Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter CHAPTER 51 - MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTIAL CODE
Chapter 3 - BUILDING PLANNING
Section R301
Subsection 301.1
Subsection 301.2

Universal Citation: 301.2 MA Code of Regs 301.2

Current through Register 1543, March 14, 2025

Revise and replace the first sentence of R301.2.1 Wind design criteria. as follows

R301.2.1 Wind design criteria.

Buildings and portions thereof shall be constructed in accordance with the wind provisions of this code using the ultimate design wind speed in Table R301.2(1) as determined from Table R301.2(2).

Revise and replace the last sentence of R301.2.1 Wind design criteria. as follows

Where ultimate design wind speeds in Table R301.2(2) are less than the lowest wind speed indicated in the prescriptive provisions of this code, the lowest wind speed indicated in the prescriptive provisions of this code shall be used.

Revise and replace note "d" of FIGURE R301.2.1 COMPONENT AND CLADDING PRESSURE ZONES as follows.

d. See Table R301.2.1(1) for locations of termite infestation probability zones.

Replace R301.2.1.1 Wind limitations and wind design required as follows.

R301.2.1.1 Wind limitations and wind design required. The wind provision of 780 CMR 51.00 shall not apply to the design of buildings where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult equals or exceeds 140 miles per hour (225 kph). See Table 301.2(2) for wind speeds by city or town.

Exceptions:

1. For concrete construction, the wind provisions of 780 CMR 51.00 shall apply in accordance with the limitations of Sections R404 and R608.

2. For structural insulated panels, the wind provisions of 780 CMR 51.00 shall apply in accordance with the limitations of Section 610.

3. For cold-formed steel light-frame construction, the wind provisions of 780 CMR 51.00 shall apply in accordance with the limitations of Sections R505, R603 and R804.

In regions where wind design is required, the design of building for wind loads shall be in accordance with one or more of the following methods:

1. AWC Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM)

2. ICC Standard for Residential Construction in High-Wind Regions (ICC 600).

3. ASCE Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7).

4. AISI Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing-Prescriptive Method for One-and-Two Family Dwellings (AISI S230).

5. International Building Code.

The elements of design not addressed by the methods in items 1 through 5 shall be in accordance with 780 CMR.

Where ASCE 7 or the International Building Code is used for the design of the building, the wind speeds/map and exposure category requirements as specified in ASCE 7 and the International Building Code shall be used.

Delete all of section R301.2.1.5 Topographic wind effects.

Delete all of section R301.2.1.5.1 Simplified topographic wind speed-up method.

Delete TABLE R301.2.1.5.1 - ULTIMATE DESIGN WIND SPEED MODIFICATION FOR TOPOGRAPHIC WIND EFFECT

Replace section R301.2.4 Floodplain Construction as follows:

R301.2.4 Floodplain Construction.. Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood hazard areas (including A, Coastal A or V Zones) or coastal dunes as established in section R322.1.1, and substantial improvement and restoration of substantial damage of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas or coastal dunes, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with section R322. Buildings and structures that are located in more than one flood hazard area or coastal dune shall comply with the most restrictive provisions of all those flood hazard areas and coastal dunes. Buildings and structures located in whole or in part in identified floodways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASCE 24.

Revise section R302.1 Exterior Walls by deleting "Section P2904" and replacing with "NFPA 13D".

Revise TABLE R302.1(2) EXTERIOR WALLS-DWELLINGS WITH FIRE SPRINKLERS

Note "a" by deleting "Section P2904" and replacing with "NFPA 13D".

Revise section R302.2.2 Common walls by deleting "Chapters 34 through 43" and replacing with "527 CMR 12:00"

Revise section R302.2.2 Common walls Item #1 by deleting "Section P2904" and replacing with "NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D".

Revise section R302.13 Fire protection of floors - Exceptions: #1 by deleting "Section P2904" and replacing with "NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or "

Revise section R302.14 Combustible insulation clearance - after "fan motors" - insert "knob and tube wiring".

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