Overview
Oregon registered architects are required to maintain and use a professional stamp when preparing technical submissions for permitting and construction purposes.
This page provides information regarding:
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professional stamp requirements,
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signature requirements,
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technical submission requirements,
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responsible control obligations, and
- architect responsibilities under Oregon law.
The use of a professional stamp and signature signifies that the architect has exercised responsible professional control over the technical submissions.
Professional Stamp Requirements
Every registered architect must obtain a professional stamp that includes:
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the architect’s name,
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the city and state of the architect’s principal office, and
- the legend:
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“REGISTERED ARCHITECT, STATE OF OREGON”
The professional stamp may also include the architect’s registration number, although it is not required.
At left is an example of the required stamp format.
When a Stamp & Signature Are Required
Architects are required to stamp and sign:
- All technical submissions prepared for permitting or construction purposes.
Technical submission definition: "a plan, design, drawing, blueprint, or other document that an architect prepares in connection with the practice of architecture and submits to a regulatory authority to comply with the state building code, a municipal building code, or related rules, ordinances, resolutions, or other regulatory requirements (ORS 671.010 Definition)."
Preliminary Drawings
Preliminary drawings that are:
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not intended for permitting, and
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not intended for construction use
are not required to be stamped or signed.
Technical Submission Requirements
Oregon law requires permitting jurisdictions to obtain technical submissions bearing:
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the architect’s signature, and
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an impression of the architect’s professional stamp
before issuing permits for construction, alteration, improvement, or repair projects.
Architects must stamp and sign all technical submissions related to architectural work they perform, including projects that may otherwise qualify as exempt under Oregon law.
Responsible Control Requirements
Architects may only stamp and sign technical submissions that were:
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prepared by them, or
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prepared under their responsible professional control.
The architect’s stamp and signature indicate that the architect:
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exercised professional judgment over the technical submissions, and
- accepts responsibility for the content.
Architects are responsible for controlling:
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the custody,
-
security, and
- authorized use of their professional stamp.
Pre-Existing Construction Documents
Architects may not simply:
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review,
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stamp,
-
sign, or
- countersign
technical submissions that were not prepared by them or under their responsible control.
This restriction applies to pre-existing construction documents created by others.
Note: For guidance regarding modifications to technical submissions, see the
Change Orders & Addenda section below.
Change Orders & Addenda
Modifications to technical submissions that become part of:
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change orders, or
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addenda
to alter technical submissions must also bear the stamp and signature of the registered architect responsible for the modifications.
Architectural Firm Requirements
Technical submissions issued by an architectural firm, corporation, or partnership must include:
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the name of the registered architectural firm, and
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the stamp and signature of the architect exercising responsible control over the technical submissions.
Digital Signatures & Reproductions
Professional stamps may include:
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manual signatures, or
-
digital signatures
as permitted under Oregon Administrative Rules.
Stamped technical submissions may be reproduced for:
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permitting,
-
construction, and
- project administration purposes.
Oregon Statutes & Administrative Rules
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ORS 671.020
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ORS 671.025
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ORS 671.041
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OAR 806-010-0045
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OAR 806-010-0115
Architects are encouraged to review the full statutory and administrative rule requirements for detailed legal obligations.