News Updates - September 3, 2009
Housing, Fire Protection, and Downtown Revitalization
Existing commercial buildings not fitted with sprinkler systems can present a considerable
challenge under the code when the building or space changes to a "residential"
use. OSSC section 903.2.4 requires the installation of an automatic sprinkler system
throughout the entire building, but retrofitting a sprinkler system "throughout"
to accommodate residential units on a second floor for example; may prove impractical
or cost prohibitive.
Through the adoption of Statewide Alternate Method 08-05, the International Existing
Building Code (IEBC) offers some relief through alternative compliance paths. These
may be of value in the residential/downtown revitalization discussion. Read
more …
The code adoption process continues for several codes
The committee work for both the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC) and the
Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) is complete. The Mechanical Board approved
the 2010 OMSC at its August meeting. The next step in the process for the OMSC is
the public rulemaking hearing on October 20, 2009. The
mechanical code is currently in the initial prep process at the International
Code Council (ICC) prior to publishing and the final version is due to be approved
by the division in early December.
The
structural code committee's recommendations for the 2010 OSSC will be reviewed
by the Building Code Structures Board at their meeting on September 30. A November
18, 2009 public rulemaking hearing is expected on the structural code.
The division continues to work on the energy provisions based on the work of the
Oregon Commercial Energy Conservation Advisory Committee. Once complete, the energy
efficiency methods will be given to the committee for feedback. The final version
of these provisions will then be reviewed by the Building Code Structures Board and
will become effective with the other codes in April of 2010.
BCD begins process to update the 2002 Oregon
Manufactured Dwelling and Parks Specialty Code
The current manufactured dwelling installation code in Oregon is the 2002 Oregon
Manufactured Dwelling and Parks Specialty Code (MD&P). The division proposes
to adopt an amended version of the 2002 MD&P, developed by the Building Codes
Division, entitled 2010
Oregon Manufactured Dwelling Installation Specialty Code (MDISC).
The MDISC was developed to achieve the following goals:
- Stay
within the statutory framework for manufactured dwelling installations
- Align
the code with federal installation requirements
- Provide
a uniform and consistent Chapter 1
- Separate
manufactured dwelling park construction from the installation code
The following links will provided you with additional information on this process:
Please contact Albert Endres, manufactured housing chief, at 503-378-5975 or Albert.G.Endres@state.or.us,
if you have questions or would like additional information.
NEW: Construction Industry Energy Board
House Bill 2950, which was part of the Governor's energy efficiency agenda, created
a new advisory board. The Construction Industry Energy Board (Energy Board) will
help the division by advising BCD on energy efficiency issues. The Energy Board will
be made up of two members of the Electrical and Elevator Board, two members of the
Residential Structures Board, two members of the Building Codes Structures Board,
and a representative of the Department of Energy. The individual boards will begin
selecting their members for the energy board later this month. The board will help
the division to streamline the process of enacting new energy efficiency provisions
across the residential, commercial, and electrical codes. The division expects that
the Energy Board will have its first meeting in mid-October.
Division Interpretation on Zonal Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Systems
The division has been receiving questions about the disconnect requirements for
zonal ductless mini-split HVAC systems. Mini-splits are gaining in popularity as
the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance engages in an effort to market ductless
mini-split systems to displace less efficient electric resistance space heating in
existing homes. Zonal ductless mini-split HVAC systems can be both heating and air
conditioning equipment. There are significant differences between these systems and
the traditional split system. For example, in a mini-split system a single branch
circuit feeds the outdoor component, and the indoor unit is fed from the outdoor
component. Because of this, a question about proper disconnects arose under the Oregon
Electrical Specialty Code. The division issued interpretation number 2009
Oregon Electrical Specialty Code Article 424.19 - Disconnect Requirements to
clarify the disconnect requirements.
Oregon State Plumbing Board summary of
enforcement cases from August 21 meeting
Summary report: These cases were
resolved by the division's enforcement section without going to a contested case
hearing. No action was required by the Oregon State Plumbing Board.
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