Coos County Community Development Building Department

WELCOME TO THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT PAGE:

The Building Department is a part of Coos County Community Development and operates as a full-service Building Codes Program, overseeing structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permitting. County Inspectors cover plumbing and electrical inspections for all of Coos County, except for Lakeside. The Structural Inspector provides services for the entirety of Coos County, with the exception of the Cities of Lakeside, Coos Bay, and North Bend.

For inspections please call the inspection line at 541-266-1098, emailing,  use the e-permitting system or call the main office at 541-396-7770.   For questions or assistance please call 541-396-7770 or email. 

COUNTER HOURS

Community Development is open during regular business hours. Our expert permit specialists (in planning and building) are available for walk-in services Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm unless otherwise posted for holidays or training.

OFFICE RENOVATION:

During our office renovation, if you need to see specific staff members, please submit an appointment form to ensure availability of time and space for your needs. If you require access to ADA entrances, please call us or email, and we will make arrangements to ensure clear entrance during construction. Thank you for your patience during this time. Please contact the department for further information.   Appointment Form

E-Permitting and Applications 

Clink on the following link for a complete guide on how to file a permit. 

History of the Oregon Building Program 

The history of building codes in Oregon reflects the state's commitment to public safety, ensuring that buildings meet minimum standards for construction, maintenance, and occupancy. The regulation of building construction and safety in Oregon has evolved over time through the establishment of building codes, standards, and enforcement mechanisms. Coos County administers the program to provide local assistance to all citizens for their building needs. 

Early Regulation:
- Late 1800s: As settlement expanded in Oregon, local jurisdictions began enacting their own building regulations and codes to address issues related to safety and fire prevention. These regulations varied across different cities and counties.

Statewide Code Adoption:
- 1972: The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) was created within the Department of Consumer and Business Services to oversee building code regulation statewide.
- 1974: The BCD adopted the first statewide building code, known as the Oregon State Building Code (OSBC). It integrated various model codes into a comprehensive set of regulations for building construction and safety.

The Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC):
- 2000: The OSSC was adopted as a replacement for the OSBC. It consolidated multiple specialty codes, including the structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and elevator codes, into a single, coordinated statewide code. The OSSC is periodically updated to incorporate changes in national model codes and to address local needs and concerns.

Energy Efficiency Standards:
- 1977: The Oregon Energy Code was introduced to establish energy efficiency standards for new construction and major renovations.
- 2004: Oregon became the first state to adopt a statewide residential energy code, known as the Residential Specialty Code (RSC), to specifically address energy efficiency in residential buildings.

Green Building Initiatives:
- 2007: The state enacted the Oregon Reach Code, which encouraged and incentivized the construction of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings that surpassed the minimum requirements of the building code.
- 2010: Oregon introduced the Oregon Energy Performance Score (EPS) as a voluntary rating system for measuring and disclosing the energy performance of residential buildings.

Seismic Safety:
- Given Oregon's proximity to earthquake-prone regions, seismic safety has been a significant focus in building codes.
- The state has implemented seismic design provisions to ensure buildings are constructed to withstand seismic forces, particularly in high-risk areas.

Enforcement and Oversight:
- The BCD is responsible for enforcing building codes statewide. Local building departments, under the oversight of the BCD, review construction plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the codes.
- Building officials, inspectors, and other professionals play a crucial role in enforcing building codes, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

It's important to note that the specific codes and regulations may have undergone updates and revisions beyond the information provided here. Building codes continue to evolve to address emerging concerns such as sustainability, energy efficiency, accessibility, and resiliency. The Building Program remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety through effective code enforcement and implementation.