  Renew Oregon inspector, code certifications by Nov. 1
Renewal notices for the Oregon Inspector Certification (OIC) and code certifications will begin arriving in mail boxes this week. The deadline to renew is Nov. 1. The notice will include each individual's OIC and Oregon code certifications that are eligible for renewal (including those that were automatically converted to Oregon certifications from nationally recognized certifications). It will also identify certifications that, according to BCD records, require a code change class prior to renewal.
'Make up' training classes scheduled in September
For the current certification cycle (October 2013-2016), individuals were required to take a code change class administered by the division if they received an OIC and any of the following certifications (either from BCD or a nationally recognized organization) prior to July 1, 2014: Commercial and Residential Electrical Inspectors; Commercial and Residential Plumbing Inspectors; Commercial Structural Inspectors and Plans Examiners; and Commercial Mechanical Inspectors and Plans Examiners. Individuals who received an OIC or any of these certifications on or after July 1, 2014, were not required to complete a code change class. Learn more about certification renewals.
The majority of certification holders have completed a code change class, but some individuals still need training. "Make up" classes are scheduled in Salem in September. Learn more about class dates and registration.
Conversion to Oregon code certifications
An Oregon administrative rule adopted July 1 requires individuals to convert their International Code Council (ICC) or other nationally recognized certifications to Oregon code certifications by Nov. 1 to continue to perform work under the certifications in Oregon. BCD automatically converted nationally recognized code certifications issued prior to April 1, including International Code Council certifications, to Oregon certifications for individuals that successfully completed their code change training. Once certified by the state, individuals are not required to maintain nationally recognized certifications or any other license once an inspector is approved to work in Oregon. This new approach significantly reduces cost to government and continues the efforts by the division to attract, train and retain building inspectors in Oregon. Learn about nationally recognized certifications.
Oregon's Residential
Specialty Code (sections R408.1, R506.2.3, N1104.9.2) and Structural Specialty Code (1907.1) require that a vapor barrier be
placed under a slab or structure, but do not require the vapor barrier to
be placed under a foundation footing. Some contractors have been
installing a vapor barrier (6-mil thick polyethylene) beneath foundation
footings. If the building electrical service uses rebar as a grounding means,
the vapor barrier may defeat the intended result of creating a grounding
electrode. Electrically conductive steel reinforcing bars at least ½ inch
in diameter or 4 AWG copper conductor can serve as a grounding electrode if the
bar or conductor is at least 20 feet long (conductive length), encased in at
least 2 inches of concrete, and within and near the bottom of a foundation or
footing that is in direct contact with earth. For more information, see
National Electrical Code (NEC) article 250.52(A)(3) or email Keith
Anderson, chief electrical inspector at BCD.
Not seeing a course that you are interested in? View all trainings here.
-
Certification changes, permanent rule effective July 1, 2016
-
Amendments to Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code to define a deck or conveyor pizza oven as a light-duty cooking appliance, permanent rule effective July 1, 2016
-
Uniform Alternate Construction Methods, temporary rule effective June 28, 2016
-
Electrical disconnections, permanent rule effective April 1, 2016
-
Multifamily electrical fees and inspections, permanent rule effective April 1, 2016
-
Certification changes, permanent rule effective April 1, 2016
| 
