US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

Chapter 447 — Plumbing; Architectural Barriers

 

2007 EDITION

 

PLUMBING; ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS

 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

 

PLUMBING REGULATION

 

(Generally)

 

447.010     Definitions for ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992

 

447.020     Plumbing to conform to state building code; rules; enforcement

 

447.023     Small restaurant requirements

 

447.026     Identification on potable water pipe required

 

447.040     Plumbing contractor license

 

447.060     Engaging in certain plumbing work not affected

 

447.065     Solar heating and cooling systems

 

447.070     Plumbing contractor license prerequisite to maintenance of legal action

 

447.072     Plumbing permit and inspection exemptions; rules

 

447.076     Inspection of minor plumbing installations; rules

 

447.080     City and county plumbing regulations

 

447.091     Contracts with sanitary districts and authorities and service districts for inspection of building sewers

 

447.095     Fee schedule; inspection agreements with governmental units

 

447.097     Disposition of moneys received under ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992

 

(Fixture Installation Regulations)

 

447.100     Restriction on tank-type water closets in certain buildings

 

447.115     “Compost toilet” defined

 

447.118     Standards for compost toilets; rules; security required of certain installers

 

447.124     Inspection of compost toilets; orders to remedy violations; action against security bond; review of orders; costs as lien against dwelling

 

447.140     Waste water and sewage from plumbing fixtures; requirements; prohibitions

 

447.145     Standards for fixtures; exemptions; rules

 

(Plumbing Products Regulations)

 

447.152     Plumbing products rules; standards; certification

 

447.154     Plumbing product exemption; rules; installation

 

447.156     Sale of uncertified plumbing products prohibited; rules; remedy of purchaser

 

STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ACCESS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 

447.210     Definitions for ORS 447.210 to 447.280

 

447.220     Purpose

 

447.230     Standards and specifications to eliminate architectural barriers

 

447.231     Rules to eliminate architectural barriers

 

447.233     Accessible parking space requirements; inspection of spaces; violation

 

447.241     Standards for renovating, altering or modifying certain buildings; barrier removal improvement plan

 

447.247     Elevators required; criteria; rules

 

447.250     Waiver or modification of standards and specifications; appeals board; procedures; fees

 

447.255     Access to lottery-funded facilities by persons with disabilities

 

447.260     Rules

 

447.270     Cooperation with public officials and agencies required

 

447.275     Nonliability for emergency exit deficiencies

 

447.280     Enforcement powers

 

447.310     Standards for curbing

 

PENALTIES

 

447.992     Civil penalties

 

PLUMBING REGULATION

 

(Generally)

 

      447.010 Definitions for ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992. As used in ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Board” means the State Plumbing Board established under ORS 693.115.

      (2) “Department” means the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

      (3) “Director” means the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

      (4) “Journeyman plumber” has the meaning given that term in ORS 693.010.

      (5) “Ordinary minor repairs” means the repair, replacement or maintenance of existing plumbing fixtures, appliances, appurtenances and related water supply and drain attachments for the purpose of restoring a plumbing installation to a safe and sanitary operating condition.

      (6) “Plumbing” is the art of installing, altering or repairing in or adjacent to or serving buildings:

      (a) Pipes, fixtures and other apparatus for bringing in the water supply and removing liquid and water-carried waste, including the water supply distributing pipes.

      (b) Fixtures and fixture traps.

      (c) Soil, waste and vent pipes.

      (d) House drain and house sewer to the sewer service lateral at the curb, or in the street, or alley, or other disposal terminal holding human or domestic sewage.

      (e) Storm water drainage, with their devices, appurtenances and connections.

      (f) Pipes, fixtures and other apparatus for medical gas, anesthetic waste gas and vacuum systems.

      (g) Solar heating and cooling systems. [Subsection (3) enacted as 1955 c.548 §2; 1957 c.300 §1; 1961 c.401 §1; 1973 c.734 §1; 1973 c.835 §221; 1981 c.438 §28; 1987 c.414 §26; 1993 c.520 §1; 1993 c.744 §65; 1999 c.723 §1; 2001 c.683 §25]

 

      447.020 Plumbing to conform to state building code; rules; enforcement. (1) All installations of plumbing and drainage in buildings and structures in this state and all potable water supply, drainage, and waste installations, within or serving buildings or structures, except in temporary construction camps, and except as otherwise provided in ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992, shall be made in accordance with the requirements of ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992 and ORS chapter 455.

