The 2008 edition of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code [ORSC] contains new code language that requires contractors to provide written documentation of compliance with two new regulations. The new requirements are related to moisture control in wood construction and high efficiency interior lighting systems as follows:

Moisture Control

ORSC Section R318.2. Prior to the installation of interior finishes, the building official shall be notified in writing by the general contractor that all moisture-sensitive wood framing members used in construction have a moisture content of not more than 19 percent of the weight of dry wood framing members.

High-Efficiency Interior Lighting Systems

ORSC Section N1107.2. A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be installed with compact or linear fluorescent, or a lighting source that has a minimum efficacy of 40 lumens per input watt. Screwin compact fluorescent lamps comply with this requirement.

The building official shall be notified in writing at the final inspection that a minimum of fifty percent of the permanently installed lighting fixtures are compact or linear fluorescent, or a minimum efficacy of 40 lumens per input watt.

The Bureau of Development Services will provide standard forms that must be completed and provided on the job site at the time of inspection. Documentation of wood framing moisture content will be required prior to approval of insulation/wall cover. Documentation of high efficiency interior lighting systems will be required prior to final inspection approval. BDS inspectors will collect the forms to be filed as part of the inspection record.

The new requirements apply to all projects reviewed under the 2008 ORSC. Please contact Jim Nicks, BDS Residential Inspections Manager, at (503) 823-1054 if you have any questions about these new requirements.