2012 Building Safety Month1.ppt
Hurricane information: www.mass.gov/mema Please use this link to access information for hurricane preparedness!
The mission of the Westford Building Department is to protect the public by reviewing, approving and inspecting the built environment; to impartially enforce all rules, regulations and by-laws that pertain to both the State Building Codes and By-Laws of The Town of Westford. To assist - to the best of our ability - all customers with any questions, concerns or complaints
*As of February 19th 2011, any work that is done that involves sheet metal work will need a separate permit application to be applied for by a licensed sheet metal worker. A separate permit will be issued and separate inspections will be required.
Sheet Metal / Mechanical Permits: Required as a separate permit as of Feb. 19, 2011.
Building Department Information:
Permits are required from the Building Department for any and all construction not considered a minor repair. Permits are also required for any Mechanical work.
Building permit applications may also require Board of Health, Fire Department, Zoning / Planning Authority and Conservation Commission approval. Plan Accordingly!
Trench permits are required and are accessed through the building department's online permitting system (see link below).
When calling for an inspection, please make sure to talk to someone directly. This department does not take email requests for inspections and can not guarantee an inspection has been received if left as a voice mail message.
Notice: As of July 6, 2010, the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety has adopted the Federal Lead Paint Regulations. Please go to the website: www.mass.gov/dos to access information on this program.
Building Code Information:
ATTENTION: Everyone please be aware of Section 612.2 of the Residential Code & Section 1405.13 of the Commercial Code (Reference to Window Sill Heights).
Bracing requirements need to be met for all additions and new construction. Know your method of bracing for completing your application.
Note: Energy Code Requirements - the 2009 IECC will be enforced as the only energy code as of July 1, 2010.
8th edition of the State Building Code for 1&2 families is now in full force, effective August 3rd, 2011. New Link (powerpoint info from BBRS)
8th edition of the State Building Code- Base Code (all buildings other than 1 or 2 family) is in full force, effective date of February 6, 2011.
8th edition of existing building code (IEBC) is required to be followed when working on existing buildings New Link (powerpoint info from BBRS)
FEMA Information:
NEW: Flood Plain Information, Due to the refinancing of many homes there has been an increased number of phone calls asking about flood plain information.
FEMA has updated all flood maps and is now accessible from the web. Go to www.msc.fema.gov and that will bring you to the website to make flood maps of your area. On the left hand side type in your address and a map will show up for your area. You can print that map from the directions given on the site. You may also use the Town of Westford GIS mapping system to help in finding what the approximate elevation is of your property (do that by using the layers tab on the left hand side of the screen, open up the base
layers folder and go down to contours - click on it!).
The Town of Westford is available to assist you in your search for flood plain information.
NOTE: Any changes that are made to the FEMA FLOOD MAPS are through FEMA and you may need the assistance of a licensed Surveyor to address proper elevations for your property.
The Town Manager appoints the Building Commissioner who in turn appoints the Wiring Inspector and Gas and Plumbing inspectors. The inspectors are paid by the Town either by the hour or per inspection. The fees which they collect are turned over to the town and goes back into the general fund.
Building Permit Process:
Investigation Evaluation Guidelines IEBC 2009 DRAFT acce.docx
Existing Bldg Town of Westford fillable form 4-11-2012.pdf
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