      (2) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services with the approval of the State Plumbing Board shall make rules pursuant to ORS chapter 183 for the purpose of setting standards for plumbing and defining compliance with the provisions of ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992 particularly pertaining to installation of piping, protection and adequacy of the water supply, workmanship and materials, traps and cleanouts, domestic hot water storage tanks and devices, drinking fountains, solar heating and cooling systems, approval of devices, equipment and fixtures, hangers and supports, drainage and venting, house drains and house sewers, storm water drains, special wastes, light and ventilation of water closets and bathrooms, and excavation and grading.

      (3) The director shall appoint an adequate staff experienced and trained to serve as plumbing inspectors to enforce rules adopted under this section. [Amended by 1957 c.300 §2; 1971 c.753 §48; 1973 c.734 §2; 1973 c.835 §222; 1981 c.438 §29; 1993 c.744 §66; 2001 c.683 §26]

 

      447.023 Small restaurant requirements. Rules adopted under ORS 447.020 shall allow restaurants with an occupancy capacity of no more than 15 persons, including employees and patrons, to have only one toilet fixture and adjacent lavatory on the premises. [1979 c.390 §4; 1981 c.438 §30]

 

      447.026 Identification on potable water pipe required. (1) All water pipe used to carry potable water sold in this state shall be clearly marked the entire length of pipe, at intervals of length set by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services with the approval of the State Plumbing Board, with:

      (a) Identification of the manufacturer and the plant of origin; and

      (b) The manufacturing standard under which the pipe was made.

      (2) A label, shield or coding system may be used to identify the manufacturer, origin and manufacturing standard under which the pipe was made if the manufacturer has on file with the Department of Consumer and Business Services a notice describing the identification system used. [1979 c.535 §3; 1981 c.438 §31; 1991 c.19 §1; 1993 c.744 §67]

 

      447.030 [Amended by 1969 c.540 §1; 1973 c.734 §3; 1973 c.835 §223; 1975 c.429 §3; 1981 c.438 §32; repealed by 2005 c.758 §56]

 

      447.033 [1955 c.548 §§3,4; 1969 c.540 §2; repealed by 1973 c.835 §234]

 

      447.034 [1973 c.427 §2; repealed by 1981 c.438 §46]

 

      447.035 [1955 c.548 §5; repealed by 1973 c.835 §234]

 

      447.040 Plumbing contractor license. (1) A person may not work as a plumbing contractor, or advertise or purport to be a plumbing contractor, and a member or employee of a firm, partnership or corporation may not engage in the layout or superintending of plumbing installations, without having obtained the plumbing contractor license required under ORS 447.010 to 447.156 as provided by State Plumbing Board rules adopted under ORS 455.117.

      (2) A plumbing contractor license does not authorize the contractor to work as a journeyman plumber. [Amended by 1955 c.548 §6; 1973 c.835 §224; 2005 c.758 §11]

 

      447.050 [Amended by 1973 c.835 §225; 1981 c.438 §33; repealed by 2005 c.758 §56]

 

      447.060 Engaging in certain plumbing work not affected. (1) ORS 447.010 to 447.156 do not apply to a person:

      (a) Engaging in plumbing work when not so engaged for hire.

      (b) Using the services of regular employees in performing plumbing work for the benefit of property owned, leased or operated by the person. For purposes of this paragraph, “regular employee” means a person who is subject to the provisions of ORS 316.162 to 316.221 and who has completed a withholding exemptions certificate required by ORS 316.162 to 316.221.

      (c) Using the services of an employee or contractor of a utility company, energy service provider or water supplier to install an approved low-flow showerhead or faucet aerator in existing plumbing fixtures. The devices installed under this paragraph are exempt from the certification, permit and inspection requirements of ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and ORS chapter 693.

      (2) A landscape contracting business licensed under ORS 671.560 is not required to be licensed under ORS 447.010 to 447.156 to install, repair or maintain backflow assemblies for irrigation systems and ornamental water features if the work is performed by an individual who is licensed as required by ORS 671.615 and is an owner or employee of the landscape contracting business. The repair and maintenance of the backflow assembly must be performed by a tester certified under ORS 448.279. The licensing exemption established under this subsection does not exempt the landscape contracting business from the inspection and permit requirements of ORS 447.010 to 447.156.

      (3) This section applies to any person, including but not limited to, individuals, corporations, associations, firms, partnerships, joint stock companies, public and municipal corporations, political subdivisions, this state, the federal government and state or federal agencies. [Amended by 1955 c.548 §7; 1973 c.835 §226; 1981 c.438 §34; 1987 c.561 §3; 1987 c.604 §15; 1993 c.293 §2; 2001 c.181 §1; 2003 c.14 §267; 2005 c.609 §8; 2005 c.758 §12a; 2007 c.541 §3]

 

      447.065 Solar heating and cooling systems. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 447.020, a person may not engage in the trade of installing solar heating and cooling systems unless the person possesses either a license as a journeyman plumber issued under ORS chapter 693 or a solar heating and cooling system installer license issued by the State Plumbing Board under ORS 693.111.

      (2) A license issued under ORS 693.111 does not authorize a person to connect a solar heating and cooling system to a potable water source. The connection of a solar heating and cooling system to a potable water source must be made only by a journeyman plumber licensed under ORS chapter 693. [2001 c.683 §22; 2005 c.758 §13]

 

      Note: 447.065 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 447 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      447.070 Plumbing contractor license prerequisite to maintenance of legal action. A person carrying on, conducting or transacting a plumbing business may not maintain any suit or action in any of the courts of this state to recover for the performance of plumbing work without alleging and proving that the person was duly licensed as a plumbing contractor at the time of the work. [Amended by 1955 c.548 §8; 1973 c.835 §227; 2005 c.758 §14]

 

      447.072 Plumbing permit and inspection exemptions; rules. Notwithstanding ORS 455.610, the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the approval of the State Plumbing Board, shall adopt rules to create an exemption from permit and inspection requirements for ordinary minor repairs in low-rise residential dwellings and commercial structures when the board finds that the plumbing does not involve any changes or alterations of the existing plumbing system. The exemption from the permit:

      (1) May not include new construction or replacement of water heaters or underground plumbing; and

      (2) Shall be available only to licensed plumbing contractors or persons described under ORS 693.020. [1993 c.520 §3; 1995 c.228 §1; 2003 c.14 §268; 2003 c.675 §8; 2005 c.758 §15]

 

      447.076 Inspection of minor plumbing installations; rules. Notwithstanding ORS 455.610, the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the approval of the State Plumbing Board, shall adopt rules to create a mandatory inspection program for minor plumbing installations made by licensed plumbing contractors in low-rise residential dwellings. The rules adopted by the department shall:

      (1) Define the term “minor plumbing installations” in a manner that does not include new construction;

      (2) Designate which minor plumbing installations are under the inspection program; and

      (3) Provide for random inspection of minor plumbing installations. [1993 c.520 §4; 1995 c.553 §2b; 2003 c.675 §9; 2005 c.758 §16]

 

      447.080 City and county plumbing regulations. No city or county shall enact or enforce any ordinances or building codes providing different requirements than those imposed by the state building code for the regulation of the business of master plumbing or the installation of drainage work unless authorized by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services under ORS 455.040. [Amended by 1955 c.548 §9; 1963 c.47 §1; 1973 c.834 §31; 1973 c.835 §228; 1985 c.590 §1]

 

      447.085 [1973 c.734 §7; 1977 c.748 §1; repealed by 1981 c.438 §46]

 

      447.090 [Repealed by 1971 c.753 §74]

 

      447.091 Contracts with sanitary districts and authorities and service districts for inspection of building sewers. The Department of Consumer and Business Services or local government administering the plumbing specialty code adopted under ORS 447.020 (2) may, upon request of any sanitary district formed pursuant to ORS 450.005 to 450.245, sanitary authority established under ORS 450.600 to 450.989, or county service district established under ORS 451.410 to 451.610, contract for the inspection of building sewers constructed to connect a district sewage system if inspectors employed by such district are certified for sewer inspections under ORS 455.715 to 455.740. [1977 c.828 §4]

 

      447.095 Fee schedule; inspection agreements with governmental units. (1) Rules adopted under ORS 447.020 shall provide a plumbing inspection fee schedule. The schedule shall establish inspection fees for inspections made by the Department of Consumer and Business Services under ORS 447.010 to 447.156, 447.992 and 455.610 to 455.630 based on the cost of making inspections as measured by the time required of the inspector.

      (2) Plumbing inspections may be made for other governmental units, upon request, pursuant to agreements entered into under ORS 190.003 to 190.620. [1973 c.734 §8; 1981 c.438 §35; 1993 c.397 §1]

 

      447.097 Disposition of moneys received under ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992. All moneys received by the Department of Consumer and Business Services under ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992 shall be disposed of in accordance with ORS 693.165. [1981 c.438 §42]

 

(Fixture Installation Regulations)

 

      447.100 Restriction on tank-type water closets in certain buildings. (1) No new hotel, motel, apartment house, dwelling, office building or other structure shall be constructed which employs a tank-type water closet that is not approved by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the approval of the State Plumbing Board, as meeting adequate standards of safety and sanitation.

      (2) The director, with the approval of the board, shall cause to have adopted and published, pursuant to ORS chapter 183, a list of approved types of tank-type water closets meeting the requirements of this section. [1977 c.171 §2; 1981 c.438 §36; 1985 c.590 §2; 1993 c.744 §70]

 

      447.105 [1977 c.171 §3; 1981 c.438 §37; repealed by 1987 c.453 §1]

 

      447.110 [Amended by 1963 c.194 §1; 1969 c.443 §1; 1973 c.835 §229; repealed by 1973 c.834 §46]

 

      447.115 “Compost toilet” defined. As used in ORS 447.118 and 447.124, “compost toilet” means a permanent, sealed, water-impervious toilet receptacle screened from insects, used to receive and store only human wastes, urine and feces, toilet paper and biodegradable garbage, and ventilated to utilize aerobic composting for waste treatment. [1977 c.523 §2]

 

      447.118 Standards for compost toilets; rules; security required of certain installers. (1) Nothing in ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 447.992 shall prohibit the installation of a compost toilet for a dwelling by the occupant of the dwelling if the compost toilet complies with the minimum requirements established under this section.

      (2) Rules adopted under ORS 447.020 shall provide minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation and maintenance of compost toilets.

      (3) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services with the approval of the State Plumbing Board may require by rule that, in addition to any other requirements provided by law, any manufacturer or distributor of a compost toilet and any person other than the owner of the dwelling in which the compost toilet is to be installed who proposes to install a compost toilet file with the Department of Consumer and Business Services a satisfactory bond, irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution as defined in ORS 706.008 or other security in an amount to be fixed by the department with approval of the board but not to exceed $5,000, conditioned that such bond, letter of credit or security shall be forfeited in whole or in part to the department for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of ORS 447.124 by failure of such manufacturer, distributor or person to comply with the rules adopted under this section. [1977 c.523 §3; 1981 c.438 §38; 1991 c.331 §62; 1993 c.744 §71; 1997 c.631 §472]

 

      447.120 [Amended by 1963 c.194 §2; 1969 c.443 §2; 1973 c.835 §230; repealed by 1973 c.834 §46]

 

      447.124 Inspection of compost toilets; orders to remedy violations; action against security bond; review of orders; costs as lien against dwelling. For the purpose of enforcing ORS 447.118 and the rules adopted thereunder, the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the assistance of the Department of Human Services:

      (1) May conduct periodic inspections of any compost toilet;

      (2) Upon making a finding that a compost toilet is in violation of the rules adopted pursuant to ORS 447.118 (2), may issue an order requiring the owner of the dwelling served by the compost toilet to take action necessary to correct the violation; and

      (3) Upon making a finding that a compost toilet presents or threatens to present a public health hazard creating an emergency requiring immediate action to protect the public health, safety or welfare, may issue an order requiring the owner of the dwelling served by the compost toilet to take any action necessary to remove such hazard or threat thereof. If such owner fails to take the actions required by such order, the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall take such action, itself or by contract with outside parties, as necessary to remove the hazard or threat thereof. The department shall keep a record of all necessary expenses incurred by the department in carrying out such action, including a reasonable charge for costs incurred and equipment and materials utilized by the state. Any owner who fails to take action required by an order issued under this subsection shall be responsible for such necessary expenses incurred by the state. Based on the record compiled by the department, an owner responsible for expenses due to the failure of a manufacturer, distributor or person to comply with the rules adopted under ORS 447.118 (2) shall have a setoff against the bond or other security forfeited under ORS 447.118 (3) to the extent that such expenses are due to such failure of the manufacturer, distributor or person. The department shall make a finding and enter an order against the owner for the necessary expenses. Orders issued under this section may be appealed pursuant to ORS chapter 183 but not as a contested case. Any amount due the department under this subsection and not paid in full within 30 days after the order is entered, or, if the order is appealed, within 30 days after there is no further right to appeal, shall become a lien upon the dwelling of the owner. The department shall file a notice of the lien with the recording officer of the county in which the dwelling is located and the recording officer shall record the notice in a manner designed to appear in the mortgage records of the county.

      (4) The department may contract with any state or local agency for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section. [1977 c.523 §4; 1983 c.740 §167]

 

      447.130 [Repealed by 1973 c.834 §46]

 

      447.135 [1967 c.308 §§2,3,4; 1983 c.676 §29; renumbered 480.557]

 

      447.140 Waste water and sewage from plumbing fixtures; requirements; prohibitions. (1) All waste water and sewage from plumbing fixtures shall be discharged into a sewer system or alternate sewage disposal system approved by the Environmental Quality Commission or Department of Environmental Quality under ORS chapters 468, 468A and 468B.

      (2) No plumbing fixture, device or equipment shall be installed, maintained or offered for sale which will provide a cross-connection between the distributing system of water for drinking and domestic purposes and any other water supply, or a drainage system, soil or waste pipe so as to permit or make possible the backflow of contaminated water, sewage or waste into the water supply system.

      (3) No flush valve, vacuum breaker or syphon preventer shall be offered for sale or installed that has not been approved by the Department of Consumer and Business Services with the approval of the State Plumbing Board.

      (4) The use or installation of water-operated sump pumps or sewage ejectors, if connected to the potable water supply, is prohibited.

      (5) No pan, plunger, offset washout, washout, long hopper, frost proof or other water closets having invisible seals or unventilated spaces, or walls not thoroughly washed at each flushing, shall be installed or sold for use in any building.

      (6) No plumbing fixture, appurtenance or device, the installation of which would be in violation of the state plumbing specialty code and the rules of the department approved by the board shall be sold, offered for sale or installed. [Amended by 1955 c.548 §10; 1961 c.545 §1; 1973 c.835 §231; 1981 c.438 §39; 1993 c.744 §72]

 

      447.145 Standards for fixtures; exemptions; rules. (1) All new fixtures approved for installation during construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of buildings and other structures under ORS 447.020 shall comply with rules adopted by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The rules shall be consistent with performance requirements and test procedures established by the American National Standards Institute, or other equivalent recognized North American standards and procedures. Except for used fixtures allowed under subsection (4) of this section, the average amount of water used by new or replacement fixtures under the applicable test procedures shall not exceed:

      (a) 1.6 gallons or 6.06 liters per flush for toilets;

      (b) 1.0 gallons or 3.785 liters per flush for urinals;

      (c) 2.5 gallons or 9.46 liters per minute for shower heads; and

      (d) 2.5 gallons or 9.46 liters per minute for interior faucets.

      (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the director by rule shall provide for exemptions to the requirements under subsection (1) of this section if:

      (a) The reconstruction, alteration or repair of a building does not include the installation of new or replacement toilets or urinals, shower heads or faucets within the building;

      (b) Due to the capacity, design or installation of the plumbing or sewage system within an existing building, toilets or urinals required by subsection (1) of this section would, if installed in the building, be unable to meet the performance requirements of the American National Standards Institute or other equivalent recognized North American standards as adopted by rule;

      (c) The fixtures and fittings necessary to perform a specialized function, including but not limited to emergency showers and aspirator faucets, cannot meet the requirements;

      (d) The installation of fixtures that do not comply with subsection (1) of this section is necessary to maintain the historic character of a structure listed under ORS 358.480 to 358.545; or

      (e) The fixtures and fittings to be installed are specifically designed to withstand unusual abuse or installation in a penal institution or are located in an area with special needs, such as a laboratory, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.

