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State building code timeline

Important moments in Oregon’s building code history

In 1973, Senate Bill 73 created Oregon’s unique statewide building code system. The bill established uniform standards for all residential and commercial buildings in Oregon and prohibited local governments from enacting conflicting regulations. It included consistency of code requirements between municipalities, dispute resolution for decisions made by building inspectors, and the establishment of stakeholder advisory boards to help adopt codes.

The new “code” was actually the combination of a half-dozen different codes. Several were already adopted statewide, including the elevator, plumbing, and electrical codes. The new structural and mechanical codes needed trainers equipped to conduct inspections in these areas. Senate Bill 73 included a provision for training and classes to certify building inspectors in these new code areas throughout the state.

Senate Bill 73 allowed cities and counties to choose to administer their own building departments. If a city chose not to operate its own department, the county would administer the program. Where neither a city nor county program was set up, the state was obligated to provide inspection services. The code included a provision that no local government could employ building inspectors after July 1, 1977, unless they were certified by the Building Codes Division.

The Building Codes Division was established under the Department of Commerce, with an appointed State Structural Code Advisory Board. A one-year budget of $192,000 was set for administering the program with an effective date of July 1, 1974.

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Oregon State Building Code Timeline

  • Department of Commerce logo
    1973

    Senate Bill 73

    Established the state building code, a statewide uniform standards for the construction of new buildings and the installation of devices and equipment
    Established training requirements for building inspectors

  • 1979

    Senate Bill 889

    Reaffirmed the purpose, scope, and authority of the state building code
    Established state pre-emption over local ordinances

  • 1987

    Senate Bill 1034

    The division became the Building Codes Agency, a standalone state agency

  • 1991

    Senate Bill 107

    Established inspector continuing education requirements

  • 1993

    Senate Bill 167

    Created the Department of Consumer and Business Services
    The "Building Codes Agency" became the "Building Codes Division" within the new state agency

  • 1995

    Senate Bill 35

    Established performance standards for local governments administering a building inspection program

  • 1999

    Senate Bill 512

    Established the Tri-County Building Industry Service Center and Board

    Senate Bill 587

    Established an appeal system for local code decisions

  • 2001

    House Bill 2660

    Required local permit fees to meet standards

    House Bill 3613

    Established "full service" requirement for assuming a program or element of a program

  • 2003

    Senate Bill 710-715

    Established regulatory streamlining
    Established regional code administration – expanded Tri-County model
    Established plan review and code requirements
    Established E-government – statewide e-permitting study, Tri-County pilot program
    Established statewide alternative inspection program – expanded minor labels
    Established state approval for essential projects

  • 2005

    Senate Bill 421

    Established regional program to assist counties and local government

    House Bill 2179

    Established authority to approve emerging technologies

    House Bill 3097

    Expanded Tri-County e-permitting pilot program statewide

  • 2007

    House Bill 2405

    Authorized the Building Codes Division to implement statewide Oregon ePermitting program

  • 2009

    House Bill 2950

    Merged the Manufactured Structures and Parks Advisory Board and the Residential Structures Board into the Residential and Manufactured Structures Board
    Established the Construction Industry Energy Board

    House Bill 3462

    Established a pilot program for cross-training inspectors

  • 2013

    House Bill 2698

    Authorized the Building Codes Division to continue developing cross-training for inspectors

    Senate Bill 582

    Authorized the Building Codes Division to provide regional assistance
    Created new customer appeal process
    Streamlined permitting process

  • 2021

    Senate Bill 866

    Resolved constitutional issues regarding the administration of the state building code
    Expanded the score of the inspector training program

    House Bill 2415

    Resolved constitutional issues regarding the administration of the state building code
    Required the division to adopt rules to establish minimum standards and statewide consistency in electronic processes for reviewing plans, issuing permits, and performing field inspections

  • BCD's 50th Anniversary
    2023

    50 years

    The Building Codes Division celebrated 50 years of working to collaboratively adopt and administer the state’s building code, issue trade licenses, and support economic development throughout Oregon.

    "The 50-year anniversary of the statewide building code system reinforces the lasting legacy and forethought of the leaders who passed Senate Bill 73 and everyone who came together to make it successful in the decades to follow. Oregon can be proud of its unique and effective code system."

    -Alana Cox, Administrator