Annual Certificates of Inspection

Annual Certificates of Inspection

The Building Official shall inspect existing buildings and structures and parts thereof in accordance with Table 110 entitled “Schedule for Periodic Inspections of Existing Buildings”.  Such buildings shall not be occupied without a valid Certificate of Inspection. This applies to all buildings that are open to the public, some buildings are inspected annually, biannual and in the case of large multifamily buildings every five years.

Table 110 also requires that churches and places of religious worship be inspected annually if occupant load is less than 400 and semi-annually if more than 400.  The structure may not be occupied or continue to be occupied without the posting of a valid “Certificate of Inspection”.  A Certificate of Inspection shall not be issued until an inspection is made certifying that the building or structure complies with all applicable requirements of 780 CMR.

Existing buildings that meet the criteria will receive a letter along with an Application for Certificate of Inspection to be completed and returned.  For questions, please call the Building Department at 781-741-1420 or Email the Building Department.

The following is an example of some of the items that the Inspectors would be looking at:

• Means of egress must be properly illuminated.
• Exit signs must be located properly and working on an emergency backup system.
• Property must be maintained in a safe condition.
• Egress pathways cannot be obstructed and must be properly maintained.
• Emergency lighting must be working properly and on an emergency backup system.
• Occupancy load must not be exceeded and must be properly posted.
• Portable fire extinguishers must be maintained annually.
• Fire escape affidavit is required every five years and must be on file at the Building Dept.
• Fire suppression systems above commercial stove must be and installed and maintained semi-annually.
• Storage of flammables, gas, paints must be stored in UL certified cabinets or containers.
• Restrooms must have proper ventilation.