41
r St. 1956, c. 665, as amended.
80 CMR 202.0 GENERAL DEFINITIONS
cceleration: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Ac
recognized technical or scientific
authorities.
ccessible: See 780 CMR 1101.0.
ccessible route: See 780 CMR 1101.0.
Ac
ated on the same lot as the main
building.
daptability: See 780 CMR 1101.0.
Ad
tories of a
structure (see 780 CMR 3400.3(4)).
dmixture: See 780 CMR 1902.0.
Al
ment thereof,
that affects safety or health and that is not
Al
ssioner
and shall be certified in accordance with
MR 105.2
Ap
the State Board of Building
Regulations and Standards, hereinafter known
Approved material, equipment and methods:
Material, equipment and methods evaluated and
pproved rules: The legally adopted rules of the
Ap
pment or
used in connection therewith. or for advertising or
R 2102.0.
Area, building: See 780 CMR 502.0.
HAPTER 2C
201.1 Scope: Unless otherwise expressly stated, the
following words and terms shall, for the purposes of
7
201.2 Interchangeability: Words used in the
present tense include the future; words used in the
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter;
the singular numbe
p
201.3 Terms defined in other codes: Where terms
are not defined in 780 CMR and are defined in the
plumbing (248 CMR), fire prevention (527 CMR) or
BOCA mechanical codes or other reference stan-
dards listed in Appendix A, such terms shall hav
th
201.4 Terms not defined: Where terms are not
defined through the methods authorized by
780 CMR 201.0, such terms shall have the ordinar
ac
201.5 Applications of other laws : Nothing herein
contained shall be deemed to nullify any provisions
of the zoning by-laws or ordinance of any
municipality in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts insofar as those provisions deal
exclusively with those powers of regulating zoning
granted by the provisions of M.G
o
7
A
cepted engineering practice: That which
conforms to accepted principles, tests or standards
of nationally
A
A
cessory structure: A building, the occupancy of
which is incidental to that of the main building,
that is loc
A
dition: An increase in building area, aggregate
floor area, height or number of s
A
Aerosol: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Aerosol container: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Aisle accessway: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Alarm verification: See 780 CMR 902.0.
teration: A change or modification of a building
or structure, or the service equip
classified as an ordinary repair.
Alternating tread stairway: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
ternate Inspector: A person appointed to act in
the absence of the inspector of buildings or
building commissioner in case of illness,
disability, or conflicting interest. An alternate
inspector shall meet or exceed the minimum
qualifications defined by M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 for
an inspector of buildings/building commi
780 CMR R7. See also 780 C
Anchor: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Anchor Store: See 780 CMR 402.2.
proval: When used in 780 CMR 35 for
manufactured buildings or building components,
approved by
as the BBRS.
Approved agency: See 780 CMR 1702.0.
approved (see 780 CMR 109.0).
A
code official (see 780 CMR 106.0).
purtenant structure: A device or structure
attached to the exterior or erected on the roof of a
building designed to support service equi
display purposes, or other similar uses.
Architectural terra cotta: See 780 CM
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
36 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
Area, gross cross-sectional: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Areaway (form of construction): See 780 CMR
3203.2.
Attic: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Automatic fire suppression system: See 780 CMR
902.0.
Barricade: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Base: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Base shear: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Basement: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Bay (part of a structure): See 780 CMR 1612.3.
B.B.R.S.: (Massachusetts) Board of Building
Regulations and Standards.
Bed joint: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Bleachers: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Blocked diaphragm: See 780 CMR 2306.2.
Boiling point: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Box system: A structural system where the vertical
load is carried by bearing walls and structural
framing and where the lateral stability and
lateral force resisting system consists of shear
walls or braced wall.
Brick
Calcium silicate brick (sand lime brick): See
780 CMR 2102.0.
Clay or shale: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Concrete brick: See 780 CMR 2102.0
Hollow brick: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Building: A structure enclosed within exterior walls
or firewalls, built, erected and framed of a
combination of any materials, whether portable
or fixed having a roof, to form a structure for
the shelter of persons, animals or property. For
the purpose of this definition, “roof” shall
include an awning or similar covering, whether
or not permanent in nature. The word “building
shall be construed where the context requires as
though followed followed by the words “or parts
thereof”. For application of 780 CMR, each
portion of a building which is completely
separated from other portions by fire walls
complying with 780 CMR 707.0 shall be
considered as a separate building.
