Oregon Current Building Codes

Oregon building codes, rooted in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code and the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, are committed to enhancing energy efficiency in the state’s buildings. These codes set standards for insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, and renewable energy integration, promoting sustainable construction practices and cost savings for Oregonians

Read More: Los Angeles City Building Codes 

Oregon Energy Codes

Current Commercial Code of Oregon

2014 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC)
State-developed code based on ASHRAE 90.1-2010
Passed 5/11/14, effective 7/1/14

2011 Oregon Commercial Reach Code
Based on the energy-related provisions of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) with significant Oregon amendments. The 2011 Oregon Commercial Reach Code (OCRC) became available for use July 1, 2011.

Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) 2022

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Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) 2019

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Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) 2014

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Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) 2023

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Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) 2021

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Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) 2017

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Oregon Existing Building Code 2021

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Oregon Existing Building Code 2018

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2014 Oregon Fire Code

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Oregon Mechanical Code 2021

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2014 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC)

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Oregon Mechanical Code 2018

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2014 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC)

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Oregon Energy Code 2018

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2014 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code

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Oregon Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands 2017

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Oregon Storm Shelter Code 2020

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Oregon Storm Shelter Code 2014

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Oregon Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2020

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Oregon Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions 2014

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Oregon Accessibility Code 2017

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Oregon Accessibility Code 2009

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Oregon 2010 ADA Standards

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Oregon Plumbing Code 2021

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Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC) 2023

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2023 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC)

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2021 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC)

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2017 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC)

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Oregon Fire Sprinkler Code 2019

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Oregon Fire Sprinkler Code 2016

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Oregon One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019

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Oregon One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2016

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Oregon Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2019

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Oregon Low-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Installation Code 2016

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Oregon Standpipe and Hose System Installation Code 2016

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Oregon Fire Pump Installation Code 2016

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Oregon Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2019

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Oregon Private Fire Service Main Installation Code 2016

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Oregon Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2020

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Oregon Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code 2016

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Oregon LP Gas Code 2020

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Oregon LP Gas Code 2017

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Oregon Fire Alarm Code 2019

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Oregon Fire Alarm Code 2016

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Oregon Emergency and Standby Power Code 2019

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Oregon Emergency and Standby Power Code 2016

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Oregon Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-burning Appliances Code 2016

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Oregon Fire Wall Code 2021

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Oregon Fire Wall Code 2018

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Oregon Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2020

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Oregon Stationary Fuel Cell Power Code 2015

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Oregon Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2018

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Oregon Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems Code 2015

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Oregon Refrigeration System Safety Code 2019

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Oregon Refrigerant Classification Code 2019

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Oregon Commercial Energy Code 2019

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Oregon Commercial Energy Code 2016

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Oregon Health Care Facility Ventilation Code 2017

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Oregon Zero Energy Commercial Code 2019

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Oregon Elevator and Escalator Code 2019

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Oregon Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2020

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Oregon Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2017

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Oregon Existing Elevator and Escalator Code 2015

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Oregon Elevator and Escalator Performance-Based Code 2007

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Oregon Platform Lift and Stairway Chairlift Code 2020

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Oregon Platform Lift and Stairway Chairlift Code 2014

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Oregon Belt Manlift Code 2015

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Oregon Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2018

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Oregon Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Cast Copper Alloy 2012

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Oregon Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy 2018

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Oregon Solder Joint Pressure Fitting Code for Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy 2013

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Oregon Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2018

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Oregon Conveyor and Related Equipment Code 2015

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Oregon Process Piping Code 2020

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Oregon Building Services Piping Code 2020

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Oregon Building Services Piping Code, 2014

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Oregon Hospital Facilities Design Code 2018

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Oregon Outpatient Facilities Design Code 2018

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Oregon Residential Health Facilities Code 2018

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Oregon Concrete Construction Tolerance Code 2010

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Oregon Structural Concrete Code 2019

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Oregon Concrete Thin Shells Code 2019

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Oregon Concrete Thin Shells Code 2014

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Oregon Residential Structural Concrete Code 2014

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Oregon Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Code 2019

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Oregon Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Code 2011

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Oregon Moment Frames Acceptance Criteria Structural Testing Code 2005 (R2019)

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Oregon Unbonded Single-Strand Tendon Materials Code 2014