      (3) No person shall sell or offer for sale any new toilet, urinal, shower head or faucet that has not been approved under ORS 447.020.

      (4) On or after December 31, 1995, no person shall sell or offer for sale any used toilet, urinal, shower head or interior faucet that does not meet the conservation standards established in subsection (1) of this section.

      (5) The director shall adopt rules and regulations for marking, labeling or otherwise identifying fixtures that meet the standards of this section. [1991 c.945 §§2,3,4,5; 1993 c.207 §1; 2001 c.104 §185; 2001 c.540 §23]

 

      447.150 [1969 c.452 §1; repealed by 1979 c.57 §3]

 

(Plumbing Products Regulations)

 

      447.152 Plumbing products rules; standards; certification. In compliance with ORS chapter 183, the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the approval of the State Plumbing Board, shall adopt rules, including but not limited to:

      (1) Governing minimum safety standards for design and construction of plumbing products to be sold or disposed of in this state.

      (2) Establishing procedures for certification of plumbing products.

      (3) Establishing criteria for approval of plumbing product testing laboratories and listing agencies, including but not limited to:

      (a) Independence from manufacturers, vendors and when applicable, testing laboratories;

      (b) Ethical testing and business standards;

      (c) Test quality control;

      (d) Continuity of monitoring continuing product safety;

      (e) Certification and listing procedures; and

      (f) Record keeping.

      (4) Providing for certified or listed product identification.

      (5) Establishing criteria for approval of a plumbing product by a special deputy similar to those rules established for testing laboratories.

      (6) Governing the internal organization and procedure for administering and enforcing ORS 447.152, 447.154 and 447.156 (1) and (2). [1993 c.396 §3]

 

      447.154 Plumbing product exemption; rules; installation. (1) The State Plumbing Board may, by rule, grant partial or complete exemptions from any of the provisions of ORS 447.010 to 447.156 and 455.010 to 455.740 to any plumbing product if it is determined that the plumbing product does not present a danger to the health and safety of the people of this state.

      (2) If the board grants an exemption pursuant to subsection (1) of this section the board may determine that the product may be installed by a person not licensed under ORS 693.010 to 693.105. [1993 c.396 §4; 2005 c.758 §17]

 

      447.156 Sale of uncertified plumbing products prohibited; rules; remedy of purchaser. (1) Except as provided under ORS 447.154 and subsection (3) of this section, no person shall offer to sell, sell or dispose of, by gift or otherwise, in connection with the person’s business an uncertified plumbing product.

      (2) The provisions of ORS 447.152, 447.154 and 447.156 do not apply to products determined by rule not to be plumbing products.

      (3) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, any person who purchases a plumbing product sold or disposed of in violation of ORS 447.152 may recover from a person violating subsections (1) and (2) of this section an amount equal to the purchase price of the plumbing product if the purchaser returns the plumbing product within 90 days from the date of purchase. [1993 c.396 §§2,5]

 

      447.160 [1981 c.438 §44; 1999 c.846 §1; repealed by 2001 c.411 §31]

 

STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ACCESS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 

      447.210 Definitions for ORS 447.210 to 447.280. As used in ORS 447.210 to 447.280, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Affected buildings” includes any place of public accommodations and commercial facilities designed, constructed and altered in compliance with the accessibility standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Affected buildings” also includes any government building that is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Affected buildings” also includes private entities, private membership clubs and churches that have more than one floor level and more than 4,000 square feet in ground area or that are more than 20 feet in height, measured from the top surface of the lowest flooring to the highest interior overhead finish of the building.

      (2) “Americans with Disabilities Act” means the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 found at 42 U.S.C. section 12101 et seq.

      (3) “Architectural barriers” are physical design features that restrict the full use of affected buildings and their related facilities by persons with disabilities.

      (4) “Commercial facilities” includes nonresidential facilities, such as office buildings, factories and warehouses, whose operations affect commerce.

      (5) “Covered multifamily dwellings” means buildings consisting of four or more dwelling units if such buildings have one or more elevators, and ground floor dwelling units in other buildings consisting of four or more dwelling units. Dwelling units within a single structure separated by firewalls do not constitute separate buildings.