Building Code Enforcement Official: The term
used to collectively refer to Inspector of
Buildings, Building Commissioners, and Local
Inspectors. All building code enforcement
officials shall meet or exceed the minimum
qualifications for the position as defined by
M.G.L. c.143, § 3 and shall be certified in
accordance with 780 CMR R7.
Building Commissioner: The Administrative chief
of the building department in a municipality who
is charged with the administration and
enforcement of 780 CMR (See also “Inspector
of Buildings” and 780 CMR 105.0). All building
commissioners shall meet or exceed the
minimum qualifications for the position as
defined in M.G.L. c.143 § 3 and shall be certified
in accordance with 780 CMR R7.
Building Component: Any subsystem, subassembly,
or other system designed for use in or as part of
a structure having concealed elements such as
electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire
protection systems and other systems protecting
health and safety.
Building, existing: Any structure occupied prior to
the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or
one for which a legal building permit has been
issued. (See also 780 CMR 3400.3.1). For
purposes of energy conservation requirements, a
building which has been legally occupied and/or
used for a period of at least five years.
Building line: The line established by law, beyond
which a building shall not extend, except as
specifically provided by law.
Building service equipment: The mechanical,
electrical and elevator equipment including
piping, wiring, fixtures and other accessories,
which provides sanitation, lighting, heating,
ventilation, fire protection and transportation
facilities essential for the habitable occupancy of
the building or structure for its designated
occupancy.
Building site: The area occupied by a building or
structure, including the yards and courts required
for light and ventilation, and such areas that are
prescribed for access to the street.
Bulk Merchandizing Retail Building: (See
780 CMR 426.0.) Mercantile Buildings where
sales areas contain:
1. Combustible materials in piles greater
than 12 feet in height, or combustible
materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves
where the top of storage is greater than 12
feet in height, or
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS
2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 36.1
2. Combustible materials such as rubber
tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids,
idle pallets and commodities with similar heat
release characteristics, where the top storage
is greater than six feet in height.
Buttress: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Cellar: that portion of a building which is partly
or completely below grade and having at least ½
its height below grade.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
36.2 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98)
NON-TEXT PAGE
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS
2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 37
Cementitious material: See 780 CMR 1902.0.
Central Station, Central Station Fire Alarm Systen
and Central Station Services: See NFPA 72, as
listed in Appendiz A.
Certificate of approval: A written document from
the appropriate code official approving an
action, type of material, and the like.
Certificate of use and occupancy: The certificate
issued by the code official which permits the use
of a building in accordance with the approved
plans and specifications which certifies
compliance with provisions of law for the use
and occupancy of the building in its several parts
together with any special stipulations or
conditions of the building permit.
Certification: Any manufactured building or
building component that meets the provisions of
780 CMR 35 and the rules and regulations
pursuant thereto and which has been labeled
accordingly. See also 780 CMR R7 for the
certification of Building Code Enforcement
Officials
Change of use: An alteration by change of use in a
building heretofore existing to a new use group
which imposes other special provisions of law
governing building construction, equipment or
means of egress.
Child day care center: Any facility operated on a
regular basis whether known as a day nursery,
nursery school, kindergarten, child play school,
progressive school child development center, or
preschool, or known under any other name,
which receives children not of common
parentage under seven years of age or under 16
years of age if such children have special needs
for non-residential custody and care during part
or all of the day separated from their parents.
Child day care centers shall not include: any
part of a public school system; any part of a
private, organized educational system unless the
services of such a system are primarily limited to
a kindergarten, nursery or related preschool
services; a Sunday school conducted by a
religious institution; a facility operated by
religious organization where children are cared
for during short periods of time while persons
responsible for such children are attending
religious services; a family day care home, as
defined by M.G.L. c. 28A, § 9; an informal
cooperative arrangement among neighbors or
relatives; or the occasional care of children with
or without compensation therefor.
Chimney: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Chimney, masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Closed system: See 780 CMR 307.2.
CMR: Code of Massachusetts Regulations;
Appendix A contains a listing of various CMR’s
for Massachusetts specialized codes.
Code official: See “Building Code Enforcement
Official”.
Combination of municipalities: Any two or more
cities and/or towns who have agreed to combine
in order to share costs necessary for the
administration and enforcement of 780 CMR in
said cities and/or towns.
Collar joint: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Combustible dusts: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Combustible fibers: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Combustible liquids: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Combustible material: A combustible material is a
material which cannot be classified as non-
combustible in accordance with 780 CMR
704.4.1.1.
Compliance assurance program: The system,
documentation and methods for assuring that
manufactured buildings, building components,
building systems and manufactured homes,
including their manufacture, storage transporta-
tion and assembly, and handling and installa-
tion, conform with 780 CMR 35 and the rules
and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
Commercial Building: For purposes of energy
conservation requirements only, a commercial
building is any building other than a low-rise
residential building, as defined in 780 CMR 2.0
and 780 CMR Appendix J, Section J2.0 (See also
Low-rise residential building definition.)
Common path of travel: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Compressed gas: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Concrete: See 780 CMR 1902.0.
Concrete, reinforced: See 780 CMR 1902.0.
Connector: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Construction documents: All of the written,
graphic and pictorial documents prepared or
assembled for describing the design, location and
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
38 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
physical characteristics of the elements of the
project necessary for obtaining a building permit.
The construction drawings shall be drawn to an
appropriate scale.
Construction, type of: See 780 CMR 602.0.
Type 1: See 780 CMR 603.0.
Type 2: See 780 CMR 603.0.
Type 3: See 780 CMR 604.0.
Type 4: See 780 CMR 605.0.
Type 5: See 780 CMR 606.0
Control area: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Corridor: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Corrosive: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Court: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Inner: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Outer: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Court width: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Cryogenic liquids (flammable or oxidizing): See
780 CMR 307.2.
Curb level: See 780 CMR 3203.2.
Building or wall height: See 780 CMR 3203.2.
Damper, fire: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Day care center (child): See “Child day care
center”.
Deflagration: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Deluge system: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Department: (DPS): The Department of Public
Safety, Division of Inspection.
Design earthquake: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Designated seismic systems: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Detached storage building: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Detector, heat: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Detector, smoke: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Detonation: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Detoxification facility: A facility licensed or
operated by the Department of Public Health,
Division of Alcoholism in accordance with
105 CMR 160.000: Acute Care Inpatient
Substance Abuse Detoxification Treatment
Services issued by the Department of Public
Health, Division of Alcoholism, Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, and shall be used to treat
individuals acceptable to the program in
accordance with 105 CMR 160.000.
Diaphragm: See 780 CMR 1612.3, 2102.0 and
2306.2.
Dimensions, nominal: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Dispensing: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Door assembly, fire: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Door, fire: See 780 CMR 702.0.
DPS: See “Department”.
Draftstopping: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Dumbwaiter: See 780 CMR 30.
Dwellings
Boarding house: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Dormitory: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Dwelling unit: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Hotel: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Motel: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Multiple-family dwelling: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Multiple single-family dwelling: See 780 CMR
310.2.
One-family dwelling: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Two-family dwelling: See 780 CMR 310.2.
Effective height: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Elevator: 780 CMR 30 and 524 CMR.
Freight elevator: See 524 CMR 17.00
Hand elevator: See 524 CMR 18.00
Hydraulic elevator: See 524CMR
Passenger elevator: See 524CMR 17.00
Power elevator: See 524CMR.
Sidewalk elevator: See 524CMR 20.00
Elevator repairs: 780 CMR 30 and 524 CMR.
Emergency control station: See 780 CMR 416.2.
Equipment, existing: Any equipment regulated by
780 CMR which was legally installed prior to the
effective date of 780 CMR, or for which a permit
to install has been issued.
