IMPORTANT POLICY UPDATEDELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO EXPEDITE VARIANCES FOR THE PROVISION OF TOILET FACILITIES IN "TAKE-OUT" BUSINESSES
INTRODUCTION
The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (the "Board") is authorized to grant variances from the Massachusetts Plumbing Code (the ••code") in particular instances where adherence to the Code would result in a hardship or unusual circumstance (see M.G.L. c. 142, §13 and 248 CMR 3.04(2). Recently, the Board has become aware that a recent 2023 change to the Code is inadvertently creating hardships for certain small businesses. Specifically, changes to 248 CMR I0.10 mandate that toilet facilities be provided to ••patrons and staft" in many types of establishments whereas previously these facilities were only required for employees (staff). While in many cases toilet facilities are able to serve both types of users at the same time, the Board has become aware that this mandate is creating a hardship for certain small restaurants utilizing a '"take-out" model, whereby customers are not consuming food/beverages on the premises. Specifically, it is the Board's understanding that the longstanding industry practice for such '"take out" restaurants is a design by which available toilet facilities are located in an area not appropriate for public access (such as requiring passage through a food preparation area). The Board will be considering further amending the Code in the future to address this issue. However, the Board finds that it is appropriate in the meantime to utilize its variance authority to avoid creating hardships for these small businesses. While variances must be applied for on a case-by-case basis, the Board finds that a Board appearance will not be necessary for these types of requests. Accordingly, while applicants must still file a variance request along with any required documentation, the purpose of this delegation is to provide relief which staff can automatically provide without need of a Board vote. DELEGATION The Board hereby delegates authority to Board staff to approve properly submitted variance applications without a Board vote which meet the following criteria:
For restaurants which do not provide seating to patrons (generally •'take-out restaurants), where the total number of employees that can be accommodated at any one time is 20 individuals and the total gross space is less than 1,000 square feet, the required toilet facilities may be designated as staff/employee only if the applicant indicates that the provision of making such facilities publicly accessible would present a hardship.This delegation shall be deemed to expire at such time as 248 CMR I 0.00 is next updated. This Delegation was duly adopted by the Board at its meeting held on March 5, 2025.
INTRODUCTION
The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (the "Board") is authorized to grant variances from the Massachusetts Plumbing Code (the ••code") in particular instances where adherence to the Code would result in a hardship or unusual circumstance (see M.G.L. c. 142, §13 and 248 CMR 3.04(2). Recently, the Board has become aware that a recent 2023 change to the Code is inadvertently creating hardships for certain small businesses. Specifically, changes to 248 CMR I0.10 mandate that toilet facilities be provided to ••patrons and staft" in many types of establishments whereas previously these facilities were only required for employees (staff). While in many cases toilet facilities are able to serve both types of users at the same time, the Board has become aware that this mandate is creating a hardship for certain small restaurants utilizing a '"take-out" model, whereby customers are not consuming food/beverages on the premises. Specifically, it is the Board's understanding that the longstanding industry practice for such '"take out" restaurants is a design by which available toilet facilities are located in an area not appropriate for public access (such as requiring passage through a food preparation area). The Board will be considering further amending the Code in the future to address this issue. However, the Board finds that it is appropriate in the meantime to utilize its variance authority to avoid creating hardships for these small businesses. While variances must be applied for on a case-by-case basis, the Board finds that a Board appearance will not be necessary for these types of requests. Accordingly, while applicants must still file a variance request along with any required documentation, the purpose of this delegation is to provide relief which staff can automatically provide without need of a Board vote. DELEGATION The Board hereby delegates authority to Board staff to approve properly submitted variance applications without a Board vote which meet the following criteria:
For restaurants which do not provide seating to patrons (generally •'take-out restaurants), where the total number of employees that can be accommodated at any one time is 20 individuals and the total gross space is less than 1,000 square feet, the required toilet facilities may be designated as staff/employee only if the applicant indicates that the provision of making such facilities publicly accessible would present a hardship.This delegation shall be deemed to expire at such time as 248 CMR I 0.00 is next updated. This Delegation was duly adopted by the Board at its meeting held on March 5, 2025.
New Licensing and Permitting Platform
On June 16th, the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) will launch a new platform: electronic Licensing, Inspections, Permitting, Software Engine (eLIPSE). eLIPSE will replace ePLACE for the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Please read the two Plumbing Board messages below
“eLIPSE” will be the new electronic licensing portal and will be launched on June 16, 2025. The new platform will be used for Renewing Licenses, Checking Licenses, Applying for Applications, Permits, and more…
As part of our commitment to you, we will keep you posted on these changes as we get more detailed information. The new platform will also be part of our Continuing Education Sessions coming in the Fall of 2025.
Please note there is a statement below about submitting a CORI for renewing your license, we were informed that will not be a requirement. The CORI requirement is only for applying for a new license – which always has been required.
