DCBS Media Release

August 4, 1997
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Morlan Plumbing to pay $18,000

(Salem) Geo. A. Morlan Plumbing and Appliance Co. has agreed to pay $18,000 to the Plumbing Board of the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD), for failing to obtain permits to perform plumbing installations between 1989 and 1996. An order prepared by the division outlined 13 separate incidents where the company installed water heaters, piping, showers, and other plumbing equipment without obtaining valid plumbing permits to perform the work. In addition, the order documented one incident where the company employed an individual to perform plumbing work when that individual did not have a valid journeyman's certificate of competency.

 "Oregonians need to know that the buildings where they live, work, recreate, and do business meet basic plumbing standards," BCD Administrator Joe Brewer said. "That's why we have statewide building codes and require proof of qualification in the people who do this kind of work, and that's why we can't tolerate situations like this, where a company that clearly knows better repeatedly violates the law."

 Morlan had previously paid smaller penalties, from $100 to $1,000, for each of the 14 incidents cited in BCD's order. In addition to paying the $18,000, BCD ordered Morlan Plumbing to conduct all its future business and plumbing work in accordance with the statutes, rules and codes relating to plumbing installations. The company has agreed to provide BCD with a copy of its written operating procedures requiring employees to obtain appropriate plumbing permits. Morlan Plumbing must enforce those procedures among its employees. The company will also allow the division to regularly examine its records relating to plumbing service, installation, and permits.

 Within the two years following this order, BCD may suspend Morlan Plumbing's certificate of registration as a plumbing business if the company commits additional violations of the law. Morlan Plumbing agreed to the findings and stipulations outlined in BCD's order, and waived its right to a hearing on the matter.

 BCD's job is to facilitate construction of safe, accessible, and energy efficient structures while promoting a positive business climate within Oregon. The division provides statewide code development, administration and interpretation, inspection, plan review, training, licensing, certification and permit services. Where local municipalities have assumed responsibility for building codes programs, BCD provides support and guidance as needed.

 BCD is part of the state's Department of Consumer and Business Services. For more information about the division and its programs, visit: www.oregonbcd.org