HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942-03-09 Zoning Bylawu `a
TOWN ®f
READING
DIING
By -Laws for the Construction
of Buildings
Regulations Relating to Wires
Adopted March 9, 1942
Approved April 15, 1942
PRICE 35 CENTS
DIVISION NO. 1— ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1. Title and Scope—These by -laws shall be known and
cited as the Building Laws. No building, structure or part thereof shall
hereafter be constructed; and no building or structure now or hereafter
erected, shall be razed, altered, moved or built upon except in conform-
ity with the provisions of these Building Laws. Nor shall plumbing,
gas - piping, water - piping, drainage, heating, wiring or ventilation be in-
stalled or altered in any building or structure except in conformity here-
with.
.SECTION 2. Exceptions —The provisions of these Building Laws
shall apply to municipal as well as to private buildings, but shall not
apply to bridges or to buildings or other structures owned or occupied
by the United States of America or by the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts.
SECTION 3. Building Department —A building department is here-
by established, which shall be under the charge and control of the Build-
ing Inspector.
The Building Inspector shall be appointed annually by the Board
of Selectmen. He shall be a man qualified by thorough training and
experience in the supervision or execution of building operations and
shall not be engaged in the building business on his own account or as
a contractor.
The Building Inspector, with the approval of the Board of Select-
men, may employ such assistants as he may judge necessary. No per-
son shall be employed who is not qualified by experience or training to
fulfill the duties required by the work involved.
Duties of Inspector —The Building Inspector shall be charged with
the survey and inspection of buildings and the enforcement of all or-
dinances relating to the erection, alteration, repair; removal or safety
of buildings within the limits of Reading; he shall pass on questions
relating to the strength of structures and materials; examine and ap-
prove all plans and applications before a permit is issued and shall sign
and issue all permits. He shall examine all buildings in course of erec-
tion, alteration or repair, as often as necessary, and for this purpose,
shall have the right of entry thereto, and he shall keep a record of
violations of this by -law. He shall give immediate written notice of
the violation to the party responsible for the proper execution of the
work.
He shall examine all buildings which are damaged by fire or acci-
dent to an- extent requiring a permit, and all buildings reported insecure
or dangerous.
He shall examine all buildings under application to be removed,
raised, enlarged, altered or built upon, and make record of same, such
records always to be open to public inspection.
He shall report to the Department of Public Safety any violations
of the regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in relation
to the construction of buildings that may come to his notice, and per-
form such other duties as may be incumbent upon him under the laws
of the State.
He shall order and compel the suspension of any work being done
in violation of the provisions of this by -law and no person shall con-
tinue the work or use any forbidden material in or about any building
after the Inspector has forbidden in writing the continuance of the work
or the use of said materiaL Any material used in the erection of the
building in violation of this by -law, must be taken down and replaced
with material as called for by this by -law.
He shall issue a permit within fifteen days if the plans and speci-
fications agree with the requirements of this by -law.
Wherever the Inspector has knowledge of any unsafe building,
structure or part thereof, the condition of which is such as to endanger
the public or the occupants of such building or structure, it shall be his
duty to notify the owner or owners or agent of said building or struc-
ture, to put such unsafe building, structure or portion in a safe condi-
tion, or cause same to be razed.
It shall also be his duty to affix a notice of the dangerous character
of such building or structure in a conspicuous place on the exterior
thereof.
The Building Inspector, with the approval of the Board of Select-
men, may order any building, which in his opinion is unsafe or not
provided with sufficient means of egress in case of fire, to be vacated
forthwith.
SECTION 4. Psimalb —Betme erecting or altering any structure
covering more than 100 square feet or more than eight feet high, the
owner or his agent shall file with the Inspector an application in writing
for a permit giving dimensions, location and description of the intended
project and the estimated cost, and for all work which cannot be ade-
quately described, shall file duplicate copies of sufficient plans to enable
the Inspector to know the essential features and to determine that the
requirements of this by -law are fulfilled. The application shall also
state the purpose for which the structure is to be used.
If it shall appear to said Inspector that the laws or regulations of
the Commonwealth, the Town of Reading and the requirements of this
by -law have not been fulfilled or complied with, he shall refuse such
permit.
Ordinary repairs of buildings or structures may be made without
application or notice to the Inspector, but such repairs shall not be
construed to include the cutting away of any stone or other masonry
wall or any portion thereof, the removal of any beam or support or the
removal, change or closing of any staircase, means of egress, or of any
chimney.
Nothing in this by-law shall be construed to prevent the Inspector
from issuing special permits for foundation work while the plans are
being examined.
The Inspector may at his discretion require two sets of blue prints
to be filed with the Inspector, one of which is to remain in the custody
of the Inspector, the other set, properly stamped by the Inspector, is
to be returned with the permit and is to be kept on the work and be
available to the Inspector for reference. Permits shall become void
six months after the date of issue unless construction thereunder shall
have been commenced. Fees to accompany applications to be refunded
if permit is not granted.
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All permits issued under this by -law shall be on numbered blank
forms furnished by the Inspector who issues the permit.
No building hereafter erected, altered, added to or repaired that is
to be finished in whole or in part shall be lathed, plastered, or sheathed,
until the builder or mechanic shall have notfiied the Inspector of Build-
ings to inspect the same and shall have received from said Inspector a
notice in writing that such work is accepted. The Inspector of Build-
ings on receipt of a notice from the builder that any building or altera-
tions, additions, or repairs to any building are ready for inspection, shall,
as soon as possible, inspect the premises, but shall not accept building
until all the requirements of these by -laws as to frame, chimneys, fire
stops, furnace or steam pipes, and all other parts of the construction
have been complied with, and no building shall be occupied until ac-
cepted by the Inspector. The Inspector shall also require that all per-
manent piers, or columns needed under girders, trimmers, etc., shall be
I. place before the building is lathed and plastered.
SECTION 5. I<g".ing Permits —No oversight or neglect of duty
on the part of the Inspector of Buildings shall legalize the erection,
construction, alteration, or repair of any building in a manner not in
conformity with the provisions of this by -law, the Tenement House Act
for Towns or any State law or regulation.
SECTION 5 -A. Fees for Permils—The following fees shall be paid
by the applicant on receipt of permit.
For a permit for the erection of each single dwelling ............ $5.00
For each twin or duplex dwelling ............................... 8.00
For each apartment house (the first ten suites) .................. 8.00
Add for each additional suite .... ........................... 2.00
For each single one -story store ............. I................... 5.00
For each block of such stores (the first store) ................... 5.00
Add for each additional store ............................... 2.00
�or each school building ......... ............................... 10.00
For buildings to be used solely as halls or theatres for the first
$1000 of cost ............... ............................... 1.00
And for each additional $1000 not exceeding in all $25.00 ..... 25
For each garage for not more than 2 cars ....................... 1.00
And for each additional car .. ............................... .50
For business buildings of stores and oRues, and for all buildings
and structures not included in any of the foregoing classifi-
cations, for the first $1000 of cost ......................... 1.00
And for each additional $1010 not exceeding in all $20.00 .... 1.00
For alterations, for the first $10110 of cost ....................... 1.01
And for each additional $1000 not exceeding in all $5.50 ...... .50
The Building Inspector shall endorse upon the back of the applica-
tion the amount to be charged for the permit
The applicant shall pay this amount to the Town Treasurer who
will give the applicant a receipt for same, and endorse upon the back
of the application that it has been paid.
SECTION 5 -B —Each permit shall definitely .locate the premises
referred to, by street and number or otherwise. If no street number
has been assigned thereto, the Inspector, wherever it is practicable, shall
assign a number or numbers in accordance with the existing system.
SECTION 5 -C. Sien Imallations —No sign attached to building
shall be hereafter erected without a permit from the Building Inspector
and the compliance with all requirements of the Commonwealth and the
Town of Reading. A detailed drawing must be submitted to the Build-
ing Inspector for approval, and a fee of $2.00 will be charged.
SECTION 6. Board of Appeal —A Board of Appeal is hereby es-
tablished, to consist of three members to be appointed by the Board
of Selectmen. All the members of the board shall be residents of the
Town of Reading. The appointments first made shall be for one, two
And three years respectively, so that the term of one member shall ex-
pire each year. All subsequent appointments shall be for the term of
three years. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Board of
Selectmen, for the unexpired term. The Selectmen shall also appoint
in like manner three . associate members of the Board of Appeal. No
member shall act in any case in which he is interested, and in case any
member is so disqualified, or in the event of a vacancy, or inability to
act, his place shall be taken by associpte member designated by the
Board of Selectmen. Every decision of the board shall be in writing
and shall require the assent of at least two members and shall be a
matter of public record.
Any applicant for a permit whose application has been refused by
the Inspector or any person who has been ordered by the Inspectm to
incur expense in connection with a building, or any person dissatisfied
with the decision of the Inspector on a matter left by this by -law to his
approval or discretion, may appeal therefrom to the Board of Appeal
within ten days from the date of said refusal, order or decision. If the
refusal, order or decision of the Inspector is affirmed, the ruling by the
Inspector shall be final If the action of the Inspector is modified or
annulled the Inspector shall issue a permit or order in accordance with
the decision of said board.
All appeals shall be accompanied by a fee of five dollars ($5.OD)
Paid to the Town Treasurer. The board shall grant a hearing on each
appeal of which all persons deemed by the board to be affected thereby
shall have notice.
Upon the application of any person holding a permit the board may
by unanimous decision suspend or vary the application of provisions of
these by -laws in specific cases which appear to them not to have been
contemplated by the by -laws although covered by them, or in cases
where manifest injustice is done, provided the decision shall not con-
flict with the spirit of the by -laws. The decision shall specify the varia-
tions allowed and the reason therefor, and shall be filed in the office of
the Inspector within ten days of the hearing and a copy shall be sent
by mail to the applicant and a copy publicly posted in the Municipal
Building two weeks next following the date of the decision.
Upon like application the Board may authorize the substitution of
methods of construction or maintenance equivalent to those required
by these by -laws. A record of such substitution shall he .kept in the
office of the Inspector.
The Board shall grant a hearing on every application under thi,
subdivision of which all persons interested shall have notice.
DIVISION NO. 2— DEFINITIONS
In this building by -law, the following terms shall have the meanings
respectively assigned to them as follows:
Flirt Class Building —A first -class building shall consist of fireproof
material throughout with floors constructed of iron, steel or reinforced
concrete beams, filled in between with terra cotta or other madonry
arches or with concrete or reinforced concrete slabs; wood may be used
only for under and upper floors, window and door frames, sashes, doors,
interior finish, handrails for stairs, necessary sleepers bedded in concrete
for isolated furrings bedded in mortar. There shall be no air space be-
tween the top of any floor arches and the floor boarding.
Sueond -Chu Building —All buildings not of the first class, the ex-
ternal and party walls of which are of brick, stone, iron, steel, concrete,
reinforced concrete, concrete blocks, or other equally fireproof material.
Thied -Char BuBdin, —A wooden frame building.
Metal Baildiag —A building covered with metal on an iron or steel
frame.
Masonry—is that form of construction composed of stone, brick,
concrete, gypsum, hollow clay tile, concrete blocks, or tile, or other
similar building units or materials or a combination of these materials
set in mortar. For the purpose of this Code plain monolithic concrete
shall be considered as Masonry.
Foundation —That part of a wall below the level of the street curb,
or if a wall is not on the street, that part of the wall below the level of
the highest ground next to the wall.
Uuderpinniuy —In third -class buildings the wall reaching from the
foundation to the underside of the sills.
Height of Building —The vertical distance of the highest point of
the roof above the mean grade of the curbs of all streets upon which
the building abuts, and if it does not abut on a street, above the mean
grade of the ground adjoining the building.
Fasts Wall —A wall that separates two or more buildings and is
used or adapted for the use of more than one building.
Exterior Walt—The outer wall or vertical enclosure of a building.
Division WdLAny wall other than an exterior or party wall which
extends the full height of a building and through the roof and may or
may not carry a load.
Partition Wall —An interior wall of masonry in a building.
Boring Wall —A wall carrying any part of the interior load of a
building.
"Fire Wa6" —Is a wall which subdivides a structure, to resist the
spread of fire, by starting at the foundation and extending continuously
through all stories to and above the roof.
