News Updates - January 14, 2009

Commercial Energy Conservation
Committee looking for members

In the Dec. 31 edition of the Local Building Dept. Newsletter we wrote about a Commercial Energy Conservation Committee (CEC) being formed to advise the division on proposed code changes related to energy efficiency. The CEC will review code amendment proposals that have met the criteria of increasing energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The division will include the group's input and advice when forwarding proposals to the appropriate advisory board(s) in August and September 2009. The Oregon Structural and Mechanical Specialty Codes and interim amendments to the other specialty codes are being adopted April 1, 2010. BCD is taking the names of people interested in participating in the CEC until Jan. 16, 2009. Please contact Andrea Simmons at andrea.f.simmons@state.or.us or 503-373-7235, or Gabrielle Schiffer at gabrielle.m.schiffer@state.or.us or 503-373-7418 for more information.

Drainage of Wall Assemblies-
Update on ORSC Section R703.1 Task Force

After the adoption of the 2008 ORSC, BCD began to receive a number of questions regarding new language in the code about walls and drainage. The language states that walls must be constructed to provide a means of draining water that enters the assembly to the exterior. After discussion with the Residential Structures Board, the division convened a task force on the issue. The task force met twice and reached consensus that some type of interpretation clarifying the performance expectation of the new language was necessary. The task force agreed a statewide standard was preferable to a regional approach.

Some key issues not yet resolved include the following:

1. Minimum requirement: What is the minimum requirement for providing drainage under ORSC R703.1? What methods/materials will meet the standard?
2. Implementation: Should the requirements be implemented through interpretation or administrative rule?
3. Single-wall construction: How should the standard apply to single-wall construction?
4. Timing: When will the requirement become effective and will training be provided?

The division proposed that the task force discontinue meetings until the division could determine how to address these key issues. The division plans to continue discussions on this topic, reconvene the task force, and work toward a statewide approach.

The 2009 Legislative Session Convenes

As we welcome in a new year and a new set of challenges, we also shift our focus to the opening of the 75th Legislative Assembly.

BCD introduced one bill this session, House Bill 2200, which makes operational and consistency changes in both the boiler and elevator programs. This bill makes many aspects of these programs, such as fees and permit cycles, consistent.

In addition, the division is taking the lead on one of the Governor's priority bills, Senate Bill 79, which focuses on increasing energy efficiency in homes and buildings. The bill directs the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to develop a system for measuring the energy efficiency of existing buildings through the creation of 'energy performance certificates.' BCD is tasked with establishing both the long-term goal of net-zero energy use in homes and buildings by 2030 and a short-term goal of adopting building codes that require energy efficiency of commercial buildings to increase by 30 percent and homes by 15 percent by 2012. It also directs BCD to publish an aspirational code or "reach code" at the same time as the adopted code, which will identify the energy efficiency goals for the next code cycle.

For instance, in the year 2012, the estimated energy efficiency goals for 2015 will be announced. This reach code, in addition to outlining a process for reaching net zero energy use buildings by 2030, will provide predictability to the construction industry, forecasting the energy efficiency requirements for the next three-year code cycle. The reach code will also serve as an optional or higher standard that developers and designers can build to during the interim between code adoptions.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Simmons at (503) 373-7235 or through e-mail at andrea.f.simmons@state.or.us.

Regional Program Services

BCD's role on the Governors Economic Revitalization Team
As Regional Coordinators, we are often asked how we fit into the Governor's Economic Revitalization Team (ERT) and what the Building Codes Division brings to the table. Serving on the ERT has provided BCD with a unique opportunity to interface with numerous other state agencies, working on important economic projects across the state.

BCD's role on the ERT is to ensure we are available to any customer or agency that has questions or needs assistance on projects important to the economic revitalization of a community. BCD serves as a conduit connecting people to the right state agencies when issues arise on their projects. We assist those moving projects forward by having an understanding of all requirements and timelines at the onset of a project. Working proactively with project leaders to identify their needs, enables BCD to help move them quickly through the process. We can also connect them to other ERT agencies when necessary.

The Stein Distillery project in Joseph, Oregon is a great example of BCD's role on the ERT. Working through BCD, the owners of the distillery were able to expedite their plan review and construction process. We connected them with other important state agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Economic & Community Development Department. These agencies were able to assist the distillery with funding for street and parking improvements, as well as low interest loans. With construction nearing completion, the Stein Distillery hopes to open its doors in the next several months, bringing much needed jobs and business to the local economy.

BCD has taken an active roll in working with ERT members to ensure that as projects move forward we clearly communicate with each other to move through the process as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

ePermitting

Reminder to register your directory administrator
Remember, the Local Building Department Directory (LBDD), formerly the Directory of Responsibility, is being updated soon. The new directory will give jurisdictions more control over the essential information that identifies each building department and allow them to update information as necessary. The LBDD is your way to communicate fun and exciting information to your customers too. To register your jurisdiction's directory administrator for the LBDD fill out this form. You can get more information about the LBDD from Lori Graham at lori.l.graham@state.or.us or 503-373-7755.