Acting Building Commissioner Walter White recently held a seminar at town hall for contractors to explain changes in the newest version of the Mass. State building Code. The State Board of Building Regulations and Standards rolled out the new code, known as the Seventh Edition of the Mass. State Building code for One and Two-Family dwellings, effective January 1, 2008.

The Seventh Edition contains many changes, some more stringent, some less. It includes increased requirements for roof snow loads, hurricane wind loads, energy requirements, and new classifications for construction supervisor licensing. More information can be found at the state web site: www.mass.gov/bbrs.

The seminar was attended by 25 local contractors who picked up their new copies of the new code. The seminar was well received by the contractors who suggested that more such sessions be held in the future. Another seminar is tentatively scheduled for February. Interested parties can contact the Building Department for registration information.