Waltham follows Massachusetts 454 CMR 17 scaffold safety regulations and requires building permits for scaffolding over 14 feet tall on public ways.
Scaffolding in Waltham is governed by state law 454 CMR 17 (MA Scaffold and Staging Regulations) enforced by the Department of Labor Standards, plus the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). Contractors erecting scaffolds on public sidewalks or streets must obtain a street occupancy permit from the Waltham Department of Public Works. All scaffolds over 14 feet require a licensed construction supervisor, guardrails on open sides, toe boards, and daily inspection. Overhead protection (sidewalk sheds) is mandatory for scaffolding near pedestrian walkways on Moody Street and Main Street. Workers must be OSHA 10 certified in Massachusetts. Scaffolds cannot remain in place longer than the active permit period without renewal.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle scaffold & sidewalk shed.
See how Waltham's scaffold & sidewalk shed rules stack up against other locations.
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