OIC Building Codes & Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Oregon code, which inspection must be performed before foundation concrete is poured?
- Framing inspection
- Footing inspection (Correct answer)
- Rough-in plumbing inspection
- Final inspection
Correct answer: Footing inspection
A footing inspection is required before pouring concrete to verify forms, dimensions, and reinforcement placement.
Question 2: The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) falls under which state agency?
- Oregon Department of Transportation
- Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (Correct answer)
- Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development
- Oregon Department of Revenue
Correct answer: Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services
The Building Codes Division is a program within the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS).
Question 3: What is the purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) in Oregon?
- To document property tax assessment
- To authorize the legal use and occupancy of a completed structure (Correct answer)
- To transfer title between buyers and sellers
- To record a mechanic's lien on the property
Correct answer: To authorize the legal use and occupancy of a completed structure
A Certificate of Occupancy certifies that construction complies with applicable codes and authorizes the building to be occupied.
Question 4: Under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, what is the minimum width for a hallway serving as a means of egress?
- 28 inches
- 32 inches
- 36 inches (Correct answer)
- 44 inches
Correct answer: 36 inches
Oregon code requires egress hallways to be at least 36 inches wide to allow safe passage during an emergency.
Question 5: Which of the following structures is typically EXEMPT from Oregon building permit requirements?
- A detached accessory structure under 200 square feet with no utilities (Correct answer)
- A single-family home addition of 150 square feet
- A new detached garage
- A commercial tenant improvement
Correct answer: A detached accessory structure under 200 square feet with no utilities
Small detached non-utility accessory structures under the state's exemption threshold (generally 200 sq ft) typically do not require a permit.
Question 6: Under Oregon code, smoke alarms in existing one-and two-family dwellings must be installed in which locations at minimum?
- Kitchen and garage only
- Outside each sleeping area, inside each bedroom, and on each story (Correct answer)
- Only in the primary bedroom
- At the top of every stairway only
Correct answer: Outside each sleeping area, inside each bedroom, and on each story
Oregon requires smoke alarms outside each sleeping area, inside each bedroom, and on every level of the dwelling.
Question 7: When a building inspector disagrees with an inspector's correction notice, which Oregon administrative process allows a formal challenge?
- Filing a complaint with the Oregon Real Estate Agency
- Requesting a hearing through the Oregon Building Codes Division (Correct answer)
- Appealing to the Oregon Supreme Court directly
- Submitting a petition to the county commissioner
Correct answer: Requesting a hearing through the Oregon Building Codes Division
Code interpretation disputes and correction notices may be formally challenged through a hearing process administered by the Oregon BCD.
OIC Building Codes & Regulations 3
Under Oregon code, which inspection must be performed before foundation concrete is poured?