Then you missed the reminder that the Ninth Edition of the Massachusetts Building Code became effective on October 20, 2017. There is short concurrency period where you can still file with the previous version of the code. But be aware that the new code will come into full force and effect on January 1, 2018. The new Ninth Edition is based on the 2015 ICC codes, which can viewed at: codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/I-Codes.

Amendments to the Massachusetts code can be viewed on mass.gov. Remember, amendments posted on-line are unofficial versions and are meant for convenience only. Official versions are available for purchase form the State House Bookstore.

It is interesting to note that the following change is represented in the Ninth Edition:

Further detailed investigation by staff indicates the new wind speeds in this extended windborne area are less than the wind speed that triggered windborne debris requirements in the 2009 IRC. With that consideration, and not finding any historical evidence indicating windborne debris has been the primary cause of major structural damage after much investigation, the windborne debris requirement has been eliminated. This simplifies design and construction and significantly reduces cost.

For those interested in changes between the eighth and ninth edition versions of the code (whether through the ICC or via Massachusetts amendments), the following presentation, by Rob Anderson  (Chief of Inspections – Building & Engineering, Division of Professional Licensure, Office of Public Safety and Inspections) may be helpful. Click here to see the presentation.