USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1933 > Part 8
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of Buildings and he shall have charge of the construction, maintenance and repair of such public property as may here- after be placed under the Supervision of the Building Depart- ment by order of the Town Meeting, Town Moderator, Board of Selectmen, Committees or Trustees of any Department of the Town of Saugus or by statute.
SECTION 2. The Superintendent of Buildings shall be ap- pointed annually as of April first by the Board of Selectmen. The Superintendent of Buildings may be removed from office for cause by the Board of Selectmen but prior to such removal shall be given a public hearing if he or she so requests.
SECTION 3. The Superintendent of Buildings shall be the Inspector of Buildings, who shall perform the duties set forth in the Building Ordinances of the Town of Saugus.
SECTION 6. The Superintendent of Buildings must be an able and experienced architect, builder, or a person qualified by technical training or experience to properly perform the duties of the office.
SECTION 7. The salary of the Superintendent of Buildings shall be as determined by the Board of Selectmen and ap- proved by the Town Meeting of the Town of Saugus.
TITLE AND SCOPE
The following ordinances provide for all matters concerning, affecting or relating to the materials, inspection, construction, alteration, repair, height, area, location and use of building erected or to be erected in the Town of Saugus, except as limited by the laws of this Commonwealth.
ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 1. APPLICATION FOR PERMITS
(1) Every person intending to erect, construct, repair, de- molish or alter any foundation, structure or building within the limits of the Town of Saugus before proceeding with such work shall file with the Inspector of Buildings an application for a permit on such form or forms as said inspector shall fur- nish. The application must be signed either by the owner of the property, a tenant, the builder or their agent. The applica-
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tion must be accompanied by a plan in such detail as shall satisfy said inspector and by such specifications as said in- spector shall require. Where deemed expedient, said inspector may require the applicant to furnish a sworn statement of a reputable engineer or architect that the plans are properly designed for the purpose intended.
(2) Before applying for a permit from the Inspector of Buildings for the construction of a theatre, hall or other place of assembly, or any schoolhouse, or any other structure for which the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts require plans or details to be filed with the Department of Public Safety such plans must be so filed and approved by the Com- missioner of Public Safety.
(3) No temporary structures, including platforms, stands, observation or circus seats and tents for assembly purposes shall be erected unless a permit for same has been issued by the Inspector of Buildings. Such structures may be maintained only for the period of time stated on the permit.
(4) The provisions of these ordinances do not apply to buildings or structures owned by the United States, or to build- ings belonging to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or to bridges or to any building having not more than eight feet in any dimension or seven feet high.
CHAPTER II. ISSUE OF PERMITS.
(1) The Inspector of Buildings shall either grant appli- cants a permit within ten days of the receipt of the application or notify the applicants of the rejection of the application within that time.
(2) When a permit has been granted, the Inspector of Buildings shall return one copy of the plan and specifications to the applicant marked approved, and any changes in con- struction and specifications required by the Inspector of Buildings shall be marked thereon.
(3) The permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed until all work in the Building shall have been approved.
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(4) The plans and specifications approved by the Inspector shall be always kept on the premises during the entire period of construction.
(5) Separate applications must be filed with the Inspector of Plumbing on forms furnished by him for permission to in- stall, alter or repair any plumbing and with the wire depart- ment for permission to install, repair or alter any electric wiring as set forth in the Ordinances relating to wiring of the Town of Saugus.
(6) All Permits shall be void unless operations thereunder are commenced within ninety days after the granting of the permit, or if operations thereunder are discontinued for a period of over six months.
(7) SUPPLEMENTARY PERMITS. No masonry work is to be started until the Inspector of Buildings has examined the exca- vation for the same.
No building hereafter erected, altered, or added to, shall be lathed, plastered or sheathed in whole or in part until the In- spector of Buildings has inspected same and approved the fire- stopping, and all concealed gas piping, electrical work, plumb- ing and steamfitting work also shall have been approved.
(8) Application for water connections shall be made to the Public Works Department.
