• COMPLIMENTS OF WILLIAM H. SAYWARD. 164 Devonshire St., BOSTON. COMPLIMENTS OF WILLIAM H. SAYWARD. 164 Devonshire St., BOSTON. ORGANIZATION OP ^tpKxtmmt fox %nsptttwn of ^uMmgs* Enspectar of iSuiUjmgs. JOHN S. DAMRELL 47 Hancock Street. Ckrfe of department. CHARLES S. DAMRELL . 47 Hancock Street. ^00istant=ln0pectar0. MICHAEL W. FITZSIMMONS . . 16 Sheridan Ave. WILLIAM FRYE 8 Quincy Street. HARTFORD DAVENPORT . . . Hancock Street, near Columbia Street. GEORGE W. GRIFFIN 40 Pearl Street. LEVI W. SHAW 73 Chandler Street. MARTIN T. GLYNN 8 Gates Street. JOHN KELLEY 96 Bunker Hill Street. JAMES J. BARRY 374 Centre Street. NAHUM M. MORRISON 1 Morrison Street. JAMES H. COLLINS .... Foster Street, near Mt. Vernon Street. THOMAS A. SLATER 28 Northfield Street. MATTHEW WALSH ........ 22 Concord Street. MICHAEL H. HARTNETT 6 Batchelder Street. WILLIAM B. BOTHAMLY 150 Worcester Street. JOHN J. REAGAN 192 Athens Street. HENRY L. JONES 57 Marion Street. ABRAHAM T. ROGERS *2 Spring Park Ave. JOHN T. DALY 107 Day Street. PATRICK H. COSTELLO ........ 22 Smith Street. Of&ce, Old State-House, State Street. Office Hours Saturdays From 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. From 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. INDEX. A. Page, Section. AGENTS. (See Owners.) ADJOINING LOT. privy vaults to be two feet distant from 66 20 AIR-DUCTS. of wood not allowed 51 8 ALDERMEN, BOARD OF. to approve locations of stables 33 1 powers of, in relation to coal-holes, etc 73 7-8 powers of, in relation to grade of cellars 20 96 ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS. definition of 4 17 permit for 3 13 plans to be submitted 2 6 subject to terms of act 3 13 AMUSEMENT, PLACES OF. {See Public Buildings.) ANCHORS. to be built into walls 14 61-62 to be fastened to beams 14 62 ANIMALS. not to be kept in tenement or lodging houses 40 12 APPEAL. owner to have right of 2 7 how and when made 2 7 ASHES. tenement and lodging houses to have receptacles for 31 142 ASHLAR. to be tied to backing 13 67 ASSISTANT INSPECTORS. number to be determined by City Council 1 3 appointment and approval of 1 3 term of office 1 3 causes for removal 1 3 qualifications of 1 4 not to be interested in contracts 1 4 to attend fires 2 9 to examine all buildings in process of erection, alteration, and repair. . 2 IQ to examine all dangerous or damaged buildings 3 11 vi INDEX. Page. Section. ASSISTANT INSPECTORS, continued. to examine all buildings under application to enlarge, alter, or repair. .3 11 right to enter buildings 2 5 compensation to be fixed by City Council 1 1 B. BASEMENT CELLAR. {See Cellar.) BASEMENT STORY. Inspector to give grade of floor of 3 14 BAY-WINDOWS. not to project into street 6 27 BEAMS. calculations for strength of 5 24 to be butted together upon girders ... 14 62 to be strapped together 14 62 BLINDS. of stores and storehouses to be fire-proofed 20 95 how hung 20 95 BOARD OF ALDERMEN. to approve locations of stables , 33 1 powers of, in relation to coal-holes, etc 73 7-8 powers of, in relation to grade of cellars 20 96 BOARD OF HEALTH. to give permit for occupancy of cellars 41 17 duties of, in regard to infectious diseases 40 15 authority to make other regulations with regard to tenement and lodg- ing houses 42 18 may allow cesspools or privies 38 2 BOARD OF SURVEY. how appointed 2 7 BOILER-ROOMS. to be constructed of incombustible material 18 83 doors of, to be iron or metal covered 18 83 BOILERS. flue of, to be eight inches thick 16 72 permit for, required 18 84 license for, required 18 84 not to be located under sidewalk 72 6 may be examined, and use forbidden 55 49 may be removed as nuisance 66 60 to have safety-plugs 56 51 penalty for removing safety-plugs 56 62 . penalty for making, without safety-plugs 56 63 BRICK BUILDING. definition of 4 17 BRICK FLUE. construction of 16 71 BRICK-WORK. between floors and roof timbers 10 43 INDEX. vii Page. Section. BRIDGES. exempt from operations of act 3 16 BUILDING LIMITS. power of City Council to extend and define 5 21 as established by ordinance 57 1 no wooden or frame building to be built within 5 21 no wooden building to be moved within 5 23 City Council may authorize erection of buildings outside of 5 20 BUILDINGS. fifteen days' notice to be given Inspector of proposed building or alterations • ^ exempt from operations of act 3 16 not to be raised, altered, or built upon, in violation of act 6 25 to be examined by Inspector before alteration 6 25 to be of incombustible material when used for tenement or lodging houses 6 29 foundations of , • 8-9 34,35,36 wooden or frame, not to be built within limits 5 21 wooden buildings not to be moved 5 23 wooden buildings in limits used for various purposes 5 21 power of City Council with regard to 5 20 wooden buildings may be repaired 5 22 upon filled land 21 97 to have partition walls .... 13 54-55 to be roofed with non-combustible material 20 92 to have scuttle or bulkhead 20 93 exterior to be covered with non-combustible materials 20 93,94 to have metallic leaders 21 101 height of 12 50 to have step-ladder or stairs 20 93 , , , „ f 23 105, 106 in which operatives are employed to have fire-escapes | ^ hoistways to be closed 23 108 bonding courses 10 *1 not to exceed eighty feet in height, unless constructed throughout with incombustible materials 12 50 means of extinguishing fire in, to be provided 51 9 when conforming to Chap. 426, 1888, Inspector to issue certificate 49 2 when such certificate may be revoked 49 2 a copy of such certificate to be posted on each floor 49 2 combustible material not to be stored in - 31 142 f 140 • 141 tenement and lodging houses 31 "| 142 [143 .111 unsafe and dangerous 24, 25 -j 112 U13 / 23 105, 106 egress from, in case of fire ^ VIU INDEX. Page. Section. BUILDINGS, continued. permit for erection or alteration of 3 13 bracing for isolated buildings 25 115 when used for tenement or lodging houses, to conform to Chap. 382 of 1885 38 3 Inspector and Assistant Inspectors not to be interested in contracts, or furnishing materials for 1 4 plans to be submitted i ^ U6 1 penalties for violation of building act , 32 146 grade of cellars of , 20 96 drains in 21 98-99 moving of, applications, how made 70 1 moving of, applications, form of 70 2 moving of, consent of Inspector required 70 3 moving of, consent of railroad corporations required 70 3 moving of, permits granted only to practical building-movers 70 4 moving of, bonds for damages to be filed 70 5 moving of, shade-trees not to be disturbed 70 6 moving of, fire-alarm wires not to be disturbed 70 6 moving of, lamps not to be disturbed , 70 6 wooden, regulation of, building limits 57 1 wooden, distance from line of lot must be kept , 58 2 wooden, distance between 08 2 wooden, ells to 58 2 wooden, party walls in blocks of two or more 68 2 wooden, dwellings, height of 68 2 wooden, other than dwellings, height of 58 2 wooden, other than dwellings, range of 58 2 wooden, other than dwellings, distance between 59 2 wooden, sills, how laid 59 2 wooden, exemptions 59 3 wooden, foundations of 69 4 wooden, framing of 59 6 wooden, posts, size of , . 59 6 wooden, girts, size of 69 5 wooden, terms for erecting, altering, etc. 60 6 wooden, permit required to build or alter 60 7 wooden, penalties 60 8 wooden, notice to be given Inspector of proposed alteration or erec- tion 60 9 BULKHEADS. to have guard or hand rail 20 93 door not to be locked 20 93 BURNING FLUID. not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses I 31 142 BUTTRESSES. how may be built 9 37 INDEX. ix Page. Section. c. CALCULATIONS. for strength of materials 5 24 CAMPHENE. (-95 114 not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses | CELLAR. definition of 4 17 covering of bottom of 21 97 air-space under floor of 21 97 act to establish grade of 20 96 not to be constructed below grade 20 96 Board of Aldermen may license construction of, below grade 20 96 CERTIFICATE. when granted -9 2 when revoked 49 2 a copy of, to be posted on each floor 49 2 acknowledgment of • ■ • 50 3 when granted, notice of changes made in a building to be given to Inspector 50 4 Inspector to notify owners of changes necessary to get certificate 60 6 licenses to occupy buildings not to be granted until certificates have been issued by Inspector 51 7 CESSPOOLS. not allowed except by Board of Health 38 2 not to be located under sidewalk 72 6 CHIMNEYS. material for 15 70 to be plastered 15 70 how supported 15 70 height above roof 16 71 projection of brick topping 16 71 Inspector to notify, if unsafe 17 76 penalty for refusal to make safe 17 76 CHURCHES. {See Public Buildings.) CITY COUNCIL. to define building limits 5 21 to make terms and conditions for the erection of wooden buildings out- side of wooden limits 5 21 to establish number of Assistant Inspectors 1 3 to fix compensation of ofiicers 1 1 CLERK. appointment and confirmation of 1 3 term of office of 1 3 causes for removal 1 3 under inspector to have supervision and direction of department 2 8 COAL-HOLES. under sidewalk 71 3 how constructed 71 3 walls of 71 3 X INDEX. Page. Section. COAL-HOLES, continued. Superintendent of Streets to have supervision of 72 3 owner responsible for damages 72 4 to be kept in repair 72 4 occupants of abutting estates to be responsible for damages 72 6 may be closed up by Aldermen 73 7 may be altered by Board of Aldermen 73 8 not to be left open „ 73 9 not to be used for other purposes than licensed for 73 10 COLUMNS. calculations for strength of 5 24 brick piers under, to have cap iron 15 66 to rest upon iron plate 15 68 when placed one on top of the other 15 69 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses / I3I 142 CONDUCTORS. all buildings to have 21 101 CONSTRUCTION. Inspector to pass upon questions relative to 2 7 of coal-holes under sidewalks , 71 3 contracts for, — Inspectoi and Assistant Inspectors not to be interested in 1 4 CORNICE. to balance on wall 10 40 fire-proof 15 64 COURT. privy vaults to be distant from 66 20 D. DANGEROUS STRUCTURES. duties of Inspector in regard to . . . / 124 112 notice to owner -f 1 24 112 Inspector may affix notice 24 112 duties of owner with regard to 24 111 liability for refusal to make safe 25 113 penalty for removing notice 24 112 proceedings when liable to be dangerous in case of fire 24 112 DEFINITION OF TERMS. 3 17 DEPARTMENT FOR THE INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS. creation of . . . 1 1 designation of 1 1 to be provided with office room and supplies 1 1 chief ofiiccr of 1 2 appointment and confirmation of other officers of 1 3 INDEX. xi Page. Section. DEPARTMENT FOR THE INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS, confd. term of office of other officers of 1 3 qualification of other officers of 1 4 right of officers to enter buildings 2 5 duties of Inspector 2 6 duties of Clerk of Department 2 8 f ' duties of Assistant Inspectors ■< 2-3 10 I 11 DOORS. in party walls to be metal covered, etc 14 63 projecting into street... 68 11 of boiler-rooms to be iron or metal covered 18 83 stores and store-houses to have fire-proofed doors , 20 95 how hung 20 95 in public buildings . , 25 116 DOOR-WAYS. in party walls ... 14 63 dimensions of 14 63 how closed 14 63 DRAINS. material for 21 98 how laid 21 98 how hung 21 99 DWELLING-HOUSES. thickness of external walls 10 44 thickness of party walls 12 61 height of external walls 10 44 height of party walls 12 61 combustible materials not to be stored in i 131 142 grade of cellar of 20 96 to have water-closets 37 1 E. EGRESS. /•25 116 from public buildings j 27 126 128 127 from other buildings 23 105-106 from other buildings. (Special act) 47 1 where women and children are employed, there must be more than one way of egress 48 1 when owned or occupied jointly, either of said owners or occupants may put on fire-escapes 60 6 ELECTRIC LIGHTS, ETC. construction of , when projecting 69 1 height from sidewalk 69 2 projection from building 69 3 XII IISTDEX. ELECTRIC LIGHTS, ETC., continued. ^ material of gg ^ workmanship of (39 ^ ELECTRIC WATCH CLOCKS 37 1 ELEVATORS. for grain or coal 5 21 may be regulated by ordinance 34 1 how protected 23 108 duties of owners with regard to 23 108 duties of occupants with regard to 23 108 duties of lessee with regard to 23 108 unsafe 35 j use of, when prohibited 35 l elevator car, etc., not to be used until approved by Inspector 24 110 elevator cars, except lifts 28 in. sq., to run in brick shafts 23 107 elevator shafts to be covered with ventilating skylight 23 107 elevator cars to be provided with safety device 23 108 elevator openings in floors to be closed each night 23 108 ENGINE. not to be used without license 53 40 permit for erection of jg 84 public notice for hearing of license of 54 41 municipal officers may regulate 54 42 appeals and proceedings thereon 54 43 injunction pending appeal 54 44 verdict of jury 55 43 use of, when forbidden 55 47 when nuisances 55 43 may be examined and use forbidden 53 49 may be removed as nuisances 5g 50 EXCAVATIONS. protection of adjoining structures 7 31 in streets 71 j license for. 71 2 not to be used for other purpose than licensed for 73 10 EXEMPTIONS 3 EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES. not to be stored or placed under stairways 25 114 not to be stored under sidewalks 72 6 EXTERNAL WALLS. definition of 4 17 thickness of, of dwellings, etc „ 10 44 thickness of, of other than dwellings H 45 of stables and Avork-shops H 4(5 backing of, when faced with stone I3 57 facings to be tied to backing , 13 57 stone cornice, how laid 15 54 not to be supported by wood-work 14 53 to be anchored 14 61-62 recesses and openings in H 47 IXDEX. xiii Page. Section. EXTERNAL WALLS, continued. height of, of tenement and lodging houses 31 141 P. FACTORY. egress from, in case of fire 23 105 FIRE-ALARM BELLS 37 1 FIRE-ESCAPES. to be placed on buildings in which operatives are enaployed 23 105 to be kept in good repair 23 105 no encumbrances to be placed thereon 23 106 on tenement and lodging houses 23 105 certain buildings to have ... 23 105 certain buildings to have. (Special act) 47 1 when owned or occupied jointly, either of said owners or occupants may put on fire-escape ■ 50 6 FIRE-PROOFING. where required | cornices 15 64 roofs 20 92 shutters, doors, and blinds 20 95 bulkheads 20 93 FIRE-STOPS 22 102-103 FIRES. duties of Assistant Inspectors in case of 3 11 FLAX. f 25 114 not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses \zi 142 FLOOR-BEAMS. to rest upon a wall or girder 13 54 butts to be splayed . .• 19 89 FLOORS. construction of 19 86 FLOOR-TIMBERS. to have brick work between 10 43 not to be placed nearer than two inches of chimney flue 16 74 FLUES. of wood not allowed 51 8 to be plastered ^ 1 16 71 to ranges or boilers. ... 16 73 to be built into walls 16 71 height of, above roof 16 71 distance of wood-work from 16 74 no nails to be driven into , 16 71 Inspector to notify, if unsafe . 17 76 penalty for refusal to make safe 17 76 for ranges, boilers, furnaces, and ovens, the shell of, to be eight inches thick, or its equivalent 16 72 xiv INDEX. Page. Section . FOUNDATIONS. definition of 4 17 depth of 7 30 to rest upon solid substructure 7 30 under walls 8 34 under piers 8 34 under columns 8 34 under posts 8 34 under pillars 8 34 of dwellings, etc., thickness of 9 35 other than dwellings, etc., thickness of 8 3.5 of wooden buildings 59 4 FURNACE FOR MELTING 18 84 not to be used without license 53 40 public notice for hearing of license of 54 41 municipal officers may regulate 54 42 appeals and proceedings thereon 54 43 injunction pending appeal 54 44 verdict of jury 55 46 when nuisances ... 55 43 FURNACES. smoke-pipe of 17 73 how to be set . . . 17 80 flues of, to be eight inches thick, shell of 16 72 permit to erect . . 17 79 FENCES. erected to annoy 44 i_2 G. GAMBLING RESORTS. removal of certain obstructions in 44 1 GARBAGE. tenement-houses to have proper receptacles for 40 12 GIRDERS. calculation for strength of 5 24 may be substituted for partition walls 13 5G wooden walls not to be supported by 14 53 piers under, to have cap iron 15 66 GRADE. Inspector to give, for cutting off piles 7 32 grade established 20 96 of basement floor 3 14 GUTTERS. material of 15 64 H. HALLS. of tenement and lodging houses 30 140 XV Page. Section. HAY. f 25 114 not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses | HEADERS. to be hung in stirrup irons 19 88 not to be placed nearer than two inches of chimney flue 16 74 HEADING COURSES 10 41 HEATING APPARATUS. regulations respecting ■ 17 78-79-80 Inspector to notify if unsafe 17 76 penalty for refusal to make safe 17 76 HOISTWAYS. how protected 23 108 duties of owners, lessees, and occupants with regard to 23 108 openings into shaft, how protected 24 109 to be approved before using 24 110 HOT-AIR PIPES. to be kept at least one inch from wood-work 18 82 HOTELS. watchman and red lights in 36 1 additional requirements for 36 3 no license for, until requirements have been complied with 36 3 HOUSES. tenement, definition of 4 17 lodging, definition of 4 17 I. INFECTIOUS DISEASES. duties of owners of tenement or lodging houses with regard to 40 15 INFLAMMABLE OIL. not to be stored under sidewalk 72 6 C 95 not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses < <- 31 142 INJUNCTIONS. to forbid or limit the use of buildings 32 145 to prevent the erection or use of stables 34 2 to restrain the use or occupation of tenement or lodging houses 43 21 for temporary purposes 47 2 for using or occupying a building in violation of Chap. 426, of 1888 ... 52 12 restraining use of steam-engine or furnace pending appeal 54 . 44 INSPECTOR. definition of term 4 17 to examine buildings before alterations 6 25 to direct and locate construction of sheds upon wharves 5 21 may authorize the erection of sheds at building sites 5 21 to give grade for cutting off piles 7 32 to approve plans and specifications 3 15 to approve fire-escapes for tenement or lodging houses 31 143 duty with regard to dangerous structures 24 111-112 xvi INDEX. Page. Section. INSPECTOR, continued. to issue certificate when buildings conform to Ciiap. 426, 1888 49 2 when such certificate may be revoked 49 2 a copy of such certificate to be posted on each floor 49 2 to enforce Chapter 426, of 1888, in Boston 51 lo to issue permits 2 6 appointment and confirmation of ... i 2 term of ofiice of 1 2 causes for removal of ........ 1 2 qualifications of 1 4 to keep register of all transactions of his department 2 6 to submit yearly statement to City Council 2 6 to investigate origin of fires 3 n shall require that plans be submitted 3 35 to examine all buildings in progress of building, alteration, and repair. . 2 10 to make a record of all violations ... 2 10 to examine all dangerous or damaged buildings 3 n to examine all buildings on application to enlarge, alter, or repair 6 25 right to enter buildings 2 5 compensation to be fixed by City Council 1 i IRON PLATES. under lintels . 15 under columns ]5 68 IRON WALLS 6 28 L. LEADERS. all buildings to have 21 101 LESSEE. (See Owners.) LEVELLERS. for columns, piers, posts, pillars supporting girders, or walls 8 34 piles to be capped with 8 34 LICENSES. for hotels. 36 3 for stables 33 j to occupy buildings 51 7 for steam-engines and furnaces 53 40 to project cellar doorway 68 11 to make excavations in street (for coal-holes, etc.) 71 1 to project windows, steps, etc. 68 19 to move buildings 70 (1-6) to hoist or lower goods 74 3 to construct cellars below grade 20 96 LINTELS. walls not to be supported by wooden 14 53 to be of sufiicient strength 14 59 to rest upon iron plate 14 59 piers under, to have cap iron 15 66 lintels and arches 14 59 mDEX. xvii Page. Section. LODGING-HOUSE. definition of ^ 17 height of external wall of ■ 31 141 stairs of 30 140 liall, partitions of 30 140 additional requirements for 31 143 to have water-closets 37 1 Inspector to approve plans 3 15 material for 6 29 ventilation of... 31 143 |-23 105 to have fire-escapes -^30 140 Ul 143 to have fire-escapes. (Special act) 47 1 roof to be kept in repair 21 100 occupancy of cellars of . . . -. 41 17 to have proper receptacles for garbage 40 12 f 25 114 no dangerous or combustible material to be stored in J ^ animals not to be kept in 40 12 cleanliness of - ■■ 40 14 agent's or owner's name to be posted 42 19 to be whitewashed twice a year 40 14 to have water-closets 37 1 when built on front of lot 38 6 when there is another building on rear of lot 38 6 when two stories high, distance between 39 6 when three stories high, distance between 39 6 when more than three stories high, distance between 39 6 when built on back part of lot 39 7 when special means of ventilation are to be furnished 39 10 the yards, courts, etc., to be kept clean 40 13 halls to open directly to external air • • 41 16 ofiicers of Board of Health to have access to 43 20 Board of Health and Inspectors to be sworn 43 23 infectious disease in 40 15 f 38 6 provisions for light and air -l j height of rooms 39 8 construction of windows 39 9 chimneys of 40 11 receptacles for ashes ..... 31 142 water to be furnished 40 11 cellar to be water-tight 41 17 halls of 30 140 Board of Health may make additional regulations 42 18 penalty for violation of provisions 43 22 xviii INDEX. ' Page. Section. M. MAIN PARTITIONS. to head and foot 19 90 MANSARD ROOFS. height of 20 92 MANUFACTORY. egress from - 23 105 MARKET PURPOSES. wooden buildings for 5 21 MASSACHUSETTS, COMMONWEALTH OF. buildings belonging to, exempt from operations of act 3 16 MATERIALS. calculations for strength of 5 24 V- 114 combustible ■'^^^ Inspector or Assistant Inspectors not to be interested in contracts for furnishing 1 4 Inspector to pass on questions relative to 2 7 MAYOR. to appoint Inspector 1 2 to approve appointments of Clerk and Assistant Inspectors 1 3 MILL. egress from ' 23 105 MOVING OF BUILDINGS. applications, how made •• 70 1 applications, form of 70 2 consent of Inspector required 70 3 consent of railroad corporations required 70 3 permits granted only to practical building-movers 70 4 bonds for damages to be filed 70 5 shade-trees not to be disturbed 70 6 fire-alarm wires not to be disturbed. . . . : 70 6 lamps not to be disturbed 76 6 0. OCCUPANT. {See Owner.) duties of, relative to elevators and hoistways 23 108 duties of, with regard to coal-holes and vaults ander sidewalks 72 5 duties of, in relation to cellars 41 17 duties of, in relation to privies 65 19 must carry out provisions of Chap. 426 of 1888 52 12 penalty for neglect so to do •••• 52 12 OCCUPATION OF STREETS. law, etc., relating to, to be enforced by Inspector 66 3 for building purposes, permit required 66 7 fence and Hglits to be put up 67 8 penalty for extinguishing lights 67 9 cellar doorway not to project into street .. 68 11 INDEX. * xix Page. Section. OCCUPATION OE STREETS, continued. safe passage for public travel to be maintained G8 18 penalty for neglecting so to do 68 18 projections into streets not allowed 68 19 penalty for same 68 19 obstruction of streets not allowed. . . , 68 33 penalty for same 68 33 hydrant covers to be kept clear 69 1 gutters to be kept clear 69 2 penalty for neglect so to do 69 3 OFFICERS. of the Department for the Inspection of Buildings 1 2-3 have the right to enter all buildings 2 5 OIL. [25 lU not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging house \2,1 U'> not to be stored under sidewalks 72 6 OPEN FIRE-PLACES 16 75 OPENINGS. in external walls ; 11 47 in party walls H 63 OPERATIVES. fire-escapes to be placed on buildings where employed ; 23 105 ORDINANCES. to remain in force until repealed or amended 31 144 OVENS. shell of flues to be eight inches thick or equivalent IG 72 OWNERS. duties of, with regard to unsafe chimneys 17 76 duties of, with regard to defective flues 17 76 duties of, with regard to unsafe heating apparatus 17 76 to keep fire-escapes in repair 23 105 duties of, with regard to hoistways 23 108 duties of, with regard to buildings. (Special act) 52 12 to have right of appeal 2 7 duties of, with regard to tenement-houses 40 14-15 f24 111 duties of, with regard to unsafe buildings or structures ■( 2- jjg penalty for violation of building act 32 146 duties of, with regard to coal-holes and vaults under sidewalks 72 4 duties of, with regard to cellars 41 17 duties of, with regard to privies 65 19 must carry out provisions of Chap. 426 of 1888 62 12 penalty for neglect so to do 52 12 P. PARAPET WALL. may be omitted, when .... 10 42 PARTITION WALLS. definition of , 4 17 XX INDEX. Page. Section. PARTITION WALLS, continued. may be of less thickness than other walls 13 55 certain buildings to have 13 54-55 not to be supported by wood- work 14 58 in tenement and lodging houses 30 140 PARTITIONS. when of wood, floor-beams not to be supported on 13 54-55 to be placed over each other 19 90 to head and foot against each other 19 90 to rest upon wall or girder . . 19 90 PARTY WALL. definition of ^ 17 thickness of, when to be increased 12 49 thickness of, for dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses 12 51 thickness of , for other than dwellings 12 52 vaulted 9 39 not to be supported by wood-work 14 58 not to be carried up in advance of rear walls 14 60 to be anchored 14 Gl-62 to be carried above roof, and metal covered 10 42 to be corbelled 10 42 openings in. recesses in . 14 63 13 63 PENALTIES. for violation of statutes relating to unsafe chimneys 17 76 for violation of statutes relating to defective flues 17 76 for violation of statutes relating to unsafe heating apparatus 17 76 for violation of statutes relating to unsafe buildings 25 113 for violation of statutes relating to building laws. Chap. 374 of 1885 . . 32 146 for violation of statutes relating to erection or alteration of stables . . 33 2 for violation of statutes relating to occupation of stables 34 1 for violation of statutes relating to elevators. (Special act) 35 1 for violation of statutes relating to watchmen 36 4 for violation of statutes relating to tenement and lodging houses 43 22 for violation of statutes relating to erection of buildings. (Special act) 47 2 for violation of statutes for failing to enforce Chap. 426, Acts 1885. . . 52 12 for violation of statutes for making boilers without safety-plugs 56 53 for violation of statutes for removing safety-plugs from boilers 56 62 for violation of ordinances relating to erection and alteration of wooden buildings 60 8 for violation of ordinances relating to plumbing. . , 65 5 for violation of ordinances rela.ting to occupancy of streets for build- r 67 10 ing purposes • •• • ^. ^8 18 for violation of ordinances relating to projections into streets 68 19 for violation of ordinances relating to obstructions in street 68 33 PERMITS. to erect buildings 3 13 /3 13 to make alterations and repairs ^ to set steam boilers and engines 18 84 INDEX. XXi Page. Section. PERMITS, continued. to set furnaces, ranges, etc 17 79 penalty for neglect to obtain 32 146 PIERS. how built 15 65 to have cap iron 15 66 piles under . . '. 15 67 size of footing-course for . 8 34 PILES. how driven • • • • • 7 32 Inspector to give grade for cutting off 7 32 distance apart. ... 7 32 under piers or buttresses 15 67 PLANS. to be approved by Inspector 3 15 to be submitted when required by Inspector 2 6 PLUMBING (Regulation of). plumbers required to register 62 1 notice of plumbing to be filed at office of Inspector 62 2 plumbing to be approved by Inspector 62 2 buildings to be separately connected with sewer 62 3 drains in buildings 62 4 soil-pipes in buildings 62 4 rain-water leaders to be trapped 63 5 ventilators, material of 63 6 iron pipes to be tested 63 7 joints in iron pipes, how made 63 7 connections in iron pipes, how made 63 7 traps to fixtures 63 8 special air-pipes to traps 63 8 fixtures having waste-pipes to have traps 63 8 traps to have special air-pipes 63 8 drip-pipes 63 9 overflow-pipes 63 9 waste-pipes from refrigerators 63 10 water-closets to have tanks , 64 11 pipes not to be concealed 64 12 fixtures not to be concealed 64 12 plumbing to be tested. . . 64 13 steam-exhaust 64 14 water-pipes, how packed 64 15 grease traps , , 64 16 POSTS. calculations for strength of 5 24 PRIVIES. not allowed except by Board of Health 38 2 not to be located under sidewalks 72 6 PROJECTIONS. over street line 6 27 PUBLIC BUILDINGS. definition of 4 17 XXll INDEX. Page. Section. PUBLIC BUILDINGS, continued. Inspector to approve plans of 3 15 (2b 116 ( egress from J 27 123 i 28 127 entrances, aisles, passage-ways, or stairways i 1 28 127 doors opening outward / I28 127 endangered by use of combustible material 25 114 obstructions placed in aisles or passage-ways 26 117 boilers, etc., in 27 124 lights, etc., in 27 125 Theatres. hereafter built or altered to be of brick and fire-resisting materials throughout 27 126 main floor to be not over seven feet above street 27 126 additional exits for 28 127 stage to be separated from auditorium by brick wall 16 inches in thickness , 28 l''S proscenium arch, how carried 28 129 roof trusses 28 130 finish and decorations 28 131 scenery, curtains, etc 28 132 stage, fly-floors, etc 29 133 under side of fly-floors, how protected 29 134 scene-dock, carpenter and property shops, and wardrobes 29 135 employees' rooms, how located 29 136 number and location of high-service stand-pipes 29 137 number and location of ventilators ... 29 138 curtain, material, construction and mechanism of 30 139 curtain to be of fire-resisting material. . . 48 \ copy of plans and specifications of, to be deposited in office of Inspector, 3 15 heating and lighting apparatus to be approved by Inspector 25 116 fire service and apparatus to be provided as Inspector deems necessary, 25 116 changes of floor levels, except stairways . 26 118 overiieads beneath floors to be protected 26 119 stairways, lobbies, corridors, etc., to be enclosed in brick walls 26 120 rails to stairs and landings , 26 121 stair-winders, treads, and risers 27 12'? exits of public buildings through other buildings 27 123 exempt from operation of act 3 R. RAFTERS. to be straight-grained, etc 19 37 INDEX. xxiii Pago. Section. RANGES. permit to set 17 79 inside and outside of flue of same to be plastered on bricks / lie 71 shell of flue to be 8 in. thick, or equivalent 16 72 RECESSES. 11 /II 47 in walls , ■< 113 63 RECORDS. of business of department 2 6 of all violations of act 2 10 of all examinations of unsafe buildings, etc 3 11 of buildings damaged by fire 3 11 of buildings damaged by accident 3 11 to be open to inspection of any officer of city 3 11 RED LIGHTS. in hotels, etc. . . . , 36 1 REFEREES. how appointed 2 7 to decide questions ' 2 7 REGISTERS. regulations respecting 18 81 REGULATIONS. Wooden buildings. for building wooden buildings (building limits) 57 1 distance from line of lot building must be kept 58 2 distance between 58 2 ells to 58 2 party walls in blocks of two or more 58 2 dwellings, height of 58 2 other than dwellings, height of 58 2 other than dwellings, range of 58 2 other than dwellings, distance between 59 2 sills, how laid 59 2 exemptions 59 3 foundations of 59 4 framing of 59 5 posts, size of 59 5 girts, size of 59 5 terms for erecting, altering, etc 60 6 permit required to build or alter , 60 7 penalties 60 8 fifteen days' notice to be given Inspector of proposed erection or al- teration 60 9 of plumhing. plumbers required to register 62- 1 notice of plumbing to be filed at office of Inspector 62 2 plumbing to be approved by Inspector 62 2 buildings to be separately connected with sewer 62 3 drains in buildings , . . , 62 4 xxiv INDEX. Page. Section. REGULATIONS, of plumbing, continued. soil-pipes in buildings 62 4 rain-water leaders to be trapped 63 5 ventilators, material of 63 6 iron pipes to be tested 63 7 joints in iron pipes, how made 63 7 connections in iron pipes, how made 63 7 traps to fixtures 63 8 special air-pipes to traps 63 8 fixtures having waste-pipes to have traps 63 8 traps to have special air -pipes 63 8 drip-pipes 63 9 overflow-pipes 63 9 waste-pipes from refrigerators 63 10 water-closets to have tanks 64 11 pipes not to be concealed 64 12 fixtures not to be concealed 64 12 plumbing to be tested 64 13 steam-exhaust . . ., . . . , 64 14 water-pipes, how packed 64 15 grease traps 64 16 for moving buildings. applications, how made 70 1 applications, form of 70 2 consent of Inspector required 70 3 consent of railroad corporations required 70 3 permits granted only to practical building-movers 70 4 bonds for damages to be filed , , 70 5 shade-trees not to be disturbed , 70 6 fire-alarm wires not to be disturbed 70 6 lamps not to be disturbed ... 70 6 for occupation of streets. law, etc., relating to, to be enforced by Inspector 66 3 for building purposes, permit required 66 7 fence and lights to be put up 67 8 penalty for extinguishing lights 67 9 cellar doorway not to project into street 68 11 safe passage for public travel to be maintained 68 18 penalty for neglecting so to do 68 18 projections into streets not allowed 68 19 penalty for same 68 19 obstruction of street not allowed 68 33 penalty for same 68 33 hydrant covers to be kept clear 69 • 1 gutters to be kept clear , 69 2 penalty for neglect so to do 69 3 excavations in 71 1 license for excavations in 71 2 boilers, furnaces, water-closets, etc., not to be located under sidewalks, 72 6 openings in, may be closed by Board of Aldermen 73 7 INDEX. XXV Page. Section. REGULATIONS, for occupation of streets, continued. coal- holes not to be left open 73 9 coal-holes may be closed up by Board of Aldermen 73 7 excavations not to be used for any other purpose than licensed for 73 10 when hoisting or lowering safes, public to be protected by barriers 73 1 hoisting or lowering safes, time limit for 7-t 2 licensed parties to indemnify the city 74 3 licenses may be revoked 74 4 hoisting or lowering safes, Inspector to grant permit for 74 5 electric lights, etc. construction of, when projecting C9 1 height from sidewalk 69 2 projection from building 69 3 material of 69 4 workmanship of 69 4 Inspector to make, for setting boilers, engines, and furnaces 18 84 REPAIRS. how wooden buildings in limits may be 5 22 REPEALS 32 147 ROOFS. party walls to be carried above 10 42 roofing materials . 20 92 to have scuttle or bulkhead 20 93 height of 20 92 fire-proof, regulations relating to 20 92 of every building to be kept in repair 21 100 tenement or lodging houses to have ventilator in 31 143 ROOF TIMBERS. brick-work between 10 43 ROOMS. in tenement or lodging houses 31 143 RUBBISH. tenement and lodging houses to have receptacles for 31 142 s. SAFETY-PLUGS, steam-boilers to have 56 61 penalty for removing 56 52 penalties for making boilers without 56 63 SCHOOL-HOUSES. Public Buildings.) SCUTTLE. all buildings to have 20 93 frames and covers to be covered with non-combustible materials 20 93 to have step-ladders or stairs leading to same 20 93 SHAVINGS. not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses SHEDS. may be built upon wharves 5 21 Inspector may authorize erection of, at building sites 5 21 xxvi INDEX. Page. Section, SHELL OF FLUES. IG 72 SHUTTERS. of stores and storehouses to be fire-proof . 20 95 how hung 20 95 SIDEWALKS. construction of coal-holes under. 71 3 permit for excavating under 71 1 no boiler, steam-shaft, furnace, steam-pipe, water-closet, or com- bustible material, to be located under 72 6 excavations may be filled up or rebuilt by order of the Board of Aldermen 73 8 excavations under, not to be left open 73 9 excavations under, not to be used for other purposes than licensed for. 73 10 SMOKE-PIPES. how guarded 17 77, 78 SPECIFICATIONS. to be inspected by Inspector 3 15 copies of, to be deposited in office of Inspector 3 15 STABLES. external walls of , 11 46 acts concerning erection of , < 134 2 location to be approved by Board of Aldermen 33 1 penalties for erecting or occupying, without approval 34 1 injunction may be issued to prevent the erection or occupying of 34 2 not allowed within 175 feet of a church 33 1 STAGING. unsafe 24 111 STAIRS. of tenement or lodging houses 30 140 STEAM-BOILERS. f 2 6 returns of, to tax commissioners to be made by Inspector < ^35 5 how to be set 19 85 to be enclosed 18 83 flues of, to be eiglit inches thick 1(5 72 permit for, required 18 84 license for, required 18 84 not to be located under sidewalk 72 6 may be examined, and use forbidden 55 49 may be removed as nuisance 56 60 to have safety-plugs 56 51 penalty for removing safety-plugs 56 52 penalty for making, witliout safety-plugs 56 53 STEAM-ENGINES. not to be used without license 53 40 permit for erection of 18 84 public notice for hearing of license of 54 41 municipal officers may regulate 54 42 appeals and proceedings thereon 64 43 INDEX. xxvii STEAM-ENGINES, continued. ^^^"^ injunction pending appeal 5^ verdict of jury . . . . . 55 46 use of, when forbidden when nuisances ; may be examined, and use forbidden 55 49 may be removed as nuisance. .. , gQ STEAM-PIPE. distance from wood-work 2g g2 not to be located under sidewalk j2 6 STEAM-SHAFT. not to be located under sidewalk 79 g STEPS. not to project into streets g 27 STIRRUP-IRONS. headers to be liung in jg gg STONE CORNICE. ^ to balance on wall jq STONE FACING. to be securely clamped , j3 STORAGE. sheds for, may be built upon wharves 5 2I STORES AND STOREHOUSES. to have fire-proof doors, blinds, and shutters 20 95 STRAW. not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses . . . / 131 142 STREETS. moving of buildings in, applications, how made 70 1 applications, form of 70 2 consent of Inspector required 7q 3 consent of railroad corporation required 70 3 permits granted only to practical building-movers 70 4 bonds for damages to be filed 70 5 shade-trees not to be disturbed 70 g lamps not to be disturbed 70 g occupation of, laws relating to, to be enforced by Inspector 66 3 for building purposes, permit required 66 7 .fence and lights to be put up 67 8 penalty for extinguishing lights 67 9 cellar doorway not to project into street , . , 68 11 safe passage for public travel to be maintained 68 18 penalty for neglecting so to do 68 18 projections into street not allowed 68 19 penalty for same 68 19 obstructions of streets not allowed 68 33 penalty for same 68 33 hydrant covers to be kept clear , , 69 1 xxviii INDEX. Page. Section. STREETS, occupation of, continued. gutters to be kept clear. 69 2 penalty for same 69 3 excavations in 71 1 license for excavating in .. . 71 2 boilers, furnaces, water-closets, etc., not to be located under sidewalks, 72 6 openings in, may be closed by Board of Aldermen 73 7 coal-holes not to be left open 73 9 coal-holes may be closed up by Board of Aldermen 73 8 excavations not to be used for other purposes than licensed for 73 10 when hoisting or lowering safes, public be protected by barriers 73 1 hoisting or lowering safes, time limit for 74 2 licensed parties to indemnify the city 74 3 licenses may be revoked 74 4 hoisting or lowering safes, Inspector to grant permits for 74 5 STRENGTH OF MATERIALS. calculations for 5 24 STRUCTURES. r24 111 ""'^^ 125 112-113 SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS. to issue licenses for excavations under sidewalks 71 1 to supervise the construction of coal-holes and vaults 72 3 to approve permits for occupancy of streets for building purposes 66 7 SURVEY. how and when made 2 7 SURVEYORS. how and when appointed 2 7 T. TEMPORARY SUPPORTS 6 26 TENANT. (See Owner.) TENEMENT-HOUSE. definition of 4 17 height of external wall of , 31 141 stairs of 30 140 hall, partitions of 30 140 additional requirements for 31 143 to have water-closets 37 1 Inspector to approve plans 3 15 material for 6 29 ventilation of 31 143 J- 23 105 to have fire-escapes -^30 140 (31 143 to have fire-escapes. (Special acts) 47 1 roofs to be kept in repair 21 100 occupancy of cellars of 41 17 to have proper receptacles for garbage 40 12 INDEX. Xxix Page. Section. TENEMENT-HOUSE, continued. f 25 114 no daneerous or combustible material to be stored in < ^ 1 31 142 animals not to be kept in 40 12 cleanliness of 40 14 agent's or owner's name to be posted 42 19 to be whitewashed twice a year 40 14 to have water-closets 37 I when built on front of lot 38 C when there is another building on rear of lot 38 6 when two stories high, distance between 39 6 when three stories high, distance between 39 6 when more than three stories high, distance between 39 6 when built on back part of lot 39 7 when special means af ventilation are to be furnished 39 10 yards, courts, etc., to be kept clean 40 13 halls to be open directly to external air 41 16 officers of Board of Health to have access to 43 20 Board of Health and Inspectors to be sworn 43 23 infectious disease in 40 15 f 38 6 provisions for light and air -j gg j height of rooms 39 8 construction of windows 39 9 chimneys of 40 11 receptacles for ashes , 31 142 water to be furnished . 40 11 cellar to be made water-tight 41 17 halls of 30 140 Board of Health may make additional regulations 42 18 penalty for violation of provisions 43 22 TERM OF OFFICE. of inspector 1 2 of clerk • 1 3 of assistant inspectors 1 3 THEATRES. (.S'ee Public Buildings.) hereafter built or altered, to be of brick and fire-resisting materials throughout 27 126 main floor to be not over 7 feet above street 27 126 additional exits for 28 127 stage to be separated from auditorium by brick wall 16 inches in thick- ness 28 128 proscenium arch, how carried 28 129 roof trusses 28 130 finish and decorations 28 131 scenery, curtains, etc . 28 132 stage, fly-floors, etc. . 29 133 under side of fly-floors, how protected 29 134 scene-dock, carpenter and property shops, and wardrobes 29 135 employees' rooms, how located 29 136 Page. Section. THEATRES, continued. number and location of high-service stand-pipe 29 137 number and location of ventilators 29 138 curtain, material, construction and mechanism of 30 139 curtain to be of fire- resisting material 48 1 copy of plans and specifications of, to be deposited in office of Inspector, 3 15 heating and lighting apparatus to be approved by Inspector 25 116 fire service and apparatus to be provided as Inspector deems necessary, 25 116 changes of floor levels except stairways 26 118 overheads beneath floors to be protected 26 119 stairways, lobbies, corridors, etc., to be enclosed in brick walls 26 120 rails to stairs and landings 26 121 stair- winders, treads, and risers 27 122 exit through other buildings . 27 123 Inspector to approve plans of 3 jg (25 116 egress from J 27 123 28 127 entrances, aisles, passage-ways, and stairways /^^ 128 127 doors opening outwards 25-28 116-127 endangered by use of combustible material 25 114 obstructions placed in aisles or passage-ways 26 117 boilers, etc., in 27 124 lights, etc., in 27 125 THERMOSTATS. when may be substituted for watchmen 37 j TIMBER. to be splayed _ ^ jg gg not to be cut for piping 19 not to be used in walls 14 gg not to be placed nearer than two inches of chimney flue 16 74 TITLE. of chief officer. 1 2 TURPENTINE. not to be stored in dwelling, tenement, or lodging houses / 1 31 142 UNITED STATES. buildings belonging to, exempt from operations of act 3 16 (2i 111 UNSAFE BUILDINGS J 25 112 ( 113 UNSAFE CHIMNEYS I7 75 UNSAFE HEATING APPARATUS, ETC 17 jq INDEX. XXxi Jage. Section. V. * TAULTED WALLS 9 39 TAULTS. of tenement-houses, etc ; 65 19 under sidewalks Ji 3 how constructed, for privies 66 20 how built 71 3 Superintendent of Streets to supervise construction of 72 3 owner of, to be responsible for damages 72 4 to be kept in good repair 72 4 occupant of abutting estate to be responsible for damages 72 5 may be altered by Board of Aldermen 73 8 VENTILATION. of tenement and lodging houses 31 143 TIOLATION OF ACT. (See Penalties.) w. WALLS. to be properly bonded and solidly built 9 38 thickness of, means 5 19 height of, how measured 4 ]8 external, definition of 4 17 party, definition of 4 17 foundation, definition of 4 17 partition, definition of 4 17 external, of stables and workshops 11 46 vaulted 9 39 partition, to be built in certain cases 13 54-65 backing of , when faced with stone 13 57 stone, facing of, to be clamped 13 57 how built 9 38 not to be supported by wood-work 14 68 no timber to be used in 14 58 side not to be carried up in advance of rear 14 60 to be anchored to each other 14 61 to be anchored to beams 14 62 recesses and openings in / ^'^ 1 13 53 of tenemont or lodging houses to be of brick 6 29 W^ATCHMAN. in hotels, etc 36 l may be omitted, when 37 2 WATER. for tenement-houses, etc 40 11 WATER-CLOSETS. for tenement-houses, etc 37 1 not to be located under sidewalks . . 72 6 xxxii INDEX. Page. Section. WHARVES.* exempt from operations of act 3 16 WINDOWS. for ventilating tenement and lodging houses 31 143 area of openings of, in tenement-houses, etc ... 39 9 not to project into street 6 27 WOODEN BUILDINGS. not to be built within limits except in certain cases. . . 5 21 definition of 4 17 not to be moved within limits 5 23 Inspector may authorize sheds at building sites 5 21 sheds may be built upon wharves ••• 5 21 City Council may make requirements concerning erection and alteration of outside of limits in addition to those contained in the statutes 5 20 height of, not to be increased in limits 5 22 repairs upon, in limits 5 22 building limits 1 distance from line of lot must be kept . . 58 2 distance between 58 2 ells to 58 2 party walls, in blocks of two or more 58 2 height of, other than dwellings 58 2 range of, other than dwellings 58 2 height of dwellings 58 2 distance between, other than dwellings 59 2 sills, how laid 59 2 exemptions 59 3 foundations for 59 4 framing for 59 6 posts, size of 59 5 girts, size of 59 5 terms for erecting, altering, etc 60 6 permit required 60 7 penalties 60 8 fifteen days' notice to be given Inspector, of proposed alterations or building 60 9 WOODEN FLUES (or air-ducts). not allowed 51 8 WORK-SHOPS. thickness of walls of • H ^6 Y. YARDS OR AREAS. to be constructed so all liquid matter will flow to sewer 38 5 STATUTES RELATING TO THE INSPECTION AND CONSTRUCTION OP BUILDINGS IN THE CITY OP BOSTON. CHAPTER 374, ACTS OF 1885. Section 1 . There shall be in the city of Boston a depart- ment, to be called the Department for the Inspection of Build- ings, which shall be furnished, at the expense of the city, with office room and such supplies for the transaction of its business as the city council may provide. The compensation of its offi- cers shall be provided for by said city by ordinance. Sect. 2. The chief officer of said department shall be called ™e of cwef ^ oflicer and his the inspector of buildings, and shall be appointed by the mayor -erm of office, and confirmed by the board of aldermen. He shall hold office for the term of three years, or until his successor shall be appointed and confirmed ; but may be removed by the mayor for malfeasance, incapacity or neglect of duty. Sect. 3. The other officers of said department shall consist other officers, of a clerk, and such number of assistant inspectors as the city council may, from time to time, by ordinance determine ; all of whom shall be appointed by the inspector, with the approval of the mayor, and shall hold office during good behavior ; but may be removed l)y the inspector, with the approval of the mayor, for malfeasance, Incapacity or neglect of duty. Sect. 4. The inspector and assistant inspectors of the de- Qualifications, partment shall be able and experienced architects, builders or mechanics, and shall not be employed or engaged in any 2 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAAVS. May enter any building. Duties of the inspector. Appeals and when and how referees may be appointed. Duties of clerk. To have super- vision of department and direction of officers and employees. Duties of assistant inspectors. other business, or be interested in any contract for building or for furnishing materials. Sect. 5. All said officers may, as far as necessary for the performance of iheir duties, enter any building or premises in the city of Boston. Sect. 6. The inspector shall keep a record of the business of said department ; submit to the city council a yearly report of such business ; ascertain all facts and make all returns which shall be required by law relative to steam-boilers; and enter upon the premises wherein any fire has occurred, if necessary, in order to investigate the oi'igin of the fire ; may require plans and specifications of any proposed erection or alteration of any buildings ; and shall grant permits for such erection or alteration, when in conformity with the requirements of this act. Sect. 7. Should the owner of any building object to any order or decision of said inspector, on a matter left by this act to his approval or control, and choose a referee to serve as hereinafter provided, within three days after being notified of such order or decision, the matter shall be referred to three referees, Avho shall be either architects or master-builders, one chosen by the inspector, one by the owner, and a third by these two ; and the decision thereon in writing of these referees, or a majority of them, shall be final and conclusive. Sect. 8. The clerk shall, under the direction of the in- spector, have supervision and direction of the other officers and employees of the department. Sect. 9. The assistant inspectors of buildings shall attend all fires occurring in the districts to which they are respectively assigned, and report to the chief or assistant engineer of the fire department, present, all information they may have rela- tive to the construction and condition of the premises on fire, and also any such information relating to the adjoining build- ings. Sect. 10. The inspector, or his assistants, shall examine all buildings in the course of erection or alteration, as often as practicable, and make a record of all violations of this act, with the street and number where such violations are found. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. the names of the owner, architect and master-mechanics, and all other matters relative thereto. Sect. 11. The inspector, or his assistants, shall examine all buildings reported dangerous, or damaged by fire or acci- dent, and make a record of such examinations, includinsf the nature and amount of such damage, with the name of the street and number of the building, the names of owner and occupant and for what purpose occupied, and, in case of fire, the probable origin thereof ; examine all buildings for which applications have been made to raise, enlarge, alter or build upon, and make a record of the same. Said records shall always be open to the inspection of the engineers of the fire department or any officer of the city. Sect. 12. In the absence of the inspector, one of the as- when deputy sistant inspectors may be appointed by him to act as his deputy, who shall exercise all the powers of the inspector. Sect. 13. No work except necessary repairs shall be done permits, when upon any wall, structure or building in said Boston without a '^i"'''*''^- permit from said inspector of buildings, nor except in con- formity with the provisions of this act. Sect. 14. The inspector of buildings shall designate, in Grade of baee- every permit for the erection of a new building, the lowest grade at which the floor of the basement story of said build- ing shall be laid. Sect. 15. The said inspector shall not give a permit for Piansand the erection of any building until he has carefully inspected Tbe^pp'roved, the plans and specifications thereof, ascertained that the build- ing has sufficient strength, and that the means of ingress and egress are sufficient. A copy of plans and specifications of every public building shall be deposited in the office of the inspector. Sect. 16. Every wall, structure and building hereafter ExemptiouB'. built or altered in said city shall conform to the provisions of this act, so far as they are applicable, except bridges, quays, wharves and buildings belonging to the government of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sect. 17. In this act the following terms shall have the Definitions, meanings respectively assigned to them : — DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. "Alteration" means any change or addition except necessary repairs in, to or upon any building, affecting an external, part}'' or partition wall, chimney, floor or stairway, and "to alter" means to make such change or addition. " Brick building " means a building the walls of which are built of brick, stone, iron or other substantial and incombus- tible materials. " Cellar " means a basement or lower story of any building of which one-half or more of the height from the floor to the ceiling is below the level of the street adjoining. " External wall " means every outer wall or vertical enclos- ure of a building other than a party wall. " Foundation " means that portion of a wall below the level of the street curb, and where the wall is not on a street, that portion of the wall below the level of the highest ground next to the wall. " Inspector " means the inspector of buildings of the city of Boston. " Lodging house " means a building in which persons are temporarily accommodated with sleeping apartments, and includes hotels. " Partition wall " means any interior wall of masonry in a building. " Party wall " means every wall used, or built in order to be used, as a separation of two or more buildings. "Public building " means every building used as a church, chapel or other place of public worship ; also every building used as a college, school, public hall, hospital, theatre, public concert -room, public ball-room, public lecture-room or for any public assemblage. "Tenement house " means a building which, or any portion of which, is to be occupied, or is occupied, as a dwelling by more than three families living independently of one an- other, and doing their cooking upon the premises ; or by more than two families above the second floor, so living and cooking. "Wooden building" means a wooden or frame buildinsr. Sect. 18. The height of a wall means the hei(»;ht from DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 5 the mean grade of the sidewalk or adjoining ground to the highest point of the wall. Sect. 19. The thickness of a wall means the minimum thickness of such wall. Sect. 20. The city council of said city may by ordinance city council •IT- make make such requirements, in addition to those contained in regulations for this act, as they may deem expedient in relation to the erec- ^oo^'en ^"'i'^- ^ -J J I ingp outside tion and alteration of wooden buildings outside the building umits. limits. Sect. 21. The city may from time to time, by ordinance, wooden build- ings allowed in extend and establish building limits in said city, and within building limits, those limits every building built after, such establishment shall be of brick, stone, iron or other substantial and incom- bustible material, and only the following wooden buildings shall be allowed, viz. : Sheds not exceeding twenty-seven feet in height, or wharves, to be used for any lawful purpose ; sheds of same height, in all parts of said limits, to be used for market purposes or to facilitate the building of authorized buildings ; and elevators of any height for the storage of coal and grain ; all external parts of which sheds and elevators shall be covered with incombustible material, and the mate- rials used, the mode of construction and the location shall be approved by the inspector. Sect. 22. Any wooden building within said limits may wooden buiid- be altered or repaired in any manner approved by the in- rgp^i^eX etc. spector, provided neither its area nor height is increased. Sect. 23. No wooden building within or without the^ovingof wooden building limits shall be moved to any lot within said limits buildings, where it would be in violation of law to build such wooden building. Sect. 24. In all calculations for the strength of materials Calculation for to be used in any building, the proportion between the safe materTak! weight and the breaking weight shall be as one to three, for all beams, girders and other pieces subjected to a cross strain ; and as one to six for all posts, columns and other vertical support, and for all tie-rods, tie-beams and other pieces subjected to a tensile strain ; and the requisite dimen- sions of each piece of material are to be ascertained by com- 6 DIGEST OF BUILDmG LAWS Buildings to be inspected before alteration. Permits required. Temporary supports. Bay-windows, etc. Thickness of walls when of iron, etc. External and party walls of tenement and lodging houses to be of brick, etc. putation by the rules given by the best authorities, using for constants in the rules only such numbers as have been de- duced from experiments on materials of like kind with that proposed to be used. All mortar and cement shall be of the best quality for the purposes for which they are applied, and shall be properly mixed. Sect. 25. No building now or hereafter built shall be altered until it has been examined and approved by the in- spector as being in a good and safe condition to be altered as proposed, and the alteration so made shall conform to the provisions of this act. Sect. 26. No wall of any building now erected, or here- after to be built or erected, shall be cut off or altered, without a permit so to do having been first obtained from the in- spector. Every temporary support placed under any struc- ture, wall, girder, beam or column during the erection, finishing, altering or repairing of any building, or part thereof, shall be equal in strength to the permanent support required for such construction. And the walls and roof of every building shall be strongly braced from the beams of each story until all the bearing parts of the construction are completed, unless omitted by consent of inspector. Sect. 27. No bay-window or other structure shall be placed upon any building so as to project over any public way or square, without the permission of the board of alder- men given after due notice and hearing, and then only in such manner as shall be approved by the inspector. Sect. 28. In the erection or alteration of any building the material of which, in whole or in part, is other than brick, stone or wood, the thickness of the walls, of such material and the method of construction shall be such as the inspector shall approve. Sect. 29. All buildings in said city, to be used for tene- ment-houses or lodging-houses, and all buildings for any purpose within the building limits, except as provided in sections twenty and twenty-one, shall have external and party walls of brick, stone, iron or other substantial and in- combustible material, and shall be subject to all the require- DIGEST OP BUILDING LAWS. 7 ments for a " brick building," except as otherwise expressly stated. Sect. 30. Every brick building hereafter built in said Foundations city shall be built upon a foundation resting not less than four ^^eiow froat. feet below the surface exposed to frost, upon the solid ground, or levelled surface of solid rock, or upon piles, con- crete or other solid substructure. Sect. 31. Whenever any excavation, in the city of Bos- Excavations, ton, is to be carried to the depth of more than ten feet below adjoining the grade of street, and there shall be any wall or structure structures, wholly or partly on adjoining land, or near the intended ex- cavation, the party causing such excavation to be made, if afforded the necessary permission to enter on such adjoining land, shall at all times, from the commencement until the completion of such excavation, at his own expense, preserve such wall or structure from injury, and so support the same by proper foundations that it shall remain as staple as before the excavation was commenced. Should the person making such excavation fail to protect said wall or structure from in- jury for twenty-four hours after being notified by the in- spector of buildings so to do, the inspector may enter upon said premises and employ such labor and furnish such mate- rials and take such steps as in his judgment may be necessary to make said wall or structure safe and secure ; and any per- son or persons doing said work, or any part thereof, by the order and direction of the inspector, may bring and maintain an action against the party causing such excavation to be made for the value of such work. The party causing such excavation to be made may recover compensation from the adjoining owner, in case such adjoining owner should at any time thereafter make any use of said foundations below said ten feet below grade. Sect. 32. Piles driven for a wall to rest upon shall be not piling, see less than five inches in diameter at the smallest end, and shall ^^'^^ be spaced not more than three feet on centres, in the direc- tion of the length of the wall, and nearer if required by the inspector ; they shall be driven to a solid bearing, to be as- certained by boring, at the expense of the owner, when 8 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Piling. See Plate 1. Foundations. See Plate 2. See Plate Foundations, dwelling, tenement and lodging hou>es. See Plate 4. required by the inspector. The inspector shall determine the grade at which piles shall be cut olF. Sect. 33. Walls not exceeding twenty feet in height, where piling is necessary, may rest on a single row of piles, if deemed advisable by the inspector ; walls exceeding twenty feet in height shall rest on not less than two rows of piles. Extra piles shall be driven where required by the inspector. Sect. 34. For brick buildings exceeding thirty-five feet in height, there shall be under all foundation walls, piers, col- umns, posts and pillars resting on the earth, a footing or base course of stone or concrete, which, if under a foundation wall, shall be not less than twelve inches wider than the bot- tom width of said wall, and not less than twelve inches thick ; and if under piers, columns, posts and pillars, shall be of stone, and not less than twelve inches wider on all sides than the bottom area of said piers, columns, posts and pillars, and shall be not less than two feet by three feet in area by twelve inches in thickness, and when laid, to be thoroughly bedded ill cement. If the walls rest on isolated piers, then there must be under such piers, footings, at least sixteen inches thick, thoroughly bedded in cement. All piles shall be capped with block-granite levellers, each stone to have a firm bearing on at least one pile in each row. Sect. 35. Foundation walls of brick buildings, other than dwelling, tenement or lodging houses, shall be con- structed of block stone, laid in horizontal courses, with good bed and build surfiices, wedged with slate stone and laid in cement mortar, and eight inches thicker than the external or party wall immediately above and over the same ; if said foundation is to be set to a depth of more than fifteen feet below the grade of the street, for each and every five feet additional depth greater than fifteen feet below the grade of street it shall be increased four inches in thickness. Foun- dations of such buildings not more than forty feet in height may be built of rubble-work laid in cement and sand mortar, if the thickness of the foundation walls is one-fourth greater than given for block stone, and laid as specified in section thirty-six. In case of severe thrust or pressure on said ^^lASTER BUILDERS' EXCHANGE OF PHILADELPHIA. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 9 walls, from any cause, there shall be such extra strengthen- ing of said walls by thickening or by buttresses, or both, as the inspector may approve. Sect. 36. Foundation walls of brick buildings to be used seePiates. as dwelling, tenement or lodging houses, not exceeding thir- ty-five feet in height, if laid with block stone in horizontal courses, shall be not less than eighteen inches thick, or, if in brick laid in cement, shall be not less than sixteen inches thick ; exceeding thirty-five and not exceeding sixty feet in height, the foundations shall be not less than twenty-four Foundations, inches thick, if laid in block stone in horizontal courses; if dweiung, tene. in brick laid in cement not less than twenty inches thick ; for mentand •'^ lodging houses. every fifteen feet additional height the thickness of founda- tions shall be increased four inches ; if the walls do not ex- ceed seventy-five feet in height the foundation walls may be built of uncoursed rubble- work laid in cement mortar ; but see piate s. in all cases the thickness shall be one-fourth greater than that given for block stone, and the work shall be thoroughly bonded, and, at least, two-thirds of the bulk of the wall shall be through stones, and no round or boulder stones shall be used ; provided, that when such walls are laid on piles the lower course shall be block stone, not less than sixteen inches in height. Sect. 37. All brick walls and buttresses shall be of mer- waiisand chantable, well shaped bricks, well laid and bedded, with well filled joints, in lime or cement mortar, and well flushed up at every course with mortar ; and all brick used during the warm months shall be well wet at the time they are laid, and shall be dry at the time they are laid during the cold months. Sect. 38. All walls of brick, stone or other similar mate- waiis, how rial shall be thoroughly and practically bonded and tied, and solidly put together ; shall be built to a line, plumb and straight, and laid with mortar or cement, and all supports of the same shall be of iron, brick or stone, and of sufllcient size and strength to safely support the superstructure. Sect. 39. Vaulted walls of the same thickness, independ- vaulted waiis. ent of withes, may be used instead of solid walls, and the 10 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. stone cornice. Heading or bonding courBes. Party walls above roof. See Plate 7. Roof and floor timbers. See Plate 8. See Plate 9. External and party walls, dwelling, tene- ment and lodging houses. See Plate 10. See Plate 11. walls on either side of air space shall be not less than eight inches thick, and tied together perpendicularly with continu- ous withes of hard burned brick, of good quality, or other approved material, which shall be not more than three feet apart, and the air space shall be smoothly plastered. Sect. 40. Where a wall is finished with a stone cornice, the greatest weight of material of such cornice shall be on the inside of the face of the wall, so that the cornice shall firmly balance upon the wall. Sect. 41. Every ninth course at least of a brick wall shall be a heading or bonding course, except where walls are faced with face brick, in which every ninth course shall be bonded with Flemish headers or by cutting the course of the face brick and putting in diagonal headers behind the same. Sect. 42. Every party wall shall be built through, and at least twelve inches above or distant from the roof boardino-, at every part of the roof ; shall be entirely covered with metal securely fastened, and corbelled to the outer edge of all projections ; or a gutter stone of suitable dimensions and properly balanced may be inserted in place of the corbelling. But where the walls extend thirty-six inches above the ad- joining building, parapet walls may be omitted. Sect. 43. All roof or floor timbers entering the same party wall from opposite sides shall have at least four inches solid brick work between the ends of said timbers. Sect. 44. External walls of brick buildings to be used as dwelling, tenement and lodging houses, not more than twenty feet in width, and thirty feet in height, and not ex- ceeding forty feet in depth, may have eight inch walls ; not exceeding sixty feet, shall be not less than twelve inches thick the entire height; exceeding sixty feet, and not ex- ceeding seventy feet in height, shall be sixteen inches thick to a height of twenty feet, or the top of the second floor, and twelve inches the remaining height ; exceeding seventy feet, and not exceeding eighty feet in height, shall be twenty inches thick to the top of second floor, and sixteen inches thick to the top of the upper floor, and twelve inches the remaining height, if the upper story is not more than ten DIGEST OP BUILDING LAW& 11 feet ia height ; exceeding eighty feet, and not exceeding one seePiateia. hundred feet in height, shall be twenty-four inches to the second floor, and sixteen inches thick the remaining height ; exceeding one hundred feet in height, the additional thick- ness shall be determined by the inspector. Sect. 45. Brick buildings to be used as other than dwell- seePiateis. ing, tenement or lodging houses, shall have external walls not exceeding forty feet in height, not less than sixteen inches thick to the top of the second floor, and not less than twelve inches thick the remaining height; exceeding forty External waiis, feet, and not exceeding sixty feet in height, twenty dwemngrtene- inches thick to the top of the second floor, and sixteen ^^nt and lodging houBes. mches thick to the top of the upper floor, and twelve inches thick the remaining height ; exceeding sixty feet, and not exceeding eighty feet, twenty inches thick to the top of the third floor, and sixteen inches thick to the top of the upper floor, and twelve inches thick the remaining height ; exceeding eighty feet, and not exceeding one hundred feet in height, twenty-four inches to the top of the first floor, twenty inches to the top of the third floor, and sixteen inches thick ^i^te u. the remaining heiglft ; exceeding one hundred feet in height, shall bo of such additional thickness as shall be determined by the inspector. Sect. 46. The external walls of brick buildings not ex- External waiis ceeding thirty -five feet in height and not exceeding two thou- sand superficial feet, to be used for stables or light mechanical purposes, may be twelve inches thick. Sect. 47. Recesses and openings may be made in external Recesses and walls provided that the backs of such recesses are not less external waiis. than twelve inches in thickness, and that the areas of such recesses and openings do not, taken together, exceed one-half of the whole area of the wall in which they are made. This restriction shall not apply to street fronts properly con- structed of iron or iron and masonry. Sect. 48. If the owner shall elect, the amount of mate- Piers and rial herein specified for external walls in sections forty-four and forty-five may be used either in piers or buttresses, pro- vided the external walls between said piers and buttresses 12 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. When party and external walls are to be increased in thickness. Not to exceed 80 ft. in height, unless con- structed throughout of incombustible materials. Party walls of dwelling, tenement and lodging houses. See Plate 15. Party walls other than dwelling, tenement and lodging houses. See Plate 16. shall not be less than twelve inches thick in buildings less than fifty feet in height ; if in excess of fifty feet, and not over one hundred feet in height, the external walls between said piers and buttresses shall be not less than sixteen inches thick. No external wall between the window caps and tops of floors at each story shall be of less thickness than that prescribed for external walls in sections forty-four and forty- five. Sect. 49. In all brick buildings over twentj^-five feet in width, not having either brick partition walls, or girders sup- ported by columns running from front to rear, and the entire height of the building, the external and party walls shall be increased four inches in thickness for every additional twenty- five feet in the width of said buildino-. Sect. 50. No building hereafter erected, except churches and grain elevators, shall exceed a height greater than eighty feet to the highest point from the level of the sidewalk, ex- clusive of chimneys and party walls above the roof, unless constructed throughout of incombustible material, excepting interior finish. Sect. 51. Party walls of brick buildings to be used for dwelling, tenement or lodging houses, shall be of the same thickness for different heights as external walls of such build- ings, but in no case less than twelve inches thick, except as provided in section forty-four. Sect. 52. Party walls of brick buildings to be used for other purposes than dwelling, tenement or lodging houses, shall, when not exceeding forty feet in height, be sixteen inches thick to top of second floor, and twelve inches above ; exceeding forty feet, and not exceeding sixty-five feet in height, twenty inches to the top of the second floor, and six- teen inches above; exceeding sixty- five feet, and not ex- ceeding eighty feet in height, twenty-four inches to the top of the first floor, twenty inches to the top of the third floor, and sixteen inches above ; exceeding eighty, and not ex- ceeding one hundred feet in height, twenty-four inches to the top of the third floor, twenty inches to the top of fifth floor, and sixteen inches above. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 13 Sect. 53. No continuous vertical recess, chase or flue Recess, chase •n 1 1 or flue, shall be made in any party wall so deep that it will leave the thickness at the back less than eight inches at any point, and no recess of any kind shall be made in any eight-inch wall, no horizontal recess shall be made in any wall, except by a special permit from the inspector. No continuous vertical recess, other than flues, in stacks, shall be nearer than seven feet to any other recess. Sect. 54. All brick buildiiiofs to be used as dwelling, Partition waiis " ^ _ '-^ in dwellings, tenement or lodging houses, in excess of thirty feet in width, etc. shall have brick partition walls, not less than twelve inches thick, on which the floor beams shall rest, and said walls shall not be more than twenty-five feet apart. Sect. 55. Every brick building hereafter erected, more Partition waiis in other than than thirty feet in width, except dwelling, tenement or lodg- dwellings, etc. ing houses, public buildings, railroad stations and stables, shall have one or more brick or stone partition walls running from front to rear, and carried up to the full height of the building ; said wall or walls may be four inches less in thick- ness than is called for by the provisions relating to the thickness of external walls for a brick building, to be used for the same purpose, unless the wall is used for a floor bearing wall, which shall in no case be less than twelve inches ; these walls shall be so located that the space between any two of the floor bearing walls of the building shall not be over twenty-five feet. Sect. 5G. Girders or iron beams and columns may be Girders or , . beams and substituted for partition walls in buildings not more than one columns, when hundred feet in width, and shall be made of sufficient strength ;"^^;;^'^taiiL to bear safely the weight which they are intended to support in addition to the weight of material employed in their con- struction ; but where wooden columns or wooden girders are used the columns shall not be further apart than twelve feet. Sect. 57, "Walls may be made with a facing of stone or waiiswhen other approved material securely tied to a backing of not Jtone."^'^^ less than eight inches of hard brick work laid in mortar, by means of metal clamps ; but the thickness of fiicing and backing, taken together, shall not be less than the thickness required for a brick wall of the same height. u DIGEST OF BUILDESTG LAWS. No timber in walls. Lintels and arches. Side wall not to be in advance of rear wall. "Walls to be anchored to each other. Walls to be anchored to beams, and girders to be strapped together. Openings in party walls. Sect. 58. No timber shall be used in any wall of any brick buildings except arch forms for interior arched openings. Sect. 59. All lintels used to support walls or other weights over openings, shall be of sufficient strength and bearing to carry the superimposed weights, and iron beams or lintels shall, when supported at the end by brick walls or brick piers, rest upon an iron plate at least two inches thick, the full size of the bearing, and where beams are not over six feet in length the plates may be omitted. All arches not having sufficient piers or abutments to resist the thrust of the superimposed loads shall have proper and sufficient iron ties. Sect. 60. No side wall of a brick building shall be car- ried up in advance of the rear wall. Sect. 61. All walls of a brick buildino' meetins: at an ano-le o o o shall be anchored to each other, every ten feet in their height, by tie anchors, made of at least one and a quarter inch by three-eighths of an inch wrought iron, which shall be securely built into the side or partition walls not less than thirty-six inches ; and into the front and rear walls at least one-half the thickness of the front and rear walls. Sect. 62. All walls of a brick building on which the ends of beams rest, shall be anchored at each tier of beams, at in- tervals of not more than ten feet apart, with good, strong wrought iron anchors at least one-half inch by one and one- half inch, well built into the walls and fastened at the top of the beams ; and, where the beams are supported by girders, the end of the beams resting on the girders shall be butted together, end to end, and strapped by wrought iron straps or tie irons, at the same distances apart, and in the same beams as the wall anchors, and shall be well fastened. Sect. 63. No opening or doorway shall be cut through a party wall of a brick building without a permit from the in- spector ; and every such doorway shall have top, bottom and sides of stone, brick or iron ; shall be closed by two sets of wrought iron or metal-covered doors (separated by thick- ness of the wall) hung to rabbeted iron frames, or to wooden frames entirely covered with metal, or to iron hinges in brick or stone rabbets ; shall not exceed ten feet in height by eight DIGEST OF BUILDm& LAWS. 15 feet in width ; and any opening other than a doorway shall be protected in a manner satisfactory to the inspector.. Sect. 64. All cornices other than brick on brick build- ^"'^ ings shall be secured to the walls with iron anchors, inde- pendent of any wood work ; the wall shall be carried up to the boarding of the roof, and where the cornice projects above the roof the wall shall be carried up to the top of the cornice and covered with metal, like parapet walls. All exterior cornices or gutters, more than forty -five feet above the level of the sidewalk, hereafter replaced, shall be con- structed of or covered with some incombustible material. Sect. 65. All piers shall be built of the best quality of riers, how laid. good, well burnt hard brick, laid in cement and sand mortar, and well wet when laid in warm weather. Sect. 66. Brick piers under lintels, girders or columns Piers under lin- of brick buildings shall have a cap iron at least two inches ^^j'^^n,'!''''^ thick, the full size of the pier. Sect. 67. Brick piers and buttresses shall be bonded Piers and but- with through courses, levelled and bedded, each course, and where their foundations rest upon piles, a sufficient number shall be driven to insure a proper support. Sect. 68. Every metal column in a brick building shall columns, rest on an iron plate of not less thickness than two inches. •Wooden columns supporting girders and floors in such build- ings shall set on inch and a half iron plates with sockets or counter sinkages. Sect. 69. Metal columns placed one on top of the other columns, shall have a plate at the top of each column, with projections on both sides to fit into cap and base of columns, to prevent slipping, and all columns shall have holes bored, where directed by the inspector, into and through the shell at right angles to the shaft, so as to show the thickness of shell. AH bearing parts of columns and plates shall be turned or planed to true surfaces. Sect. 70. All chimneys shall hereafter be built of brick, cwmneys. stone or other incombustible material ; shall be plastered on the outside below the roof after having been inspected, and shall have a footing of masonry, or iron supported by iron, 16 DIGEST or BUILDING LAWS. or corbels of brick or stone. No chimney shall be hung to an eight inch wall, or bear or rest upon wood. No chimney corbelled from a wall shall project more than the thickness of the wall. Brick flues. Seot. 71. All bHck flues shall hereafter be built of mer- chantable brick, thoroughly slushed and flush jointed, be smoothly plastered inside with mortar, from top to bottom below the roofing ; be securely built into the brick work of the walls to which they are hung ; shall be topped out at least four feet above the highest part of roof with brick or stone, and the topping out shall not have more than two inches pro- jection, unless covered by a cap of approved incombustible material, properly secured ; and in no case shall a nail be driven into the masonry of any flue. Shell of flues. Sect. 72. The shell of all flues for brick ranges, boilers, furnaces and ovens shall hereafter be of brick work eiffht inches thick, or its equivalent, to a height of twenty-five feet above such ranges, boilers, furnaces or ovens. Flues to ranges Sect. 73. Eaugcs or boilcrs shall have the outside of the or boilers. flue to the same exposed without covering, or if plastered shall be plastered on the outside directly upon the bricks, up to the ceiling of the room, and no wood work shall be placed on the outside of the same. Headers, trim. Sect. 74. All floor timbcrs, headers and trimmers of mers and metal fire stops. every brick building hereafter erected or altered, in which a chimney is to be built in a brick wall, shall be placed distant at least two inches from the outside of every chimney flue. See Plate 17. q^^^ spacc betwccn such timbers and the brick work of chimney shall be closed by a proper fire stop of incombus- tible material. Open fire places, Sect. 75. All hcarths shall be supported by trimmer raTrs* archeT, f^^'chcs of brick or stonc ; or be of single stones at least six inches thick and supported entirely by iron beams, one end of which shall be securely built into masonry of chimney or adjoining wall. The brick jams of every fire-place, range or grate opening must be at least eight inches wide each, and the backs of such openings must be at least eight inches See Plate 18. thick to at least two feet above such openings. All such DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 17 hearths and supports shall be at least twelve inches longer than the width of such openings, and at least eighteen inches wide in front of the chimney breast. The brick work over all fire-place and grate openings shall be supported by proper iron bars or brick or stone arches. Sect. 76. If any chimney, flue or heating apparatus on unsafe chim- ., , -, nays, flues and any premises shall, m the opinion or the inspector, endanger Seating ap- the premises, the inspector shall at once notify in writing P'"'''^'"*- the owner or agent of said premises. If such owner or agent fails for a period of forty-eight hours after the service of said notice upon him to make such chimney, flue or heat- ing apparatus safe, he shall be liable to a fine of not less than twenty nor more than fifty dollars for every day's con- tinuance thereof, to be paid into the treasury of said city. Sect. 77. Every smoke pipe in a building entering a chim- Smoke pipe, 1 . 1 /. 1 how protected. ney flue shall be at least twelve inches irom every wooden floor, ceiling or partition ; shall be guarded by a soapstone ring not less than four inches in thickness, extending through the partition, or by a double metal collar, with an air space of not less than four inches around the same when running through any stud or wooden partition ; and no smoke pipe shall project through any external wall or window. Sect. 78. The smoke pipe of every furnace shall be kept Furnaces and at least one foot distant from all beams and ceilings not pro- g"ne.'' ^'^^ '° tected by a shield of tin plate at least two inches distant from said beams or ceiling ; and no smoke pipe shall be placed nearer than twelve inches to any beam or ceiling, unless the beam and ceiling are plastered, in which case the pipe may be kept within six inches of the plastering, if pro- tected by the above described shield ; and the top of all heat- ing furnaces set in brick shall be covered with brick, sup- ported by iron bars, and so constructed as to be perfectly tight ; said covering to be in addition to and not less than six inches from the ordinary covering to the hot air chamber. Sect. 79. No furnace and no range set in masonry shall Furnaces, etc , hereafter be placed or its location changed in any building except as the inspector shall approve. Sect. 80. The top of every heating furnace not set in Furnaces. 18 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. brick sluill be kept at least six inches below the beams or ceiling, with a shield of tin plate, made tight, suspended not less than two inches below the said beams or ceiling, and extending one foot beyond the top of the furnace on all sides. If the ceiling over a furnace is plastered the top of the brick work may be kept within six inches of the ceiling. Uty;i8ter boxes. Sect. 81. All liot air rcgistcr boxes hereafter placed in the floors or partitions of buildings shall be set in soapstone borders not less than two inches in width, firmly set in plas- ter of Paris, or gauged mortar, or such other protection as shall in the judgment of the inspector be equivalent to soap- stone ; shall be made of tin plate, with a flange on the top to fit the groove in the soapstone, and shall have an open space of one inch on all sides, extending from the under side of the ceiling, below the register, to the soapstone in the floor or partition ; the outside of said space covered Avith a casing of tin plate, tight on all sides, and extending from the under side of the aforesaid ceiling up to and turn under the said soapstone ; register-boxes of fifteen by twenty-five inches or more shall have a space of two inches. Hot air and Sect. 82. No wood work shall hereafter be placed nearer steam pipes. onc iucli to any tin or other metal pipe, to be used to convey heated air or steam in any building, unless protected in a manner satisfactory to the inspector, and such wood-work shall be protected by a soapstone or earthen ring or tube, or a metal casino;. steam boiieis to Sect. 83. Evcry building in which a steam-boiler of ten be enclosed. or more horse power is placed shall have the space on the floor allotted for said boiler, enclosed in incombustible ma- terial satisfactory to the inspector, and shall be so arranged that all openings between the said boiler room and the other parts of the building in which it is placed shall be protected by iron or metal covered doors, which shall be securely closed at the close of each day. Permit and Sect. 84. Upon a liccnsc being granted for the erection license required ^ stcam boilcr, cnijine or furnace for melting glass, or to erect and set ' O 00' steam boilers, metal, in any building, the person or persons receiving such license shall, before setting, erecting or placing said boiler, DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 19 engine or furnace, obtain a permit thereof from the inspector, who shall prescribe such regulation for the setting or placing thereof as the public safety may require. Sect. 85. No boiler to be used for steam or motive steam boiiers, power, and no furnace for melting glass or metal, shall be placed on any floor above the cellar or basement floor unless the same is set upon wrought iron beams and brick arches, and in no case without a permit from the inspector. All wood work and timbers shall be removed from the floor under the same. Sect. 86. All floors shall be constructed to bear a safe construction of weight, per superficial foot, exclusive of materials, as follows : For dwellings, tenements or lodging houses, one hundred pounds ; for buildings for light mechanical purposes, and for public buildings, one hundred and fifty pounds ; for store- houses, warehouses, machine shops, armories, drill rooms, and riding schools, not less than two hundred and fifty pounds. These requirements shall apply to all alterations, as well as to new buildings. Sect. 87. All timber used in the construction of floors or Roof and floor roofs of brick buildings shall be straight grained and free from larjre and loose knots or weakeninoj shakes. Sect. 88. Every header more than four feet long, used in Headers and any building except a dwelling, shall be hung in stirrup irons of suitable dimensions for the size of the timbers, and securely joint bolted. All tail beams shall be properly framed or hung to headers. Sect. 89. The ends of all floor beams and rafters of a Timbers brick building entering a wall shall be cut on a splay of three ^p^''^^'^- inches in their width. Sect. 90. All main partitions supporting in any manner Main partitions floor beams or rafters of a brick building shall be placed di- ^""^ rectly over each other, shall rest on a wall or metallic girder, and shall head and foot against each other as far as prac- ticable. Sect, 91. No floor timber, header or trimmer of a brick Timbemouobe building shall be cut into more than two inches in depth for '^^ p ^ ^ piping, without permit from the inspector, and no cutting 20 DIGEST or BUILDING LAWS. Roofing and height of roof above upper floor. Scuttles and bulkheads. Exterior parts of brick building above 45 feel to be covered with incombustible material. Fire proof ehutters. Grade of cellars. shall be made in any timber at a greater distance than three feet from its support. Sect. 92. The roof of every brick building hereafter built shall be covered with incombustible roofing material, shall be constructed not more than one story in height, nor more than twenty feet in height from the upper floor of the building upon which it is placed to the highest part of said roof, unless made of incombustible material throughout. Sect. 93. All brick buildings, more than twenty feet in height, shall have scuttle frames not less than two by three feet in size ; and covers, or bulkheads and doors, on the roof, made of or covered with some incombustible material ; and every scuttle shall have a stationary step ladder, and every bulkhead shall have stairs furnished with a sufficient guard or hand rail, all ready for use at all times, and in a tenement house such scuttle or bulkhead shall never be locked, but may be fastened by a hook on the inside. Sect. 94. All the exterior parts of every brick building hereafter erected, which are more than forty-tive feet above the level of the sidewalk, shall be made of or covered with incombustible material. Sect. 95. All brick buildings hereafter built to be used for warehouses, stores, storehouses, or manufactories, more than forty-five feet in height, shall have doors or shutters made of or covered with fireproof material on every window and entrance which does not open on a street more than tw^enty feet in width ; and when such shutters or doors cannot be put on the outside of such door or window, they shall be put on the inside, and be hung upon an iron frame independ- ent of the wood work of the window frame or door, or to iron hinges in rabbets in the masonry ; and every such door or shutter shall be closed upon the completion of the business of each day, by the occupant having the use or control of the same ; and all fireproof shutters that now are or may here- after be put upon any building on the street fronts, shall be so constructed as to be closed and opened from the outside above the first story. Sect. 96. No cellar or basement cellar of any building shall be constructed below the grade of twelve feet above THL mmm BUILDERS' EXCHANHH O.F PHILADELPHIA, DIGEST OF BUILDIXG LAWS. - 21 mean low water ; provided, however, that the board of alder- men may, by license, subject to revocation at any time by them, authorize cellars or basement cellars to be constructed in buildings, no part of which is to be used as a dwelling, so much below said grade as they may designate in each license. Sect. 97. All buildings built upon filled or made land Till 111' /•ITT -1 filled land. shall have a bed oi concrete, ot hydraulic cement and gravel or tar and gravel, or asphalt, not less than two inches in thickness, spread over the cellar bottom, or shall be paved with brick laid in cement, throughout the whole extent of the building ; and where there is a basement floor over the cellar bottom, there shall be an air space between the con- crete and said floor, unless the floor is planked directly upon the concrete. The air space shall be properly ventilated. Sect. 98. All buildings hereafter built shall have only iron Drains, drains within the buildings and extendinof five feet outside of the wall of the buildings ; and where the said drain pipe passes through the wall there shall be a relieving arch, stone lintel, or iron pipe inserted to relieve said iron drain. All drains below cellar floor or grade twelve shall be laid with proper fall to sewer in a trench, the sides of which shall be walled with brick masonry, and the base in concrete, thor- oughly rammed and graded, and made accessible by movable covers. Sect. 99. All drain pipe hung to wall or ceiling shall be Drainpipe, r» I 1 how huntf. iirmly hung. ^ Sect. 100. The roof of every building shall be kept in Roofs to be kept good repair, and all rain water shall be so drained or conveyed '° therefrom as not to drip on the ground or cause dampness in the walls, yard or area. Sect. 101. All brick buildings shall be kept provided with Leaders or suitable watertight metallic leaders, and all other buildings with watertight metallic or wooden leaders for conducting the water from the roof to the ground, and all water shall be conducted from a building or from land to the street, gutter or sewer in such a manner as not to flow upon the sidewalk. Sect. 102. The insides of all furred brick walls of every Fire stops, brick building hereafter constructed shall have a fire belt or located, and stop, composed of some fireproof material, at least six inches 22 DIGEST OF BUILDEN-G LAWS. See Plate 19. Floors to be deafened. See Plate 20. See Plate 21. Fire stops. Fire proofing, where required. wide, and thoroughly set up between furrings at the top and bottom of each story ; and the whole area of every floor from wall to wall shall be deafened with plaster at least one inch thick, or two thicknesses of asbestos paper, or other incom- bustible material satisfactorj^ to inspector, the same to be placed upon the under or rough flooring ; and in each story, in which stud walls or partitions are constructed and rest on walls or other partitions, said stud walls and partitions shall have the spaces between the floor joists immediately under such Avails or partitions, and between studs from the under side of said joists to a line six inches above the top of said joists, filled solid and flush with face of plastering on both sides with mortar, cement, plaster or other incombustible material ; and if such studs or partitions shall rest on solid timber or joists for the whole length thereof, such filling as above described shall be placed from the top of such joists to the same height as above specified, or a strip of tin or galvanized iron at least one inch wider than the width of said studding, and continuing mider the footing of such walls or partitions, may be substituted for the filling above specified, where there is no partition or wall under. The spaces between stringers or carriages, and between floor joists of landings of all wooden staircases, unless such stringers and joists are left exposed and uncovered, shall be pugged solid with mortar or other incombustible material, or the spaces between stringers shall be closed at intervals of three feet by substantial stops of incombustible material. Sect. 103. The various forms of construction tending to create or form air passages from one story to another, such as spaces around pipes, ventilating shafts, or chimneys furred ofi" to form breasts, in every brick building hereafter erected or altered, shall have a fire and smoke stop of incombustible material at each floor, approved by the inspector. All ven- tilation ducts shall be of incombustible materials. Sect. 104. Upright supports of other material than brick, used below the grade of the street, and cast iron beams or girders or stone lintels, used for supports in every brick build- ing, hereafter erected or altered, shall be protected by fire- proof material. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 23 Sect. 105. Every building occupied above the second floor Egress from tenement and from the level of the street by two or more families and every lodging house, building occupied as a tenement, boarding or lodging house, ^"iJ'Jj^^'^'J,' or for a factory, mill or manufactory, or for offices or work- officeandwork. shops in which persons are employed above the second floor, jsss, c. soo, § i. and every school building more than two stories in height, shall be provided with suitable facilities for escape in case of fire, in good repair at all times, and sufficient for the safe egress in case of fire of all the persons usually employed in or frequenting the building ; and where fire-escapes are author- ized by the inspector on the outside of a building, they may project over the highway, and shall have suitable connection with the ground. Sect. 106. Any building provided with stairways or fire Egress for escapes approved by the inspector, shall be deemed to be children, provided with sufficient facilities for escape in case of fire, isss, c. see, § 2. as required by the preceding section. The owner of any building which is provided with stairs on the outside shall construct such stairs with railed landings at each story above stairways and 1 ivi .,1 li 11 • escapes not the first, and connect them with each story by doors or win- t^jT^goi^^t.^^^^a. dows. No person shall place any obstruction on any outside stairway or fire escape. Sect. 107. All elevator cars and hoists, not including lifts Elevator cars, twenty-eight inches square, and except those constructed niin shafts, dwellinof houses, shall run in shafts with brick walls not less than eight inches thick, or walls covered with incombustible material, with proper fire stops, or in the well room of a fire- proof stairway enclosed in the same manner and carried up through the roof not less than one foot and six inches ; said shafts to be covered with a ventilating skylight. Sect. 108. Every opening into a shaft or hoistway shall ^'^'o™''"'"''''^' ^ t- o ^ " gates and trui) be protected by sufficient automatic rails or giites and trap doors, doors, or such other mechanical devices as shall be equiva- 1^^^' ^''''> So- lent thereto ; and every elevator car and hoist shall l)c pro- vided with some suflicient arrangement to prevent the falling of the car or hoist in case of any accident to the ropes, or other hoisting apparatus. Every opening, other than a stairway, through the floor, or into an elevator shaft or hoistway, shall 24 DIGEST OP BUILDING LAWS. Openings into shafts, how protected. 1888, c. 366, § 4. Hoistways, etc. to l>e approved. Unsafe buildings, etc. Unsafe buildings, etc. be securely closed at the close of each day by the occupant ; and, if there is no occupant, by the lessee or owner. Sect. 109. All openings within the building into a hoist shaft, except shafts for passenger elevators, shall be furnished with metal, or metal covered doors, hung to rabbeted iron . frames, with iron thresholds to the same ; and said doors shall be kept closed when not in use by springs of sufficient strength. Equivalent protection shall be maintained in the case of passenger elevators. Windows or openings in an ex- ternal wall into a hoistway or elevator shaft shall have three iron bars painted red perpendicularly across and equally di- viding the window or opening. Sect. 110. No hoistway, elevator car, or hoist shall be used in any building until approved by the inspector. Sect. 111. The owner, or other party having an interest in any building, staging or other structure, or anything attached to or connected with a building or other structure, which shall be unsafe so as to endanger life, shall, immediately upon notice received from the inspector of buildings, cause the same to be made safe and secure, or taken down; and where the public safety requires immediate action, the inspector may enter upon the premises with such assistants as may be necessary, and cause the said structure to be secured or taken down without delay, and the passers by to l)e pro- tected at the expense of such owner or party interested. No staging or stand for observation purposes shall be constructed or occupied upon the roof of any building in said city. Sect. 112. Every building which shall appear, to the in- spector, to be specially dangerous in case of fire, by reason of bad condition of walls, overloaded floors, defective construc- tion or other causes, shall be held to be unsafe ; and the in- spector, besides proceeding as provided in the preceding- section, shall also affix a notice of the dangerous character of the structure to a conspicuous place on the exterior wall of said building ; and any person removing such notice so af- fixed shall be liable to a fine of not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars for each and every ofience, to be paid into the treasury of said city. DIGEST or BUILDING LAWS. 25 Sect. 113. The owner, or party having an interest unsafe '~' , buildings, etc. in the unsafe building or structure, mentioned in the two preceding sections, being notified thereof in writing by the inspector, shall forfeit and pay a fine to the use of said city, for every day's continuance thereof after such notice, a sum not less than t^n nor more than fifty dollars, on complaint before any court of competent jurisdiction. Sect. 114. No explosive or inflammable compound or Explosive • 1 in 1 ^ 11 1 compounds, combustible material shall be stored or placed under any etc., not to be stairway of any building, or used in any such place or manner p'"'.''''*^ J J o' ^ L stairways. as to obstruct or render egress hazardous in case of fire. Sect. 115. Any buildino; that maybe hereafter erected Bracing for 1 1 1 J r • isolated in an isolated position, and more than one hundred leet in buildings more depth, and which shall not have cross walls, shall be securely ^gp'lJ.'^'^ braced during construction, both inside and out, if practi- cable ; or if outside bracing is not practicable, it shall be properly braced from the inside, and the braces shall be con- tinued from the foundation upward to at least one-third the height of the building from the sidewalk level. Sect. 116. Every public building hereafter erected, and Exits for public every building hereafter altered to be used as a public build- ing, in addition to all other provisions applicable to such buildings, shall have at least one frontage for its entire height of at least one entire side of the auditorium and lobbies, passages and stairways of exit on that side, on a street, court or open passageway fifteen feet or more wide, and at least two-thirds of the entire width of exits and entrances shall open on to such street, court or passageway ; shall have the doors, halls, corridors, lobbies, stairways, passages and aisles wide, direct, and so constructed and arranged as to afford easy egress for the occupants under all circumstances ; and exits and entrances shall, as far as practicable, be iden- tical ; shall have all doors open outwards, and of the full width of the passages from which they open ; shall have the passages of exit and stairways at least five feet wide and of an aggregate capacity in width of not less than twenty inches for each one hundred persons that said building may at any time contain. This provision to apply to the exits from each 26 DIGEST OF BTTILDIJ^G LAWS. Heating and lighting necessary. Obstructions in aisles, etc. not allowed. division, gallery or compartment of such building, as well as to the exterior openings ; shall have the corridors, lobbies, stairways, passages and aisles of equal or increasing width, towards the exits, and without any projection into them within six feet of the floor ; shall have the halls, corridors, doors, stairways, seats and aisles so arranged as to facilitate egress, and as the inspector may approve ; and shall have all apparatus to be pipes and apparatus used in heating or lighting, and all LTpTctoi^^ lights, protected to the satisfaction of the inspector ; and Fire service and shall havc such firc servicG and apparatus for the extino-uish- apparatus to be j? i • ^ provided as the Hieiit 01 hrc as the mspector may deem necessary. All exits iTsslry.''""' ^^"o^^ P^^>1'« building shall be opened for the use of every departing audience. Sect. 117. No temporary seats or other obstructions shall be allowed in any aisle, passageway of exit or entrance, or stairway of a public building ; and no person shall be al- lowed to stand or remain therein while the building is in use. ZZ^ZcepT'' changes of level in the floors of public stairways. buildings, cxccpt rcgukr stairway s , from story to story, and except the necessary steps in galleries and balconies, rising toward the exits, shall be made by inclines of no steeper gradient than two in ten within the auditorium, and rising toward the exits, and one in ten for all others. Overheads Sect. 119. The ovcrlicads, immediately beneath tlic floors beneath floors to be protected. O f the auditorium, lobbies, hall rooms, galleries, stairways, landings and corridors of public buildings shall be protected by some incombustible material, such as wire lathing and plastering ; and the stair carriages and framing shall be pugged solid to line of treads, risers and landing floors with some incombustible material. Sect. 120. All partitions of public buildings enclosing the stairways, lobbies and corridors, or separating them from au- ditorium or anterooms, shall be of brick masonry ; or of heavy studding, brick nogged throughout or otherwise made non- combustible. Sect. 121. All stairs and landings of public buildings shall have proper hand rails on both sides firmly secured to walls, or to strong posts and balusters throughout their entire length ; stairways, lobbies, cori'idorc, etc., to be enclosed in brick walls. Rails to stairs and landings. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 27 and wide stairways shall have one or more intermediate rails on strong vertical supports, as approved by inspector. Sect. 122. The rise of stairs of public buildinirs shall not stair winders, *■ _ treads and exceed seven and one-half inches, nor the going be less than risers, ten and one-half inches. No winders less than seven inches wide at the narrowest end, or flights of less than three steps, shall be introduced, and there shall be a full landing to at least every fifteen steps. Sect. 123. Every approach or exit of a public building. Exits of public . 1111 buildings, under or through any other buildmg, shall have solid brick tiirough other walls, and the floors and ceilings shall be of approved incom- ^""'li^g- bustible and fire resisting materials, and there shall be no openings through said walls, floors or ceilings. Sect. 124. No boiler, furnace, engine or heating ap- Boilers, etc., in 1111 1 1 public build- paratus, except steam pipes and radiators, shall be located ings. under the auditorium, nor under any passage or stairway of exit of a public building. Sect. 125. The lights for the rear of the auditorium, and Lights for for all passages and stairways of exit of every public building, P^g^ '" shall be independent of the lights of the rest of the auditorium and platform, and shall be so arranged that they cannot be turned down or ofi^ from the platform. Sect. 126. Every building hereafter built or altered, to Theatres here- be used as a theatre, for dramatic, operatic or other similar ^[[^^'^^"'o be of performances, involving the use of a fixed stage, with movable tricic and fire i ' o ^ resisting con- or shifting scenery, curtains and machinery, shall be a brick struction building, and be of fire resisting construction throughout, go far as the nature of its uses will permit, and in addition to all other provisions applicable to a public building, shall have the highest part of main floor of auditorium not more than Main floor to be seven feet above the sidewalk of the open street, court Ol•'^°^^^^^^^^^'''''' passageway on which the main doors of exit shall be located ; efeet.etc. shall have at least two independent exits for each division, compartment or gallery of the auditorium ; and for each gallery or division above the first floor shall have indepen- dent stairways, and such stairways and exits shall be located as for apart as practicable. The lobbies shall be separated from the auditorium by brick or other fire resisting walls ; 28 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Additional exits for theatres. Stage of theatre to be separated from audi- torium by bricli wall sixteen inches iu thick, ness, etc. Proscenium arch, how carried. Roof trusses. Finish and decorations. Scenery, curtains, etc. and all walls, floors and landings of stairways and all stairs shall be of incombustible materials ; and all doors from audi- torium to lobbies and stairways shall be of metal covered wood and self closing. There shall be lobbies adjoining each division of the auditorium sufficiently large to furnish standing room for all persons that such division may at any time contain. Sect. 127. In addition to the exits hereinbefore required for all public buildings, there shall be provided, if practicable, for every theatre, direct exits from the main floor of audi- torium to a street, court or open passage way ; and these exits shall be provided with such light doors or sashes, open- ing outwards, and secured only on the inside, as may readily be forced open in case of fire or panic. Sect. 128. The stage of every theatre shall be separated from the auditorium by a brick wall sixteen inches thick, or its equivalent, which wall shall extend the entire width of the building, and frona ground to roof, and from ground to stage floor, and be topped out as a party wall. There shall be no openings through this wall except the curtain opening, and not more than two others, to bo located at the level of or below the stage ; these latter openings shall not exceed twenty-one superficial feet each, and shall have tinned wood, self closing doors, securely hung to rabbets in the brickwork. Sect. 129. The wall over the curtain opening of every theatre shall be carried by a brick arch, or by an iron truss or girder ; and if a truss or girder is used it shall be covered by materials non-conductive of heat, and a girder shall be spanned by a sufficient relieving arch of brick in cement. Sect. 130. The roof trusses of every theatre shall be covered with incombustible material. Sect. 131. The finish or decorative features around the curtain openmg of every theatre shall be of incombustible materials, well secured to masonry. Sect. 132. All scenery, curtains and exposed wood work of the stage of every theatre shall be thoroughly covered or saturated, if practicable, with fire resisting material, approved by inspector. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 29 Sect. 133. The fixed portions of stage, fly floors and stage, fly floors, tie floors of every theatre shall be of approved incombustible material, except that the flooring may be of wood. Sect. 134. The under side of flooring of fly floors of ^''^^ °* _ _ fly floors, how every theatre shall be covered with approved incombustible protected, materials, and the tie floor shall have an open flooring of slats, set their full width apart. Sect. 135. All scene docks, carpenter or property shops, scene docks, and wardrobes of every theatre, shall be separated from property'shops, stage, auditorium and dressing room divisions by solid brick and wardrobes, walls, not less than twelve inches thick, with no openings to the auditorium or dressing room divisions ; and all openings to the stage shall have tinned wood, self-closing doors, securely hung in rabbets in the brick work. Sect. 136. All rooms and premises in every theatre for Employees' 1 1 ;T • 1 11 1 rooms, how the use or occupancy oi persons employed therem shall be located, located in secure positions, and shall have at least two inde- pendent exits, as remote from the stage as practicable ; and all parts of such rooms and premises, with their passages and stairways, shall be of fire resisting construction. Sect. 137. There shall be at least two two-inch high ser- Number and . . 1 . j^i j_ c J.1 i. -j-i 1 location of hieh- vice stand pipes on the stage ot every theatre, with ample ^^^^j^^ ^^^^^ provision of hose and nozzles at each level of the stage on P'pea- each side, and the water shall be kept turned on during the occupancy of the building. The said pipes shall have two gates, one above the other, with a proper test or waste valve ; the lower gate to be kept open at all times except when test- ing the upper gate to ascertain if it is in order for use. The proscenium opening shall be provided with a two and one- half inch perforated iron pipe, so constructed that, in case of an emergency, it will form a complete water curtain for the entire proscenium opening, and there shall be such ad- ditional fire apparatus and perforated iron pipes or automatic sprinklers as the inspector shall direct. Said pipes shall be supplied with water by high pressure service, and be at all times ready for use. Sect. 138. There shall be one or more ventilators near Number and the centre and above the highest portion of stage of every thea- ventilators. 30 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. tre constructed of incombustible materials, and equal in com- bined area of opening to one-tenth of the area of stage floor. Said ventilators shall have valves or louvers so counterbalanced as to open automatically, and shall be kept closed when not in use, by cords or wires reaching to the prompter's desk, and readily operated therefrom. There shall also be a proper arrangement of combustible cords, or fusible connections to open the ventilating valves automatically, by the action of fire on the stage. Curtain. Sect. 139. The proscenium or curtain opening of every theatre shall have a fire resisting curtain of incombustible material, reenforced by wire netting, or otherwise strength- ened ; if of iron, or similar heavy material, and made to lower from the top, it shall be so contrived as to be stopped securely at a height of seven feet above the stage floor ; the remaining opening being closed by a curtain or valance of fire resisting fabric as above. Such curtain shall be lowered at the beginning and end of each and every performance, and shall, in its material, construction and mechanism be approved by the inspector stairways, how Sect. 140. Every brick building hereafter erected or al- constructed in ^q^q^ |,,g, ^ged for a tenement or lodo-ino; house, except those tenement and & O ' r ^ lodging houses, where there are not more than four families and having two separate stairways, shall have the stairways enclosed in brick walls not less than eight inches thick the entire height, and provided with a ventilating skylight so arranged with fire proof appliances that it may be operated from the lower hall in a manner satisfactory to the inspector, and the stairway side of said walls, if plastered, unless it is an outside wall, shall be plastered directly on the brickwork, and no opening or aperture shall be made in said walls except the requi- site doors for entrance thereto and external windows ; and the whole area of stairway not occupied by well rooms on each floor shall be deafened as provided in section one hundred and two. Other better fire proof or fire resisting construc- tion may be substituted for the wood framing and deafening and wire lathing and plastering by permission of inspector. Every such building, if to be occupied by more than four DIGEST OF BUILDIXa LAWS. 31 families above the first floor, sliall have such additional stair- cases or means of egress as in the judgment of the inspector the safety of the occupants shall demand. If such staircase partitions are to commence at a level above the cellar bottom, they may be erected upon iron girders, and properly protected from fire, and the floor within said walls at the level of the girders shall be entirely of incombustible material. Sect. 141. The exterior walls of every building hereafter Height of . exterior walla erected or altered to be used for a tenement or lodgmg house, of tenement on a street not more than twenty feet in width, shall not exceed thirty feet in height. Sect. 142. No building, of which any part is used for Hay, atraw, , , hemp, flax, storage or sale of hay, straw, hemp, flax, shavmgs, burning shavings, fluid, turpentine, camphene or any inflammable oil, or other J'^™^^^®.^""^* highly combustible substances, shall be occupied in any part camphene and . 1 1 • 1 j_ J.1 i. inflammable as a dwelling, tenement or lodgmg house ; except that rooms oil, not to be for coachmen or grooms may be allowed in connection with ""^^ the private stables authorized by this act, by permission of tenement and inspector. All receptacles for ashes in any tenement ov ^J^'^^^^^^Tfor lod> thereof, either in term time or vacation, may issue an injunc- tion to prevent the erection, occupancy or use of any stable contrary to the provisions of this act. Sect. 3. This act shall take effect in three months after its passage. [Approved June 9, 1869.~\ CHAPTER 192, ACTS OF 1878. AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE REBUILDING AND IMPROVEMENT OF STABLES IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. Chap. 280, 1871, Section 1. Any stable now or hereafter legally existing repealed by , , . , „ • i i Chap. 374, 1885. m tile City ot liostou may, with the consent or the mayor and aldermen of said city, be rebuilt, enlarged and improved, in accordance with the provisions of chapter two hundred and eighty of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and seventy-one, and the several acts in amendment thereof regulating the construction of buildings in the said city. Sect. 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage. \_Approved April 26, 1878.'] CHAPTER 252, ACTS OF 1882. Elevators, etc. may be regulated by ordinance. City may 1 y ordinance require regis- tration of plumbers. Section 1. The city of Boston may, by ordinance, regu- late the building, management and inspection of elevators, hoistways and elevator shafts in said city. Sect. 2. The said city may, by ordinance, require the registration of all persons carrying on the business of plumb- ing in said city, and prescribe rules and regulations for the materials, construction, alteration and inspection of all pipes, tanks, faucets, valves and other fixtures, by and through DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 35 which water and sewage are used and carried ; and provide f^l^^^f^^.^^l^^^ that no such pipes, tanks, faucets, valves or other fixtures plumbing, shall be placed in any building in said city, except in accord- ance with plans which shall be approved by the inspector of buildings of said city. Sect. 5. The facts and returns relative to steam boilers, g* required to be ascertained by section ninety-two of chapter gteam boiier eleven of the public statutes, shall be ascertained and made in the city of Boston, by the inspector of buildings, and not inspector of buildings. by the assessors. Sect. 6. The said city may impose penalties not exceed- Penalties that ^ ^ may be imposed. ing fifty dollars for each offence, for any violation of the provisions contained in sections one and two of this act. CHAPTER 173, ACTS OF 1883. If any elevator, whether used for freight or passengers, unsafe clcvEitors etc* shall, in the judgment of the inspector of factories and public building's of the district in which such elevator is used, or, in the city of Boston, of the inspector of buildings of said city, be' unsafe or dangerous to use, or has not been con- structed in the manner required by law, the said inspector shall immediately placard conspicuously upon the entrance to ^J'^J^Jj^^j or door of the cab or car of such elevator a notice of its placard, on eie- dangerous condition, and prohibit the use of such elevator ''^^ until made safe to the satisfaction of said inspector. Any person removino; such notice or operating such elevator while Penalty for ■t^ o . removing such such notice is placarded as aforesaid, without authority from placard, said inspector, shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars for each olfence. 36 DIGEST OF BUILDma LAWS. CHAPTER 251, ACTS OF 1883. Watchmen and red lights in hotels, etc. See chap. 251, 1883, and chap. 223, 1884. Watchmen in hotels, etc., additional requirements. No license to hotel keepers to be granted until requirements have been com- plied with. Penalties. Section 1. Every keeper of a hotel, boarding or lodging house containing one hundred or more rooms, and being four or more stories high, shall have therein at least two compe- tent watchmen, each properly assigned, and each on duty between the hours of nine o'clock in the afternoon and six o'clock in the forenoon. And every keeper of a hotel, boarding or lodging house containing fifty or more, but less than one hundred, rooms, and being three stories high, shall have betAveen said hours at least one competent watchman on duty therein. And in all such hotels or lodging houses as are mentioned in this section the halls and stairways shall be properly lighted at night, and at the head and foot of each flight of stairs shall be kept during the night a red light ; and one or more proper alarms, or gongs, capable of being heard throughout the house, shall always remain easy of access and ready for use in each of said buildings, to give notice to the inmates in case of fire ; and every keeper of such hotel, boarding or lodging house shall keep posted in a conspicuous place in every sleeping room a notice descriptive of such means of escape.^ , Sect. 3. The inspector of buildings in the city of Boston, the ma3^or and aldermen of other cities, and the selectmen of towns, shall prescribe as they deem necessary, except so far as is specifically required in the preceding sections, what addi- tional night-watch shall be kept, and what further provisions for the prevention of fires, and for the better protection of life in case of fire, shall be made by the several keepers of hotels, boarding or lodging houses within their respective limits ; and no license shall be granted to any keeper of a hotel embraced in the provisions of this act until the require- ments thereof, so far as applicable, have been complied with. Sect. 4. Whoever neglects or refuses to provide watch- men as required by this act shall be punished by a fine not 1 Note. — Section 2, relating to fire escapes on hotels, boarding or lodging houses, fac- tories, etc., repealed by Sect. 14, Chap, 426, of 1888. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 37 exceeding one thousand dollars for each olFence, and who- ever violates any of the other provisions of this act shall be subject to the same penalty as is prescribed in section twenty- two of chapter one hundred and four of the Public Statutes. CHAPTER 223, ACTS OF 1884. Section 1. All hotels, boardino- and lodo^in^ houses, sub- "^^^ eiectnc ^ tj wiitch clocks, ject to the provisions of chapter two hundred and fifty-one of thermostats or the acts of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-three, adopt- ^'^'y^Jf^.^sd' ing a system of electric watch clocks that shall register at the tuted for watch- office the movements of the watchman throughout the house, or adopting in the rooms any system of thermostats, or fire-alarm bells, that shall be approved by the inspector of factories and public buildings, or, in the city of Boston, by the inspector of buildings, shall be exempt from maintaining more than one watchman, in addition to the regular night-clerk and porters. Sect. 2. The provisions of this act and of said chapter two "^^i^^' '■ ^ meu may be hundred and fifty- one of the acts of the year eighteen hundred omitted, and eighty-three shall apply to family hotels, except that the maintenance of a watchman shall not be required in family hotels in the city of Boston when in the opinion of the inspector of buildings of said city, reduced to writing and placed on file in his office, such maintenance is un- necessary. CHAPTER 382, ACTS OF 1885. AN ACT IN RELATION TO THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH IN BUILDINGS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. Section 1. Every building in the city of Boston used as Dweiiingr, tene- . went and lodg- a dwelling, tenement or lodgmg house, or where persons are ing houses to be employed, shall have at all times such number of good and gj,7d'fjj|j^j^^ sufficient water closets, earth closets, or privies as the board cient water of health of said city may determine, but the occupants of any two or more of any such buildings may use such closets 38 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. or privies in common, provided the access is easy and direct ; and said board shall not require more than one such closet or privy for every twenty persons. Cesspools or Sect. 2. Evcry such building situated on a street in fowerexcept which there is a sewer, shall have water closets, and shall of bo'iliTof"'" have a cesspool or privy connected with it, except where, health. in the opinion of the board of health, it can be allowed to remain for a longer time, and then only as said board shall approve. Buildings used Sect. 3. No building in the city of Boston shall be con- for tenement or j_ ^ • j. i jy i_ jii'i i lodging houses ^crtcd mto, or used tor a tenement or lodgmg house, unless, to conform to addition to the other requirements of law, it conforms to this act. the provisions of this act. Sect. 4. In this act the following terms shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them, viz. : — DeEnitions. " Cellar " mcans a basement or lower story of any build- ing of which one-half or more of the height from the floor to the ceiling is below the level of the street adjoining. " Inspector " means inspector of buildings of the city of Boston. " Lodging house " means a building in which persons are temporarily accommodated with sleeping apartments, and includes hotels. " Tenement house " means a building which, or any por- tion of which, is to be occupied, or is occupied as the resi- dence of more than three families living independently of one another, and doing their cooking upon the premises ; or by more than two families upon any floor above the second floor, so living and cooking. Yards or areas Sect. 5. Evcry tenement or lodginor house shall have the to bo con- o structed so that yard or area so connected with a sewer that all water and will flow tT"^*^ liquid filth will freely flow from it to the sewer, or, if there eewer. is no sewer, to the street gutter, by means of a passage under the sidewalk covering, so constructed as to be easily accessible to remove obstructions. When tenement Sect. 6. If a building to be uscd for a tenement or lodg- houseirbuiit on i"^© housc is on the front of any lot w^here there is another front of lot, building on the rear of the same lot, there shall be a clear, DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 3^ open space, exclusively belonging to the front building, and there mu^t be an open space on extending upwards from the ground, of at least ten leet be ~ rear of said tween said buildings, if they are one story high above the J;'^"^ level of the ground. butldlng in rear If they are two stories high, the distance between them" shall not be less than fifteen feet ; if they are three stories high, the distance between them shall be not less than twenty feet ; and if they are more than three stories high, the distance between them shall be not less than twenty-five feet. Sect. 7. If such building is on the back part of any lot, when on back - - /"I P**''' there there shall be a clear, open space or at least ten leet between must be an open such buildino: and everv other building in its rear. But when space between G " o such building thorough ventilation of such open spaces can be otherwise and one in the secured said distances may be lessened or modified, in spe-'^'''' cial cases, by a permit from the board of health and the in- spector. Sect. 8. Every habitable room of such building not now Height of n 1 1 • 1 1 11 rooms. used but hereafter used as a tenement or lodgmg house shall be, in every part, not less than eight feet in height from the floor to the ceiling, except in the attic, and shall be at least eight feet in height from the floor to the ceiling throughout not less than one-half the area of such room ; and every such room shall have at least one window connecting with the external air, or over the door a suitable ventilator connecting with a room or hall which has a connection with the external air. Sect. 9. The total area of window communicating with -^rea of window the external air, in every room of such building, shall be ^ ^ equal to at least one-tenth of the superficial area of the room ; and the top of one at least of such windows shall be not less than seven feet six inches above the floor, and the upper half of each window shall be so made as to open for the pur- poses of ventilation. Sect. 10. Every habitable room of such building, of area when special less than one hundred superficial feet, which does not com- Jl^tiorarl trbe municate directly with the external air, and is without an provided, open fireplace, shall be provided with special means of 40 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Water supply. Receptacle for garbage. Yards, courts, allej's, etc., to be kt'pt clean. Tenants to thoroughly cleanse all rooms. Owners to whitewash walls and have privies, etc., kept in good Older. Notice to be given of infec- tious disease. ventilation, approved by the board of health and the said inspector. Sect. 11. Every such building shall have adequate chim- neys running through every floor, with an open fireplace or grate, or place for a stove, properly connected with one of said chimneys, for every family and set of apartments ; shall have proper conveniences and non-combustible receptacles for ashes and rubbish ; shall have water furnished at one or more [)laces in such house, or in the yard thereof, so that the same may be adequate and reasonably convenient for the use of the occupants thereof ; and shall have the floor of the cel- lar properly cemented, so as to be water tight. Sect. 12. Every such building used for a tenement or lodging house shall have suitable receptacles for garbage and other refuse matters, and shall not be used as a place of storage for any combustible article, or any article dangerous to life or detrimental to health; nor shall any horse, cow, calf, swine, pig, sheep or goat be kept in said build- ing. Sect. 13. Every such building, and the yard, court, pas- sage, area and alleys belonging to the same, shall be kept clean and free from any accumulation of dirt, filth, garbage or other refuse matter, to the satisfaction of the board of health. Sect. 14. The tenant of any lodging house or tenement house shall thoroughly cleanse all the rooms, floors, windows and doors of the house, or part of the house, of which he is the tenant, to the satisfaction of the board of health ; and the owner or lessee shall well and sufficiently, to the satisfac- tion of said board, whitewash or otherwise cleanse the walls and ceilings thereof once at least in every year in the months of April or May, and have the privies, drains and cesspools kept in good order and the passages and stairs kept clean and in good condition. Sect. 15. The owner, agent of the owner, and keeper of any lodging or tenement house, or part thereof, shall, when any person in such house is sick of fever, or of any infec- tious, pestilential or contagious disease, and such sickness is OF PHll-AD^^^'^ DIGEST OP BUILDING LAWS. 41 known to such owner, agent or keeper, give immediate notice thereof to the board of health, and thereupon said board shall cause the same to be inspected, and cleansed or disin- fected at the expense of the owner, in such manner as they may deem necessary ; and may also cause the blankets, bed- ding and bedclothes used by any such sick person to be thor- oughly cleansed, scoured and fumigated, and, in extreme cases, to be destroyed. Sect. 16. The halls on each floor of every such building Haiisoneach floor to open shall open directly to the external air, with suitable windows, directly to and shall have no room or other obstruction at the end, ^j^. ^^'""""^^ less sufficient light and ventilation is otherwise provided for said halls in a manner approved by the board of health. Sect. 17. No person shall, without a permit from the ^eiiar or under- ^ ^ ground room not board of health, let or occupy, or sufifer to be occupied, sepa- to be used as a rately as a dwelling or place of lodging and sleeping, .