News Updates - March 14, 2012

Accepting applications for HB 3462 specialized inspector training

The Building Codes Division is now accepting applications for the Specialized Finals Inspector Certification (SFI) course. We will begin reviewing applications on Friday, March 16. We will try to accommodate as many jurisdictions as possible. The SFI course is open to inspectors who currently hold an Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and an Oregon Code Certification (OCC) for electrical or plumbing or ICC certification for structural or mechanical inspections and who have worked performing inspections for a jurisdiction for at least one year. The SFI certification is designed to allow a single inspector to perform all final inspections on a one- or two-family residence. The scope of the certification is limited to those items that have been previously inspected and approved or where no previous inspection is required and the item is otherwise ready for a final inspection.

Certification has four components: a self-paced online class, a two-day live class, 40 supervised inspections, and an exam. Participants must complete all segments of the course, including those reviewing material in their current area of certification. The fieldwork component is divided equally between structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical supervised inspections. A single jobsite may count toward multiple inspections. For example, a final inspection consisting of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components counts toward four inspections. The inspections must be supervised by an inspector properly certified to perform the particular electrical, structural, plumbing, or mechanical inspection. Participants will be their own supervisor for those subject areas for which they hold an appropriate certification.

The online course will begin on Monday, April 2, 2012. Like previous specialized courses, the final inspector course will be offered through Chemeketa Community College's eLearn system. The total cost is $200. The fee includes the course and the examination. Space is limited, so get your application in soon. If you have questions or need more information, contact Aeron Teverbaugh at 503-373-1354 or Aeron.Teverbaugh@state.or.us or Tiffani Alexander at 503-373-1248 or Tiffani.K.Alexander@state.or.us.

BCD-issued accessible parking addenda

BCD recently issued addenda in conjunction with the adoption of the new Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) accessibility provisions with an effective date of March 1, 2012.

The addenda was necessary to ensure that the code provisions reflect the more restrictive application of Oregon Revised Statute 447.233 as it relates to the width of accessible parking spaces.

The notice affects the following OSSC sections and figures:
1101.2.2.7 Vehicle Space Width
1101.2.2.8 Access Aisle Width
Chapter 11 Figures: 2 through 6 and 10

Section 1101.2.2 (Amendments to ICC A177.1) was modified as follows:
1101.2.2.7 Vehicle Space Width - ICC A117.1 Section 502.1. ICC A117.1 Section 502.1 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Car and van parking spaces shall be 108 inches (2743.2 mm) minimum in width.

1101.2.2.8 Access Aisle Width - ICC A117.1 Section 502.4.2. ICC A117.1 Section 502.4.2 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Access aisles serving car parking spaces shall be 72 inches (1828.8 mm) minimum in width. Access aisles serving van parking spaces shall be 96 inches (2438.39 mm) minimum in width.

Modified figures and the above referenced text are included in the 2010 ADA Update.

Residential Energy Code applicability

Have you wondered which energy code applies to residential construction: Chapter 4 of the 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) or Chapter 11 of the 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC)? The simple answer is when permitting a one- or two-family residence under the 2011 ORSC, Chapter 11 will apply.

There are a few different R-Occupancies where the simple reference to the ORSC Chapter 11 won't apply. The following table is for reference for some of these special circumstances:

The OEESC continues to apply to commercial structures. It is directly referenced from OSSC Chapter 13. Commercial/mixed-use projects four stories or more with residential occupancies permitted under the OSSC will continue to use Chapter 5 of the OEESC, using the R-Occupancy provisions where applicable.

Accessibility Revisions and Energy Code online courses

BCD is providing a self-paced Oregon Structural Specialty Code Accessibility Revisions course and the Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code course through Chemeketa Community College's eLearn system. If you are already registered in the current winter term for either of these courses, you have until Saturday, March 24, to complete them. If you are unable to complete the courses by March 24, you will not get credit and you will need to register (and pay) again for the spring term.

Spring term opens Monday, April 2, when you can again register for both courses, and ends Saturday, June 16. After you register, these self-paced classes are available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can take the whole course, usually between three and eight hours, in one session or in several sessions. Each course costs $35 and is the equivalent of four hours of a live class.

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

Central Oregon's regional coordinator retires

Tim Lindsey, regional coordinator for Central Oregon, retired from state service effective March 1. Before his four years with BCD, Tim served as the building official for Cannon Beach from 1989 to 2007 and was a custom home builder on the coast from 1980 to 1988. Tim's problem-solving skills, commitment to public service, and sense of humor will be missed. Until Tim's position is permanently filled, Jerod Broadfoot will be covering the Central region in addition to his duties as the Eastern Oregon regional coordinator. Jerod can be reached at 541-240-1256 or jerod.a.broadfoot@state.or.us.

Oregon Revised Statutes related to BCD

The 2011 Oregon Revised Statutes that are most directly related to BCD are now on our website and will be available in print in early April. For a complete set of the Oregon Revised Statutes, visit the Oregon State Legislature website. The 2012 Oregon Administrative Rules are also available online and in print from BCD.

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.

Plumbing License Suspensions/Revocations

Summary of enforcement cases presented
to the Board of Boiler Rules
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 Board of Boiler Rules.