"Retaining WaIr —A wall,constructed for the purpose of holding
back or supporting earth.
Thickness of Wall—The minimum thickness of such wall.
Story a a Building —Any horizontal portion through a building be-
tween floor and ceiling of which the ailing is six feet or more above
the average grade of the sidewalk or ground adjoining.
The Number of Stories of a Building —The number of stories of a
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Building shall be the greatest number of stories which a building is in
height above the lowest grade of building site.
First Story of a Buddin, —The first story of a building is the first
story sixty per cent or more of which is above the mean grade of the
curb or adjoining ground if there is no street. Where there is a base-
ment that story next above the basement shall be the first story of the
building. Where there is a cellar and no basement that story next above
the cellar shall be the first story of the building.
Basement —A story partly but not more than one half below the
level of the adjacent ground.
Cell,A story more than one half below the level of the adjacent
ground.
In case the building has a basement, the cellar is that part of the
braiding below the basement.
Yard —An open unoccupied space on the same lot with any ouilding
between the extreme rear line of the building and the extreme rear line
of the lot. An open unoccupied space between the front line of the
building and the front line of the lot is a front yard. A side yard shall
be deemed an outer court on the lot live
Count —An open unoccupied space, other than a yard, on the same
lot with the building. A court not extending to the street or yard is
an inner court. A court extending to the street or yard is an outer
court.
Occupied Spacea— Outside stairways, fire escapes, porches, plat-
forms, and other projections shall be considered as part of the building
and not as part of the yard or courts or unoccupied area.
Curnun Let —A lot situated at the junction of two streets, each not
less than twenty feet in width. Any part of the width of such lot dis-
tant more than seventy feet from such junction shall not be regarded
as part of a corner lot, but shall be subject to the provisions of this act
re ,yrcting interior lots.
Interim Lot —Any lot other than a corner lot.
Front of a Lot —That boundary line which borders on the street. In
the case of a corner lot the owner may elect by statement on his plans
either street boundary line as the front.
Rear of a Lot —The side opposite to the front. In the case of a
triangular or gme lot, the rear shall be the side not bordering on the
street.
Alteration— Changes in m addition to a building.
Dead Lund —The weight of the materials used in the construction
of a building.
Live Load —Ail weight in the building other than dead loads.
Concrete —A mixture of cement, sand, broken stone or clean gravel,
and water.
Wamhous,A building used exclusively for storage.
Wooden Building —Any building which has the exterior wall con-
structed wholly or in part of wood, including wood framing covered
with metal, or plaster, or veneered with brick or other masonry.
Apartment House —Any building intended or designed or used as
the home and residence of three or more families living independently
of each other and who may have a common right in hats and stair-
ways, and in which each family shall have provided for it a separate
suite or series of rooms containing the conveniences of a modern
dwelling.
One person may be regarded as a family if occupying one of these
suites alone.
"Tanament Home" —Any house or building, or part thereof, which
is rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or is occupied, or is
intended, arranged or designed to be occupied as the home or residence
of more than two families.(a family may consist of one or more persons)
living independently of each other and having a common right in the
halls, stairways, yard, cellar, sinks, water closets or privies, or any of
them, and includes lodging and boarding houses, apartment houses, and
flat houses. Dwelling houses Built in continuous rows of more than two
houses occupied or intended, arranged or designed to be occupied as
the home or residence of one family or more having a common right
in or using in common the halls, stairways, yards, cellars, sinks, water
closets or privies, or any of them, shall be deemed to be tenement
houses.
Building or Structure— Wherever in this code the word 'Building"
is used, it shall be construed to mean building or other structure.
Garaao- -A building where one or more motor cars are kept or
stored.
Public BaiMmg —Any, building or part thereof used as a public or
private institution, schoolhouse, church, theatre, special hall, public hall,
miscellaneous hall, place of assemblage or place of public resort.
Factory—Any building or part thereof where any manufacturing
process is carried on.
Hotel —Any building intended, designed or used for supplying food
and shelter to guests and having a general dining romp or Cafe or both
and containing also more than ten sleeping rooms.
Moss" Roof —A roof formed with an upper and under set of
rafters, the lower set more verticle than the upper.
SehodhouaoAny building or premises in which public or private
instruction is afforded to not less than ten pupils at one thee.
Private Dwelling —A building intended, designed for, or used as the
home and residence of not more than one family or household and no
part of which structure is used as a store or for any business purpose.
Owner—As applied to a building or land shall include any part
owner, joint owner, tenant in common or joint tenant of the whole or
of a part of such building or land.
Rapah�The reconstruction or renewal of a building or part thereof
damaged by fire or other muse.
Gua Fttmg —The work of putting together any fittings, pipes or fix-
tures or other appliances which are to contain gas for heat, light or
power purposes and will be subject to inspection under existing laws.
DIVISION NO. &--QUALITY OF MATERIALS
SECTION 1. In Genord —All materials shall be of such quality for
the purposes for which they are to be used as to insure ample safety
and security to life, Bmb, and property. The Building Inspector shall
have the power to reject any materials which within his judgment are
-insuitable and may require tests to be made by the architect, engineer
builder or owner. Any test thus required shall be made under the su-
pervision or direction of the Building Inspector, and at the expense of
the owner.
SECTION 2. Sriek —Shall be of hard burned clay, sand -lime, or
cement and where used to sustain loads or where exposed to weather
shall be hard and strong. Second -hand bricks shall be thoroughly cleaned
before using. The absorption shall not exceed twelve per cent in forty -
eight hours as an average, m not more than fifteen per cent in any
case.
Bricks tested for approval shall develop an average ultimate com-
pressive strength of three thousand pounds per square inch —when tested
flatwise. Average must be from at least fi4e samples.
SECTION 3. Terra Celts Floor Tga —When faced with Portland
cement and tested on end shall give an average compressive strength of
not less than twenty -five hundred pounds per square inch of net area.
Average strength to be computed from five tiles.
SECTION 4. Building Blacks- -The term 'block' as used in this
building code shall mean any shape of brick, concrete, or tile which
forms a hollow or cellular wall.
Hollow and two -piece building blocks made of Portland Cement and
suitable aggregates shall develop an ultimate compressive strength at
twenty -eight days or when tested, of one thousand pounds per square
inch of gross sectional area of the block as used in the wall and shall
not fall below seven hundred pounds per square inch in any test, when
testing at least four samples.
Hollow and two piece building blocks made of burned clay shall de-
velop an ultimate compressive strength when tested of one thousand
pounds per square inch on the gross sectional area of the block as used
in the waU and no such unit tested shall fall below seven hundred pounds
per,square inch when testing at least four samples.
In the case of hollow building blocks the gross cross sectional area
shall be considered as the product of the length by the width of the
block. The allowable working stress for such block shall not exceed one
hundred pounds per gross square inch.
The Sbsorption of building blocks to be used for bearing or enclos-
ing walls shall not exceed twelve per cent in forty -eight hours as an
average or more than fifteen per cent in any case.
SECTION 5. Concrete Agpeptes —The fine aggregates shall be
sand or crushed screenings passing a one-fourth inch server,
The coarse aggregate shall consist of gravel, crushed stone, slag or
Linden retained on a one - fourth inch screen.
Cinders or slag may be used for aggregate only for walls of one-
story buildings, for floor slabs, roof stabs, partitions, fireproofing, fire -
stopping and filling.
SECTION 6. Sand —Sand or other fine aggregate for concrete shall
be clean, free from loam, shale, alkali, organic matter or other deleter.
ions substances.
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SECTION 7. Stops- Stone for concrete shall be clean, hard and
durable. For reinforced concrete it shall be of suitable size for the
work and shall be small enough to allow the concrete to pass readily
between and easily surround reinforcement and fill all parts of the
forms.
SECTION 8. Gravel —Run of bank gravel shall be used only when
and as approved by the Building Inspector.
SECTION 9. Cindan and Slag -- Cinders shall be composed of hard,
clean, vitreous clinkers reasonably free from sulphides, unburned or
partly burned coal and ashes. Slag shall be clean and hard. Shall be of
suitable size for the work.
SECTION 10. Portland Cement— Portland cement shall he a sum -
card brand of American Portland cement.
SECTION 11. Lbaa-Lime shall be free from ashes, clinkers and
other foreign matter and shall not be air3laked. -
SECTION 12. Lime Mortar —Lime mortar shall be made of slaked
lime or hydrated lime with proper proportion of sand.
SECTION 13. Cement Lime Mwtw- -Shall be thoroughly mixed
and made of one part Portland cement, not more than two parts slaked
lime or hydrated lime and not more tkan eight parts of sand by volume.
SECTION 14. Portend Cement Mortar — Portland cement mortar
shall be thoroughly mired and made of one part Portland cement and
not more than three parts of sand by volume. Lime, putty, or hydrated
lime may be added to the amount equal to fifteen per cent of the volume
of the cement.
SECTION 15. C.te— Concrete shall mean an approved mixture
cf Portland cement, water, and fine and coarse aggregate.
SECTION 16. Mfauq— Ingredients shall be thoroughly mixed,
consistency shall be such that the concrete will entirely enclose the re-
inforcement, but shall not be so wet as to cause separations of in-
gredients.
SECTION 17. Rabble Comets -- Rubble concrete is concrete noted
above with large stones added after depositing. There shall be not less
than three inches of concrete between the stones and the forms and be-
tween the edges of adjacent stones. Stones shall be clean and wet when
deposited
Rubble concrete shall not be used in any projecting footing.
SECTION 1& Jousts— Joints formed between portions of concrete
].laced at different times shall be located and made in such a manner as
not to weaken the completed structure. Whenever fresh concrete joins
concrete which is set or partly set, the surface of the old concrete shall
be rough, clean, and thoroughly wet.
SECTION 19. Perms —Forms to contain concrete shall be tight
and well braced and shall not be removed until the concrete has hardened
sufficiently to carry its load, and any superimposed loads safely.
SECTION 20. Iwpwtion —The Building Inspector may require
and appoint a concrete inspector on the work and the inspector shall
make daily reports to the Building Inspector on the progress of the
work. Expense of concrete inspector to be borne by the person or per-
sons responsible for the work.
SECTION 21. Steel, Wrought Ieas, and Gat less— Steel, wrought
iron, and cast iron for structural work shall be of a quality which, in the
judgment of the inspector, is suitable for the kind of structural work
which is to.be employed.
Detailed drawings of all the different features of construction shall
be filed with the Building Inspector and are to remain in the Town's
possession.
The Inspector may also require that the calculations by the En-
gineer shall be filed and remain in the Town's possession if the Inspec-
tor deems best.
SECTION. 22. Working Stresses for Cut Iran— Compressive
stresses in hollow cast -iron columns shall not exceed values determined
by the formula
P 40L
— equals 9,000 —
in which — equals compression in pounds per square inch,
L equals length of the column in inches, and
r equals minimum radius of gyration of the column.
The maximum allowable ratio of L to r shall not exceed 90; except
that when all allowable working stresses computed by the above for-
mula are reduced one -third the ratio of L to r may be increased, but
shall not exceed 120.
Cast -iron columns shall not be used in any case where the load is
so eccentric as to cause tension in the cast iron; nor shall they be used
for parts of the structural frame of buildings which are required to
resist stress due to wind. Tensile stresses in the extreme fiber cast iron
lintels or elsewhere, except in columns, shall not exceed 30011 pounds per
square inch.
SECTION 23. Cut brass Baus —Cast iron bases or shoes shall be
planed on top. Bases which rest on structural steel members shall be
planed top and bottom. The thickness of the metal shall not be less
than one inch. The slope of outer edge of ribs shall not be less than
forty -five degrees. If a side of the bed plate exceeds three feet in length
a reinforcing flange at least three inches high shall be provided along
such edge.
SECTION 24. Cast Iron Unteh,Cast iron lintels shall not be less
than three - fourths of an inch in thickness and shall not be used for
spans exceeding six feet.
SECTION 25. Comouse Filled Film Columns— Concrete filled pipe
columns may be used as follows:
Pipe shall be new black steel known as standard. End shall be cut
square to the axis, allowing maximum bearing on base plate. Pipe shall
be perfectly straight and have an average yield point of not less than
33,000 pounds per square inch.
Columns made of "Light Weight' 3%, or 4" tubes will be permitted
where loads are light, but not where there is any eccentric loading.
Three inch O. D. filled columns shall not be used where length is
over five feet..
Concrete filling shall consist of one part of Portland Cement, one
and a half parts of sand, and three Parts of gravel or broken stone, to
be machine mixed. Proper density to be obtained by approved me-
chanical agitation to be applied within one hour after depositing of the
concrete. Samples of concrete shall test to at least 4800 lbs. per square
inch ultimate. Under no circumstances shall pipe designed for columns
be filled on the job.
Caps and bases shall be of structural grade of steel and shalt be
designed to properly carry the imposed load. Caps and bases shall be
welded to column shaft where design calls for same.
Working strength of concrete filled pipe columns shall be deter-
mined from the following formula (in general use throughout the coun-
try) or any other formula acceptable to the Building Inspector which
takes into consideration the added strength developed through the use
of the two combined materials and which will show, a factor of safety
of at least three and one -half.
P —(Ac plus 12 As) (160124 I /d).
P —Safe carrying capacity in pounds.
Ac —Area of concrete in square inches.
As —Area of steel in square inches.
I— Length of column in inches.
d— Diameter of column in inches.
Limit of length 40 diameters.
Eccentric loading shall be carefully figured wherever it occurs and,
with computations for concentric loading, shall be submitted to the
Building Inspector when a Permit is desired. When such calculations
are accepted by the Building Inspector no change shall be made from
the make or size of column specified on the plans.
All concrete filled pipe columns shall bear the name of the manu-
facturer plainly stencilled on them.
When required by the Building Inspector an applicant for a permit
for construction including concrete filled pipe columns, shall employ an
inspector satisfactory to the Building Inspector who shall inspect the
filling of the columns and attach a permanent label to such columns
inspected and approved.
No concrete filled pipe columns will be accepted unless furnished
by a manufacturer of concrete filled pipe columns who has made sat-
isfactory strength tests at a recognized testing laboratory. Copies of
these tests shall be filed with the Building Inspector.
Longitudinal steel reinforcement in concrete filled pipe columns
when straight, symmetrically placed and faced for bearing at the ends
shall be assumed to be integral with the shell and the radius of gyra-
tion of the combined metal cross section shall be used with the allow.
13
able unit stress of the weaker metal in computing the capacity of the
column.
A concrete filled pipe column when surrounded by an outer shell
with one or more inches of concrete between shall be considered to
have a one and one half hour fire rating. Should a higher rating be de-
sired additional concrete shall be placed between inner and outer shell.
This additional concrete and shell around a central load bearing column
shall not be considered as adding to its working strength.
SECTION 26. Wood Coasuraetion —Where the Building Inspector
deems it necessary intersecting timbers shall be carried on approved
steel hangers.
All frames are to be properly mortised and dowelled, or bolted and
spiked together, to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector.
No construction shall be approved until framing plans have been
filed and approved by the Inspector.
SECTION 27. TimbwAll timber for structural purposes shall be
free from defects such as injurious ring or round shakes; and through
shakes that extend to the surface, from unsound and loose knots and
knots in groups that will materially impair the strength; rot, worm
holes and defects caused by manufacture.
DIVISION NO. 4—BUILDING LIMITATIONS
SECTION 1. No buildings, except a manufactory, railway station,
telephone exchange, stable, church, schoolhouse, hotel, garage or hall
for public assemblies shall hereafter be erected. and no existing building
shall be altered or added to, thereby giving it a frontage of more than
50 -feet, without one or more partition walls of brick or some incom-
bustible material, extending from the bottom of the cellar, or from a
foundation wall through the roof and projecting at lust IV (inches).
Such walls shall not be more than fifty feet apart throughout the length
of the building. No existing building having a frontage of more than
fifty feet shall be converted to a use not excepted by this section with-
out at least one partition wall, constructed as described in this section.
Provided, howSver; that any single dwelling house intended for one
family may be extended more than fifty feet in one direction without
such partition wall.
SECTION 2. All buildings hereafter erected within one hundred
feet of an area bounded by a line beginning at the Junction of Salem
and John Streets, thence running along John Street to Village Street
continuing to Washington Street. Thence turning and running along
Washington Street to High Street, thence along High Street to Mt.
Vernon Street, thence along Mt. Vernon Street to Linden Street to
Lowell Street, along Lowell Street to Salem StreeL along Salem Street
to John Street at the point of beginning, shall be constructed of brick,
stone or concrete, and have slate, metal or composition roof - covering
and metal gutters.
14
DIVISION NO.S —LOADS
SECTION 1. Dead Lwda —Dead Loads shall
consist of the weight
of walls, floors, roofs, and permanent partitions. The
weights of various
materials shall be assumed as follows:
lbs. per
cu. ft.
Birch.......................... ...............................
42
Brickwork ..................... ...............................
120
Cement. ............... ........................................
94
Concrete, cinder, structural .... ...............................
106
Concrete, cinder, floor filling ... ...............................
96
Concrete, stone ................ ...............................
144
Douglasfir ....................................................
36
Earth.......................... ...............................
95
Granite........................ ...............................
168
Granolithic surface ............ ...............................
144
Gravel......................... ...............................
120
Limestone ...................... ...............................
150
Maple........................... ...............................
42
Marble...................... :.................................
168
Oak............................ ...............................
48
Pine, southern yellow .......... ...............................
42
Sandstone...................... ...............................
144
Spruce.......................... ...............................
30
Terra Cotta (architectural) voids unfilled .....................
72
Terra Cotta (architectural) voids filled ........................
120
lbs. per
sq. ft.
Gravel or slag and felt roofing . ...............................
6
Plastering on Metal Lath, exclusive of furring ................
8
SECTION 2. Live Lasda—Live Loads shall
include all loads ex-
cept dead loads. All floors and stairs shall be of
sufficient strength to
bear safely the weight to be imposed thereon in
addition to the dead
load, but shall safely support a minimum uniformly distributed five load
per square foot as specified in the following table:
lbs. per
Class of building
sq. ft.
Assembly Halls .............. ...............................
100
Fire Houses
Apparatus floors ........... ...............................
150
Residence floors ........... ...............................
40
Garages
Private, not more than two cars .............................
75
Private, more than two cars . ...............................
100
Public....................... ...............................
I50
Grandstands .................... ...............................
10D
Hotels, lodging hooves, boarding houses, clubs and
hoapitab
Public portions .............. ...............................
75
Private portions ............. ...............................
40
Is
M9nufacturing
Heavy....................... ............................... 250
Light........................ ............................... 125
Office buildings
First floor ................... ............................... 100
Allother floors .............. ............................... 60
Public buildings
Public portions ........................................
Office portions ............... ............................... 60
Porches and Piazzas ........... ............................... 40
Schools
Assembly halls ............... ............................... III
Class rooms, never to be used as assembly halls .............. 50
Sidewalks ......................... ............................ 250
Or four tons wnceatrated, whichever gives theiarger moment
or shear.
Stables— Public or mercantile
Street entrance floor ........ ............................... 125
Carriage and stall rooms ..... ............................... 50
Stairs, corridors and fire. escapes from assembly halls ........... 100
Stairs, corridors and fire escapes except from assembly halls ... 75
Storage
Heavy............. ........... ...... ......................... 250
Light........................ ............................... 125
Stores
Retail........................ ............................... 125
Wholesale.................... ............................... 2110
SECTION A 91a1s, Arch and Beams to have sufficient strength to
bear Live and Dead Load —Every plank, slab and arch and every floor
beam carrying one hundred square feet of floor or less shah be of suf-
ficient strength to bear safely the combined dead and live load supported
by it.
SECTION 4. Live Load Radmtion —In all buildings except ga-
rages, gymnasiums, storage buildings, wholesale stores and assembly
halls, for all flat floor slabs of over one hundred square feet area, re-
inforced in two or more directions and for all floor beams, girders or
trusses carrying over one hundred square feet of floor, the live Mad
may be reduced ten per cent. For the same, if carrying over 200 square
feet of floor, 15 per cent reduction: For the same if carrying over alp
square feet of flooq 25 per cent reduction.
These reductions shall not be made if the member carries more than
one floor and therefore has its live load reduced according to the table
below.
In public garages, flat floor slabs of over three hundred square feet
of 'area, reinforced in more than one direction and for all floor beams;
girders and trusses carrying over three hundred square feet of floor and
for all columns, walls, piers, and foundations, twenty -five per cent re-
duction of the live load may be made.
16
In all buildings except storage buildings, public garages, wholesale
stores for all columns, girders, trusses, walls, piers, and foundations:
Carrying one floor no reduction
Carrying two floors 10% reduction
Carrying three floors 251/6 reduction
Carrying four floors 40% reduction
Carrying five floors 5017t reduction
Carrying sic floors 60%. reduction
(No reduction allowed on snow loads.)
SECTION 5. Reef Lwohr (In addition to dead loads).
Vertical Lam wind Land
M.h Per as. Pt. Per Sq. Pt.
N Fansono, PetpendxWar
Projection to Surface
Less than V per foot ................. 30
V to -8" per foot ............ .:........ 15 10
8" to 12" per foot ..................... lu 15
More than 12" per foot ............... 5 20
These two loads shall be figured both acting separately and together.
SECTION 6. Wind loads on Vertical Surfaces per square foot
Up to 40' O"- in heights ......... _ .............................. 10 Ibs.
Portions 411. 0° to 80' 0' above ground .......................... 15 ibe.
Portions more than 80' V above ground ....................... 20 lbs.
If the resisting moments of the materials of construction are not
sufficient to resist the moment of distortion As to wind pressure with-
out exceeding the stresses of this by -law, additional bracing shall be
introduced to supply the deficiency m the moment.
DIVISION NO. I1— EXCAVATING
All excavations shall be protected, by sheet piling if necessary, by
the persons causing same to be made, that the adjoining soil shall not
cave in by reason of its own weight. It shall be the duty of the owner
of every building in the process of construction or alteration to furnish
or cause to be furnished such support to adjoining buildings or property
that they shall not be endangered by any excavation. All permanent
excavations shall be protected by retaining walls. In cue of any failure
to comply with the provisions of this by -law, the Inspector may enter
upon the premises and may furnish such support as the circumstances
may require. Any expense so incurred may be recovered by the town
from the persons required by law to furnish the support.
DIVISION NO. 7-FOUNDATIONS
SECTION 1. In Ge ... I - Foundation loads of every building, ex-
cept temporary structures, shall be carried dawn to satisfactory bearing
material by means of properly designed walls, piers, grAiages or piling,
which shall be so designed and located as to permit the loads they come.
mit to be distributed over the bearing area with a unit intensity not
+xceeding the allowable value given in this building by -law.
Every foundation shall be carried down at least four feet below any
17
adjoining surface exposed to freezing and no footing shall be started on
soil which is in a frozen condition.
Any brick, terra cotta, or concrete block wall in the basement or
cellar used to carry loads shall have a footing of stone or concrete not
less than 10" thick and four inches wider than the wall. Small stones
shall not be used.
SECTION 2. Soil VJaerin the absence of satisfactory tests of
then sustaining power, the maximum allowable bearing values of the
various kinds of satisfactory bearing material shalt be as follows:
Tom per
sq. ft.
Solid ledge rock ............. ............................... 100
Slash, and hardpan ........... ............................... 10
Gravel, compact sand and hard yellow clay .................. 6
Wet or dry sand or coarse or medium grains, hard blue clay
mixed or unmixed with sand, disintegrated rock ........... 5
Medium stiff or plastic clay, mixed or unmixed with sand or
fine - grained dry sand ...... ............................... 4
Fine wet sand (confined) .... ............................... 3
Soft clay protected against lateral displacement, ............. 2
SECTION 3. Definitions —(a) Solid Ledge — Naturally formed rock,
such as granite and Others Of similar hardness and soundness, normally
requiring blasting for removal.
(b) ShdrLaminated slate or clay rocks removable with more or
less difficulty by picking. s
(c) Hardpan —A thoroughly cemented mixture of sand and pebbles,
or of sand, pebbles and clay, with or without a mixture of boulders and
difficult to remove by picking.
(d) Gavel —A natural uncemented mixture of coarse or medium
grain sand with a substantial amount of pebbles measuring one - fourth
of an inch or mare in diameter.
(e) Sand (compact). Requiring picking for removal,
(f) Sand (loose). Requiring shoveling only.
(g) Sand (medium grain). Individual grains readily distinguished
by eye though not of pronounced size.
(h) Sand (fine grained). Individual grains distinguished by eye only
with difficulty.
(i) Hard Clay. Requiring picking for its removal.
(j) Dhietageated Rock —The residual deposits of decomposed ledge.
(k) Medium Qay —Still sad plastic but capable of being spaded.
(I) Soft Clay—Putty -tike in consistency and changing shape readily
under relatively slight pressure.
The materials described in items c, d, e, f, g, i, j and k shall be in
relatively thick beds if full loading value is used. Otherwise if under-
laid by a softer material, the value assigned to that material shall be
used
Foundations may be of brick, stone or poured concrete, or concrete
blocks.
ALL foundation walls below grade shall be figured as retaining walla.
Rubble stone shall be allowed where the building does not exceed
forty feet in height and the foundation wall is less than ten feet in
18
depth. No rubble wall shall be less than eighteen inches in thickness.
All rubble stone walls shall be bonded by through courses laid in one-
half cement and one -half time mortar
DIVISION NO. THICKNESS OF MASONRY WALLS
SECTION 1. Walls to be Strom Enoofh. -The thickness of mas-
onry wails shall be in all cases, irrespective of the requirements of this
section, sufficient to keep the stresses in the masonry within the working
stress prescribed by this code.
A -In Masonry wails, Brick shall be considered standard.
B -Walls of reinforced concrete may be reduced 4" to not less
than g ".
C -Walls of Terra Cotta blocks to be increased V over brick and
not less than 12."
D -Walls of concrete, or cinder blocks shall not be considered in
any case for party walls.
SECTION 2. Single ar Two Family DwelBma -For single family
I two - family dwellings not over three stories high with wooden floor
beams spanning not more than fifteen feet, all exterior, party, bearing
and fire walls shag be not less than twelve inches thick for that portion
between the ground and the first floor and not less than eight inches
thick above the first floor, Fear", however, that the ends of floor
timbers on opposite sides of the wall shall not be nearer than eight
inches to cacti other.
.SECTION 3. Dwe11im• Not Mere Than Three Stories and Twenty
Feet Wide- -For dwellings not over three stories high with floors span-
ning not more than twenty feet, all exterior walls shall be not less than
twelve inches thick for a basement and eight inches thick above the
basement, and all party, fire, and bearing walls shall be not less than
twelve inches thick. 1, case any part of such building is adapted for
any use other than inhabitation, all walls surrounding that part of the
building must be twelve inches thick.
SECTION 4. All Other Dwel ing., etc. For all other residences
and for hotels, clubs and hospitals, all exterior, party, fire and bearing
walls above the foundations shall have the following minimum thickness
in inches:
Stories - Basement 1 2 3
1 Story buiktim 12 12
2 Story building ...... .. ........ ...... 12 12 12
3 Story building 16 16 12 12
SECTION 5. Other Buildfnn -For all other buildings, exterior,
party, fire and bearing walls above foundations shall have the following
minimum thickness in inches:
Stories Basement 1 2 3
1 Story building (a) .................... 12 12
2 Story building .............. 16 16 12
3 Story building ....•........ ........... 16- 16 16 12
(a) In case the floor area is less than five hundred square feet the
wall thickness may be eight inches, if of brick
19
Provided, however, that if any part of any budding is lower than
the rest, the lower part may have walls of thickness required for a
building of height equal to lower part.
SECTION 6. Foundation Walls—The foundation wall shall be at
least four inches thicker than the required thickness for the wall of the
first story. The thickness herein given shall apply to all masonry walb
unless they are reinforced by a frame or skeleton of steel, or reinforced
concrete.
SECTION 7. Meaunlne Plum or B.Icouy —For the purpose of this
by -law any balcony or mezzanine floor of more than ten feet span shall
be considered as forming a story in fixing the thickness of walk which
support it.
SECTION 8. Aahla In reckoning the thickness of walls, ashlar
shall not be considered unless the walls are at least sixteen inches thick
and the ashlar is at least eight inches thick, or unless alternating courses
are at least four and eight inches to allow bonding with the backing.
Ashlar shall be held by metal clamps to the backing or be properly
bonded to the same.
SECTION 9. Vemered Walb -- Masonry veneer applied to the
walls of irame structures shall rest directly on the masonry foundation
of the structure and shall be not less than 3); inches thick It shall be
securely attached to the frame structure at intervals of not more than
15 inches vertically and 24 inches horizontally by approved ties of in-
corrodible material. Flashing shall be applied wherever necessary to
prevent moisture from penetrating the facing.
DIVISION NO.f —FIRE PROTECTION
SECTION 1. Firepeeefiog —All structural metal supporting or
forming part of the frame, floors, roof or columns of any first -class
building except as otherwise exempted by this by -law, shall be protected
against the effect of heat
No masonry wall or pier shall be carried by wood
All steel work carrying masonry shall be fireproofed except as noted
below.
Protection may consist of:
(a) Concrete case in forms and fn direct contact with the structural
members reinforced in such manner as to carry out the intent of the
above.
(b) Terra cotta clamped in place and set in mortar.
(c) Brick work set in cement mortar.
(d) Any other material that will resist the action of flames and a
heat of 1700° Fahrenheit
SECTION 2. Thiclaress of FjnV s,,fieg -0n columns carrying
masonry —ly" against edges of flanges; 4" elsewhere.
On columns carrying only floors or roofs or both -155' against
edges of flanges; 3" elsewhere.
Isolated columns on exterior of building the thickness of protection
may be reduced to one inch when the same is covered with an outer
shell of cast iron and concrete, except that for isolated columns on the
exterior of one story buildings fire protection may be omitted
20
On beams and girders carrying masonry -2 ". Trusses carrying
masonry -3".
On beams and girders carrying floors or roofs or both -1" on top;
I%" elsewhere. Trusses carrying floors or roofs or both -3 ".
On beams, deeper than 15" or having a flange width of more than
7y."—l" on top; 2" elsewhere.
On minor construction such as lugs, brackets, braces, etc." be-
yond tip of bolts or rivets.
On reinforced concrete columns -1 /" outside vertical remimce-
ment.
Reinforcement in slabs shall be protected by at least Y4" concrete.
Reinforcement in girders, beams, columns and walls shall have at
least lr/." covering.
Concrete Footings and Walls— Reinforcement in concrete footings
to have 3" protection all around, and in walls against earth a protection
of 2" cover of concrete.
Plaster on metal lath shall not be considered as a fire protection
to steel or it n structural members except that where suspended ceil-
ings of metal lath and plaster leave not less than one inch of air space
against the protective covering of such structural member, the protective
covering may be one inch in thickness. When a suspended ceiling is
used for fire protection it shall be of metal lath and plaster with hang-
ing rods, etc. of metal.
The above requirements as to fire protection shall not apply in the
following cases:
(a) Structural steel in second and third -class buildings, in any case
in which wood without fire protection would be permissible under this
by -law.
(b) Structural metal in spaces entirely enclosed and when protected'
against fire on the outer side.
(c) Lintels under stone or brick unless over ten feet span.
(d) Building built in whole or in part of a better class of construc-
tion than is required by this by -law shall have such protection as would
be required in a building of the type that would be allowed.
(e) Metal work in a non - bearing partition, and for furrings and
metal m support finish or equipment, for metal of stair construction,
and suspension rods for galleries.
(f) Metal other than columns carrying no loads other than ceilings,
or suspended balconies not over eight feet wide.
(g) Roof beams, roof girders and roof trusses unless carrying
masonry.
SECTION 3. Fhestoppiag —(a) Where floor beams rest on par.
tition caps or on girders, wall guts or wooden sills, fill in between such
beams, from the caps, girders, girls or sills to four inches shove lining
floor above, solid with brick and mortar or other fireproof material.
(b) Iu brick buildings, the space between the furring on the outside
waW, or brick partition shall be filled flush with mortar for a space of
five inches in width above and below the floor beams of each story.
21
(c) Where basement or other flights of stairs are enclosed by par-
titions of brick or wood, the space between the studs or wall furring
must be so fire - stopped with brick or mortar as to effectually prevent
any fire from passing up between such studs or furring back of the
stair stringers.
(d) All flights of stairs between two floors most have a smoke stop
built between tin, stringers and properly constructed.
SECTION 4. Stem and Dwelling Built iv Blaeb—Every second
or third class building, composed of two or more sections, which may be
occupied for store or dwelling purposes shall have the partitioas or walla
separating such sections laterally, constructed of incombustible material
from the basement floor to the underside of the roof boarding.
SECTION 5. S4'vway and Chimney Fivestepping— Spaces between
stringers of stairs and joists of landings, unless stairs are unceiled or of
incombustible materials shall be firestopped with masonry at least once
in each flight of stairs.
All spaces around chimneys shall be firestopped with plaster, metal
lath and plaster or masonry.
SECTION 6. Fieestoppiegyouw Applied— Fkestopping shall com-
pletely fill all openings where it is applied; all chases for pipes shall be
firestopped adjacent to other required firestopping and by the same ma-
terials except that metal lath and plaster may be used.
SECTION 7. Rat- proefag —No building operations shall be per-
mitted which will cream unnecessary permanent spaces where rats will
find refuge and breed.
SECTION & Replacing and Repairing FhestePping —Any, altera-
tion of any kind requiring the cutting of any firestopping shall have
the firestopping replaced or repaired in a manner suuh as will carry out
the intent of this by -law.
SECTION 9. T ®ben m Seeaml Cl— Buddimp The ends of all
wooden floor or roof timbers in second class buildings shall enter the
wall at least four inches and the end of all such beams shall be so shaped
or arranged that in case of fire they may fall without injury to the wait
SECTION 10. Furnace curl Smdre PiP-,All ceilings immediately
over a furnace and for three feet on each side thereof, and all ceilings
over indirect radiators, shall, except under fireproof floors, be metal
lathed and plastered.
All vent and smoke pipes for furnaces and heaters, hereafter in-
stalled, shall be placed not nearer than twelve inches to any wood, lath
and plaster, wallboard, or board partition, ceiling or woodwork, unless
such partition, ceiling or wood -work is protected by a metal shield sus-
pended two inches or more from the surface to be protected. No smoke
pipe from any heating or cooking apparatus shall be run through any
enclosed or concealed space unless the same shall have been approved
by the Inspector.
Where such pipes pass through a lath and plaster or board parti-
tion, they shall be protected by ventilated metal collars at least three
inches larger in diameter than the pipe. Where such pipes enter the
chimney, the opening into the same shall be protected by a Boston type
safety collar built at least four inches into the brickwork of the chim-
22
ney. No such pipes shall pass through the roof or exterior wall of a
building.
No gas stove or gas water, heater shall be used until a suitable flue
for the same shall have barn installed in the building. If no brick
chimney can be entered a cast iron pipe or screw pipe may be used if
not less than four inches internal diameter and extended through the
root A drip fitting shall be used on the end of the line extended into
the cellar of not less than one and one - quarter inch pipe size with cap
fitted on lower end. Changes in direction of the line shall not exceed
forty -five degrees. Vent pipes to gas stoves shall not be placed nearer
than three inches from any woodwork or lath and plaster partition.
Where it should prove necessary to go nearer to woodwork or lath and
plaster partitions than above specified a shield of incombustible ma-
terial may he used with the approval of the Building Inspector.
SECTION 11. Rgistar Boxes—All hot .air register boxes in the
floors or partitions of building shall be set in sdapatone or equally fire-
proof borders and shall be made of tin plate or galvanized iron and
shall have pipes and boxes properly fitted to the borders. If indirect
but water or steam heat is used, the Building Inspector may modify or
dispense with the foregoing requirements.
SECTION 12. Hat Air Pipes —Hot air pipes in floors between
joists shall be covered with incombustible material and not be nearer
than one inch to any woodwork. There shall be a metal firestop in
such horizontal run over ten feet long filling entire space between joists,
ceding, underfloor and hot air pipe.
Hot air pipes in partitions of new buildings or in such alterations
as require new lathing and plastering shall be at least one inch from
any woodwork. This distance may be reduced if metal lath and plaster
is used over the space in which the pipe is located.
In partitions of existing buildings a double pipe must be used with
at least three- quarters of an inch air space between pipes or the hot
air pipe must be well covered with incombustible material. No pipes
with any damage to the covering occurring before or during installa-
tion will be accepted until thoroughly repaired to the satisfaction of the
Building Inspector.
SECTION 11 Special Cassa —Any building used or to be ured for
any purpose which creates a fire hazard, such as boiling fat, painting,
oil storage, etc., shall have the approval of the Chief of the Fire De-
partment before the Building Inspector issues the permit
SECTION 10. Shis,gksd Reofs — Asphalt shingles shall be of stan-
dard quality. Wood shingles shall not be used for roof covering on any
building over eight feet in height or over one hundred feet m area.
Existing wood shingled roofs may be repaired with wood shingles when
said repair is less than one- fourth of the roof surface. No asphalt
shingles shall be applied over any existing wood shingles.
SECTION 15. Sprmklase—In any building where the fire hazard
is increased to excess by the nature of the occupancy the Chief of the
Fire Department may order sprinklers installed. Upon failure to cone,
Ply with such orders the Building inspector, upon notice from the Chief
of the Fire Department shall forthwith post on the building a notice to
the public warning of said fire hazard.
23
SECTION 16. Flom ArrrThe area between exterior walls m
fire walls in buildings other than dwellings shall not exceed the fol-
lowing:
First Class Building ••. 10,000 sq. it
Second Class Building ..... .....' ......................... 6,000 sq. ft.
Third Class Building ..... ............................... 2,500 sq. ft.
In 'a building fully equipped with a standard system of automatic -
sprinklers approved by the Inspector, the above areas may be increased
one hundred per cent in first class buildings and fifty per cent in other
buildings.-
SECTION 17. Opeohge for Ft. Fightings- In every store a clear
opening covered with )a" plate glass 10" x 10° shall be provided be-
tween first floor and basement. This opening is to be centrally located
and in a position which will not be covered by counters or other fix-
tures.
If called for by the Chief of the Fire Department, additional open-
ings may be required for stores having an area exceeding $00 square
feet or stores with divided basements.
SECTION M Height Limitatieus
(a) First Clsn BuildivgrThe limit of height of first class buildings
is forty feet, but in no cast shall they exceed in height twice the width
of the widest street, way, or place, on which they are located.
(b) Seeend Chss Buildings -The limit of height of second class
buildings is forty feet, but in no case shall they exceed in height twice
the width of the widest street, way or place on which they are located.
(c) Third Chss 11.4dinli—The limit of height of third class build-
ings is thirty -five feet, but in no case shall they exceed in height twice
the distance from then front to the middle of the street, way or place
on which they are located.
(d) Projections Abeye Height Limits The provisions of the above
paragraphs of this section do not apply to chimneys, flag poles, weather
vanes, and and exhaust pipes, pent houaea, ventilators, railings, parapets,
cornices, or similar minor structures, which may exceed the heights
specified.
SECTION 19. Exceptions —The Building Inspector, on written ap-
proval of the Board of Selectmen, may issue a permit for the erection
of a church steeple, belfry, dome, cupola, or tower, or for a grain eleva-
tor, coal pocket, or gas holder exceeding the limits specified above.
SECTION 20. Phases of Assembly —No building hereafter erected
or altered to be used as a theatre, jail, school, hospital, asylum or in-
stitution for the care or treatment of persons, or halls seating more than
one hundred persons, or the height of which exceeds twenty-five feet
to the ceiling of the upper awry, shall be of third class construction.
DIVISION NO. ItiREQU1REMENTS FOR ALL BUILDINGS
Section 1. Permits —No building, structure or foundation shall be
constructed or altered without .permit and such work shall be done
in accordance with drawings or descriptions bearing the approval of
the Building Inspector.
u
SECTION 2. Fouadations below Frost— Foundations of all build-
ings shall go below frost line, or not has than 4'-Y' below finished
grade.
SECTION 3. Sepyarte, Shoring a" Branmg —Every structure in
process of construction, alteration, repair or removal, and every neigh-
boring structure or portion thereof affected by such process or by any
excavation, shall be sufficiently supported during such process.
The Building Inspector may take such measures as the public safety
,requires to carry these into effect.
SECTION 4. Chimneys, Height Above Roof —Every chimney flue
shall be carried to a height sufficient to protect adjoining buildings from
fire and smoke and shall extend at least four feet above the highest
point of contact with the roof. Provided: that in no case is it required
that the chimney be extended more than two feet higher than the high-
est point of the roof.
SECTION 5. Access to Roof —Every permanent building more
than two stories in height, having a flat roof, shall have permanent
means of access to the roof from the inside by an opening not less than
2' 0" x 3' 0" with stairs or a fixed step ladder.
SECTION 6. Egress Required —Every building shall have, with
reference to its height, conditipn, construction, surroundings, character
of occupation, and lumber of occupants, reasonable means of egress
in case of fire, satisfactory to the Building Inspector, except that in all
factories or workshops hereafter built or altered where ten or more
persons are employed above the second story, one exit shall consist of
a fireproof stairway enclosed id incombustible material. A fire escape
may be considered as one means of egress for the portions of the
building which it serves.
Every building over two and one -half stories in height shall have
one stairway enclosed in an incombustible shaft. Stud partitions, fire -
stopped full height with brick, terra cotta, or concrete, and covered
with metal lath and plaster on the stair side, will be construed as satis-
factory unless the occupancy is such as in the opinion of the Building
Inspector to require greater protection from fire.
SECTION 7. Protection from Frost —Water pipes in every build-
ing shall be properly protected from frost.
SECTION & Chimse o —All chimneys of masonry construction
shall have walls at least eight inches thick, or be constructed of four
inch brick walls with fire clay flue lining, laid in mortar from the bot-
tom to two inches above the top. Steel or cement stacks shall be per-
missible under such conditions as the Building Inspector shall prescribe.
Every chimney not attached to a brick wall shall be built so that the
center of gravity shall be at least sin inches inside the chimney walls at
the base unless supported by steel.
Chimneys not starting from the foundation walls shall rest upon a
continuous support of metal or masonry extending to the ground.
Adequate iron mantel bars or masonry arches shall be used over
all fireplace or grate openings. The jambs and backs of all fireplace,
range or grate openings shall be at least eight inches thick Hearths of
fireplaces shall be laid on brick or other trimmer arches, or upon bars
of iron supporting a four -inch bed of masonry.
Open fireplaces, set - grates, set - ranges, set - kettles and the like shall
have fireproof foundations, with fireproof hearth extending not less
than sixteen inches from the grate or ash -pit. No masonry structure
to contain fire shall be allowed on a wooden floor in any building.
A Icam t door or doors shall be provided at the lowest point of
all chimney flues.
All wood forms for under hearths shall be removed after masonry
has set.
SECTION 9. Notice of Unsafe Chimneys —If any chimney, flue
or heating apparatus shall be found by the Inspector to be umafe, he
shall at once notify in writing, the owner, agent or other party having
an interest in said premises, who, upon receiving said notice, shall make
the same safe.
SECTION 10. Water- eleret Enelorme —Every enclosure contain-
ing one or more water - closets shall be provided with adequate ventila-
tion to the outer air by window cur by suitable shaft or duct.
SECTION 11. Fleur Ties- -Every flour insecond class buildings
.hall havt its beams tied to the walls and to each other with wrought
iron straps or anchors at least three - eighths of an inch thick by one
and one -half inches wide and not less than eighteen inches long, so as
W form coati..... ties across the building not more than ten feet apart.
Walls running parallel or nearly parallel with floor beams shall be prop-
erly tied once in ten feet to the floor beams by iron .straps or anchors
of the size above specified.
SECTION 12. Wooden Nesters and T -ssumn Every wooden
header or trimmer more than four feet long carrying a floor load of
more than seventy pounds per square foot, shall, at connections with
other beams, be framed or hung in stirrup irons.
DIVISION NO. 11— REQUIREMENTS FOR WOODEN BUILDINGS
SECTION 1. Feundations-
If of brick —act less than twelve inches thick.
If of solid concretrnot less than ten inches thick, prooided: that
for one story wooden dwellings, with basement not over 10' 0" in height
the walls not exceeding 35 -feet in length need not exceed 8 inches in
thickness.
If of hollow block construction —not less than twelve inches thick.
If of rubble laid in mortar —not less than sateen inches thick.
Mortar not to be poorer than one part cement, one part lime, and
eight parts -sand, measured by volume.
The foundation wall shall rest on a fooling course at least twenty -
four inches wide and one foot thick if required by the character of the
soil Before starting any masonry, the Building Inspector must be noti-
fied and his approval must be given.
SECTION 2. Underpismhq�Every wooden building hereafter
erected or enlarged the sills of which do not ...I directly upon the foun-
dation as above described but on an underpinning, shall have such un-
der- pinning made of brick, stone or concrete, or concrete blocks and
26
the underpinning shall be at least eight inches thick, except where stone
is used the underpinning shall be at least sixteen inches thick.
SECTION ]. Framlag —AII parts to be of sufficient strength fol
its purpose.
For buildings having more than 250 square feet in area, posts, sills
and girls shall not be less than 4" x V. Studs shall not be more than
sixteen inches on centers for buildings more than one story high, or
twenty inches for a one -story building.
Bearing partitions to have studs not less than 2" x 4°, spaced not
over sixteen inches on centers, and are to be properly bridged.
All angles between partitions or between partitions and walls to be
locked strongly, giving what is known as 'Solid corners."
All posts shall be properly heated in each story with no less than
two by four inch studding.
When ledger boards are used the wall space of ledger boards shall
be tightly filled with at least two -inch furring cut in between studs.
All posts and girls shall be properly mortised, tenoned and pinned
in each story. When ledger boards are used they shall be at least 4:'
by six inches and be gained full size into post and studs. Ail other parts
of frame to be nailed or pinned together.
Ledger board shall not be used where there is no exterior wall
boarding; wall guts shall be framed to posts and pinned.
Ledger boards shall not be used except for carrying attic floors.
Under main partitions the girders shall not be less than six by eight
inches, hard pine or its equivalent. Under all cross partitions there shall
be double joists or their equivalent. Headers and timbers of all open-
ings more than four feet square in the floors shall be floor joists doubled
or their equivalent.
Beams carrying main or cross partitions in first story shall be sup-
ported on stone, brick, or concrete piers, or inspected and labeled filled
iron or steel posts or columns not more than eight feet apart.
SECTION 4. Attie Fluor T ®berg --Same as specified below for
other floors.
SECTION 5. Roof Rafters —Poor rafters in buildings which are
twentrto thirty feet wide and have pitched roofs, shall not be less than
two by six inches, twenty inches on centers and in buildings over thirty
feet wide with pitched roofs, rafters shall measure not less than two by
eight inches, twenty inches on centers.
Collar ties to be used when necessary.
SECTION b. Flat Roofs —Flat roofs shall be timbered same as
floors.
SECTION 7. Ceass Partitions —All cross partitions shall rest on a
wood shoe or sole, two inches thick by the width of the studding used
in the partition.
SECTION & Bridglai —All floor and flat roof timbers shall have
one row of bridging where span is from seven to ten feet and two rows
of bridging where span is over ten feet Bridging stock shall be not
less than one by three inches. Each end of bridging to be well nailed
with at least two nails. Bridging which splits when nailed is to be re-
moved, as not fulfilling the intent of this by -law. Metal bridging may be
used.
27
SECTION 9. Floor timbers in wooden buildings, used for dwe0ings
when cf good sound stock set sixteen inches on centers, shall be of Else
following sizes or their equivalents:
Size of
Span Timber
Not mare than F 0" ....................................... . 2 z 6
Not more than 13' 0. ........... ............................... 2 z 8
Not more than 16' 0" ........... ............................... 2 x 10
Not more than 18' 0" ...: ....... ............................... 2 x 12
Not more than 20' 0- ..:.. ...... ............................... 2 x 14
Not more than 22' ll ........... ............................... 3 z 12
Not more than 24'0" ........... ............................... 3 x 14
Timbers over 18' V span shall be crowned.