Escalator: 780 CMR 30 and 524 CMR.
Exit: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Exit access: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Exit discharge: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Exit discharge, level of: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS
2/7/97 (Effective 2/28/97) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 39
Exit, horizontal: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Explosive: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Exterior envelope: See 780 CMR 1302.0.
Exterior wall finish: See 780 CMR 1402.0.
Fabric awning: See 780 CMR 1609.2.
Fabric canopy: See 780 CMR 1609.2.
Fabricated item: See 780 CMR 1702.0.
Fabrication area: See 780 CMR 416.2.
Fire alarm box, manual: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Fire area: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fire command station: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Fire detector, automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Fire hazard: The potential degree of fire severity
based on the occupancy of a structure, classified
as high, moderate or low.
High: All occupancies which involve the storage,
sale manufacture or processing of highly
combustible, volatile flammable or explosive
products which are capable of burning with
extreme rapidity and produce explosions or large
volumes of smoke, poisonous fumes or gases in
the event of fire.
Moderate: All occupancies which involve the
storage, sale, manufacture or processing of
materials which are capable of burning with
moderate rapidity and a considerable volume of
smoke, but which do not produce either poisonous
fumes or explosions. in the event of fire.
Low: All occupancies which involve the storage,
sale or manufacture of materials that do not
ordinarily burn rapidly, nor produce excessive
smoke, poisonous fumes or explosions in the
event of fire.
Fire partition: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fire protection: The provision of construction
safeguards and exit facilities; and the installation
of fire alarm, fire-detecting and fire-extinguishing
service equipment to reduce the fire risk,
including the risk involved in the spread of fire by
exterior exposure to and from adjoining buildings
and structure.
Fire protection rating: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fire protection system: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Fire window: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fireresistance: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fireresistance rating: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Firestopping: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fire separation assembly: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fire separation distance: The distance in feet
measured from the building face to the closest
interior lot line, to the center line of a street or
public way or to an imaginary line between two
buildings on the same property.
Flame spread: See 780 CMR 802.0.
Flame spread rating: See 780 CMR 802.0.
Flameresistance: See 780 CMR 802.0.
Flammable: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Flammable compressed gas: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Flammable liquids: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Flammable solid: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Flash point: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Floor area, gross: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Floor area, net: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Floor finish: See 780 CMR 802.0.
Frame
Braced: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Concentrically braced frame: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Eccentrically braced frame: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Diagonal brace: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Lateral support members: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Link beam: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Link beam end web stiffeners: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Link beam intermediate web stiffener: See
780 CMR 1612.3.
Link beam rotation angle: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Intermediate moment frame: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Ordinary moment frame: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Space frame: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Special moment frame: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Frame system
Building: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Dual: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
40 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
Moment resisting: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Garage, private: See 780 CMR 407.2.
Garage, public: See 780 CMR 408.2.
Grade hallway, grade lobby, grade passageway:
See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Grade plane: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Grandstand: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Greenhouse: See 780 CMR 3602.
Gross leasable area: See 780 CMR 402.2.
Habitable space: Space in a structure for living,
sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet
compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility
space and similar areas are not considered
habitable space.
Hazard Index: See 780 CMR 3401.0
Hazardous materials: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Hazardous production material (HPM): See
780 CMR 416.2.
Head joint: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Header (Bonder): See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Health hazard: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Heated space: See 780 CMR 1302.0.
Height:
Building: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Court: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Story: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Walls: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Hereafter: After the time that 780 CMR becomes
effective.
Heretofore: Before the time that 780 CMR became
effective.
High-temperature energy source: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Highly toxic: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Hoist, material platform: See 780 CMR 3002.0.
Hoisting and conveying equipment, special: See
524 CMR.
Automotive lift: See 524 CMR.
Conveyors: See 524 CMR.
Freight lift: See 524 CMR.
Manlifts: See 524 CMR.
Hoisting and elevating equipment, miscellaneous:
See 524 CMR.