      (6) “Department” means the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

      (7) “Director” means the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

      (8) “Fair Housing Act” means the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended in 1988, found at 42 U.S.C. section 3604 et seq.

      (9) “Municipality” means a city, county or other unit of local government otherwise authorized by law to enact building codes.

      (10) “Private entities” means privately owned entities offering examinations or courses related to applications, licensing, certification or credentials for secondary or post-secondary education, professional or trade purposes.

      (11) “Public accommodations” means a facility whose operations affect commerce and fall within at least one of the following categories:

      (a) Places of lodging not including owner-occupied establishments renting fewer than six rooms;

      (b) Establishments serving food or drink;

      (c) Places of exhibition or entertainment;

      (d) Places of public gathering;

      (e) Sales or rental establishments;

      (f) Service establishments;

      (g) Public transportation terminals, depots or stations;

      (h) Places of public display or collection;

      (i) Places of recreation;

      (j) Places of education;

      (k) Social service center establishments; and

      (L) Places of exercise or recreation.

      (12) “Related facilities” means building site improvements including, but not limited to, parking lots, passageways, roads or any other real or personal property located on the site.

      (13) “Structural code” means the specialty code defined in ORS 455.010. [1971 c.230 §2; 1973 c.539 §1; 1975 c.675 §35; 1979 c.133 §1; 1987 c.414 §27; 1987 c.604 §12; 1989 c.224 §109; 1991 c.67 §122; 1993 c.503 §1; 1993 c.744 §74; 1995 c.307 §1]

 

      447.220 Purpose. It is the purpose of ORS 447.210 to 447.280 to make affected buildings, including but not limited to commercial facilities, public accommodations, private entities, private membership clubs and churches, in the state accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, as provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to make covered multifamily dwellings in the state accessible to and usable by all persons with disabilities, as provided in the Fair Housing Act. In requiring that buildings and facilities be usable by persons with disabilities, it is not the intention of the Legislative Assembly to require that items of personal convenience such as rest rooms, telephones and drinking fountains be provided for members of the public who have disabilities if they are not otherwise provided for members of the public who do not have disabilities. However, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may provide greater protection to individuals with disabilities by adopting more stringent standards than prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. [1971 c.320 §1; 1973 c.539 §2; 1979 c.133 §2; 1989 c.224 §110; 1993 c.503 §2]

 

      447.230 Standards and specifications to eliminate architectural barriers. (1) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall, pursuant to ORS 455.030 and ORS chapter 183, establish standards and specifications in the structural code necessary to eliminate architectural barriers to entry to and use of affected buildings and their related facilities by persons who have disabilities.

      (2) The director shall, to assist in the identification of architectural barriers and in the development of the standards and specifications referred to in subsection (1) of this section, be assisted by the Oregon Disabilities Commission or its designee. [1971 c.320 §3; 1973 c.539 §3; 1979 c.133 §3; 1983 c.740 §169; 1987 c.414 §27b; 1987 c.672 §1; 1989 c.224 §111; 1989 c.703 §1; 1993 c.503 §3; 1993 c.744 §75a]

 

      447.231 Rules to eliminate architectural barriers. Notwithstanding any other provision of law and the authority of any board within the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall adopt rules to conform the state building code to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act and the regulations adopted thereunder. In addition, the director shall adopt rules to conform the state building code to the provisions of ORS 447.210 to 447.280, to the extent to which any statute is stricter than the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Fair Housing Act. [1991 c.691 §2; 1993 c.503 §4; 2003 c.14 §269]

 

      447.233 Accessible parking space requirements; inspection of spaces; violation. (1) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall include in the state building code, as defined in ORS 455.010, a requirement that the number of accessible parking spaces specified in subsection (2) of this section be provided for affected buildings subject to the state building code and that the spaces be signed as required by subsection (2) of this section. Spaces may also be marked in a manner specified in the state building code.

      (2)(a) The number of accessible parking spaces shall be:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

                                                                                         Required                     Required

                                                     Required              Minimum Number    Minimum Number of

       Total Parking              Minimum Number of       Number of Van         “Wheelchair User

             In Lot                      Accessible Spaces       Accessible Spaces           Only” Spaces

    1         to        25                             1                                  1                                   -

  26         to        50                             2                                  1                                   -

  51         to        75                             3                                  1                                   -

  76         to      100                             4                                  1                                   -

101         to      150                             5                                   -                                  1

151         to      200                             6                                   -                                  1

201         to      300                             7                                   -                                  1

301         to      400                             8                                   -                                  1

401         to      500                             9                                   -                                  2

501         to   1,000                     2% of total                           -                          1 in every 8

                                                                                                                     accessible spaces or

                                                                                                                        portion thereof

1,001   and     over                20 plus 1 for each                     -                          1 in every 8

                                                100 over 1,000                                             accessible spaces or

                                                                                                                        portion thereof

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (b) In addition, one in every eight accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall be van accessible. Where five or more parking spaces are designated accessible, any space that is designated as van accessible shall be reserved for wheelchair users. A van accessible parking space shall be at least nine feet wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle that is at least eight feet wide.

      (c) Accessible parking spaces shall be at least nine feet wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle that is at least six feet wide.

      (d) The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the parking space except that two adjacent accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle.

      (e) A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space, shall be marked with the International Symbol of Access and shall indicate that the spaces are reserved for persons with disabled person parking permits. A van accessible parking space shall have an additional sign marked “Van Accessible” mounted below the sign. A van accessible parking space reserved for wheelchair users shall have a sign that includes the words “Wheelchair User Only.”

      (f) Accessible parking spaces and signs shall be designed in compliance with the standards set forth by the Oregon Transportation Commission in consultation with the Oregon Disabilities Commission.

      (3) No ramp or obstacle may extend into the parking space or the aisle, and curb cuts and ramps may not be situated in such a way that they could be blocked by a legally parked vehicle.

      (4) Parking spaces required by this section shall be maintained so as to meet the requirements of this section at all times and to meet the standards established by the state building code.

      (5) The director is authorized to inspect parking spaces and facilities and buildings subject to the provisions of this section, and to do whatever is necessary to enforce the requirements, including the maintenance requirements, of this section. Municipalities and counties may administer and enforce the requirements of this section in the manner provided under ORS 455.148 or 455.150 for administration and enforcement of specialty codes. All plans for parking spaces subject to the provisions of this section must be approved by the director prior to the creation of the spaces.

      (6) Requirements adopted under this section do not apply to long-term parking facilities at the Portland International Airport.

      (7) Any reported violation of this section shall be investigated by the administrative authority. The administrative authority shall make a final decision and order correction, if necessary, within 30 days of notification. Any aggrieved person may appeal within 30 days of the decision by the administrative authority to the appropriate municipal appeals board or, at the option of the local jurisdiction, directly to the Building Codes Structures Board established under ORS 455.132. The appeal shall be acted upon within 60 days of filing. The decision of the municipal appeals board may be appealed to the board. The board shall act on the appeal within 60 days of filing. All appeals to the board shall be filed in accordance with ORS 455.690. [1979 c.809 §2; 1981 c.275 §1; 1983 c.338 §930; 1987 c.187 §1; 1989 c.243 §15; 1991 c.741 §6; 1993 c.503 §8; 1993 c.744 §77; 2001 c.573 §5; 2007 c.468 §1]

 

      447.235 [1973 c.539 §11; 1989 c.224 §112; repealed by 1993 c.503 §14]

 

      447.240 [1971 c.320 §4; 1973 c.539 §4; 1973 c.540 §1; 1974 c.36 §14; 1989 c.224 §113; repealed by 1993 c.503 §14]

 

      447.241 Standards for renovating, altering or modifying certain buildings; barrier removal improvement plan. (1) Every project for renovation, alteration or modification to affected buildings and related facilities that affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function shall be made to insure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the paths of travel to the altered area and the rest rooms, telephones and drinking fountains serving the altered area are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless such alterations are disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms of cost and scope.

      (2) Alterations made to the path of travel to an altered area may be deemed disproportionate to the overall alteration when the cost exceeds 25 percent of the alteration to the primary function area.

      (3) If the cost of alterations to make the paths of travel to the altered area fully accessible is disproportionate to the cost of the overall alteration, the paths of travel shall be made accessible to the extent that it can be made accessible without incurring disproportionate costs.

      (4) In choosing which accessible elements to provide under this section, priority shall be given to