MA Stretch Code Cities 2026 | Which MA Municipalities Require It?

Published: May 2026 | MA Stretch CodeMunicipalitiesMassachusetts

The Massachusetts Stretch Code has been adopted by over 300 cities and towns across the state. If you’re building in Massachusetts, you need to know whether your municipality requires it — and what that means for your project.

Which Cities Require the MA Stretch Code?

As of 2026, more than 300 Massachusetts municipalities have adopted the Stretch Code, including all of the state’s major cities and most suburban communities. Some of the largest Stretch Code municipalities include: Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Somerville, Quincy, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Framingham, Brockton, Taunton, Plymouth, Barnstable, and hundreds more.

What Are the Requirements?

• HERS Index score of 55 or below
• Blower door test result of 3.0 ACH50 or less
• Duct leakage test meeting Stretch Code limits
• All testing performed by a RESNET-certified HERS Rater
• Certified compliance documentation for the building department

What If My City Hasn’t Adopted the Stretch Code?

If your municipality is on the base energy code rather than the Stretch Code, you still need to comply with the base Massachusetts energy code (IECC 2021 as adopted by Massachusetts). A HERS Rating may still be required or beneficial for Mass Save incentives and green building certifications even without the Stretch Code.

Stretch Code Adoption Is Growing

Massachusetts is moving toward making the Stretch Code the baseline for all municipalities. Builders and developers working in multiple cities should be prepared to comply with Stretch Code requirements across all their projects.