OIC Building Codes & Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, what is the minimum ceiling height required in habitable rooms?
- 6 feet 8 inches
- 7 feet 0 inches (Correct answer)
- 7 feet 6 inches
- 8 feet 0 inches
Correct answer: 7 feet 0 inches
The Oregon Residential Specialty Code requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in habitable rooms.
Question 2: Which Oregon specialty code governs the installation of mechanical systems in commercial buildings?
- Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
- Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (Correct answer)
- Oregon Structural Specialty Code
- Oregon Fire Code
Correct answer: Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code
The Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code regulates HVAC, ventilation, and other mechanical systems in commercial structures.
Question 3: When an Oregon building permit expires without the work being completed, what must the owner typically do to continue construction?
- Submit a variance request
- Apply for a new permit and pay new fees
- Request a permit extension before expiration (Correct answer)
- Notify the county assessor
Correct answer: Request a permit extension before expiration
Owners must request an extension before the permit expires; once expired, a new permit application and fees are generally required.
Question 4: Under Oregon law, which entity has authority to adopt local amendments to the Oregon Structural Specialty Code?
- Individual property owners by variance
- Local jurisdictions with BCD approval (Correct answer)
- The Oregon Legislature only
- Federal HUD agency
Correct answer: Local jurisdictions with BCD approval
Local jurisdictions may adopt local amendments to specialty codes, but amendments must be approved by the Oregon Building Codes Division.
Question 5: What does the term 'substantial improvement' mean under Oregon floodplain regulations?
- Any cosmetic renovation exceeding $5,000
- Any reconstruction whose cost equals or exceeds 50% of the structure's market value (Correct answer)
- Adding more than 500 square feet to a structure
- Any work requiring a building permit
Correct answer: Any reconstruction whose cost equals or exceeds 50% of the structure's market value
Substantial improvement is defined as reconstruction or improvement costing 50% or more of the structure's pre-improvement market value.
Question 6: In Oregon, which document establishes the adopted energy efficiency requirements for new residential construction?
- Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
- Oregon Residential Specialty Code Chapter 11 (Correct answer)
- Oregon Fire Code Appendix D
- Oregon Land Use Planning Goals
Correct answer: Oregon Residential Specialty Code Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code contains the energy efficiency provisions for new residential buildings.
Question 7: An inspector finds that a contractor installed stair risers at 8.5 inches, exceeding the maximum allowed height. Under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, what is the maximum riser height?
- 7.75 inches (Correct answer)
- 8 inches
- 8.25 inches
- 9 inches
Correct answer: 7.75 inches
The Oregon Residential Specialty Code limits stair riser height to a maximum of 7.75 inches.
OIC Building Codes & Regulations 2
Under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, what is the minimum ceiling height required in habitable rooms?