Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 312 § 312-23
Egress from and access to a building (Framingham Lodging Houses)
Operative Text
A. Any obstacle which may interfere with the means of egress or escape from any building or other premises, or with the access of any part of said building or premises by the Fire Department in the case of fire, shall be removed from aisles, floors, halls, stairways and fire escapes. Doors and windows designated as exits shall be kept clear at all times. B. No person shall at any time place encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire escape, balcony or ladder intended as a means of escape from fire. The means of egress from each part of the building, including stairways, egress doors, and any panic hardware installed thereon, aisles, corridors, passageways and similar elements of the means of egress shall at all times be maintained in a safe condition and shall be available for immediate use and free of all obstructions. C. All exterior bridges, steel or wooden stairways, fire escapes and egress balconies shall be maintained in accordance with 780 CMR 10.00 and shall be examined and/or tested and certified for structural adequacy and safety every five years by a Massachusetts registered professional engineer or others qualified and acceptable to the Building Commissioner or their designee. The engineer or other party shall after inspection submit an affidavit to the Inspectional Services Division. [Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025 ]
Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 312 § 312-23 establishes that all means of egress — including stairways, hallways, fire escapes, aisles, corridors, and egress doors — must remain clear of obstructions and in safe, immediately usable condition at all times. No person may place any encumbrance on a fire escape, balcony, or ladder used for fire escape. Additionally, exterior bridges, steel or wooden stairways, fire escapes, and egress balconies must be structurally inspected and certified every five years by a Massachusetts registered professional engineer or another party acceptable to the Building Commissioner, with an affidavit submitted to the Inspectional Services Division after each inspection.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 312 § 312-23, compliant property operators routinely inspect all egress pathways — including stairways, corridors, aisles, fire escapes, and egress doors with panic hardware — to ensure they remain unobstructed and immediately usable. Operators also arrange for a Massachusetts registered professional engineer or other qualified party acceptable to the Building Commissioner to structurally examine and certify exterior fire escapes, balconies, and stairways every five years, and ensure the resulting affidavit is submitted to the Inspectional Services Division. Keeping records of these inspections and certifications is a standard practice for demonstrating ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 312 § 312-23 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when egress pathways such as stairways, hallways, fire escapes, or corridors are blocked or in disrepair, as the provision requires these areas to be safe and unobstructed at all times. Tenants who observe obstructions or structural concerns with fire escapes or egress balconies may consider contacting Framingham's Inspectional Services Division, which receives the structural certification affidavits required under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Framingham housing regulations can help residents understand the range of options available when egress conditions appear to fall short of what § 312-23 requires.
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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