Boston's Building Regulations: Your 2025 Ordinances & Code Guide

CITY OF BOSTON ORDINANCES 2022 CHAPTER IX ; ORDINANCE 9-9.12 (2022)

• Occupied High-Rise Buildings: Structures exceeding over 70 feet in height or classified as a high-rise structure require inspection by a registered professional every 5 years.
• Unoccupied Buildings: Larger structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet require inspection once a year by a registered professional.
• Newly Improved Buildings: Those structures with substantial improvements may operate and be inspected after 10 years by a registered professional, following a certificate of occupancy.

These inspections are critical for early identification of structural concerns that could compromise public safety. Deteriorating facades can pose serious hazards to pedestrians and occupants alike, while timely intervention can prevent costly emergency repairs and potential liability issues.

CITY OF BOSTON ORDINANCES 2022 CHAPTER IX ; ORDINANCE 9-9.10

• Roofs, ceilings or other coverings of a public or semi-public enclosed swimming pool require annual inspection by a registered professional.

These inspections are non-negotiable safety measures designed to prevent catastrophic failures in areas with high occupancy and unique moisture conditions.

780 CMR: 10TH EDITION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING CODE ; 1001.3.2

• All exterior bridges, steel or wooden stairways, fire escapes and egress balconies must be examined and/or tested and certified for structural adequacy and safety every five years.
• Testing must be performed by a registered design professional.

These requirements reflect the critical importance of maintaining viable escape routes during emergencies—a literal lifeline that building owners cannot afford to neglect.

BUILDING EMISSIONS REDUCTION AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE

• Sets a roadmap for mid-sized and large buildings to progressively reduce energy consumption to achieve net zero by 2050.
• Owners are required to report energy and water use to the City of Boston annually for residential buildings with 15+ units and commercial buildings 20,000+ SF.
• Emissions limits start in 2025 or 2030.
• Third-party verification of that data is required on Verification Years.
• If building emissions exceed allowable limits, penalties are owed to the City.
• Jurisdictions around Massachusetts have adopted local laws similar to Boston’s BERDO.

BERDO's significance extends beyond mere regulatory compliance—it represents Boston's commitment to addressing climate change while creating more efficient, cost-effective buildings with improved asset value in a market increasingly concerned with sustainability metrics.

MUNICIPAL OPT-IN STRETCH ENERGY CODE

• The Stretch Code is an optional code that municipalities can choose to adopt, in addition to the base state building energy code (over 270 out of the 351 municipalities in Massachusetts have adopted the Stretch Code).
• Mandates higher energy efficiency requirements for new construction compared to the base state building code.
• Implements more stringent standards for insulation, windows, air sealing, lighting, and mechanical systems.
• Aims to reduce building energy use and greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of these enhanced energy efficiency measures. 
• Promotes more comfortable, durable, and economical building operation over time.

The code's widespread adoption reflects Massachusetts' leadership in sustainable construction practices, with participating municipalities gaining access to state and utility incentives, technical assistance, and other resources that help offset compliance costs.