Oregon Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Building Codes
Building standards in Oregon are governed by the state's specialty codes, which are based on international model codes but include specific Oregon amendments. For residential construction, the primary regulation is the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). As of recent updates, the ORSC is based on the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC). These codes dictate requirements for roof assemblies, including materials, installation, reroofing procedures, and ventilation. Additionally, commercial roofing projects are subject to the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC). Compliance with these codes is mandated under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 455, which establishes the state's building code program.
Primary State Agencies
The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD), a part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is the primary state agency responsible for adopting, amending, and interpreting the specialty codes that comprise the Oregon State Building Code. The BCD oversees the administration of these codes statewide. Furthermore, the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) plays a critical role in regulating the industry by licensing and monitoring the contractors who perform roofing work, ensuring they meet professional standards and continuing education requirements.