Incompatible materials: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Inspection, special: See 780 CMR 1705.
Inspector of buildings: The administrative chief of
the building department in a municipality who is
charged with the administration and
enforcement of 780 CMR. (See also “Building
commissioner and Building Code Enforcement
Official”). All inspectors of buildings shall meet
or exceed the minimum qualifications defined by
M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 and shall be certified in
accordance with 780 CMR R7.
Installing Contractor: an individual or firm duly
licensed to install apparatus, appliances, devices
or accessories relative to Heating, pumping,
process piping and refrigeration systems. (See
780 CMR 2801.2.1 and 1301.1.1).
Master and Journeyman Pipefitters:
M.G.L. c. l46, §§ 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 87 and 89.
528 CMR 10.00, 11.00, and 13.00
Master and Journeyman Refrigeration
Technician:
M.G.L. c. 146, § 45A, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86,
88 and 89.
528 CMR 10.00, 11.00 and 13.00
Exception: heating, pumping, process piping
and refrigeration systems regulated by M.G.L.
c. 142, §§ 4 and 13, State Board of Examiners
of Plumbers.
Inverted pendulum-type structures: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Irritant: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Jurisdiction: The governmental unit which has a-
dopted 780 CMR under due legislative authority.
Label: See 780 CMR 1702.0.
Light-framed wall with shear panels: See
780 CMR 1612.3.
Listed and Listing: Terms referring to equipment
which is shown in a list published by an approved
testing agency qualified and equipped for
experimental testing and maintaining an adequate
periodic inspection of current productions and
whose listing states that the equipment complies
with nationally recognized standards, when
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
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DEFINITIONS
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Load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS
2/20/98 (Effective 3/1/98) 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 40.1
Dead load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Duration of load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Earthquake load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Impact load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Internal load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Lateral soil load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Live load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Wind load: See 780 CMR 1602.0.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
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NON-TEXT PAGE
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS
11/27/98 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 41
Loadbearing wall system: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Local enforcement agency: A department or
agency in a municipality charged with the
enforcement of 780 CMR and appropriate
specialized codes which include, but are not
limited to, 248 CMR: The State Plumbing and
Gas Fitting Code, and 527 CMR 12.00: the State
Electrical Code.
Local inspector: A person in the municipality who
assists the building commissioner or inspector of
buildings in the performance of his or her duties
and is charged with the enforcement of
780 CMR. All local inspectors shall meet or
exceed the minimum qualifications defined by
M.G.L. c. 143, § 3 and shall be certified in
accordance with 780 CMR R7.
Lot: A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
Lot, corner: A lot with two adjacent sides abutting
upon streets or other public spaces.
Lot, interior: A lot which faces on one street or with
opposite sides on two streets.
Lot line: A line dividing one lot from another, or
from a street or any public place.
Lot line, interior: Any lot line other than one
adjoining a street or public space.
Lot line, street: The lot line dividing a lot from a
street or other public way.
Low-rise residential building: For purposes of
energy conservation requirements only,
residential occupancy buildings (R-2, R-3, R-4, or
R-5) three stories or less in height (Exception: for
purposes of energy conservation requirements, R-
1 USE GROUP buildings shall be treated as
commercial buildings).
Main windforce-resisting system: See 780 CMR
16.
Mall: See 780 CMR 402.2.
Mall building, covered: See 780 CMR 402.2.
Manufactured building: Any building which has
concealed elements, such as electrical,
mechanical, plumbing, fire protection,
insulation and other systems affecting health
and safety, and which is manufactured and
assembled in manufacturing facilities, on or off
the building site. Also, any building as defined
above which does not have concealed elements,
but which has been approved by the BBRS at the
request of the manufacturer.
Masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Ashlar facing masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Ashlar masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Solid masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Masonry unit
Clay: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Concrete: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Hollow: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Solid: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Means of egress: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Member:
Primary: See 780 CMR 1902.0.
Secondary: See 780 CMR 1902.0.
Membrane: See 780 CMR 3103.2.
Membrane structures:
Air-inflated structure: See 780 CMR 3103.2.
