Haverhill, MA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

Section 120-17, added 6-19-2018 by Doc. 1-JJ, incorporates the Stretch Energy Code by reference into the Code of the City of Haverhill. The Stretch Energy Code is codified by the state Board of Building Regulations and Standards as 780 CMR Appendix 115.AA, an appendix to the Massachusetts Building Code built on further amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code beyond the baseline energy requirements already built into the state building code. Subsection B states its purpose plainly: to provide a more energy-efficient alternative to the base energy code applicable to the relevant building code sections for new construction.

Subsection C applies the code to both residential and commercial buildings, with any building outside that scope still required to comply with 780 CMR 115.AA as indicated. Subsection D incorporates the Stretch Code, including any future editions, amendments or modifications, directly into § 120-17, meaning Haverhill automatically picks up state updates to the appendix without a separate City Council vote each time the Commonwealth revises it. The Inspector of Buildings or Building Commissioner enforces the Stretch Code, and it took effect immediately as of its date of passage.

Because the code is incorporated wholesale rather than reprinted locally, a builder pulling a Haverhill building permit under § 120-3 for new residential or commercial construction must show compliance with 780 CMR Appendix 115.AA on top of the standard Massachusetts State Building Code requirements referenced generally in § 120-11's fee-schedule provisions.