2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code

1 Page 1 of 85 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code Significant changes summary April 2021 The following is a summary of significant changes in the 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) from the previous edition. The 2021 ORSC is based on the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). This summary is intended to help with the transition from the previous edition and does not include all changes adopted in the 2021 ORSC. Part I of this summary is a matrix identifying the sections with significant changes and a summary of each change. Part II is the code language for each of the sections included in Part I as it will appear in the 2021 ORSC. Part I Summary Matrix Section Topic / Summary of change Application of the 2021 ORSC.

2 Updated Chapter 1 to accurately reflect scoping policy, delegated authority, local allowances and applicable construction standards. Repairs. Clarified requirements for existing buildings; provisions specific to repairs have been separated from the alteration and addition provisions. New spaces. Added clarifying language for building permit requirements for new habitable spaces, new toilet rooms, or new bathrooms. Work exempt from permit. Updated this section to clarify the application and scope of this code, and the popular detached one story nonhabitable accessory structure exemption height threshold has been adjusted for alignment purposes. Submittal documents.

3 Updated language regarding the design of exempt structures and the associated construction document requirements. Engineered design. Added new language that properly identifies the associated design values where the prescriptive code is exceeded, and where a design in accordance with accepted engineering practice is provided. This is not a technical change. Climatic and geographic design criteria. Updated and revised the wind, snow and seismic provisions throughout Chapter 3 in alignment with the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) and to provide a more streamlined approach to load determinations. Updated the Oregon -specific Table (1) to incorporate those revisions.

4 Wind design criteria. Replaced the Oregon -specific design wind speed map, Figure , with an Oregon special wind regions map that is based on the latest data (ASCE 7-16). These revisions align with the OSSC. Page 2 of 85 Section Topic / Summary of change Wind design component and cladding. Adopted model code provisions for component and cladding provisions and the following: Table (1) Component and Cladding Loads for a Building with a Mean Roof Height of 30 Feet Located in Exposure B Table (2) Height and Exposure Adjustment Coefficients for Table (1) Figure (1) Component and Cladding Pressure Zones Determination of seismic design category (SDC). Adopted model code site-specific seismic design criteria provisions and amended only for clarity and to streamline the approach.

5 The values are based on the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) maps. Irregular buildings. Added new figures to help illustrate the various irregularities that require design in accordance with accepted engineering practice. This is not a technical change. Snow loads. Updated snow load provisions to reflect a more accurate path for obtaining site-specific ground snow loads. This compliance path refers to the Oregon State University / Structural Engineer s Association of Oregon online lookup mapping tool. Exterior walls. (fire separation distance) Added the following clarifications for the application of Section : Added a clarification for the minimum fire separation distance where multiple detached dwellings are permitted by land-use to be on a single lot.

6 Added a clarification that all attached decks, other than those exempted by Section , are considered projections and shall comply with Table This clarification has also been added as footnote c to Table Added clarification that fireblocking needs to be at least two-layers of two-inch nominal lumber. Townhouses. Updated the Oregon -specific townhouse provisions and figures for clarity and reintroduced the longstanding townhouse utility separation provisions. Two-family dwellings. Added new language to provide compliance options where a two-family dwelling is separated by a real property line. Mechanical ventilation. Adopted model code language and revised to require that all dwelling units be provided with whole-house ventilation.

7 Emergency escape and rescue opening required. Adopted new model code allowances where the dwelling or townhouse is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system and other conditions are met. Emergency escape and rescue openings above lower roof surfaces. Added provisions for a path on roof surfaces located below emergency escape and rescue openings intended to avoid obstructions that could hinder escape and rescue. Replacement windows. Adopted new model code provisions exempting replacement windows from the requirements of Section , Minimum opening area, and Section , Window sill height, where specific conditions are met. This aligns with Statewide Code Interpretation 92-01, Replacement of Existing Glazing.

8 Page 3 of 85 Section Topic / Summary of change Area wells. Adopted new model code provisions replacing the terminology for bulkhead enclosures to area wells and adding provisions for ladders and steps for area wells. Stairways. Added new language to clarify that all stairways serving the dwelling (deck/porch stairways) are intended to comply with the R311 requirements and not just those serving as an element of the egress system. Ramps. Added new language to clarify that all ramps serving the dwelling (deck/porch stairways) are intended to comply with the R311 requirements and not just those serving as an element of the egress system. Window sills. Added provisions to specify that, for the application purposes of the greater than 72 inches vertical distance threshold, the surface other than grade must be flat and must provide not less than 36 inches in width to qualify as a measuring point.

9 Vapor retarders. Added allowances to use Class III vapor retarders for framed walls where vented cladding is installed over wood structural panels or continuous air impermeable insulation is applied on exterior above-grade wall surfaces. R324 Solar energy systems. Adopted the model code solar energy system installation provisions and modified the amendment path to Chapter 23 of the ORSC and Section 3111 of the OSSC. Also aligns with the provisions for allowances of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) components and photovoltaic shingles in Chapter 9. R326 Habitable attic. Added new provisions establishing habitable attic criteria, introducing additional design flexibility for attic storage truss designs without consideration of additional story.

10 R329 Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs / Oregon Appendix G. Adopted the model code swimming pools, spas, and hot tub provisions referencing the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and rescinded the former Oregon Appendix G. The ISPSC provides an updated national approach to pools and hot tubs, including flexible design allowances to consider and is available for free viewing online through ICC. Footings. Retained and updated the simplified Table , Minimum width of concrete, precast or masonry footings, with the 2012 IRC values and included values for 1,000 pounds per square foot soil bearing based on interpolation. Foundation walls reinforcement. Retained and integrated existing clarifications to the minimum reinforcement requirements for stem walls located in Seismic Design Categories B and C.