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1. What is the purpose of building codes and permits?

Building codes establish minimum requirements for buildings that safeguard the public health and safety. Permits are the official recognition that the building has met the standards of the building codes. While building codes cover a number of areas, some of the most important purposes are to ensure that:

• Buildings are strong, stable and structurally sound
• There are enough exits and that they are accessible in case of an emergency
• Sanitation systems work correctly
• There is enough light and healthy air in the building
• Life and property are safe from fire and other hazards
• Firefighters and other emergency responders will be able to access the building and provide help during emergencies

2. What codes apply to my project?

For a list of current applicable codes, please refer to Codes in Effect .

3. Is there any work I can do on commercial property without a permit?

Most work done on a commercial property requires a permit. For the list of exemptions, refer to the Oregon Structural Specialty Code 2019 Edition, OSSC 105.2 Work Exempt from Permits.

4. How do I get a permit for work that’s already been done?

Our goal is to work with an owner to ensure that the building is safe and to protect the public. If a permit was not obtained for previous work, you may not necessarily have to tear the project down and start over. Plans can be submitted that show the work that was done without a permit. If the alteration meets applicable code, it can be approved, however our inspectors will not approve something they cannot see and may require sections of wall or roof covering be removed to verify the construction meets code. There can be no guarantee that some changes may need to be made, and some may not be easy to accomplish. Penalties can be levied for those who refuse to comply with the law.

5. Can I prepare my own plans?

You can prepare your own plans for any of the following:

• Construction, addition or remodeling of a single family dwelling or duplex
• Construction, addition or remodeling of any building where the resulting ground floor area is 4,000 square feet or less and the height form the lowest floor to the highest ceiling is not more than 20 feet
• Interior remodels where no structural work is done and there is no change of occupancy or use

6. How detailed do the plans need to be?

Plans must clearly distinguish between existing conditions and proposed work. The requirements for plans will change depending on the scope of work of your project. Staff will review your plans and go over a checklist to determine if all the components are there for plan review. Complete plans help make the permitting process smoother and faster.

7. Who can apply for a permit?

The owner, contractor, or authorized agent can apply for the permit.

When it is required that documents are prepared by a registered design professional, you will be required to indicate who will be the responsible professional in charge when submitting the application.

8. What are my permit fees going to be?

While we are not able to provide you with an exact estimate of permit fees, our office does publish a Commercial Fee Estimating Guide that provides a description of fees and tips for calculating the costs for your project. The most complex fee calculation for your project will be System Development Charges (SDCs). Although we are unable to provide an estimate of SDCs, our Public Works staff will be happy to explain the methodology for calculating this fee. Because SDCs often will be a significant amount, be sure to take this into consideration when planning your project.

9. Do I have to hire a licensed contractor to do the work?

Typically you must hire a contractor for any work to a commercial building. There are some exceptions if you are the owner of the building acting as the general contractor. For complete information check with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board at 503-378-4621.

10. What is the local wind speed and snow load?

The ground snow load in Eugene is approximately 11 psf at a elevation of 420 feet (OSSC 1608.2.2; http://snowload.seao.org). The ground snow load must be modified in accordance with ASCE 7-16 Table 7.2 for higher elevations. However, the minimum snow load and minimum sloped roof snow load of 20 psf typically govern design (see OSSC 1608.2.3 and 1608.2.4). An additional rain-on-snow surcharge load of 5 psf applies for flat roofs and roofs that constrain runoff. (OSSC 1608.2.5)

Basic design wind speeds for Eugene are as follows (OSSC Table 1609.3):

Risk Category	V (mph)
I	91
II	98
III	105
IV	110

Most structures in Eugene are assigned Seismic Design Category D in accordance with OSSC 1613.2.5. Seismic design parameters should be obtained from https://hazards.atcouncil.org/.

11. What is Eugene’s seismic zone?

Our area is typically in seismic design category D for commercial buildings and D1 for residential buildings. The US Geological Survey has additional information that will assist in design.

12. Do I need fire sprinklers in my building?

Fire sprinklers are not typically required in single family dwellings or duplexes. However, there are projects where either fire department access or firefighting water (hydrants) are not adequate and sprinklers may be the most effective alternative.

New multi-family apartments constructed under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) require fire sprinklers.

Sprinklers may be required in new commercial buildings, additions to commercial buildings or a change of occupancy. Requirements for sprinklers are noted in the OSSC and the
Fire Code (OFC). Each project requires individual review.

13. What plans can be submitted as deferred submittals?

Fire sprinkler and alarm plans are usually deferred submittals. Other items proposed for deferral need to be indicated as part of the permit application and will be accepted on an individual basis.