The current state building code governing commercial and engineered residential construction is the 2010 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), which is based upon the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) as amended by the State of Oregon.

Wind: Design wind pressures are to be determined using the 3-second gust wind speed and the procedures of the 2005 edition of Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-05) or in accordance with the alternate method contained in the OSSC (if applicable). The design wind speeds for the City of Portland is 95 MPH (3-second gust).

 

Wind exposure category is site dependent and must be determined by the Engineer of Record based upon site conditions.

 

Seismic:

• All locations within or administered by the City of Portland are classified as Seismic Design Category D in accordance with the procedures of the OSSC.
• The maximum Seismic Design Parameters within the City are S_s = 1.0, S₁ = 0.36. Alternatively, seismic design parameters for specific sites may be determined based upon zip-code or latitude and longitude using the web tool developed by the United States Geologic Survey available at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/hazmaps/design/.
• City of Portland Title 24.85 governs mandatory seismic upgrades for existing buildings. A seismic upgrade may be required for existing buildings undergoing a change of use or occupancy, addition, renovation, alteration, or URM building re-roof. Please refer to City of Portland Title 24.85 for additional information.
• Chapter 24.85, section 24.85.065 (B) of the Portland City code requires certain cost triggers be adjusted annually by the construction cost index. The following are the updated cost triggers.
  
  

  Table 24.85-C
  Building Description	Cost of Alteration or Repair
  Single story Unreinforced Masonry (URM) building	$53.95
  Unreinforced Masonry (URM) building two or more stories	$40.46

  
  The updated costs for required ASCE 31 evaluation report per section 24.85.060 is $236,000. See Frequently Asked Questions on Title 24.85.

Five Stories of Wood-framed Residential Construction over a Concrete Podium:
See Frequently Asked Questions on this topic.