Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 312 § 312-16
Hazardous areas and combustible storage (Framingham Lodging Houses)
Operative Text
The Building Commissioner or the Fire Chief may require that kitchens, workshops, heater rooms, storerooms containing combustible materials, or other areas constituting a special hazard be protected by additional approved portable fire extinguishing equipment, or other means as directed. Combustible or flammable material shall not be placed, stored or kept in any portion of an exit or elevator car or hoistway or at the bottom of a stairway, fire escape or other means of escape.
Framingham Code of Bylaws CH. 312 § 312-16 establishes two related fire-safety requirements for residential and other buildings. First, the Building Commissioner or Fire Chief has authority to mandate additional fire-suppression equipment—such as portable fire extinguishers—in kitchens, workshops, heater rooms, or other areas deemed especially hazardous. Second, the provision flatly prohibits storing or placing combustible or flammable materials in exits, elevator cars, hoistways, stairways, fire escapes, or any other means of egress.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 312 § 312-16, compliant property operators generally keep all exit paths, stairwells, elevator cars, hoistways, and fire escapes entirely clear of combustible and flammable materials at all times. Operators also maintain any additional fire-extinguishing equipment that the Building Commissioner or Fire Chief has directed for kitchens, heater rooms, workshops, or other high-hazard areas. Routine inspections of these spaces and prompt response to any directives from local fire or building officials are practices commonly associated with ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 312 § 312-16 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if combustible or flammable materials are being stored in shared exit corridors, stairwells, elevator cars, or fire escapes in their building. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the Framingham Building Commissioner or Fire Chief, who each hold enforcement authority under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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