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To the Honorable, the City Council:
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-70, regarding a report on the inspection program for multifamily buildings, please be advised of the following:
The administration of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR 106) requires that all property identified in Table 106 is subject to periodic inspection at intervals specified in the Table. Three or more dwelling units (R2 use 780 CMR 310.4) are to be inspected every five years. Section 106.5 indicates that a building or structure shall not be occupied or continue to be occupied without the posting of a valid certificate of inspection. This inspection is required to ensure that the building or structure complies with all the applicable requirements of 780 CMR. The Inspection fee is calculated using 780 CMR Table 106, and is applied at the rate of $75.00 plus $2.00 per unit. There is no fee for three family dwellings. Owners of multifamily dwelling properties are notified by mail with a following up notice if necessary, requesting an appointment to inspect the property. Additionally, an explanation is given of the items that will be inspected. The second notice is sent after thirty days.
If these multi-family dwellings have fire escapes, 780CMR1028.3 requires that all exterior fire escapes and egress balconies shall be examined and tested for structural adequacy and safety every five years by a Massachusetts registered professional engineer or other qualified and acceptable to the building official, and submit an affidavit to the building official.
Inspectional Services will not charge the $100 fee when a multi-family property owner submits their certified fire escape inspection report, which is required under Massachusetts General Laws. We will continue to charge for the regular multi-family building inspection.
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