News Updates - April 7, 2010

Code change training on the 2010 OEESC at no cost

In 2009, the Oregon Legislature directed BCD to amend the state building codes to reduce energy use in new commercial construction by 15-20%. The 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC), which is scheduled for adoption on July 1, 2010, will do just that.

BCD is planning a series of free four-hour energy code change trainings during June and July 2010 in anticipation of the code adoption. This course is required code change training for inspectors performing inspections under the OSSC. This training will focus on 'what's changed and what's stayed the same' in the transition to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) format- what you need to know about the new OEESC. Subjects will include among others:

• Why energy efficiency matters
• How variable speed fans and automatic controls save energy and lower building operating costs
• What the new requirements on day-lighting and exterior lighting are
• What to expect from ComCheck, the state's new electronic compliance forms

These trainings are free and qualify for 4 hours of BCD code change continuing education credits. Below is a list of class dates and locations around the state:

Why not register for one of these classes now?

For questions or more information on these classes contact Gabrielle Schiffer, sustainability coordinator, at 503-373-7418 or gabrielle.m.schiffer@state.or.us.

Committee to meet regarding specialized inspector certifications

A rulemaking advisory committee has been formed to assist the division in developing rules for the implementation of Phase II of House Bill 3462, which was passed by the 2009 Legislature. Phase II authorizes the division to create a pilot program for specialized inspector certifications. This newly formed committee will focus exclusively on the second phase of rulemaking for HB 3462, related to certification and training of specialized inspectors. The bill's other major component, Phase I, related to inspector and building official certification renewals is currently in its final stages of implementation.

The HB 3462 Phase II Committee will be holding its first meeting on Tuesday, April 13 at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room A at the Building Codes Division's office in West Salem. Check out the committee's Web site for more information or to subscribe for email updates on upcoming meetings and committee activities.

For questions or further information please contact Dana Fischer, para tech specialist, at 503-373-0226 or dana.c.fischer@state.or.us.

Solar Code Committee Update

The Solar Code Committee is getting ready to move on to the Administrative section of the Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code (OSISC). The Committee will address the last few installation requirements at its next meeting, April 15th, at 1:30-4:00 p.m. Remaining provisions include mechanical clearances, attachment to structural supports, and the prescriptive installation path. The Committee approved the Fire Fighter access provisions at its last meeting and is expected to approve the prescriptive installation path at the meeting on April 15. The Committee's next move is to begin looking at the administrative provisions. These provisions will largely mirror those contained in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, except the plan review permitting and inspection requirements. The provisions will be uniform throughout the state, streamlining the solar installation process where installers follow the prescriptive path.

To accompany the OSISC, the division is drafting a proposed solar licensing rule clarifying the licensing requirements for solar photovoltaic installations. The Electrical and Elevator Board approved the rule for a public hearing on May 18th at 9:30 a.m.

If you have any questions or need further information please contact Aeron Teverbaugh at 503-373-2160 or aeron.teverbaugh@state.or.us.

Reach Code Development Underway

On March 31, the division held the first of the Reach Code Development Advisory Committee meetings. During the brief introductory meeting the division explained the goals of the Reach Code and described the process the division will follow. The origin of the Reach Code is Senate Bill 79 passed during the 2009 legislative session. The code will function in much the same way as the Statewide Alternate Methods that can be utilized at the option of the builder. The Reach Code will be an optional set of construction standards that will result in a more energy efficient structure than one built under the statewide mandatory code. The bill defines energy efficiency broadly to include methods or products that reduce the reliance on fossil or other fuel sources.

The division chose the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), an International Code Council (ICC) code, as the base model document. The committee will be considering specific Oregon amendments to the model. The 45-day period for code amendment proposals opened March 23rd. Proposals should include specific code language and focus on energy efficiency. All Reach Code proposals must be received by May 7.

The next meeting of this advisory committee will be held April 14 at 1:30-4:00 p.m. in the division's conference room A. The meeting will focus on various financial incentives available for energy efficient construction. Energy Trust of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Energy will both be giving presentations to update the committee on the incentives available. A representative of the ICC will also give a brief presentation on the IGCC. The Reach Code Committee Web page on the BCD Web site has a link to sign up for updates. For additional information feel free to contact Aeron Teverbaugh at aeron.teverbaugh@state.or.us or at 503-373-2160.

Commercial Green Building Web-based course a success

The Building Codes Division has been piloting different types of Web-based courses over the last two years. On March 23 and 25 they hosted a virtual classroom course on Commercial Green Building and the Building Code with instructors who were located in their own offices in Portland, Seattle and BCD's West Salem office. The class participants were from all over the state. The course used the iLinc platform, which lets the instructors show presentations, ask questions and share their desktop (programs on their computers that are being used as part of a presentation). The program has lots of other interactive capabilities including the ability of participants to raise their virtual hand to ask or answer questions. The course included breakout sessions each day, where the participants were separated into small groups with a facilitator to discuss a scenario. The groups came back together and presented their findings to the whole class, all through cyberspace.

Many city and county officials participated in the training and were pleased that they were able to be at their desk with a set of headphones on, instead of spending several hours driving and a day away from the office. The other participants included architects, engineers, and designers that were happy to get connected with and learn how the Oregon Building Codes can work with them in this age of green building. They were also pleased that they did not need to travel or even leave the office to make this connection.

BCD will continue to provide Web based classes to the many audiences interested in their course topics. This summer there will be an online course for the Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code, which goes into effect July 1, 2010.

For questions or more information please contact Sherri West, training coordinator, at 503-373-7509 or sherri.d.west@state.or.us.

Enforcement

Summary of enforcement cases presented
to the State Plumbing Board
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 State Plumbing Board.

Summary of enforcement cases presented
to the State Electrical and Elevator Board
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 State Electrical and Elevator Board.
Final orders after hearing: These cases went to a contested case hearing. Each penalty assessment was reviewed and approved by the State Electrical and Elevator Board.