31A-053 approval letter remodel 11-23-2015
James Phaneuf November 23, 2015
74 Old Stage Road
West Hatfield, MA 01088
Subject Location: 234 Crescent Street, Northampton
Map Block: 31A-053
Mr. Phaneuf,
Your building permit application with plans dated 11-9-15 has been approved as drawn and per this memo. All work must meet all applicable codes whether noted or not included within this
memo.
Please follow up on the following items:
These items will need to be accomplished as the project moves forward and before rough inspections;
Beware any windows located in a hazardous areas must be tempered.
Beware any window opening within 24” of the FF and more than 72” AFG requires a restrictor.
Smoke, Heat and CO detectors throughout the structure to current building codes where possible.
An emergency escape window is required within every bedroom, basement and walk-in attic where possible.
An air barrier is required between the tub and the wall cavity, a solid member sealed in place.
Note: The 2012 IECC with MA amendments is the non-stretch energy code and the new Stretch Code expected to be completed in 2015.
As of August 4th 2011 the 8th Edition MA code is the 2009 IRC with MA amendments.
In the following are some generic requirements which seem to be problematic.
This is not intended to be comprehensive, nor is it a substitute for purchasing and reading the MA codes.
Read only international codes are available on line at http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ one must also consider the MA amendments to these codes which can be found at www.mass.gov/dps/bbrs
.
The current relevant building codes are:
2009 IBC, 2009 IEBC, 2009 IMC, 2009 IRC, 2009 or 2012 IECC, AA115, MA amendments.
Emergency escape is required out of every basement whether habitable or not, each bedroom and walk-in attics. 780 CMR R310.1
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.
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. Order restrictors. 780 CMR R612.2
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 except where the total rise is 30” or less 780 CMR R311.7.4.3 Exception, 4 3/8” on balustrade, 6” in the triangle. Graspable rail 1 ¼” minimum and 2” maximum rail, height
minimum 34” maximum 38”, required for 4 or more risers. Landing to landing constitutes a new run. Minimum 6’8” ceiling height from nosing. Rails must be continuous and returned to the
wall if not to newel post. 780 CMR R311.7.
Guards 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. 780 CMR R312.1.
Educate the plumber and electrician about maximum notch and hole sizes, and placement. 780 CMR R502.8 and R602.6. In bearing studs holes not larger than 40% of a stud no closer than
5/8 to the edge,
In interior non-bearing studs holes not larger than 60% of a stud no closer than 5/8 to the edge, or holes in joist are a maximum 1/3 the depth not closer than 2” from the top or bottom
or to any other hole. Notches are different.
Drilling or notching of more than 50% of the wall plate width of an exterior wall or load bearing partition requires a 16 GA 1 ½” strap across the area and 6” beyond each side with 8
- 10nd nails. 780 CMR R602.6.1
Where dryer ducts penetrate the wall they must be sealed with fire caulk. 780 CMR M504.2
Dryer ducts must terminate outside of the building, have a backdraft damper, cannot include a screen, and require 3’ clearance from windows. 780 CMR M504.4
Dryer duct transition is limited to 8’ of aluminum flex, must be exposed, and the proper UL listing. 780 CMR M504.6.3
Dryer duct maximum equivalent length is 35’ less 5’ per 90⁰ elbow or per manufacturer’s specs. 780 CMR M502.6.4, no screwed connections use foil tape appropriate for the use.
Dryer ducts when concealed must have a permanent label or tag within 6’ of the duct connection 780 CMR M502.6.5
Makeup air is required for dryers exhausting more than 200 CFM. 780 CMR M504.5
Makeup air is required for any exhaust hood over 400 CFM. 780 CMR M505.2
Fireplaces require all combustion air be provided from the exterior and below the firebox, duct work maintaining 1” clearance for 5’ from the duct outlet for all fireplaces and airtight
doors. 2009 IECC 402.4.3
Fire and draft stopping shall be completed before rough inspection. Typical locations, top (ceiling) and bottom (floor) plates, soffits, and every 10’ within enclosed cavities. 780 CMR
R302.
Energy aspects shall comply with the stretch energy code. 780 CMR Appendix 115AA or 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.
A signed copy of the Thermal Bypass Checklist.
Energy information including mechanical equipment posted on the electric panel.
Remodeling and Additions can be completed in accordance with IECC 2009 with Energy Star Windows and the Thermal Bypass Checklist. Duct blast testing when practicable.
All band joist insulation must be enclosed within an air tight cavity, which you must create.
Unvented attic assemblies. Hot roofs are allowed, but have specific requirements 780 CMR R806.4.
Smoke and CO detectors as required. 780 CMR R314 and R315.
Smokes in each bedroom, within 10’ of a bedroom door, and at the bottom of a stair leading to a finished floor above.
CO within 10’ of bedroom doors, at each level, for every 1500 sqft, (plumbing code in the mechanical room) Except if there are no fossil burning fuels or attached garage.
Heat detector in attached garage, and other large unfinished unconditioned spaces.
Clearances above gas stoves and cook tops burners is 24” to non-combustible or per the upper manufacturer’s requirements, else 30” to combustibles.
Relevant items must be submitted to the building department for approvals before inspections and or Certificates of Occupancy can be issued.
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 on these matters.
Chuck Miller
City of Northampton
Assistant Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement