The Rimkus team offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for the built environment. Encompassing all engineering and architectural disciplines, our forward-thinking building solutions focus on resiliency, maintainability, sustainability, and carbon footprint reduction.

We leverage the knowledge of our deep bench of technical experts to proactively identify issues before they occur, mitigating risk and helping clients achieve the desired goals for their projects and facilities. From design and pre-construction through construction and project closeout, we span the project’s life with personalized service at every step.

List of Services:

  • Architecture
  • Building Envelope Services
  • Civil Engineering
  • Code Compliance
  • Due Diligence Assessments
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Site Assessments
  • Energy Audits
  • Façade Inspection and Restoration
  • Fire Life Safety Systems
  • Historic Preservation
  • Roof Consulting
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Renewable Energy Services
  • Seismic Risk Assessments
  • Structural Engineering

Massachusetts Building Codes and Regulations

Boston Façade Ordinance 9-9.12 

In 1995, the City of Boston enacted Ordinance 9-9.12 (the Ordinance) to ensure public safety by requiring periodic inspections of exterior building façades. Significant changes to the Ordinance were approved in July of 2022 and came into effect in January of 2023.  

External Resources:

Deadline and Frequency:

  • Occupied structures: Inspections are required once every five (5) years. 
  • Unoccupied structures: Inspections are required once (1) every year. 
  • Exemption for Substantial Improvements: If a building was substantially improved in the last five (5) years, it is exempt from inspection for ten (10) years following the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. 

Classification of Building Conditions: 

  • Safe 
  • Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) 
  • Unsafe 

For buildings classified as SWARMP or Unsafe, owners must take corrective actions within specified timeframes. 

Inspection Requirements:

The Ordinance originally applied to any exterior wall of a building taller than seventy (70’) feet, or those buildings classified as high-rise structures.  

The new façade ordinance also includes unoccupied buildings of over thirty-five thousand (35,000) cubic feet, excluding buildings that are classified as three-family, two-family, or single-family, except as required by the Commissioner. 

Inspections must be conducted by a qualified team of design professionals, including a registered architect or engineer, who is responsible for overseeing the inspection process. 

Rimkus’ licensed engineers and architects in Boston are qualified and ready to assist with code compliance. 

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