Codes and Standards

NOTICE: Code Change Updates

The following new codes are adopted by the State of Oregon effective April 1, 2021.

Please be advised that September 30, 2021 marks the end of the State of Oregon’s six-month grace period to phase in the 2021 ORSC, 2021 OPSC, and 2021 OESC. The new code changes become mandatory on October 1, 2021.

2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC)
2021 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC)
2021 Oregon Electric Specialty Code (OESC)
2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) – Mid-Cycle Amendments

Additional code update information, regarding SIGNIFICANT 2021 CODE CHANGES, can be accessed from the State of Oregon Building Codes Division, as well as Clatsop County’s Building Codes Department CODE CHANGE FLYER.

NEW: 2021 ORC Prescriptive Wall Bracing Guide

The NEW Prescriptive Wall Bracing Guide is the culmination of a multi-jurisdictional effort with Clatsop County, Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Warrenton, to help building designers navigate the growing complexity of prescriptive lateral wall bracing provisions. The code provisions for prescriptive wall bracing have evolved from a simple approach in the 2000 code (four pages) to very complex in the 2021 edition (approximately fifty pages). Submittals not accompanied by a completed wall bracing design in accordance with both the Wind and Seismic calculation tables included in this guide are deemed incomplete and will not be accepted. It is highly encouraged that you consult with and obtain the services of a licensed design professional to prepare the lateral wall bracing elements or provide engineering in lieu of using this guide.

NEW: 2021 ORC Energy Efficiency

On April 1, 2021, the 2021 ORSC became effective, introducing new requirements and revisions to existing requirements for air sealing, insulation and installation of ducts, as well as new requirements for continuously-operating, balanced mechanical whole-house ventilation (WHV) and revised other requirements. As a multi-jurisdictional effort with Clatsop County, Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Warrenton, the NEW Residential Energy Additional Measures Form is intended to identify under which provision of the code your project will meet the requirements for energy conservation. Applicants are asked to complete this form by selecting which provision of the code their project meets and providing the required submittal information associated with that requirement either on this form or as part of the construction documents.

For additional information, commentary, and technical bulletins please visit the State of Oregon Building Codes Division website or see these helpful resources below:

2021 ORSC - Insulation and installation of ducts

2021 ORSC - Balanced mechanical whole-house ventilation

2021 ORSC - Slab-on-grade insulation for new dwellings

NEW: 2021 ORSC Solar Ready Provisions

The residential code amendments for solar ready provisions of ORSC N1107.4 are effective in Clatsop County as of July 1, 2021. Please reference the 2017 ORSC Solar Readiness Amendment published by the State of Oregon Building Codes Division and see the accepted N1107.4 alternative installation provided by Clatsop County.

Adopted Codes and Standards

2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC)

Effective: Oct. 1, 2022 with a *6-month phase-in period
Mandatory: April 1, 2023
Based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Summary of amendments to the base model codes

*During the phase-in period, use of the 2019 OSSC or the 2022 OSSC is permitted.

2022 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC)

Effective: Oct. 1, 2022 with a *3-month phase-in period
Mandatory: Jan. 1, 2023
Based on the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
Summary of amendments to the base model codes

*During the phase-in period, use of the 2019 OMSC or the 2022 OMSC is permitted.

2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC)