# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3A: Enforcement of state building code > Massachusetts · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3A ## Section - **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3A - **Heading:** Enforcement of state building code - **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XX / Chapter 143 / Section 3A ## Text Section 3A. Unless otherwise provided by the state building code, the local inspector shall enforce the state building code as to any building or structure within the city or town from which he is appointed, including any building or structure owned by any authority established by the general court but not owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth, and the state building code shall be the code for all buildings and structures within the city or town. In the event of a conflict between the code and a statute, ordinance or bylaw regulating an historic district, regional historic district or architecturally controlled district, the statute, ordinance or bylaw regulating exterior architectural features within that district shall prevail. The inspector shall enforce the state building code as to any building or structure within any city or town that is owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth or any departments, commissions, agencies or authorities of the commonwealth. The inspector shall have all the powers of a local inspector under this chapter and under the state building code as to buildings or structures that are owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth or any of its departments, agencies, commissions or authorities. The inspector may review any order or decision of a local inspector. The inspector shall supervise the enforcement of the state building code, make periodic reviews of all local building inspection practices and make recommendations for improvement of such practices. Reports of such reviews shall be filed with the board of building regulations and standards. The provisions of this section shall not apply to bridges and their appurtenant supporting structures which have been or are to be constructed by or are under the custody and control of the department of highways or the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or for which said department or authority has maintenance responsibility. Section 3A. Unless otherwise provided by the state building code, the local inspector shall enforce the state building code as to any building or structure within the city or town from which he is appointed, including any building or structure owned by any authority established by the general court but not owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth, and the state building code shall be the code for all buildings and structures within the city or town. In the event of a conflict between the code and a statute, ordinance or bylaw regulating an historic district, regional historic district or architecturally controlled district, the statute, ordinance or bylaw regulating exterior architectural features within that district shall prevail. The inspector shall enforce the state building code as to any building or structure within any city or town that is owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth or any departments, commissions, agencies or authorities of the commonwealth. The inspector shall have all the powers of a local inspector under this chapter and under the state building code as to buildings or structures that are owned in whole or in part by the commonwealth or any of its departments, agencies, commissions or authorities. The inspector may review any order or decision of a local inspector. The inspector shall supervise the enforcement of the state building code, make periodic reviews of all local building inspection practices and make recommendations for improvement of such practices. Reports of such reviews shall be filed with the board of building regulations and standards. The provisions of this section shall not apply to bridges and their appurtenant supporting structures which have been or are to be constructed by or are under the custody and control of the department of highways or the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or for which said department or authority has maintenance responsibility. ## Nearby sections - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S1.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 2A Buildings operated by commonwealth or its subdivisions; window cleaners and elevator inspections](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S2A.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 2B Regulations relative to egress from, and fire prevention in, state house](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S2B.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 2C Evacuation of state house in case of disaster; fire drills](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S2C.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3 Inspector of buildings or building commissioner; local inspectors; employment and designation; qualifications; city or town without local inspectors](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3A Enforcement of state building code](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3A.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3L Regulations relative to electrical wiring and fixtures; notice of electrical installation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3L.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3N Gas fitting; permit; notice; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3N.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3O Gas fitting; appointment and duties of inspector](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3O.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3P Appeal to board of electricians' appeals; judicial review](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3P.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3Q Convalescent, nursing, etc., homes; rules and regulations regarding safety of persons and fire prevention](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3Q.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3R Apartment houses; exterior doors and locks](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3R.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3S Multiple dwellings; posting name and address of owner or agent; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3S.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, sec. 3T Safety glazing materials; use in construction of buildings in hazardous locations; definitions for Secs. 3U and 3V](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3T.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C143_S3A. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.