Deflection of floor timbers shall not exceed 1 -360 of the span where
ceiling below is to be plastered.
The size and span of timbers as given above, can only be varied
with the consent of the Building Inspector.
DIVISION NO. IL PROHIBITIONS
SECTION 1. Recess in Wall--No recess or chase shall be made in
any external or party wall so as to leave the thickness at the back less
than eight inches.
SECTION 2. TimMra m Party WdI - -.No roof or floor timber en-
tering a party wall shall have less than four inches of solid brick work
between it and the end of any other timber.
SECTION 3. No dischvge open a Straet —No part of any roof
shall be constructed in such a manner as to discharge snow, ice or any
other material upon a public street or alley.
SECTION 4. Obay.aton Stands —No elevated staging or stand
for observation purposes shall be constructed or maintained except in
accordance with plans approved by the Building Inspector nor upon
the roof of any building.
SECTION 5. Chimney—No chimney shall be corbelled from a
wall more than the thickness of the wall.
No chimney shall be hung from a wall which is less than twelve
inches thick.
No vent pipe from a gas appliance set in the cellar of an old house
shall enter any chimney used for heater, stove or fireplace, unless it has
a separate entrance to chimney ten or more inches above smoke pipe
from such heaters.
No gas stove or heater set in a kitchen of an old house shall be
allowed unless a vent pipe is run from such heater or stove to a vent
through the roof as provided in Division No. 9, section No. 10 or, by
the permission of Inspector of Buildings, is attached to smoke pipe of
coal stove.
No masonry shall rest upon wood except wooden piles and mud sills
and wooden floors carrying the or concrete for finish or brick flogging
in wood stud partitions.
No part of any floor timber shall be within two inches of any
chimney.
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No studding or furring shall be within one inch of any chimney.
SECTION 6. Boilers and Favoaces --No furnace or boiler for
heating shall be placed upon a wood floor unless the floor is made safe
with fire resisting material satisfactory to the Building Inspector.
No smoke pipe shall project through any external wall or window.
No steam, furnace, or other hot air pipes shall be carried within one
inch of any woodwork unless such pipes are double or otherwise pro-
tected by incombustible material.
No combustible partition shall be within three feet of the sides and
back, or within six feet of the front, of any boiler carrying a pressure
of over ten pounds unless the partition is covered with incombustible
material which extends the full height of the partition from end or
back of boiler to at least five feet in front of it. In such case the dis-
tance shall not be less than two feet from all sides and back and five
feet from the front.
Wooden ceiling beams over the boiler and to a distance of three
feet from the boiler on sides, front and back, shall be protected by a
metal lathed and plastered ceiling.
SECTION 7. Boiler Mader Public Way —No boiler shall be placed
or maintained under any public way.
SECTION & 'Prots tkmx`' No part of any structure, except cor-
nices, string courses, window caps and sills, shall project over a public
way or square.
No cornice shall project more than three feet, nor more than twelve
inches over a way of a width of thirty feet or less.
Fire escapes and outside means of egress conforming to State re-
quirement and satisfactory to the Building Inspector may project over
a public way, but the Board of Selectmen may require a bond to pro-
tect the Town from damages resulting therefrom.
Signs, advertising devices, clocks, marquees, permanent awnings
and other like structures projecting over any public way shall not be
placed or maintained without a permit from the Building Inspector with
the approval of the Board of Public Works.
All such structures shall be constructed and, when attached to the
building, shall be connected therewith in accordance with requirements
of the Building Inspector.
The Building Inspector may require a bond to protect the Town
from - damages resulting therefrom.
Roof Sigas —All flat roof signs shall be set back 33 of its height and
bottom of sign not less than 4' 0° up from roof. It shall be of steel
frame construction, and drawings must be submitted for approval by
the Building Inspector.
The preceding requirements shall act apply to poles, wires, con-
duits and appurtenance; of railroad, railway, telegraph and telephone,
water, gas, electric light, heat and power companies.
SECTION 9. No opening between cellar of house and garage un-
less there are self- closing metal -clad doors in these openings, with a
threshold at least eight (8) inches high unless the floor of garage is
eight (8) inches or more below the cellar floor.
29
DIVISION NO. 13- 11ALCONIES, FIRE ESCAPES
and FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS
SECTION 1. When outside metal stairways and balconies are
placed on buildings as additional means of egress, they must be de-
signed and constructed in accordance with the rules and regulations
existing at the time of installation as promulgated by the Department
of Public Safety of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
DIVISION NO. I4 ELEVATORS
All elevators and dumb waiters, including shafts, machine rooms
and penthouses, shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations
existing at the time of installation as promulgated by the Department
of Public Safety of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
DIVISION NO. 15-- GARAGES
(PebBe Garage)
SECTION 1. No building shall be erected or converted to be used
as a public or commercial garage unless it be of first or second -class
construction throughout and such use shall have been previously au-
thorized by the Board of Selectmen.
(Private Camps)
SECTION 2. All garages built beneath or against the superatru-
ture of dwellings shall be enclosed by brick, terra cotta or concrete walls
or wood stud partitions at least four inches thick filled solid between
studs to the full height with brick, terra cotta or gypsum blocks laid in
mortar and plastered on both sides with two coats of cement plaster on
metal lathing. All windows in exterior walls shall be steel or metal
covered sash with wired glass. Ceilings must be metal lathed and plas-
tered.
SECTION 3. No private garage shall be built to bold more than
three cars. Second -class garages shall not be placed less than five feet
from the property line. Garages placed less than five feet from the
property line shall be of first class construction. All garage windows
within five feet of a property line shall be of metal sash glazed with wire
glass. Garages of third class construction shall be not less than ten feet
from the lot line and not less than ten feet from any dwelling.
SECTION 4. No private garage not built under or against a dwell-
ing shall be less than forty feet from any street line. But the Board of
Appeal may, on petition, permit a different location when in their opin-
ion such location will not be detrimental to the character of the neigh-
borhood.
DIVISION NO. I"PARTMENT HOUSES, HOTELS,
AND LODGING HOUSES (Scope)
SECTION 1. All apartment houses, whether erected as such, or
converted or altered to such use, are subject to the provisions of this
30
by -law. No apartment house shall at any time be altered so as to be in
violation of any provision of this by -law.
SECTION 2. Caestruedov —Every apartment house hereafter
erected of three or more stories in height shall be a building of the first
class except as hereinafter authorized.
SECTION 3. Sand Class Censtiactiov —An apartment house of
not more than three slories in height covering a ground area of not
more than three thousand -five hundred square feet to contain not more
than twelve apartments may be a building of the second class if the
following additional conditions are complied with:
1. To have not more than four apartments in one story.
2. The ceilings and walls of all basements, hallways, landings and
stairways of said apartments shall be of masonry or plastered on ap-
proved incombustible material in manner satisfactory to the Inspector,
and all such stairways shall be enclosed in brick or concrete walls, and
the doors leading from such stairways to apartments shall be self -dos-
ing fire doors approved by the Inspector.
3. The floor of the front entrance hall up to and including the stair
enclosure in the first story shall be of fireproof construction.
4. The frpnt entrance hall, up to the stair enclosure shall be at least
and six feet wide in the clear a each of the front stair halls, stairways,
and landings, and the least horizontal dimension of the space enclosed
by the stairways and its landings shall be at least forty inches.
S. Where a three -story apartment house contains not more than
three apartments, the above requirements of paragraph "2" for brick
or concrete stairway enclosure wells above the first floor and the re.
quirements of paragraph "3" shall not apply, but such stairways shall be
enclosed with wood stud partitions filled solid between studs with brick,
terra cotta or gypsum blocks laid in mortar, and plastered on both sides
with three coats of cement plaster on metal lathing, with kalamein doors
and frames.
6. The first story, or basement, or both the first story and base-
ment in habitations of second class construction not more than thirty -
five hundred square feet in superficial area, hereafter erected or re-
modeled may be used for mercantile purposes; provided that the floors
and walls separating partitions are brick - nogged, and all walls, parti-
tions and ceiling cement plastered three coats on metal lathing, and
having no communicating doors or other openings between the two
Portions; of the building.
DIVISION NO. I7— DUPLEX HOUSES
SECTION 1. Every duplex house shall have a separating partition
plastered on metal lath on both sides, or wholly filled between the studs
with brick and mortar or concrete up to the ceiling of the upper fin-
ished story and resting 'on an eight inch brick or block wall in the
cellar.
SECTION 2. Every block of three or more dwelling houses shall
have a brick division wall at least eight inches thick between each two
dwellings, said wall to extend up to the under side of the roof covering.
31
SECTION 3. CA., Ceilings -In all apartment houses of second
and third class construction hereafter erected, the cellar or basement
ceilings shall be made smoke tight by lath and plastering or by some
other manner approved by the Inspector of Buildings.
DIVISION NO. IS—OPEN AREAS
SECTION 1. Yards— Behind every apartment house except those
on corner lots there shall be a yard extending across the entire width
of the lot and at every point open from the ground to the sky ouob-
structed. Est, part of the yard shall be accessible to a public way and
shall be measured from the extreme rear of the house to the rear line
of the lot. If the apartment house is three stories or less in height, the
depth of the yards, in case of other than corner lots shall be at least
twelve feet and shall be increased in depth one foot for every additional
story in height of the building above three stories, and the depth of the
yard in the rear of corner lots shall be at least ten feet with an ine,se
of one foot for each additional story.
SECTION 2. Oster Courts —Where one side of an outer court is
situated on the lot line, the width of the said court, measured from the
lot line to the opposite wall of the building for apartment houses three
stories in height, shall not be less than six feet in any part, and the
depth of said court not more than five times its width, and such width
shall be increased one foot throughout the entire 'height of said build-
ing for every additional story in height. Where an outer court is sit.
uated between wings or parts of the same building or between different
buildings on the same lot, the width of the court, measured from wall
to wall for apartment houses three stories in height, shall not be less
than twelve feet in any part, and the depth of said court not more than
two and one half times its width, and such width shall be increased two
feet throughout the entire height of said building for every additional
story in height. Wherever an outer court changes its initial horizontal
direction or wherever any part of such court extends in a horizontal
direction so as not to receive direct light from the street or yard, the
length of such portion of said court shall never exceed the width of said
portion, and no windows except windows of water closet compartments,
bathrooms, or halls shall open upon any o6 -sec or receu less than twehe
feet in width.
SECTION 3. Inner Courts —Where one side of an inner court is
situated on the lot line, the width of the said court, measured from
the lot line to the opposite all of the building for apartment houses
three stories in height, shall not be less than ten feet in any part, and
its other horizontal dimension shall not be less than sixteen feet in any
part, and for each additional story in height of the said building such
width shall increase out foot throughout the entire height of said court
and the other horizontal dimension shall be increased two feet the en-
tire height of said court.
Where an inner court is not situated upon a lot line but is enclosed
on all four sides, the least horizontal dimension of the said court for
apartment houses three stories in height shall not be less than twenty
feet, and for every story increase in height of said building the said
fG
court shall be increased two feet in each horizontal direction through-
out the entire height of said court Every inner court shall be provided
with an intake connecting with the street or yard at least three feet
wide and s n feet high with open grill doors containing at least fifteen
square feet of unobstructed openings. The intake shall have fire walls
satisfactory to the Inspector.
SECTION 4. Courts Open at Ta,,_No court of an apartment house
shall be covered by a root or skylight but every court shall be at every
point from the ground to the sky unobstructed.
SECTION 5. Buildings on Same Lot with Apartment Heeaea —If
any building, except a one -story garage of first -class construction, is
hereafter placed on same lot with an apartment house there shall always
be maintained between the buildings an open unoccupied space extend-
ing upward from the ground and extending across the entire width of the
lot, not less than twenty -four feet in depth. Where either building ex-
cads three stories in height, the depth of the open space shall be in-
creased two feet for each story above three stories. No building of any
kind, except a garage as above specified, shall hereafter Im placed upon
the same lot with an apartment house so as to decrease the minimum
size of courts or yards as heecinbefore prescribed. If any apartment
house is hereafter erected upon any lot upon which there is already
another building, it shall comply with all the provisions of this by -law,
and in addition the space between the building and the apartment house
shall be of the size arranged in the manner prescribed in this section,
the height of the highest building on the lot to regulate the dimensions.