Important message from the
Plumbing Board
May 22, 2025
Dear Plumbers and Gas Fitters,
We’re excited to share an important update! On June 16th, the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) will launch a new platform: electronic Licensing, Inspections, Permitting, Software Engine (eLIPSE). eLIPSE will replace ePLACE for the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Why are we moving to eLIPSE? eLIPSE will improve your licensing and permitting experience:
• Faster and easier ways to apply for, update, and check the status of licenses and permits.
• Simplified tools to help constituents file complaints, search for licenses, and request support. Modern system that will save time and reduce paperwork for both applicants and staff.
What Do You Need to Do Now?
If you have any pending applications or renewals in ePLACE, please complete them by May 31st. Access to ePLACE for Plumbers and Gas Fitters will end on June 12th, so we strongly encourage you to act now to avoid delays.
What will change on June 16th?
eLIPSE log-in information will be on the Mass.gov Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting page. When you log-in for the first time, you will be prompted to create a MyMassGov account and link your license. Applications for Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting will be done online in eLIPSE.
The testing company PSI will no longer provide licenses. Once approved, licenses will be provided digitally. A digital license is valid just like a hard copy license. You can verify your license with a screenshot, a digital printout, or by logging into eLIPSE.
DOL will no longer print and mail licenses or wall certificates for Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting. Renewals will be done online in eLIPSE. Paper renewals will not be accepted. This supports our shift toward a more modern, paperless agency and ensures faster, more efficient processing. To renew, you will need additional documentation, including:
A notarized CORI Authorization form. (form not a cori)
Proof of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) (Not applicable to Apprentices)
Consumer supports such complaints and the check a license feature will be available on the eLIPSE platform for Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting. All other DOL Boards’ licensing, inspection, and permitting services will continue to use existing system platforms until further notice.
For more information, please visit Division of Occupational Licensure | Mass.gov
We appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to providing you an enhanced licensing experience.
Thank you,
Kenneth Peterson
Executive Director, Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting
On June 16th, the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) will launch a new platform: electronic Licensing, Inspections, Permitting, Software Engine (eLIPSE). eLIPSE will replace ePLACE for the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Please read the two Plumbing Board messages below
“eLIPSE” will be the new electronic licensing portal and will be launched on June 16, 2025. The new platform will be used for Renewing Licenses, Checking Licenses, Applying for Applications, Permits, and more…
As part of our commitment to you, we will keep you posted on these changes as we get more detailed information. The new platform will also be part of our Continuing Education Sessions coming in the Fall of 2025.
Please note there is a statement below about submitting a CORI for renewing your license, we were informed that will not be a requirement. The CORI requirement is only for applying for a new license – which always has been required.
Important message from the
Plumbing Board
May 22, 2025
Dear Plumbers and Gas Fitters,
We’re excited to share an important update! On June 16th, the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) will launch a new platform: electronic Licensing, Inspections, Permitting, Software Engine (eLIPSE). eLIPSE will replace ePLACE for the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Why are we moving to eLIPSE? eLIPSE will improve your licensing and permitting experience:
• Faster and easier ways to apply for, update, and check the status of licenses and permits.
• Simplified tools to help constituents file complaints, search for licenses, and request support. Modern system that will save time and reduce paperwork for both applicants and staff.
What Do You Need to Do Now?
If you have any pending applications or renewals in ePLACE, please complete them by May 31st. Access to ePLACE for Plumbers and Gas Fitters will end on June 12th, so we strongly encourage you to act now to avoid delays.
What will change on June 16th?
eLIPSE log-in information will be on the Mass.gov Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting page. When you log-in for the first time, you will be prompted to create a MyMassGov account and link your license. Applications for Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting will be done online in eLIPSE.
The testing company PSI will no longer provide licenses. Once approved, licenses will be provided digitally. A digital license is valid just like a hard copy license. You can verify your license with a screenshot, a digital printout, or by logging into eLIPSE.
DOL will no longer print and mail licenses or wall certificates for Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting. Renewals will be done online in eLIPSE. Paper renewals will not be accepted. This supports our shift toward a more modern, paperless agency and ensures faster, more efficient processing. To renew, you will need additional documentation, including:
A notarized CORI Authorization form. (form not a cori)
Proof of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) (Not applicable to Apprentices)
Consumer supports such complaints and the check a license feature will be available on the eLIPSE platform for Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting. All other DOL Boards’ licensing, inspection, and permitting services will continue to use existing system platforms until further notice.
For more information, please visit Division of Occupational Licensure | Mass.gov
We appreciate your patience during this transition and look forward to providing you an enhanced licensing experience.
Thank you,
Kenneth Peterson
Executive Director, Board of State Examiners for Plumbing and Gas Fitting
Sponsored by Eastern Propane