(9) To occupy either sidewalk or street application must be made to the Public Works Department.
(10) The applicant for a permit to erect a garage of any type shall file an application with the Inspector of Buildings. The application must be accompanied by a fee of $1.50 for advertising. Notice must be made relative to the application in a local paper at least seven days prior to the granting of the permit. The application shall be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for approval or rejection. On approval by the Board of Selectmen the Building Inspector shall issue the permit. The location of garages relative to adjacent buildings shall be as follows :
FIRST CLASS GARAGES composed of fire-proof material throughout with windows if any of metal sash and wire in-
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serted glass and metal doors or wooden frame doors, metal covered wire inserted glass windows. May be located any- where upon the property except that location must conform to the zoning by-laws.
GARAGES OF SECOND CLASS construction shall be located not less than five feet and to the rear of any building and not less than three feet from any lot line, unless attached to a building.
GARAGES OF THIRD CLASS construction shall be at least ten feet and to the rear of any building and at least three feet from any lot line.
ATTACHED GARAGES. Garages attached to a building shall be separated therefrom by a fire-proof wall at least 4" thick, and if of terra-cotta shall be plastered on both sides with cement plaster 7/8" thick. (Ths separation wall shall have no openings except under the conditions allowed by the Common- wealth of Massachusetts. Where wood frame is used in the construction of an attached garage the walls and ceilings shall be wire lathed and plastered with cement plaster 7/8" thick.) No drain shall be placed in the floor of garages unless an ap- proved type of trap is used and said drain must be emptied outside of building.
(11) The requirements of the Zoning by-laws of the Town of Saugus must be complied with at all times.
(12) The invalidity of any section or provision of these ordinances shall not affect the validity of any other section or provision thereof.
CHAPTER III. FEES REQUIRED FOR PERMITS.
For each permit issued by the Inspector of Buildings a fee shall be paid. The fee shall accompany the application and shall be as follows:
To erect a new building, other than a garage, of the first class $15.00
To erect a new building, other than a garage, of the second class 10.00
To erect a new building, other than a garage, of the third class 5.00
To alter or add to a building at a cost of $300.00 or less 1.00
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To alter or add to a building at a cost of more than $300.00 3.00
To take down a building having a ground area of
1,500 square feet or less 1.00
To take down a building having a ground area of more than 1,500 square feet 3.00
To erect a garage for not more than two cars 2.00
To erect a garage for not more than two cars and costing $3,000 or less 5.00
To erect a garage for more than two cars and costing more than $3,000 10.00
For each preliminary permit to drive piles or to con- struct a foundation of a building in advance of the general permit 5.00
To erect a shed having a ground area of 100 square feet or more 2.00
For any other purpose 1.00
For all gas-fitting permits .50
CHAPTER IV. ENFORCEMENT.
(1) £ The Inspector of Buildings shall see that the pro- visions of these ordinances except and as otherwise provided, those of the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to buildings are strictly observed; and to that end, shall have authority to institute any proceedings for the pur- pose of enforcing or preventing violations of the provisions thereof or enjoining the maintenance of any structure erected contrary thereto.
(2) The Inspector of Buildings shall visit and inspect every structure upon which work is being done, where a per- mit is required as often as practical and also whenever re- quested by any person interested. The Inspector of Buildings shall make a record of all violations of the building ordinances, together with the location of the building where such violations are found, the name of the owner, lessee, occupant, architect and mechanic, and all other matters relative thereto. Any owner, architect or builder notified of any violations of these ordinances shall, if required by the Inspector, leave the work open until he shall again inspect the work, and declare the same approved. Work on all buildings shall be carried on in
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a continuous manner, to the approval of the Inspector of Buildings.
(3) The Inspector of Buildings shall keep on file all appli- cations for permits and one copy of all plans submitted. Plans of all public buildings shall be filed with him. All plans ap- plications and records of permits shall be open to public in- spection, but shall not be taken from the custody of the Inspector of Buildings.
