7 Pleasant Street Inspection Letter 2011-04-20Jordi Herold
3 Massasoit Avenue
Northampton, MA 01060
April 20, 2011
re: 7 Pleasant Street
32C-019
Dear Mr. Herold,
I have reviewed the report submitted by Ryan Hellwig, PE on April 8, 2011. The report, based on an inspection of the beams supporting a portion of the 4th floor of the building at 7
Pleasant Street, is comprehensive and provides me with sufficient information for a determination as to compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. I have included a copy
of Mr. Hellwig’s report with this letter.
The 8th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code, chapter 1, § 102.6 and chapter 34, specifically addresses the status of existing structures.
102.6 Existing Structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically
covered in this code or as deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the public.
102.6.1 Laws in Effect. Unless specifically provided otherwise in this code, and narrow to the provisions of this code, any existing building or structure shall meet and shall be presumed
to meet the provisions of the applicable laws, codes, rules or regulations, bylaws or ordinances in effect at the time such building or structure was constructed or altered and shall
be allowed to continue to be occupied pursuant to its use and occupancy, provided that the building or structure shall be maintained by the owner in accordance with this code. Also see
Chapter 34.
Based on my inspection and the report submitted by Mr. Hellwig, it is my determination that the existing beams meet the requirements of the building code, specifically section 102.6.
Additionally, during my inspection on March 31, 2011, I saw no other conditions on the 3rd and 4th floors that I would consider a threat to general safety.
I will not issue any orders at this time.
Respectfully,
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner City of Northampton
cc Felicia Criscuolo
Mark NeJame
Lisa Kent
Jesse Adams
David Narkewicz
City Solicitor
Mayor of Northampton