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Guide to Residential Construction Codes & Procedures 

The Deschutes County Community Development Department (CDD), Building Safety Division, is the governmental agency established to administer and enforce all laws and regulations pertaining to the construction, use, or occupancy of all buildings - public and private - within the limits of this political subdivision.

Codes are enacted under the authority of the State of Oregon and are intended to provide minimum quality and safety standards at a reasonable cost. The codes are not intended to provide luxury appointments, however, buildings constructed in strict compliance with the codes will be essentially free from structural defects, electrical and heating hazards, and threats to health from improper plumbing. Codes do not cover finish appointments such as floor covering, cabinets, tile, hardware, or painting, and are quite limited as to quality of workmanship. Persons contemplating a construction project are encouraged to seek professional guidance if a higher standard of workmanship or material quality is desired.

Undertaking a construction project can be an exciting and rewarding experience, or it can be disastrous. Those who take the time for proper planning or utilizing professional assistance are most apt to enjoy the project. This office stands ready to assist the public in any manner possible within the scope of our abilities and authority in relation to construction projects.

 

This Guide has been developed by the Community Development Department to assist you in identifying and understanding the various code provisions, which may apply to your construction project. Although it contains some detailed material, it is written as a general guide. It should not be relied upon in place of the actual code provisions. Code provisions also change. The code provisions in this guide are those which were in effect at the time of printing.

When you are ready to begin your construction project, you can discuss your plans with inspectors and other staff members of the Community Development Department to assure that your plans comply with all applicable codes.

 

WARNING:

All drawings and diagrams are for illustration only. Please refer to the text or your local Building Safety Division for more accurate information

 

 

Copies of this code may be purchased at:
Building Tech Bookstore, Inc.
8020 SW Cirrus Drive
Beaverton, Oregon 97008-5986
(503) 641-8020 - Fax (503) 641-0770
email:    mail@buildingtechbooks.com
http://www.buildingtechbooks.com

PRE-PERMIT

 

What do I need to do to prepare for the building permit process? How do I get started?

  • Purpose and Scope
  • Codes
  • Permits
  • Plan Check and Permit Fees
  • Time Allowance

 PERMIT REQUIRED

 

Do I need a permit?

  • Exceptions

 PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

 

What materials do I need to provide to the Community Development Department to continue my project.  How do I make inspection requests?

  • Planning/Zoning
  • Environmental Health
  • Building
  • Supplemental Permits
  • Inspection Requests

New Dwelling Application
Remodel, Addition, Accessory Building Application

Building Permit Checklist
Building Valuations and Permit Fees

 PLOT PLAN REQUIREMENTS

 

How do I create a plot plan and what are the requirements for submitting a plot plan?

 CONSTRUCTION PLANS

 

What are the requirements for submitting my construction plans?

  • Plans
  • Foundation Plans for Wood Floors
  • Foundation Plans for Slab Floors
  • Floor Plan
  • Elevations
  • Framing Sections
  • Construction Details
  • Typical Floor Plans

 ELECTRICAL

 

Guide to basic minimum residential electrical installations.

  • Service
  • Feeders
  • Grounding Electrode System
  • Required Branch Circuits
  • Required Receptacle Outlets
  • Required Lighting Outlets
  • Hot Tubs - Outdoor Installations
  • Hot Tubs - Indoor Installations
  • GFCI Protection for Personnel
  • GFI Protection for Equipment
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Requirements for Light Fixtures in "Clothes Closets"
  • Conductors Rated Ampacity
  • Spacing for Receptacle Outlets at Wall Spaces
  • Spacing for Receptacle Outlet at Kitchen Counter Tops
  • Placement of Receptacle Outlet at Bathroom Counters
  • Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection