Confirm which OSSC edition the project was designed and permitted under, then trace the code analysis, structural design criteria, egress, and rated construction through the plans, sections, and structural drawings. AI can flag conflicts; the design professional and building official decide compliance.
What does the Oregon Structural Specialty Code cover?
The Oregon Structural Specialty Code is one of Oregon’s statewide specialty codes, adopted by the Building Codes Division. It applies to commercial structures, while one- and two-family dwellings are generally under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.
The Oregon Building Codes Division states that the 2025 OSSC is based on the 2024 International Building Code, International Fire Code, and International Existing Building Code. Its construction provisions took effect October 1, 2025 with a six-month phase-in during which the 2022 OSSC could also be used, and became mandatory April 1, 2026. Checked October 1, 2026.
Because of the phase-in, projects submitted between October 2025 and March 2026 may be on either edition. Record which one the design uses. Model code checks are described in the IBC and IEBC guides, and Portland submittal practice is in the Portland plan check guide.
Collect the Oregon code analysis and structural criteria
Collect the code analysis sheet, structural general notes with design criteria, life safety plans, floor plans, sections, wall types and rated details, door schedule, and the structural drawings. Add the energy compliance documents for the Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code and the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings that reference their own specialty codes.
Check that each discipline cites the right Oregon specialty code and edition rather than the model code.
Trace Oregon references through the set
| Review question | Sources to compare | Decision to record |
|---|---|---|
| Edition | Cover sheet, code analysis, structural notes | Confirm one OSSC edition is used consistently across disciplines. |
| Specialty code references | Each discipline’s general notes | Identify sheets citing model codes or the wrong Oregon specialty code. |
| Structural design criteria | Structural notes, calculations summary, architectural sections | Match design loads and criteria notes to the drawings that rely on them. |
| Code analysis | Occupancy, construction type, area, sprinkler basis | Match the analysis to current plans and sections. |
| Egress and life safety | Life safety plan, floor plans, door schedule | Trace each route through current plans and openings. |
| Existing buildings | Existing conditions, scope of work, structural evaluation | Confirm how alteration work is classified and evaluated. |
The Oregon page lists the state’s specialty codes and official sources, and the structural drawing checklist covers the structural set.
Example: one discipline still on the earlier edition
Hypothetical example. A project submitted after the phase-in ended cites the 2025 OSSC on the architectural code analysis, while the structural general notes still cite the 2022 OSSC and its design criteria references.
The architectural code analysis cites the 2025 OSSC, while the structural general notes cite the 2022 edition. Please confirm the edition that applies to this submittal and coordinate the structural criteria references.
The structural engineer confirms the edition and updates the criteria. The conflict is a coordination question; the building official decides the code basis.
Review Oregon drawings with Groundbook
Upload the current drawings and specifications to Groundbook, and state the code edition, amendments, and review scope in your instructions. Add the applicable Oregon Structural Specialty Code from a copy you are licensed to use, where the license permits uploading it, and add the jurisdiction’s published amendments. See how Groundbook works with local and licensed codes.
Compare each discipline’s Oregon specialty code references and editions, the code analysis, and the structural design criteria with the current plans, sections, and structural drawings. Flag mixed editions and conflicting criteria. Use the supplied OSSC where applicable and cite both sources.
Groundbook links each potential finding to the sheets involved. Verify the edition and any interim amendments the Building Codes Division issued before sending a comment.
Document review does not perform structural calculations or approve a permit. Those remain with the engineer of record, the building official, and the Building Codes Division.