^i^y ^^^^'i^s, etc. cellar or underground room whatsoever, unless the same be in every part thereof at least seven feet in height, measured from the floor to the ceiling thereof; nor unless the same shall have been so let or occupied before the passage of this act, nor unless the same be for at least one foot of its height above the surface of the street or ground adjoining, or nearest to the same ; nor unless there be, outside of and adjoining the said vault, cellar or room, and extending along the entire frontage thereof, and upwards from six inches below the level of the floor thereof, up to the surface of the said street or ground, an open space of at least two feet and six inches wide in every part ; nor unless the same be well and effectu- ally drained by means of a drain, the uppermost part of which is one foot at least below the level of the floor of such vault, cellar or room ; nor unless there is a clear space of not less than one foot below the level of the floor, except where the same is cemented ; nor unless there be appurtenant to such vault, cellar or room the use of a water closet or privy, kept and provided as in this act required, nor unless the same have an external window opening of at least nine superficial feet clear of the sash frame, in which window opening there shall be fitted a frame filled in with glazed sashes, at least 42 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Proviso. Proviso. Board of health may make ad- ditional regula- tions as to cellars, etc. Name and address of owner and agent to be posted on wall of tene- ment and lodg- ing houses. four and a half superficial feet of which shall be made so as to open for the purpose of ventilation ; provided, however, that in case of an inner or back vault, cellar or room, let or occupied along with a front vault, cellar or room, as a part of the same letting or occupation, it shall be a sufficient com- pliance with the provisions of this act if the front room is provided with a window as hereinbefore provided, and if the said back vault, cellar or room is connected with the front vault, cellar or room, by a door, and also by a proper venti- lating or transom window, and, where practicable, also con- nected by a proper ventilating or transom window, or by some hall or passage, with the external air ; provided further, that in any area adjoining a vault, cellar or underground room, there may be steps necessary for access to such vault, cellar or room, if the same be so placed as not to be over, across or opposite to said external window, and so as to allow between every part of such steps and the external wall of such vault, cellar or room, a clear space of six inches at least, and if the rise of said steps is open, and provided further, that over or across any such area there may be steps necessary for access to any building above the vault, cellar or room, to which such area adjoins, if the same be so placed as not to be over, across or opposite to any such ex- ternal window. Sect. 18. The board of health shall have authority to make such other regulations as to cellars, and the ventilation and overcrowding of tenement and lodging houses and build- ings where persons are employed, as they deem necessary, subject, however, to the laws relating to building in the city of Boston. Sect. 19. Every owner and agent, or person having charge, of a tenement or lodging house shall leave his address with the board of health, and shall have legibly posted on the wall or in the entry of such tenement or lodging house the name and address of such owner and of the agent or person having charge of the same ; and service upon parties Avhose address is out of the city, of any papers or notices required by this act, or any act relating to the preservation of health, DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 43 or by any proceedings to enforce any of their provisions, shall be sufficient, if made by sending a copy of such paper or notice through the mail to the address of the person or persons so designated as owner, agent or person having charge of such tenement or lodging house ; and service upon parties whose address is in the city, by leaving such copy at said address. Sect. 20. Every officer of the board of health, and every officers to have officer upon whom any duty or authority is conferred, shall Irrbuiidinge. have free access to every part of any lodging or tenement house, when required, in the proper execution of the duties of his office. Sect. 21. Any court having equity jurisdiction, in term time or vacation, may, on the application of the board of health, by any suitable process or decree in equity, enforce the provisions of this act, and may, on such application, issue an injunction to restrain the use or occupation of any build- injiinctions. ing or structure in the city of Boston, erected, altered or used in violation of this act. Sect. 22. Any person violating any provision of this act Penalties, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars, or by confinement in the house of correction not exceedino- sixty days, unless another penalty is specifically provided herein. Sect. 23. Every member of said board of health, and Board of health every inspector acting under said board shall, before enterino- ^"f O to be sworn. upon the duties of his office take and subscribe an oath before the city clerk of said city that he will faithfully and impar- tially discharge such duties, and the city clerk shall make and keep a record of such oath. Every member of said board and every such inspector who enters upon or discharges such duties without having taken and subscribed such oath shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars, but such omission shall not render invalid any act or proceeding of said board. 44 DIGEST OF BUILDmG LAWS. CHAPTER 348, ACTS OF 1887. AN ACT IN EELATION TO FENCES AND OTHER STRUCTURES ERECTED TO ANNOY, AND FOE THE ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES. Section 1. Any fence or other structure in the nature of a fence, unnecessarily exceeding six feet in height, mali- ciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property, shall be deemed a private nuisance. Sect. 2. Any such owner or occupant, injured either in his comfort or the enjoyment of his estate by such nuisance, may have an action of tort for the damage sustained thereby, and the provisions of chapter one hundred and eighty of the Public Statutes concerning actions for private nuisances shall be applicable thereto. [Approved June 2, 1887.'] CHAPTER 448, ACTS OF 1887. AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN OBSTRUCTIONS IN GAMBLING RESORTS. Inspector of SECTION 1. Whcu any officcr empowered to serve crim- buiidiogs to be process fiuds that acccss to any commou o:amino;-house, notified when . . ./ ^ O O ' entrance to or auy buikUug, apartment or place, which he has reason- barred by doors, '^^^^ cause to believe is resorted to for the purpose of unlawful etc., of unusual rramino;, IS barred by any obstruction other than what is strength. ^ ? . / . usual in ordinary places of busmess, such as a door, window, shutter, screen, bar or grating, of unusual strength, he shall at once notify the inspector of buildings, or other public officer or officers who may have charge of the construction of buildings in his city, or town, of the existence of such obstruction. And said inspector or other officer, or. officers, shall inspect such obstruction, and, if deemed by such officer or officers to be unnecessary for the protection of the lawful business done on such premises, or to have been built and used for the purpose of resisting or delaying the rightful entrance of the officers of the law, he or they shall order the DIGEST" OF BUILDING LAWS. 45 same to be removed by the owner, lessee or person having inspector of , buildings to control of the buildins^ in which such obstruction exists ; and cause sucn in case such officer or officers cannot find either of the per- ^^'^g^overin sons mentioned so as to make personal service, said notice case of neglect or refusal of shall be posted upon the outside of said building, and in case persons notified of the neglect to remove such obstruction for the space of^°^°'^''' seven days from the date of said order, or posting of said notice, then the inspector, or other officer, or officers, shall cause such obstruction to be removed from such building, and the expense of such removal shall be a lien on said building, and be collected by the inspector or other officer removing such obstruction in the same way as a mechanic's lien is now collected. Sect. 2. Section ten of chapter ninety-nine of the Public Statutes is hereby amended so as to read as follows : — Section 10. If a person makes oath before a trial justice, or police, district or municipal court, that he suspects or has probable cause to suspect that a house or other building is unlawfully used as and for a common gaming house, for the purpose of gaming for money or other property, and that idle and dissolute persons, or other persons, resort to the same for that purpose, such trial justice or court, whether the names of the persons last mentioned are known to be the complainant or not, shall, in case satisfactory evidence is presented, issue a warrant commanding the sheriff or his deputy, or any constal)le or police officer to enter into such house or building and there to arrest all persons who are there found playing for money or otherwise, and all persons who are found present at any game or sport there played for money or other thing of value, and also the keepers of the same and all persons present, whether engaged in playing or not, if the implements of gaming are found in said place, and to take into their custody all the implements of gaming as aforesaid, and all the personal property, furniture and fixt- ures there found, and to keep said persons, implements, property, furniture and fixtures so that they may be forth- coming before some court or magistrate, to be dealt with according to law, and whoever is found so playing or so 46 DIGEST OF BUILDmG LAWS. present shall forfeit for every such offence a sum not exceed- ing fifty dollars. Sect. 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage. [Approved June 16, 1887.] CHAPTER 316, ACTS OF 1888. AN ACT TO REGULATE THE ERECTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN BUILDINGS. H^TbuiWings!"'" . S^^TiON 1. No building designed to be used in whole or etc., must be in part as a public building, public or private institution, offlcTonnspec school-housc, church, theatre, public hall, place of assemblage tor of buildings, or placc of public resort, and no building more than two stories in height designed to be used above the second story, in whole or in part, as a factory, workshop or mercantile or other establishment and having accommodations for ten or more employees above said story, and no building more than two stories in height designed to be used above the second story, in whole or in part, as a hotel, family hotel, apartment house, boarding house, lodging house or tenement house and having tea or more rooms above said story, shall hereafter be erected, unless in process of erection at the date of the pas- sage of this act, until a copy of the plans of such building has been de[)osited with the inspector of factories and public build- ings for the district in which such building is to be located, if outside of the city of Boston, or with the inspector of build- ings of the city of Boston, if within said city, together with a copy of such portion of the specifications of such building as such inspector may require, nor shall any such building be so erected without the provision of sufficient ways of egress and other means of escape from fire, properly located and constructed ; the certificate of the inspector above named indorsed, if the building is to be located outside of the city of Boston, with the approval of the chief of the district police force, shall be conclusive evidence of a compliance with the provisions of this act, provided that after the granting of such certificate no change is made in the plans or specifications of DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. such ways of egress and means of escape unless a new certifi- cate is obtained therefor. Such inspector may require that proper fire-stops shall be provided in the floors, walls and partitions of such buildings and may make such further re- quirements as may be necessary or proper to prevent the spread of fire therein or its communication from any steam boiler or heating apparatus ; and no pipe for conveying hot air or steam in such building shall be placed nearer than one inch to any wood work unless protected to the satisfaction of such inspector by suitable guards or casings of incombustible material, and no wooden flue or air duct for heating or venti- lating purposes shall be placed in any such building. Sect. 2. Any person erecting or constructing a building Penalties, in violation of the provisions of this act shall be punished by fine of not less than fifty nor more than one thousand dollars, and such erection or construction may be enjoined in a pro- ceeding to be had before the superior or supreme judicial court at the instance of the inspector above named, and upon the filing of a petition for such injunction any justice of the court in which such proceeding is pending may issue a tem- porary injunction or restraining order, as provided in pro- ceedings in equity. Sect. 3. This act shall take effect on the first day of Oc- tober in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty- ■ eight. [Approved May 9, 1888.'] CHAPTER 426, ACTS OF 1888. AN ACT IN RELATION TO WAYS OF EGRESS AND MEANS OF ESCAPE FROM FIRE IN CERTAIN BUILDINGS. Section 1. Every building now or hereafter used, in whole or in part, as a public building, public or private insti- tution, school house, church, theatre, public hall, place of assemblage or place of public resort, and every building in which ten or more persons are employed above the second story in a factory, workshop or mercantile or other establish- ment, and every hotel, family hotel, apartment house, board- 48 DIGEST OP BUILDIXa LAWS. ing house, lodging house or tenement house in which fen or more persons lodge or reside above the second story, and every factory, workshop, mercantile or other establishment the owner, lessee, or occupant of which is notified in writing by the inspector hereinafter mentioned that the provisions of this act are deemed by him applicable thereto, shall be pro- vided with proper ways of egress, or other means of escape from fire, sufficient for the use of all persons accommodated, assembling, employed, lodging or residing in such building ; and such ways of egress and means of escape shall be kept free from obstruction, in good repair and ready for use. Every room above the second story in any such building in which ten or more persons are employed shall be provided, if the inspector mentioned in the following section shall so direct in writing, with more than one way of egress by stairways on the inside or outside of the building, placed as near as practicable at opposite ends of such room ; stairways on the outside of the building shall have suitable railed landings at each story above the first, and shall connect with each story by doors or windows ; and such landings, doors and windows shall be kept clear of ice and snow and other obstructions, or chiidren^te Womcn Or children shall not be employed in a factory, work- empioyed, there g^Qp qj. mercantile or other establishment, in a room above must be more . -, . than one way of the sccond story from which there is only one way of egress, egress. •£ ^j^^ inspector mentioned in the following section shall so direct in writing. All doors and windows in any building subject to the provisions of this section shall open outwardly if the inspector mentioned in the following section shall so direct in writing. No portable seats shall be allowed in the aisles or passageway of such building during any service or entertainment held therein. The proscenium or curtain opening of all theatres shall have a fire resisting curtain of some incombustible material, and such curtain shall be properly constructed and shall be operated by proper mechanism ; the certificate of the inspector mentioned in the following section shall be conclusive evidence of a compliance with such requirements. Sect. 2. It shall be the duty of such inspectors of fac- DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 49 tories and public buildings, as may be assigned to such duty by the chief of the district police force, to examine, as soon as may be after the passage of this act, and thereafter from time to time, all buildings within his district subject to the provisions of this act, and it shall be the duty of the inspector of buildings of the city of Boston so to examine all such buildings within said city. In case any such building con- when any bmid. forms in the judgment of such inspector, to the requirements iMsTcMhein- of this act, he shall issue to the owner, lessee or occupant of fP^<'*^°'' issue 3> CGrtlH* such building, or of any portion thereof used as above men - catetothat tioned in section one, a certificate to that effect, specify- ing the number of persons for whom the ways of egress or means of escape from fire are deemed to be sufficient. Such certificate shall be conclusive evidence, as long as it continues in force, of a compliance on the part of the person to whom it is issued with the provisions of this act. But such certificate shall be of no effect in case a greater number of persons than therein specified are accommodated or employed, or assemble, lodge or reside within such building or portion thereof, or in case such building is used for any purposes materially different from those for which it was used at the time of the granting thereof, or in case the internal arrangements of such building are materially altered, or in case any ways of egress or means of escape from fire existing in such building at the time of such granting are stopped up, rendered unavailable or mate- rially changed ; and in no case shall such certificate continue in force for more than five years from its date. Such cer- tificate may be revoked by such inspector at any time upon ^vhen such cer< , 1 1 T J 1 • tificate may be written notice to the person holding the same, or occupying revoked. the premises for which it was granted, and shall bo so revoked whenever, in his opinion, any conditions or circumstances have so changed that the existing ways of egress and means of escape are no longer proper and sufficient. A copy of the a copy of said • r> 11111 1 ' • 1 certificate to be said certificate shall be kept posted in a conspicuous place posted on each upon every floor of such building by the person occupying buutogs ""^ the premises covered thereby. Sect. 3. Upon an application being made to an inspector or the granting of a certificate under this act, he shall issue 50 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. to the person making the same an acknowledgment that such certificate has been applied for, and pending the granting or refusal of such certificate such acknowledsfment shall have for a period of ninety days the same effect as such certificate, and Acknowiedg- svich acknowledgment may be renewed by such inspector with ments of appli- o ^ ^ i cations for such the same effect for a further period not exceeding ninety days, certifioates. j ^^^^^ further renewed by the chief of the district police force, until such time as such certificate shall be granted or refused. Notice of Sect. 4. In case any change is made in any premises for changes in a _ ^ . building for which a certificate has been issued under this act, whether in Ta^rhatbeeif thcrcof or otherwise, such as terminates the effect of issued must be certificate, as above provided in section two, it shall be given to in- /> i spector of the duty of the person making the same to give written buildings. notice thereof forthwith to the inspector for the district, or to the chief of the district police, if such premises are outside of the city of Boston, or to the inspector of buildings of the city of Boston, if within said city. Inspector to Sect. 5. lu casc any building or portion thereof subiect notify owners, o i j etc., of changes to the provisions of this act is found by an inspector to fail necessary to , /. . i , • ■, • n • i conform to couform thercto, or in case any change is made in such this act. building or portion thereof such as terminates the effect of a certificate formerly granted therefor as aforesaid, it shall be the duty of such inspector to give notice in writing to the owner, lessee or occupant of such building, specifying and describing what additional ways of egress or means of escape from fire are necessary in the opinion of such inspector in order to conform to the provisions of this act and to secure the granting of a certificate as aforesaid. Notice to any agent of such owner, lessee or occupant in charge of the premises shall be sufficient notice under this section to such owner, lessee or occupant. When owned or Sect. 6. lu casc any buildiug subject to the provisions occupied jointly, ^ . , . , , ■, • j • • ..i any of said oi this act IS owucd, Icascd or occupied, jomtly or in sev- ownersoroc- eralty, bv different persons, any one of such persons shall cupants may »' ' x ' j i put on fire havc the right to apply to any part of the outside ef such escapes, etc. building, and to sustain from any part of the outside wall thereof, any way of egress or means of escape from fire DIGEST OF BUrLDING LAWS. 51 specified and described by an inspector as above provided, notwithstanding the objection of any other such owner, lessee or occupant ; and any such way of egress or means of escape may project over the highway. Sect. 7. When a license is required by law or municipal Licenses to . , „ occupy build- ordinance, in order to authorize any premises to be used for ings not to be any purpose mentioned in section one, no license for such Jgrtmctterhave purpose shall be granted until a certificate for such building been issued by t- ^ 1 • 1 /• inspector. or portion thereof shall first have been obtamed from an inspector as above provided, and no such license hereafter issued shall continue in force any longer than such certificate remains in force. Sect. 8. No wooden flue or air duct for heating or ven- wooden flues , 1 • 1 T or air ducts not tilating purposes shall hereafter be placed m any buildmg allowed, subject to the provisions of section one of this act, and no pipe for conveying hot air or steam in such building shall be placed, or shall remain placed, nearer than one inch to any wood-work unless protected to the satisfaction of the said inspector by suitable guards or casings of incombustible material. Sect. 9. Every story above the second of a building Means of ex- subject to the provisions of section one shall be supplied with to^SpJovided! means of extinguishing fire, consisting either of pails of water or other portable apparatus, or of hose attched to a suitable water supply and capable of reaching any part of such story ; and such means of extinguishing fire shall be kept at all times ready for use and in good condition. Sect. 10. It shall be the duty of such members of the inspector to n .1 f , • , T 1. enforce this act mspection department of the district police lorce as may be ^.^^^ assigned to such duty by the chief of such force to enforce the provisions of this act outside of the city of Boston, and of the inspector of buildings of the city of Boston to enforce the same within said city, and for such purpose such inspectors shall have the right of access to all parts of any buildings subject to the provisions of this act. Sect. 11. Cities may by ordinance provide that the pro- visions of this act shall apply to any buildings three or more stories in height within their respective limits. 52. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Owners, lesBees or occupants must carry out provisions of tliis act. I'enalty for neglecting so to do. Injunction. Repeals. Sect. 12. It shall be the duty of every owner, lessee or occupant of any building or part thereof subject to this act to cause the provisions thereof to be carried out, and any owner, lessee or occupant failing to observe such provisions shall be subject to a fine of not less than fifty nor more than one thousand dollars ; but no prosecution therefor shall be brought until four weeks after written notice from an inspec- tor, as above provided, of the changes necessary to be made in order to conform thereto, nor then if in the meantime such changes have been made in accordance with such notification. Notice to one member of a firm, or to the clerk or treasurer of a corporation, or to the person in charge of the premises, shall be deemed a sufficient notice hereunder, and such notice may be given in person or by mail. Any such owner, lessee or occupant shall be liable for all damages caused by his violation of the provisions of this act. Any person using or occupying a building contrary to the provisions of this act may be enjoined from such use or occupation in a proceeding to be had before the superior court or supreme judicial court at the instance of the inspector, and upon the filing of a petition therefor any judge or justice of the court in which such pro- ceeding is pending may issue a temporary injunction or restraining order, as provided in proceedings in equity. Sect. 13. The governor of the Commonwealth is hereby authorized to appoint from time to time, as may be necessary, not exceeding ten additional members of the inspection de- partment of the distiict police force, qualified to perform the duties of the members of such department. Sect. 14. Sections fifteen to twenty inclusive of chapter one hundred and four of the Public Statutes, section two of chapter two hundred and fifty-one of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-three, chapter three hundred and twenty-six of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-five, chapter two hundred and seven of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-eight, and all acts and parts of acts inconsistent herewith, are hereby repealed. Sect. 15. This, act shall take effect on the first day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight. [Approved May 29, 1888.'] DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 53 CHAPTER 11, SECTION 92, PUBLIC STATUTES. The assessors shall, in each year, on or before the first Monday in August, return to the tax-commissioner a state- ment showing^ the whole number of steam-boilers located in their respective cities and towns on the first day of May then next preceding, by whom and when built, and the aggregate estimated amount of horse-power which such boilers are capable of furnishing. Such returns shall also state the number of accidents causing permanent injuries to persons which have arisen from the use of such boilers during the year, with the causes thereof, as far as may be ascertained by the assessors. NOTE. See Sec. 5, Chap. 252, Acts of 1882. " " 6, " 374, " " 1885. CHAPTER 102, PUBLIC STATUTES. STEAM-ENGINES, FURNACES, AND BOILERS. Section 40. No furnace for melting iron or making glass, steam-engines, . -ii ^ etc., not to be and no stationary steam-engine designed tor use m a mill lor ^g^j ^tc, with, planing or sawing boards or turning wood, or in which any ^"g 'gg^^gg^ other fuel than coal is used to create steam, shall be erected lAiien.ia?. or put up to be used in a city or town which adopts this and the eight following sections, or has adopted the correspond- ing sections of earlier statutes, at a legal meeting of the city council of the city, or the inhabitants of the town called for that purpose, unless the mayor and aldermen or selectmen thereof have granted a license therefor, prescribing the place where the building shall be erected in which the steam-engine or furnace is to be used, and the materials and construction thereof, with such regulations as to the height of flues and protection against fire as they deem necessary for the safety of the neighborhood. Such license may be granted on a written application, and shall be recorded in the records of the city or town. Sect. 41. Upon application for such license the mayor 54 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Public notice of hearing. G.S. 88, § 34. Municipal officers may regulate steam- engines, etc. G.S. 88, § 35. Appeals and proceedings thereon. G.S. 88, § 36. 1873, 261-117. Mass. 76-119. Mass. 485-126. Mass. 287-128. Mass. 36-347. Injunction pending appeal. G.8. 88, § 37. and aldermen or selectmen shall assign a time and place for the consideration of the same, and cause at least fourteen days' public notice thereof to be given, at the expense of the applicant, in such manner as they may direct, in order that all persons interested may be heard thereon. Sect. 42. In a city or town which adopts sections forty to forty-eight, inclusive, or has adopted the corresponding sections of earlier statutes, at a legal meeting of the city council of the city or the inhabitants of the town called for that purpose, the mayor and aldermen or selectmen, after due notice in writing to the owner of such steam-engine or fur- nace, except for making glass, erected or in use therein before the time of such adoption, and a hearing of the matter, may adjudge the same to be dangerous or a nuisance to the neigh- borhood, and make and record an order prescribing such rules, restrictions and alterations as to the building in which the same is constructed or used, the construction and heis^ht of its smoke-flues, with such other regulations as they may deem necessary for the safety of the neighborhood ; and the city or town clerk shall deliver a copy of such order to a constable, who shall serve on the owner an attested copy thereof, and make return of his doings thereon to said clerk within three days from the delivery thereof to him. Sect. 43. An owner of a steam-engine or furnace who is aggrieved by such order may, within three days after the ser- vice upon him of such order, apply to the superior court, or a justice thereof, in vacation, for a jury ; and the court or justice shall issue a warrant for a jury to be empanelled by the sheriff within fourteen days from the issuing of the war- rant, in like manner as is provided in chapter forty-nine in regard to the laying out of highways ; or, instead thereof, if the applicant so elects, and after such notice as the court or jus- tice shall order to the adverse party or parties, shall direct a trial to be had at the bar of the superior court, in the same manner as other civil cases are there tried by jury. Sect. 44. The court or justice, on granting the applica- tion for a jury, may issue an injunction restraining the further use of such engine or furnace until the final determination of the application. DIGEST OF BUILDmG LAWS. 55 Sect. 45. The jury may find a verdict either affirming or g.s. 88, § 37. annulling the order in full, or making alterations therein ; which verdict shall be returned by the sheriff, if the trial is had before him, to the next term of the court for acceptance, as in the case of highways ; and the verdict, whether before the sheriff or in the superior court, when accepted, shall take effect as an original order. Sect. 46. If the order is affirmed, costs shall be recovered verdict of jury. . . G-S. 88, § 38. by the city or town against the applicant ; if it is annulled, damages and costs shall he recovered by the applicant against the city or town ; and if it is altered, the court may render such judgment as to costs as to justice shall appertain. Sect. 47. No stationary engine, propelled by steam or stationary en- „ gines forbidden, other motive power, shall be hereafter erected or put up for when, etc. use in a city or town in which this section, or chapter seventy- 1^^2-74, §§ 1-3. four of the statutes of the year eighteen hundred and sixty- two, has been adopted in the manner provided in section forty of this chapter, Avithin five hundred feet of a dwelling-house . or public building, unless a license therefor has been first granted and recorded in a manner herein provided. Sect. 48. A steam-engine or furnace erected or used con- steam-enginea, . . „ , . 1 , T 1 11 1 when nuisances trary to the provisions ot the eight preceding sections shall be g.s. ss, § 40. deemed a common nuisance ; and the mayor and aldermen or i^^^-'^*- § 2- selectmen may remove the same in the same manner as boards of health may remove nuisances under sections twenty-one, twenty-two, and twenty-three of chapter eighty. Sect. 49. The fire commissioners of the city of Boston, Maybeex- jiij £• amined and use the mayor and aldermen of any other city, or the selectmen of forbidden, a town, or any person by them authorized, may, after notice ^gg^^ ^^g^*^" to the parties interested, examine any steam-engine or steam- boiler therein, whether fixed or portable ; and for that purpose may enter any house, shop or building ; and if upon exami- nation it appears probable that the use of such engine or boiler is unsafe, they may issue a temporary order to suspend such use ; and if, after giving to parties interested, so far as known, an opportunity to be heard, they adjudge such engine or boiler unsafe or defective or unfit to be used, they may pass a permanent order prohibiting the use thereof until it is ren- 56 DIGEST OF BUILDrN'G LAWS. May be removed as nuisances. G.8. 88, § 42. Steam-boilers to have safety, plugs. G.S. 88, § 43. Penalty for removing safety.plugs. G.S. 80, § 44. Penalty for making boilers without safety - plugs. U.S. 88, § 45. dered safe. If, after notice to the owner or person having charge thereof, such engine or boiler is used contrary to either of such orders, it shall be deemed a common nuisance, with- out any other proof thereof than its use. Sect. 50. The fire commissioners, mayor and aldermen, and selectmen, may abate or remove a steam-engine or steam- boiler erected or used contrary to the provisions of the pre- ceding section in the same manner as boards of health may remove nuisances under sections twenty-one, twenty-two, and twenty-three of chapter eighty. Sect. 51. No person shall manufacture, set up, use or cause to be used, a steam-boiler, unless it is provided with a fusible safety-plug made of lead, or some other equally fusible material, and of a diameter of not less than one half an inch, placed in the roof of the fire-box, when a fire-box is used, and in all cases in a part of the boiler fully exposed to the action of the fire, and as near the top of the water line as any part of the fire surface of the boiler ; and for this purpose Ashcroft's " protected safety fusible plug" may be used. Sect. 52. Whoever, without just and proper cause, re- moves from a boiler the safety-plug thereof, or substitutes therefor any material more capable of resisting the action of the fire than the plug so removed, shall be punished by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars. Sect. 53. Whoever manufactures, sets up or knowingly uses or causes to be used for six consecutive days, a steam- boiler unprovided with a safety fusible plug, as described in section fifty-one, shall be punished by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars. EEVISED ORDINANCES OF 1885. CHAPTER 48. OF THE REGULATION OF BUILDING. Section 1. The limits within which all buildings hereafter Building umits. erected shall be required to conform to the provisions of chapter three hundred and seventy-four of the statutes of the commonwealth of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-five, and of the acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto, are hereby established and defined as follows : All that por- tion of the city which is included within a line beginning at the intersection of the centre lines of Dover and Albany streets, and thence running east through the centre of said Dover street to the harbor commissioners' line ; thence by the said harbor commissioners' line around the northerly portion of the " city proper " to a point on Charles river at the intersection of said line with the boundary line between Brookline and Boston ; thence along said boundary line to the centre of Longvvood avenue ; thence through the centre of said avenue to the centre of Bumstead lane ; thence through the centre of said lane to the centre of Ward street ; thence throug-h the centre of said Ward Street to the centre of Parker street ; thence through the centre of said Parker street to the centre of Ruggles street ; thence through the centre of said Ruggles street to the centre of Washington street ; thence through the centre of said Wash- ington street to a point opposite the centre of Palmer street ; thence through the centre of said Palmer street and through the centre of Eustis street to the centre of Hampden street ; and thence fhrough the centre of said Hampden street and the centre of Albany street to the point of beginning ; the said district being shown on a plan made by the city surveyor, dated June 28, 1881, and deposited in his office. Sect. 2. Outside the limits defined in the preceding sec- tion wooden buildings may be erected, subject to the fol- lowing restrictions and regulations : — 58 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Distance from line of lot. Distance be- tween dwelling A wooden building, to be used as a dwelling house, shall not exceed a height of forty-five feet, and the external side- walls of said building shall not be placed at a less distance than one foot and six inches from the line of the lot upon which the building is to be located, unless a brick external wall is substituted for wooden wall, and of a thickness pre- scribed by statute law regulating the erection of brick exter- nal walls. The brick walls above required shall be built up to the- under side of the roof-covering, which shall be laid and embedded in mortar upon the walls. ^ _ Where a wooden building is already erected for dwelling housesr""""^ purposes upon an adjoining lot, there shall be between the walls of the building erected and the one to be erected, if of wood, a clear open space of three feet between the said buildings. Eiis^to dwelling Woodcu ells may be erected ih connection with wooden "buildings used for dwelling purposes, but the ell shall not exceed thirty feet in length, fifteen feet in width, nor be of a greater height than twenty-five feet, or of any other dimen- sion not in excess of the superficial area of four hundred and fifty square feet. Such ells may be built without the interven- tion of a brick wall between said ell and the main building. Party walls in lu the crcction of vvoodcu buildings in blocks of two or more more' ° °' houscs, to be occupicdfor dwelling purposes, the said buildings shall have intercepting brick walls not less than eight inches thick ; said brick walls to be carried up and topped out twelve inches above the roof, and covered with metallic covering; or they may, in the discretion of the inspector of buildings, be carried to the under side of the roof covering, which shall be laid and imbedded in mortar upon the walls. See Plate A. Woodcu buildings to be used for other purposes than that Height and fjivi i-n rangeof wooden ^ dwelling housc shall not exceed a height of fifty-five feet ^'dwelling" ^^^^^ ^^'"^ ^""^^^ ^^^^^t' or place upon which the said building is to be erected ; and, if in a range of more than fifty feet, there shall be constructed an intercepting brick wall, not less than twelve inches thick and carried up to a height of twelve inches above the roof, and the said wall to be covered with metallic coverino-. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 59 A wooden building to be used for any purpose other than Bistance be- that of a dwelling house shall not be erected or placed at a tL^n dwellings, less distance than ten feet from any other wooden building which is twenty-five feet or more in height, or at a less dis- tance than four feet from any other wooden building which is less than twenty-five feet in height. In no case shall the sills of any building referred to in this Siiia, how Md. section be laid below the grade of the street, unless by spe- cial permit of the inspector of buildings. Sect. 3. The restrictions contained in the preceding sec- ExemptionB. tion shall not apply to buildings erected or placed at a dis- tance of fifty feet or more from any other building, and from any street, open or intended to be open for public passage, whether accepted by the city or not. Sect. 4. All wooden buildings shall be built upon secure Foundations for foundations of stone or brick, carried up to the surface of 3°^^^°^^ the ground. The foundation, if of brick, shall not be less se'^P'^*^ ^• than twelve inches thick, and laid in cement mortar ; if of rubblestone, it shall not be less than sixteen inches thick, when laid in cement mortar, and not less than twenty inches thick, when laid dry ; if of blockstone, it shall be not less than sixteen inches thick and laid in cement mortar. All foundations shall be laid upon solid ground not less than four feet below the surface which is exposed to frost, or upon piles or other solid substructure. Piles shall be driven to a firm and solid bearing, and the tops of all piles shall be cut off at or below a grade to be prescribed by the inspector of buildings. There shall be at least one row of piles, spaced not over three feet on centres, in the direction of the length of the wall. Piles shall be capped with footing-courses of stone. In the construction of workshops or other buildings of a like character or for temporary purposes, built upon soft or marshy land, the inspector may, in his discretion, permit the sills to be placed upon mud-sills or blocking, or upon piles cut to height of grade. Sect. 5. All wooden buildings shall be built with posts, Framing, etc., girts and plates, properly mortised, tenoned, braced and pinned in each story, and supported by suitable studding, s ^ I'latec. 60 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Terms. Permils required Penalties. the studs to be not more than thirty-two inches apart, the posts and girts to be not less than four by eight inches or equivalent thereto, except that the foregoing dimensions for posts and girts shall not apply to buildings not exceeding four hundred feet in area, and less than fifteen feet in height. Sect. 6. No wooden building now erected, or hereafter to be erected, shall be altered, raised, roofed, enlarged, or otherwise built upon, in any manner contrary to the terms of the five preceding sections. Sect. 7. No wooden building shall hereafter be erected without a permit being first obtained from the inspector of buildings ; and no alteration of or addition to any such build- ing shall be made without such permit. Sect. 8. Whoever violates any of the provisions of the seven preceding sections, and neglects for twenty-four hours, after written notice from the inspector of buildings, served upon him personally, or posted conspicuously upon the build- ing erected or in process of erection, alteration or repair in violation of said provisions, to alter said building in con- formity with the provisions of this chapter, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than twenty nor more than fifty dollars, and to a like penalty for every day's continuance of such vio- lation. Sect. 9. Whoever intends to erect or to make alterations in a building of any description, within ten feet of a public street of the city, shall, fifteen days at least before he pro- ing or alteration, cccds to build or crcct the Same, or to lay the foundation thereof, or to make the said alterations, or to do any act for carrying into execution his intention to do such things, give to the inspector of buildings, notice in writing of his inten- tion, with the dimensions of the structure proposed, the materials to be used, the number on the street or the precise location, and the name of the owner or owners of the land, in order that any encroachment or other injury or inconven- ience to the public streets which might otherwise happen, may be thereby prevented ; and in default thereof the city shall be discharged from all damages, of any nature whatso- ever, resulting from the failure to give notice as above pro- Fifteen days' notice to be given inspector of proposed build DIGEST OF BUILDmG LAWS. vided, particularly from all such damages or expenses as have been enhanced or occasioned by reason of anything done previously to or without such notice. Sect. 10. The number of assistant inspectors of build- ings provided for in section three of chapter three hundred inspectors, and seventy-four of the statutes of the commonwealth of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-five shall be twenty. Sect. 11. During the recess of the Common Council in the months of July and August in each year, a Joint Stand- ing Committee of the City Council, thereunto authorized, may allow the erection of wooden buildings and wooden ad- ditions of a range or size greater than allowed by the " Ee- vised Ordinances of 1885," upon such terms and conditions as said committee may deem expedient. NOTES. Section 1 of Chapter 48 is authorized by Statute 1885, Chapter 374, Sec- tion 21. Sections 2 to 8, inclusive, of this chapter are authorized by Statute 1875, Chapter 374, Section 20. As to the validity of such ordinances as are contained in this chapter, see Salem vs. Maynes, 123 Mass., 372. The principal act in force regulating the inspection and construction of buildings in the city of Boston is Statute 1885, Chapter 374. By this statute the following statutes relating to the same subject were repealed : — 1871, Chapter 280. Statute 1872, Chapter 260. 1872, " 371. «' 1872, " 377. 1873, " 298. »' 1873, " 338. 1876, " 69. 1876, " 176. 1882, '« 101. " 1882, " 252. Sections 3, 4, and 7. It was intimated by Chief Justice Gray, in Quinn vs. Morse, 130 Mass., 317, 321, that the provisions of the old provincial Statute 1692, Chapter 13, relative to the building of party walls in Boston, had never been repealed and were still in force, but it has been since decided in Wilkinson vs. Jewett, 139 Mass., 29, that those provisions have never been in force in the Common- wealth. 62 DIGEST OP BUILDING LAWS. CHAPTER 49, REVISED ORDINANCES OF 1885. Plumbers required to register. Notices to be filed and plumbing approved. Buildings to be separately connected with Drains and soil-pipes. or THE REGULATION OF PLUMBING. Section 1. No person shall carry on the business of plumbing unless he shall have first registered his name and place of business in the office of the inspector of buildings : and notice of any change in the place of business of a regis- tered plumber shall be immediatel}^ given to said inspector. Sect, 2. Every plumber, before doing any work in a building, shall, except in the case of the repair of leaks, file at the ofiice of the said inspector, upon blanks to be provided for the purpose, a notice of the work to be performed ; and no such work shall be done in any building without the ap- proval of said inspector. Sect. 3. Every building shall be separately and inde- pendently connected with the public sewer, when such sewer is provided ; and, if such sewer is not provided, with a cess- pool of such material and capacity as shall be approved by the said inspector. Sect. 4. Drains and soil-pipes through which water and sewage is used and carried shall be of iron, when within a building, and for a distance of not less than five feet outside of the foundation walls thereof. They shall be sound, free from holes and other defects, of a' uniform thickness of not less than one-eighth of an inch for a diameter of four inches or less, or five thirty-seconds of an inch for a diameter of five or six inches, with a proportional increase of thickness for a greater diameter. They shall be securely ironed to walls, laid in trenches to uniform grade, or suspended to floor-timbers by strong iron hangers, as the said inspector may direct. They shall be supplied with a suitable trap, placed, with an accessible clean-out, either outside or inside the foundation wall of the building. They shall have a proper fall towards the drain or sewer, and soil-pipes shall be carried out through the roof, open and undiminished in size, to such height as may be directed by the said inspector ; but no soil-pipe shall be carried to a height less than two DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 63 special air- pipes. feet above the roof. Changes in direction shall be made with curved pipes, and connections with horizontal pipes shall be made with Y branches. Sect. 5. Rain-water leaders, when connected with soil or Rain water drain pipes, shall be suitably trapped. leaders. Sect. 6. Sewer, soil-pipe or waste-pipe ventilators shall ventilators, not be constructed of brick, sheet-metal or earthen- ware, and chimney-flues shall not be used as such ventilators. Sect. 7. Iron pipes before being put in place shall be iron pipes, first tested by the water or kerosene test, and then coated inside and out with coal-tar pitch, applied hot, or with paint, or with some equivalent substance. Joints shall be run with molten lead, and thoroughly calked and made tight. Connection of lead pipes with iron pipes shall be made with brass ferrules, properly soldered and calked to the iron. Sect. 8. Every sink, basin, bath-tub, water-closet, slop- Traps and hopper, and each set of trays, and every fixture having a waste-pipe, shall be furnished with a trap, which shall be placed as near as practicable to the fixture that it serves. Traps shall be protected from siphonage or air-pressure by special air-pipes of a size not less than the waste-pipe ; but air-pipes for water-closet traps shall be of not less than two- inch bore for thirty feet or less, and of not less than three- inch bore for more than thirty feet. Air-pipes shall be run as direct as practicable, and shall be of not less than four- inch bore where they pass through the roof. Two or more air-pipes may be connected together or with a soil-pipe ; but in every case of connection with a soil-pipe such connection shall be above the upper fixture of the building. Sect. 9. Drip or overflow pipes from safes under water- Drip or closets and other fixtures, or from tanks or cisterns, shall be ^"p®^" run to some place in open sight, and in no case shall any such pipe be connected directly with a drain, waste-pipe or soil-pipe. Sect. 10. Waste-pipes from refrigerators, or other re- Wast«-pipes. ceptacles in which provisions are stored, shall not be con- nected with a drain, soil-pipe, or other waste-pipe, unless such waste-pipes are provided with traps, suitably ventilated, 64 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. and in every case there shall be an open tray between the trap and refrigerator. Water-closet Sect. 11. Every water-closet, or line of water-closets, on tanks. ' ' the same floor, shall be supplied with water from a tank or cistern, and the flushing-pipe shall not be less than one inch in diameter ; but this requirement shall not apply to water- closets substituted for vaults, where the same are located outside of the building proper, and water-closets may be ar- ranged so as to receive their supply directly from the main, with such fixtures as shall be approved by the inspector of buildings, and by the water board and the board of health. Pipes and Sect. 12. Pipcs aud other fixtures shall not be covered or be concealed, conccalcd from view until after the work has been examined by the said inspector, and he shall be notified by the plumber when the work is sufficiently advanced for inspection. Plumbing to be Sect. 13. Plumbing work shall not be used unless the same has first been tested by the said inspector with the peppermint, ether, or water test, and by him found satisfac- tory. steam-exhausts. Sect. 14. No stcam-cxhaust shall be connected with any soil or waste pipe, or drain which communicates with a public sewer. Water-pipes, Sect. 15. Watcr-pipcs in places exposed to frost shall be how packed. packed with mineral wool, or other substance equally good, and they shall be cased to the satisfaction of the said in- spector. Grease-traps. Sect. 16. A grcasc-trap shall be constructed under the sink of every hotel, eating-house, restaurant, or other public cooking establishments. Sect. 17. The provisions of sections three to thirteen in- clusive, and of section fiiteen, of this chapter, shall apply only to buildings erected, or to work performed, after the seventeenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-three. NOTE. Chapter 49 of the regulation of plumbing is authorized by Chapter 252, Section 2, of the Acts of 1882. THE MASTER builders; EXCHAK^^ OF PHILADELPHIA. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 65 CHAPTER 1, REVISED ORDINANCES OF 1885. Section 5. Whoever violates a provision of any ordi- Penalties, nance of the city, whether included in these Revised Ordi- nances or hereafter enacted, shall, unless other provision is expressly made, be liable to a penalty of not less than two nor more than fifty dollars for each offence. Sect. 6. When anything is prohibited in an ordinance, Person liable, not only the persons actually doing the prohibited thing, but also the emplo^^ers and all other persons concerned therein, shall be liable to the penalty prescribed. Sect. 7. When in an ordinance anything is prohibited Definition of from being done without the license or permission of a cer- streets, tain officer or officers, such officer or officers shall have the power to license or permit such thing to be done. Sect. 8. The w^ords " street " and "streets," when used in an ordinance, shall be construed as including alleys, lanes, courts, public squares, public places, and sidewalks, unless such construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the ordinance. CHAPTER 23, REVISED ORDINANCES OF 1885. VAULTS AND DRAINS. Section 19. The owner, agent, occupant or other per- -^vater-ciosets son having the care of a building used as a dwelling, tene- "jf^^^'^S'";,^ ment or lodo-ing house, or where persons are employed, be connected ^ T -I , 1 with public shall furnish the same with one or more suitable water-clos sewer, etc. ets, or where such building is located on a street in which there is no public sewer, with a suitable privy, the vault of which shall be built in a manner hereinafter prescribed, and shall be of a capacity proportionate to the number of inhab- itants of such building or of those having occasion to use such privy. Every such building situated on a street in which there is a sewer shall have water-closets, and shall not have a cesspool or privy connected with it, except where, in the opinion of the board of health, it can be allowed to re- 66 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Vaults, how constructed. All sewage matter to be drained to com- moa sewer. main for a longer time, and then only as said board shall approve. And whoever neglects to comply with the pro- visions of this section shall be liable to a penalty of not less than live nor more than one hmidred dollars, or by confine- ment in the House of Correction not exceeding sixty days. Sect. 20. Every privy vault shall be made of brick and cement, and shall be of a capacity of at least eighty cubic feet, and the inside thereof shall be at least two feet distant from the line of any adjoining lot, unless by the consent of the owner of such lot, and at the same distance from any street or public or private passage-way; and every vault shall bo so constructed as to be conveniently approached, opened and cleaned, and shall be made tight, so that the contents thereof cannot escape therefrom. Sect. 21. All waste- water and all matter discharged from water-closets shall be conveyed through sufficient drains, under ground, to a common sewer, or to such reser- voir, sunk under ground, as may be approved by the in- spector of buildings ; and no person shall suffer waste or stagnant water to remain in a cellar or upon a lot or vacant ground owned or occupied by him. CHAPTER 28, REVISED ORDINANCES OF 1885. USE AND OCCUPATION OF STREETS. Laws, etc., re- Section 3. The iuspcctor of buildiiigs shall see that all Itl'eets^forbund- statutcs, ordinauccs, orders and regulations, respecting the b7enfo?redby occupatiott of portious of strccts for the purpose of inspector of ercctino-, altering, repairing or removing buildings, are ob- building. ^ /. i served and entorced. Permits for Sect. 7. Whoevcr dcsircs to occupy or usc a portion of use of Bteets for . ./.i-it it building pur. a street for the erection or repair of a building upon land abutting thereon shall make application to the inspector of buildings, who, subject to the consent of the superintendent of streets, may grant permits for the occupation or use, for building purposes, of such portions of streets, and for such periods of time, and under such limitations and restrictions, DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 67 as may be required by ordinance or by the public conven- ience ; and any such permit may be revoked by the said in- spector at any time when the holder thereof fails to comply with any rule or regulation under which it was granted, or when, in the opinion of the said inspector, the public good requires such revocation. No part of a street other than that so allotted shall be used for depositing materials for work to be done or for receiving rubbish arising from such work, and all such rubbish shall be carried away, by the per- son or persons to whom the permit is granted, at such con- venient times as the said superintendent of streets or the said inspector may direct; and, in case of the neglect or re- fusal of such person or persons so to remove such rubbish, it shall be removed at their expense by the superintendent of streets. Sect. 8. When a permit is granted under the preceding Fence and section the portion of a street thereby allotted shall be en- i »' up when streeta closed with a sufficient fence, which shall be maintained dur- are so used, ing the whole time for which the occupation of such portion of the street continues, and a lighted lantern or lanterns, or some other proper and sufficient lights, shall be fixed to some part or parts of such fence, or in some other proper manner, and such lanterns or lights shall be kept lighted from the be- ginning of twilight through the whole of every night during such occupation ; and the person to whom such permit is granted shall also be required to erect and maintain, during his said occupancy of the public street, a way for the use of foot-passengers, at such time and in such manner as the said inspector shall direct. Sect. 9. Whoever maliciously or wantonly, and with- Penalty for out legal cause, extinguishes or diminishes a light fixed in guch li^hu"^ accordance with the provisions of section six or of section eight shall be liable to a penalty of not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars. Sect. 10. Whoever violates any of the provisions of sec- Penalties for vio. tion seven or section eight shall be liable to a penalty of not InTs/'^''''^"^ ^ less than two nor more than fifty dollars for each offence, and to a like penalty for every day's continuance of such offence. 68 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Cellar doorway Sect. 11. No person shall, without a license from the not to project /.in into street. boai'd 01 aldermeii, construct or maintain a cellar-door or cellar-doorway in a sidewalk, or projecting into a street, or construct an entrance or flight of steps descending immedi- ately from a street into a cellar or into the basement story of a building for the purpose of being kept open as an en- trance, and all such cellar-doors, door-ways, and steps as may be licensed by said board shall be constructed in such manner as said board may direct. pfbiiftrvelfr S^^'T- Whoever is duly licensed or permitted to oc- be maintained, cupy a part of a strcct, or while erecting, repairing a build- ing, or making an excavation, or for any other purpose, shall provide a safe and convenient passage for public travel around or over the obstruction so caused, and shall be re- sponsible to the city for all injuries sustained in consequence Penalty for of lils ncglcct SO to do, and shall be liable to a penalty of not neglecting so to i/>/>iii/> do. less than two nor more than fifty dollars for each day's con- tinuance of such neglect ; and he shall at any time, when re- quested by the superintendent of streets, or by a police officer, exhibit his license or permit for such occupation. Projections into Sect. 19. Whocvcr coustructs or places, or causes to streets not i i i allowed. be constructed or placed, a portico, porch, door, window or step projecting into a street, except in accordance with the provisions of the statutes of the commonwealth, shall be Penalty. liable to a penalty of not less than four nor more than fifty dollars for each offence, and to a like penalty for each day that such portico, i)oreh, door, window or step is continued as aforesaid, after nolice to remove the same, given by the board of aldermen, or by some person authorized by said board to give such notice. Obstruction of Sect. 33. Whocvcr, without permission of the board of allowed. aldermen, obstructs a street by placing a building therein, or moves a building through or upon a street, and whoever aids and assists in so obstructing a street or moving a build- Peuaity. iug, shall bc liable to a penalty of not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars, and to a like penalty for every twelve hours that such obstruction may continue, or that such building may remain in or upon a street. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 69 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS. 1. The cover of hydrants must be kept clear of all build- Hydrant cover to be kept clear. ing materials or rubbish, and easy access to such hydrants from the road- way must be provided. 2. If brick, stone or other building materials are placed ^""^'■^ to be ... kept clear. withm the allotted space, they must be so placed as to allow the free passage of water in the gutter underneath the same. A violation of either of the above regulations will be suffi- Penalty for such . neglect. cient to cause an immediate revocation of a permit. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECTION OF ELECTRIC LIGHTS IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. No. 1. The framework to support said lights shall be construction, constructed of iron, and of such size as the inspector of build- ings shall approve. No. 2. The height of said framework shall not be less than Height from nine and one-half feet from the sidewalk to the lowest point. No. 3. The said framework shall not project farther Projection from from the building than a point two and one-half feet within the outer line of the curbstone. No. 4. The location, workmanship, material and manner ^^^te^ai'^'^'^ D • -iTi »••! 11 I.... n workmanship. ot securing said lights fo pf apj^^pyptj by:.^tiie rmtspectoj." : buildings. : :\ .•••,:*•:!*.:..::•: .:. i *•: : : : NOTES, Section 11. Cellar-doors in Boston jire;p5,ijtHilIy/njgala^ J)y iSf.**];???,.*. c. 31, § 4. : . . . : Sect. 19. The construction of bow-windows, etc., from buildings into streets is now controlled mainly by chap. 374, sect. 27 — 1885. See also P. S., chap. 28, sect. 24. The earlier provisions of Stat. 1779, chap. 31, sect. 5, are apparently now obsolete. An ordinance similar to this section was held to be valid in Commonwealth vs. Goodnow, 117 Mass., 114. But as to its validity under P. S., chap. 28, sect 24, so far as concerns porticos, porches or steps see Cushing vs. Boston, 128 Mass., 330; also, s. c, 122, Mass., 172, and 124 Mass., 434. Violation of an ordinance like this section does not confer a right of action upon an individual. Jenks vs. Williams, 115 Mass., 217. Sect. 33. See also on the subject of this section P. S., chap. 63, sect. 17; Rev. Reg. of aldermen, chap. 5, and Day vs. Green, 4 Cushing, 433, 437. If a building is moved through the streets without a permit, it seems that such building may be treated as a public nuisance. See Pike vs. Brimmer, 9 Law Reporter, 221. EEYISED STANDING REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN. CHAPTER 5. Applications, how made. Applications, form of. Written consent of inspector of buildings and railroad corpo- ratit)tij • J • quirsa. : : : Permits to be granted only to^' practical build- ing-movers. Bonds for damages to be filed. Shade trees, fire- alarm wires and lamps not to be disturbed. OF THE MOVING OF BUILDINGS IN PUBLIC STREETS. Section 1. All applications for moving buildings through the streets of the city shall be made to the board of alder- men, and referred to a committee for consideration and re- port. Sect. 2. Every such application shall state the location of the building proposed to be moved, its length, width, height, and the principal material of its exterior sides and of its roof ; and shall definitely describe the route over which it is to be moved and the length of time that will be required to move it. Sect. 3. Every such application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the inspector of buildings, to the placing of tlie building on the lot proposed ; and also by the jvritjten^Qpiispntipl" jill:rKil5^ji^/v(3^ whose tracks are to be crossed or encumbered by the moving of the building. •**. :^??3?r "f*!; moving of buildings shall be *graii{e(f 'orAy *tro ''pracMcal* bnilding-movers, who are known to be engaged in such business. Sect. 5. Before such a permit is issued, the building- mover to whom it is granted shall have filed with the city clerk a bond in a sum not less than one thousand dollars and with two or more sureties, one of whom shall be the owner of the building, to indemnify and save harmless the city from all damages which may be caused to persons or prop- erty by reason of the moving of the building. Sect. 6. No shade tree shall be removed or the branches thereof cut or trimmed in order to facilitate the moving of a building, except by the written consent of the board of aldermen ; no fire-alarm telegraph wire shall be cut for said DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 71 purpose, except by the written consent of the board of fire commissioners ; and no street lamp or lamp-post shall be re- moved for said purpose, except by the written consent of the superintendent of lamps. NOTE. By P. S., chap. 53, sect. 17, and P. S., chap. 28, sect. 2, the moving of buildings through the streets of cities, except by the written permission of the board of aldermen, is forbidden. CHAPTER 6. or COAL-HOLES AND VAULTS UNDER SIDEWALKS. Section 1. The superintendent of streets may issue the Licenses for .,. ! ^ • excavations or licenses mentioned in section five of chapter twenty-eight openings in of the Revised Ordinances, for the making of excavations or gidtwaiks^i^ow openings in streets or under sidewalks, and all such licenses issued and !• 1 •• n 1 ' 1 .revoked. shall be subject to the provisions oi this chapter, a copy oi which shall be printed on each license, and a violation of any of said provisions shall work a forfeiture of all privileges granted by the license. All such licenses may at any time be revoked by the board of aldermen. Sect. 2. No such license shall be granted, except upon Applications fot !• J' • • 11 ,1 !• J 1 ,.• sucil licenses, an application in writing, signed by the apphcant and setting forth the dimensions of the proposed excavation or opening and the purpose for which it is to be used ; and the appli- cant shall also be required to sign, before the license is granted, an agreement to conform on his part to all the pro- visions and requirements of this chapter. Sect. 3. Every coal-hole and vault under a sidewalk coai-hoies and vaults under shall be constructed as follows : The outer wall next to the sidewalks, how carriage-way or road- way shall be formed of heavy granite, g°ructed? of not less than two and one-half feet in thickness, and shall be laid with good cement, and no part thereof shall project beyond the edgestone ; the sides shall be at least one foot thick, and composed of good hard bricks or granite blocks, laid in cement mortar ; the top shall be formed either by a brick arch or arches turned in a good and substantial man- 72 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. Owners liable for injuries caused by de- fective coal- holes or vaults. Occupants of estates liable for injuries caused by insecure covering to coal- hole or vault. Boilers, fur- naces, water- closets, etc., not to be located under side- walks. ner, or by rough-hammered granite at least one foot thick, or by bluestone or North-river flagstone at least six inches thick, or by iron and glass, or rough surface iron, similar in character to the " Hyatt Light," so called. Each coal-hole or vault thus constructed shall not exceed eleven feet in depth, measuring from the top of the sidewalk. The open- ing in a sidewalk over a coal-hole or vault shall not exceed eighteen inches in diameter, and shall be covered with a substantial iron plate with a rough surface to prevent acci- dents. The entire construction of all coal-holes or vaults shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the su- perintendent of streets, or of such other person as the board of aldermen may designate. When a coal-slide is placed in a sidewalk it shall be constructed with at least eight-inch brick walls, laid in good cement mortar, and the whole shall be covered as before mentioned. Sect. 4. The owner and tenant of the estate in front of which a coal-hole or vault is constructed shall be responsible to the city for any and all damages to persons or property in consequence of any defect in the construction of such coal- hole or vault, or by means of the same or any portion thereof being allowed to remain out of repair ; and such owner and tenant shall be required to keep the said coal-hole or vault and its walls and coverings in good order at all times. Sect. 5. The occupant of the estate in front of which a coal-hole or vault is constructed shall be responsible to the city for any and all damages occasioned to persons or prop- erty in consequence of the opening in the sidewalk being left uncovered, or from the covering thereof beins: left inse- sure or unfastened ; and such occupant shall be required to keep such coal-hole or vault cover in good order and safe for public travel over the same. Sect. 6. No boiler, steam-shaft, furnace, or steam-pipe, and no cesspool, privy, or water-closet shall be constructed or located for use in a coal-hole or vault under a sidewalk, and no explosive substance or inflammable oil shall be stored in such a coal-hole or vault, and no such coal-hole or vault shall be ventilated into a street. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 73 Sect. 7. Any excavation under a sidewalk, whether Board of aWer. 1 II /• • 1 men, after pro- hcensed or not, shall, after one weeks notice to that enect, per notice, may o-iveii bv the board of aldermen, be closed and filled up nt ^^^^'^j^i^ C 1- cavations under the owner's expense. a sidewalk. Sect. 8. When a coal-hole or vault under a sidewalk, Board of aider. , . J J 1 • men may ordt^r or when an opening constructed in a sidewalk, is not cov- go^^i j^oigg ^nd ered or secured as provided in section three, or is in the "^^^'^^ '^o' properly opinion of the board of aldermen unsafe, or inconvenient for covered to be the public travel, the said board may order the same to be removed, and a suitable one to be put in its place; and if such order is not complied with within ten days from the service thereof on the owner or tenant of the premises, or other person having the care thereof, the superintendent of streets shall make the required change at the expense of such owner, tenant, or other person having the care of the premises. Sect. 9. No person shall leave a coal-hole, excavation coai-hoies, etc., ,1 •• -111 not to be left or other opening in a sidewalk open or unfastened in the ^^^^ daytime, unless while it is in use by some person or persons actually attending the same, nor after sunset in any case. Sect. 10. An excavation or opening made under a I i- Not to be used cense shall not, without the consent in writing of the super- posrthrn^"'^ intendent of streets, be used for any other purpose than that li'^ensedfor. stated in the application, and every license may at any time be revoked by the board of aldermen. NOTE. Sect. 6. P. S., chap. 102, sect. 47, authorizes the board of aldermen to license and regulate the use of steam-engines. See Alter vs. Dodge, 140 Mass., 594. CHAPTER 7. OF HOISTING GOODS AND SAFES OVER SIDEWALKS. Section 1. When goods or merchandise are raised orpubuctobe lowered over a street, by virtue of a license from the board p'°*':°'*^*^ barriers, when of aldermen, good and sufficient barriers shall be placed i^oisting or across the sidewalk, from the wall of the building from ' ^ 74 DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. which they are so raised or lowered to the curbstone of the sidewalk, on each side of the goods or merchandise so raised or lowered, and such barriers shall be kept in their places during the whole time the work of raising or lowering is in progress, so as to protect travellers from injury or danger. Stinrof" 2- The sidewalk shall not be encumbered by such lowering goods, goods or merchandise, or by the raising or lowering thereof, for more than fifteen minutes at any one time. loZllmltylZ ^' persons licensed to raise or lower goods out- city, side of buildings shall indemnify and save the city harmless against all damages, costs and expenses to Avhich it shall be subjected on account of their acts under such license. Licenses may be Sect. 4. Every such liccnsc may be rcvokcd at the plcas- ure ot the board of aldermen. Inspector of Sect. 5. The iuspcctor of buildings may o-rant permits to buildings to " i i • o ./ o i grant permits suitabic pcrsous to raisc and lower safes into and from build- lowertgsafeL ^"^^ ^^ty, and to occupy in so doing such portions of the streets as the said inspector may deem neces- sary, subject to such conditions and regulations as he may prescribe for the safety and convenience of the public. DIGEST OF BUILDING LAWS. 75 CITY OF BOSTON. In Board of Aldermen, Jan'y 23, 1888. Ordered, That the Inspector of Buildings be authorized, under the direction of the Committee on the Department for the Inspection of Buildings on the part of this Board, to issue permits for electric, gas, or oil lamps, or lights to be at- tached to buildings, where the same may be demanded by the owners or lessees thereof, at such height from the side- walks and at such distance from the buildings as the public safety and convenience may require, said lamps or lights to be in each instance plain and unlettered. Passed. Approved by the Mayor, Jan. 25, 1888. A true copy. Attest : JOHN T. PKIEST, Asst. City Clerk. THICKNESS OF WALLS. FOUI^DATIOlSrS. DWELLINGS, ETC. 35' high or less — 18" block stone. 16'' brick, laid in cement. 35' to 65' — 24" block stone. 20'' bricli, laid in cement. Every additional 15' — 4" thicker. OTHER THAN DWELLINGS, ETC. Block stone — 8 ' thicker than walls over same. EXTERNAL AND PAETY WALLS. DWELLINGS, ETC. 20' X 40' — 30' high, 8". 60' or less in height — 12" entire height. 60' to 70' — 16" top 2d floor, 12" above. 70' to 80' — 20'' top 2d floor, 16" top upper floor (12" above), if the upper story is not more than 10' in height. 80' to 100' — 24" 2d floor, 16 ' above. 100' and over, as required by Inspector. EXTERISTAL WALLS. OTHER THAN DWELLINGS, ETC. 40' or less — 16" 2d floor, 12" above. 40' to 60'— 20" 2d floor, 16" upper floor, 12'' above. 60' to 80' — 20" 3d floor, 16" upper floor, 12" above. 80' to 100' — 24" 1st floor, 20" 3d floor, 16" above. 100' or over, as Inspector requires. PARTY WALLS. OTHER THAN DWELLINGS, ETC. 40' or less — 16" top 2d floor, 12" above. 40' to 65' — 20" 2d floor, 16" above. 65' to 80' — 24" 1st floor, 20" 3d floor, 16" above. 80' to 100' — 24" 3d floor, 20" 5th floor, 16" above. INDEX TO DIAGRAMS. PILING. Plate. Section. And grade for cutting off same la 32 FOUNDATIONS. Under isolated piers, columns, posts, and pillars 1 34. Under piers, columns, posts, and pillars for the support of continuous wall . 2 34 Under external walls of brick buildings other than dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 40 feet to 100 feet high 3 35 Under party walls of brick buildings other than dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 40 feet to 100 feet high 4 35 Under brick buildings used for dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 35 feet to 60 feet high 5 33 Under brick buildings used for dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses exceeding 60 feet, but not exceeding 75 feet high 6 36 Party walls to be built one foot above roofs, and covered with metal. ... 7 42 EXTERNAL AND PARTY WALLS. Of dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 20 feet by 40 feet, and 30 feet high 8 44 Of dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 30 feet to 60 feet high 9 44 Of dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 60 feet to 70 feet high 10 44 Of dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 80 feet high ] 1 44 Of dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 100 feet high 12 44 EXTERNAL WALLS. Of brick buildings other than dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 40 feet and 60 feet high ... 13 45 Of brick buildings other than dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 80 feet and 100 feet high 14 45 PARTY WALLS. Of brick buildings other than dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 40 feet and 65 feet high I5 g2 Of brick buildings other than dwelling, tenement, and lodging houses, 80 feet and 100 feet high jg g2 CHIMNEYS, ETC. Chimneys, headers, trimmers, metal fire-stops, etc., construction of 17 74 Open fire-places, trimmer arches, etc., construction of , . jg 74 & 75 FIRE-STOPS. Fire-stops at floors, ceilings, and walls, construction of 19 102 Fire-stops in partitions and stairways 20 102 Fire-stops — transverse section, showing location of, and their necessity for impeding the progress of fire 21 102 CHAPTER 48— REVISED ORDINANCES OF 1885. Distances required between wooden buildings and construction of party walls in blocks of two or more ........ a 2 Foundations for wooden buildings . -q 4 Framing, plan of, size of posts, girts, etc. Q 5 THE WASTER BUILDERS' EXCHANG OF PHILADELPHIA. Grcide, /6 . I ' ' ; I I , I' ■ r I ■ I I 11 ^ I t I 111 36 SectCcni^ JbvujictcdCoiv malls , Dwtlluvg ,Uhv€Jii^i%t L M.W.r. De7. PLATE ^. THE PIASTER BUllDERS' EXCHAHGH OF F' . THE MASTER BUtLDFF??^' ry M.W.r. Del. PLATE. 14. 1 I , F. Del. plate: 17. TOE Wh^TER w^nnm' rrrmf^^r M.W.F. Pe7. ^ PLATE, rq (SccJloiv sJiooi/tifc/ (junzfilj cferu/tcC from 7hc, ctse of ftrt l>elVs anct^Tbjos. onfhor,sell. sloiAj cte>sTru.oTfon> vrv ccuse of fzre ^ _ Sections /02-/03 _ M.w F.Del. plate: ^1 I ^1 fvf.W.I=:Oel plate: A I i PLATE.C