Air-supported structure: See 780 CMR 3103.2.
Double skin: See 780 CMR 3103.2.
Single skin: See 780 CMR 3103.2.
Cable-restrained, air-supported structure: See
780 CMR 3103.2.
Membrane-covered cable structure: See
780 CMR 3103.2.
Membrane-covered frame structure: See
780 CMR 3103.2.
Noncombustible membrane structure: See
780 CMR 3103.2.
Tent: See 780 CMR 3103.2.
Mezzanine: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Mobile home: A structure transportable in one or
more sections, which is eight body feet or more
in width and is 32 body feet or more in length,
and which is built on a permanent chassis, and
designed to be used as a dwelling with
permanent foundation, when connected to the
required facilities, and includes the plumbing,
heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems
contained therein.
Mortar: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Mortar, surface-bonding: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Moving walk: See 780 CMR 30.
Native lumber: Native lumber is wood processed in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by a mill
registered in accordance with 780 CMR R4.
Such wood is ungraded but is stamped or
certified in accordance with the requirements of
780 CMR R4. For the purpose of this definition,
native lumber shall be restricted to the use in
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
42 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
one- and two-story dwellings, barns, sheds,
agricultural and accessory buildings and other
structures when permitted by 780 CMR R4.
Nominal dimension
Lumber: See 780 CMR 2302.0.
Noncombustible: This is a general, relative term. Its
precise meaning is defined in 780 CMR for
specific applications.
Noncombustible building material: See 780 CMR
704.4.1.1
Occupancy: The purpose for which a building or
portion thereof is used.
Occupancy, change of: A change in the purpose or
level of activity within a structure that involves a
change in application of the requirements of
780 CMR.
Occupant load: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Occupiable space: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Occupied: As applied to a building, shall be
construed as though followed by the words "or
intended, arranged or designed to be occupied."
Official Interpretation: A written interpretation of
any provision of 780 CMR, or to its referenced
standards listed in Appendix A, except
specialized codes, made by the BBRS, under
authority of M.G.L. c. 143, § 94(e), or by the
State Building Code Appeals Board under
authority of M.G.L. c. 143, § 100.
Open system: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Organic peroxide: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Oriel window: See 780 CMR 3203.2.
Owner: Every person who alone or jointly or
severally with others (a) has legal title to any
building or structure; or (b) has care, charge, or
control of any building or structure in any
capacity including but not limited to agent,
executor, executrix, administrator, administra-
trix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the
holder of legal title; or (c) lessee under a written
letter agreement; or (d) mortgagee in possession;
or (e) agent, trustee or other person appointed by
the courts. Each such person is bound to comply
with the provisions of 780 CMR.
Oxidizer: See 780 CMR 307.2.
P-Delta effect: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Panel (part of a structure): See 780 CMR 1602.0.
Particleboard: See 780 CMR 2302.1.
Penthouse: See 780 CMR 1502.1.
Permit: An official document or certificate issued by
the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes
performance of a specified activity (see 780 CMR
111.1).
Person: Includes a corporation, firm, partnership,
association, organization and any other group
acting as a unit as well as individuals. It shall also
include an executor, administrator, trustee,
receiver or other representative appointed accord-
ing to law. Whenever the word "person" is used in
any section of 780 CMR prescribing a penalty or
fine, as to partnerships or associations, the word
shall include the partners or members thereof, and
as to corporations, shall include the officer, agent
or members thereof who are responsible for any
violation of such section..
Physical hazard: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Physically disabled person: See 780 CMR 11.
Place of assembly: A room or space accommoda-
ting 50 or more individuals for religious, recrea-
tional, educational, political, social or amuse-
ment purposes, or for the consumption of food
or drink, including all connected rooms or space
with a common means of egress and entrance.
Place of outdoor assembly: Premises used or
intended to be used for public gatherings of 200
or more individuals in other than buildings.
Plastic
Light-diffusing system: See 780 CMR 2602.0.
Plastic glazing: See 780 CMR 2602.0.
Plastic roof panels: See 780 CMR 2602.0.
