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Massachusetts

AIA MA Code News

12.2.24
December 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

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  • See how you can help shape the Code Council’s future by signing up as a Mentor!

  • Find out how the Emory R. Rodgers Leadership in Building Safety Fellowship advances careers.

  • Become part of the new state-of-the-art online ICC Member Community. It’s easy!

  • Do you have ideas for the 2027 codes? The deadline is January 10 for proposals.

  • Building safety professionals look to future developments in the industry on The ICC Pulse Podcast.

 

Download your December edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update. 

BBRS Public Hearing – Extending 780 CMR 9th Edition Concurrency Period

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) held a virtual public hearing today to discuss extending the concurrency period for using either the 9th or 10th edition of 780 CMR 1.00 and 51.00. Originally set to end on January 1, 2025, the period will now run through June 30, 2025.

 

Following the hearing, the BBRS voted to approve the extension. Legal counsel from the Executive Office of Economic Development indicated that the proposal is expected to receive prompt approval from the Healey Administration and be finalized as a permanent regulation through the Office of the Secretary of State in December.

 

For additional information or questions, please contact:

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Chris Rogers
Executive Director Public Safety Boards Unit
Division of Occupational Licensure
Office of Public Safety and Inspections
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Christopher.J.Rogers@mass.gov

11.6.24
November 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

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  • The new leadership line up on the Code Council’s Board of Directors.

  • The first chapter for Native Americans who serve as code officials – The Native American Code Officials Chapter of ICC.

  • Individual and group recipients of ICC’s annual awards.

  • Signing up as a mentor in ICC’s new and improved Mentorship Program. (It only takes a few minutes!)

  • The brief survey for the “Code Official Digitization and Efficiency Support (CODES)” project

 

Download your November edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update. 

10.11.24
10th Edition 780 CMR Effective Today

Today, the MA Secretary of State officially promulgated the 10th edition of the 780 CMR Base Building Code (Massachusetts Amendments), with an effective date of October 11, 2024. 


In addition, the concurrency period with the 9th edition is will extend until January 1, 2025.


Important Note Regarding Concurrency:
At the October 8 meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Board legal counsel Charles Kilb Esq. announced that the 10th edition will be promulgated on October 11, 2024, with that date also serving as its effective date, and the concurrency period ending on January 1, 2025. Board members raised concerns about omitting the agreed-upon concurrency period discussion from the agenda. Counselor Kilb responded that the 10th edition amendment package submitted for review and approved by the Healey Administration contained verbiage in Section 102 Applicability – Concurrency Period stipulating a January 1, 2025 concurrency end date. Board members inquired whether a date change is possible, with Counselor Kilb responding that any modifications would be classified as new regulations, requiring a lengthy approval process including public hearings. Counselor Kilb then proposed that the Board discuss the concurrency issue and potential options for variances or amendments at the next meeting, which the Board agreed to include as a specific agenda item for their November meeting.
 


​All questions should be directed to Chris Rogers, Executive Director, Public Safety Boards Unit - Division of Occupational Licensure at Christopher.J.Rogers@mass.gov or (857) 276-9097

10.02.24
October 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:
 

  • How to plan your watch party to join the fun in Long Beach without leaving home.

  • Activities at and around the 2024 Annual Conference.

  • Cindy Davis’ testimony about the benefit of code enforcement before the U.S. House Subcommittee.

  • Montana’s adoption of the ICC/MBI 1200 and1205 standards for off-site construction.

  • Tips on how to make the most of your Code Council membership.

 

Download your October edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update
 

09.25.24
10th Edition State Building Code (780 CMR) to be Promulgated in October

On September 25th, Sarah Wilkerson, the state's Commissioner of the Division of Occupational Licensure, informed AIA Massachusetts that on Friday, October 11, the MA Secretary of State will officially promulgate the 10th edition of the 780 CMR Base Building Code (Massachusetts Amendments), effective October 11, 2024.

 

The concurrency period with the 9th edition is scheduled to extend until January 1, 2025.

 

Important note: At the September 10 meeting of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), BBRS members agreed to place an item on their October 8 meeting agenda to discuss extending the concurrency period past January 1, 2025. BBRS members agreed that, as of September 10, because the code had still not been promulgated, the previously agreed-upon six-month concurrency period ending January 1, 2025, should be readdressed.

 

Members can find the current DRAFT 10th edition 780 CMR here. The final promulgated version will also be found on the BBRS's website here.

 

Once the finally promulgated document is available, AIA Massachusetts will send all AIA members a follow-up email with a link to the document.

 

All questions should be directed to Chris Rogers, Executive Director, Public Safety Boards Unit - Division of Occupational Licensure at Christopher.J.Rogers@mass.gov or (857) 276-9097

09.08.24
September 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:
 

  • Events and details for attending the 2024 Annual Conference, Expo, and Committee Action Hearings.

  • The list of candidates filed for positions on the Code Council’s Board of Directors.

  • Links for September 10’s preparation webinar to get you ready for the BRIC Codes Plus-Up Cycle.

  • Calls for Committee seeking volunteers for the next IECC, PMG, and Exam Development Committees.

  • Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and building safety.

 

Download your September edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update
 

08.08.24
August 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:
 

  • John Belcik was named the next Code Council CEO.

  • Fun site events at the ICC Annual Conference, Expo, and Committee Action Hearings in Long Beach.

  • Tips on filing successful applications for FEMA grants.

  • The newest Year in Review ICC annual report.

  • Links and applications for elected posts on ICC Membership Council Governing Committees.

  • How you can be part of the big fun celebrating the Code Council’s 30th anniversary.


Download your August edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update
 

07.01.24
July 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

 

  • Fun and informative highlights awaiting you this fall at the ICC Annual Conference, Expo and Committee Action Hearings in Long Beach, California.

  • The GSA finalizes the 2024 edition of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and reaffirms the IPC®.

  • Your registration link to the free July 11 webinar “Humanization of Architecture Nowadays.”

  • Progress report on the Code Council’s newly revamp Technical Training Program.

  • Your link to an informative webinar recording on the ICC Chapter Education Benefit.

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Download your July edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

06.03.24
June 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

 

  • Dominic Sims will receive the Ronald H. Brown Standards Leadership Award.

  • Ten – count ‘em 10! – tracks for your training CEUs at the 2024 Annual Conference, Expo, and Committee Action Hearings.

  • ICC and HUD partner up to put the focus on housing affordability at an event in D.C. June 6-9.

  • New information on “When Disaster Strikes” training.

  • FEMA and ICC co-host events aimed at promoting community resiliency.

  • Do you know the up-and-coming talent in the PMG field? Check out the ‘Top 20 Under 40 Contest.’

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Download your June edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

05.01.24
May 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

 

  • Building Safety Month news, valuable resources and celebration ideas.

  • The new requirement for federally-funded housing to use the 2021 IECC.

  • Record-breaking number of applications in latest round of BRIC grants program.

  • Update on the 2024 Annual Conference, Expo and Committee Action Hearings in Long Beach.

  • How you can help bring long-term, consistent water conservation efforts.

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Download your May edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

04.30.24
Laboratory Suites in Existing Buildings

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this will specifically addresses industry enthusiasm for Laboratory Suite approaches, which permit larger quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in R&D laboratories.
 

04.22.24
April 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

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  • What you need to know to qualify for DOE’s $90 million RECI grants!

  • The countdown to the 2024 Building Safety Month starts with a helpful webinar April 8.

  • Committee Action Hearings for Group A International Codes® April 7-16 in Orlando.

  • New standard for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in off-site construction.

  • The latest on the Technical Training Program for high schools and colleges.

