The adoption of the 2010 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) (commercial)

This post is really for my commercial followers.  The State of Oregon officially adopts the 2010 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) on July 1, 2010.  There is a phase-in period from July 1 to September 30 where building officials must allow the use of either the 2007 OSSC or the 2010 OSSC.  As owners/tenants/contractors here are some highlighted changes which may pertain to you:

1. Suspended ceilings - good news!  The threshold for seismic restraint of suspended ceilings increases from 144 SF to 1000 SF.  A new bulletin issued by the state today also further clarifies that suspended ceilings within 12" of roof structure do not require lateral bracing.  This bulletin also changes when an existing ceiling must be upgraded!  You will no longer be required to upgrade due to removing portions of tiles/panels and/or grid to alter ductwork, sprinkler pipes, etc.  You do need to upgrade when more than 50% of the ceiling tile is altered/repaired or replaced as part of a general space alteration (probably including painting them although this is not clarified).
2. Significant reduction in allowable stories & area for certain occupancies/construction types.  If you're planning a big project, ask your architect to look at the potential impact on your project to determine if you want to use the 2007 OSSC during the grace period!
3. Reduced threshold for requiring sprinkler systems in E (educational) occupancies (20k to 12k) - this will not affect most of you but if you are doing a day care or school it may!
4. Occupant evacuation elevators are allowed for the first time!
5. Emergency radio responder coverage for fire fighters in new buildings.
6. New provisions for Live/Work units
7. New requirements for certain high rise and super high rise: Increased structural integrity, two separate connections to the water main for fire pump supply, smoke removal, "fire service access" elevator requirement for buildings over 120' high, self luminous egress path markings.

I hope you find this information helpful.  Please let me know if you would like the bulletin on suspended ceilings as there is more information in that bulletin.  It is much more clarifying than the previous bulletin it replaces and should help jurisdictions be more specific about their requirements.