Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 18 - Soils and Foundations
Section 1809 - SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
Subsection 1809.5 - Frost protection
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
Except where otherwise protected from frost, foundations and other permanent supports of buildings and structures shall be protected from frost by one or more of the following methods:
1. Extending below the frost line of the locality;
2. Constructing in accordance with ASCE 32; or
3. Erecting on solid rock.
Exception: Free-standing buildings meeting all of the following conditions shall not be required to be protected:
1. Assigned to Occupancy Category I, in accordance with Section 1604.5;
2. Area of 600 square feet (56 m2) or less for light-frame construction or 400 square feet (37 m2) or less for other than light-frame construction; and
3. Eave height of 10 feet (3048 mm) or less.
Shallow foundations shall not bear on frozen soil unless such frozen condition is of a permanent character.