  • The Water Reuse Working Group’s on-site potable water reuse code proposals.

 

Download your April edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

03.05.24
Magnetic Hold Open Door Smoke Detectors

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this will specifically address a frequently asked question regarding the challenge of creating open circulation in portions of buildings where doors are required for fire protection purposes, “Do I need smoke detectors at doors on magnetic hold opens?”

03.01.24
March 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

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  • The Code Council’s inaugural World Water Awareness campaign’s March events – and how you can join it.

  • It’s World Plumbing Day on March 11!

  • Group A Committee Action hearings and Leadership Week events next month in Orlando.

  • Utah is #1 as the first state to adopt ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 for off-site construction.

  • ICC and EPA’s MOU aimed at decentralized wastewater issues.

  • Newly published guidelines reflect global approaches to advanced penalization.

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Download your March edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

02.12.24
Hazardous Material Ventilation Requirements

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this will specifically addresses chemical storage within life science buildings and the ventilation systems used to mitigate dangerous vapor accumulation.

02.07.24
Office of Public Safety and Inspections - Codeword February 2024

The Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI), under the Division of Occupational Licensure, (DOL) has published their February issue of “Codeword.” In it, the DOL welcomes T.J. Lacey as its new Deputy Commissioner, introduces their new hires, Engineering Inspectors Rose and Lamb, and features their Engineering Supervisor, Dan Kilburn. 

 

As the 10th edition moves forward with the public hearing portion of the approval process, already scheduled, OPSI also provides guidance for approving Temporary Emergency Shelters, DOL licensing policy, and announces a ‘Free’ training partnership with OPSI and DSL regarding Jackies Law, Trench Safety, and Hoisting Enforcement. 

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Download your February edition.

02.06.24
Dampered Duct Deficiencies in Hospitals

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this post will specifically addresses commonly observed issues associated with dampered ducts penetrating a fire-resistance rated wall.

02.02.24
February 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

 

  • Learn how to send photos and participate in ICC’s 30th Anniversary celebration!

  • Code Council offers a new suite of resources to help you apply for federal grants.

  • Check out the Code Council’s Leadership Week and Group A Hearings in April at Orlando.

  • How to time to register to participate in the ICC 2024-2026 code development cycle.

  • The Technical Training Program is back – better than ever!

  • Want to be a Code Hearing Moderator? Check out the details.

  • Everything you need to know about submitting nominations for the 2024 ICC Awards.

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Download your February edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update.

01.31.24
IECC Interested Party Update

IECC Interested Party- The IECC Commercial Consensus committee will be meeting on Wednesday, February 14 starting at 2 pm Eastern time. View the agenda on the committee webpage.


Upcoming calendar:

  • IECC Commercial Consensus Meeting 

  • IECC Appeals Board Meetings 

    • Wednesday, February 21st through Friday, February 23rd at 7 a.m. (PT)/10 a.m. (EST). Visit IECC appeals webpage for further information.

01.29.24
Design Considerations – Atriums

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this post will focus on Atriums – which are one of the grander features that can be incorporated into a building design. Still, they introduce several design considerations that should be taken into account as a project progresses through design and into construction.

01.23.24
IECC Interested Party Update

IECC Interested Party- please view the 2024 IECC Notice of Appeals Hearings.

 

Upcoming calendar:

  • IECC Residential Consensus Meeting

  • IECC Appeals Board Meetings 

    • Wednesday, February 21st through Friday, February 23rd at 7 a.m. (PT)/10 a.m. (EST).
      See notice of appeals linked above for more information

01.23.24
10th Edition State Building Code Public Hearings Confirmed

The Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) has approved the following hearing schedule for the 10th edition.

 

  • February 14, 2024 - 10:00 a.m., Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St Boston, MA 02120

  • February 21, 2024 - 10:00 a.m., virtual 

  • February 28, 2024 - 10:00 a.m., Springfield Technical Community College, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105

 

View additional information, such as log-in information for the virtual hearing.
View a draft version of the MA amendments to the 10th edition base code.
View a draft version of the MA amendments to the 10th edition residential code.
View the base 2021 IBC.
View the base 2021 IRC.

01.15.24
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this post will focus on Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC), also commonly referred to as a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA), which is required by the 9th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) Section 916 in certain new buildings.  NFPA 72 Chapter 24 provisions of the two-way radio communications enhancement system are also applicable to these systems.

01.09.24
UPDATE - 10th Edition State Building Code Public Hearing

At today's Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) meeting, the Board approved the following tentative hearing schedule for the 10th edition.

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  • February 14, 2024 proposed start time for in person meeting is 10:00 a.m. (location TBD - Springfield or Boston)

  • February 21, 2024 remote/virtual meeting - start time TBD

  • February 28, 2024 proposed start time for in person meeting is 10:00 a.m. (location TBD - Springfield or Boston)

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More information will be provided as BBRS staff confirm meeting locations. Any additional information can be found on the BBRS’s website.

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View a draft version of the MA amendments to the 10th edition base code.

View a draft version of the MA amendments to the 10th edition residential code.

View the base 2021 IBC.

View the base 2021 IRC.

01.08.24
Wood Frame Construction Site Security Requirements

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this post will focus on BFPR’s latest edition of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, which became effective on December 9, 2022, requiring code users to 2022 Edition of NFPA 241 for construction fire safety requirements, with subsequent posts addressing significant code changes impacting pricing, schedule, and risk mitigation.

01.03.24
January 2024 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

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  • Information and webinar date to explain how your jurisdiction can be awarded a grant from DOE’s $530 million funds to adopt the latest zero building energy codes

  • International Code Council and MBI develop new off-site construction standard in ICC’s 1200 series

  • How Lexington, Kentucky, uses its BRIC grant to achieve its building department accreditation by the International Accreditation Service

  • Dates set for April 5-7 for Chapter Leadership Academy and other events in Orlando, Florida

  • CALL FOR COMMITTEE: Acoustics of Built Environment Consensus Committee

  • MISSION POSSIBLE: News and resources for your 2024 Building Safety Month activities

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Download your January edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

01.02.24
UPDATED FIRE WATCH REQUIREMENTS

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this post will focus on BFPR’s latest edition of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, which became effective on December 9, 2022, requiring code users to refer to updated editions of NFPA 51b and NFPA 241 for hot work on construction sites, leading to significant changes impacting pricing, scheduling, and risk management.

12.20.23
QUICK-OPENING DEVICES, DRY PIPE SYSTEMS

As part of Code Red Consulting’s Insights series, this post will focus on a dry pipe sprinkler systems use of compressed air to prevent water from entering the pipes until a fire activates it, making it suitable for spaces with freezing conditions or temperature fluctuations.

12.12.23
10th Edition State Building Code Approved for Public Hearing

At today's Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) meeting, Comm. Wilkinson of the Division of Occupational Licensure (DoL) reported that yesterday, at 5 pm, the Healey Administration gave final approval to DoL to move the proposed 10th edition 780 CMR state building code to public hearings.

 

BBRS staff counsel has already begun work to establish the three board-approved public hearings – one in Boston, one in Springfield, and the last virtual - and has already started seeking actual venues for the Boston and Springfield hearings. (Public comments would close one week after the last hearing)

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Hearings are likely be scheduled for the end of January/early February, with a formal announcements from DoL expected over the next few days.

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View a draft version of the MA amendments to the 10th edition base code.

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View a draft version of the MA amendments to the 10th edition residential code.

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View the base 2021 IBC.

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View the base 2021 IRC.

12.12.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – EGRESS, PART 3

For the final part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on changes related to egress, namely exiting through elevator lobbies, areas of refuge at the level of exit discharge, and handrails at stepped aisles.