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Oregon Load Testing of Existing Concrete Structures Code 2013

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Oregon Precast Concrete Diaphragm Connections for Earthquake Loading Code 2018

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Oregon Special Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Structural Walls Code, 2007

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Oregon Precast Concrete Tolerances Code, 2009

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Oregon Seismic Steel Construction Code 2016

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Oregon Seismic Steel Construction Code 2010

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Oregon Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016

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Oregon Prequalified Moment Frame Connection Code 2016 w/ Supplement 1-2018

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Oregon Steel Construction Code 2016

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Oregon Steel Construction Code 2010

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Oregon Cold-Formed Steel Structural Member Code 2016

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Oregon Wood Construction Wind and Seismic Code 2021

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Oregon Wood Construction Wind and Seismic Code 2015

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Oregon Joists and Rafters Span Tables Code 2021

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Oregon Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding Code, 2011

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Oregon Peak Cooling and Heating Calculation Code (Commercial / Mid & High-rise Residential) 2007 (R2014)

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Oregon ABA Standards 2015

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Oregon Typical Timber Construction Details Code 2003

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Oregon Structural Glued Laminated Timber Appearance Grades Code 2001

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Oregon Structural Glued Laminated Timber Dimensions Code 2010

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Oregon Structural Glued Laminated Timber of Hardwood Species Specifications Code 1996

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Oregon Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2019

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Oregon Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2013

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Oregon Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors Code 2007

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Oregon Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Code 2014

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Oregon Metal and Flexible Duct Code 2020

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Oregon Phenolic Duct Construction Code 2015

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Oregon Carbon Structural Steel Code, 2014

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Oregon Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe Piles Code, 2010 (R2018)

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Oregon Deformed and Plain Carbon-steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Code 2015ae1

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Oregon Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated Galvanized or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated Galvannealed by the Hot-Dip Process Code, 2017

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Oregon High-strength Low-alloy Piling with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance for Use in Marine Environments Code, 2013 (2018)

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Oregon Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement Code 2016

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Oregon High-strength Steel Bars for Prestressed Concrete Code 2018

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Oregon Steel Sheet, Zinc-5 Percent, Aluminum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process Code 2013

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Oregon Steel Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-dip Process Code 2017A

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Oregon Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Steel and Plate Code 2014

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Oregon Fair Housing Act Design Manual

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Oregon OSHA 1926 Construction

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OSHA 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards

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OSHA 1904 Recordkeeping

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Oregon Round Industrial Duct Construction Standards, 2013

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Oregon Fire Code 2022

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Oregon Fire Code 2019

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Current Residential Code of Oregon

2014 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC)
State-developed code, more stringent than the 2009 IECC
Passed 5/11/14, effective 10/1/14

The 2014 ORSC was developed as a minor update to the 2011 edition.

2011 Oregon Residential Reach Code
Based on the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) public version 2.0. This code became effective October 1, 2011.

Climate Zones: 4C, 5B

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

Code Adoption and Mid-Cycle Amendment Process

Code Change Cycle

Oregon code update cycles generally follow one year behind the three-year International Code Council model code update cycle.

Next Code Update

2017 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Review

History

1996-1999A complete non-residential energy code is first adopted in 1996. In 1998, slight revisions are made, not including envelope or lighting components. In 1999, a high glazing path is added with significantly improved window requirements so that overall thermal integrity is not compromised.

October 1, 2014 The 2014 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) becomes effective.
July 1, 2014 The 2014 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) becomes effective.
October 1, 2011 The 2011 Oregon Residential Reach Code (ORRC), incorporating energy-related provisions of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) Version 2.0 with significant Oregon amendments, becomes effective.
July 1, 2011 Following a May 13 rulemaking notice, BCD updates the state’s residential code from the 2008 ORSC to the 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC); these requirements are identical to Chapter 4 of the 2010 OEESC. BCD believes the average home built under this code will be more efficient than a home built to comply with the 2009 IECC. There is a 90-day phase in period through October 1, 2011.

This represents the state’s first building energy efficiency provisions published as a stand-alone code and based on the IECC. According to the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD), the codes will achieve:

  • Around 10% energy savings beyond the previous Oregon residential requirements; and
  • Around 15% energy savings beyond the previous Oregon commercial requirements by making changes in three main areas: requiring increased insulation and energy-efficient windows, adding automatic lighting controls, and requiring more efficient mechanical systems.

