ARTICLE
The Building Codes Division updated a previously adopted temporary rule to allow for greater building inspector flexibility. This was needed in order to respond to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and the recent wildfire across the state. In addition, the duration of the pandemic has resulted in budget shortfalls in local government. Following conversations with the housing community, BCD recognized an ongoing need for flexibility and additional tools to help local building departments respond to these, and future, challenges. To ensure that local jurisdictions can continue approving new housing projects and retain their building official staff, BCD implemented a new rule that allows a person with an Oregon Inspector Certification to perform inspections and review plans beyond the scope of work for their code certification. Additionally, the rule permits a person with an Oregon Inspector Certification to receive payment from a private party in order to perform or manage work related to the building code while still employed as an inspector, plans examiner, or building official. To learn more about our work in Salem, contact Mark Long with OHBA at mark@oregonhba.com.