In late July 2016 Massachusetts amended its 8th edition of the State's Building Codes to include the 2015 IECC / ASHRAE 2013, which will become fully effective on January 2, 2017. The update includes state amendments for the base energy code (residential and commercial), as well as an updated stretch energy code.
The amendments adopted the 2015 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) edition as the base energy code in non-stretch code communities. The stretch energy code has also been updated to directly reference the 2015 IECC in lieu of the previously referenced 2009 IECC providing a 15% increase in energy efficiency requirements overall.
Along with the adoptions of the new provisions, a concurrency period has gone into effect. Taking place from August 12, 2016 (new codes’ effectual date) to January 1, 2017, individuals seeking building permits are permitted to comply with either the old energy provisions, or the new amendments. A combination of the two, however, will not be permitted. After January 1, 2017, all submitted plans and documents are required to be in compliance with the new code basis.
If you have any questions regarding the code changes, please contact Milrose Consultants directly.
