Ask the Experts!
Video: Bad Wall and Good Wall by Guy Sperb - 2/26/09
Bad Wall and Good Wall by
Guy Sperb, Oregon Building Officials Association
Taking the Mystery Out of Building Green
You may have heard that Building Codes stand in the way of environmentally friendly building. Nothing could be further from the truth. While it is true that new technology often outpaces the code adoption process, a little planning can make your ‘green’ project go smoothly.
Codes are updated on a three year cycle. While that may be a snail’s pace compared to the way technology evolves, it is crucial that these new technologies are reviewed and tested thoroughly before becoming part of the national code upon which Oregon’s codes are modeled.
Building codes rely on product certification from nationally recognized organizations (Underwriters Laboratory to name one) in order to promote safety and consistency nationwide. It may take two years, or even longer, for these organizations to properly test and certify new products.
Discouraged yet? Don’t be. The code allows the local Building Official to approve what are termed alternate materials, designs or methods of construction. In other words, if you, your contractor, or your designer, can show the professionals at your local Building Department that the material, design or method that you are proposing is at least equivalent in “quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety”1 to those that the Code prescribes, the Building Official may approve its use specifically for your project.
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Video - A few tips from Tom Larsen, Oregon Building Officials Association |
A Few Tips:
- Involve your local Building Department early in the project. Building Departments across the state are staffed by men and women with years of experience in all phases of construction. They will be able to help you better understand the positive or negative impacts of your proposal. Click the Find an Office tab on the ThinkPermit Homepage to locate the office for your area.
- If your project is complex or involves a number of proposed alternate methods, you may want to engage the services of a design professional. While not required by law for residential projects, architects and home designers have experience dealing with inspectors and plans examiners, and speak their language.
- Remember, it is your responsibility to convince the Building Official of the merits of your proposal. Do your research. Surf the net. Find as much information as you can. If you can show that the material, design or method has been used safely elsewhere, even in another country, your chances for approval are much greater.
- Don’t assume that, just because your alternate method or design is environmentally friendly, it will automatically be approved. Building inspectors and plans examiners are dedicated to the safety of your home and family. If your proposed alternate could create a potentially hazardous situation, it will not be approved.
- Zoning regulations may need to be considered if your proposal involves an alternate type of exterior siding or roofing. Be sure to involve your local Planning Department as well.
1 2008 Oregon Residential Specialty Code