Reach codes: As directed by SB 79, the optional reach code encompasses construction methods and technology designed to increase energy efficiency over the mandatory codes for builders that choose to incorporate them. The Oregon Commercial Reach Code, available for use starting July 1, incorporates energy-related provisions of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) Version 2.0 with significant Oregon amendments.
July 1, 2010 The 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) replaces the state’s previous energy provisions for commercial construction (the 2007 OSSC). The 2010 OEESC is based on the 2009 IECC with strengthening Oregon amendments. There is a 90-day phase-in period through October 1, 2010.
March 2010 The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) begins accepting state building code amendment proposals relating to construction practice or methods related to energy efficiency for possible adoption in Oregon’s first Reach Code as authorized by Senate Bill 79. BCD has identified the 2012 International Green Construction Code Version (IgCC) 1.0 as the model document for this code.
2009 The Oregon Legislature approves Senate Bill 79, directing the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) to increase energy efficiency in buildings that are newly constructed, reconstructed, altered or repaired. SB 79 requires the Oregon BCD to improve the state’s building energy codes by 10-15% above existing residential requirements and 15-25% above existing commercial requirements. The Building Codes Structures Board reviews code change proposals and amendments to the 2009 IECC requirements for the building envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems.

In addition to increasing efficiency in the statewide mandatory energy code, Senate Bill 79 establishes a new code called the Reach Code. The Reach Code is a set of statewide optional construction standards for energy efficiency that exceed the requirements of the state’s mandatory codes. The Reach Code covers a variety of topics including: mechanical systems, lighting designs, overall building design (both residential and commercial), plumbing practices and products. BCD works align the code with federal, state, and local financial incentives.
March 2008 The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) gives final approval to the 2008 ORSC, effective July 1, 2008 after a three month interim period. This code is based on the 2006 IRC. The energy requirements in Chapter 11 reduce energy consumption in new homes by 15% versus the previous 2005 ORSC edition. Many, but not all, of the measures of the 2008 ORSC are drawn from the 2004 Northwest ENERGY STAR specifications.

With the adoption of the 2008 ORSC, it is decided to move the respective Low Rise Code requirements into the adopted model codes with which they most closely align. This allows Oregon’s published codes to be consistent with the scope of the nationally promulgated codes and assists in the scope of inspector/plan review certifications and certain licensing requirements. The Oregon BCD Enforcement Program works with local jurisdictions so they can emphasize proper compliance with permits. It has implemented pilot enforcement programs across the state to test different enforcement models and has expanded the division’s enforcement presence in local communities.
April 1, 2007 Non-residential buildings are henceforth subject to the 2007 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC). Chapter 13, covering building energy efficiency, is been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is 1-2% more stringent than ASHRAE 90.1-2004.
2006 Governor Ted Kulongoski mandates that the state of Oregon improve energy performance in new residential construction by 15% by the year 2015.
October 2005 The successor to the Low Rise Code, the 2005 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, is published and adopted. This code is based on the 2003 IECC.
2004 Slight revisions to the 2004 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) include significant changes to the Air Transport Factor requirements and calculations. There are also slight revisions with significant increases in deemed-to-comply-with window traits for window wall components.
November 2003 Senate Bill 906 passes in the 2003 Oregon Legislature and is codified in Oregon Revised Statute 455.040, creating Oregon’s Low Rise Residential Dwelling Code (Low Rise Code). This bill also creates the Residential Structures Board and assignes it purview of the Low Rise Code. Read more about the history of the Low Rise Code here.
October 2001 Equipment efficiency tables are updated to reflect ASHRAE 90.1-1999 but using ASHRAE 90.1-2001 values.
1978 Oregon adopts a state-promulgated non-residential energy code applying only to the building envelope. This code is expanded to include HVAC systems in 1980.
Contacts

Mark Heizer
Technical Policy Analyst
Oregon Building Codes Division
Email: Mark.R.Heizer@oregon.gov

Shane Sumption
Field Services Manager
Acting Statewide Services Manager
Oregon Building Codes Division
Email: Shane.R.Sumption@oregon.gov

Ken Baker
Senior Manager, Codes
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Email: kbaker1@mindspring.com

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