Plastic wall panels: See 780 CMR 2602.0.
Reinforced plastic, glass fiber: See 780 CMR
2602.0.
Thermoplastic material: See 780 CMR 2602.0.
Thermosetting material: See 780 CMR 2602.0.
Platform: See 780 CMR 412.2.
Plenum: An enclosed portion of the building
structure, so designed to allow the movement of air,
that forms part of an air distribution system. See
BOCA National Mechanical Code listed in
Appendix A.
Pools, swimming, hot tubs and spas
Above-ground/on-ground pool: See 780 CMR
421.2.
Barrier: See 780 CMR 421.2.
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS
11/27/98 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 43
Hot tub: See 780 CMR 421.2.
In-ground pool: See 780 CMR 421.2.
Private swimming pool: See 780 CMR 421.2.
Private swimming pool, indoor: See 780 CMR
421.2.
Private swimming pool, outdoor: See 780 CMR
421.2.
Public swimming pool:
Public outdoor inground swimming pool, Semi-
public outdoor inground swimming pool: See
780 CMR 421.2.
Spa: See 780 CMR 421.2.
Preaction system: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Premises: A lot, plot or parcel of land, including any
structure thereon.
Preservative treatment (treated material): See
780 CMR 2302.0.
Protected construction: See 780 CMR 702.0..
Public way: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Pyrophoric: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Radioactive material: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Registered design professional: An architect or
engineer registered or licensed to practice profes-
sional architecture or engineering, as defined by
the statutory requirements of the professional
registration laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Repair: The reconstruction or renewal of any part of
an existing structure for the purpose of its
maintenance.
Repairs, ordinary: Any maintenance which does
not affect the structure, egress, fire protection
systems, fire ratings, energy conservation
provisions, plumbing, sanitary, gas, electrical or
other utilities. A building permit is not required
for ordinary repairs (also see 780 CMR 903.1,
Exceptions 1 and 2).
Required: Shall be construed to be mandatory by
provisions of 780 CMR.
Resilient stable-mounting system: See 780 CMR
1612.3.
Restraining device: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Elastic: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Fixed: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Seismic activated: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Roof: See 780 CMR 1502.0.
Roof covering: See 780 CMR 1502.0.
Roof structure: See 780 CMR 1502.0.
Rubble masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Coursed rubble: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Random rubble: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Rough or ordinary rubble: See 780 CMR
2102.0.
Running bond: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Seismic-resisting system: See 780 CMR 1612.3
Self-closing: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Sensitizer: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Service passage, HPM: See 780 CMR 416.2.
Shaft: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Shall: The term, where used in 780 CMR, shall be
construed as mandatory.
Shear wall: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Closed sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Ground sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Marquee sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Open sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Portable sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Projecting sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Roof sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Temporary sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Wall sign: See 780 CMR 3102.2.
Single membrane penetration: See 780 CMR
702.0.
Site: A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a
designated portion of a public right-of-way.
Slidescape: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Smoke barrier: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Smoke compartment: See 780 CMR 702.0..
Smoke detector, multiple station: See 780 CMR
902.0.
Smoke detector, single station: See 780 CMR
902.0.
Smoke detector, system type: See 780 CMR
902.0.
Smokeproof enclosure: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
44 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
Specialized code: All building codes, rules or
regulations pertaining to building construction,
reconstruction, alteration, repair or demolition
promulgated by and under the authority of the
various agencies which have been authorized
from time to time by the General Court of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Sprinkler: See 780 CMR 902.0
Sprinkler system, automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Sprinkler system, limited area: See 780 CMR
902.0.
Stack bond: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Stage: See 780 CMR 412.2.
Stage, legitimate: See 780 CMR 412.2.
Stage, regular: See 780 CMR 412.2.
Stage, thrust: See 780 CMR 412.2.
Stairway: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Standpipe system: See 780 CMR 902.0.
State Building Code: The Massachusetts State
Building Code and amendments and rules and
regulations thereto as promulgated by the State
Board of Building Regulations and Standards,
under M.G.L. c. 143 §§ 93 through 100.
State Inspector: An employee of the Division of
Inspection, State Department of Public Safety,
who is charged with administrating and
enforcing 780 CMR relative to any structure or
building or parts thereof that are owned by the
Commonwealth or any departments,
commissions, agencies or authorities of the
Commonwealth. The state inspector is also
charged with supervising the enforcement of
780 CMR relative to all buildings and structures
other than those owned by the Commonwealth.
See also 780 CMR 107.0.
Steel construction, cold-formed: See 780 CMR
2202.0.
Steel joist: See 780 CMR 2202.0.
Steel member, structural: See 780 CMR 2202.0.
Stone masonry: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Stone masonry, ashlar: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Stone masonry, rubble: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Storage room, HPM, separate inside: See
780 CMR 416.2.
HPM cutoff room: See 780 CMR 416.2.
HPM inside room: See 780 CMR 416.2.
Story: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Story above grade: See 780 CMR 502.0.
Story drift ratio: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Story shear: See 780 CMR 1612.3.
Street: A public thoroughfare (such as a street,
avenue or boulevard) which has been dedicated
for public use.
Structure: A combination of materials assembled at
a fixed location to give support or shelter, such as
a building, framework, retaining wall, tent,
reviewing stand, platform, bin, fences over six
feet high, sign, flagpole, recreational tramway,
mast for radio antenna, or the like. The word
"structure" shall be construed, where the context
requires, as though followed by the words, "or
part or parts thereof."
Structure, existing: A structure erected prior to the
date of adoption of the appropriate code or one for
which a legal building permit has been issued.
See 780 CMR 34 for further information
regarding existing buildings.
Supervisory device: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Through-penetration protection system: See
780 CMR 702.0.
Tie, wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Tile: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Tile, structural clay: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Tires, bulk storage of: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Travel Trailer: A vehicular, portable structure
built on a chassis and designed to be used for
temporary occupancy for travel, recreational or
vacational use; with the manufacturer’s perm-
anent identification “Travel Trailer,” thereon;
and when factory equipped for the road, being of
any length provided its gross weight does not
exceed 4500 pounds, or being of any weight pro-
vided its overall length does not exceed 28 feet.
Use group: The classification of an occupancy in
accordance with 780 CMR 302.1.
Vapor retarder: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Ventilation: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
780: CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
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11/27/98 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 45
Vertical opening: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Voice/alarm signaling system: See 780 CMR
902.0.
Wall
Apron wall: See 780 CMR 1402.0.
Cavity wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Composite wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Dry-stacked, surface-bonded walls: See
780 CMR 2102.0.
Faced wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Fire separation wall: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Fire wall: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Foundation wall: See 780 CMR 1812.2.
Hollow wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Loadbearing wall: See 780 CMR 1602.1.
Nonloadbearing wall: See 780 CMR 1602.1.
Parapet wall: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Party wall: See 780 CMR 702.0.
Retaining wall: See 780 CMR 1812.2.
Skeleton or panel wall: See 780 CMR 1402.0.
Spandrel wall: See 780 CMR 1402.0.
Veneered Wall: See 780 CMR 1402.0
Water-reactive materials: See 780 CMR 307.2.
Water supply, automatic: See 780 CMR 902.0.
Winder: See 780 CMR 1002.0.
Wood shear panel: See 780 CMR 2304.2.
Writing (written): The term shall be construed to
include hand-writing, typewriting, printing, photo
offset or any other form of reproduction in legible
symbols or characters.
Written notice: A notification in writing delivered
in person to the individual or parties intended;
or delivered at, or sent by certified or registered
mail to the last residential or business address of
legal record.
Wythe: See 780 CMR 2102.0.
Yard: See 780 CMR 1202.0.
Zoning: The reservation of certain specified areas
within a community or city for buildings and
structures, or use of land, for certain purposes
with other limitations such as height, lot coverage
and other stipulated requirements. (See M.G.L.
c. 40A and St. 1956, c. 665, as amended.)
780 CMR: STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUILDING CODE
46 780 CMR - Sixth Edition 11/27/98
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