12.08.23
New State Plumbing Code Effective

Today, the Secretary of State’s office promulgated a new version of the 248 CMR 10.00: Uniform State Plumbing Code, effective 12/08/2023.

 

The purpose of 248 CMR 10.00 is to provide the rules governing all Massachusetts plumbing installations. This extensive regulation sets out basic principles, specifies important plumbing definitions, lists minimum numbers of plumbing fixtures that must be installed in subject installations, and provides a host of other provisions necessary to ensure plumbing installations are made in a manner that protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

The new 248 CMR 10.00 also includes updates to Sections 10.10 (15) (g) and (h) - Unisex/Gender Neutral Toilet Rooms and Multi-user/Gender Neutral Toilet Rooms. These revisions resulted from work that began in 2018 when Sen. Joanne Comerford and Representative Mindy Domb introduced legislation crafted by AIA MA to require the state plumbing code to allow gender-neutral bathrooms in any building code-defined use group “as of right.” The prospect of passing this legislation into law helped move the Plumbing Board to rewrite the gender-neutral toilet room regulations.

 

Note: At the November 15, 2023, public hearing on the proposed changes to the 248 CMR 10.00, AIA MA offered verbal and written testimony outlining concerns with Sections 10.10 (15) (g) and (h) definitions, compartment heights, occupancy and user groups, and urinals. As a result, the Plumbing Board voted to create a guidance document to help clarify. AIA MA will notify the membership once this document becomes available.

 

All general questions & correspondence related to the 248 CMR 10.00 can be submitted online to Plumbingboard@mass.gov

 

Written questions & correspondence can be sent to:

 

Mr. Joseph McNamee, Chairman

Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Division of Occupational Licensure

1000 Washington Street, 7th Floor

Boston, MA 02118

12.03.23
December 2023 issue of ICC’s Govt. Relations Monthly Update

This month’s feature includes:

  • ICC Board President Stuart Tom’s message to apply now for “Codes Up Plus” funds from FEMA!

  • The success story in St. Paul, Minnesota, with BRIC funds for virtual inspections.

  • Code Council extends deadline to January 2 for appeals to the 2024 IECC.

  • A rollout update of the 2024 International Codes.

  • Your help is needed to pass the bipartisan Pro Codes Act (S.835 / H.R. 1631).

  • Code Council sponsors season five of Pfister® Faucet’s docuseries American Plumber Stories.

 

And an important webinar December 14 to show how Municity simplifies recurring inspections and documentation.

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Download your December edition of the Government Relations Monthly Update

11.27.23
ELEVATORS AND FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATORS

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on discussing miscellaneous code changes related to elevators and fire service access elevators (FSAE) which can be found here.

11.20.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – ATRIUMS

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on reviewing the new code provisions for Atriums which can be found here

11.13.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – OCCUPIED ROOFS

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on miscellaneous code changes related to occupied roofs, including provisions on occupancy classification, penthouse definitions, and door locking provisions and can be found here

11.06.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – INTEGRATED LIFE SAFETY TESTING

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on NFPA 4, The Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing which can be found here

10.23.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – EGRESS PART 2

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on the new code provisions associated with delayed egress locking, classroom locking, and door sizing requirements which can be found here

10.16.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on the new code provisions industry updates related to energy storage systems (ESS) and battery technologies which can be found here

10.09.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – TALL MASS TIMBER

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on the new code provisions for Tall Mass Timber which can be found here

10.02.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – LABORATORY SUITES

As part of Code Red Consulting’s 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code, this post will focus on the intricacies of Laboratory Suites which can be found here

09.25.23
10TH EDITION UPDATES – EGRESS, PART 1

Code Red Consulting has started a 10-part series on major changes to the 10th edition of 780 CMR, Massachusetts State Building Code. To kick things off, their first post will be one of several egress-related entries that highlights some changes associated with egress occupant loads, lighting requirements, and turnstiles which can be found here

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