Government Affairs News

New Building Code Takes Effect

Builders and trade contractors used to the requirements of the 2005 Oregon Residential Specialty Code will have to learn the new provisions of the 2008 edition of the code (based on 2006 IRC w/ Oregon amendments), which becomes effective April 1st.  Builders will have the option of building under the old code or the new code until July 1st.  All structures permitted on or after July 1st must be build under this new 2008 edition of the code.

Energy Efficiency

Much of the code changes center around energy efficiency.  Highlights of these new energy-efficiency requirements include:

  • Increased vaulted-ceiling insulation
  • Increased underfloor insulation
  • Windows must be minimum U-0.35 (was U-0.40)
  • 50% of permanently installed fixtures must use compact fluorescent (CFL) or linear florescent bulbs
  • In addition, builders must choose one of the following energy-efficiency measures:
  • High efficiency HVAC system:
  • Gas-fired furnace or boiler with minimum AFUE of 90%, or
  • Air-source heat pump with minimum HSPF of 8.5, or
  • Closed-loop ground source heat pump with minimum COP of 3.0
  • High efficiency duct sealing:
  • Certified performance tested duct systems, or
  • All ducts and air handler are contained within building envelope
  • High efficiency building envelope:

Replace corresponding table N11.4.1(1) components with all of the following:

  • Wall insulation-above grade – U-0.047 / R-24, and
  • Vaulted ceilings – U0.033 / R-30A, and
  • Flat ceilings – U-0.025 / R-49, and
  • Windows – U0.030
  • Buildings using only zonal electric, ductless furnace, or ductless heat pump:
  • 75% of permanently installed fixtures must use compact florescent / linear fluorescent bulbs or a min. efficacy of 40 lumens per watt.
  • High efficiency ceilings & windows/lighting:

Replace corresponding table N1104.1(1) components with all of the following:

  • Vaulted ceilings – U-0.033 / R-30A, and
  • Flat ceilings – U-.0.025 / R-49, and
  • Windows – U-0.030, and
  • 75% of permanently installed fixtures must use compact florescent / linear fluorescent bulbs or a min. efficacy of 40 lumens per watt
  • High efficiency ceilings & windows / water heating:

Replace corresponding table N1104.1(1) components with all of the following:

  • Vaulted ceilings – U-0.033 / R-30A, and
  • Flat ceilings – U-0.025 / R-49, and
  • Windows – U-0.030, and
  • Natural gas/propane, on-demand water heating with min EF of 0.80
  • High efficiency water heating/lighting:
  • Natural gas/propane, on-demand water heating with min EF of 0.80, and

      75% of permanently installed fixtures must use compact fluorescent / linear fluorescent bulbs or a min. efficacy of 40 lumens per watt

  • Solar photovoltaic:
  • Minimum 1 Watt/sq. ft. conditioned floor space
  • Solar water heating:
  • Minimum of 40 sq. ft. of gross collector area

Structural Highlights:

  • New requirements addressing exterior wall envelope drainage.
  • Weather resistant barrier required under all types of siding.
  • New energy standards adopted to meet the stricter federal standards.
  • New requirement for maximum moisture content for framing components.

Mechanical Highlights:

  • All kitchen ranges will require a ducted exhaust system, ducted to the exterior of the building.
  • There are new ventilation rates (cfm) requirements for kitchen hoods and bath fans.
  • New sound rating requirements for bath-fans serving rooms with bathing or spa facilities.

Electrical Highlights:

  • Defines alcoves requiring receptacle placement
  • Revised uses permitted for NM cable
  • Requires tamper resistant receptacles in dwellings (effective October 1, 2008)
  • Revised requirements for GFCI and AFCI protection requirements

Plumbing Highlights:

  • New provisions for instantaneous water heaters as plumbing installations (exempt from the boiler law).
  • Allows electric water heaters to be installed at floor level in garages.
  • Allows air testing of plastic water and drainage piping.