New Building Code Information

As of Jan 1, 2018 the 9th edition of the Mass Building Code is the only code in effect.

• Builders must be familiar with the new code (2015 IRC,IBC,IEBC, IECC, IMC, with Massachusetts Amendments)
• As of January 2017 - Energy Code is IECC 2015 version -we are also a Stretch Code Community!

Go to the Office of Public Safety website for more details

Building Code Information
Note:

• As of January 1, 2018: 9th edition of the State Building Code for both 1 & 2 families and the Base Code for all other work is in full force and effect. (IBC and IRC with MA amendments for both).
•  As of January 1, 2015: Residential New Construction will require Radon Mitigation be installed.
•  As of July 1, 2014: I-Joist protection in basements is required.
   See I Joist Floor Protection Methods in Building Documents - Left column under additional links
•  As of July 1, 2014: Stretch Energy Code Now In Effect!
•  August 3, 2011: 8th edition of the State Building Code for 1&2 families is now in full force, effective August 3rd, 2011 (IRC with MA amendments).
•  February 19, 2011: Sheet Metal / Mechanical Permits: Required as a separate permit.
   Trench permits are required and are accessed through the building department's online permitting system (see link above)
• July 6, 2010: The Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety has adopted the Federal Lead Paint Regulations. Please go to the State Department of Labor Standards website to access information on this program.

FEMA Information

NEW: Flood Plain Information, Due to the refinancing of many homes there has been an increased number of phone calls asking about flood plain information.

FEMA has updated all flood maps and is now accessible from the web. Go to the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website and that will bring you to the website to make flood maps of your area. On the left hand side type in your address and a map will show up for your area. You can print that map from the directions given on the site. You may also use the Town of Westford GIS mapping system to help in finding what the approximate elevation is of your property (do that by using the layers tab on the left hand side of the screen, open up the base layers folder and go down to contours - click on it!).

The Town of Westford is available to assist you in your search for flood plain information.

Note: Any changes that are made to the FEMA FLOOD MAPS are through FEMA and you may need the assistance of a licensed Surveyor to address proper elevations for your property. 

Attention

As of January 1st. 2015: All new construction for sprinkler and fire alarms shall be permitted through the Westford Building Department (not the Fire Department). Any repairs or renovation to an existing building's fire protection systems will still require permits from the Fire Department!