How Tall Can I Build A Single Story Cape in MA.?
I seem to find that the height of a single story cape in Massachusetts is limited to 20 feet. What is confusing me is that wood must be at least 8 above grade, and a basement is considered as half below and half above grade, so does that mean that the 20 feet building height begins at grade or at the top of the basement? Can anyone clarify this issue for me?
Replies
You need to talk to your local building dept, they can answer your questions.
Joe H
Hows come my text looks so small, is this another added Jason Revson feature?
why do you think you're limited to a 20 foot height?
bobl,
I just looked in my 5th edition Code book, 780 CMR only to find that I may need another set of glasses! Table 501 having to do with area and height limitations states that R-3 one and two family type 5A(protected) and type 5B(unprotected) ... 3 story 40 ft. 10,200 Sq ft and 2 story 35 ft 4800 sq ft - nothing about one story!
I stand corrected! Thank-You!
Mass is at the 7th edition
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Consumer+Protection+%26+Business+Licensing&L2=License+Type+by+Business+Area&L3=Construction+Supervisor+License&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=dps_bbrs_building_code&csid=Eeops
you've given me great confusion here now, since a Cape is by definition not a single story.
Isn't the second floor really a finished attic? Now I'm confused.
>>since a Cape is by
>>since a Cape is by definition not a single story
I've seen houses that I would cll a Cape based on shape and features which did not have a finished 2nd floor
traditionally capes are in the category of "story and a half"
since the second floor is completely under the roof, with or without gable dormers...
later capes hasd full shed dormers across the back...but that is not a traditional cape
if there is a full second floor , then it usually falls under the category of "garrison"
MikeSmith,
I agree with you that a Cape is usually a 1-1/2 story home. Often, a starter came with an unfinished attic, but the bones were there for another bedroom and bath, or two bedrooms. If the expansion was done before construction, it turned into a Garrison or a Salt Box.
Sorry for the confusion! I thought I was the one confused! On the other hand, that makes my day to read that Piffin was confused, although I suspect that he was just being polite.
I caused myself untold hours of re-design trying to bring down the height of the building to 20 feet. That was opperator error! I read from the wrong line in my Code book. Once again, Breaktime straightened me right out!