SECTION' 6. Yards Net Fronting on Street, eix When an- apart-
ent house does not front upon a street, a public way, or a passageway,
not less than fifteen feet wide, the requirements of this section as to
yards shall apply to the front as well as to the rear of such apartment
house. The yard behind one apartment house shall not be deemed to
satisfy in whole or in part the requirements of a yard in front of an-
other apartment house.
SECTION 7. Permanency of Yards and Courts —No apartment
house shall be hereafter enlarged or its lot so diminished, and no build-
ing of any kind shall be hereafter so placed upon the same lot with an
apartment house, as to decrease the minimum depth of yards or the
minimum size of courts or yards required by this by -law for apartments
hereafter erected.
SECTION g. Rose Tenements —No building hereafter erected, con-
verted, or placed shall be used as an apartment house unless it faces on
a public street or has the use of a way or place not less than forty feet
wide leading to a public street.
SECTION 9. Lighting and Ventastion —In every apartment house
the total window area in each room including water - closet compart-
ments, except where mechanically ventilated, shall be at least one eighth
of the superficial area of the room, but in no case less than three square
feet, and at least one window shall have the upper half of it made so
as to open the full width. Every living room, except compartment tot
water- closets only, shall have at least one window of twelve square feet
iF
area opening directly upon a street or upon a yard or court. The win-
dow shall he so located as properly to light all parts of the rooms.
SECTION 10. Window. in Stair Hall—In every apartment house
there shall be provided for each story one or more windows at least two
feet six inches wide and five feet high, measured between the stop beads,
to tight and ventilate each stair hall, unless the well hole enclosed by
the stairs be at least three feet square.
SECTION 11. Rooma�In every apartment house there shall be
in each apartment at least one room containing not less than one hun-
dred and twenty square feet area, and every other room, except bath-
room and water closets, shall contain out less than ninety square feet -
of floor area. All rooms shall be in every part not less than eight feet
from the finished floor to the finished ceiling. Alcove rooms shall be
considered a portion of the rooms from which they open.
SECTION 12. Basement ar Cellar Rooms —In apartments here-
after erected or converted or altered for such use, no room in the cellar
or in the basement with floors below the level of the ground shall be
constructed, altered, converted, or occupied for living purposes' without
a written permit from the Board of Health. Such room shall be at least
eight feet high in every part from the floor to the ceiling, and shall have
a window or windows opening Upon a street or upon a yard, court, or
area at least six feet wide. The total area of windows in such rooms
shall be at least one- eighth of the superficial area of the room, and each
window shall be made to open at least one -half of its full area, and the
top of each window shall be within sin inches of the ceiling.. The ceil-
ing of such room shall be at least four feet six inches above the surface
of the street or ground outside and adjoining the same. All walls and
floors of such rooms shall be thoroughly drained on the outside and pro-
vided with dead -air apace.
Every apartment house shall have the walls below the ground level
and the cellar floor damp -proof
SECTION 13. Shafts—A11 shafts hereafter constructed in apart-
ment houses shall he of fire- protected construction throughout, with
approved fire doors or metal sash and wire -glass at all openings.
But nothing in this section contained shall be so construed as to
require such enclosures about elevators or dumb - waiters in the well -
hole of stpjrs where the stairs themselves are enclosed in brick m atone
walls and are entirely constructed of fireproof materials.
SECTION 14. Vent Shafts —Every vent shaft hereafter constructed
in an apartment house shall be at least twenty square feet in area, and
the last dimension of such shaft shall not be less than four feet. A vent
shaft may be enclosed on all sides, but shall not be roofed or covered
over in any way so as to impede proper ventilation:
SECTION 15. Cella Enlraoe�ln every apartment house here-
after erected there shall be an entrance to the cellar or other lowest
story from the outside of the building.
SECTION IG CIO"" Unda Sts: ,r In any non - fireproof build-
ing, any portion of which is used or occupied as an apartment house,
no closet of any kind shall be constructed or maintained under any stair.
SECTION 17. Priracy —In every apartment house hereafter
R!!
erected there shall be in every apartment at least one water closet lo-
rated in a separate compartment which shall be accessible without pass-
ing through any bedroom.
SECTION 1& Chimney —In every apartment . house hereafter
erected there shall be at least one adequate chimney running through
each apartment with a proper place provided for connecting a stove,
grate, or fireplace with said chimney.
SECTION 19. Water Supply —In every apartment house hereafter
erected, there shall be is- each apartment a proper sink with running
water.
SECTION 20. Egrem. Every apartment house hereafter erected
shall have at least two separate stairways from each apartment to the
ground, access to these stairways being at two points as far . apart as
possible.
SECTION 21. Re mperiag —No wall paper or kalsomine or other
wash shall be placed upon any wall or ceiling or other portion of any
apartment house unless all old paper, kalsomine or wash shall first be
removed therefrom and said wall or other portion of building thor-
oughly cleaned.
SECTION 22. Peeeltim— Whoever violates any provision of these
by -laws or whoever alters or maintains any structure or any part there-
of in violation of any provision of these by -laws shall be punished by a
fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
DIVISION NO. 111— PLUMBING
SECTION 1. Application for a permit to do plumbing within the
limits of the Town shall be obtained by Plumber from the Board of
Health and such permits shall be granted by said Board before any
plumbing work may be done, excepting as to repairs or leaks. All per-
mits issued for plumbing, if not begun within thirty days from date of
the issuance of such permit, shall become void.
SECTION 2. The rules and regulations adopted by the State Board
of Labor and Industries, Section 133 of Chapter 149 of the General Laws
shall apply to every factory, workshop, manufacturing, mechanical,
mercantile, or other establishments within the limits of the Town where
sinks, closets or other plumbing is or may be installed.
SECTION 3. Garages and other establishments connected with the
public sewers, where gasoline and other dangerous volatile oils are
used, shall have floor drains constructed as approved by the Plumbing
Inspector, and if such drains are connected with cesspool, they shall be
installed in accordance with plans to be approved by the Board of
Health.
SECTION 4. Duties of Plumbers —The inspector of plumbing must
be notified by the plumber when the main drain, soil, waste, branch con-
nections or ventilating pipes are in position, and all calked joints neces-
sary to be made in the job, are finished and ready to be tested in the
presence of the Inspector. Such test shall be that known as the water
test. The Inspector must again be notified immediately after the work
is completed and before it is concealed from view.
35
SECTION 5. All plumbing work must be left uncovered and con-
venient for examination until inspected and approved, and until approval
has been granted to the plumber in charge by said Inspector at the sat-
isfactory completion of said work. If on inspection, the work is not
satisfactory; the plumber will be notified, and a limit of five days (un-
less otherwise permitted) given in which to complete the work.
SECTION 6. Drew, Soil sod Waste Pi" The plumbing system
of every building, (except that of a public garage or stable, which if at
the rear of the lot may connect with the house drain) shall be separ-
ately and independently connected outside of the building with the
public sewer, and if such sewer is not provided, then with a proper and
adequate private drain or sewer, connecting with a septic tank or cess-
pool approved by the Board of Health and placed not less than 10 feet
outside of foundation wall.
Cast iron house drains shall extend not less than ten (10) feet from
the inside face of the wall, beyond and away from the building, and,
unless impracticable, must be in a position at time of test The drain
and sewer connection, or septic tank, shall not be covered or concealed
until permission of plumbing inspector has been obtained.
All soil pipes placed under ground within or outside of building
shall be extra heavy cast iron pipe.
Soil pipes above the ground to be of cast iron and of the quality
known as standard soil pipe.
Said pipes shall be securely ironed to walls, laid in trenches, sus-
pended by strong iron hangers, or supported on suitable brick piers and
shall, with a uniform grade, have a fall toward sewer, septic tank or
cesspool of not less than one- fourth inch per foot; and shall be supplied
with a Y branch placed with an accessible brass screw clean -out inside
the building at or near the point where it leaves the building. All per-
manent hangers, clamps, or brick piers 'shall be placed at intervals of
eight feet, and shall be placed before test is made.
There shall be suitable brass screw deanouts, at all angles or hori-
zontal pipes where the same are possible, and at foundation walls in a
direct line with the sewer or cesspool, and at such other points as the
Inspector may direct.
All clean -outs below the cellar bottom must be accessible for in-
spection and cleaning through movable covers. Change in direction
shall be made with curved pipes and all connections shall be made with
Y branches. No T -Ys allowed.
SECTION 7. Soil Pipes —The soil pipes of every building shall be
carried above the roof open and undiminished in size at least two feet
and two feet above the top of any opening within fifteen feet in any
building, or when roofs are used for drying clothes or other purposes
vent most be extended eight feet above.
All branches of soil or waste pipe fifteen feet or more in length
shall be continued in the above manner, or into the main soil pipes, at
a point above the top of the highest fixture in the building. Iron pipes
when passing through the roof of the building, shall be made water
tight with sheet copper or four pound street lead.
Joints on iron pipe shall be made with oakum and molten lead thor-
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mighty caulked. Connections of lead pipes with iron pipes shall be made
with heavy brass ferrules and caulked to the iron; the lead pipes to be
attached to the ferrules by a round, wiped soldered joint. All joints
made of solder shall be full wiped joints.
SECTION g. Rain -water Leaders —No rain -water leaders shall be
connected with the housedrain, sewer, cesspool or septic tank.
SECTION 9. Refrigaratoea—Waste pip., from refrigerators or
other receptacles in which provisions are stored, shall not be connected
with a drain, soil, or other waste pipe, unless such waste pipes are pro-
vided with traps suitably - ventilated, and in every case there shall be
an open tray or sink between the trap and refrigerator.
SECTION 10. Blow -off or Drip Pies —No steam exhaust, blow-
off, or drip pipe, shall connect with the sewer, house drain, soil or waste
pipe, but shall discharge into a suitable tank or condenser, from which
a proper out -let to the, drain or sewer shall bf provided.
SECTION 11. Trnpe —£very water fixture having a waste -pipe
connected with a sewer or cesspool shall be furnished with a separate
trap placed as near as possible to the fixture that it serves, except that
where a sink and wash tray, or bathtub and bowl wine in contact with
each other, one round trap will be permitted for both, provided that
the distance between the trap and the fixture does not exceed three
feet.
Where a 2" line of pipe passes through roof two sinks or wash trays
may connect to same without venting lower trap. When a closet is
installed and a four inch pipe runs through the roof, one sink or lava-
tory may be connected to said pipe without further venting providing it
is the top fixture.
Top fixture on any stack need not be vented if within five feet of
suck, or if a water closet not over 42' from stack.
Where Esterbrook fitting is used m venting required if trap u with-
in five feet of stack and trap is under floor.
Where built -in bathtubs are installed they shall have a separate
trap, unless water seal in trap is twelve (12) inches below bottom of
tab.
Where S traps are used they shall be of brass or other such metal
as may be appro.ed by the Inspector and not less than one and one-
half inches in diameter, and where round traps are used they shall be
so placed, if posvb,s, that the trap screw shall be under water.
A suitable grease trap shall be connected with the kitchen sink in
every hotel, resmu.anq public cooking establishment or such other
places as may b. required by the Inspector.
Every enclosure containing one or more water closets shall be pro-
vided with adequate ventilation to the outer air, either by window or
suitable light s. alt. No water closet shall be set in any room or apart.
ment that has not it window having at least three square feet opening
directly to the external air.
When two or more fixtures are used on one line, the waste pipe
must be of iron and not less than two inches in diameter.
The waste pipe from every fixture most enter the trap separately.
The waste from every trap must enter the soil pipe separately, on
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all new work, except that a "Y" may be connected to Esterbrook Fitting.
Every water - closet or line of water - closets shall be supplied from a
tank or gush valve.
SECTION 12. All traps shall be protected from syphonage or air
pressure by special cast iron, brass, or galvanized iron pipes, of a sae
not less than the waste pipes they serve, except that for water -closet
traps, they shall not be less than two -inch bore for thirty feet or less,
and shall not be less than three -inch bore for more than thirty feet.
Whenever galvanized pipe is used for vent, the fittings shall be of
cast iron and if used for waste the fittings must be recessed aalvanized
iron.
In old buildings,. where it is impossible to vent a trap, a non - syphon- -
ing trap may be used if approved by the Inspector.
Continuous vent shall be used'where possible.
Galvanited pipe may be used to connect soda fountains or other
fixtures where they are not connected or directed to sewer or cesspool.
A short piece of galvanized pipe may be used to connect wash bowl
or bath tub, not to exceed twenty -four inches.
SECTION 13. Back Vents —Air pipes less than 1% inches in di-
ameter, when running over twenty feet, or when serving more than two
traps, shall be increased to ly inches, and all air pipes shall be run as
direct as possible, and shall have such continuous slope as to avoid col-
lecting water by condensation.
Whenever there are more than two closets, said air pipes shall not
be less than three inches . in diameter.
All vent pipes shall be so constructed as not to allow the formation
of a trap, or be used as waste pipes.
No vent pipes shall connect with any other vent pipe until it has
attained the height of the top of the fixture whose trap it ventilates.
No bow vcnting,.solder .unions where washer or packing is used, or
venting in new buildings from the trap screw of a round tram will be
allowed.
Lead air pipes -may be used only where they are exposed to view,
and in no case shall they be allowed behind walls or sheathing, or other
Places inaccessible to inspection.
SECTION 14. Any person or persons receiving written notice from
the Board of Health, or its agent, served upon him or them, of any viola-
tion of these regulations, shall, within a time not to exceed ten days,
make such alterations as are called for in such notice..
SECTION 15. When old houses are to be connected to sewer ail
fixtures must be entered and properly trapped and ventilated and water
tested to height of first fixture.
SECTION 16. In any house where the only fixture is a aid, and
connected to a cesspool or sewer there shall be a continuous vent.
SECTION 17. No water closet shall be installed in any room or
enclosure, basement or cellaq of any dwelling house or other structure
on be occupied and used for domestic purposes unless it is encased by a
Partition with close fitting door or doors. (For outer air and ventilation,
see Section I1.)
SECTION 1& No range boiler shall be installed unless its capacity
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is plainly marked thereon in terms of the Massachusetts standard liquid
measure, together with the makers' business name in such manner that
it may be easily identified. No copper, iron or steel pressure range
boiler, whether plain or galvanized, or other vessel or tank in which
water is to be heated under pressure shall be installed without having
stamped thereon the maker's guarantee that it has been tested to not
less than two hundred pounds hydraulic pressure to the square inch,
and no such boiler or other vessel or tank in which water is to be heated
under pressure shall be installed if the working pressure is greater than
forty-two and one -half per cent of the guaranteed test pressure and
marked thereon by the maker, and no such boiler or other vessel or tank
in which water into be heated under pressure shall be installed unless
it has a safety temperature and pressure relief, and vacuum valve. With
the waste or blow -off piped to some open fixture, no traps in waste
pipe, and pipe protected from any chance of freezing, to prevent syphon -
age and expansion or explosion. And the Plumbing Inspector must be
notified when this work has been completed.
SECTION 19—Tht Board of Health shall see that these mdmances
and regulations of the town regarding plumbing are enforced. Who-
ever violates such regulations of the Board of Health shall pay a penalty
of not exceeding fifty dollars.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
GAS PIPING
In order to insure public safety and - provide an uninterrupted supply
of gas it is necessary to adhere to certain rules and regulations when
installing gas piping and gas burning appliances.
SECTION 1. Inspection —No piping shall be covered or concealed
from view until same has been inspected by the Inspector. All work
must be installed according to the rules and regulations adopted by the
Town of Reading, complete in all details and made tight before making
appointment for inspection. Twenty -four (24) hours shall be given be-
fore such inspection is required.
SECTION 2. All gas piping shall be of iron or steel. All fittings
shall be malleable iron; galvanized pipe and fittings are prohibited. Iron
or steel pipes shall be installed in accordance with the following scale:
SECTION 3-
Diam. in inches ft- % Y4 1 1% 1% 2
Length in feet 26 30 50 70 100 150 200
No. of burners 3 6 20 35 60 100 200
SECTION 4. No riser or main pipe less than Y4° shall be allowed.
The service pipe must have connected to it, close to the wall, a heavy
malleable tee, the end of the von capped or plugged. The outlet side
shall have a close nipple and L with a main shut-off cock made into L.
On buildings of more than one user, each inlet river should have
connected to it, in cellar, a full way stop cock the same sae as riser.
Risers shall be run to within five feet of that part of foundation wall at
which service pipe will enter building, the bottom of riser to have drip
tee.
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SECTION S. Outlets for gas ranges shall have a diameter not lees
than that required for six burners except where gas is used for cooking
and heating only, then the outlet shall be not less than 3/4" and all
ranges and heaters shall have a tee handle cock of the service pipe.
SECTION 6. No outlets shall be placed back of doors, order tank.
or within four feet of any meter.
SECTION 7. (Tankr )—Every tank shall be equipped with a suit-
able relief valve of approved type located on the tank proper or on the
hot water pipe connected on the top of tank when the relief valve is
connected in the pipe line said pipe must be so installed that the measure
of water in the tank will be exerted against the valve to open it. No
stop cocks shall be placed between valve and tank.
DIVISION NO. 211—INSPECTION OF WIRES
Rule. and Regulations for the Inepectien of Wirer, etc.
SECTION 1. An Inspector of Wires shall be appointed annually
by the Selectmen and shall hold office from the first day of April in
each year and until his successor is appointed. The Selectmen may re-
move him at pleasure. He shall keep a record of the business of his
department and submit a repoft to the Selectmen in writing on or be-
fore February 1st of each year.
SECTION 2. The Inspector of Wires shall have supervision of all
electric and other wires erected upon, over or under any street, way or
building, and of every wire within any building, when such wire is de-
signed to carry electric lighting or power currents, and shall have
authority over, and shall inspect such wires, their conditions, attach-
ments, insulation, supports and appliances so as to secure safety to life
and property, and shall see that the provisions of Chapter 166 of the
General Laws and all acts in amendment thereof and addition thereto,
and all other laws, ordinances and regulations relating to electric and
other wires, are strictly enforced; and shall give notice promptly to any
person or corporation owning or operating any such wires, when m his
judgment the same is unsafe or is not placed and kept and maintained
in accordance with the requirements of said chapter or the provisions
of any other law, ordinance or regulation.
SECTION 2. Said Inspector shall supervise all notes supporting
electric or other wires upon or over any street or building, and all sup-
ports of such wires when attached to buildings, and ascertain if all said
wires and supports are not weakened by decay or other causes and in
case a person or corporation owning, leasing or operating wires shall
neglect or refuse to cut out and remove any wires so abandoned for use,
said Inspector shall remove such wires at the expense of such person car
corporation.
SECTION 4. Every person or corporation owning, leasing or oper-
ating such wires within twenty -four hours after written notice served
by said Inspector shall make substitution, repairs or alterations of such
poles, supports or attachments as may be.required by said Inspector.
SECTION 5. All wires, appliances and apparatus in the interior
of public buildings or on private premises, and which are intended for
the transmission of electricity and to be connected with an outside cir-
cuit, shall be made, placed and arranged, and at all times kept to the
satisfaction of said Inspector; and said Inspector at all proper and rea-
sonalsle times, shall have access to such wires, apparatus or appliances.
No person shall put in, place, change or alter the position of any such
wires, appliances or apparatus without having first notified the Inspec-
tor, who shall be given full opportunity to inspect the same before they
shall be covered or enclosed. No wires shall be placed in any building
in process of construction until all gas, steam, sewer, water and fur-
nace pipes have been placed in proper position and at least forty -eight
hours notice shall be given the Inspector that the building is ready for
lathing before any lathing is done or before any of the wiring or other
part of the electric lighting system therein is covered by lathing or
otherwise.
SECTION 6. Wires in the interior o1 any public building or on
private premises intended to be conuected with an outside circuit, shall
not be so connected with any wire or wires crossing or running along,
over or under any street or way, without written permission having been
obtained therefor from the said Inspector.
SECTION 7. Every person or corporation operating electric or
other wires upon, over or under any street, way or building in the town,
upon the request of such Inspector, shall furnish him within fifteen days
thereafter, accurate fiats of the poles or other supports of their wires,
the number of cross arms in use with each and the number of wires at-
tached thereto, the location of conduits and manholes, with information
as to localities where and what service is rendered, whether telegraphic,
telephonic, fire alarm or otherwise.
SECTION S. The said Inspector, upon request, shall also be fur-
nished by any person or corporation owning or operating electric wires,
with such information as to kind, size and tested strength of supporting
or service wires, the average volts charged or used, together with such
other information as may by him be considered necessary to the faith-
ful and effectual discharge of his duties.
SECTION 9. In no case shall a current of electricity be connected
to any system of wiring or apparatus intended to be used for power or
lighting without permission being first obtained and a written permit
granted by the Inspector of Wires. The jurisdiction of the Inspector
is intended to include all public and private electrical systems that are
now and may hereafter be installed in the town of Reading.
SECTION 10. In case of fire, the Chief Engineer, or the Engineer
acting as such, shall have full power and authority to order and cause
any electric wire or wires to be cut or removed, and electric currents
discontinued until the fire is extinguished.
SECTION 11. Every person or corporation engaging in the busi-
ness of wiring buildings or other electrical work in the town of Read-
ing, shall first satisfy the Inspector of Wires that he or they are com-
petent to perform such work, and all work done shall be reported on the
official forms of this department.
SECTION 12. Architects are required when drawing plans and
specifications to make provisions for channeling and pocketing cf build -
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ings for electric light and power wires. No gas lighting will be allowed
on the same fixture with the electric light.
SECTION 13. Any person or corporation who shall do or attempt
to do any electrical construction work, whether original work or altera-
tions without giving written notice to the Inspector of Wires, or after
request from said Inspector failing to furnish him with a working draw-
ing of the proposed construction or alteration, and obtaining from him
a written permit, to do such work, may be punished and the orders of
the Inspector enforced, as provided by Section 33 of said Chapter 166.
SECTION 14. This ordinance shall not be construed to relieve or
lessen the responsibility of any party owning, operating or controlling
any electrical equipment, for damages to anyone injured by any de-
fect therein, nor shall the Town be held as assuming any such liability
by reason of the inspection authorized herein or certificates issued by
its agents and servants, exercising the rights or powers given herein.
SECTION 15. Every person or corporation, private or municipal,
within the Town, shall affix at the point of support at which any such
wives; or cables containing wires, is attached, a mark, on the cross arm
(or bracket where such is used in place of a cross arm) a tag, designat-
ing the Owner or use of such wire or cable. No such tag or mark shall
be required for the wires of a street railway company used for trans-
mission of its motive power or for the protection or support of such
wires, for a current with a potential of 500 volts or under, but all cross
arms and wires shall be marked as herein described on alternating high
tension transmission lines, and suitable guard wires placed over them.
SECTION 16. The violation of any of the above rules and regula-
tions may be punished in accordance with the penalties prescribed by
provisions of law governing the same.
SECTION 17. Whoever violates any provision of the Electric Wir-
ing by-laws shall in cases not otherwise provided for, forfeit and pay
for each offence a fine not exceeding fifty (50) dollars to be paid into
the Treasury of the Town of Reading.
DIVISION NO. 21— REPEAL AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 1. All by-laws relating to Building, Plumbing, and Elec-
trical Wiring, heretofore adopted are hereby repealed; but the pro-
visions of the foregoing by -laws so far as they are the same as the
provisions of by -laws hitherto in force, shall be construed as a contin-
uation thereof, and not as new enactments.
SECTION 2. The repeal of a by -law heretofore adopted shall not
affect any act done, ratified or confirmed, or any right accrued or estab-
lished, nor any action, suit or proceeding commenced or had in a civil
case, nor affect any punishment, penalty or forfeiture incurred under
such by -law.
A true Copy.
Attest: NORMAN P. CHARLES,
Clerk of the Town of Reading
Bwton, Mae.., April 15, 1942.
The foregoing by -law is hereby approved.
ROBERT T. BUSHNELL,
Attorney General
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