Business registration requirements for landscape architecture services in Oregon
Overview
If you want to offer landscape architecture services in Oregon, your business needs to follow certain requirements set by the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). These requirements help make sure that only qualified professionals manage landscape architecture work and that businesses are held accountable.
Legal requirements for registering a business
ORS 671.318 states the following: A business may not provide landscape architecture services unless the work is under the full authority and responsible charge of a Registered Landscape Architect who is also an owner or officer of the business. A business shall file a form with the State Landscape Architect Board identifying responsible Landscape Architects by name and registration number. The filing must also describe the services that the business is offering to the public. The filing must be in a form prescribed by the Board. The business shall notify the Board in writing no later than 30 days after a change of registered owners or officers or a change of business name or address.
Important definitions
Business
OAR 804-003-0000(2) says a “business" can be a sole proprietorship, association, corporation, LLC, partnership, or any other entity that provides landscape architecture services in Oregon. Business does not include a local government or state agency.
Responsible charge
OAR 804-003-0000(24) defines “Responsible Charge" as having control over or responsibility for landscape architecture services—either done directly or supervised by a Registered Landscape Architect. Responsible charge covers things like:
- The way work is done, the methods used, and the quality controls;
- Making sure that minimum standards of practice are followed;
- Preparing or reviewing designs, calculations, plans, site assessments, maps, or other documents, and having the final say on these items;
- Finding and correcting mistakes or making changes to designs, calculations, plans, site assessments, maps, or other documents;
- Providing supervision, which means being available—either nearby or through frequent, immediate, and responsive contact—to those being supervised;
- Observing construction when the client asks for it or where otherwise allowed;
- Stamping and signing completed work when required by ORS 671.310 to 671.459 and OAR chapter 804.
Owner or officer
804-035-0010(3)(a) explains that an “owner or officer" is someone who owns, operates, or works for the business and has full authority, accountability, and responsibility on behalf of the business to sign contracts for landscape architecture services, directly provide those services to clients, and to otherwise make decisions regarding those services. At least one owner or officer must be a Registered Landscape Architect with a valid registration and in good standing with the Board.
Apply for business registration
Overview
You can submit your business registration application whenever you would like. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
How to apply
Before you start, please check the summary and instructions below. To apply, simply use the
Business Registration Portal.
Instructions for mailing applications
If you cannot apply online, simply download the application forms listed below. Fill them out and send the completed forms, along with your check or money order, to the Board office. Alternatively, contact the Board office to discuss an online payment option.
To ensure your application is complete, include both the business registration application form and a statement of responsibility. The statement must be signed by the Registered Landscape Architect who will be in responsible charge.
Important distinction: Board registration vs. Oregon business registry
Please remember that registering your business with the Board is not the same as registering to do business in Oregon. For information about the official Oregon business registry, contact the Oregon Secretary of State. If you want more details on starting a business in Oregon, you can find more information at the Secretary of State's Starting a Business page.
Fees
Forms