(4) The Inspector of Buildings may consult with the heads of other departments of the Town when necessary and in special cases in which the Board of Selectmen may authorize or require so to do, he may secure the advice of and consult with engineers or experts with an established reputation in the particular work in question.
(5) He shall make a written report to the Selectmen on or before the fifteenth day of January.
(6) No oversight or neglect of duty on the part of the Inspector of Buildings, or his subordinates, shall legalize the erection, construction, alteration or repair of any building or structure in a manner not in conformity with the provision of these ordinances.
(7) . The Inspector of Buildings or any member of his de- partment shall have the right, in the performance of his duties, to enter, examine and inspect any premises, building or other structure within the town.
(8) The Inspector of Buildings shall have full power to pass upon any questions arising under the provisions of these ordinances relating to the manner of construction or materials to be used in the erection, alteration or repair of any struc- ture; shall grant and sign all permits, and any notices required by these ordinances.
(9) The Inspector of Buildings or one of his subordinates, shall inspect every building or other structure or anything attached to or connected therewith which he has reason to believe is unsafe or dangerous to life, limb or adjoining build- ings, and if he shall find it unsafe or dangerous, he shall forth- with in writing, notify the owner, agent, or any person having
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an interest therein, to secure the same, and shall affix in a conspicuous place upon its external walls a notice of its dan- gerous condition. The notice shall not be removed or defaced without his consent. The Inspector of Buildings may, with the written approval of the Board of Selectmen, order any build- ing, which in his opinion is unsafe, to be vacated forthwith.
(10) It shall be the duty of the Police Department to as- certain if the required permit has been granted for all work in progress and said department is to notify the owner or builder to obtain such permit at once, provided he has not done so, before proceeding further with the work.
(11) If any person violates any of the requirements of these ordinances, or any amendment thereof, or of any permit issued thereunder, he shall, except where otherwise provided in these ordinances or by statute, be liable to a penalty not exceeding $20.00 for each violation thereof.
(12) The Inspector of Buildings, upon discovery of such violation, shall give notice to the holder of the permit or the owner of the premises and if such violation is continued, the permit shall be revoked. Before a permit so revoked, can be lawfully reissued, the entire building or structure must be made to conform to the requirements of these ordinances, and any work or materials applied to the building in violation thereof must be removed.
CHAPTER V. DEFINITIONS.
ALCOVE. A portion of an apartment separated from an ad- joining room by a partition, with an opening between the two of 60% to 80% of the area of the separating partition and with no door to close such opening. If the opening is less than 60%, or if it is closed by a door or doors; the portion so en- closed shall be considered as a separate room. If more than 80%, the portion thus enclosed shall be considered a part of the room.
ALTERATION. A change in structure which modifies its location, plan, manner of construction or the kind of materials used or in any way varies the character of its use.
APARTMENT. That part of the building used exclusively for the home or residence of one family.
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APPROVED. Where not otherwise specifically stated, the word "approved" means approved by the Inspector of Buildings.
ATTIC STORY. Any story located wholly or partly in the roof.
BASEMENT. Basement is a story partly but not more than 50% below the level of the finished grade.
BAY WINDOW. A window projecting beyond the outer face of the wall, which may or may not be built upon a foundation.
BEARING PARTITION. A partition which supports any load other than its own weight.
BED AND BOND LEDGE STONE. Construction requiring all stones to be laid with the aid of a derrick and each stone to be the full thickness of the wall.
BUILDING. A structure which is more than eight feet in length or breadth or more than seven in height measuring to the extremities of all parts.
CELLAR. A cellar is a story having 50% or more of its height below the finished grade. It shall not be counted as a story for purposes of height measurement.
DWELLING. For the purpose of these ordinances dwellings are divided into the following classes :
(a) Private dwellings.
(b) Two-family dwellings.
(c) Multiple dwellings.
(a) A private dwelling is a dwelling occupied by one family.
(b) A two family dwelling is a dwelling occupied by two families only.
(c) A multiple-dwelling is a dwelling occupied by more than two families. This classification shall include tenement houses, flats, apartment houses, apartment hotels, hotels, boarding houses, lodging houses, club-houses, dormitories, con- vents, private hospitals, private asylums and all other dwell- ings similarly occupied. National, state, and county institu- tions are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance.
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FIRE RETARDING PARTITION. A frame partition dividing living apartments, stores, etc., where the space between studding is filled with masonry of either brick, terra cotta or gypsum blocks or concrete.
FIRST STORY. The story next above the basement or cellar.
FIRE DOOR. A fire door is a door, frame and sill composed of fire proof materials or of wood at least 134 inches thick completely covered with tin and with hinges, bolts, latches, or trolley frame satisfactory to the Inspector of Buildings.
FIRE PROOF. Refers to material and construction not com- bustible and which will withstand the effects of ordinary fires without serious impairment of their usefulness.
FOUNDATION. That part of external walls of any structure below the level of the finished grade, or at the discretion of the Inspector of Buildings, that part of a party or partition wall below the cellar floor.
FOOTING. That part of any masonry foundation resting directly on the ground.
FRAME BUILDING. A building, the exterior walls of which or a portion thereof are constructed of wood. Wood frames covered with metal, cement or plaster or buildings sheathed with boards and partially or entirely covered with brick, terra cotta or stone work shall be deemed "Frame Buildings."
GIRDER. A beam usually placed in first floor framing, on which the floor joists and bearing partitions rest to support the interior of the structure.
MASONRY. Stone, brick, concrete, hollow tile, concrete block or tile, gypsum block, or similar building units or materials or a combination of the same, bonded together with mortar to form a wall, pier, or buttress. For the purposes of these or- dinances "concrete" shall mean Portland cement concrete.
MILL CONSTRUCTION. That type of construction having heavy timber structural members and with no concealed spaces.
SHAFT. Whether for air, light, elevator dumb waiter or any other purpose is an enclosed space, within a building extend- ing to the roof.
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SPAN. "Span" means the distance in clear open space be- tween supports.
STORY. That part of the building between any floor or roof next above.
UNDERPINNING. The masonry of a wooden building between the foundation proper and the sill or first story floor joists.
WALLS. BEARING WALL. A wall which supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
NON-BEARING WALL. A wall which supports no load other than its own weight.
PANEL WALL. A non-bearing wall in skeleton construction, built between columns or piers and wholly supported on each story.
INCLOSURE WALL. An exterior non-bearing wall in skeleton construction anchored to columns, piers or floors, but not necessarily built between columns or piers.
CURTAIN WALL. A non-bearing wall between columns or piers and which is not supported by girders or beams. ·
PARTY WALL. A wall used or adapted for joint service be- tween two buildings or parts of the same building.
FIRE WALL. A masonry division wall which extends through and at least two feet above the roof and in which all openings are protected by fire doors.
VENEERED WALL. A wall having a masonry facing which is not attached and bonded to the backing so as to form an in- tegral part of the wall for purposes of load bearing and stability.
CHAPTER VI. CLASSIFICATIONS.
(1) All buildings and structures to be erected must be built in conformity to the requirements of the particular class to which said buildings and structures belong as shown by the classifications in the following sections.
(a) Buildings of the first-class shall consist of fireproof material throughout, except that wood may be used only for
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finished floors, inside finish, windows and doors, and isolated furring.
(b) Buildings of the second-class shall mean any structure or structures not of the first-class, whose external and party walls are constructed of self-sustaining, incombustible mater- ial, including cornices and similar appurtenances. Interior partitions, floors and roof-framing may be of wood. A second- class building shall be limited to sixty-five feet in height.
(c) Buildings of the third-class are those in which the ex- terior walls or portions thereof are of wood; also a building with wooden framework veneered with brick, stone, terra cotta, or concrete, or covered with plaster, stucco, or sheet metal.
CHAPTER VII. GENERAL BUILDING RESTRICTIONS.
(1) No unobstructed floor area shall exceed 10,000 square feet unless equipped with automatic sprinklers to the satisfac- tion of the Inspector of Buildings.
(2) FIRST CLASS BUILDINGS WHEN REQUIRED. Every building hereafter constructed or altered to be used as a thea- tre, school, junk shop, hospital or any hotel containing more than fifty sleeping rooms, the height of which when construct- ed or altered exceeds three stories or forty-five feet and every other building hereafter constructed or altered, the height of which when constructed or altered exceeds sixty feet, shall be constructed or altered throughout to conform to the require- ments for first class buildings.
(3) Buildings Required to be Second Class Construction. All buildings other than dwelling houses for not over three families or private garages, hereafter erected or enlarged, shall be of first or second class construction. This restriction does not apply to small storage or other small buildings which do not in the judgment of the Inspector of Buildings constitute a fire menace.
(4) Outside Finish of First and Second Class Buildings. In every first and second class building all the outside finish shall be of incombustible material except window and door frames and except finish about show windows in the first story.
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Where store fronts are carried up more than one story the columns and lintels shall be of or finished with incombustible material. In no case shall store fronts be carried more than two stories unless the same are constructed and finished throughout with fireproof material except window and door frames.
(5) Floor Timbers in Masonry Walls. The ends of all floor beams and rafters of second class buildings entering a wall shall be cut on a splay of four inches in their depth.
(6) Anchorage of Frame Floors and Roofs. Every floor in second class buildings shall have its beams tied to the walls and to each other with wrought iron straps or anchors at least 3/8 of an inch thick by 11/2 inches wide and not less than 18 inches long so as to form a continuous tie across the building not more than eight feet apart. Plates of all roofs shall be bolted to walls not more than eight feet apart, bolts to be built into walls 12 inches.
Walls running parallel or nearly parallel with floor beams shall be tied once in eight feet to the floor beams by iron straps or anchors of the size above specified. Said straps or anchors shall extend over and be secured to at least two beams.
(7) Overloading of Floors During Construction. During the construction or alteration of any building or structure, no material to be used in such construction or alteration exceed- ing in weight the live load that each floor is intended to safely sustain when the building is completed, shall be placed on any floor.
(8) Flashing of Fire Walls. Every fire wall shall be flashed with metal and likewise counterflashed.
(9) Alterations. No building already erected or hereafter built shall be raised or built up in such manner, that were such building wholly built or constructed after the passage of these ordinances it would be in violation of any provisions thereof.
(10) Buildings or Structures Destroyed By Fire. The re- moval, extension, or essential alterations, or the rebuilding or repairing of any building or structure which has been either partially or wholly destroyed by fire, shall be subjected to the
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restrictions which are imposed by these ordinances for the erection of new buildings.
(11) Studding. No studding for any part of the outside walls of any building shall be less than 2 x 4 inches or more than 16 inches on center except for small storage building or buildings used as private garages with walls not over ten feet in height.
(12) Wood Lintels. No wood lintels shall be used to sup- port masonry over a door, window or other opening.
(13) Wood Timbers in Brick Walls. No roof or floor tim- bers entering a party wall shall have less than four inches of solid brickwork between it and the end of the other timber.
(14) Water and Snow Falling From Roof. All Roofs of buildings abutting on any street or sidewalk shall be so guard- ed as to prevent snow ice or water from falling upon said street or sidewalk.
(15) Wood Columns Forbidden. No wood columns or posts supporting floor loads will be permitted in any cellar or basement of any building nor on porches and piazzas.
(16) Openings cut in Party Walls, Etc. No Opening of doorway shall be cut in brick or masonry party, partition or fire wall of any building without a permit from the Inspector of Buildings and if allowed every such doorway shall have a top, bottom and sides of approved masonry construction or iron; shall be closed by two sets of metal covered doors or doors of a fire resisting type approved by the fire underwriters association, (separated by the thickness of the wall) said doors to be self closing and hung on iron frames shall not exceed ten feet in height by eight feet in width; and any opening other than a doorway shall be protected in a manner satisfactory to the Inspector of Buildings.
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