News Updates - November 3, 2010
Solar Code Resources Available
The 2010 Oregon Solar Installation
Specialty Code has been effective for a month and there is now a commentary
version of the code available on the division's website. This version contains
background information on how various provisions were developed and how they should
be interpreted. The division will update the commentary periodically to address new
issues and questions that come up. The division has also posted a model
checklist for prescriptive installations. This checklist is an example of the
type of information that should be submitted for prescriptive solar installations.
While some jurisdictions are already seeing a lot of solar installations, others
are just beginning to and are in the process of developing their fees. There is a
lot of dialogue between jurisdictions as to what an appropriate flat fee would be
for prescriptive installations. Generally, the average fee being discussed is around
$150. Because this is the first time a code like this has been implemented, the division
is relying on feedback from the jurisdictions to address areas of concern and make
improvements.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns please contact Aeron Teverbaugh at
503-373-2160 or Aeron.Teverbaugh@state.or.us.
COMcheck Assistance
Now that the 2010 OEESC is the single mandatory code for energy code compliance,
the division is using only COMcheck to demonstrate compliance. For those new
to COMcheck, help is available.
The best training resource for COMcheck is the Oregon specific webinar put
together by Pacific Northwest National Laboratories and the Federal Department of
Energy. Click here
to see the presentation. Select the "Commercial" tab, and under "Commercial
Webcasts On-Demand" you will see "COMcheck for Oregon." There
are also other useful training modules available at the same website, such as "COMcheck
Basics."
You can download your own desktop version of
COMcheck. This is the division's own energy code website, with many useful
links and a read-only copy of the 2010 OEESC.
Under "What do you need to do to Comply?" select the "Downloadable
version" of COMcheck. Don't forget to select "Oregon" under
the "Codes" tab once you have COMcheck first open. This will insure
that COMcheck is analyzing your envelope, lighting, and HVAC selections to
the 2010 OEESC, and not another code. One of the nice features is that COMcheck
will always return to the "Oregon" version every time you re-open it. Please
note that an online version of COMcheck will be available in late November.
When it becomes available, we encourage local jurisdictions and contractors to use
this version so that as the software is updated, they are using the most current
version.
If you have any questions or problems with COMcheck, please contact Mark
Campion at 503-378-4530, or mark.campion@state.or.us.
Permits Protect on the Move
The consumer information website on building permits in Oregon is up and running
at www.PermitsProtect.info. As part
of the new website, BCD has been working on a new and improved "tool kit"
for local building departments. Access the new tool kit here. This kit is designed to help with the
promotion to homeowners of the importance of purchasing permits and getting inspections
for building projects. The tool kit has all sorts of helpful media. There are five
new brochures, a new table top display, a print ad template, and a high resolution
electronic file of the logo that can be used as a link on websites.
The new Permits Protect website is interactive and full of information and helpful
hints. We hope to continue in this direction with more fun and informative sections
to the site in the future. We are also open to suggestions from building departments
on how we can meet their needs through additions to the site.
If you have questions or want more information, please contact Sherri West at 503-373-7509
or sherri.d.west@state.or.us.
Program Renewals for Group Two Due January 1, 2011
For all jurisdictions in program administration group two, your four year program
renewal request is due January 1, 2011. It is important that you complete this renewal
process by the new year in order to insure that your local building program is able
to continue running smoothly during its next reporting period beginning July 1, 2012.
All you need to do is complete the program renewal request
form and return it to the division. Please be sure to complete the form fully
and attach the requested supporting documents, including a current copy of your municipality's
operating plan, current fee schedules for all programs you administer, and a map
or description of any changes to your inspection service area.
If you will not be able to return your program renewal request to us by January
1, 2011, please contact Trevor Johnson trevor.w.johnson@state.or.us
by December 21 to ask for an extension. If you do not know which program renewal
group you are in, you can check
the group lists on our website.
Certification Renewal
By now, certified individuals should have renewed their Oregon Inspector Certification
(OIC). Any OICs not renewed by November 1, 2010 are now expired and no duties requiring
a certification may be performed. If a certified individual is not currently using
their OIC, they have up to five years from November 1, 2010 to renew before they
must apply for new certifications. Renewal within that five-year window requires
completing the current continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application,
and paying the $125 renewal fee.
Enforcement
License suspensions for Plumbing
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