News Updates - May 5, 2010

More time to submit code change proposals for the Oregon Reach Code

The division received several requests to extend the deadline for submitting code change proposals for the new Oregon Reach Code. Because the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IGCC) is still in a draft version, and because it is a new code, the division has extended the period for proposals for 21 days. The new deadline is May 28th at 5:00 p.m.

The division is requesting code amendment proposals for sections of the 2012 IGCC that relate to energy efficient buildings. Proposals must include a brief explanation of the connection between the proposal and "the use of construction and design standards, construction methods, products, equipment and devices to increase efficient use of, and reduce consumption of, electricity, natural gas and fossil fuels in buildings." Applicants should cite how their proposals relate to the specific sections of the 2012 IGCC.

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

Final Amendments Approved to 2010 OEESC

On Wednesday May 5, the Building Codes Structures Board approved the final amendments to the 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Code (OEESC). The division held a rulemaking hearing on the adoption of the new code in March and received public comment on the provisions regarding mass walls. The division addressed the comments and the board's approval of the provision was the last step in the administrative process to adopt the new code.

The 2010 OEESC will take the place of chapter 13 in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code. Based on the 2009 IECC, Oregon amendments significantly strengthened the energy efficiency requirements of the code. The final version of the draft code is available on the BCD website.

The code will be effective July 1, but for plans submitted through September 30, it will be up to the builder whether to build to Chapter 13 or the 2010 OEESC. After October 1, the 2010 OEESC will be mandatory. The division is currently working with the ICC on the printed version. Printed copies of the code are expected to be available in July.

For questions or further information please contact Shane Sumption, code technician, at 503-378-4635 or shane.r.sumption@state.or.us.

Reminder: Registration for the OEESC training is filling fast

If you are interested in taking the OEESC code change course provided by BCD at no charge to students, be sure to register soon. The classes are filling up fast. We do have limits to the number of participants in each of the facilities we will be using. The class dates and locations are listed in the events segment of the left hand information bar. Take advantage of this free version of the training. Remember this is a required training for inspectors performing inspections under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.

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

Committee meetings underway on specialized inspector certifications

The rulemaking advisory committee assisting the division in developing rules for the implementation of Phase II of House Bill 3462 has had two productive meetings since mid-April. Phase II authorizes the division to create a pilot program for specialized inspector certifications. In the short span of a few weeks, the committee has identified several certification proposals and has begun addressing important specifics like scope, qualifications, and training.

Over the next several weeks Division staff will continue to refine the proposals. The HB 3462 Phase II Committee will be holding its next full meeting on Tuesday, May 25 at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room A at the Building Codes Division's office in West Salem. Check out the committee's webpage for more information. You can also sign up to receive email updates on upcoming meetings and committee activities on this page.

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

Now accepting amendment proposals for
the Oregon Residential Specialty Code

The 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) will be based on the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). On April 26, 2010, the division began accepting code amendment proposals for the 2011 ORSC. The deadline to submit these proposals is June 9, 2010. The 2008 ORSC, which is based on the 2006 IRC with Oregon amendments, is currently in use.

BCD is working with the Residential and Manufactured Structures Board to form the 7 to 9 member Residential Code Review Committee, which will be examining code amendment proposals. If you are interested in being a committee member check out the public notice for more information. This committee will look at both the structural and mechanical aspects of the residential code, while determining methods to tighten energy efficiency requirements in the code authorized by Senate Bill 79 (2009).

After reviewing the code amendment proposals, the committee will present their findings to the Residential and Manufactured Structures Board. The division hopes to forward the recommended code amendment proposals to the board for consideration this coming fall, with an anticipated code adoption date of July 1, 2011.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Richard Rogers, structural program chief, at 503-378-4472 or Richard.Rogers@state.or.us.

2011 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code

In early March 2010, The Building Codes Division began the solicitation process to gather names for potential 2011 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC) committee members. This code will be based on the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code (2009 UPC) and is anticipated to be adopted on April 1, 2011. The committee will review both changes to the model code and current Oregon amendments. They will make a recommendation to the Oregon State Plumbing Board to approve their amended code. Once this board sanctions the code changes, the division reviews and adopts the changes as the 2011 OPSC. The Oregon State Plumbing Board also makes a recommendation to the Residential and Manufactured Structures Board on the provisions that are applicable to residential construction.

There was a healthy response from qualified members of the plumbing industry to the division's request. The new members of the code committee are Kirk Garvey representing Craftwork Plumbing, Melissa Gitt representing City of Wilsonville, Jay Hansen representing C.J. Hansen Co., Inc., Phil Roach representing Solarc Architects and Engineers, Matt Rozzell representing City of Happy Valley, and Jed Scheuermann representing Steamfitters and Pipefitters Local 290.

The first committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit the committee's website to sign up for email updates and view committee activities including submitted code proposals.

For questions, please contact Terry Swisher, Plumbing Chief at terry.l.swisher@state.or.us or at 503-373-7488.