GENERAL DESIGN and CODE INFORMATION

This document is based on the State of Oregon 2008 edition of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which is based on the 2006 edition of the International Residential Code. Within this website editorial changes have been made to actual Code language for the purpose of providing a more brief and readable document. It should be noted that the code requirements for some multifamily housing projects are covered within the ‘commercial’ construction codes. In addition the 2002 edition of the Oregon Manufactured Dwelling and Park Specialty Code is the primary code which addresses the installation and placement of Manufactured Dwelling units.

CODES in EFFECT

Oregon Structural Specialty Code-2007 edition (Commercial)

CODE CHANGE FOR RESIDENTIAL - Effective April 1, 2010

Oregon Residential Specialty Code-2008 edition (residential: includes, structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical; effective April 1, 2008)

Oregon Electrical Specialty Code-2008 edition

Oregon Fire Specialty Code-2007 edition

Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code-2007 edition

Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code-2008 edition

Oregon Manufactured Dwelling Installation Specialty Specialty Code-2010 edition, effective April 1, 2010

Oregon Manufactured Dwelling Standard and Park Specialty Code-2002 edition

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BASIC DESIGN CRITERIA

The following information is a listing of the basic design criteria required for all construction projects governed by the current edition of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, and the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.

• Uniformly distributed Live Loads: 40 psf - dwelling floors and decks/ see Table 301.4 for other values (residential only)
• Roof Snow Load: 25 psf below elevations of 1500 feet; above 1500 feet consult Table 301.2(1); note a, or contact the Douglas County Building Department.
• Wind Speed: 100 mph (category 'C'; based on a 3 second gust 33 feet above the ground)/ 110 mph in areas with full exposure to ocean winds (category 'D')
• Wind Exposure: Recommend that exposure 'C' will be the most comprehensive category to use for design purposes, although category 'D' will apply in some coastal areas. Consult the Section R301.2.1.4 of the code for more specific information.
• Wind Pressure: 18 psf./ 28 psf in areas with full exposure to ocean winds
• Seismic Zone: D1; Zone: D2 in areas west of Range 10 west of the Willamette Meridian for Manufactured Dwellings and Commercial Structures
• Soil Load Bearing Values: Minimum assumed value for in-place 'medium to stiff' soil conditions is 1500 psf, or 1000 psf for 'soft' in place conditions unless as otherwise determined by soils tests or geotechnical evaluation as required by sections 401.4 and 401.4.1 (residential only). Consult the Oregon Structural Specialty Code for Commercial requirements.
• Tsunami Inundation Zone: Single Family Dwellings and Light Commercial structures are exempt. For detailed information see the Tsunami Inundation Zone handout
• Flood Hazards: The Douglas County Planning Department is responsible for locating ‘flood ways’ and ‘flood plains’ in Douglas County. Consult the Planning office of the cities and towns in the county for Flood Hazard information within the cities or towns corporate boundaries.
• Frost Depth: 12 inches below finished grade to bottom of footing at elevations of 2500 feet or below, above 2500 feet consult the Douglas County Building Department.
• Concrete damage due to weathering: Moderate
• Damage due to insect infestation (termites): Moderate
• Damage due to decay: Moderate
• Relative elevations of some cities or towns in Douglas County: Canyonville - 1249'; Drain - 291'; Elkton - 148'; Glendale - 1418'; Myrtle Creek - 640'; Oakland - 430'; Reedsport - 10'; Riddle - 706'; Roseburg - 479'; Sutherlin - 518'; Winston - 534';  Yoncalla - 354'

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